thirteenth lotus leaf

"I saw what I could do if I were a different person now. The phoenix is born from its ashes. I have no regrets now. It flies around, scattering fire. You shouldn't have any either. Living like this is terrible. I know because I died once. The female phoenix hits a pole with a sharp sound. Her red feathers fall to the ground. I want you to take this. It's your time now. The phoenix turned to ashes again. It will return in another way and time."

"...Ha hı haa hı. It's so hard to breathe. What was this? WHAT WAS THIS?"

Draco sat up in his bed. He was soaked in sweat, and his heart was pounding as if it would burst out of his chest. The prophecy he had seen echoed in his mind. Phoenix, ashes, fire, death... A lot of symbols he didn't understand and a chilling message.

"What... what does this mean?" he whispered to himself.

With the effect of the prophecy, he felt a tightness in his chest. He was having trouble breathing. His room was darkening, the walls were closing in on him. Draco was in the grip of a panic attack.

"No... no, it can't be..." he murmured, his hands trembling.

The traumas he had experienced in the past, Voldemort's rise, his family's dark past... All of them were swirling in his mind like a vortex. The phoenix's birth from its ashes was like a reflection of his own life, but was it also the birth of someone else's destiny?. He had come back from the dead, changed, and had become a different person now. But this change had not brought him peace. On the contrary, it was leading to new nightmares in his mind.

Draco tried to get out of bed, but his legs were shaking. He moved to the middle of the room, holding onto the walls. He collapsed to the floor and pulled his knees to his chest.

"Breathe... just breathe..." he repeated to himself.

But his panic attack wouldn't subside. The tightness in his chest was increasing, his breathing was getting harder. The phoenix's cry was echoing in his mind.

"Red feathers... falling to the ground... your time..."

The pieces of the prophecy were trying to come together in his mind like a puzzle. But Draco couldn't figure out what this puzzle meant. All he knew was that something terrible was going to happen.

"Help... help me..." he whispered, his voice trembling.

But his room was silent. No one could hear him. Draco was alone and helpless. His panic attack was pulling him into the darkness.

As Draco's desperate whispers tore through the silence of the room, the door slowly opened. When Blaise saw Draco's collapsed, trembling body on the floor, he ran to his side in concern.

"Draco, what happened to you?" he asked, his voice trembling with worry.

Draco felt a little relieved when he heard Blaise's voice. But his panic attack still wouldn't subside. He was having trouble breathing, the phoenix's cry was echoing in his mind.

"Blaise... help me... I can't breathe..." he whispered, his voice trembling.

Blaise took Draco into his arms and hugged him tightly. "It's okay, Draco, calm down. You're with me. Just focus on breathing in and out."

Blaise tried to calm Draco down by stroking his back and whispering soothing words to him. Gradually, Draco's breathing became regular, and his panic attack subsided.

"Is it over?" Blaise asked, worried.

Draco nodded. "Yes, I think so. Thank you, Blaise."

"Are you going to tell me what happened?" Blaise asked, curious.

Draco told Blaise about the prophecy he had seen. Phoenix, ashes, fire, death... Blaise frowned as he listened to what Draco had said.

"This... this is a very strange prophecy," Blaise said. "What could it mean?"

"I don't know," Draco said, worried. "But I feel like something bad is going to happen."

Blaise touched Draco's shoulder. "Don't worry, Draco. I'm here for you. We'll figure out the meaning of this prophecy together."

They were both silent for a while. Then Blaise changed the subject to make Draco laugh. "By the way, your nightmares are getting more and more interesting, Draco. Phoenix and stuff... You've exaggerated a bit, haven't you?"

Draco laughed at Blaise's joke. "You're right, I might have exaggerated a bit. But this one was really realistic."

Blaise's face turned serious. "Draco, joking aside, you need to do something about these prophecies. Maybe you should consult a seer. Or tell Dumbledore."

Draco knew Blaise was right. But talking about prophecies made him uncomfortable. "I don't know, Blaise. Maybe it's just a silly dream."

"Draco, don't fool yourself. These prophecies are too strange to be a coincidence. And you have the ability to see prophecies. We can't ignore this."

Draco looked at Blaise. "You're right. But I don't know what to do."

"We'll figure it out together, Draco. But first, try to get some sleep. You'll feel better tomorrow."

