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Chapter Text

You know that feeling… the feeling you have when your not in your on bed and you have just woken up and it’s all strange and weird and not very pleasant …. Yes that exact feeling.

As I felt myself wake up(more details on that later), I could tell I was not in my bed. It felt weird and way too comfortable and soft and mushy and not at all like my own stone-hard mattress.The room was way too dark for my own liking and there was a weird noise in my ears. It all felt weird.

Now don’t get me wrong, if it was any other time I would have probably - mostly, most definitely - loved waking up in such a comfortable bed but seeing as the last thing I remembered was my car going over a very high, very rocky and over all very bad ‘do-not-fall-off-of-this-cliff-or-you-will-die’ cliff, waking up at all didn’t make sense. So, you can imagine my extreme surprise - well more like a shock that I could feel the bed at all.

“Ok, first thing first,” I took a mental tally of all of my proverbial limbs, (was I using that term right? Meh. Who cares?)

“2arms? Check. Two legs? check. Ten fingers? Check. Ten toes?” Huh! Are toes supposed to feel like that when you wiggle them? “Weird but check. My head feels like its on its place too. Lets try opening our eyes.”

I cautiously opened my eyes only to find the room was pitch dark. Before I could move my hands to feel for the night table or any kind of switches, the room was awashed in blue light like it had sensed my need for the light.

“What in the world of Harry Potter?” The room was definitely matching the luxury of this bed.

I mean damn…. Luxury…. Ok, not gonna lie it is a little dingy and kinda dark. But this room looked like it belonged to some period drama, like it belonged in a manor belonging to the lord of the land.

It was bigger than my studio apartment, two walls of the room were adorned with shelves containing an impressive collection of book tomes (and yes i said book tomes, not your normal hard book or paperbacks, like proper honest to goodness, genuine leather bound book tomes, I’m not a barbarian I know what I’m seeing, thank you very much.)

There were some other items too between the books, some weird bottles that looked like those potion bottles in those harry potter movies. Some weird, bizarre, suspicious and questionable objects.

A the third wall was half covered with a big weird ass notice board kinda thing and a reading desk against it which was covered in rolled up papers, an open book, some old school feather quills and ink pots and some weird diorama thingy on top of it.

I ran my hand through my hair and the weird factor just jumped a couple of hundred times. My hair were long. What the hell? How long have I been sleeping that my hair grew to be shoulder length almost? Last I remember I had a buzz cut. (I mean , I’m not frugal but it just felt logical to have a hair cut which didn’t require too much maintenance and doesn’t costs me an arm and a leg.)

I looked around the room again. There was no mirror but before I could even comprehend a proper thought about it, a handheld mirror was on my lap. Ok, now I was truly freaking out.

I looked in the mirror and there was a truly ethereal looking guy looking back at me. His skin was too pale but healthy looking - not ghastly pale. His lips just a bit too enticing and his eyes a cloudy gray. But the thing that shocked me were the white hair. And no it weren’t silver or white blond. It were white. Draco Malfoy white.

Now don’t get me wrong. I'm a rational logical and moderately sensible guy so I know I might be loosing it. But if I didn’t knew any better I would have bet my last 20 ponds that I was on the set of one of the Harry Potter movies.

“Hi, subject 001.”

“Who said that?” I looked around the room but there wasn’t anyone else there and this didn’t feel like a voice on any speaker. It was honestly too chirpy and cheeky for the current room settings. Also, it felt like a voice that was only in my head.

“I'm Vii, your guide from the Recovery and Rehabilitation Network, here to assist you during your adjustment period”

“What the fuck?”The voice didn’t stop like any sentient being should but continued its rant as if it was a recording.

“After we located your consciousness in a fragmented state, we deemed you worthy of a second chance. While your body recuperates in your world, you'll embark on a series of tasks and trials to meet the system's expectations. Your primary objective is to survive these challenges. While some tasks offer flexibility, others have prerequisites and predetermined outcomes—you won't be able to change the ending of such tasks.”My internal alarm was blaring ‘red flag’ ‘red flag’ at its loudest setting.

“If, at the end of your recovery period, your performance proves satisfactory, you'll have the option to reestablish a connection with your body in your world. If you fail to do so, your consciousness will be purged."

"What do you mean, purged? All of a sudden a translucent screen appeared in front of me. With tabs and different sections and highlighted areas. The tab with language options was glowing. I selected the Eenglish language.

“There are eight story paths, each containing a specific number of tasks. Each task comes with its own set of requirements. Upon completion, you'll be granted skill points based on your performance. You can utilize these skill points to—you guessed it—increase your skill level or trade them for various objects and items in the shop menu.“ The language menu on the screen was now a store tab. “you can also purchase these items with your vault galleons.”

There was a cursor highlighting a tab with three coins button on it with an outrageous number and at least 12 zeros.

“You're task history can be seen here.” A tab with different sections was on the screen now. The sections were all dull except for the one with “Orientation” Marker on it it was glowing with “In process” written on it.

“You can also partake in side quests to earn extra skill points” A new tab with side quests was highlighted now. “or you can opt for free mode and undertake custom quests to gather unique items and skill points. “ A new tab opened with different sections.

“You can nurture and expand your connections, friendships, and relationships as well.” The next tab had three sections with connections, friends and relatives slots. “the more time you invest with someone, the stronger the connection grows. A basic connection can evolve into a friendship or a familial bond, contingent upon you and your task requirements.” The next tab had gift sections.

“You can also purchase gifts to fortify and enhance the connection.” The next tab was special items. “You may employ your treasury to exchange, sell, or upgrade your treasure.” The next tab was showing sections with skills tab. “ You can enhance your skills, trade them, or acquire new ones.” The next tab was gift skill. “You can aid your connections in honing their skills too.” “To ease your readjustment, you'll soon be integrated with a customized system. Feel free to pose your queries after the beep.” There was a horrible beep sound and before I could ask anything “Your query number is 1002569. We are experiencing a slight delay in our system. Please await your turn. Your system will be available shortly..” Beep…… And the voice was gone. There was a new smaller section glowing on the screen.

About me:

Name: Draco Malfoy

Age: 11years

Gender: Male

Hobbies: Quidditch, Reading, Studying, Potions.

Connections: Pansy Parkinson, Theodore Nott, Blaise Zabini, Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle

Established relations: Lucius Malfoy (father), Narcissa Malfoy (mother)

Destiny:Heir to Malfoy and Black family.

Possible endings: Death eater extraordinaire, HEA.

“Oh fuck!”

Chapter Text

The translucent screen was still glowing as if waiting for Draco to decide what to do next.

He sat looking dumbstruck and confused in the middle of the bed. The screen cast a mild blue light giving the room quite a pleasant vibe. 

So, either he had died and this was some kind of hell punishment plan or he had actually passed through some barrier and now was Draco Malfoy in a book series. Or was it the movie version? Or was it the screenplay one? He would have preferred neither but if he had to choose he would love it to be the book version.

"Here goes nothing." He took a deep breath and started navigating through the menu/screen/manual thingamajig.

Honestly, he could use some help here and it would have been amazing if he could talk to that system-sentient being but beggars can't be choosers. So he took it upon himself to troubleshoot his current situation.

"Ok. Be rational... If you are in the Harry Potter, what do you do first?" He looked around the dark room. "Right." he rubbed his hands and made jazz hands. "Lumos" 

Unsurprisingly nothing changed. 

"You idiot…” He shook his head. “You don't have a wand." He chided himself. "Call the bloody elf.... DOBBY!" 

There was a loud pop and... "Master Draco called Dobby?"

There it was. A possible elf-like creature with pointy, big glassy eyes. Surprisingly not the same color as the movies showed him to be.

"Dobby!" He sounded astonished but less tense now. So maybe he was in the Harry Potter universe. 

"What day is it today?" Draco asked a little hesitant. He could see the reflection in the mirror but he wasn't exactly sure what year it was. Was it before Hogwarts or was he on holiday?

"It's 31st July, Master Draco. Mistress Malfoy takes you to Diagon Alley." Dobby was looking at him with those too-big, glassy eyes. Draco would have been scared if he wasn't sure - well almost sure - that it was Harry Potter and not some horror movie universe... But honestly those eyes were creepy.

"Thank you, Dobby." He turned towards the glowing screen again. " Oh wait... When do I leave?" Draco asked before Dobby could leave.

"Mistress Malfoy told Dobby to get Master Draco breakfast so they can go, Master Draco." 

"Thank you, Dobby. You can go now." He jumped off the bed and went to the door, he suspected -more hoped - was the bathroom. And thank god that it was.

There was a large metal tub in the middle of the room. He wasn't sure what metal it was made of. It looked copper but it shone like gold. There was a basin made with the same metal on one wall. The opposite wall looked like a wardrobe. There was a commode in one corner next to the bath tub. 

He hoped the water was warm enough because he couldn't guess what charms he needed to ask for hot water even if his life depended on it.

After using all the facilities and the tub (the water was warm enough for the bath the whole time. Maybe they were on to something with this magic thingy), he selected the most unused and newest looking robes and got dressed.

He came back to his room and the screen was still glowing in the middle. He wasn't sure if others could see it or not. Dobby hadn't even given it a glance but that could be because the elf thought it was something magical. Deciding that the best course of action was trying to switch off the screen he started searching for the off button on the screen. There was a little red dot on the Tasks Tab. He clicked on it.

Meeting Harry Potter.

Requirement: Create a connection with Harry Potter at Madam Malkin's.

"What do you mean create a connection? Can you be anymore vague? Am I meeting him? Am I insulting him? Am I helping him?... Idiot stupid system." He started cursing the system under his breath and clicked on the cross on one corner and the screen vanished. He belatedly realized he was mumbling like Kreacher right now. But this stupid Network was idiot enough to not even provide him with proper guidelines or time enough to get acquainted with his new surroundings.

He went out of the room, cautiously. He remembered how the movies showed the Malfoy Manor to be a dangerous place. He was sure the manor wouldn't hurt him but he didn't want to take any risks.

It was nothing like the movies. It looked like a castle from a fairy tale not like the future head quarters for a Dark Lord.

He took the stairs down and made a 'eeny meeny miny mo' guess to find the dinning room. It paid off, more likely because he could hear someone talking in the room.

The first thing he realized was the movies made the manor look too dark extremely suitable to Lucius Malfoy's supposedly villainous self but this couldn't be more different. The room was well lit and decorated in a sophisticated combination of silver and emerald. Slytherin pride was evidant.

There was an enormous dinning table right in the middle, just like they showed in the period dramas. Either these wizards still lived in the 1800's or they never grew out of them, but whatever it was it suited to the whole magical theme. And the films did not do them justice.

A man with sharp features and white hairs was sitting on the head chair, he assumed it was Lucius Malfoy (his supposedly father). The woman sitting on his right was too beautifully for words and he could understand why the fandom thought Draco could be half veela. (So maybe he was a fan, sue him. At least it would be helpful for his so-called story paths.

"Oh, Draco honey, come sit. I don't want to rush you, but we should probably hurry if we don't want to be late for our appointments." Even Narcissa Malfoy's voice was posh and Nobel.

"Uh... Yes, Mother." Before he could decide if he should sit next to Narcissa or Lucius, an elf popped in and pulled out a chair on the left of Lucius.

"Tardiness does not befit a wizard." Lucius said with a lazy drawl. "Perhaps you should acquaint yourself with the Tempus charm before the Malfoys acquire a reputation for tardiness in your esteemed school."

"Yes, Father." Oh he was gonna hate his connection building with this death eater. Maybe he could change him to be on the good side? Was it possible? Could he do that? Because if yes, he would like to make this a queer coded universe, just out of sheer spite. Where is a stupid system when you need one?

"I think we should be leaving now. Come, Draco." Narcissa stood before he could start on his food, which looked extremely delicious. "Draco!"

Fuck it. He rushed to the fireplace which was definitely not the fireplace but the floo network portal. Oh man, he was getting excited.

"Diagone Alley." There was a flash and the next thing he new they were in a side alley which lead to a crowded street.

He couldn't have possibly hidden his excitement or glee for that matter even if he tried. It exactly looked like the movies but even more magical. The streets were filled with people in robes. Both sides of the road were lined with shops. Apothecary, Quidditch supplies, Ollivander's, the ice cream shop, the school supply emporium. It was everything the movies showed and then some more.

The next few hours were a whirlwind of motion and excitement and chaos and just... Magical. 

"...so you will be fine going to Madam Malkin's alone?" Huh! Oh... Oh! This was where he met Harry Potter.

"Draco? Will you be OK?" Narcissa asked again.

"Oh... Yes. Yes, Mother, I will be fine. You need not to worry."

.........

Madam Malkin’s reminded him of a French seamstress from one of the period dramas (Yes, I know I talk about dramas a lot but honestly, what do you expect? I can't actually show you pictures, can I?).

It took approximately 5minutes for Madam Malkin to start taking his measurements and asking him about his preferences for his robes. It was just a few minutes later when the bell on the door rang and at the same time a new screen flashed in front of him.

So that answers that. No one could see the system screen. The screen was flashing “Task activated” and right under that notice a countdown began.

The moment he gets his hands on that moronic system he was going to bloody delete it. What the heck was this now. He was still not clear about the whole “Make a Connection” thing but this countdown was giving him a heart attack. Fuck it.

“Hello.” He waved at the boy, who was getting measured by the Madam.

“Hi.” The boy responded, shyly.

“Hogwarts?” he gave he boy a tentavive smile.

“Yes.” The boy was too shy. The clothes on the boy’s body were ragged and shabby. Draco questioned the sanity of these bloody wizards again. How can no one guess that this boy required urgent help was out of his conception. 

“Me too. It’s the best wizarding school.” He was going to just word vomit without thinking, whats the worse thing that can happen.

“Really? I wouldn’t know actually.” The excitement could be heard in the boy’s voice. He was looking at Draco all doe-eyed laser focused.

“Oh yes. Dumbledore is the greatest wizard ever in the magical history. I'm absolutely thrilled.” The countdown stopped and the screen was flashing “Task completed: New Skill Opened” now.

Fuck yes!!!. Draco relaxed a little.

“Why wouldn’t you know about Hogwarts?” He asked the boy.

“Before yesterday I didn’t know magic was real. You see that guy…” The boy pointed at the half giant standing outside the shop. It was much too easy to guess who the giant was. 

Hagrid was holding two extremely large ice cream cones in his hands and almost bouncing on his spot with giddiness, and from the looks of it he was calling the boy outside.

“That’s Hagrid, he’s my guide for my journey to Hogwarts.”

“Oh, he looks like a nice fellow.” Draco smilled.

“You're robes are ready, Boys.” Madam Malkin’s announced from behind the counter.

Before the boy could pay for the robes, Draco announced “I’ll cover the cost for him.”

“What? Why?” The boy looked at him.

“Its a welcome to Hogwarts gift for a friend.” Draco gave a big smile to the boy and offered his hand.. 

“Thank you.” The boy gave him a big grin, taking his hand. “I’ll see you at Hogwarts?” 

“You bet.” Draco shook the boys hand.

The boy ran out of the shop, but a second later he was back.

“My name is Harry Potter.” The boy shouted from the doorway and waved at him.

“Hello Harry, I’m Draco Malfoy.” He waved back and saw as Harry went back to Hagrid and started talking to him excitedly about something.

Chapter Text

"Mistress Narcissa has sent Dobby to ask Master Draco if he is joining her for breakfast," Draco sat, rubbing a hand over his face to shake off the haziness of another sleepless night. He looked at Dobby, who was expectantly waiting for his response.

Once again, Draco was reminded of the fact that his life in his own world would have been great if only he had an elf of his own, despite the creepiness of their eyes.

"No, Dobby. Tell Mother I'm studying and bring my breakfast here," Draco said firmly. Dobby looked hesitant.

"Mistress Narcissa said to tell Master Draco that you need to eat with family once every seven days, Master Draco," Dobby replied, uncertain.

Right, he had made that promise five days after their visit to Diagon Alley, after being in his rooms for 4 consecutive days and nights.

After coming back from the shopping spree, he had spent all his waking time learning to navigate the System. It could have been way easier if the moronic System guide had found time to contact him back, but he had yet to hear or see any signs of the said System guide.

After a couple of endless days and sleepless nights, he was proud to say that he understood the system menu to some extent (the more he tried to understand it, the more convoluted it got). So far, he understood that there were four levels of any skill: Trainee, Novice, Proficient, and Expert. However, he couldn't, for the sake of his sanity, understand how the levels were measured or what was required to upgrade his level. For example, he had used Lumos thrice before his level upgraded from Trainee to Novice, but he had taken at least 50 one-hour practice flights to upgrade his broom flying to Novice level (he hoped he will reach Proficient before he left for Hogwarts in three days).

