Chapter Text
*31 August 1991/ 01 September 1991*
"You will refer to our Lord as Cousin Salazar while at school if you refer to him at all. Is that clear, gentlemen?" Severus inquired, one dark brow winging up as he peered down at the pair of eleven year olds that were sitting side by side on a black and silver couch in the Potion Master's study at Malfoy Manor.
"Yes Uncle Severus." The blond said.
“Yes, Father.” The dark one responded, dipping his head slightly.
"And how will you refer to me while in class, Mr. Black, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Professor." They said, voices lifted in sync.
"And in the Great Hall?"
"Professor."
"My personal chambers?"
"Uncle Severus."
“Father.”
"Very well. You are dismissed." Severus responded with a sigh. Both boys scrambled from the sofa.
"So, what do you think Cousin Sal will send us from Romania?" Harry asked his best friend with a grin as he reached for the knob. It turned under his fingers and he blinked up into the glaring red eyes of a Dark Lord.
Harry went to his knees on the spot, not realizing that Severus had gone bloodless behind him and Draco's silver eyes were wide in terror. Harry had been taking instruction and knew how to pacify the man glaring down at him. He’d managed a prank potion or two in the time the Dark Lord had been his instructor.
"My Lord, please, forgive..." Severus trailed off when the dark haired man with red eyes lifted an imperious hand. Severus shook as the Dark Lord looked down. Crimson eyes looked down at the eleven year old boy that knelt at his feet, head bowed, as though he expected a curse.
"Harrison? Look at me, young Black." The Dark Lord ordered and bright green eyes met crimson. The Dark Lord gestured Harry to rise and Harry did so.
"Cousin Sal? Whatever possessed you for that nickname, dreadful though it is?"
"Would the old man expect you, the Dark Lord, to permit anyone to call you that?" Harry asked, voice smooth, green eyes cunning. Crimson eyes became thoughtful. A smirk twitched along the thinner lips.
"Very well thought out. You and young Malfoy alone. If I hear of any of my followers using that dreadful thing I will hex the offender for a week. Is that clear?"
"Crystal, my Lord." Severus and Draco said together.
"Yes, Cousin Salazar." Harry responded, a small smile flitting across his lips. The Dark Lord shook his head and dropped a map wrapped box into the dark haired boy’s hands.
"And one for you, young Malfoy. Both of you out. I need to talk to your Uncle. Go." The Dark Lord deposited a small item, wrapped in black and white paper into the Malfoy Scion's hands.
The boys clutched at their gifts and Harry lurched on his feet, easily skirting around the Dark Lord, Draco close on his heels. Harry smiled as he raced through the Manor, knowing that it was his last chance until the Holidays. He now had one more potential thing to add to his trunk for Hogwarts.
* * *
Harry stood, head up and shoulders back as he felt his Paddy’s hand on his left shoulder, his Dada’s resting at his back. Cool masks were fully in place, until he heard Aunt Cissa sniffle. He and Draco managed to trade one long suffering look before their respective “softer” parent pulled them into hugs.
Harry returned his Dada’s embrace and then let his Paddy hug him as well. He and Draco stepped back and grinned at each other. They were going to Hogwarts. It’s not like their parents didn’t know where they were going. Harry shook his head slightly and then stepped up to his Aunt Cissa.
Narcissa pulled him into a hug and he returned it. He knew he wouldn’t get off the platform without it. He traded an amused look with his Father and masked his shock when he realized that Uncle Lucius had just looked down to blink away a tear. He heard his Dada sniff behind him and swallowed hard. He would have his Father with him. Draco would have his Uncle Severus. They could do this… so long as their parents didn’t break down bawling. Harry squared his shoulders.
“Lord Malfoy? Lord Black? Might I beg a favour of you, sirs?”
Harry, Paddy, and the Malfoy Lord stepped a short distance away, and the Malfoy Lord lifted a silencing barrier around them. “Yes, Heir Black?”
“With that Granger girl…” Harry blew out a breath and Lucius’ steel grey eyes narrowed even as a pale blond brow lifted. His Paddy just grinned.
