Chapter Three – Friendships and Bonds
True to his word, Severus returns a moment later with the medi-witch following closely behind, her lips pulled down as she glances over at the potion's professor suspiciously. Harry wonders briefly what Severus must have said to get the healer to follow him. As they approach the bed, Harry pushes himself slowly back into a seated position eager at the prospect of leaving the watchful gaze of Pomfrey. Looking from Severus to Madam Pomfrey Harry bites his lip in thought his mouth opening before snapping shut a second later. Severus, who is watching Harry avidly smirks and winks at the boy before gesturing to Madam Pomfrey.
"Madam Pomfrey would like to do one final check-up to ensure your recovery is on track before she releases you into my care, Mister Potter."
Harry nods silently, showing his consent to the check-up. Settling back against his pillow watching warily as the healer takes her wand out of her robes; she points her wand at Harry without a word of warning. The swift action causes Harry to shrink back, fear flashing through her eyes as they grow wide, his shaking hands coming up to cover his head as his entire body begins to shiver. He feels instantly silly, knowing that the old witch would never hurt him, but he couldn't help the feelings inside him making him want to hide away. It was a reflex reaction he had developed living with his relatives, and he couldn't help himself, even when he tried to stop himself.
He relaxes a little when Professor Snape scowls at the woman. Madam Pomfrey pulls her wand back in surprise, hand falling to her side, she watches the potion's professor walk towards her patient. She continues to watch in silent fascination as Severus, her closed-off, sour colleague whispers something she can't make out to Harry causing his body to relax instantly, hands dropping back to his lap, ears reddening.
"I apologise, Mister Potter. I should have warned you beforehand, I didn't know that I would frighten you, though given what you have been through this past week, I shouldn't have been surprised. I am just going to perform a quick diagnostic spell to make sure you are healthy enough to leave my care. Alright?"
Harry reluctantly nods his head, still wary of having a wand pointed at him as he stiffens his body, tensing his muscles to stop him from cowering away from Madam Pomfrey, to stop himself from hiding under to covers. He watches Madam Pomfrey as she moves her wand in complex patterns over his prone form mutterings strings of Latin under her breath. A slight tingle flutters over his skin and as quickly as it begins, it stops.
Smiling down at the boy from the foot of the bed, Madam Pomfrey quickly turns her attention to Severus, her face falls into a stern scowl as she regards the potions master not fully trusting him to look after Harry despite his earlier actions of calming him down. She had seen how Severus had treated the boy all year.
"Mister Potter is, indeed, healthy enough to leave my infirmary, but I will need for him to go straight to bed once he arrives in your quarters, Severus. I suspect him to still be exhausted. He shouldn't be on his feet for too long and should take as much rest as possible. I don't want him attending any classes for the remainder of the week, though if he wishes he may join the end-of-year feast."
Professor Snape, wanting nothing more than to leave the infirmary with his young charge and get away from the incriminating glare of Madam Pomfrey. He crosses his arms in front of his chest, sneering at the woman in disdain, he hated coming to the hospital wing as it were, it never held very many pleasant memories for him. Not with his childhood traumas. Shaking his head in exasperation Severus manages to pull a small smile from Harry.
"You seemed to be insinuating that I am incapable of offering adequate care to an ill child, Poppy."
Not one to be intimidated in her own infirmary, Poppy returns his snarl with a stern expression, brows furrowing deeply; she scowls at the potion's professor, lips downturned as he meets his dark eyes. Hands gripping the material of her robes at her hips in a way to try and assert her authority over her colleague.
"Well Severus, with the way you have treated the poor dear this past year can you really blame me? I am just trying to ensure that you know what you are doing and that you will not let past grudges prevent you from giving the boy the care he deserves."
Snape's sneer quickly sharpens into icy disdain, eyes glittering with malice. The expression makes Harry shift back a little in fright, even though he knows the professor would never hurt him if only to prevent the Dark Lord from punishing him. It is still an intimidating expression to witness, with the familiarity of it usually directed his way, even with him not actually being on the receiving end.
"Are you trying to suggest, Poppy, that I would wilfully neglect and harm a sick child who has been entrusted into my care? That I would deliberately make a young child suffer; that I would abandon an innocent eleven-year-old simply because I have the power to do so? If you recall Poppy, I was the one to request Mister Potter be allowed to be transferred to my care."