The same was the case with his Connections, the levels being: Strangers, Acquaintance, Casual Relationship, and Essential Relationships. His connection with Narcissa Malfoy had gone from Acquaintance to Essential Relationship just after a couple of her Garden Tea Parties, while his relationship with Lucius Malfoy was still at the Acquaintance level.

Then there were Pansy, Blaise, Theodore, Vince, and Greg (he had begged Mother to arrange one meet and greet for his 'close circle' once a week since the Diagon Alley visit), and his relationships had gone from Strangers to Casual Friends in approximately three meetings, whereas his Connection with Harry Potter had gone from Strangers to Essential Relationship right after Madam Malkin’s visit.

He had also spent way too many hours in the Library, trying to learn anything and everything that would prove beneficial for his future tasks. There was a ping from the screen (he had used the Settings menu to customize the screen to notify him of any new updates, especially relating to the Golden Trio). His Connection with Ron Weasley had just been updated from Strangers to Acquaintance. That was great and all, but he could really use some insight on this bloody system right about now.

......................

"Draco dear, I think it's time," Draco looked up from his trunks to see Narcissa walk into his room.

"Not yet, Mother. I'm still doing some last-minute packing."

"Draco, honey, you know you're just going to Hogwarts, not to another country, right? We will be able to owl you anything you need that you forget here. You really don't need to pack everything up," Narcissa said, looking around the room, which was quite frankly stripped of everything.

Draco huffed and dropped the tomes he was trying to pack. "I know, Mother. But I didn't want to bother you."

Narcissa just gave him a motherly smile and ruffled his hair.

"Oh my little dragon, it's absolutely fine with me. And it won't be a bother at all." She swished her wand, and the books next to his trunk got sorted into the trunk in an organized way before the trunk shut close.

Narcissa went over some motherly advice and such, he went through his packing list in his mind and nodded periodically. He had his books, a couple of potions (a vial of Polyjuice, a few vials of Felix Felicis – you know, just the essentials), his shrunken broom, a pair of Two-Way mirrors, his notes on his future strategies, his pet owl Merlin, and such.

".……chop chop," Narcissa clapped her hands and urged him to stand up.

Time to finally visit Platform Nine and Three-Quarters.

,..............,.............

Draco looked around the platform. He was standing under the sign that read Hogwarts Express, facing a scarlet steam engine. He had side-along Apparated with Narcissa right under the wrought-iron archway, where the barrier separated the Muggle world from the Wizarding world.

Narcissa was informing him about his luggage that had been directly Vanished to the train, and Merlin was with Pansy in their train compartment, all the while he was absorbing all the wizarding world’s glory surrounding him.

The platform was buzzing with wizards and witches who had come to drop off their children. It was pure chaos. Many of the avian pets have been released from their cages, the platform was filled to the brim with trolleys and the wizards negativing through them. The newbies were easily identifiable from the experienced students due to their awe-struck expressions or their fumbling clumsiness.

Right as Narcissa said her goodbyes and Apparated away, he came upon the ocean of redheads in the middle of the platform. There were at least seven redheads (one too many to count for him). Instead of stopping and interacting with them (he didn’t see Harry Potter with them), he went towards the train.

"Want a hand?" he looked up as a redhead extended his hand to offer him help, while an identical redhead peeked out from behind the first one.

Oooh…. BOY!!! These must be the twins. Man oh man, were these two hot. He was kind of understanding the allure of the twins.

"Yes, please," he took the offered hand and climbed onto the train. “Thank you, gentlemen.”

"Ah. Someone with manners," the one holding his hand started.

"Quite unusual for a Malfoy," the other finished the sentence.

So they knew who he was. These white-hair were going to be a menace for his task journey.

"And seeing that flashy red mop on your heads, I'm guessing you must be the Weasleys, always a pleasure to meet." Hhe gave them a charming smile, hoping they would understand his status as not harmful.

"Right you might be…"

"Nice observation you've got."

"Same to you too." Draco gave them a big grin and a cheeky salute.

Right as Draco passed the twins, there was a ping followed by a flash on the System screen with a status update on his Connections with the twins going from Strangers to Casual Relationship.

It was easy to find his compartment, as Pansy was standing right at its door and waving her arms towards him enthusiastically. He had just settled down with Pansy and company when the train started moving with a rumble.

So far, so good, except there was a new screen with a countdown flashing now:

Meet the Golden Trio 

Requirements: Build a Connection with the three as one.

Now what the hell was that?

Chapter Text

“I have decided, I will have three husbands and at least two wives,” Draco announced as they all settled in their compartments.

He had thought about this long and hard. He wasn't going to groom these kids but he sure as hell was going to let his queer freak flag fly away. He has decided he was going to make his story paths as queer-friendly as possible, if the System had a problem with that it should have taken its time and contacted Draco. Also, Yes, he was still bitter about all that queer-bashing from the author. Thank you very much. He will be preaching love is love as much as possible.

“And have you selected any candidates as of yet?” Blaise asked all blasé about it.

“Nope, I'm currently in the process of shortlisting.” He gave him a cheeky grin. “But I might have met a pair of twins who might be just perfect for me.”

“Oooh. I like this idea.” Pansy announced, excitement clear. “We can go spouse hunting together.”

“Are we talking husband no. 1, no. 2, no. 3 or all at once?” Greg asked confusion clear on his face. Draco had realized this on their second meeting that Greg normally asked all the sensible questions.

“Of course, all together. Can you imagine one spouse in every magical continent?” Now that would be something, a spouse in every different area code. He could feel his grin spreading.

“A what in what?” Theodore asked all calm and controlled. 

“Oh nothing you just wait. This would prove the best idea yet.” Draco made a dismissive motion and the group went back to their discussions.

For some god-forsaken reason, his mind went back to when he had heard Mrs. Weasley pitying Harry Potter at the station, “Poor Harry - no wonder….” while some of the others have been asking him if he remembered that eggheaded snake Voldy. 

No wonder Harry Potter had been a headcase and had the propensity to sacrifice himself for anyone at the drop of a hat.

According to the System screen he had just a little more than an hour to complete his current task, which might not be even enough. He was back to cursing the damn System again when the door to their compartment opened.

“Has anyone seen a toad?” the girl asked. It was easy to identify the girl, she had a distinct know-it-all look (yes, that is a thing), a bushy out-of-control mane for hair, and a button nose right above two slightly large front teeth. (Sue him, but he liked this version of Hermione better than the movies)

He silently watched Pansy greet her and promise to find her if she came upon the missing toad. (He might have given them a short course on How not to hate muggle-borns in their meetings.)

He told the others that he would be back after greeting his other friends and exited the compartment. He readily saw the blinking arrow pointing towards Harry Potter’s compartment, he might have activated the Additional Help option last night, which was proving to be helpful already.

He made sure to open a couple of other doors just to be less conspicuous before going to that compartment. (Yes, people he had a plan. He had made extensive strategies on his gameplay in the last month or so.)

Even he before slid open the door, he could see a redhead with freckles taking the seat opposite Harry Potter. He was guessing this one was the infamous Ron Weasley.

“Oh Hello there,” he announced his entrance with a pleasant surprise in his voice. (He was playing it safe. Sue him.)

“It’s you!… er… I mean Hello Draco.” Harry Potter practically jumped towards him and shook his hand enthusiastically. It looked like he might have made a good first impression.

“I was just looking for my mates but found you, might be fate,” he said cheekily and Harry Potter scrunched up his face, abashedly. “How are you?” He sat right next to Harry Potter.

He glanced at Ron, who was pretending to be looking out the window. There was a black mark on his nose, probably snot from the floo.

“Hi there. I’m Draco Malfoy,” he said, but before Ron could begin to be disgruntled about his Malfoy status, there was a thump and the door opened again.

“Oi Ron! Lee Jordan brought a giant tarantula.” One of the twins exclaimed.

Draco had never understood the concept of siblings, especially the ones from books. (I mean come on, how could be you so callous about the fears of your loved ones?) But then again what did he know? He had always been a single child.

“Right,” Ron muttered, his color going pale, pronouncing the black of the stain on his nose.

“Harry Potter! & Draco Malfoy!” exclaimed the other twin. “Did we introduce ourselves? Fred & George Weasley at your service. And this is Ron, our brother. See you later, then.” with a final wave the twins were gone again.

Draco was hopeful for all the eye candy he was going to be getting at Hogwarts. He made a side note to not be a pervert ever. Still, he would have plenty of options.

“Bye.” the three of them chorused.

“Are you really Harry Potter & Draco Malfoy?” Ron blurted out. He was guessing meeting Harry Potter was enough for Ron to forget his censor of meeting a Malfoy.

“Yes,” Draco replied as Harry Potter nodded.

“Oh - well, I just thought it might be one of Fred and George’s jokes. And you really got - you know….” he pointed at Harry Potter’s forehead.

Damn, this kid was insensitive. Maybe the Weasleys should spend some time teaching their kids some manners and etiquette.

Harry Potter looked at Draco before pulling his bangs back to show his scar to both of them. The scar looked nastier than the films. It looked as if it was a fresh one made just a few minutes ago instead of ten years ago.

“So, that’s where You-Know-Who-?”

If Ron didn’t shut up soon enough Draco was going to deck him, hell with the System and its tasks.

“Yes,” Harry said his face going red. (He was ashamed?) “but I don’t remember it.”

“Really?” “Nothing?” Draco & Ron said at the same time.

“Well, I remember a lot of green light, but nothing else,” Harry exclaimed.

“wow,” Ron said.

Wasn’t Harry Potter supposed to remember his mother’s screams? Oh… yeah right. That was after The Dementors, which was another book.

Ron openly stared at the scar before realizing it and turned to the window again, his ear going pink.

Maybe, just maybe, Draco might be able to teach him some manners yet.

“Are all of both of your families wizards?” Harry Potter asked. Maybe he was just resilient to insensitive behavior after all.

“Er - yes, I think so, well Mom’s got a cousin who is an accountant but we never talk about him.”

Wow, wasn’t that rich coming from a Weasley. Them hating Malfoys but being biggots and discriminating against squibs themselves.

“So, you will know lots of magic?” Harry Potter asked, his eyes going wide with excitement.

“Scrougify.” Draco pointed his wand at Ron, who jumped away as if Draco was using an unforgivable on him. The black spot on Ron’s nose vanished. (Yes. Yes, he was being a show-off. He had spent too many hours on this charm to be otherwise.)

“Er - thank you.” Ron squeaked, and Harry Potter looked at Draco as if he was…. well magic.

“Er - I didn’t have magic back where I come from. I didn’t even know there was magic a month ago. Not all was bad there, well not really. My uncle, aunt & cousin were, bad I mean. Wish I had friends.” he looked at Draco, “or three wizard brothers.” he pointed at the door and then at Ron.

“Five.” Ron said (someone needs to educate the Weasleys on some contraceptive charms, otherwise the whole wizarding world is going to be read heads only.) “We are six brothers in total and then there is Ginny.” (ah, the weaselette). “Bill and Charlie have already left. Percy’s a prefect and Fred and George mess around a lot but they are good in studies so it doesn’t really matter. All around they all are good people. And it isn’t really a big deal but it’s a lot to follow up to. You never get anything new either, I’ve got Bill’s older robes, Charlie’s older wand, and Percy’s rat.” he reached inside his robes and pulled out a sleeping fat rat. (Oh, hello there, Petter Pettigrew.)

Ron’s ears went red, finally realizing he had said too much he looked out the window but a minute later looked back at Draco, staring pointedly at him.

Guess it was his turn now. (Hey, at this point it was all just a guessing game.) Draco knew Harry Potter would never judge or think that something was wrong with Ron. Hell, he was living in a cupboard not that long ago, for him it all might as well be luxury.

“Well, you know, I’m Draco Malfoy.” He looked at them both. “I come from a long line of entitled purebloods. Nothing wrong with that but honestly, they aren’t the best. I have always been a single child so I’m excited to meet new friends.” Harry Potter gave him a reassuring smile.

Ron looked like he was holding his judgment of the Malfoys for the time being.

Harry Potter started talking about his life so far, editing out the abuse part and told Ron about having to wear Duddley’s hand-me-downs and not getting gifts for his birthdays. (Side note: Ask Dobby to pay Dursley’s a visit every day and make their lives hell.)

It did seem to cheer up Ron, and Harry Potter was talking animatedly clearly excited to talk to someone. Draco was going to make sure he could retain this kiddish happiness in Harry Potter, even if it cost some extra negative points.

“.…until Hagrid told me, I didn’t know about wizards or Voldemort….” Harry Potter stopped as Ron gasped out loud, “What?” Harry Potter looked at Draco.

“You said his name.” Draco clarified.

“I would have hoped you of all people…” Ron sounded shocked and impressed at the same time.

“I just never knew I couldn’t.” Harry Potter explained. “I’m going to be so bad at it. I don’t know anything. I’m gonna be the worst in class.” Harry Potter looked petrified at the notion.

“No, you won’t.”Draco consoled him. “There are lots of muggle-born, who know nothing about it, if they can learn so will you,” Draco assured him. “Besides, we’ll be here to help you.” he looked at Ron for backup.

“Yes absolutely,” Ron confirmed, looking at Draco in a new light.

A comfortable silence fell around them as they all looked outside the window, the train speeding past fields full of sheep and cows. Ron still holding his sleeping mouse while Harry Potter was holding Draco’s hand as if still asking for support.

When the lady with the candy trolley came by, Ron refused any candies, pulling out an awful-looking sandwich (no shade to Molly’s cooking) while Harry Potter insisted on buying three of every candy available. Draco tried to pay for the candies but was overruled by Harry Potter saying that Dursley’s never let him have candies and for once in his life he had pockets full of money so he would pay for his candies himself.

Draco just laughed at his excitement and Ron looked speechless.

Draco did, however, make a side note to let the Weasleys know how they were hurting his kid and to boost Ron’s self-esteem as well. Then there was the hilarious event of Harry Potter’s chocolate frog running away, as Ron waited for Hermione’s arrival. He had 15 minutes remaining on the countdown and still had no idea what would happen if he failed to complete the task in time. Stupid System Guide.

Draco had been keeping an eye on the door, that’s why just when there was clattering outside the door he took his wand out and pointed at Harry Potter...

“Sorry, have you guys seen a toad, at all?” It was a guy all tearful which he was guessing was Neville. (Yes, guessed. Get with the program people.)

“he’s lost his toad. We are trying to find him.” (Finally! There she is.) Hermione said from behind Neville, rubbing his back and consoling him. The bossy voice and know-it-all mannerisms just made her too intimidating for her fellow students. The three of them shook their head in negative.

“Oh, are we doing magic? Let’s see it then.” she moved in and sat next to Ron, Neville and his toad completely forgotten.

“Reparo.” Draco gave a confidant swish of his wand and Harry Potter’s glasses repaired itself with a little sizzle.

Harry Potter was cross-eyed, trying to look at his glasses which were still on his face (Bless his innocent heart,), Ron was whooping and Hermione gave an appreciative clap while Neville went back to his toad search.

“Wow, that’s brilliant. I’m Hermione Granger, by the way. I was ever so thrilled to receive the letter, you know. I’m the first in my family to receive it. Of course, I mean, it’s the best school of witchcraft ever.” Hermione said in a breathless rush.

“That’s what he said.” Harry Potter pointed at Draco who was trying his best not the laugh at the unintended pun. “I mean, he said that Hogwarts was the best school.”

“Of course.” Draco and Hermione said together. The timer on the System screen stopped and a new notification of “Task completed.” flashed just as his Connection of Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger updated to Casual Relationship.

“I’m Draco Malfoy.” Draco offered his hand and Hermione gave a firm handshake. (Dominant in the making, mark my words.)

“I’m Ron Weasley,” Ron muttered.

“Harry Potter.” Harry Potter said.

And again Hermione went on a long breathless rant about Harry Potter and his mentions in the wizarding history books (which Hermione had learned by heart already, obviously.) Then they started talking about which house they wanted: Hermione Ravenclaw, Ron Gryffindor, Draco was open to options and Harry Potter didn’t know what Houses even meant. That initiated another heated explanation.

Just as the train started to slow down, Draco excused himself to go and get ready for school in his compartment with his other friends. He also accompanied Hermione to her compartment on his way.

So, far so good. However, just as the train completely stopped, there was another notification, fortunately without any countdowns.

Sorting Ceremony

Requirements: Get sorted in Slytherin.

WTF! Get sorted? How was he supposed to do that? Was he supposed to persuade the Hat now? 

This bloody stupid System…..

.

Chapter Text

One thing he didn’t understand: why put a bunch of naive, innocent eleven-year-olds in boats over a lake with a mega-giant squid from the lore? Had he mentioned, he didn't like boats, especially in lakes or any large body of water, yet? Stupid Network, Stupid System.