“With the Granger girl around, and most likely spouting her derogatory slander, I would formally request your permission to allow limited displays. Hand holding, perhaps an arm across the shoulder. I understand that kissing and anything else are strictly off limits as they do not befit a courting couple of our distinction and breeding.” Harry said, keeping his voice firm and cool, employing lessons that the Dark Lord had drilled him in along with bits of the Black Heritage. He watched both Lord Black and Lord Malfoy blink and then consider.
“Very well. Your Father will be informed of these amendments. You have my permission, Heir Black.” Lucius said with a faint smirk. His Paddy just grinned and nodded. The barrier fell and Harry walked back over to Draco and then looked up as a faintly familiar voice reached his ears.
“Surrounded by heathens. Remember, Mio dear, you know your purpose. It has been chosen by a Higher Power.”
“Yes, Mother. I shall do my best.”
“Good girl.”
Harry and Draco traded looks and Harry saw Lucius twine his hands with those of his Bonded Mates. Harry watched Paddy and Dada link hands as well. He reached out his left and Draco took his, after a quick glance up at his Father, who nodded his permission. They stood together Pure Blood masks firmly in place, silently challenging. Harry’s shoulders squared. This was his family. He refused to let anyone harm it.
“Well, I never.”
“I should hope not, madam.” Harry’s Father drawled. Harry and Draco pointedly refused to look at each other, knowing they would break out laughing.
“Remy, darling? We have everything, correct?”
Harry chewed furiously on the inside of his cheek and drew a breath in through his nose. He’d never heard his Paddy use such a simpering tone in his life. He heard one of the adults behind him choke slightly, but he refused to turn to look to see who it was.
“Of course, love. Harry will write, he has his owl, his trunk was double checked by our elves. If he forgot anything we can always send it on, dearest.”
“Harrison? Draco? You’d best board now. Go on.”
Harry nodded and turned to face the two groups of adults. “Dada, Paddy, Aunt Cissa, Uncle Lucius? I shall write you all at first opportunity. Though, I’m sure Uncle Severus’ letter will reach you before we are even sorted.”
“Your Uncle shall be the one to enforce the Contract, gentlemen. Listen to what he says.”
“Yes Father.”
“Yes, Lord Malfoy.” Harry responded, as both men bowed slightly to their parents and then turned, linking hands again as they made their way towards the train.
* * *
Harry pulled Draco lightly by the hand on to the train. He knew that Blaise and Theo were holding a compartment for them near the back of train. Harry knew that it was no small feat. The back of the train was normally reserved for the upper forms. However, being the Black Heir held its privileges. Harry wove his way through the crowd, Draco right on his heels. Their fingers were still tightly interlaced and Harry gave a squeeze as he opened the door to their compartment.
“Hey guys!” Theo looked up from the tome he was reading. Four owls hooted and ruffled importantly in their traveling cages. Harry smirked on seeing both his and Draco’s.
“Theo. Blaise. Thank you for procuring this compartment.” Harry nodded and took the seat closest to the window, Draco at his left.
“Anything for our future Lord.” Blaise piped up. Harry smirked and shook his head slightly.
“So, were your parents over-emotional as well?” Harry asked, arching an eyebrow. Blaise shifted slightly.
“Lip stain on my cheek?”
Draco snorted, Harry looked carefully and shook his head. “Nope. Aunt Cissa and Dada were a bit… clingy. I mean… it’s the first time we will be away for an extended time, I get that… But, still.”
“You would think that we have never been away from either of them, ever. You have spent plenty of time away from your Dada before. Weeks on end, actually. And I spent a whole month away from Mother last summer.” Draco rolled his eyes and rubbed his right thumb across Harry’s palm.
“Draco! Such a display!” Pansy sneered as the door to their compartment was thrown wide open. “What if your Father hears about this?”
“Parkinson.” Draco glared. “Father knows and gave permission.”
“It is none of your business, Parkinson.” Harry growled. “This compartment is full. I suggest you find one up front with the remainder of the First Years. I hear there is a lovely Muggleborn who would be over the moon to make your acquaintance.”
“You…” Pansy crossed her arms and huffed. “Of course, Heir Black. But do not think that this is over.” Pansy stomped her foot and left the compartment, slamming the door behind her.
Harry merely channelled his Father and raised an eyebrow. The slam of the door broke laughter from all four boys. Harry muttered a silencing barrier as an afterthought and watched Blaise blink.