Poppy relaxes her stance, she hadn't truly meant to imply anything of the sort about her colleague, but as the medi-witch of the school, she had a duty to uphold. Releasing a deep sigh, she realises that she is not going to win against Severus, and with the look of longing and hope spreading across Harry's face, she knows she is not going to disappoint the boy. Something had changed between her colleague and the young eleven-year-old, something to allow Severus to put his past behind him though she didn't know what.
"Of course, that is not what I meant, Severus. I know that you will take good care of Mister Potter."
Inclining his head, Severus watches unmoving as Madam Pomfrey glances from himself to Harry once more before walking back to her office mumbling all the while about stubborn professors always trying to undermine her authority within the walls of her own hospital wing. Severus takes her retreat as permission to finally take his young charge to his privately warded quarters. Ensuring that he had been left alone with Harry, Severus turns his attention to the young boy, expression visibly softening once he notices the residual traces of fear lingering in his gaze.
"Alright then, harry. Are you ready to get out of here?"
Cautiously, as if approaching a startled animal, Severus approaches the bedside showing his charge that he is not going to hurt him, no matter what Poppy seemed to think of him. He relaxes his own muscles upon seeing the remaining tension bleeding out of Harry's form, a shy smile tugging at the corner of his lips.
Nodding, harry shuffles forward, throwing back the covers to allow his legs to swing over the edge of the bed. Placing his bare feet on the tiled floor, Harry shivers as the low temperature assaults his feet. Glancing around, Harry frowns when he doesn't see the shoes he had worn down to the chamber, nor anything to protect his feet against the chill. Nor is there anything he could use to protect himself against the cool evening air besides the thin, white hospital pyjamas he is wearing.
Shrugging his shoulders, he could make do, for now, Harry pushes himself from the bed, mindful of his weakened muscles from being stuck in bed for days. He stumbles as his legs give out from under him due to the pins and needles shooting across his skin from lack of use. Though, before he has the chance to hit the floor, a pair of strong arms wrap around his shoulders, pulling him to rest against their side. Looking up, Harry smiles at Severus.
"Perhaps it would be a better idea if I were to carry you back to my quarters? Everyone should be at dinner now, so we should not be intercepted."
Harry nods again, a small grumble from his stomach drawing attention to the fact that he hadn't had anything to eat since dinner before he faced off against Quirrell. Turning towards his professor, Harry feels his face heating up, ears reddening when Severus chuckles, ruffling his hair. Not knowing what else to do, Harry holds his arms up, gaze averted towards the floor as he waits for Severus to pick him up.
Once he is situated comfortably on Severus's hip, Harry wraps his legs around the man's waist to try and make it easier for Severus to walk with him. It couldn't be easy to carry around an eleven-year-old, even one as small as himself. Sighing when the arms around his waist tighten, Harry cuddles closer to the warmth, resting his head against Severus's shoulder.
"And perhaps some light dinner once we return?" Harry nods gratefully, his stomach making noises of agreement.
Harry shivers against the cold as they make their way through the corridors further into the dungeons than he had ever been. Goosebumps form up and down his arms. He grins when the arms around him tighten, the thick material of Severus's cloak wrapping around his small form to stave off the worse of the cold seeping through stone walls. Lifting his head, Harry glances around the hallway, spying many portraits of snakes alongside a stern-looking man dressed in old-fashioned green, black and silver robes. The man inclines his head to Harry as they walk past which Harry responds to with a shy wave.
The young wizard listens with half an ear when Severus halts at a larger portrait, whispering the password to allow him entrance. After another second, Harry feels himself being placed down on a comfortable sofa cushion. Looking around at his new surroundings in curious fascination, Harry takes in the dark mahogany furniture, the numerous bookshelves lining the walls and the warmth from the fire crackling opposite him keeping the evening chill at bay. Harry's lips upturn when he notices how all of the seating is made of smooth, black leather; accents of green detailing finishing them off.
"Missy."
Harry startles when a loud crackle bounces off the stone walls as a small strange looking creature, reaching no taller than his own shoulders, with large pointed, yet floppy ears pops into existence in front of his professor. Its head bobbing back and forth as it bounces on the balls of its feet. Clearly excited to carry out whatever the man was muttering to it.