Out of the train and into the boats they went. All the first-year students were gathered by Hagrid and led to the boats. They were told to divide into fours and get into the boats. It was an eclectic mix of students for every boat.

Pansy was joined by Hermione, Daphne Greengrass, and Millicent Bulstrode (His memory of these side characters was awfully bad. He could use a character guide right about now. Bloody Stupid System!) Theo, Blaise, Greg, and Vince were in one boat, and Harry Potter, Draco, Ron, and Neville were together in another. He tried his best to remain in the middle of the boat, hanging on to Harry’s arm. (The Hero aura was probably a safe bet to survive in.) Had he mentioned he hated lakes?

On the other hand, the first view of the castle from the boat was phenomenal. It was - for lack of a better word - magical. The vast castle with its enormous towers and turrets sat atop a high mountain, just above the great lake, with the starry night sky as a background, was a sight right out of a fairy tale, which technically this might actually be.

As they reached the castle and were getting off the boat, he felt something moving in his robe.

“Oi! Is this your toad?” he held out the ball of slime for Neville to see.

“Trevor,” Neville cried out and jumped to snatch his toad away. It was a truly heartfelt reunion.

Once off the boats, Hagrid led the students to a staircase that had a large oak door at the top. Hagrid used his huge paws to knock on the door.

The door swung open at once. A tall, black-haired witch with sharp features was standing there in emerald green velvet robes. Her no-nonsense demeanor and stern face screamed she was not to be trifled with. If he had to wager a guess (which he did, thank you very much), this was none other than Minerva McGonagall. She looked younger than her movie counterpart.

“Thank you, Hagrid. I’ll be taking them from here.” She dismissed Hagrid and led the students to another marble staircase. The entrance had walls lined with lit torches, and the ceilings were so high it was hardly visible. Professor McGonagall took the students to a relatively small, empty chamber just off the hall.

Draco was surrounded by awed students, along with one Harry Potter, who was looking around with excitement, awe, and curiosity visible on his face from the grandeur of the castle so far. McGonagall gave them a little speech about what the houses were, what each house meant, and how they would be sorted into a house that suited them best. McGonagall also told them to get themselves ready and stepped out of the room.

Draco straightened his robes and saw Harry Potter trying to flatten his hair which just made this curly mess even more messy. Draco decided to help him a little and used a charm to settle that mess down.

“How exactly do they sort us into houses?” Harry Potter asked no one in general.

“Some sort of test, I think,” Ron offered. “Fred and George said it hurts a lot, but that might have been a joke.” (Draco was going to have a little chat with those twins.)

Harry Potter went pale. Draco guessed it was the fear of getting tested. Meanwhile, Hermione was talking, all breathless and in a rush, about how she had learned a lot of spells by heart. It just served to increase Harry Potter’s anxiety.

Draco gave a firm squeeze to Harry's hand, in silent support. However, before he could say anything to reassure Harry Potter, there were loud clattering noises as 20 or so ghosts entered the room. The ghosts were arguing about how Peeves had done something bad. Harry Potter looked at Draco, a question clear in his eyes. Draco just answered with a “resident poltergeist. I’ll tell you about it later.”

“...and what do we have here?” A ghost wearing ruffs and tight pants inquired.

“New students about to be sorted, I suppose,” the ghost whom Ruffs had called Fat Friar earlier, said, smiling at the students.

The students just nodded mutely at him, and Fat Friar launched into his campaign to have them join the Hufflepuffs (he wished), when a sharp voice rang through the room.

“The Sorting Ceremony is about to start,” McGonagall announced. “Now, form a line and follow me.”

Just after a couple of steps, Draco realized Harry Potter was not moving from his spot. He held Harry's wrist in a firm hold and pulled him out of the room and promptly gasped (actually, there was a chorus of gasps).

It should have been named the Grand Hall not just the great hall; it was truly spectacular. There were four large tables (one for each house) filled with students, just a few blank spots which he guessed were for first years. The teachers were seated at the table facing the student tables on one side of a slightly elevated floor. The tables were decorated with sparkly goblets, plates, and cutlery. (No food yet. Damn, he was hungry.)

There were hundreds of candles floating on the ceiling, while the ceiling itself was bewitched to show the night sky outside right now (as informed by Hermione).

While Draco had been observing his surroundings, Harry Potter was focused on the chair placed in front of the faculty table, facing the student tables. There was a leather, patched, and frayed hat on the chair. The years of use were visible by the condition of the leather.

“Are we supposed to perform a trick with the hat?” Harry Potter asked, and Draco snorted, which sounded especially loud due to the complete silence that had fallen in the hall (Ominous much?).

All of a sudden, the Hat burst into a song, which was quite honestly not that good.

“We are supposed to try on the Hat, and it will tell us which house suits us best,” Draco explained in a small voice.

“I’m going to kill Fred and George; they made it sound like we have to fight a troll,” Ron grumbled.

Oh no, that’s for Halloween. Draco thought. Harry Potter smiled weakly at them, relief visible on his face.

The first few sortings went smoothly and quite cheerfully. Sometimes the Hat would announce the house at once, but sometimes it took a moment for the sorting. For those, the Hat and the students seemed to be engrossed in a discussion, but nothing was heard by the students surrounding them.

“Granger, Hermione.”

“Gryffindor!” the Hat shouted readily enough.

A horrible thought struck Draco: what if the Hat sorted him. HIM, not Draco? He had always drawn Ravenclaw in his other life. Would it mean he failed the task? Would it affect his future storylines?

“Malfoy, Draco,” before he could stress anymore, McGonagall called him.

He went forward with as much confidence as he could muster, which was honestly not very much. As soon as the Hat was placed on his head, everything around him got blurry, as if looking through a filter. The voices from the surrounding students also dulled down to a buzz.

“Interesting. Very interesting indeed,” said a small voice near his ear. “This is intriguing. Someone not from this world, not a soul for this world indeed. Now where should I put you? You certainly don't match a single house.”

“Definitely Slytherin,” he thought.

“Are you sure? You could just join Gryffindor and make more progress by being near Harry Potter. But again, who's to say it won’t turn bad for you? Hmm… Interesting mind indeed. Well enough, SLYTHERIN.” As the Hat was removed, and the world came back into focus, he saw and heard Harry Potter giving the loudest cheers along with his other friends, who so far had been sorted into Slytherin, while the other houses actually booed. (For God’s sake, were these idiots just teaching the students to be prejudiced and practice bigotry and discrimination? What was even the point of the so-called house unity? Even the author was idiot enough to write a whole moral book series for young children from the POV of a single house? And not to mention how biased the whole books had been.)

As he joined others at the Slytherin table, he kept hearing murmurs about a hat stall. After a couple more sortings, it was Harry Potter’s turn. His sorting into Gryffindor caused the loudest cheers of the night. Everyone was either clapping, patting his back, or congratulating him for coming to Gryffindor. Even the bloody ghosts were congratulating him.

This whole time, his System screen had been flashing “Task Complete,” and there were random pings indicating his skill upgrades. This task had yielded the biggest rewards yet. His charms had upgraded to Proficient, as well as his Quidditch and flying skills, which had upgraded to Expert. All his Slytherin Connections had upgraded to Essential Relationship. However, his Connection with Ron kept jumping back and forth between Acquaintance and Casual Relationship.

After the sortings came to an end, Dumbledore stood and congratulated all on their sorting, and the Feast officially began. The food appeared on the tables at once, and the food was absolutely delicious. Say whatever you want about those creepy-eyed creatures, but they damn well knew how to cook.

During the meal, there was constant chatter among the students, from introductions to welcomes to forming new connections. The Feast was proving to be a lively event. He kept a watch on Harry Potter in between; it looked like they were having an equally great time. Nine out of ten times Harry was looking right back at him, with a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.

When everyone had their fill and had eaten enough, the food on the tables vanished and was replaced by desserts of multiple kinds. From pies to cakes to tarts to ice cream, everything was available.

He knew Harry Potter liked treacle tarts, so he levitated a tart very carefully through the Great Hall and placed it in front of Harry.

Harry gave him a startled look, which transformed into a huge smile. Someone shouted from the faculty table, “Ten points for Slytherin for an excellent display of levitation charm and house unity.” Draco didn’t pay enough attention to see who had said that, but there was a loud cheer from his house table, so it was good enough.

A couple of minutes later, Ron’s Connection stabilized into Essential Relationship right along with Harry, Neville, and Hermione. Harry Potter went back to talking with the twins while Hermione was having an animated discussion with Percy Weasley. (Yes, he hadn’t guessed this one. One of the System upgrades. He won’t be playing any more guessing games. Finally.)

He also saw Harry Potter flinch at one point when he was looking at the faculty table. Oh, poor Snape… or not. He still wasn’t sure if this was the movie version or the book version. He needed to find that before he could move on with his game plan. Where was that stupid System again?

At last, the dessert ended and Dumbledore stood once again and started his small speech on: No Forbidden Forest, Quidditch tryouts in the second week, and the Third-floor corridor being forbidden for all students.

Great, if that wasn’t the biggest invitation for eleven-year-olds to be nosy. Was this guy really this dumb? Everyone and their mother knew kids went for the forbidden things like bears went for honey. On second thought, Dumbledore just might be That stupid gay bitch. He should also look for proof on that front. God knows no one was ever single for that long. On that note, he should also check McGonagall; she gave off some solid sapphic vibes. Now that’s a mystery he was eager to solve.

There was the school song which started enthusiastically enough, but at the end, only the twins and a few other students were singing it. Dumbledore gave a thunderous round of applause, and with a final goodbye, the Prefects were instructed to lead the students to their house dorms.

The Slytherin students were led towards the dungeons, and if that wasn’t bad enough, they had to endure hundreds and hundreds (well, not really, but you get the gist) of stairs before they reached the painting of a seriously suspicious-looking man.

They were informed about the what and what-nots, and also advised to never share their password with students from other houses, which was stupid. What if there was an emergency, and you couldn’t reach safety because you didn’t know the stupid password? Also, it was hinted that the password never changed.

As they scrambled through the entrance and entered the common room, appreciative ohs and ahs were heard from the students. The common room was huge and elegant and sophisticated and posh, and exactly what could be expected from a bunch of snobbish idiots. The decorations were emerald and green but done so tastefully, that it felt like proper art. The elegance and sophistication bordered on intimidating.

First-years were led to their dorms through a staircase on the left and informed that their luggage had already been delivered. They were divided into three to one room. Draco, Blaise, and Theo in one, Pansy with Daphne and Millicent, while Greg and Vincent were with some other student Draco had yet to meet.

The rooms were large, and spacious enough for three roommates. Three large four-poster beds lined along one side. One wall had a door leading to the en-suite bathroom, which was equipped with all the necessities and a Jacuzzi-sized bathtub. All the walls were lined with windows which showed a truly dark and sinister view of the Great Lake. The room was airy enough but still somehow had that distinct musty basement smell.

They took turns to use the bathroom and changed into their pajamas. Everyone was tired enough from the long day full of excitement and travel that they decided to just fall asleep.

He was just glad that for once since he came to this world; he didn’t have any tasks to worry about.

Chapter Text

Have you ever witnessed entitled, snobby eleven-year-olds left to their own devices without their house elves? If not, then consider yourself lucky. Life at the castle was chaotic for these newcomers.

His first day at the castle started late. For the record, he wasn't a late sleeper or riser (depends on how you see it), but this was the first night he could finally enjoy a proper night's sleep without worrying about anything or any tasks. So naturally, he slept in. It took both Blaise and Theo to get him to wake up. They barely made it to breakfast.

For the first few days, every student, whether first-year or sixth-year, made it their agenda to gawk at Harry Potter during breakfast. Not only did it annoy Harry, but it also affected his ability to eat properly. So Draco made it a routine to head straight to the Gryffindor table every morning, sit next to Harry, ruffle his hair, fill his plate, and encourage him to eat properly, which he did. 

Every morning, Harry had something to share while Draco had tea with the Gryffindors. Sometimes, Neville would join Ron and Hermione, and occasionally, the twins would join. That's how he discovered that Harry Potter became very animated when he was excited about something. He used his hands and sometimes his whole body to convey his excitement. Afterward, he would return to his fellow Slytherins and have breakfast with them.

The rest of the days went by in a blur of classes, with people treating Harry Potter as an alien being and Draco taking extended tours of the castle. So far, it all seemed to be right out of the book.

The castle had its own personality for sure. There were more than 148 staircases (yes, he had counted), which changed route on their own. The staircases lead to different rooms on different days. So it became necessary to try and remember their patterns.

There were doors that would open as soon as you reached them, and then there were some doors that wouldn't open unless you asked politely or tickled them a certain way. Then there were doors that weren't doors at all but walls pretending to be doors. Some paintings also acted as doors and some doors were just paintings.

There were a lot of pictures and paintings in the castle too. The people in the paintings liked to move around. Some even carried messages to other parts of the castle, while others just visited other paintings for a change of scenery. There were statues that were incredibly realistic, and then the suits of armor, which could move.

Also, it was hard to remember where everything was. The castle itself was sentient, so everything kept moving around.

On his third day here, Draco had decided to get the map from Filch's room, but it wasn't there anymore. Guess the twins had already found it.

He tried to spend as much time as he could with his Slytherin friends, and they ran into Harry and his gang often enough on their way to the Great Hall or their classes. Draco and Hermione had a standing arrangement to meet in the library at least once every day to study and finish homework. Ron and Harry Potter spent most of their free time exploring the castle on their own.

He had thought about showing them the Room of Requirements but then decided against it, and to wait until next year.

Draco had also reached an agreement with the twins to not prank or involve his Slytherin friends in any pranks, and Draco would steer clear of any retribution against them. This agreement was made after the twins had accidentally (that's what the twins insisted upon) turned Pansy's hair Weasley red. In retribution, Draco had transfigured Fred's (he had used the System to identify them) to polka-dot rainbow.

The twins also proved to be a great ally when it came to Peeves and his nefarious mischief. They did, however, break a cabinet, which might have been magical, during one of their mischievous escapades. The four of them decided to hide the cabinet in one of the abandoned classrooms and agreed to never talk about it again.

The classes so far have been delightful. Wednesday midnight Astronomy became his favorite instantaneously. He had always liked stargazing, and he could now do it without the worry of being caught and punished. He would also be learning the names of the stars and following their movements through the universe, which was just cherry on the cake.

Then there was Herbology and Professor Sprout. For the love of God, he could not comprehend how a class could be so boring and chaotic at the same time. He also knew he would need Neville's notes to pass this one.

History of Magic proved to be a hoot. The teacher was an actual ghost and didn't care if the students slept through his class. After Draco found out that he could access the entire history on his System, he had decided to use this class for midday naps. He was pretty sure almost every student slept through this one except for Hermione and Blaise.

The Charms class and Professor Flitwick were another surprise. He was pretty sure Flitwick was a half-goblin and had a bet running with the twins. On their first day when Flitwick realized Harry Potter was in his class, he had fallen off his desk in excitement. Flitwick was also the teacher who had awarded Slytherin 10 points for the levitation charm on the Welcome Feast. Needless to say, Draco and Harry Potter became his favorite students.

Professor McGonagall had proven to be the most stern and firm teacher. She welcomed them to their first class with a speech that essentially said, "If you misbehave in my class, you are not coming back." The first class had been more about theory, and the last quarter of the class was for them to try and change the matchsticks into needles. Hermione and Draco had transfigured the matches into needles at the same point, and McGonagall had looked like she was about to burst into happy tears.

Defense Against Dark Arts was just disappointing. Quirrell had proven himself to be a blithering, stuttering idiot, and the twins had later confirmed that he was a mess in every class. (Dumbledore and his stupid scheme to groom Harry Potter into a warrior, no doubt.)

During these classes, Draco had made sure to provide Harry with some tidbits and random facts about magic and potions. It might have been his personal quest to help Harry pass the Snape Inquisition and Today was the day when he would find out if he had passed this self-assigned task.

It was Friday, a double class of Potions with Snape, after which they were free for the day. During breakfast, Harry had received a letter from his owl. After three minutes of receiving it (yes, he had timed it), Harry had come to the Slytherin table and invited him for tea at Hagrid's hut. He didn't have any plans for the day, so he readily accepted.

After breakfast, they went to Potions class together, and Draco made sure to sit with Harry (for moral support, obviously.) Snape made the introductory threats of failing them and advised them to do their work on time. After he had mocked the students for their brain capacity enough, he launched his attack on Harry.

"Potter, what would you get if I added powdered roots of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?" Snape asked in his monotonous voice.