“Tutored.” Harry responded to the unasked question, mentally kicking himself. It was something the Dark Lord had shown him. He’d been practicing it on his own.
“We’ve all been tutored, Harrison. I never learned that… Just who is your tutor? Mother may want to hire them next year.” Blaise raised an eyebrow.
Draco went stiff beside Harry. Harry squeezed his hand lightly and Draco relaxed, “The man is a cousin of Uncle Lucius. He is only doing it as a favour to the Black Line.”
“Surely…”
“Heir Zabini, Salazar Malfoy is not a man to be trifled with. I am honoured he has given his time to instruct me.” Harry’s voice was cold, face frozen into a mask he’d only ever seen the Dark Lord use when angered. Zabini quailed and Theo flinched back. Draco’s thumb maintained its soothing circles.
“I meant no offense, Heir Black.” Blaise dropped to his knees in front of the smaller youth. “Please, House MacNamara to House Black, accept my humblest apologies.” Blaise lowered his eyes to the floor and held his hands out, palms up.
“Get off the floor, Zabini.” Harry shook his head. “Your slight has been corrected. I am positive it will never happen again.” His glare inferred that he wasn’t asking a question.
“Of course, Heir Black. Never again.” Blaise rose to his feet and brushed his hands down the front of his robes to remove the dirt. Theo shook his head and rolled his eyes.
“Good one, Blaise.” He muttered under his breath. “Harrison.”
“Theo.” Harry returned.
“So, what are you looking forward to most at Hogwarts? We haven’t had much time to converse since your name day.” Theo placed his bookmark in the copy of Hogwarts: A History he was skimming.
“Well, I do know our instruction in Potions is about to become much more fascinating.” Harry smirked and sank back, only letting the twitch of his lips convey his amusement.
“How do you always find out the best gossip?” Theo questioned. “Who did you have to kill to get it?”
Harry and Draco laughed. “No one. Being Heir Black has its benefits. My Father is coming to Hogwarts.”
“No way!” Blaise and Theo began at the same time.
“I… That’s not fair, Harrison.” Blaise whinged.
“It will help Draco and me more than the rest, true. We will continue our tutelage under the same Master. That does give us an advantage. We know his style, we know his moods. The rest of you will just have to figure it out.”
“Harrison? Will he prefer Professor Snape or Lord Prince, or even Consort Malfoy?” Theo asked, biting his lip briefly.
“Professor Snape.” Draco responded before he continued, “Though, Harry and I have called him Master Snape in the past as well. I don’t think he’ll be too upset if we make that mistake. He is a Potions Master after all and has right to the title.”
“Harrison? Who all knows that he is your Father?” Theo questioned. “I mean, you call him Uncle Severus in public and in private, Father…. But will our Housemates know?”
“You are quick to assume we will all be in the same House, Theo.” Harry smiled. “If I am in Slytherin, they will all be informed. Father is Head of House after all.”
Blaise’s eyebrows shot up. “Head of House too? Wow. You are too lucky, Harrison.”
“I don’t know if I would call it luck, Blaise. More like a severe form of drawn out punishment. If I make a mistake that costs house points, no matter my house, I will hear about it… and probably serve detention with him. Scrubbing cauldrons.”
“Still… That is wicked cool. I wish…” Blaise sighed and glanced out the window. “I just wish I knew where my father was… I mean, Mother is great, but she is on Husband Number Seven. Seven.”
“Blaise? Think about it. Nobody can know. Outside of our group, if Harry doesn’t get into Slytherin, nobody will know. If this information is known to the wider world, Harrison and Uncle Severus are in danger. From the corridors we know too.” Draco responded, shaking his head, using a phrase he’d heard his Father use plenty of times. He watched Blaise pale and nod.
“For the corridor conceals daggers and pain.” Theo murmured. All four young men nodded, knowing it was a Dark Pure Blood truism.
There was a loud bang from the corridor outside of their compartment. The four boys heard a muffled shout and their door shook.
“What the--?” Theo stood and made his way to the door.
“Theo! Don’t.” Harry barked out the command.
Theo stood stock still. “But--”
“I said don’t move.” Harry stood, wand in hand. Theo sank back into his seat, head bowed. The owls hissed and ruffled. Harry ignored them, knowing the cages were sealed.