"House Elves," Severus speaks up as soon as the creature disappears from the room, and he focuses back on the small boy. A soft smile plays on his lips when he notes the open curiosity and confusion on Harry's face at seeing such a strange magical being for the first time.
Harry glances up at his professor. He was confused about how the little being was able to disappear as it could especially seen as he had heard Granger ranting about some anti-apparition wards preventing people from appearing and disappearing within the castle grounds on more than one occasion. He doesn't quite understand what Severus was talking about though.
"That creature was a House Elf. A race of small, magical beings bound to buildings, families or individual witches and wizards; they are a serving race whose lives are dedicated to serving wizarding families. It is a common misconception by Muggleborns that House Elves are forced into servitude, however, this is not the case. House Elves may only survive as long as they are bound, it is also how they gain their magical power. The more powerful their bonded master, the more powerful the elves' magic."
Nodding his head in understanding, Harry pushes himself to the edge of the sofa, fists clenching the cushion when he sees Severus heading back towards the portal hole.
"Now Harry, will you be alright staying here for a few moments on your own? I am just going to retrieve Mister Malfoy; he should be finished his supper by now. If you would like to lie down whilst you wait, Hogwarts had added a room for you. It is the third door on the right."
"Hogwarts made me a room. How?"
"Hogwarts has been around for over 1000 years, and as the years progress more students enter her halls and practise their magic within her rooms. The school itself was infused with the founder's magic and through the years she has absorbed enough of the residual magic that she has become sentient in a manner of speaking. She will offer assistance to those she deems worthy."
Harry once again nods his head; he briefly ponders if Hogwarts would ever find him worthy enough for her to offer him assistance were he to ever need it. Sliding off the sofa, being mindful of his still wavering muscles, Harry mutters a quiet 'thank you' to Severus. Harry makes his way down the corridor, hearing the portal click shut behind his professor as he counts the doors under his breath as he passes. Closing his eyes, Harry takes a deep breath to soothe his nerves, bracing himself for what he is about to uncover behind the door to his room. Cracking his eyes open, Harry pushes open the door, stepping over the threshold before he freezes, his mouth dropping open as tears begin to sting his eyes.
The room is huge. Definitely much bigger than his cupboard had been, and he even thinks it is bigger than the Gryffindor dormitory. A double bed sits along the left-hand wall, a deep green duvet covers the mattress, and silver lines create beautifully intricate patterns along the edges. A dark mahogany desk sits opposite, his school equipment already organised across its polished surface. The partnered bookshelf sits by its side, the top shelves already filled with his school textbooks and other basic tombs pertaining to various subjects sorted alphabetically. A wardrobe stands proudly opposite the door, across from where Harry is standing, next to another door which Harry presumes to be his very own bathroom.
"Harry?" A soft voice calls his name breaking him from his stupor.
Harry doesn't answer the call, much too busy trying to work his brain around the fact that this was his bedroom. He turns on the spot, the speed a little too much for his unsteady feet to cater. Teetering for a moment before he is able to regain his balance by gripping hold of the door frame. His wide eyes seek out his professor who is quickly walking down the corridor when he doesn't receive a response. Harry spies a head of blond hair trailing behind Severus, though he ignores the arrival of Draco for a moment.
"Harry, are you alright?"
The young wizard feels a warm sensation flooding his chest at the gleam of worry he sees shining in Severus's gaze which is focused solely on himself, scanning his frame for any signs of distress or discomfort. Feeling his head nodding in response to the question, Harry looks back towards his room, avoiding eye contact.
"I'm okay. It's just… I have never had my own room before. Aunt Petunia and Uncle Vernon always told me that freaks like me didn't deserve bedrooms and that I should feel grateful that they kept me and put a roof over my head instead of shipping me to an orphanage. That I should be thankful for the cupboard I had instead of being an ungrateful, selfish, waste of space…"
Harry glances up hesitantly when he hears a sharp intake of breath, soft tears making tracks down his cheeks as he watches as Severus makes his way towards him. Forcing himself to stay put instead of backing away in fear, Harry is surprised when the potion's professor kneels on the floor before him, hands settling on his shoulders gently, soothing his fears away.