Harry and Ron, sitting next to each other, both looked stumped. Harry blinked a couple of times to better understand the question. Draco touched his knee to Harry's, conveying his silent support. Harry looked at Draco from the side of his eye and stuttered a reply. "The Draught of Living Death?"

Snape looked taken aback for a second but continued, "Where would you look if I asked you to find me a bezoar?"

"A goat's gut, sir?" Harry replied.

"What's the difference between monkshood and wolfsbane?" Snape snapped.

"They are the same, sir." This time, Harry gave Draco a curious glance before he answered.

Snape huffed, clearly not expecting this and grumbled at the students, "Why aren't you copying it down?"

The System pinged, showing that Draco had earned some new skill points. Apparently, the self-assignment had somehow become a customized task in the System, earning him some special points.

After that, Snape told them to divide into groups of two for the potion-making. Draco paired up with Harry, Ron with Hermione, Pansy with Blaise, and interestingly enough, Theo paired with Neville. They were given instructions to prepare a potion to cure boils.

The class went smoothly until the end when Theo had gone to retrieve something from the inventory, and Neville somehow managed to melt down their cauldron. Fortunately, Theo had managed to stop it before it could cause any injuries.

After the class was over, Ron joined them, and they went to Hagrid's for tea, where Harry found out about the break-in at Gringotts and Hagrid proved to be the worst liar in the world. Harry and Ron returned suspicious and curious about the connection between the break-in and the forbidden third-floor corridor. Draco tried his best to ensure them that Snape was innocent but failed.

Thus, the week ended, and Draco had the whole weekend to enjoy and relax some more. So far, this had been an average back-to-school week, which in itself was worrying enough. The calm felt like a harbinger of the storm. But for now, Draco was excited for the adventures in their future. That stupid System could go to hell. Draco was doing fine without it.

Chapter Text

Draco had never thiught he'd be facing bullies in this world. It wasn't as if he had spent 14 years of his previous life being a punching bag for such tormentors. However, for some reason it never occurred to him that, now that he was occupying the role of Draco Malfoy, resident bully of Hogwarts, someone else might be willing to assume that position.

Yet, as so often happened in life, Draco found himself proven wrong once again. Graham Montigue, a second-year Slytherin, had taken it upon himself to make Draco's life as uncomfortable as possible. It was beyond Draco's comprehension why Montigue would be foolish enough to make an enemy out of a Malfoy, but he had nonetheless done so.

It began rather unremarkably, with snide remarks here, sneers there, and derisive taunts scattered in between. Whenever Montigue believed he could escape consequences, he would insult Draco or his friends. Draco had learned early in life that bullies were primarily attention whores, and fighting back only lead to pain. So, Draco& co., (yes, he had deemed his group of friends as such) decided to ignore Montigue; he simply wasn't worth their time. (damn it this world was making him snobby).

Classes were going as expected and so far aside from a couple of Side quests the System had been mostly silent. The stupid System Guide was still a no show.

During the second week, the announcement came that flying lessons would commence on Thursday. Draco and his fellow Slytherins, alongside Ron, were ecstatic, while Harry, Hermione, and Neville were freaking out.

"I'll make a fool of myself on a broomstick in front of the whole school," Harry whined, dropping his head on the table with a thud.

"No, you won't," Draco assured him. They were sitting in the library for Draco and Hermione's daily meeting to complete their Potions essay. He looked up from the parchment to see Harry, who appeared miserable, adorably miserable.

"Easy for you to say. You've been flying your whole life. The only interaction I ever had with a broomstick was to clean the floors at home." Harry pouted, making him even more endearing.

"Harry, I promise you'll do great on the broomstick," Draco reassured him, pinching Harry's cheeks. "And if, for some reason, you do make a fool of yourself, I will demand retribution on your behalf from anyone who dares to laugh at you." A small smile appeared on Harry's face.

"What about us?" Hermione, sitting opposite them, pointed at Neville and herself. Unlike Harry, she had been afraid of flying but unlike Harry instead of whining, had found a book, 'Quidditch Through the Ages,' to learn everything she could about flying. Neville, on the other hand, had never flown before, so Blaise's and Theo's attempts to console him were all in vain so far.

"Promise, I'll take care of you two," Draco gave them a reassuring smile.

On Thursday morning, an owl delivered a package from Neville's Gran while Draco was having tea with Harry and their Gryffindor friends. Inside was a Rememberall, a small, color-changing orb. Neville explained, "This tells you if you have forgotten something. It changes its color to..." Neville's face fell as the color changed to red promptly, "...red if you forget something." 

Suppressing the urge to facepalm, Draco ruffled Harry's hair and informed Neville that he had forgotten his robes before going to the Slytherin table to finish his breakfast.

It was a clear and breezy day, so after breakfast, they decided to complete their essays in the lawn. Draco, Hermione, and Pansy worked on their Charms homework, while Harry took a nap with his head on Draco's lap. Ron, Vince, and Greg had the kitchen elves bring them some picnic food, and Theo, Blaise, and Neville worked on their Herbology essays.

At half-past one, they packed their bags and headed to the Flying lessons on the grounds. Slytherin and Gryffindor students lined up in two opposing rows, each with a broomstick next to them on the ground.

Madam Hooch, a sharp-nosed and hawk-eyed woman with short grey hair, arrived on time.

"Everyone, stand by a broomstick," she called from the front. "Stick out your right hand over the broom and say 'Up.'"

"Up!" everyone shouted.

Harry, Draco and a couple of other students had their brooms in their hand at the first try. Harry flashed a grin at Draco, as Draco looked around him. Some of the students were having trouble calling their brooms and then there were Hermione and Neville.
Hermione’s broom just rolled over and refused to move no matter how many times she called Up and Neville’s broom didn’t even twitched once.

Madam Hooch demonstrated how to mount a broom and assume the proper flying stance before moving up and down the rows to correct some students. She instructed, “Now, when I blow my whistle, I want you guys to kick off, rise a few feet abouve the ground and then lean forwards slightly to come down.” Madam Hooch said, “On my whistle - one - two -”

Before she could count down, Neville’s broom shoot straight up. And up, and up it went. And then he was falling down.

Theo and Blaise moved ahead to catch him but Neville fell to the ground with a loud Thump. The damage was done before Hooch could reach Neville, she gave him one look and murmured something about a broken ankle. The next moment, Theo and Blaise were carrying a half unconcious Neville to the Hospital wing while Madam Hooch delivered a heartfelt threat of “Don’t mount your brooms before I come back.” and went after Neville.

As soon as they left, the System pinged with a notification:

Help Harry Get Selected

Requirement: Have McGonagall notice Harry’s flying skills.

The countdown began, giving them only 10 minutes. What the bloody hell! So much for a calm easy day. Stupid System.

Draco, without thinking, flashed Harry a mischievous grin and said, "Race you to the towers."

"What?" Harry asked, baffled.

"Scared, Potter?" Draco taunted, then flew towards the Gryffindor towers.

It took less than 10seconds, for Harry to follow him. They took turns flying circles around each other, blocking each other's path and just one up-ing one another. Draco was first to touch the towers.

There were gasps and whooping from the students on the ground. They were laughing loudly, from the rush of invigorating flight making their cheecks red and their eyes twinkle, when they rejoined their class fellows. There were high fives and back claps from others. Hermione was glaring at them but before she could tell them off….

"Harry Potter! Draco Malfoy!" she shouted, her voice seething with fury. "Never.... in all my years at Hogwarts… You could have died."

Draco looked at Harry who was trying to hide his grin from the corner of his eye. The System gave a few pinges of “Task Completed” and the screen vanished.

"Follow me," McGonagall turned and strode towrds the castle without giving them a glance. "You too, Mr. Malfoy," she called when Draco hesitated.

30minutes later, their friends found them outside McGonagall's office, looking puzzled, stunned, and shocked all at once. 

It took 15 more minutes to find that Draco and Harry have been selected to be the new seekers for Slytherin and Gryffindor. The boys were thrilled, Pansy was little miffed (she wanted to try out for Quidditch as well and Hermione just informed them that they were the youngest seekers in the last century. She also told Harry that he was right on the path of his father and promised to show him James Potter’s trophies the next day.

Fred and George were the first to congratulate them. They joined Draco & Co. for dinner at the Gryffindor table, in lieu of a celebration. (May be Draco should tell them about the Room of Requirements.)

“Well done,” George said giving Harry a high five, “Wood told us. We are on the team with you, Harry.” 

“I tell you, we are going to win the cup this year, you snakes have no chance.” Fred pointed at Draco.

“You wish.” Draco mock sneered.

“Anyways, we have got to go. Pranks to plan. Mischief to achieve. See you later, seekers. Have fun training.” the twins disappeared just as fast as they had come.

Not a second later, Montegue turned up at the Gryffindor table.

“Heard about you guys getting caught by McGonagall. When are you guys catching the train back home?” he taunted Draco and Harry.

“Oh, didn’t you hear?” Draco said to Montegue with mock surprise, while Harry laughed at him.

“Heard what?” Montigue frowned.

“Oh, that’s right, he’s not on the team anymore.” Ron informed everyone.

Montigue looked from Draco to Harry and the other laughing, and finally clued in that something was not as he thought.

"You're looking at the new seekers for Slytherin and Gryffindor," Blaise added with a touch of haughty derision.

It didn’t take anything more for Montigue to turn tail and run away.

Friday turned out to be the worst day yet, in this world. Draco woke up late and missed breakfast. After a late breakfast almost lunch, when he came back to get his books for Potions, he found his room in shambles.

His trunk was open and his clothes and belongings were scattered on the floors. His Potions essay was on the side table, covered in ink. His bed was full of green slime, that no matter how many times he used Scourgify, refused to budge.

When he came down to the common room, he saw Montigue sitting on a sofa smirking at him. He didn’t have the time not the patience to fight him unless he wanted to be late for Potions on top, so he just left irritated, frustrated and itching to throw a punch at Montigue.

Snape gave him detention for not doing his essay. After the class on his way to Hagrid’s for tea, he fell and sprained his ankle. By the time, he reached Slytherin common room he was hanging to his sanity by a single thread. It didn’t take more than a sneer from Montigue to short his fuse.

It all happened too fast. Words were exchanged, wands were drawn, and spells were cast. Some senior students attempted to intervene, but Draco was hit before they could separate them.

That’s how he landed in the Hospital wing, hexed by Montigue. Only  to be rescued by Madam Pomfrey’s expert ministrations. She gave him an elixir for bone regeneration to mend his Spongified legs and a vial of Dreamless Sleep to help him with pain for the overnight treatment.

As he lay in the hospital bed, he reflected on the day's events and once again cursed the Stupid System Guide, who was still nowhere to be found.

Chapter Text

He couldn't move. Someone was holding him down. He knew what was happening, but that couldn't be right. Could it? He had escaped from that hell many, many months ago. Then why couldn't he move?

He tried to scream, to shout for help, but his lips refused to move. Someone was choking him now. He couldn't breathe. His lungs started to burn due to the lack of oxygen. How had they found him? How did they get here? He was supposed to be at Hogwarts; where were his friends?

"Help..." he croaked. His voice was small, his words shattered. He could barely hear his own voice; how could someone else hear him?

They were laughing at him now, mocking him for his kohl-lined eyes. Someone was trying to guess the shade of purple his face had turned into. Someone was suggesting drowning him in the bathtub instead of choking him.

"Pl... Please... Help..." He tried screaming again. Why wouldn't his hand move? If only he could move his hands, maybe he could free himself.

"Draco!" Harry? Harry was here somewhere?

"Help," he rasped. Maybe Harry would hear him and come to help.

"Draco, wake up, Draco!" someone was shaking him violently. He wanted to run away again. Someone, please get him out of here.

"Harry, help... Please..." He cried out.

"Draco!" someone shouted again.

He shot straight up. He was panting, his mouth was dry. He was gasping for breath, his chest hurt, he pressed his hands to his chest to relieve the pain.

All of a sudden, someone was hugging him. "You're okay. You're safe, Draco. I'm here. It's okay. You're safe." Harry. It was Harry holding him.

Slowly, very slowly, his breathing became normal. The haziness and panic of the nightmare started to wear off. As Harry released him and moved away, he realized they were in the Hospital wing.

"Do you need water?" Harry asked softly, his eyes wide with fear. Fear for him?

Draco nodded, mouth too dry to speak. His mind still spinning. That was a dream, a bad dream. He tried to reassure himself. It was nothing more than a nightmare. Then the darkness in his mind argued, what if this was the dream, a nice one, and that was the reality?

"Am I dreaming?" He asked Harry to break free of the panic.

"No, this is real." Harry held his hand tightly, reassuring him, calming him. "Madam Pomfrey gave you Dreamless sleep. I think it didn't suit you. Whatever it was, it was just a nightmare. You're safe, here with me."

Oh, Harry! Poor naive innocent Harry. He didn't know what Draco knew, what Draco had lived through. It had all been real, and so, so painful.

"What happened?" Draco lied back down.

"Montague hexed you with a Softening Charm. Madam Pomfrey gave you an elixir for bone regeneration, but it's a painful process, so she also gave you a Dreamless Sleep..."

"Which I'm guessing didn't suit you," Madam Pomfrey said as she came over to check on Draco. "I'll make a note in the books, so this doesn't happen again," she said. "How are you feeling? Can you move your legs?" Draco moved his legs and told her he was fine; there wasn't any pain or distress.

"That's good. That also means you can leave whenever you are ready, no rush on my account. But just in case you feel any other side effects, you come to me and we'll see what we can do about it, okay?" she said.

Draco just nodded, still not fully awake from the nightmare. His reality still blurry.

"Everyone had been really worried about you," Harry said once Pomfrey was gone. "We didn't even know anything. Why didn't you say anything about Montague?"

"He's a git. Don't worry about him." Draco got comfortable on the bed. "So, what did I miss?" He didn't feel fine enough to move just yet.

"While Blaise was trying to break up your fight with Montague, Theo went and got Snape. They arrived just when Montague spongified your legs. Snape was furious. Apparently, Snape tore Montague a new one. He'll have detention for a month." Harry grinned, "We wanted to tell your parents, but Snape wanted us to wait. He said it would be better if you told them."

"That's good. Mother would have murdered Montague." Draco might not be her real son, but even he knew Narcissa Malfoy would have unleashed hell if someone hurt Draco.

"Oh! Also Ron, Hermione and I accidentally got on the third floor and almost became dinner for a three-headed dog." Harry said as an afterthought.

"You what?" Draco shouted.

"Well, you weren't there for dinner. When I asked Pansy about it, she told me about Montague and I might have challenged him for a duel." Harry explained.

"Of course you did." Draco snorted.

"Nothing happened. He never showed up, but we ran into Mrs. Norris. We almost got caught by Filch, but we ran into a closed door. We had to hide before Filch could catch us, you know. So we opened the door and got inside. And there it was... a huge, three-headed dog." Harry said as if it explained everything.

Of course, they came across the dog, that's how it went. But honestly, this school was turning out to be a glorified death trap. Stupid heroes and their thirst for going straight for the dangerous animals.

Draco, not for the first time, wished again that he was a Cannon Fodder; that way he would have a simple, relatively normal life.

"Is there anything else I should know?" Draco asked, sarcastically.

"Yes!" Harry exclaimed, "that dog was guarding a trapdoor. Pansy and Hermione think it has to be the thing from Gringott's vault."

"Pansy?" Draco questioned. Pansy and Hermione? Now that was a scary combination.

"Yeah, we talked about it, all of us at breakfast." Harry replied, abashedly.

"Of course you did." Draco closed his eyes and laid down on the bed again. Silence fell for a few minutes.

"What were you dreaming about?" Harry asked in a small voice, "you were really scared and asking for help. I almost panicked seeing you like that." He could hear the worry in Harry's voice.

"I can't... I can't talk about it right now." Draco whispered. And wasn't that the truth. He realized he would tell Harry about it one day, but not right now. Not when the horrors were so fresh in his mind, when he could feel the phantom hand on his neck choking him.

"It's ok, I'm here, whenever you're ready to talk about it," Harry said and took hold of his hand in a firm grip. Just like that, the grip around his neck loosened, he was breathing again.

..........

"So, what do we think it is?" Pansy asked all of a sudden.

They were gathered in the lawn, completing their homework. Hermione, Pansy, and Ron were finishing their essay. Theo, Blaise, and Neville were discussing something from the Herbology class. Vince and Greg were busy cleaning off their food. Draco was sitting against an apple tree using its trunk as support, eyes closed, and Harry was lying down with his head on Draco's thighs and one arm covering his eyes.

"Whatever it is, it's either really valuable or really dangerous," Ron said.

"Or both," Hermione countered.

These kids and their penchant for trouble. Draco huffed, eyes still closed.