Blaise put Draco to bed and covered him up. Draco felt safe with Blaise's presence. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.

.
⌛
.

"Sulien!" A sharp shout echoed in the empty room.

"Ms. Callisto," Sulien replied, without looking at the woman. Her voice was respectful but cold.

"I've heard some things." Callisto's voice was worried but determined. "There's activity in Nedret. And... Castor's dreams."

Sulien turned her gaze to Callisto. "His dreams? What did he see?"

Callisto took a deep breath. "A phoenix. A phoenix born from ashes, scattering fire. And... a prophecy."

"A prophecy?" Sulien frowned. "What kind of prophecy?"

"I don't know the details," Callisto said. "But Castor is restless. He feels like... something is about to change."

Sulien looked at the crystal ball in the middle of the room. Inside the ball was a blurry image of the city of Nedret. "What's going on in Nedret?" she asked.

"I don't know," Callisto said. "But something's wrong. I can feel it."

"Where's Anatole?" Sulien asked. "We need to talk to him."

"I couldn't find him," Callisto said. "It's like... he's disappeared."

Sulien looked at the woman worriedly. "Disappeared? That's not a good sign."

"You're right," Callisto said. "And this prophecy... Castor's dreams... They're all connected."

Sulien approached the crystal ball. "We need to watch Nedret. And we need to figure out Castor's dreams."

"But how?" Sulien asked. "This prophecy is complicated. And Nedret is a dangerous place."

"I know," Callisto said, her voice authoritative. "But we have no choice. We have to protect Castor. And we have to uncover the secrets of Nedret. This is not open to debate."

"What about Anatole?" Sulien asked. "How are we going to find him?"

"We'll find him too," Callisto said. "But our priority is Nedret. And figuring out this prophecy."

Callisto touched the crystal ball. The image became clear. The streets of Nedret were dark and sinister.

"We're going to Nedret," Callisto said. "And we're finding Castor. I've made up my mind about this."

Sulien bowed her head. "As you command, Ms. Callisto."

They both left the room and set off for the city of Nedret. Into an unknown danger...

.

Tick... Tock...

Breakfast was more tasteless than ever. He had completely lost his appetite and wasn't eating anything. He was dipping his spoon into the soup in front of him and pulling it out empty.

Pansy was looking at him disapprovingly. Theo was putting bread in front of him, and Blaise was calmly sipping his soup opposite him with a stern face. The tension increased even more when Greg gave him his own food.

Daphne, oblivious to the tension, was talking about a flowing dress with skirts that matched her trendy hair color. Tracey Davis and Millicent Bulstrode were gossiping with her, sitting on either side of her. When Tracey decided to loudly argue that the dress should be purple, Draco finally pushed his soup away and got up.

No one asked any questions, and he didn't look back. The library seemed like the best place to clear his head. And he had to send a few letters to his aunt.

He relaxed as he inhaled the old book and dust smell of the library. He sat down at the barely visible table in the corner where he always sat. He took out a few advanced charms books. Time passed quickly without him realizing it.

"Breakfast time is over, we need to go to classes," someone said.

Draco jumped at the sudden voice. Someone was sitting next to him, and he hadn't even noticed.

Draco would recognize those red hairs anywhere.
"Ginevra!"
The red-haired girl raised an eyebrow. As if to say, why are you surprised.

"You might not think we're working too hard, but I'm not a fake Ravenclaw like you, so I'm warning my study buddy," Ginny concluded with a strange grin.

"I didn't even realize you were here," Draco said.

"Good. I was starting to get offended," she said.

Draco looked at the girl questioningly. What was her problem?

"I have 5 minutes to take me to my class. I decided not to warn you until 15 minutes before class in case you wanted to talk on the way. Anyway," Ginny said, stuffing her books into her shabby bag as she got up. Draco watched her in surprise.

"If you keep staring with your mouth open for 5 more minutes, we'll have less time to spend on the way, and I don't want to be late for class," Ginny said, putting Draco's books down neatly, unlike how she roughly put her own down. Then she put Draco's bag on her other shoulder and got up.

Draco followed her in surprise. As they were leaving the library, he tripped over a chair. He was sure he was going to fall backwards.

Even though Ginny didn't have long legs like him, she was good at taking wide steps. Draco barely caught up with her.

"Are you making a girl carry your bag? How rude," he said.