"Harry, I want you to listen to me very carefully. You deserve this and so much more, Harry. I want you to try and forget everything those despicable muggles ever told you because they lied to you. Your relatives were wrong to tell you those things and they treated you in such a way that no child should ever be treated. Now, why don't we get you settled into bed, and you can have that talk with Draco, alright?"
Harry nods his head eagerly; he wipes his eyes on the sleeve of his pyjamas as he feels Severus's arms slip around his shoulder and under his knees, a much easier way for the professor to carry him rather than on his hip. He sighs when he feels himself being placed down on an incredibly soft mattress. He knows that he should be feeling embarrassed at being treated like a small child in front of Draco, but Harry can't bring himself to care when a gentle hand cards through his hair. Harry glances around Severus offering a shy smile to Malfoy who with watching him with a carefully guarded expression, or as guarded as an eleven-year-old can look.
Severus pulls back the covers, ushering Harry to slip beneath them as he positions his pillows in order for his young charge to rest up whilst also still being able to talk comfortably with Draco. Once he is situated under the thick duvet, Harry watches as the small creature, a House Elf, pops into his room, handing a small cup of steaming liquid to Malfoy before levitating a tray filled with food and a similar mug towards himself. Harry grins, his stomach grumbling happily as the scents invade his sense. Harry thanks the small being, wrapping his hands around the mug before taking an experimental sip of the chocolatey drink, sighing as a rich taste explodes across his tongue.
Severus and Draco watch as Harry, who remains oblivious to their observations, stares down at the mug in his hands, his face lighting up into a brilliant smile as he takes another sip. Placing his mug down on his bedside table, Harry takes a bite of food, groaning in appreciation at the taste. He had never had hot chocolate before. Pushing himself up a little, Harry smiles when Severus rearranges his pillows, eyes lifting to meet the slightly amused gaze of Draco. Flushing in embarrassment, Harry watches as Severus backs quietly out of the room offering Harry a small smile of encouragement before addressing the child.
"I will be out in the living room, so just call through if either of you has need of me. Otherwise, I will be back in a little while to escort Mister Malfoy back to his dorm."
Receiving a nod from both boys, Severus exits the bedroom making sure to leave the door ajar so he could keep an ear out. Leaving the two children to hopefully talk through their problems and establish some form of friendship.
As soon as Severus is out of their line-of-sight Draco puts his mug down on the table next to Harry's. Turning his full attention to the Gryffindor who is still picking at his food, eating slowly, Draco tries to muddle through the strange interactions between his Godfather and Harry Potter, the boy Severus claimed to hate with a burning passion. He wonders over Harry's reaction to having a bedroom, his words causing an unsettling feeling to grow in his guts. What did Harry mean when he said he had never had a bedroom to call his own before?
"So, Potter, Professor Snape says that you wished to speak with me?"
Harry nods his head, taking another mouthful of food, followed by a small sip of his drink, humming in contentment at the warm liquid rushing down his throat. He gestures for Malfoy to join him on the bed, a show of common courtesy as well as an attempt to stall for more time. When Draco settles on the duvet near his knees, Harry opens his mouth, voice hesitant.
"That is correct. I would like to know if your offer still stands, Malfoy?"
"Oh? And what offer would that be, Potter?" Draco regards Harry Potter, the Gryffindor Golden boy with a calculating expression, determined to figure out just why the other was acting so differently than his usually loud, brash, obnoxious self.
"Your offer of friendship. I know that I made a grave error when I refused your hand at the beginning of the year. I understand that I hurt your feelings by rejecting you and I know that I probably offended you and your family by unknowingly disregarding some of the more refined pureblood traditions as I did so. I was wondering if you would be willing to give me a second chance?"
Harry places his empty plate on the bedside table for Missy to pick up later, being mindful to not upend the drinks before he settles back against his pillows. Looking the blond over, Harry feels his cheeks warming at the inquisitive gaze staring intensely back at him as if he were an intricate puzzle which needed solving. Harry's gaze drops to his lap hands wringing as he waits for Draco to answer.
"What happened to the Weasel and the Know-it-all? Are you not still friends with them?" Malfoy's expression shifts, eyebrow raising, lips down turning when Harry snort. A small smirk shapes Harry's lips reminding Draco a little too much of his Head of House.