"We could always ask Hagrid," Theo said, as if that was the most logical solution.

And honestly, it was. Draco had come to the conclusion that no matter how book-smartmart these Gryffindors were, they lacked the cunning of true Slytherins. Ron sometimes made up for it with his sensible approach, but that was only once in a while.

"You guys will have to go without me. I have practice with Oliver Wood," Harry said lazily. He had received a new Nimbus 2000 broomstick just this morning, courtesy of one Professor McGonagall. Now if that wasn't unfair bias, Draco didn't know what was.

"Also, aren't you supposed to be at practice?" Hermione pointed at Draco.

"They canceled. Madam Pomfrey's orders." Draco shrugged.

"That reminds me, are we going to Nearly Headless Nick's party?" Neville asked.

"What party?" Draco sat up straight.

"Oh, sorry. I forgot to mention it," Blaise said, "He invited us all to his Halloween Party. You were in the hospital."

"I would love to," Draco replied, thrilled. Who would refuse to attend a Halloween party thrown by real, honest-to-god ghosts?

..........

On the eve of Halloween, Draco & co. were all gathered at the Gryffindor table for dinner. Harry had wanted to go straight to the party, but Vince and Greg had argued that they wouldn’t be serving human food at the party, so it was better to eat dinner first.

During dinner, Parvati somehow spilled her glass of pumpkin juice on Hermione. Pansy offered to go with Hermione to the bathrooms with her. Draco had this weird feeling that he had forgotten something but couldn't point out what.

As it became clear a few minutes later, when a panicked Quirrell entered the hall and rushed to Dumbledore's chair. He had enough sense to announce, very dramatically at that, "Troll in the dungeons" and promptly fell into a dead faint.

Here we go, Draco thought, as Dumbledore ordered the prefects to take the students to their dormitories. Draco cursed under his breath. Seriously, what was wrong with this faculty? Quirrell had just shouted that there was a troll in the dungeons and you want to send more than a hundred students to the said dungeons? The same dungeons where the troll was supposedly spotted? And on that note, what kind of fucked up safety precautions this school have? A forest right next to the school which was forbidden because dangerous creatures roamed free in there, troll-infested dormitories and a third floor with a three-headed dog? No wonder Harry spent all seven years of school fighting for his life.

Draco was so busy in his own thoughts, he didn't realize the other boys had decided to go find Pansy and Hermione. He just followed them when Harry pulled him by his wrist and went towards the bathrooms. As usual, the System screen started flashing:
Defeat the Troll, Requirements: Use one of the Expert level spells to help Save Pansy and Hermione.

Wait. What? What do you mean defeat the troll? Wasn't Harry supposed to defeat it? Wasn't Draco here just to help him?

The next 10 minutes went by in a blur. Now, don't get him wrong, he would never in any life sneak through a Ladies' Bathroom, but desperate times required desperate measures. And this was an emergency.

Theo, Neville, and Blaise did some binding spell to restrain the troll’s legs. Ron and Harry distracted it by literally climbing on its shoulders, and Draco used a levitation spell to use the troll's own club to knock it unconscious.

As the girls came out of the stall, being grateful and the boys were being boastful (obviously), just like the incompetent cops of any cheap thriller, McGonagall, Snape, and other teachers arrived at the crime scene (so to speak).

McGonagall was furious at them, but the girls explained how they had just come to wash away the juice stains, and didn't even know about the trolls. If the boys hadn't decided to come rescue them, the troll might have killed them.

Snape sneered at them (Draco should really find out if this was movie Snape or book Snape). McGonagall was furious at their stupid attempt at adventure (understandably so), still she awarded the boys 20 points each for their courage to help the girls.

During all this, Draco had been focused on Quirrell and his bad acting skills. He also felt more than heard Harry gasp when he saw Snape’s injured leg. Oh no, tomorrow was going to be frustrating. Draco really didn't have enough energy to fight for Snape’s innocence, especially when he wasn't even sure if this was the Lily-loving Innocent Snape or not.

In all this chaos and drama, he didn't find the time to look at the System or the rewards for the task completed. Finally, when he laid down on the bed to sleep, he remembered to check the System. A new item was added to his inventory. A Biting Trunk.

Now, the question was, how was he supposed to get the trunk out of the screen into his room?

Chapter Text

November arrived, and the weather turned cold. For heaven’s sake, it wasn't supposed to be this cold, this early. But of course, the stupid mountains seemed to have some vendetta against Draco.

Despite the freezing weather, Quidditch practices continued. This Saturday would host the first match of the season: Slytherin vs. Gryffindor. No matter how hard they had tried to keep it a secret (not that hard, actually), everyone at Hogwarts knew about the new first-year seekers for both teams. Students were busy betting and wagering on who would win, who would catch the Snitch, and who was the better seeker. The competition between Draco and Harry was neck and neck on the betting charts.

Thank goodness for Hermione and her obsessive need to take notes; otherwise, Draco had no idea how he would have manage the grueling practice schedule and his homework at the same time. The System, fortunately, had been quieter for the most part.

On a positive note, Draco had woken up the day after Halloween to find a new Biting Trunk at the end of his bed. No one had any idea how it got there, but Draco wasn't about to look a proverbial gift horse in the mouth. Montague also never found time to bully him again. Between the detention and glares from Theo and Blaise, Montague got the message, loud and clear, to stay away from Draco. Greg and Vince might have also paid Montague a visit during the night.

As Draco had dreaded, the Golden Trio had begun working on their campaign to incriminate Snape of stealing whatever that blasted dog was guarding. Unfortunately, Ron, Theo, Blaise, and Pansy were on Harry’s side this time. Unexpectedly enough, Neville did not agree with them. Draco picked up the habit of saying “No comment” anytime he was asked to give his thoughts on the matter, and only Theo, Harry, and Hermione understood the joke.

In early November, Harry overheard Snape complaining about the three-headed dog. Coupled with the leg injury, this proved to be the last straw in damning Snape as guilty in the eyes of Harry and the gang.

“You know what this means,” Harry said emphatically, “He tried to get past the dog but got injured. He’s trying to steal whatever the dog is guarding. I’ll bet my broomstick that he was the one who let the troll in.”

“That just means you won’t have a broom to fly in the Quidditch match,” Draco replied noncommittally. Harry glared at him in response. It just made Harry more adorable, and Draco couldn’t stop himself from pinching his cheeks.

“Stop it.” Harry slapped his hands away.

“No, he wouldn’t,” Hermione said in relation to Snape. Draco realized belatedly.

“I’m with them on this one, mate,” Neville said, “He might be an evil git, but he would never try to steal from Dumbledore.” Finally! Someone with more than two working brain cells.

“Honestly, you guys just think all teachers are saints or something,” Pansy complained.

“Exactly,” Ron sided with Pansy.

“The real question still remains the same. What is that dog guarding?” Theo reminded them. Neville huffed and went to sit with Draco.

Now, it was Neville and Draco on one side facing all the others as Hermione stood between them in the middle of the room as a neutral party. Quite literally.

“Forget it,” Draco snapped, seeing the stubborn glint in Harry’s eyes and realizing it was useless to try and make them understand. “I’m not going to waste any more time on this argument. I have more important things to do.” He left them in the library and went off alone to work on his essays.

..........

The next morning was the first since the school started when Draco didn’t have tea with Harry and the gang. For one thing, Flint wouldn’t allow him to consort with the enemy, and for a second, he was quite mad at that prat. He had never led Harry astray, so why couldn’t Harry trust Draco about Snape this once?

It didn’t, however, escape his notice how Harry didn’t finish his breakfast or how Harry kept looking at him the whole time they were in the Hall. For all Draco cared, Harry deserved to suffer a little.

By eleven o’clock, everyone from the school was in the stands of the Quidditch stadium. Both teams entered the stadium at the same time.

Draco couldn’t hear what Wood was saying to his team, but Flint basically told them to win ‘by hook or by crook’. Slimy, cheating gits. The lot of them. This was why Slytherin got a bad reputation.

As the team got ready for the game to start, Madam Hooch called the captains to the middle of the stadium. She advised them to play fair and all that and blew the whistle, signaling the start of the game.

It was a bloodbath. Draco honestly would have run away (or flown away) if it weren't for the adrenaline rush and the excitement of the game.

Halfway through the game, Harry’s broomstick started....glitching. Draco knew it was coming, but he still couldn’t quash down the pure panic he felt when he saw Harry free falling towards the ground.

He made a dive to catch Harry, but before he could reach him, Harry was on the ground, spitting out the Snitch and shouting “I’ve got it.”

In less than a minute, the Gryffindor team was surrounding Harry, shouting and celebrating their win. Flint was howling complaints about how Harry hadn’t caught the Snitch. “He had almost swallowed it.”

Twenty minutes later, Draco was hauled to Hagrid’s hut by Hermione. Everyone was already there, crowding the hut and drinking tea.

“It was Snape. We saw him. He was cursing your broomstick,” Ron was telling Harry.

“Rubbish,” Hagrid and Neville said at the same time.

“Why would Snape do something like that in front of the whole school?” Draco asked, exasperated at their insistence.

“Because he found out that Harry knew about him trying to steal whatever the dog is guarding?” Pansy replied as if it was a plausible explanation, while Harry looked at him pointedly.

“How do you know about Fluffy?” Hagrid asked, dropping the teapot in shock.

“Fluffy? Really?” Blaise looked at Hagrid, the question about his sanity clear in Blaise’s eyes.

“Yeah, Fluffy - he’s mine - I lent him to Professor Dumbledore to guard…” Hagrid cut himself off.

“For?” Ron asked eagerly.

“Stop it, Ron. Hagrid can’t tell you about it,” Blaise admonished.

“But… But Snape is trying to steal it,” Pansy said, flabbergasted.

“Snape’s a Hogwarts teacher. He would never do such a thing,” Hagrid replied.

“So, then why did he try and kill Harry today?” Hermione questioned. Looks like she’s abandoned the neutral grounds and boarded the crazy train as well.

“Hagrid,” Neville said softly, “I saw him too, you know. It looked like he was hexing Harry.” Oh no. Neville had abandoned him too.

Looks like Draco is the only sane one left. That, in itself, was a terrifying thought.

“Come on, guys. You can’t ambush Hagrid like this,” Theo argued, “He can’t tell us anything about this. We should leave him alone.” Oh no, you didn’t. You cunning little shit...

“Theo here is right. I don’t know why you all are blaming Snape for something he would never do,” Hagrid said, hotly. “Now all of you, listen to me. You're meddling in things that don't concern you. You forget about that dog, and you forget what it’s guarding. That’s between Professor Dumbledore and Nicholas Flamel—”

Draco facepalmed himself.

“Aha!” Harry and the gang shouted.

“That’s it,” Draco said, “I’m leaving. I’m done with this nonsense. Don’t you guys dare come to me when you all are proven wrong.” Draco turned and left them to their crazy conspiracy theories.

............

As November turned into December, Draco made a rule to leave their gatherings whenever they started talking about Snape and Fluffy. Draco didn’t join the Gryffindors for breakfast either, but every morning he would go to the Gryffindor table, prepare a plate full of food for Harry, and then go back to Slytherin for breakfast.

As the holidays approached, he (and everyone else) could feel Harry’s mood take a downturn. It started small. Harry glaring at Draco, which led to Harry eating very little from the plate Draco prepared, to completely ignoring it and skipping breakfast. By mid-December, Harry had completely stopped talking to Draco. Hermione and Pansy tried to console them, but it was in vain. Theo, Blaise, and Neville didn’t even try to bother with them. Ron was adamant that Draco was at fault.

Their gatherings became far and few between.

When the time came to leave for Christmas, Ron decided to stay at Hogwarts with Harry. Harry was so clearly mad at Draco that he didn’t even bother to say goodbye before he left for the holidays.

Chapter Text

My Dearest Hermione,

I trust this letter finds you well and brimming with holiday cheer. I wanted to express my gratitude for the lovely gift you sent my way. Those candles are truly exquisite and reminds me of summer evenings and breathtaking sunsets. They will certainly brighten my winter nights, providing a glimmer of warmth and light.

Blaise, Theo, and Pansy were also thrilled with the presents you sent. They extend their personal thanks as well, they would have written to you directly but the prejudices of their parents against Muggle-borns make it challenging for them.

I hope you like the hair care potions I sent as your gift. My mother, swears by them as the best wizarding world has to offer. I thought you might appreciate the luxury.

I received a somewhat peculiar gift from Ron as well, a self-help book titled "How Not to Be a Git." Believe it or not, it complements my gift to him, "How Not to Be a Prat," quite splendidly. We seem to be trading subtle hints, don't we?

As for the ever-elusive Harry Potter, I regret to inform you that I have not received any response to my letter or gift, as suggested by you to bridge the ever growing distance between us. It seems Mr. Potter might not be as invested in our friendship as I would have hoped him to be.

I must also extend my apologies for not being able to accept your gracious invitation for Christmas dinner. Unfortunately, my mother could not postpone the Malfoy Christmas Ball on such short notice. She, too, sends her regrets but expresses a strong interest in joining you and your family for dinner next year if the invitation still stands. It would be a delightful change of pace.

With the holidays upon us, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a joyous New Year. I’m looing forward to seeing you at Hogwarts.

P.S: If you do hear from that particular individual before we reunite at school, could you ask him if he found my gift to his liking?.

Yours sincerely,

Draco Malfoy

Yule and Christmas were grand affairs at Malfoy Manor. Draco hardly had a single day when he wasn't required to play the role of an attentive host or delighted guest. It was quite harrowing. (Oh god, His snobbery seemed to be growing day by day at the manor.)

When he wasn't attending a ball, he dedicated most of his time to practicing and upgrading his spell skills, exploring dark artifacts in the Manor, and brooding about one Harry Potter. Narcissa Malfoy, for the most part, was the ideal mother he could have wished for in both of his lives.

Whenever Lucius Malfoy attempted to berate him for his choice of friends and company, Narcissa was there to offer her vocal support and defend him against Lucius.

During the balls, he spent most of his time with his Slytherin friends and even had the chance to meet Neville twice, at the Yule balls hosted by Blaise’s and Theo's families. They spent their time together dancing and brainstorming new schemes and pranks for the Gryffindor twins.

Hermione extended an invitation to him for Christmas dinner, but he had to decline due to his packed schedule and the Malfoy Christmas ball. However, his mother and Slytherin friends promised to join him next year for dinner at the Grangers'. He had no idea how that arrangement came to be.

On Christmas morning, he was thrilled at the abundance of gifts under the tree just for him. He had never expected to receive so many. His parents had gifted him a new Nimbus 2000. Pansy gifted him hair care potions (he had gifted potions from the same brand to Hermione.) From Blaise he received a set of fashionable formal robes in Slytherin green, Theo gifted him a set of practice Snitches, Greg and Vince sent him bouquets of customized chocolates, Ron gave him a book titled "How Not to Be a Git," Neville gifted him a rare white rose plant that perfectly matched his hair, and finally Hermione gave him a set of scented candles.

However, his mood still took a turn for the worse for the rest of the day, and no, it was not because Harry Potter had failed to send him a gift or even Christmas greetings. He refused to entertain the slightest possibility of such a thought.

The rest of the holiday break was subpar at best. His mother tried her best to lift his spirits with various ideas and activities, but nothing seemed to make him feel any better.

The New Year's ball at the Manor was another success, with Draco spending most of his night dancing with his Slytherin friends. The System also rewarded him with extra skill points as a New Year's bonus.

Draco and co. arrived at Hogwarts a day before the term started. The original plan was to have a celebration of their own, but the tense atmosphere between Draco and Harry Potter made it a bit awkward.

They gathered at their usual spot on the lawn, a picnic spread before them courtesy of the kitchen elves. However, unlike their usual gatherings, Harry Potter sat as far away from Draco as he physically could. No, Draco did not miss this fact.

As they discussed their Christmas gifts, Harry Potter revealed that he had received an Invisibility Cloak anonymously and recounted his and Ron's ill advised adventures exploring Hogwarts after curfew and finding the Mirror of Erised.

Hermione was furious at Harry for the lost opportunity to search the Restricted Section of the Library for information on Nicholas Flamel. Pansy was disappointed that she missed a chance to see through the Mirror. Ron was proudly boasting about his image as Head Boy and Quidditch captain in the Mirror, while the rest of the group contemplated what they might have seen in the Mirror. Throughout all of this, Draco remained silent. (No, he wasn't sulking or pouting. Why would he even sulk? There was no reason for him to be upset with Mr. Potter. None at all.)

Harry Potter also mentioned that Snape was keeping a close watch on anyone trying to access the Restricted Section in the library.

“But we still need to find a way to…” Hermione began, undoubtedly launching into another heated argument about the need to discover more about Flamel.

