"Harry, where are you off to?" Neville asked as he noticed his friend grab something from his trunk and head for the compartment door. Hermione, engrossed in her book, also glanced up to see the green-eyed wizard.
"Sorry, I've got something to take care of. I'll be back shortly," Harry replied, rushing out of the compartment. In that brief moment, Hermione caught sight of a hint of color rising to his cheeks. If she weren't so serious, she'd have loved to tease him about it. After closing the door behind him, Harry quickly donned his invisibility cloak—along with a small box of premium chocolates he had just retrieved from his trunk—and began his search for a certain blonde girl he wanted to congratulate.
Unlike the first train ride to Hogwarts, when the first-years were scattered, the student body was now divided into small groups within compartments. This made Harry's task of finding Draconica somewhat easier—he knew she often hung out with Greengrass and Tracey Davis—but it also made it more challenging as he'd need to congratulate her in front of them.
Navigating through the train cars while under the invisibility cloak proved difficult; he had to weave around students in the corridors. Thankfully, as long as no one spotted him—at least, that's what he hoped—no one would query his whereabouts. He paused at a few compartments along the way to greet his Quidditch teammates, slipping out of sight when necessary.
As he moved toward the front of the train, Harry passed by a compartment occupied by Crabbe and Goyle. Clearly, Draconica had sent her would-be 'bodyguards' away, and the two Slytherin boys ended up dozing off in their own compartment during the journey to London. Further along, he spotted the youngest Weasley playing exploding snap with Dean Thomas, both of them devouring snacks.
Finally, in the third car from the engine, Harry spotted the familiar blonde witch sitting with Daphne Greengrass and Tracey Davis. Making his way to the nearest tambour, he slipped off his cloak and tucked it away. He then backtracked to the compartment and knocked on the door.
"Do you mind if I take a moment, ladies?" he asked as he pushed the door open. The three girls looked up, surprised by his unexpected presence. Harry noticed Draconica had a charms book on her lap, while Daphne and Tracey were engrossed in a magazine.
"Potter?" Daphne said, clearly intrigued. "Alright." Nodding in acknowledgment, Harry stepped inside and closed the door behind him.
"I know it's generally considered bad form to give gifts early," he began, feeling his cheeks grow warm, "but I'm not sure I can deliver this safely the day after tomorrow, Ms. Malfoy. So… Happy Birthday!" With that, he presented the box of chocolates to Draconica, who looked taken aback. She hadn't expected a gift from him, especially since she hadn't mentioned her birthday being on June second, just two days away.
"I'll make sure to get you something more substantial when I can go shopping," he added quietly, ensuring only she could hear. Then, addressing the group with a normal tone, he said, "Well, ladies, I won't take up any more of your time. Enjoy the rest of your ride." With a small bow, he exited their compartment.
As the girls discussed his unexpected gesture, Harry returned to where Neville and Hermione were waiting.
Unbeknownst to young Harry, Dumbledore had tried to manipulate his relationship with Ms. Malfoy by altering his memories. Even wielding the Elder Wand, the old headmaster's subtle approach had failed, as he hoped to avoid causing lasting harm to Harry's mind. After all, the world didn't need an unstable hero. Dumbledore was not overly concerned, however; if he could keep Harry aligned with the light, Draconica could serve as a spy against dark families and Voldemort when he reemerged.
Dumbledore had also sought to subtly shift Harry's views on himself and his relatives, but when Madam Pomfrey chose that very moment to check on her patients, he could not verify the effectiveness of his efforts.
---
Augusta Longbottom was torn about recent events at Hogwarts. On one hand, she was frustrated that Neville had fled from the Death Eater attack—a behavior she believed was unworthy of the Longbottom name. On the other hand, had he stayed, he might have faced capture too. Regardless of how much she desired Neville to emulate the bravery of his father and grandfather, he was still just a first-year student. His quick thinking had allowed him to alert the staff in time to save the students from torture or worse.
Settling for congratulating Neville on his academic achievements, Augusta mentally resolved to speak with the Board of Governors about getting information from Dumbledore regarding how a Death Eater had infiltrated the school unnoticed. Depending on the headmaster's response, the Board might need to reconsider Hogwarts' budget to enhance the castle's protective wards.
---
With a clear purpose, Hermione hurried through the barrier separating platform 9¾ from the Muggle side of King's Cross Station and immediately spotted her parents waiting for her. After wheeling her trolley to them, she enveloped her mother in a hug, followed by her father—she had missed them dearly since Christmas.
"How was your year, Pumpkin?" her father, Dan, inquired once she stepped back from the embrace. They didn't seem to be aware of the Death Eater incident, and Hermione preferred to keep it that way; revealing it might lead them to pull her from school and away from her friends.
"It was good! I ranked first in my year, and…" she began excitedly, but then suddenly remembered the restrictions on performing magic during the summer, which dampened her enthusiasm. "Unfortunately, I can't show you anything aside from my school books."
"Why not, dear?" her mother, Emma, asked.
"Well, as you know, the magical world is hidden from… non-magical people, and to keep it that way, there are laws that prevent me from doing any magic in front of… non-magical people," Hermione explained. "There are exceptions for self-defense, but…"
"I understand," said Dan Granger. "We should have guessed. We knew nothing about magic until Professor McGonagall visited last summer to explain that you're a witch."
"Now, pumpkin, tell us more about your classes," Emma suggested, steering the conversation to a lighter topic. Eagerly, Hermione nodded and began sharing stories from her lessons as they all made their way to the parking lot where Dan had parked their car.
