The Big Blue House

"There he is, poor little guy."

"I wouldn't worry about him, he's probably just a dirty death eater spy."

"At 11 years old? Merlin, you're paranoid."

"Is that the Malfoy kid? Did the sorting hat make a mistake?"

"Who's that?"

"Son of Lucius Malfoy, a Slytherin and a death eater through and through."

"Leave the kid alone you gossiping gits!" Meredith's voice broke through the whispers directed at Draco. It had been going on since he left the dormitory. Meredith had guided the Ravenclaws back to the Great Hall and was sitting among them all. All of the muggleborns had immediately taken to her, and had set her as their Ravenclaw mother, to answer questions and help them with anything. She took to the role swiftly and had been a comforting presence for any first year.

Draco's shoulders raised. "M-M-Meredith, you r-really don't h-have t-to, it's f-fine." She looked at him sharply.

"It's not fine Draco, you don't have to stand for this! You should be proud to be a Ravenclaw!" She said encouragingly.

"Yes, exactly! Preach it! Ravenclaw pride!" Michael agreed loudly, trying to stand up. Anthony snickered and dragged Michael back to his seat by his robe.

"I think you're a bit overenthusiastic for school." Anthony said.

"No such thing!"

Draco smiled hesitantly. He and Terry sat opposite the rambunctious boys, eating breakfast, hurrying to get their schedules from Professor Flitwick. The post had already come from the people with family owls. There wasn't a whole lot of it, but once the last owl had come, Draco breathed a large sigh of relief. And so he'd spent the majority of breakfast looking over to the Gryffindor table longingly. Harry and the Weasley were talking, as well as Hermione and Neville. It seemed he'd been completely forgotten.

Don't get him wrong, he liked Terry and Anthony and, albeit a little less the loud personality of Michael, but he missed discussing the differences between the muggle world and the wizard one with Hermione. All three Ravenclaw boys were half-blood, so they only knew as much as Draco, probably less. He missed Neville as well, as even though he knew less, he was very interested in Draco as a person. He was actually interested in who Draco was, a thing Draco had never really encountered before. And both of them didn't care if he blabbered on.

Once he'd finished his pastry, he shot right up to where Professor Flitwick was standing with the students schedules in front of the Ravenclaw table.
"Draco Mafloy, sir." He said, ready to get his schedule. Terry trailed behind him.

"Ah, now let's see here," the short little man flicked through the pile he kept in his hands. "Ah, here we go. Herbology first lesson, very nice." He handed Draco the weekly schedule. He read it through as Terry collected his. He imagined they'd all be the same as each other, but took comfort in knowing if they lost each other, he would know where to go.

From across the hall, he saw Hermione as she collected her schedule from Professor McGonagall, her large hair being a beacon and a half. They made eye contact. He froze.

"Draco!" Hermione greeted, running across the front of the hall over to him. Before he knew what was happening, she was holding him in a tight embrace. He didn't know how to react. "How are you doing?" Before he could do anything she let him go. "How is Ravenclaw?"

"There's a lot of steps." Merlin, why did he say that? Hermione giggled.

"We have that same issue with Gryffindor. With anywhere in this castle really. It's so big! What does your schedule look like?" Draco internally sighed in relief. She hadn't forgotten about him!

They put their schedules next to each others to compare.

"We do have Transfiguration together...and Charms! And Astronomy! Does that say at midnight on Wednesdays? We probably won't have time to talk then...we do have the daytime lessons though." As they were doing this Neville walked over to them.

"Hey Draco!" He greeted. "What's it like being a Ravenclaw?"

"Other than being a disappointment to my family and the person who single handedly took down a 500 year old lineage that has been so ingrained in the Malfoy name that the identity stems from it, It's alright. A lot of blue, though." Draco said in a casual tone while dying on the inside.

Hermione and Neville stared at him.

"Huh. I guess you were serious about the whole 'must be in Slytherin' thing," Hermione mentioned.

"I'm expecting a Howler from Father by tomorrow's breakfast."

"What's a Howler?" She asked.

"It's basically a letter that screams at you." Neville explained.

"The wizarding world is weird."

"Tell me about it." Draco mumbled, trying to hide his dread. "Hey, uh, would you two like to see what the library is like at break? I haven't seen it yet and want to see how it compares to the one at the manor."

"I still can't believe you live in a manor! A whole mansion and more...I bet you have quails or something. You've definitely learnt how to ride a horse and how to fire an arrow, and play polo and own a vineyard...and you definitely have some sort of exotic pet!" Hermione said smugly.