"Will you all just shut up and stop obsessing over Nicholas Flamel and that blasted trapdoor?" Draco shouted, finally having had enough of their fixation.

"Uh… Draco," Harry said, cautiously.

"No, not a word from you," Draco retorted, pointing at Hermione. "If you're so determined to learn about Flamel, try researching the greatest alchemists of the last century and their achievements. I promise you'll find Nicholas Flamel and his stupid Philosopher's Stone at the top of the list."

He then turned to Harry Potter. "And you, just stop it. I've had enough of your blaming Snape. I don't care how evil he might be, or how much of a nuisance he can be, or how poorly he treats you. I assure you, it's not Snape. Snape isn't trying to steal from Dumbledore. Get that through your stubborn head."

Harry Potter looked at him as if he had wounded him. "And hey, while you're playing detective, you can test Mr. Potter's latest gift for sneaking around. It's not like he forgot to send me a gift or even a greeting in his excitement, right?" Draco mockingly added.

"Don't you dare, even think about..." Draco pointed at everyone, who looked stunned by his outburst. "coming to me when your shenanigans of playing Scooby Doo and gang, land you in trouble."

He left them there and went to his room too furious to talk to anyone. No one followed him, and he had known no one would, but still he couldn't help but feel heart broken at the realization that he had hoped Harry would come after him.

Chapter Text

Draco didn't see any of his Gryffindor idiots for the next couple of days. Even if he came across them during classes or meals in the Great Hall, he made a point to ignore them as best as he could. He ignored his Slytherin friends as well, purely on principle (don't ask him which principle; he was angry at them too, damn it).

He did, however, overhear Blaise announcing, to no one in particular, in their room that they had found Flamel and his achievements in the Restricted Section, but it was the "Sorcerer's Stone," not the "Philosopher's Stone." (Well, excuse him for not knowing whether this was the book or movie version of this perplexing world. That stupid System better have a good reason for avoiding him.)

It wasn't until their next Defense Against the Dark Arts (DADA) class that he was forced to stop ignoring his friends. He had chosen to sit with Neville instead of Harry. Blaise spent the entire double lecture cursing Draco and complaining that it was his turn to sit with Neville, and Draco was disrupting their schedule (whatever that was about).

Harry and Ron spent the whole time debating what they would do with the Stone, each idea stupider than the last one. While Hermione kept giving Draco pleading looks. Theo informed him that Snape was supposed to referee the next Quidditch match (oh great, that would just give Harry more reason to suspect Snape; so much for steering this band of idiots in the right direction).

After the class, before he could retreat to his room, Harry bloody Potter had cornered him outside the classroom in a semi-private alcove, maintaining a grip on his shoulders as if afraid Draco would run away.

"Can we talk?" Harry Potter said tentatively. "Please?"

"Hmm," Draco huffed but didn't attempt to flee this time. (What? He said the magical word. PLEASE.)

"I'm sorry," Harry said, releasing him when he was sure Draco wouldn't try to run. "Look, I know you think I'm being stubborn, but can you try looking at it from my perspective? Every time I turn a corner or come across Snape, he's there doing or saying something suspicious." Harry raised his hands in a 'just-let-me-talk' gesture, when Draco tried to give his input. "It's not that I don't trust you, but you have to agree you're not being completely honest with us. And it's not just me; the others have noticed too, you know? How you knew about Flamel and never said anything. You have to tell us what you know."

Draco looked at Harry stubbornly, staying silent. It didn't take more than two minutes for Harry's pleading expression (damn those puppy dog eyes) to break his resolve.

"Fine, I'll tell you guys what I know, at Hagrid's. I'm not going to repeat myself for each of you." Draco turned to leave but stopped when Harry held his wrist.

"I... I didn't forget your Christmas gift," Harry said in a small voice as Draco turned to face him again.

Harry huffed, ran his hand through his already messy hair, and looked everywhere except at Draco. He looked nervous, afraid, more afraid than when he had faced McGonagall.

"Okay," Harry took a deep breath, "You have to promise you won't laugh at me, and just... don't tell me if you don't like it." Harry looked at him pleadingly. "I had your gift since November, but then you stopped talking to me. I was afraid you'd throw it away, and then when you sent me your gift, I thought it was too late..." Harry was rambling.

"Harry!" Draco said, forcing Harry to focus on him. "You have my gift?" (Yes, I know I sound greedy, but no one says no to gifts. Piss off.)

Harry gave a shy nod, and Draco made 'give me' hands at him. Finally, Harry's shoulders relaxed, and a small smile appeared on his face. He pulled a rolled parchment from his robes and gave it to Draco.

"I know how much you like flying, so I went to Snape and Professor McGonagall to ask for special permission," Harry said, looking at him. "You can fly once every month without any supervision or curfew. And if you want, I can come too." Harry looked at him, afraid, shy, hopeful all at the same time.

The next moment, Draco was giving Harry the tightest hug he could muster. "You idiot, I love it. This is the best gift ever."

In the end, they didn't make it to Hagrid's, as Harry was kidnapped by Wood for Quidditch practice, and they didn't get to talk about the Stone until after the match.

The next day was quite busy, first with the match (which Gryffindor won thanks to Harry; Draco did make some extra cash by betting on Harry disrupting Snape's flying to catch the Snitch). Secondly, after the match, the Gryffindors were busy celebrating their win.

Harry did overhear (more likely eavesdropped again; maybe Draco should invest in some ethics lectures for these idiots) Snape threatening Quirrell, which basically confirmed that Fluffy was guarding the Stone.

It wasn't until Saturday evening that they finally had the chance to go to Hagrid's for tea.

"So, are you ready to talk now?" Theo asked as they were walking towards Hagrid's hut.

"Harry, when you look at Quirrell's turban, does your scar hurt?" Draco asked Harry, instead of replying to Theo.

"Yes?" Harry said hesitantly, not sure where this was going.

"What does that have to do with anything?" Blaise questioned, seconded by Hermione.

"So," Draco stopped walking and gave them all a look, "During the holidays, when I was at the Manor, I did some research. A scar like that," he pointed at Harry's forehead, "a scar made from dark magic, has some lingering... benefits, I guess. It's supposed to warn you if someone around you has bad intentions." (Draco had spent quite some time coming up with this theory; he just hoped Hermione and Blaise would keep their mouths shut. The rest of the idiots were easier to convince.)

"Quirrell? Really?" Neville said. (Oh god, Neville was growing a brain in Blaise's company.)

"He's right, you know," Pansy pointed out. "Quirrell, really? No one's even sure why Dumbledore hired that stuttering mess as the DADA teacher."

"Look, I just know," Draco said emphatically. "Quirrell is new, and he might have motives or might be working for someone else. But Snape's been with Dumbledore for years, and he respects Dumbledore too much to steal from him."

"But Quirrell?" Theo said, clearly questioning Draco's intelligence.

"Actually, that would make so much sense," Ron muttered. "If you think about it, Harry has heard twice, Snape threatening Quirrell."

"Okay, so if we assume that Draco is right," Draco huffed, glaring at Harry (he was still questioning Draco?), "I mean, we agree that Draco is right" (that's better, why the hell are Pansy and Ron snickering?), "How do we prove that it is Quirrell, and more importantly, why is he doing it?"

There was complete silence between them as they reached Hagrid's hut. And why was it blazing hot in here?

Right as Draco realized that Hagrid was cradling a Dragon's egg as if it was a baby, the System started flashing a new notification.

Get Detention with Harry.

Requirement: Confront Quirrell during his hunt in the Forbidden Forest.

I hate this Stupid world.

Chapter Text

Convincing these idiots of Snape’s innocence proved to be far easier than convincing them of Quirrell’s evilness. Ron and Neville were the first ones to fully accept the fact that Quirrell might actually be after the Stone. (mostly due to the fact that they saw Quirrell going to the Forbidden Forest after curfew. Don’t ask what they were doing outside.)

Hermione and Blaise, however, had something far more worrying on their minds: The Exams!!! Both of them had spent an entire afternoon drawing up a study schedule and making color-coded notes for each of their subjects with annotations. Harry (bless his soul) made the mistake of pointing out one crucial fact to them. “Guys, the exams are ages away.”

The glare Hermione sent Harry's way was truly a weapon of mass destruction. Draco was pretty sure it was the Aura of Being the Main Protagonist (or a Holy Miracle) that saved Harry’s life.

“Not ages,” Blaise snapped. “Merely ten weeks away.”

“Exactly. Ten weeks,” Pansy lamented.

“Besides, what are you guys studying for? We all know you both are getting straight A’s,” Neville said. Ron and Harry’s idiotic bravery must be rubbing off on him the wrong way.

Blaise might have sent the ink pot at Neville’s head if it weren’t for Theo, who moved it away from Blaise. Draco stayed a silent bystander throughout all this drama and worked on his own homework.

The teachers seemed to have the same thoughts as Blaise and Hermione. They piled up so much homework on them that none of them had the time to go home for the Easter holidays. Draco did manage to arrange an impromptu scavenger hunt for them throughout Hogwarts, which proved to be somewhat of a success, with them (Draco & co., and Hagrid) having a commemorative dinner at Hagrid’s hut (all the while Draco did his best to ignore the Dragon egg and System’s new task notifications).

They spent most of their after-class time studying in the library or on the lawn. (while Harry used Draco as a pillow for the majority of the lawn time).

On one such bright afternoon, as they were working on their Potions essays in the library, they had an unexpected visit from Hagrid. (Yes, Draco had made and won a bet regarding Hagrid’s visit to the library with the twins. Yes, the twins have accused him of insider trading, which is not entirely wrong.)

“Hagrid, what are you doing here?” Ron asked.

“Just lookin’,” Hagrid replied, looking out of the place with his moleskin coat, hiding something behind his back. “And what’re yer lot up to? Not still lookin’ for Flamel, are yer?”

“Oh, we found out about him ages ago,” Pansy informed him.

“We also know about Fluffy guarding the Sorcerer's stone—” Neville was saying but was cut off by Hagrid.

“Shhh… Don’t ya go shoutin’ about it. What’s the matter with yer?” Hagrid looked around to make sure no one had heard them.

“There’s something we want to ask you about Fluffy though,” Harry said.

“Listen—students aren’t s'pposed to know. But before yer lot get into any trouble, just come and see me later. I’m not sayin' I’ll tell yer everythin', mind.” Hagrid compromised.

“See you later then,” Theo said brightly.

“What was he hiding behind him?” Hermione asked when Hagrid was beyond hearing range.

“Want me to go and check the section he was in?” Neville asked.

“Book on Dragons, probably.” Draco said offhandedly.

“How do you know that?” Harry asked.

“We spend five out of seven days in this place. Of course I know,” Draco replied.

“Figures,” Blaise pointed out. “Hagrid’s always wanted to have a dragon of his own.”

“But it’s against the law,” Hermione, the rule-abiding witch, went on a rant about how Dragon farming was banned in London and illegal, which started a new debate on the pros and cons of dragons as pets. All the while a shocked Harry kept questioning, “We have dragons in London?” Draco should probably find out how Harry manages to be so adorable. Was it a Main Protagonist thing or just a Harry thing?

An hour later, the whole gang was crowding Hagrid’s hut once again, this time to interrogate him about Fluffy.

Hagrid tried to be evasive as best as he could, but the combined force of Gryffindor stupidity and Slytherin cunning proved to be too much for Hagrid. In the end, Hagrid told them that Dumbledore had borrowed Fluffy from him to guard the stone after getting it from Gringott’s vault. Dumbledore had also used other teachers' expertise to create enchanted trapdoors to guard the stone.

During all this, Ron, however, recognized the dragon egg currently simmering in a bucket of boiling water.

“Hagrid, that’s a dragon egg?” Ron was saying.

“It must have cost you a fortune,” Pansy said, ever the business witch.

“Won it,” Hagrid explained. “I came across a stranger last night. Won it over a game of cards.”

“What are you going to do about it when it hatches?” Neville, ever the sensible one, asked.

As Hagrid tried to justify his wish of raising a dragon, Hermione argued that it was against the law and belatedly pointed out that Hagrid lived in a wooden cottage.

During this, Draco couldn’t help but think about what was going on. As far as Draco could understand, the whole plot seemed to be orchestrated by Dumbledore. He knew someone (namely snakehead Voldy) was going to steal the Stone, so he had it removed from Gringotts. Now the first question was how did Voldy know the stone was in Gringotts? And for that matter, how did Dumbledore know it would happen now? Afterward, Dumbledore had the Stone moved to Hogwarts. Now the next question was how did Voldy find out about Hogwarts? Dumbledore made elaborate traps to guard the Stone, which, honestly, was a joke. Three eleven-year-olds were able to go through these expert traps.

Now, during all this, Dumbledore must have known it was Quirrell, otherwise why would he have appointed that mess as the DADA teacher? Now all of this led to the most important question: if Dumbledore knew Voldy was trying to get the Stone and he also knew that it was through Quirrell, then why didn’t Dumbledore face Voldy himself? Why leave it to an eleven-year-old to go face-to-face with a snakehead Voldy who was neither dead nor alive? What the hell was Dumbledore trying to do?

There was a new debate starting between Group A - “Yes, Hagrid, you should raise a pet dragon” (Harry, Pansy, Ron, Theo) and Group B - “No, Hagrid, you can’t” (Hermione, Blaise, Neville). Draco closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, trying to dissuade the oncoming headache. These idiots would have given him early gray hair if it weren’t for his Malfoy white-blond hair.

“It’s quite simple, honestly,” Draco intervened a little louder to make himself heard, “Ron, don’t you have a dragon handler brother?”

“Yes!” Ron and Harry exclaimed, quick on the uptake.

“Charlie could take over the dragon egg, and you can visit whenever you want, Hagrid,” Draco explained.

“I’ll write to him tonight and come up with the best plan,” Ron said excited for a half-cooked new scheme.

Now Draco only had to make sure to be the only one with Harry when they deliver the egg to Charlie. Who should it be to catch them for detention?

Chapter Text

I hate them. I know I’m not supposed to but it doesn’t make it any less likely. How hard could it be to be understood? Apparently, really hard.

Youre parents are supposed to know you, are supposed to provide you with a loving, supportive environment. Then how come, they didn’t know they were crushing me? How come they didn’t see me screaming for attention, shouting for their love? Why cant they see me suffocating under their expectations?

How hard is it to see your child as they are and not as you want them to be? A simple we love you could have been enough, but they always started from why aren’t you like this. Why cant you do it the right way? Why can’t you be fragile, dependant object made purely for our benefit? Why cant you be normal?

"You know, I wonder sometimes what it’s like to have a peaceful life?” Ron sighed.

Any normal human being might have thought this statement was about the Fluffy/Quirrell/Dragon egg drama, but no, it was just Ron whining about studying.

Their evenings somehow have become even more exhausting and harrowing. Homework and exam preparations were causing an admirable amount of stress. Life had become a long period of waiting and suffering (be Ron’s study partner and see if it doesn’t take years off of your life.)

Then one morning while the whole gang was having breakfast at the Gryffindor table, Harry received a letter from Hagrid, with only two words: “It’s hatching.”

Ron, Harry, Pansy, and Neville were all for skipping Herbology class and going straight to Hagrid’s.

“How many times in our lives will we get to see a dragon hatching?” Neville whined.

“We’ll get into trouble for skipping class,” Blaise reasoned.

“We will go right after Herbology, Promise,” Theo said, as if placating a baby, while Pansy and Hermione were manhandling Ron to take him to class.

“No!” Draco said emphatically, as Harry looked at him pleadingly with his puppy dog eyes. Harry looked like a kicked puppy going to class. (It was for his own good. Draco thought. Also he should seriously get Ron and Pansy checked). Ron and Pansy had forgotten their row and were snickering and snorting at Harry and Draco now.

Ron and Hermione argued the whole way to Herbology, finally coming to a decision that they would go to Hagrid’s during morning break right after class. (There goes his morning snack. Damn it.)

When the bell rang at the end of the class, the eight of them were rushing through the grounds towards Hagrid’s hut. They were panting and breathless when they reached the hut.

Harry took out a couple of sugar quills and an apple from his robe pockets and gave those to Draco. “Your morning snack,” Harry explained.

“It’s nearly out,” Hagrid greeted them all flushed and excited, as he opened the door. They all drew chairs (Draco transfigured some spoons to meet the number) up to the table and they waited with bated breath, all focused on the egg.

There were deep cracks on the eggshell and a funny clicking sound was coming from inside it. All of a sudden, there was a scraping noise and the egg split open. They stopped breathing.

The baby dragon flopped onto the table. It had huge spiny wings, a very skinny body, and a long snout with wide nostrils. There were stubs for horns and its eyes were orange.