"They were never my friends, to begin with. They were just useful pawns in a ploy to keep the old codger off my back this year. Now due to some rather unforeseen circumstances of these past couple of days, they are no longer of use to me, and I would like to start making some true friends. I have wanted to become your friend from the time I first met you in Madam Malkin's but after hearing about Dumbledore and my status as the supposed saviour…" Harry smiles at the stunned look on Malfoy's face, folding his legs under himself, Harry settles himself more comfortably under the covers before extending his hand towards Draco.
"Would you consider starting again, Malfoy?"
"Alright, Potter. I accept your offer of friendship, but I insist that you tell me these unforeseen circumstances as I find myself wondering just how you became so close to my Godfather in such a short space of time. In return, I will tell you why I was so offended when you rejected my hand the way you did."
Harry nods his head, eyes glittering as a gleeful laugh bubbles up from his chest as he shakes hands with his ex-rival.
"It is very nice to meet you; I am Harry Potter."
Draco smirks at Harry, shaking the other's hand in return, "A pleasure to meet you, Harry Potter; I am Draco Malfoy."
Releasing each other's hands slowly, Harry finally allows his laughter to bubble over, Draco following shortly after. Smiling over at his new friend, Harry frowns when he notices the small shivers travelling through Draco as a draft blows through the room. Lifting his covers, Harry motions for the older boy to climb under to keep warm. An offer which is quickly accepted as Draco slips his shoes off and climbs under the quilt.
"Alright, then Draco, these unforeseen circumstances…"
Draco sits in awed silence giving his full attention to Harry as the other briefly explains the conversation he held with the Dark Lord, the very same Dark Lord who came so close to restoring the balance of magic all those years ago. Harry snickers at the look on Draco's face when he finishes, snapping his fingers in front of Draco's face to jolt him back to the present.
"Huh. Does this mean you will be introducing yourself as Riddle or Slytherin in the next few weeks?"
After everything he had mentioned, the adoption of the boy-who-lived by the Dark Lord, and him willingly handing over the Stone to his supposed enemy, Harry hadn't been prepared for Draco to ask him such a simple question. He would have thought Draco would have focused more on the happenings of the chamber than on his upcoming adoption ritual.
"I am guessing so. I haven't really given it much thought, to be honest. I would love to carry Father's name instead of the Potter's. I mean Lily and James Potter did give up their lives to save me but Father is going to be the one to look after me and raise me so it would make sense. Do you think Father would want to make Harry Potter disappear? We will have to come up with a story so that Harry and I are not seen as the same person by anyone."
Harry frowns, falling deep into his thoughts about what name, if any, his father would want to give him. He would need to speak to the man as soon as possible maybe the day he came to collect him from his aunt and uncle's house in a few weeks. No doubt the headmaster would try to take him back if he stayed under the name Harry Potter.
"But you are famous, why would you want to give that up?" Draco questions genuinely curious.
Draco, himself would have loved to have all the attention that Harry has; he would have loved to be recognised just by walking down the street, would have loved the special treatment Harry was given by their teachers and what he would no doubt receive from others in the wizarding world. Though he did already get most of that because of his family name and their wealth. What he didn't expect to see is Harry's desperately wistful expression.
"I have never wanted the fame; not really. Why would I want it when it was all due to an event that I can't really remember? The night I lost my parents. Due to something that happened on that one night, events in which no one has any evidence actually took place besides the Potter murders, I am hailed as a hero, a saviour. They all expect something from me. They want me to be the epitome of light, the perfect little Gryffindor, protector of all Muggleborns and blood traitors. They want to get on my good side, catch on to some of my wealth and fame." Harry sighs, running a hand through his hair.
"I went from being a lonely, starved, abused nobody to being one of the most famous people in Wizarding Britain. They all expect me to defeat any Dark Wizard trying to upset the status quo, take the Philosopher's Stone for example. I don't want this kind of pressure, Draco. Merlin, I didn't even know I was a wizard until last summer, Draco. I just want to be a normal magical kid."
Draco felt awful, Harry's voice sounded so desperate, so miserable that Draco acts, for once, on impulse, pushing his pureblood etiquette aside as he pulls Harry into a firm embrace, holding him tight. An intense feeling of protectiveness flows through his veins as he looks down at his friend.