The compartment door rattled on its hinges. The handle twisted and another muffled shout could be heard from the hallway.
“Harry? Spell.” Draco prompted. Harry huffed and sank back onto his seat, keeping his wand ready as he released the barrier with a small glare.
The door flew open and a body fell to the floor. Harry glared as a shock of red hair peeked out from under the heap of rumpled robes.
“Get up.” Harry commanded and poked the body with the toe of his dragonhide boot.
“Ge’off.” The boy on the floor moaned as he pulled himself into a sitting position.
“I said… Get. Up.” Harry stood and crossed his arms, his wand trained on the boy.
“Just who do you think you are?” The question was spat out and Harry masked his distaste, drawing on the Heritage lessons to keep himself impassive. He heard his Paddy’s voice, boring dinner party guest you hate and can kill later.
“Red hair and hand me down robes… You must be a Weasley.” Draco spat as the boy got to his feet, using the doorframe to haul himself upright.
Harry arched an eyebrow. “Ah, the Weasley’s. And you are?”
“I asked you first. Isn’t it proper manners to answer someone’s question before you start with your own?” The younger Weasley crossed his arms and cocked his hip. Harry thought he was emulating his mother.
“I thought Weasley’s were Pure Blood, not --” Harry lifted a hand for silence and Blaise stopped speaking at once.
“Poor manners aside, Heir Zabini, he is still, as you said, Pure Blood. As to your rude question, I am Harrison Black, the Heir Black... and you are?”
“Ron. Weasley. Pleasure.” Ron stuck out his hand as the disdain dripped off his lips.
Harry raised an eyebrow. “Yes, I am sure.” He glanced at the proffered hand. “The youngest male, I presume?”
The boy nodded, and Harry masked his grimace as he realized a smudge of dirt was next to the other boy’s nose. He now understood why his Grandfather Orion had most likely used the phrase “can kill later” in that instruction to his Paddy, who had delivered that advice with a shudder and a grimace.
“Kneazle got your tongue, Weasley?” Draco sneered as he rose to stand next to Harry.
“Draco. Please.” Harry narrowed his eyes at the Weasley boy. Draco settled back on the bench after reaching for and pulling down his owl cage. The bird fluttered and hissed.
“I assure you that your kind isn’t welcome at this time, Weasley. Now if you could remove yourself from my sight.” Harry waved his hand toward the door.
“Just who do you think I am?” Ron quipped back and raised his wand.
“House Weasley. And if you even think about that curse leaving your lips… May all the fury of House Black rain upon you and yours for all the days of your life.” Harry started to sink back onto his seat when a hastily muttered trip jinx fired from the boy’s wand. Blaise leapt into the path and went sprawling. Harry rocketed to his feet, green eyes blazing.
“May your children, and your children’s children be turned away from every opportunity. May there be a curse upon your name. Do. Not. Tempt. Me. House Weasley is in disgrace from this point forward.” Harry glared and raised his wand. “Out.”
As soon as the compartment door thudded shut under Harry’s wand, Harry knelt on the floor and lifted the spell from Blaise. He pulled the other young man to his feet and muttered the minor diagnostic that he’d heard his Paddy use so many times on his Dada that he missed the way Theo’s eyes widened.
“Mmm. No damage. It was just a trip jinx. Rather strong though. Draco, do we have any chocolate left from what Cousin Salazar gave you?”
“Hold Arianrhod.” Draco muttered and Harry took the cage while Draco dug out a Romanian chocolate and handed the piece to Blaise.
“Well. That was exciting.” Harry drawled. Theo shook his head. Blaise rubbed at his forehead where he’d hit it due to the jinx. “House Black thanks House MacNamara for it’s timely intervention, and shall remember it’s debts.”
“House MacNamara thanks House Black for it’s kindness in the face of adversity.” Blaise nodded. “So, who’s looking forward to House Quidditch matches?”
“I for one am. It will be refreshing to see amateurs playing. Harry and I are becoming disillusioned by the professionals. Money dictates play. It is a sad state of affairs. Some day when Harry buys me my own team, I will ensure that players play for the love of the game, not for the paycheck.” Draco smirked and leaned into Harry’s side.
Harry laughed. “I’m buying you your own team, now? The Cannons then?”