"We don't have quials, Father thinks they're too common, but we do have peacocks. Some of them are albino. I tried riding a horse, but it didn't work out." Turns out riding a horse is a lot different to riding a broomstick. "I do do archery," and had pretty good aim, "but I've never played polo. We do own a small vineyard, but I don't really care because I don't drink wine. And sorry to disappoint, but I've never owned any exotic pets." Unless you count the blue butterfly his mother had gifted him in a jar. "We're not really those kind of rich people."

"Yeah, sure, quick question; how big is your Christmas tree?"

Draco flushed. "Okay, okay, fine, but none of the extravagant stuff really benefits me. Other than the library."

"And I still can't believe you own a library. I'd kill for my own library! My shelves are practically breaking under the weight of my books, it's not fair." She didn't seem as bothered about it as she sounded.

"Uh, Hermione? As much as I like listening to you two talk about libraries, We kind of need to get to History of Magic in 10 minutes." Neville told the bushy haired girl.

"Oh, alright then, we'd better go! I want a seat at the front. Goodbye Draco, I'll see you in Charms!" Hermione waved him goodbye as she rushed off to class. Neville waved behind as well as followed after Hermione, at a bit of a slower pace.

"Those two looked nice." Terry's voice came from directly behind him.

"Gah!" Draco shrieked in surprise. "You were so quiet!"

"Not really, you were just loud."

"Okay then...how are you doing?" Terry put his thumb up in response. "I'm guessing our schedules match?" Terry put his next to Draco's for another comparison. They looked practically identicle, apart from a small note at the bottom of Terry's Friday evening. "What's this?"

"It's when McGonagall checks up on how I'm handling Hogwarts."

"How come?"

"I'm autistic." Draco turned to him in surprise. Terry averted eye contact. "High functioning, so you don't need to worry or anything, that anything'll happen. I'm fine, my Mum just wanted there to be a time for McGonagall to check on me in case I'm overwhelmed. She does it for the other autistic kids as well, so we do it as a group." Everything was clicking into place.

"Huh." Draco thought for a moment. "That's interesting." A new source on information. Neurodevelopmental disorders and mental illnesses were topics buried well in the library and archives. He'd heard of the shunning that occurred if any baby showed signs that it was 'lesser' in any way. Usually a mercy kill. Quick and easy. Even if it were an ancient practice, it was proficient, because that is how a Malfoy should be. Those were usually the stories that he got if he ever asked his father for a bedtime story. Nightmare fuel with a vaguely threatening message, the message usually being 'if you mess up, you're next on the chopping block'.

Terry seemed to like his straightforward answer, because his leg tapping had stopped and he looked happier.

"Hey boys, Herbology is in five minutes, we should probably run!" Michael called out to them, his hair mussed, schedule already looking destroyed, and robe tucked in ways robes should not be able to. His messed up hair kind of reminded Draco of Harry, and the ridiculous black bird's nest he carried around. Ridding thoughts of Harry, no...Potter, from his mind, he chased after the other three boys in a rush to make it to Herbology.

They made it to the class with seconds to spare.

==============

After the introductory Herbology lesson, it was time for Charms. The Herbology lesson had only been focused on the greenhouse rules and what they'd be studying that year. Draco had never been the most fond of Herbology, but that was only because his tutor had been a harsh man who took the fun out of everything. Draco had hated him, especially since he'd tried flirting with Narcissa on more than one occasion. To no avail, thank goodness.

The four Ravenclaw boys walked back up the castle together. Michael seemed very into Herbology, especially the medical properties, and would not stop talking about it.

"-that's not even including the incredible medicinal properties of crocodile vines, though the reason they aren't used as much in potions is because of the sheer mass needed for a proper reaction. They're very rare, and subsequently very expensive, as they can only be found in specific areas of the Amazon, although I heard the scientist Millie Fensworth is learning how to grow them in captivity. Isn't that great?! Just imagine what-" The other three boys had tuned him out by then. Terry looked oddly calm, and hadn't had a physical reaction for the entire lesson. Draco looked over to him, and realised that he was now holding Anthony's hand. The position of his wrist looked a bit uncomfortable, but Anthony looked to be okay with it.