"It is alright, Harry. I am sure that if you explain everything to your father then he would be happy to make Harry Potter disappear and if he does then your secret will forever be safe with me."
Harry sighs into the embrace, wiggling slightly in order to give him enough room to wrap his arm back around Draco's shoulders savouring the comfort he can feel emitting from his friend.
"Thank you, Draco." Harry allows himself to rest against Draco for a few moments more, pulling back slightly he gazes up, green meeting silver as he cocks his head to his side in silent question.
"What's your full name? Draco is a nickname, isn't it?"
Draco smirks down at Harry, a smug expression taking over as he puffs his chest out.
"Draconis Lucius Malfoy. Draconis mean Dragon. My mother is a born Black and it is a tradition for every child to be named after a constellation. My mother's older sisters were named Andromeda, a constellation north of the celestial equator and Bellatrix, the third brightest star in the Orion constellation while her cousins were called Regulus, the brightest star in the Leo constellation and Sirius, the dog star and brightest in the Orion constellation. My mother always hated the fact that she was not given a traditional Black name as she was not named for a star or constellation."
The pride shining in Draco's eyes makes Harry giggle softly, even if he feels a tiny bit of jealousy rising up in him at the other belonging to such an impressive and intimidating family. He didn't even know the names of his grandparents, both maternal and paternal. He didn't know if James had had any siblings, nor if he has any other relatives still alive. It was saddening to think that his family ended with James and Lily.
"Wow, that is such a cool name. I wish I had a name like that. I am a little jealous that you know so much about your family, I don't know anything about the Potters."
"Well, the Potters were related to the Blacks you know."
"Really?" Harry perks up at that, he had more family around. A family he had never known about and if what Draco had said was true then he was at least distantly related to Draco and his mother.
"Yes, Dorea Black, my great-great aunt married your great-great uncle Charlus Potter, who I believe was the brother of Hardwin Potter II, James Potter's great-grandfather. Dorea Black is my mother's great aunt which essentially makes you my second cousin twice removed I believe."
"That's very close." Harry sighs frowning. He had hoped that he would have been related to Draco and his family a little closer than that.
"Well, if I remember correctly, James and Lily Potter made Sirius Black, my mother's cousin, your Godfather. In the wizarding world, when one is made Godfather of an heir from a prominent household a magical bond is formed between the pair linking them together. It means that Mother Magic will classify Sirius Black as your uncle in all but blood making you my second or third cousin." Draco explains, excited by the prospect of having a cousin his own age, he hadn't had any relatives the same age as him to play with growing up being the only child of his parents, his aunt Bellatrix not birthing any heirs with her husband before being sent to Azkaban and he hadn't been able to meet his Aunt Andromeda seen as she had been disowned from the family for breaking her own marriage contract to marry a muggle.
"I wonder if the Slytherin family has any naming traditions and if father will change it when he adopts me." Harry ponders, eyes squinting in thought.
"I am sure he will. Though I expect to be the first to be informed of your name change. I can't wait to brag to Blaise and Theo that I am friends with the heir to the Slytherin family. They are going to be so jealous!" Draco exclaims drawing a chuckle from Harry. It was nice to be able to get along with Draco now that he doesn't have to pretend to be Dumbledore's faithful lapdog.
"Oh! Harry, you are going to have to come to my house as well during the summer. We can play Quidditch together and I can teach you all sorts of wizarding games. Along with a few more of our traditions and customs."
Harry nods his head, he had never been allowed to visit a friend's house before but then again, he had never actually been allowed to have any friends before now. The Dursleys were scared that his freakishness would get out and they would be seen as abnormal by the neighbours. He would have to ask his Father beforehand, but he doesn't see it being a problem. The Malfoys are loyal to the Dark Lord after all.
"I would like that, thank you Draco."
Draco smiles softly at Harry who is still leaning comfortably against his side; he tightens his arm around Harry's shoulders, happy that he could make his friend smile.
"No problem, Harry what are friends for?"
"Speaking of teaching me traditions and customs, what exactly did I do wrong when I rejected your hand on the Hogwarts Express?"