Before Draco could ask for his bag back, Ginny turned sideways and put the strap of the bag around her neck. Draco watched her blunt behavior in surprise. Ginny put her hand on Draco's chin and lifted it up. Draco hissed at her when he bit his tongue. He had a few words to say to the girl. He opened his mouth, but before he could speak, Ginny interrupted.

"Don't look so surprised. You're just taking me to my class."

"Do you realize you've been putting words in my mouth all this time?"

"Very well," she said, turning to him with a grin. She pushed back the red strands of hair that were falling in front of her face.

"What's the fuss about this moment?"

"Don't exaggerate, handsome. I just wanted to thank you."

Draco's blood ran cold. Did she know about the diary?

"That cauldron incident at the bookstore. You were very kind. Well, for a Malfoy, anyway, and you convinced your father to take him away before things got out of hand," she shrugged. The strands she had just pushed back had fallen in front of her face again, and she was playing with them gently.

Draco took a deep breath. She didn't know about the diary. Harry hadn't said anything.

"If you wanted to thank me, you didn't have to force me out of the library."

The girl turned to him with a huge grin, still holding the red strands of hair in her hand. "You would have been late then. But you should thank me." Draco laughed at this. Maybe the Weasleys wouldn't be so bad if they didn't have red hair. Meeting a new Weasley should definitely be considered the beginning of a new era.

Draco rolled his eyes. "I don't need your help."

"Your eye bags tell a different story," she said, trying to poke his eyelid. Draco immediately brushed her small hand away. "Haha. Don't you dare try that."

The girl leaned towards him and continued to grin. "Gryffindor and stuff," she shrugged and continued walking in her own direction. Draco continued to watch the strange girl. The girl waved at him from the classroom door and then disappeared. She left Draco behind, his mind very confused.

ma précieuse étoile

We eagerly read your captivating letters. I am happy to say that Sirius is getting better. He has started to get used to Malfoy Manor. I think this started when I started visiting Malfoy Manor as a guest. You should have seen the incredible fear in his eyes when he saw me for the first time. I think I stole a lot of his candy before. Hahaha.
After sitting and talking for a while, he checked his vaults countless times. No, I wouldn't rob my own relative after he escaped such a difficult situation. That would be cruel. Another time, maybe. After all, he owes you and me.
Lucius has turned into a parsley at home. It was very interesting to meet him, I must say. He's not the person you described to me, my dear. He's actually very funny. I love teasing the guy.
Anyway, ma précieuse étoile, if we come to the important matters. You asked why we revealed Regulus's body. Believe me, it was necessary. The shadows are closer than we think. I'm afraid I have a theory about the Black curse. And it scares me a lot. I hope we are at the beginning of everything and can prevent it, otherwise the consequences could be the death of all of us. Don't think about it too much.
I hope you're having a good time at Hogwarts. If the nightmares continue, you'll have to learn Aunt Nico's great art of tea.
As they say, "tea is the elixir of life."
I'm sorry, ma chérie, that's all for now. Don't forget to keep me informed. I'll take a look at what we can do for the holidays.
--- ta tante Nico
.
.
.
After Ginny's strange walk, Draco passed by the girl the next day as if nothing had happened. He ignored the churning in his stomach as he pretended not to know her. The girl's eyes seemed filled with disappointment. Draco continued to walk without turning back, while Ginny stopped and watched him go. As Draco turned into the side corridor, he saw the red-haired girl watching him out of the corner of his eye. Draco pushed away his silly thoughts. The scene in front of him was already playing a big role in this. His nerves instantly tensed.

Luna was cornered by a few Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs. Even though she was looking blankly, Draco could see the sadness in her eyes. And her feet were bare. She had curled her small bare toes on the ground. She was trying to save the magazine in her hand from the 3rd graders in front of her as if it were her most precious thing. And Draco knew that those silly magazines were very valuable to Luna. Just as Draco was about to take a step to intervene, two Ravenclaws from the 4th grade passed by. They glanced at Luna, who was being bullied, whispered to each other, and walked on. Draco's anger flared up.

As he watched the two teens pass by, he saw a green robe watching the incident like him across the corridor. The familiar light brown-haired, ice-blue-eyed girl was looking at Luna worriedly, as if waiting for him to do something. That was Astoria. Astoria was a girl Draco had always described as compassionate. Still, she was in Slytherin, and she was afraid to do good without her leader saying anything. And that so-called leader was watching them right now.