“Isn’t it beautiful?” Hagrid asked. There were appreciative oohs and aahs from the audience.

Harry gave Draco a look, clearly not impressed with the ugliness of the dragon. Draco snorted a laugh. Thankfully, no one was paying attention to them.

“Hagrid,” Hermione asked. “How fast do these dragons grow exactly?”

Hagrid was about to answer when the color drained from his face.

“What’s the matter?” Pansy asked. “Someone was looking through the gaps in the curtains,” Hagrid said.

Draco moved to the window and looked outside. “It was a student. They are running back to the castle,” he replied. Bloody Montague!

It took Charlie Weasley a whole week to reply to Ron’s request. The gang spent the whole week on pins and needles, impatiently waiting for the reply. Montague, on the other hand, acted all sneaky and like the little scoundrel he clearly was.

Meanwhile, the gang took turns helping Hagrid with feeding and taking care of Norbert. (Yes, Draco had tried his best to give the dragon a better name, but had failed miserably.)

Four out of the eight of them had bandages on their hands due to various dragon bites. Hermione and Blaise were more anxious about the inability of the injured ones to hold their quills than anything else. (Draco had requested Hermione and Theo to bring back muggle pens and paper for note-taking for the next term.)

Charlie’s reply was received a week after the hatching. Charlie had told them that he might be able to get Norbert to Romania, but it will have to be on Saturday night when his buddies will be in the area, so to speak. Also, it has to be seriously hush-hush; otherwise, all of them were going to be in a lot of trouble.

Draco somehow managed to convince the gang that Harry and Draco would be the ones doing the dragon handoff, on Saturday midnight at Astronomy Tower. This, for some reason, put a huge smile on Harry’s face and Ron and Pansy were back to snickering.

On Saturday night, after dinner, Harry was supposed to pick up Draco and go to Hagrid’s. Draco made a whole production of 'accidentally dropping a piece of paper from his robes in the Slytherin Common room right in front of Montague, on his way to dinner.'

“Meet me at the Astronomy tower at 12:20 a.m. DM.” the note said.

Draco felt sad for Hagrid when it was time for saying goodbye to Norbert. Draco believed that Hagrid would have proven a great Dragon Mama.

It was a dark, cloudy night, perfect cover for Charlie’s friends. Harry and Draco were under the Invisibility Cloak, carrying Norbert in a dragon-proof crate. Draco cast a Muffliato charm for additional security.

How they crossed the grounds and went up the towers without coming across another soul was beyond Draco. He just hoped they would be on their way back by 12:15. They reached at the top of the tower and sat down side by side as they waited for Charlie and his friends.

Fortunately, Charlie and his friends were on time. They proved to be quite cheery and went into details about the customized harness they had rigged to make Norbert’s transfer easier.

By 12:10, Harry and Draco were on their way back down the tower, Charlie and his friends on their way to Romania with Norbert. Draco made sure to secure Harry’s cloak in his robe pocket.

Before they could make it all the way out of Astronomy tower, they were stopped by a very angry Professor McGonagall, accompanied by a very smirky Montague. Filch’s face peeked from behind McGonagall, “well, well, well, somebody is in trouble.”

“I would never have believed it of any of you. Mr. Filch said, you were up in the Astronomy tower. It’s one o’clock in the morning. Explain yourself.” McGonagall was fuming. She looked more likely to breathe fire than Norbert the Dragon.

“It was my fault, Professor,” Draco said with false regret, before Harry could make an excuse, “I wanted to show Harry the Constellation Draco…”

“I think I have a good idea what’s going on here,” McGonagall cut off Draco. “I have to say, Mr. Malfoy, you’re far too young for such endeavors. You should be focusing on your studies; you have at least a couple of years before you need to worry about such trivial matters, however pure and sincere they might be.” Draco was confused by her statement. (Huh! What trivial matters?) He looked at Harry, who had turned bright Weasley red. (What was going on?)

“Three students out of their beds in one night. I’ve never heard of such a thing. You, Mr. Malfoy, I thought had more sense. And you, Mr. Potter, I thought Gryffindor meant more to you than this. All three of you will be getting detention. Yes, Mr. Montague, all three of you. 50 points each from your houses, for such dereliction.”

“Fifty?” Montague gasped.

“Yes, Mr. Montague, that means 50 points from Gryffindor and 100 points from Slytherin. Now get back to your beds, all of you,” McGonagall said. Draco swore he could see steam coming out from her ears.

The next morning, everyone was confused as to what happened that cost 100 points from Slytherin and 50 points from Gryffindor.

It was after lunch when Draco received a letter from his mother and started to finally focus on what his fellow students were saying, that he understood what McGonagall had meant last night.

It was on the lips of almost every student how Draco had taken Harry to the Astronomy tower at midnight and got caught when Montague had ratted them out. Draco had taken Harry to Astronomy towers, the unofficial confession site of Hogwarts.

By nightfall, everyone was talking about the confession.

Chapter Text

"WHAT THE HECK?"

Draco looked around, bewildered and confused to say the least. He was standing in an unending white space. It eerily reminded him of the movie’s version of King’s Cross, except there was no train station. There was a single white bench right next to him and nothing else.

"Hello, Subject 001!" A cheery voice said.

"Who's that?" Draco had a weird sense of déjà vu.

"I'm Vii." A white robotic figure appeared right in front of him. "Rude. I'm your guide for The Recovery & Rehabilitation Network. Sorry for the slight delay."

"Slight???" Draco thought.

"Okay fine… a lot of delay, but in my defense, we have been really busy and overworked due to an increase in the subject numbers this past year."

"Whatever. Can you tell me why am I here?" Draco asked, "No, not here here. Here as in, in this world."

"Oh, right. Well, you see, we found you in quite a state," the System sat down/hovered over the bench. "Your spirit was shattered, and your will to live was barely there. On a detailed analysis, it was found that you needed time to recover, and further investigations showed this to be your comfort place, which, honestly, I am really surprised about. You have a lot of complaints for your supposedly comfort book."

"It's not the book; it's the way they treat the underdog characters," Draco clarified.

"Meh, really though?" the System looked as if he didn't believe Draco. "Anyway, it seemed to be the best universe for you. And as explained in the welcome speech, it depends on your performance if you are purged or you get to choose between going back or staying here."

"Wait. What do you mean staying here?" It was high time Draco got some answers.

"As far as the Network has calculated, you can spend the rest of your life here, and there will be no drastic effects on your world." (it’s always good to know you don’t matter.) "I said drastic, not no effects." (so you can hear my thoughts?) "Yes! Including the times you were cursing us. But honestly, we had been so busy that we couldn’t answer you before."

"So, I can live here and do whatever I want?" Draco asked.

"No, not whatever... you still need to maintain the storyline to keep the integrity of this world," the System commented.

"You can call me Vii."

"So, you're really listening to everything I think about?" Draco was mortified.

"Yes, but no worries. As I was saying, no judgment from us."

"What do you exactly mean by story integrity? Because I made Draco not evil, won't that change things?"

"Nope. Lucky for you there are not many canon events related to Draco Malfoy." (Huh?)

"Ok… Let’s see if I can make it easier to understand… Ok." the System perked up, which was weird to see on a robot. "Rude." System pointed at him. "So, you can play with the storyline as much as you want. For example, what you did with Draco. Also, Neville, Theo, and Blaise are also my personal favorite, love it." (Huh? What did I do?) "OOOh, Spoilers!"

"So I can kill Voldy?" Draco asked. The more he learned, the more questions arose.

"Nope. That's something you call a canon event."

"What about Horcrux?"

"Nope again. Those are canon too; you can't change that."

"Great! So I can't actually change anything." Draco snapped. (He was not pouting.)

"Well, it does look pout-ish. Look, you can change things as long as they don't change canon. For example, Harry doesn't think Snape is evil anymore, but he still had to face Quirrell hunting unicorns." (Oh right. They were in the Forbidden Forest.) "What happened?"

"You tried to kill Quirrell. It put you in a reset phase. Lucky for you, it was a minor event; otherwise, you would have been transferred to another world." (What?)

"You can have me removed from this world?" Draco sputtered. (But… but I spent a year molding this world. I have put so much effort into it.)

"I know. That's why I'm telling you, don't try to change Canon events or you could lose this world too."

"But how will I know if it's a canon event or not?"

"That's simple. Any task-related event is canon. Side tasks are changeable. Personal tasks are just a bonus to earn rewards."

"Ok… what about Snape? Is it book Snape or movie Snape?"

"No idea." (Stupid System) "Hey, no name-calling. But it really depends on you. Your choices will decide if he turns evil or not because he has potential storylines both ways."

"So, I can change people from evil to good?" Draco asked excitedly; that means Malfoys could turn good.

"Yes, you can turn the evil ones to good, but you could turn good to evil as well. It really depends on your choices. As long as the canon events carry on as they should, it doesn't really matter."

"Like Montague?"

"Exactly, now you're getting it." The System sounded proud. "Of course I'm proud. I have dealt with thousands of subjects, but so far, you're the only one who has shown aptitude towards these things. I wonder why that might be?"

"So, Quirrell has to die for Harry to win?" Draco asked.

"Oh no, this isn't about Harry. It's about you. Quirrell has to die by Harry's hands for you to clear this story path."

"and I can do whatever changes I want but not the canon events?"

"Yes."

"So, how do I change my parents from evil to good?"

"You can't." (Why!!!) "Well, for one, Narcissa Malfoy is not evil, and for second, Lucius Malfoy giving that diary to Ginny is a canon event. Without the diary, Ginny will not have the character and growth that is required for the main protagonist's love interest. Even though it's highly unlikely now (What?), nothing for you to worry about."

"What about later? Can Lucius turn good?"

"Nicely pointed. But will need a motivating event and cost you a favor point."

"Like life or death motivating?"

"Yes." (He can blackmail him to turn good?)

"No, not that."

"Wait. What favor point?"

"Oh, did I forget to mention those? Side Note: Add details regarding favor points in the welcome speech. Ok, so where were we now? Right. Favor Points. Think of these as Gems or Diamonds in a game. Only you can not buy these; you have to earn these." (How…) "Obviously by facing the Big Bad of every story path, or saving a canon event, or achieving high points on Tasks."

"How do I use items from the System inventory?"

"Just think about it, and someone will give it to you." (like Hagrid and the Bitting Trunk?) "Yes, like that."

"Can I teach Harry spells to fight Voldemort?"

"yes, but not Occlumency. That is Snape and Canon."

"Ok. What else do I need to know?"

"you ask me. But better hurry, you only have 2 minutes before you wake up."

"Where are we?"

"It's the System Access Menu. You triggered a partial reset by trying to change canon event. You won't be able to come here again."

"I won't see you again?"

"Oh, nothing like that. We'll try to keep in contact as much as possible. I'll keep checking on you. Also, we are always listening in, so if there are any special requests or exchanges you might need, just tell me, and we'll see what we can do."

"Sure, thanks."

There was a mechanic voice: Subject wakes up in 20 seconds.

"Also, I would appreciate a little less cursing."

"No promises. Oh, I remember! Are there any romantic storylines for me?"

"No promises." Stupid System.

"Draco," Harry was calling him. He could feel a dozen stares on him.

"What happened?" Draco said as he opened his eyes. He was in a hospital bed. Great, here we go again. Pansy, Hermione, Blaise, Theo, Neville, and Ron were gathered around him. Harry was on the bed next to him.

"You fainted. You lighthead!" Pansy slapped his arm.

"Ow, that hurt," Draco winced. "Are you okay?" Draco asked Harry.

"Yeah, I'm good now," Harry laid back on the bed.

"You scared us, mate," Ron was saying. "Madam Pomfrey didn't know what was wrong with you, and you wouldn't wake up."

"I'm up now. No need to worry," Draco said placatingly and winced again as Hermione slapped him upside his head.

"No more solo missions," Theo said gravely.

The System screen was pinging again, but he pushed it away; he'll look at it later. "So, what happened?" he asked again.

"We came across something in the forest," Harry said, not meeting his eyes. He was looking at the ceiling. "My scar started hurting, and you tried to cover me to keep me safe. But that thing... did something to you, and you fainted. Luckily, the centaurs were nearby, and one of them saved us. Then he brought us back," Harry explained and took a deep breath, looking exhausted.

Draco frowned; Harry was hiding something. "What did the centaur tell you?" Draco questioned.

"What?" Harry looked at him in surprise.

"Centaurs don't just leave you like that. They normally have wisdom to pass on," Draco insisted.

"It told me..." Harry huffed, "Voldemort is still here." There were shocked gasps. "He said Voldemort was not a being of the living or the dead either. He have been trying to gain life by drinking unicorn blood." Harry said, looking at Draco very closely as if cataloging his expressions.

"And you didn't want to tell us that because?" Draco implored him. The rest of the gang was silent now.

"Draco, you're not surprised about this." Hermione commented.

"Because he clearly knows it already," Harry pointed at him accusingly, "You're hiding things from us. That's why I didn't want to tell you. Because you're hiding stuff from us," Harry snapped, clearly angry at Draco.

"Will you believe me if I said I know the future?" Draco said. It was better than I transmigrated here. Also, he needed to say something before the others did something foolish like suspecting him.

Half of his friends snorted at him. Harry was looking at him as if he was still lying, and Blaise and Hermione looked as if they might actually believe him.

"See, you guys think this is a joke," Draco pointed out.

"So what? You're a seer?" Ron asked.

"Kind of," Draco replied. "I sometimes know what the potential future is. Not accurate, mind you." (He had to say it; he didn't want something coming back to bite him in the arse.)

"Since when?" Neville asked.

"Since I got my Hogwarts letter."

"That's why you wanted us all to be friends?" Blaise said, as if finally solving a puzzle.

"Yeah," Draco said, "I had this dream that if we don't become friends, I might end up as a Death Eater." (Not exactly a lie.) There were shocked gasps again, and Theo looked flabbergasted.

"So you knew Voldemort was alive?" Hermione asked.

"Not really knew, but I had this feeling," Draco looked at Harry, who was looking at the ceiling, still in some deep thought.

"That's why you knew about Snape?" Pansy asked, and he just nodded, what else was there to say.

Everyone was quiet for some time after, as if finally seeing the whole picture. There were a few "oh" and "so that's why," but they were more of an inner dialogue.

"Harry," Draco called him when it seemed like enough time has passed.

"Can I trust you?" Harry asked.

"Always," Draco replied with as much sincerity as he could.

"So, what do we do now?" Harry said, finally reaching a decision.

Chapter Text

Draco had an idea. No, not a practical, logical, or strategic one, just a futuristic one. Well, kind of. The day he woke up in this world, he knew he would be facing some major bullocks what with him being the Prince of Slytherin and all. But he never imagined the torture and trauma he would be facing due to Ron and Harry during exams. And he had at least six more years to look forward to. (Damn!)

Despite their best efforts (mostly on Blaise and Hermione's part; Draco didn't bother worrying about Harry, he was sure the 'Hero Aura' would be enough for him), Harry and Ron waited until the night before exams to finally focus on reading and preparing for exams.

As a result, Ron spent the whole exam week freaking out, and Harry spent the whole week being distracted by nightmares, his own freak-outs, and consoling Ron. Hermione, blessfully, waited until the last exam was over to state, "I told you to study." Blaise and Theo were busy with Neville's freak-outs.

Draco and Pansy, on the other hand, managed to cajole the Twins into joining them for popcorn entertainment during the said freak-outs. (There was little to no cajoling involved.)

Draco hated the written part of the exams but still managed to scrape by, somehow. The practical exams were interesting, to say the least. For Charms, they made pineapples tap dance. Transfiguration had them turning mice into snuffboxes or snuffboxes with whiskers in Ron's case. Neville was terrified the whole time they were brewing Forgetfulness Potion for Snape's exam (quite ironic if you think about it). Thankfully, Theo and Blaise were able to control his freak-out with no accidents.

Harry's nightmares and headaches had worsened since the forest tour. As a result, Harry spent most of his nights without sleep or sleep with a lot of nightmares. His days were better with Draco's head massages and naps in the lawn. For some reason, he slept better with his head in Draco's lap, so that's what they did. All of this somehow brought the child inside Harry to the surface, and he kept whining, "Is it time yet?"

Draco and Hermione had discussed a possible plan for the Stone situation, but Draco kept pushing it off by saying it was not time yet. For some reason (maybe they actually thought Draco was a seer), the gang listened to him.

During breakfast on the last day, Draco finally announced that they should initiate 'Mission Trapdoor' today. Harry, Pansy, Blaise, and Ron were initially against going to Dumbledore but then relented to their plan. (Pansy solely due to the entertainment value, and the boys... He was still not sure about their reasons.)