Draco pulls back, regarding harry for a second. Gently pushing Harry away so they could face each other properly, Draco sighs a little, dragging a hand through his hair as his gaze drops to his lap. He wonders just how much he should tell his friend. Catching Harry's eyes, Draco resolves to tell him everything he knows, to explain exactly why he had been so offended and why he had, in turn, treat Harry the way he had.
"Well, when I offered you my hand, my friendship, it wasn't just that. In wizarding history, a handshake was seen as a way to show peaceful intentions, to show others that you bore no weapons. That you meant no harm. However, it was also a way to offer a bond of sorts. When I offered you my hand, I was not only showing you that I meant no harm and wished to build our relationship, but that I also wished to establish a shared bond between the Noble Houses of Malfoy and Potter and not just because you were the Boy-Who-Lived. As I said, your great-great uncle Charlus Potter married my great-great aunt Dorea Black, even though she legally became a Potter, Charlus, much to his brother Fleamont's displeasure, agreed with and took part in some of the Black Family traditions. Charlus formed a bond between his family and the Black which extended to the Malfoys when my mother married my father. I wished to re-establish this bond and welcome you back into the wizarding elite. Where you should have grown up in the first place."
"But wouldn't the Potters and Black still be bonded now, even though James Potter is dead?"
"No. Charlus was never Lord Potter, that title went to his older brother Fleamont. When Fleamont found out that Charlus was willingly taking part in the Black traditions he separated his brother's family into a separate branch of the Potter family. Your paternal grandfather, Fleamont Potter II became Lord Potter as did James Potter. Charlus, nor any of his children or grandchildren were from the main family of the Potters and therefore any bond they created wouldn't extend to the main branch. Therefore, this relationship broke off when Charlus Potter's son was killed many decades ago."
"So, you wish to form a new bond with the main branch of the Potter family now that the original bond was dissolved?" Harry enquires.
"Exactly," Draco confirms pleased that Harry could follow along with what he was saying, he hadn't been sure if he had been able to explain it right.
"I just have a quick question. What is a bond between houses and what is a Noble House?" Draco nods, he should have known Harry wouldn't know what those were, he hadn't been raised as he should have been learning these things as he grew up.
"A bond is a magical contract between two houses, they promise partnership and friendship through the ages or as long as the participants live. The contribution within the bond is determined separately by those involved and is magically binding. The one between the House of Malfoy, and Black, and the House of Potter mentioned political alliance, godparent rights, guardianship rights of heirs and so forth. It meant that Charlus would back the Malfoys and Blacks and in turn, we would support the lesser branch of the Potters; it also meant that if something happened to both parents, then the other house would gain custody of their heirs and raise them in accordance with Wizarding traditions."
"Oh, okay that makes sense. It sounds like a really good idea. What about Noble Houses?"
"Nobility in the Wizarding World works a little differently than that of the Muggle World. Say for example if a descendant of one of the Founders or even Merlin was found and they took up their Lordship under that name then they would automatically become one of, if not the most influential and wealthy person in the Wizarding World. It is why the Dark Lord was held in such high esteem by the rest of the nobility despite him being a Half-Blood. It is why the Potters have wealth almost as high as the Blacks and Malfoys. How much influence a family has usually depends on how long the family name has been in existence for. For example, the Malfoy family originally came from France with William the Conqueror and so are officially the Most Noble and Ancient House of Malfoy. The Potters can trace their name back to the Peverell line and are therefore also a Most Noble and Ancient House. The founding families, as well as Merlin, will always hold the title Ancient and Most Prestigious House."
Harry's eyes sparkle as he listens to Draco educating him about the Wizarding World, it made so much more sense why Lord Malfoy was seen as such an esteemed member of the wizarding world, why so many people still respected him despite rumours spreading that he had been a Death Eater during the wizarding war. It was fascinating for him to learn more about his family and how he was distantly related to other old wizarding families like the Blacks and the Malfoys, as well as, to some extent the Lestranges.
"What if someone was head of a Noble and Ancient House and also a founding family?"