---
Unfortunately for Draconica, her father was not pleased to see her return. The scowl on Lucius Malfoy's face when he greeted her at the station made that abundantly clear. At least he preserved his family's reputation by keeping their business away from prying eyes…
Once inside Malfoy Manor, Lucius commanded one of their house elves to take Draconica's belongings to her room before leading her to his study, with Narcissa trailing quietly behind them. In the study, Lucius settled into his armchair behind a large mahogany desk piled high with neatly organized papers, while Narcissa took a seat in one of the guest chairs, leaving Draconica standing in front of them.
"I've been informed…" Lucius began, "…that you've associated with Potter, Longbottom, and a Muggle-born on several occasions. I initially intended to punish you severely for this breach of decorum, but your mother persuaded me to hear your side first. So, explain yourself, young lady." It was clear why her father was upset.
"Father, you may be aware that this year's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor has underwhelmed," Draconica replied, and Lucius nodded, sharing her disdain for the headmaster's unfortunate choice. "To receive a proper education, I needed to either self-study extensively or collaborate with a competent student. I chose Potter, who has excelled in this subject and outperformed my housemates. This also affords me an opportunity to align myself with him. Although Potter may not be on our side, he's no pawn of Dumbledore, and he seems to have his own reasons for resisting the headmaster."
"I see…" her father mused, contemplating how to exploit the rift between Potter and Dumbledore for his own benefit. "But that hardly explains your interactions with the squib and the Muggle-born."
"The Muggle-born witch you mentioned, Granger, currently ranks first in my year. Her origins don't diminish her abilities; she is an excellent researcher with a remarkable memory. By befriending her, I can ensure I have the resources for my assignments. As long as I benefit academically, I see no issue with being civil." Draconica paused before adding, "As for Longbottom, the rumors about his capabilities being close to squib status are incorrect. He may struggle with wand work, but he has demonstrated enough magical power to rank in the top ten of the class. Once he inherits the Longbottom Lordship, his political influence will complement his magical power, making it wise to cultivate his trust early. Also, with his top proficiency in Herbology, he is an invaluable resource for my studies." Lucius sighed, inwardly acknowledging that Narcissa's influence had successfully crafted a budding politician in their daughter.
"Very well, that's sufficient for now." He observed Draconica's face, which betrayed none of her worries. "You may maintain your associations with them, but understand that you must finish the year in fifth place or higher. Should you become a blood traitor, however, the repercussions will be severe."
"Thank you, Father," Draconica said, bowing slightly. "Is this all?"
"Yes, you may leave." She exited the study with her mother following her, and once they were in the corridor with the door safely closed, Narcissa knelt before her daughter.
"Draconica, dear…" Unlike Lucius, her mother had a soft spot for her.
"Yes, Mother?" Draconica replied.
"Tell me… is there another reason, aside from academics, for your choice to associate with those Gryffindor friends?" Narcissa asked. The momentary slip in Draconica's composure was enough for her mother to grasp the truth. "I see…" she said with a gentle smile. "Don't worry, I won't tell your father. I remember what it was like to be a young girl in your position… Just be aware that there is a contracted obligation involved." Draconica nodded.
"Thank you, Mother." But Narcissa remained kneeling.
"And… don't share this with your father, but I encourage you to keep studying with your friends," she continued. Draconica raised an eyebrow in curiosity. "Rumors suggest that Dumbledore is considering hiring Lockhart for your next DADA course. I recall him being nearly at the bottom of our class at Hogwarts… I doubt he achieved half of what he claims in his books." Draconica nodded, realizing she would have to learn defense independently yet again.
"Now, don't let me take up any more of your summer," Narcissa said, rising to let her daughter go.
Once back in her room, Draconica flopped onto her bed, deep in thought about her feelings for a certain dark-haired Gryffindor. He was just a study partner, surely, but the reaction to her mother's question suggested otherwise. Did she see him as something more? Apparently, the answer was yes, which troubled her. Determined to suppress any feelings that might spiral out of control, Draconica began practicing her Occlumency to keep her thoughts orderly.
---
After leaving platform 9¾, Harry flooed to the Leaky Cauldron. Once he stashed his belongings with Tom the bartender, he ventured into Diagon Alley. The green-eyed wizard had summer plans that required some Muggle currency, so he made his way to Gringotts. There he exchanged a hundred galleons for five hundred pounds—apparently, the exchange rate was consistent. He also took the opportunity to inquire who could access his vault. After learning that only the key holder and those present with him had access, and that the vault was a trust fund that had not been touched until the previous summer, Harry thanked the goblin teller and left the bank.
After collecting his belongings from the Leaky Cauldron, Harry headed back to the Dursleys' house. He wasn't entirely sure why he felt compelled to return, but at least he hoped his relatives would be in a good mood since they wouldn't have had to pick him up at King's Cross this time.
When Harry finally arrived at number four, Privet Drive, it was already an hour past dinner time. He assumed the family was likely settled in front of the television. Knocking on the door, he heard the heavy footsteps of his uncle approaching. Vernon opened the door and regarded him for a moment before speaking.
"It's you? What are you standing there for? Come in." Harry quickly entered the house. "Now, boy, hand over your things so I can put them away." The young wizard shook his head.
"I don't think that's a good idea," he replied cautiously.
"And why not?" Vernon barked.
"I have summer homework I need to complete. If I don't finish it, I could either repeat a year or, worse, be expelled. I can only push for emancipation after passing my first set of exams," Harry lied, attempting to appear convincing. "Do you really want me around longer than necessary?" His uncle's face flushed deep red.
"Very well, boy. Just take your things to your room!" the irate man yelled. "But if I see or hear anything freakish, you'll be sorry!" Harry nodded, carrying his belongings upstairs.
"And make sure your bird doesn't wake me up! I'll kill it!" Vernon shouted as Harry made his way up.