Draco smacked Harry lightly on the arm. “You wound me. I want Puddlemere United. Or the Falcons. You are the richest wizard of our generation…”
“You know me, Draco. Partial to the Kestrels.” Harry said with a smirk.
“For the life of me I cannot figure out why.” Draco shook his head. “Well, to each his own. At least you are not a Cannons fan. It would be a Contract breaker.”
“Really? I will remember that, Heir Malfoy.” Harry deadpanned.
Draco swallowed loudly and shuddered. “I mean… Not that… I would care for-”
“Draco. Deep breaths.” Harry rubbed Draco’s arms and ignored Draco’s lapful of caged owl. “I was kidding. It’s okay. I know you were joking. Calm down.”
Draco gulped in air and nodded. Blaise and Theo pretended fascination with the countryside blurring past the windows. “Besides, Harry. You’d look horrendous in orange.”
“I would, wouldn’t I?” Harry smiled. Draco fed his owl a treat and smiled.
Half an hour later a knock on the door from the trolley lady interrupted a fierce Wizards Chess game between Harry and Theo. Theo had just captured Harry’s last rook when the compartment door slid open.
“Anything from the trolley, dears?” The old witch smiled.
Harry sat up, twisted in his seat to reach his money pouch. “What ever the others want. I will take a package of choco-balls and some chocolate frogs, please.”
“A package of Bertie Bots, please.” Theo said, never looking up from the chess board.
“I will take a package of chocolate frogs and a bag of ginger newts.” Blaise smirked from his seat.
“Gross.” Draco shuddered. “I will have a package of chocolate frogs, some candy floss, two cauldron cakes, a package of sugared violets…” Harry smiled and shook his head. Draco loved the sugared violets. “A package of ice mice, and a sugar quill if you have one.”
“And a bottle of tummy soother. I know my betrothed. He’ll need it.” Harry added and the woman smiled indulgently as she handed over the sweets and the soother. Harry counted out the appropriate coins and added a few extra for the kindly woman.
“How can you eat that much, Draco? I would be so sick.” Theo stuck out his tongue in disgust. “I can barely stand sugar.”
“Well, Harry will have half the quill. And I still need several cards for my collection.”
“That doesn’t-” Blaise began.
“Blaise. I think that I can chastise my betrothed if I feel that he is overindulging… It is not your place. Drop it.” Harry let out a measured breath and turned toward Draco. “Just don’t eat them all at once, okay? There is the feast tonight. Father says the Hogwarts Elves make the best puddings.” Harry really wanted to try their turkey. It was something apparently imported just for the feasts.
“Hey, it’s not like I’d eat all of it right now! Besides… Uncle Severus will like some of the floss.” Draco traded a smirk with Harry as the dark haired boy tucked the package of choco-balls into his pocket. He pulled open his first frog package and snagged the confectionary amphibian, neatly biting off a leg that was still kicking frantically.
“You are brutal…” Blaise began before he bit into his own frog.
“Well, at least I don’t bite the head off first.” Harry smirked, gesturing to the headless frog hanging out of Blaise’s mouth. “That’s brutality.”
“It’s chocolate, that’s what it is.” Theo picked a bean from his box.
“Ooh! Is that one caramel?” Draco plucked the bean from Theo’s fingers and popped it into his mouth. He chewed and his face twisted. The other three boys laughed.
“You know, serves you right, Draco. I’m used to you stealing my beans. What was it?” Theo asked with a grin.
“It was mud. Probably from the Welsh coast.” Draco shuddered and tried to wipe the offending bean from his tongue.
“Hey! Finally. Common card my broken wand! Dumbledore!” Harry exclaimed holding up the card.
“Nice. Last of your “Modern” set. Still need about eight of those…” Draco said, distracted by Harry’s cheer. He also snapped the arm off Harry’s frog and popped that into his mouth.
“Draco!” Harry laughed and scrunched up his face.
“So now you pay attention to me. I should steal your chocolate more often. I think that your Dada is a bad influence on you. Always plying you with chocolate. It has made you an addict.” Draco whispered the last word.
“Honeydukes Finest. I swear, Dada eats half a brick a day.” Harry shook his head with a fond grin, his attention turning back to the game and then wincing as he saw the next three moves. Theo had him.