Surprisingly, yet unsurprisingly, Michael didn't run out of things to say by the time they were at Charms. In fact, he seemed to have talked himself into a tangent about the ways the rich were hogging the exotic yet medically benficial plants, and how "-they don't even know the proper use for the flower! They just think they look pretty, even though you're supposed to cut the bud off the stalk before it blooms so you can create the best kind of dittany! But no, sure, look at the pretty flower, because that's sooo useful. I even heard they use them to make a special kind of toffee, called Petal Toffee. Really? They're just finding more ways to waste-" Once Draco walked into the classroom he saw that there were only four kids already here.

"Hey Draco! I saved you a seat!" Hermione called out to him. Her and Neville were sitting next to each other on a bench near the front, each seat having a feather in front of it. The other two kids were H-Potter and Weasley. Draco blocked them from his view. He walked over to Hermione's table, the Ravenclaw boys trailing behind.

"Hey there, the name's Michael! Herbology expert and bad boy extrordinaire!" Michael introduced himself to Neville with a completely straight face. Anthony snorted out a laugh.

"How are you a bad boy?" Terry asked.

"Don't worry about him , he's just a big joke." Anthony answered for him, leading Terry to the bench above where Hermione sat by his held hand.

Draco sat on the other side of Hermione and Michael slid over the table next to Neville.

"What was your last lesson?" Hermione asked Draco.

"Herbology."

"Herbology?!" Neville asked quite loudly. They all turned to him as he flushed. "I quite like Herbology. I've never practiced with the plants themselves. Nan never let me get one."

"I love Herbology! As I said before, I'm a bit of an expert." Michael popped an imaginary collar. "I know my stuff."

"Do you know about the recent discovery of a new kind of sentient Myosotis variety? Apparently they can sing." Neville asked Michael.

"Eh, personally I think the so-called sentience is a bit over exaggerated. It can only sing after all. I know of plenty of brainless singers. C'mon, Celestina Warbeck?" Neville laughed at that.

"What did you have last lesson?" Draco asked Hermione, getting used to tuning Michael out.

"I had History of Magic. The teacher is a ghost!" She looked bewildered. "He has quite a droning and monotone voice, it makes it quite difficult to want to listen."

"That's a shame. I used to have a lovely History of Magic tutor, Miss Gown. She focused on all the interesting bits, even a bit of muggle history! I'm sorry Hermione, but muggles are so strange. You judge people on the colour of your skin! Why would you do that? We're all the same underneath." Draco said.

"We don't anymore! Well, most don't. Some do, but they're just idiots." She looked down sadly for a moment. "And as if you're the one to talk about muggles being weird, what about you wizards? Yesterday on the train, I distinctly remember you explaining the 'blood purity' and how some people are considered 'lesser' because of not being a pureblood. Last time I checked, both of our blood was still red." She argued back.

"Fine, I digress. Humanity is what's weird. It just keeps on finding new ways to decide who's better or not, when what should decide it is how good a person you are. The only problem is, the people who decide what decides the hierarchy are usually the racist jerks, so they do what it takes to stay on top. They're also probably rich." He felt a slight guilt rise in him as he thought about his father and his wealth.

"Precisely! That's why when I'm older, I plan to become Prime Minister!" She announced.

"And I'll become Minister of Magic. We'll rule the world together, you and I." They giggled. Draco wasn't sure that he wanted to become Minister, but he knew he wanted to make a good difference.

"Ah, as nice as it is to see some ambitious students in my classroom, I'm afraid we're only learning about Charms today." Professor Flitwick told them kindly while stacking a pile of books to stand at his podium. Once he'd done so, he stood at the front of class. "Everyone, please take your seats," He told the last of the Gryffindors as they filed into the classroom. He took the register and then gave an introduction before setting them their first task, the levitation spell. He gave them the movement and the phrase and set them off practicing, getting down from his pile of books to go round the classroom and guide students.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" Hermione tried. Her feather lifted off the desk and continued to rise. It rose to be 4 foot above everyone's head before she stopped.

"Oh, well done. Everyone, Miss Granger here has done it!" Flitwick cried out happily. Hermione's face immediately brightened as she guided the feather back down. Draco could see the Weasley scowl and mutter to Potter. Jealous of Hermione's talent, probably. "Draco, why don't you give it a go?" Draco gulped and nodded nervously.

Okay, this was it. His first bit of public magic. It was an easy spell, one he'd perfected long ago. It was simple too, he could practically do it wordlessly. But now wasn't the time to be showy, it was time to be good at something. He was a Malfoy. He was perfect.