"That was easier than I thought it would be," Hermione announced coming out of the exam halls. Ron looked to be ill; he hated going over the exam paper afterward. As Blaise and Hermione went about a mental tally of their exam, Draco tuned them out and went to lay down in the lawn at their spot. It was a great day to enjoy the sun.

"Finally! No more studying," Neville sighed, breaking the discussion between Hermione and Blaise.

"We've got a week before we find out how we've done. Harry, you could afford to be a little more cheerful," Pansy complained at Harry's affronted expression.

"It's not that," Harry replied angrily, "My scar keeps hurting." He rubbed his forehead.

"When did it start hurting?" Draco sat up, moved Harry's hand away, and started massaging his head.

"Since the forest?" Harry sighed, a little relieved. "I told you guys. It's been hurting since then. I think it's some kind of warning." Harry looked at Draco.

"I still think you should go to Pomfrey. It's the stress," Hermione said in her know-it-all attitude. (Maybe he should teach Hermione some manners as well.) "There is no danger, and the Stone is safe as long as Dumbledore is here."

"Um… guys, Dumbledore went to the Ministry a couple of hours ago. I saw him telling McGonagall in the halls," Pansy told them reluctantly.

"What?" Hermione spluttered.

"I think it's time we do something about the Stone," Draco said as he saw Harry wince from pain again.

.....

In the end, it took them three hours to hash out the final plan. For one, there was a huge discussion on who was going and who was staying behind (eight students made it hard to sneak around). For two, Harry refused to go without Draco. For three, Draco refused to go without Ron, which even shocked Ron.

After two hours of sneers, taunts, and arguments, it was finalized that Ron, Hermione, Neville, Harry, and Draco would be going this time, and for the next time, it would be Harry, Draco, Theo, Blaise, and Pansy. It was unanimously agreed upon that, of course, there would be a next time. It's Harry and Draco. (Seemed fitting, with the next time being the Chamber and the Snakes.)

Hermione had some reservations regarding getting expelled if they got caught, but Draco dissolved them easily enough.

As they went for dinner, 'Mission Trapdoor' was well underway. After dinner, they used Harry's cloak to hide in the troll bathroom as they waited for the students to go back to their rooms.

Afterwards, it went exactly like the books. They used Hagrid's gift for Harry, the flute, to keep Fluffy calm as they fell into the Devil's snare.

Neville used his superior Herbology skills to get them out of it. Ron and his mastery of chess caused Hermione to give Draco suspicious looks.

Neville stayed with Ron as Hermione played the genius with the Potions and troll riddle. For the last task, it was just Harry and Draco who made it through, and Draco came face to face with the Mirror of Erised.

Draco was stunned to see the image in the mirror. Contrary to what he had imagined, there were no frilly clothes, no bruises, no tears, and no blood. It was him, not Draco HIM in his Sunday best suit, a smile as big as the moon on his face, all prim and proper and happy. He was… Happy.

He came out of his thoughts as he heard Harry gasp a "You!" At first, he was afraid that Harry had seen the image in the mirror, but was relieved to see Harry pointing at a smirking Quirrell.

"I wondered whether I would be meeting you here," Quirrell said.

"That makes one of us," Draco drawled. "I was sure we would be meeting you."

"But Snape," Harry sputtered. (Looks like Harry hadn't actually believed him, after all.)

"Oh yes, Snape," Quirrell sneered. "I would have been successful in killing you way before if Snape hadn't been trying to save you."

"Snape was trying to save me?" Harry asked, looking at Draco, who just rolled his eyes at him. (He'll get plenty of time to remark 'I told you so' in the future.)

A notification flashed in front of Draco:

Retrieve Sorcerer's Stone

Requirement: Help Harry retrieve the Stone and defeat Quirrell.

Draco was distracted by the rewards mentioned on the screen when he felt ropes wrap around him, binding him to the place.

"You're too nosy to live, Potter. Scurrying around..." Quirrell was saying.

"Yeah, yeah, we know," Draco cut him off. "Can we move on? We get it, you want to kill us and all that. Just hurry up. Show us the Dark Lord, get the stone, and be done with it." Harry and Quirrell looked at him, stunned. He wasn't bonkers, but he did have a running countdown he had to catch up to.

"Use the boy..." a raspy voice said.

"I need you to get the Stone for me, Potter," Quirrell pushed Harry in front of the Mirror. "Look in the Mirror and tell me how to get it."

Harry was consciously breathing slowly, his face was scrunched up as if smelling something rotten. He looked dazed, confused, and scared at the current situation.

"Well?" Quirrell asked impatiently. "What do you see?"

"I see myself shaking hands...with Dumbledore, .... receiving the House Cup," Harry replied shakily. (Now, who was the seer here? Foreshadowing much?)

"He lies… He lies," the voice rasped again. "Let me talk to him."

"But master," Quirrell hesitated.

"Let me speak to him, face to face," The voice insisted.

Harry looked to be finally clueing in that something was really wrong here. Draco was getting really bored, bound and standing to the side. Harry, on the other hand, looked petrified as he saw Quirrell remove his turban and made a Grand Reveal to show the back of his head.

Huh! Draco stood corrected. Little Voldy was a snakehead. Weird chalky snakehead, with red eyes and slits for nostrils. It looked like a monster from a cheap horror movie. Harry looked to be mid scream but no sound was coming out of his mouth.

As the snakehead moved a step toward Harry, Harry stumbled back into Draco. As Harry righted himself and Draco, Draco felt him drop something into his robe pocket.

"Harry Potter… look at me," the snakehead said. Harry turned toward it with his back still touching Draco's chest.

"See, what I have become, mere shadows and vapor…" as Voldy went into a monologue, Draco whispered to Harry, "Do you trust me?"

Harry didn't turn or make any other reaction but still nodded imperceptibly.

"Grab his face," Draco whispered, this time Harry did turn and looked at him as if Draco has finally gone bonkers.

"Trust me," Draco repeated, imploring Harry to trust him.

The next few minutes were a blur and pure chaos. Harry jumped Quirrell, and as soon as Harry touched Quirrell, he started screaming. He tried to get away from Harry, but wherever he touched Harry's skin, his body started crumbling like sand and ashes. The screams turned to horrible gut-wrenching shouts.

As soon as Draco heard the incessant pinging from the System, he undid the binding spell and wrenched Harry away from Quirrell.

As he held Harry, he felt him go weightless as he fainted. The next moment Draco fell into blackness himself.

.....

He slowly opened his eyes. It took a few seconds for his vision to focus. He was in the Hospital bed again. He could hear Dumbledore going on his "Lily's sacrifice" spiel to Harry. He thanked the curtains around his bed for a moment of privacy and started to scroll through the System.

There were new inventory items as well as the Sorcerer's stone, new skills were added to his repertoire. His connection with Dumbledore had upgraded. Two new Favor Points. (Huh!)

As he was debating new skills to learn and upgrading his shielding skills, the curtain was pulled aside, and Dumbledore appeared in front of him.

"Ah! Mr. Malfoy, it's good to see you again." As Dumbledore asked him a couple of customary questions about his well-being, he looked over Harry. Harry smiled at him and signaled that he was fine.

"Just one question," Dumbledore said. "Do either of you are aware of the whereabouts of the Sorcerer's Stone?"

"You didn't find it?" Draco asked.

"It appears the stone has vanished. We were unable to retrieve it from the mirror, and neither of you is in possession," Dumbledore said, an inquisitive glint in his eyes. (So they have frisked them when they were unconscious?)

Draco and Harry looked at each other. "We don't know where it is, sir," Harry replied.

"Hmm… interesting turn of events, won't you say? Now, enough questions, I suggest you make a start on these sweets. Ah! Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Beans!" He picked a jelly, as he contemplated eating it. "I was unfortunate enough in my youth to come across a vomit-flavored one; since then, I'm afraid I've lost my liking for them - but I think I'll be safe with a nice one?" Dumbledore smiled and popped it into his mouth and readily choked. "Alas! Earwax."

Draco was at a loss to decide if he should be laughing or crying at the daft man.

Draco remembered the idea that he had, yeah... He was certain now he would need to actualize the idea to succeed. He just needed to know how to use the Favor points.

Chapter Text

"Just five minutes," Harry pleaded with Pomfrey to let them see their friends.

Draco marveled at how unpulsed Pomfrey was by Harry's puppy-dog eyes. (Maybe he should take some lessons from Pomfrey and a couple of Healing spells too. He'll be needing those with this lot.)

"Absolutely not," Pomfrey said firmly.

"You let Dumbledore in," Draco pointed out.

"Well, of course, he's the Headmaster; it's quite different. You both need to rest."

"We promise we'll lie down and won't move even an inch," Draco countered.

"Please," Harry begged.

"Oh, very well," Pomfrey relented, "but five minutes only."

The others rushed in as soon as Pomfrey agreed. Draco could see Ron and Neville stopping Pansy and Hermione from flinging themselves at Harry and Draco.

"Oh, Harry! We were sure you were going to..." Hermione was close to tears with relief.

"Even Dumbledore was worried," Pansy sounded more proud than worried.

"The whole school's talking about it," Ron exclaimed.

"So, what really happened?" Theo asked, all calm and collected.

So, Harry told them everything from start to finish. Draco added his two cents in between. It was easier to explain since Ron, Hermione, and Neville had informed them about the first three trials already. As they told the others, the more they described it, the weirder it sounded.

When they came to the part where Quirrell had removed his turban to reveal Voldemort, Harry looked at Draco all guilty and ashamed. (He deserved it, and it seemed like the others had agreed with and trusted Draco.) There were well-timed gasps from the peanut gallery when they told them about Quirrell crumbling like sand.

"So the Stone is gone?" Ron finally asked after a few minutes of silence.

"Flamel is going to die?" Neville followed up.

"That's what he asked Dumbledore," Draco pointed at Harry.

"Yeah, and he said, 'To the well-organized mind, death is but the next great adventure,'" Harry quoted.

"I always said he was off his rockers," Pansy pointed out.

Then they were told about how Ron, Hermione, and Neville had been rescued by Dumbledore. Harry told them about Dumbledore gifting him the invisibility cloak (which technically Dumbledore had returned, not gifted).

Hermione was indignant at Dumbledore for giving something so dangerous to a kid (rightly so).

"How did Quirrell... you know?" Blaise asked to cut the cloak argument short.

Harry explained the "Lily's sacrifice" spiel to them. Draco consciously kept his mouth shut, but his expressions might not have been as blank as he believed them to be.

"What?" Harry asked.

"Nothing."

"Clearly there is something," Hermione argued. "What is it, Draco?"

"Look, it's just that I know you all think Dumbledore is an all-knowing great wizard..." He looked at the others who gave him 'go on' looks. "I just don't agree with his theory."

"But why?" Theo asked.

"No disrespect to Harry's mother, but for one, she isn't the only mother who sacrificed herself for their child, and for two, Harry's dad also gave his life to protect him."

"You think there's something else?" Blaise said contemplatively.

"Yes. Maybe? I don't know, guys... I just think there has to be something else too," Draco shrugged, unable to explain himself.

Hermione, Blaise, and Theo were clearly thinking about it as well, while the rest were looking at Harry for some confirmation. Once again, silence fell around them.

This time, it was Pansy who broke the silence as she launched into details about the Feast that was supposed to happen the next day. Slytherins were also excited about winning the House Cup. (Nah, don't get your hopes up.) They all left to get some rest before the curfew. Before they could leave the room, Hagrid arrived.

Hagrid was a mess, crying and blaming himself for their misadventures. It took them some time to calm him down. Before leaving, Hagrid gave Harry a Wizarding album full of photographs of his parents. So, Draco spent the whole night consoling first an ecstatic, then sad, and finally a crying Harry.

.....

"Hey Vii," Draco called the System hesitantly, not sure if it would even answer. He made sure he was the only one in the room. Everyone had left for the feast a couple of minutes ago.

"Yes, Draco..." the chipper voice replied, and Draco took a relieved breath.

"How do I use my Favor Points?"

"You tell me the task you want to complete, and I deduct the points accordingly."

"Can I use them to turn Snape good? Well, not Good, Good, that might be horrendous, but more like Movie Snape good?"

"Yes, you can, if you choose the movie version good that will not affect the storyline as much where canon events are concerned."

"Do it."

"Well, it'll take time."

"What? Why?"

"You'll need some emotional catalyst to soften his heart, and you'll have to either complete more tasks to gain that object or use your Favor Points to buy it."

"Can I use Snape and Lily's photographs?" He was sure he had seen a couple in Harry's album.

"Yes, but you can't take these from Harry."

"Shit. Then what?"

"You can always buy some, you know?"

"I can buy some?"

"Didn't I just say that?"

"Yes, but how do I buy those?"

"Well, it'll cost you a couple of additional Favor Points."

"But that'll leave me with zero points."

"Do you want to complete those tasks?"

"No, I don't have that much time. Ok... I'll buy those pictures."

"Sure." There was a ding for point deduction. "Done. You can get those pictures from your trunk."

"And how do I turn Snape good?"

"Hmm... let me see. Yes, looks like you have enough Points. Just go to him and drop these into his lap."

"Thanks, Vii." Draco shouted and went to his trunk to get the pictures. They were the Muggle still pictures, not the wizarding moving ones.

He rushed to get Harry and then went to Snape's office, hopeful he'll be in his room.

"What is it?" Harry asked while he was pulled by Draco towards the dungeons, looking like as if he was getting ready to fight the troll again.

"You know how you never believed me about Snape?" Draco asked. Harry went red with shame and guilt.

"Yeah... about that..." Harry scratched the side of his neck, looking hella apologetic.

"No time for that, just do as I say, and we'll forget about it." Draco gave Harry the pictures.

"Huh! That's Snape and my mom?" Harry looked stumped.

"Yeah, she was his best friend. I'll tell you all about it, but right now I need you to give these to Snape and tell him that you found these in your mum's stuff. Ok?" Draco explained, well not really.

Harry looked too confused to comprehend what was going on, but he still listened to Draco.

Snape opened the door with a terrifying glare. (Maybe Draco should do something about softening that glare or at least make it a little less terrifying.)

"To what do I owe this displeasure?" Snape sneered.

"Er..." Harry gulped and looked at Draco. "I, uh... I found these in my mother's stuff, sir. I thought you might like these?" Harry said, not entirely certain as he thrust the pictures into Snape's hands.

Snape gave them both a suspicious glare and started looking through the pictures. He became paler with each picture (You better be right about this, you stupid System / Rude much!)

Snape gasped at one of the pictures as his hold on them loosened, and the pictures fell down. Harry and Draco rushed to collect the pictures while Snape stood like a statue.

As they were collecting the pictures, Draco saw one with Remus, Snape, and Sirius. They were sitting on the grass with Sirius lying down, his head on Remus's lap, and it looked like Snape was holding his feet.

Before Draco could focus on the picture, it was snatched by Snape, and the door slammed shut in their faces.

"I hope you know what you are doing," Harry said, still looking at the door, distrust clear in his voice.

"Me too," Draco replied.

There was a ping from the System for Favor Point deduction. His Connection with Snape was downgraded to a Casual Relationship as well. He hoped the stupid System was right about this.

They went to the Hall, but Draco turned towards his house table as Harry went to Gryffindor. During the whole shebang of Gryffindor winning the House Cup, Draco kept a close eye on Snape. Snape had arrived after them and looked even paler than before. His eyes were suspiciously puffy as well. Snape kept his eyes on Harry the whole time.

.....

Exam results were announced the very next day. To no one's surprise, Hermione was the top of their class, Draco was second, and Blaise third. Theo and Pansy passed with above-average marks as well. Surprisingly enough, even Harry, Neville, and Ron had gotten good marks. Greg and Vince had also scraped by somehow and passed.

Before they knew it, they were all packed and set to leave for their homes. Draco made promises with all of them to visit during the summer, including Harry. Harry didn't look as if he believed him but still gave him an affirmative smile. Harry was clinging to Draco the whole day before and during their train ride. Draco didn't say anything about it and was glaring at anyone who tried to say anything about it.

They sat together in the same compartment. Even though it was a tight fit, no one complained. Draco spent the whole ride giving Harry pointers on how to deal with the Dursleys. Harry never asked him how he knew about them. Draco even gave some joke and prank items to Harry for the Dursleys (courtesy of the twins).

On the platform, they were received by the very excited Weasleys and the very cordial Narcissa Malfoy. The gang, along with the Twins, was invited to visit during the summer, and Pansy promised to bring Hermione with her. Pansy and Draco shared a look, and Pansy promised to make their visit amicable for Muggle-borns.

The Dursleys were the only sour point of the whole day. Draco and the gang made threatening remarks, and Harry assured them he'd stay in contact with them during the summer break.

One down, six more to go. Now, where was Dobby?