“Why?” Theo asked.
“Well… Chocolate wards off depression. It really can make someone feel better. Besides…” Harry shook his head.
Draco handed over his owl’s cage to Theo and took Harry’s hands. “It’s okay…” He whispered. “Your Father is working very hard on it. You don’t have to let anyone know. I am here for you, Harry. Really.”
Harry looked down at Draco’s hands. He intertwined their fingers and squeezed gently. “Thank you.” Harry whispered back. “It means a lot to me you know. I just hope that we sort into the same house.”
“I will follow you Harry. No matter where. I will convince whatever powers that need be that my place is by your side. Even if that is in Gryffindor.” Draco shuddered. “But, try not to be in Gryffindor.”
Harry chuckled. “I would have expected you to whinge about Hufflepuff more, Draco.”
The horrified look that displayed itself had Harry ducking a chucked frog box even as he dissolved into laughter. The owl screeched and hissed and Theo hastily handed Arianrhod back to Draco.
“Arianrhod. Stop.” Draco hissed. The owl stopped screeching and Draco put her back on the shelf.
“Why is your owl named that?” Blaise glanced at the eagle owl.
“Arianrhod was the welsh goddess of death and renewal, wisdom and moon magicks. She was a shapeshifter. She turned into a large owl at night and was known for being able to see into the human subconscious and soul. Her wings gave comfort to and healing to those who seek her. I found it fitting.” Draco sat proud. “Why did you name your owl Pazienza?”
“It means patience in Italian. I like to think that maybe she can teach me some…” The other boys laughed. “Or, at least Mother thinks that. I like to think that she is the embodiment of her name. Patience and endurance. Two good qualities of an owl.”
“Very nice.” Harry nodded. “Theo? What did you name your owl?”
“Balfour.” Theo nodded his head toward the scops owl.
“That name sounds… why do I know it?” Draco muttered.
“Balfour Bane established the Committee on Experimental Charms.” Theo said. Harry nodded. Draco rolled his eyes.
“Of course. Bane. I still need that card.”
“What card don’t you need, Draco? I swear.” Harry chuckled.
“No you don’t.” Draco deadpanned. “I have never heard you swear. You are wound as tight as a rattlesnake.”
“Whatever, Draco.” Harry rolled his eyes and turned toward his owl. “Hey, sweetheart. We’re almost there. I know you don’t like to be cooped up in that tiny cage. I wish I could let you out, but the train is moving too fast.” Harry stuck his fingers in the cage and stroked the dark feathers of his Greater Sooty owl, who turned her face towards him and nipped gently at the offered digits.
“Harrison, what is she? I haven’t seen her type before.” Theo leaned closer for a good long look.
“Greater Sooty Owl, native to Australia. Also known as a Black Owl.” Harry responded with a small smile. Theo shook his head while Blaise chuckled.
“Only you would have an exotic owl, Harrison. She is beautiful. What did you name her?”
“Ungud.”
“Ungood? What kind of name is that?”
“Not Ungood, Ungud.” Harry emphasised the short ‘u’.
“Okay… Why did you chose that name?” Theo perked up. Harry knew he soaked up new knowledge like a sponge.
“Ungud was the snake god. Sometimes male, sometimes female, he was associated with rainbows and the fertility and erections of the Tribal Shaman. The origin is Aboriginal. It is interesting to note that the Aborigines are actually wary of owls.”
“You mean to tell me that primitives see owls as bad luck?” Blaise asked. Harry shook his head.
“More or less, yes. However, I have respect for other cultures. For example, did you know that the Aztecs had a story about a deity, Coyolxauhqui. She was a daughter of Coatlicue and Mixcoatl and is the leader of the Centzon Huitznahuas, the southern star gods. Anyways, her Mum was pregnant, which was an embarrassment to her children. More or less, things got nasty rather quick, and the goddess ended up as the moon. The Aztec’s had magicks that still make us shudder to this day. You don’t call them primitive.”
“That is brutal. I think I remember that story. You got some sort of stone, right?” Blaise cocked his head.
“For my birthday a few years ago. It is one of my most treasured possessions. I brought it with me.” Harry smiled at the thought of the present the Dark Lord gifted him with. His fingers remained in his lap, knowing better than to brush against the chain that held the compass around his neck.