"Then they could claim their Lordships for both houses I suppose. Like you. The Potters are the only known living family that can be traced back to the Peverell Family, and it is also well-known that they may have ties to Godric Gryffindor as well. So, if Gringotts allowed it and there were no other living relatives then you would be able to claim their titles. Your official title would be Harry James Potter-Peverell-Gryffindor, Lord of the Ancient and Most Prestigious House of Gryffindor, Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Peverell and Lord of the Most Noble and Ancient House of Potter."
"Wow, that is brilliant but what do the Lordships mean?"
Draco reaches over for his mug, draining the rest of his hot chocolate to soothe his dry throat, too focused on the excitement bubbling through his friend to notice Severus Snape standing in the doorway of Harry's bedroom arms crossed over his chest as he watches the two boys with fondness. He was pleased that the two were getting along so well and that Draco was willing to sate Harry's endless curiosity without any complaints.
"A Lordship means that the family receives certain privileges within the society. They get VIP invitations to all of the Ministry Balls and Events; they get offered high-standing positions within the Ministry and on the school board of Governors. It also means that they have the funds to not only invest in or buy out businesses but create their own, increasing their monetary value. They also have seats on the Wizengamot which is the Wizarding World parliament where we can pass Laws and Legislations and preside over court cases."
"Wow, this all sounds so cool. I wish I had grown up in the wizarding world." Harry sighs wistfully, his mind conjuring up what his life would have potentially been like if he had been adopted or taken in by another wizarding family, because from what Draco had been telling him then most Pureblood families were in some way related to each other and so the Dursley's weren't his only living family and he hadn't have had to suffer through almost 10 years of abuse and neglect.
Yet before he has a chance to ask Draco any more questions about the social system within the Wizarding World, Severus pushes himself from the door frame and makes his way into the bedroom drawing the attention of the two young boys. A warm smile shapes his lips when Harry beams up at him, though he spies a slight glazing in his young charge's eyes and knows that it is time for bed. Stepping up to the bed, Severus ruffles Draco's hair before looking down at Harry.
"Alright Harry, I want you to get some rest now. You are still not fully recovered from your adventure and need as much sleep as you can get. Draco, it is time for you to head back to your Common room if you want to make it back before curfew."
Both children sigh unhappily, not liking that their conversation was going to be put on hold for the time being, but they nod in consent to the command. Draco pulls Harry into one final embrace before slipping out from under the quilt. Sliding from the mattress, he puts his shoes back on before giving a hug to Severus and makes his way towards the bedroom door. He pauses long enough to wave over his shoulder at Harry.
"Good night, Harry. I will come to see you again tomorrow."
"Good night, Draco."
Harry and Severus remain quiet as they listen to the sounds of Draco's retreating footsteps and the portrait clicking shut behind him as he leaves Severus's quarters. Severus sits down on the edge of the mattress, shuffling the pillows slightly so Harry is able to lie down comfortably against the bed, he runs his hands through the raven locks smiling down at the 11-year-old. He slips Harry's glasses from his face, placing them on the bedside table.
"I am so proud of you Harry, you did well today."
Harry looks up at his professor, his eyesight a little blurry, eyes shining with happiness and a light blush dusts his cheeks. Sitting up, Harry throws his arms around Severus's waist, hugging him tightly, basking in the feeling of safety when strong arms wrap around him in return.
"Really?"
"Always, Harry. You have managed to put the past behind you and become friends with Draco. I was also incredibly impressed with how you handled yourself against the headmaster earlier. I am positive that your father will be immensely proud of you as well." Harry cuddles closer to Severus, accepting the warmth emitting from his professor; there was just something about the man that felt oddly comforting and familiar.
"Now it is time to sleep, Snakelet." Severus pulls away gently, helping Harry to settle down beneath the covers. He brushes the raven hair away from Harry's forehead, placing a kiss on the newly exposed skin. He chuckles when he sees Harry leaning into the touch and releasing a sigh of contentment at the feather-like affection.
"Night, Sev," Harry mumbles, burrowing beneath the blanket. He hears Severus banishing his empty plate and the mugs from his bedside table. His guardian smoothes out his covers after he stands from the mattress.
"Good night, Snakelet."
Harry quickly drifts off to sleep, a small smile shaping his lips. Severus watches Harry for another moment longer before exiting his bedroom, turning off the lights as he heads towards the living room. He leaves the bedroom door ajar as he had earlier just in case Harry had need of him during the night.