He held his wand and focused on the spell as he aimed it down at the feather. "Wingardium Leviosa." Before he knew what was happening, the desk disloged itself and began floating towards the ceiling. "Merlin." Draco whispered as it continued to rise towards the ceiling. Everyone was ducking underneath their own desks for fear of the getting hit by his falling down. This was not good, not good, not at all! His internal panic was too much, he couldn't control it - he was useless - he couldn't do a simple spell right - he was bad - he - he -

Draco breathed in. He folded away his panic and put it in a mental drawer. He focused his magic and guided the desk back down as careful as possible, with small and steady wand movements. Precision. It was FINE. Soon enough, the desk was back on the floor, exactly as it was. He breathed a sigh of relief with everyone else. Then he looked at the shocked expression on Professor Flitwick's face. He fell apart.

"O-o-oh no, I-I'm s-s-so s-s-sorry, I just, I-I-I w-was tr-trying to levit-tate th-the feather a-and I l-lost control I-I'm s-s-so s-so s-sorry I-" Draco stuttered out in fear. Only second lesson and he was already a failure, was what he going to-

"That was incredible, my boy!" Flitwick said in elation. He did a happy little dance. "Absolutely incredible! Where you intention needs some work, your control and magic were tremendous! I've never seen such utter control from a pupil, especially a first year on their first day! My my my am I happy to have you in my house!" Draco could feel himself turning pink. Everyone's eyes were glued to him. Oh Zeus...

"W-what, r-r-really?" Draco asked. That wasn't control, he was going to drop the desk!

Except he didn't.

He managed to guide it down.

Huh.

"Of course young Mr Malfoy, you are a true charm prodigy. Well done indeed!" He congratulated the boy. "Now, as long as everyone's okay and not hurt, I'd like the rest of you to focus on your levitating. We still have five minutes left!" He resumed the lesson to normal. Except it wasn't. Everyone was still staring at Draco.

"Draco, that was incredible!" Hermione said to him, eyes shining. "That was the most impressive magic I've ever seen! You were only suppose to lift the feather, but you lifted the desk! And no one got hurt at all!"

"The problem IS that I lifted the desk, Hermione." Draco tried explaining. Why didn't anyone see? He was imperfect. That was BAD.

"Well, at least now you know what to focus on! Your intention. The object more than the spell. And you've got the spell down perfectly!"

"Yeah mate, that was awesome! Scary but awesome!" Anthony agreed from behind. Terry, who in a slightly more frazzled state had taken to holding Anthony's hand, nodded. As did Neville, though looking a bit more scared.

"Yes that was awesome! Imagine using that in a duel, and managing to throw a whole desk at someone! That would be a great move for combat!" Michael said excitedly. "Will you teach me?"

"And me! I want to learn how to levitate a greater object!" Hermione added. Draco smiled.

"I-If you'd l-like, then sure. We're going to the library at break anyways." Draco said.

"Well then class, it is now time for break. You have 20 minutes until your next lessons. I can't wait to see you all again!" Professor Flitwick said, dismissing them all. "And another well done to you Mr Malfoy, great work!" He smiled as he put away the register.

On the way to the library Draco hears a sneer from behind him.

"Of course, he nearly destroys a classroom, and then he gets rewarded for it." Weasley provoked. Draco cooled his emotions and flattened his facial expression.

"You've caught me Weasley. First step; accidentally lifting desks. Next step; world domination." Hermione chuckled.

"You are such a git."

"Ron!" Potter interrupted their little...whatever this was. "You're being unnecessarily rude to Draco. Stop it." He told Ron. Draco's eyebrows rose.

"Whatever." Weasley backed down reluctantly. Ha-Potter looked at him.

"Hi Draco. That was pretty cool, what you did in there." He complimented.

"Thanks Potter," Draco replied, closes off. Potter frowned.

"Um, I guess I'll see you the next lesson we have together?"

"Yeah, I'll see you then." Draco confirms politely. It's an olive branch. It's a withered one but one just the same. Potter seems eager to take it.

"Cool! Have a good, uh, break! Come on Ron, didn't you want to show me something in the lake?" His smiled returns. So does Weasley's (unfortunately).

"Oh yeah, you'll never believe what I saw in there, it's crazy! I actually saw-" They walk away together. Draco looks after them for a moment too long before turning back to his group.

"To the library?" He's met with agreement. So they all walk to the library.

And everything was okay.