“You receive the best presents, Harrison. Who gives them to you? You’ve never said.” Theo questioned.
“Cousin Salazar does. I usually also get a lesson along with the gift. He was in Romania last. He brought me a gift and a giant magical snake. Paddy nearly had a heart attack when he spotted the snake coiled around the Cousin’s chair.” Harry snickered, clearly remembering the look on his Paddy’s face.
“Snake? What did Lord Malfoy say about that?”
“Asked if an elf would have to get a piglet for its dinner. Her name is Nagini. Cousin Salazar is a parselmouth.” Harry said with another grin, still picturing his Paddy’s unease at the giant serpent.
“Well, so are you… Can you learn Parsel?” Blaise asked.
“No one calls it Parsel, Blaise. It is parseltongue. And maybe, I don’t know. We have been trying to teach Draco a word or two here and there.”
“I am right here, Harry. You don’t have to speak of me as if I am invisible. I took Latin. Parseltongue is more slippery almost. My tongue has a hard time with the syllables.”
The train began to slow. Harry heard the begins of commotion in the corridor. “I do believe that we are almost there. Just a few minutes from the sound of it. We should change into our robes.”
Blaise, Theo and Draco began to pull their school robes from the special compartments in the front of their travel bags. Harry stood still and waited until the other boys were changed.
“Draco? Would you mind moving to the other side of the compartment?” Harry questioned as he pulled his folded screen from his bag. Harry spelled the door locked.
“But… Harry… We have ch-” Draco whinged.
“Do not finish that sentence, Draconis.” Harry’s eyes narrowed. “Now, if you please.”
Draco huffed and shuffled his feet to the opposite side of the compartment. Harry erected his screen and began to change. “And don’t shuffle your feet. It is unbecoming of one with Black Blood, let alone the Malfoy Heir.”
“Yes, Harry.” Draco sulked. “Stupid Contract.”
“And don’t sulk.”
“How does he-” Theo began.
“Don’t ask.” Draco whispered. “I don’t rightfully know.”
Harry stepped from behind the screen, straightening his Hogwarts tie. “Paddy and Uncle Severus said the chill coming off the lake might warrant the spring cloak.”
Everyone heard the way Harry stressed the title and nodded. Harry sighed and slipped into the “public” mindset. He would have to play the Heir from the moment the compartment door opened. He took a calming breath, he was ready. Draco’s fingers twined with his.
Blaise opened the compartment door as the train shuddered to a stop. He glanced left then right and cocked two fingers on his right hand. He stepped into the corridor, Theo on his left and made a gap in the traffic.
Harry and Draco stepped from the compartment and Harry nodded once at the Zabini Heir. The door was slid shut behind them as they made their way to the front of the train.
“Firs’ years! Firs’ years, this way!” A loud booming voice echoed over the moor.
“Harrison? I think we need to make our way toward that lump of an oaf over there.” Blaise directed his vision to the mountain of hair and fur hollering for the First Forms.
“After you, Heir Zabini.” Harry emphasised the public address.
“Many apologies, Heir Black.”
“Remember your place, Zabini.” Draco drawled.
The four boys made their way toward the shoreline of the moor. Harry glanced at the line of boats and wondered if that was the way to get to the castle. He saw that all of the older forms were getting into horseless carriages for the ride up to the castle.
“You expect me to get into that?” Harry shook his head. The boats were old and looked as though they were held together with magic, which Harry suspected they were.
“Ev’ry one rides in ‘em boats the firs’ ‘ime, boy. Four ta a boat.”
Harry sighed and Blaise and Theo clambered in, holding the boat steady while Draco gingerly stepped in. Harry took Blaise’s arm as he slid carefully in. He managed not to fall but settled gingerly. He then snickered as Weasley toppled face first into another boat, landing on the Muggleborn Granger. He heard the other boy in that boat moan about a toad and just shook his head. However, he did nod to the MacDougal Heiress who nodded back and then glared at the other occupants of her boat.
Harry sat stock still as the boat rocked back and forth. He closed his eyes and prayed to Merlin to grant him the patience to not kill someone before the day was out. Draco’s fingers twined with his own as the boat launched. He traded a look with his betrothed, they were almost there.