Draco would finally have to accept this. He knew this, but he hadn't expected people to approach him so much to follow him since his first year. Draco had also noticed this in the common room. He used to be the spoiled heir of the Malfoys, the leader, in his 6th year he had become a serious and cold prince. Now, they were treating him like a real leader, respecting him for who he was.

Draco was arguing with himself about whether he would have intervened if the person being bullied hadn't been Luna. Or would he have passed by like the two Ravenclaws?

Draco quickly approached them. He grabbed the magazine that was about to be torn. He gave the kids a deadly look.

"How dare you touch Luna?" he hissed, his voice icy. "Get out of here now, or you'll regret it."

The kids backed away in fear and quickly left the corridor. Luna looked at Draco in surprise.

"Thank you, Draco," she said, her voice slightly trembling. "The magazine was very important to me."

Draco handed the magazine to Luna. "It's okay, Luna. I won't let anyone hurt you."
Luna smiled. "I know."

Astoria approached Draco. "Draco, Luna, I'm sorry, I should have done something sooner."

Astoria was waving her arms around as if she was flailing in place. Draco couldn't blame her. You had to be very careful if you didn't want to be ostracized among Slytherins. No one could make decisions on their own without securing their position.

"It's not your fault. You just didn't know how to act without making yourself a target."

Luna smiled at them. Astoria had also noticed Luna's bare feet. She took off her stylish shoes and put them in front of the girl.

"Oh, there's no need for that, I'm sure they'll come back from somewhere."

Astoria looked at the girl in distress. Her previous embarrassment and shame were gone. She bent down in front of Luna again. She gently put her own shoes on Luna's feet. As she did this, she was grumbling in a way very similar to Daphne.

"Seriously, your shoes were clearly taken by those guys. They won't come back if you just wait. I don't want to get cold."

"But you-"

"I already have socks, look," she said, showing the black tulle socks on her feet. Draco knew she would need shoes too.

Luna smiled in a way that would warm anyone's heart. Draco was filled with the need to protect the two cute girls in front of him. What were these feelings? Was he going to start acting like an older brother to every stray cat he came across?
Astoria fastened the last lace and stood up.

"Look, they look great on you. I don't think they looked that good on me? Do you like them?"
Luna stood up with her radiant smile.

"Why don't you keep them? I-I mean, until you find your own shoes?"

"You're very kind. Thank you?"

"Astoria Greengrass."

"Luna Lovegood, and I'm sure they'll come and find me."

Draco watched them happily. They started walking down the empty corridors. The two girls were holding hands tightly. They had even decided to sit together in their shared classes. As Draco watched the two sweet girls pass by, he almost missed the sharp protrusion on the ground hurting Astoria. Even though the girl didn't make a sound, she shivered slightly. Draco immediately took off his own shoes and gave them to Astoria. That's why he was walking around barefoot all day, wearing only thin white socks. People were gossiping behind his back, but they were too afraid to say anything. Who were they to question a Malfoy heir?

.

While Draco was holding Harry's boneless arm in the hospital wing, he noticed how well Astoria and Luna got along. The girls had also met Ginny, and now they were an inseparable trio. And no matter how much Draco wanted to hate these chicks following him, he couldn't. They were too cute together, even for their own good. But don't let that fool you, he had heard that the wild redhead had been given detention for the whole week for beating up a few people who had teased Luna, and that the wavy brown-haired so-called 'face of innocence, never bad' snake had swollen the tongues of a few kids and they couldn't eat anything for days, and some bullies couldn't even sleep from fear. With Draco's approval, Astoria was becoming more and more confident. She hadn't been caught so far. And Luna? She was just minding her own business, continuing to creep people out.

Noticing that he was lost in thought, Harry threw his fluffy head into Draco's lap. He buried his face in the platinum-haired boy's legs. Draco laughed when he heard him mumbling something. He started to tousle the messy hair even more with his hand. Draco carefully readjusted the elastic arm. He had been waiting and supporting Harry and his regrowing bones all night. And someone needed to keep that photographer kid named Colin away.

2
In the second week of December, Professor McGonagall was going around as usual, collecting the names of those who wouldn't be going home for Christmas. Harry didn't know what to do this Christmas. After Draco, Dumbledore had called him. He had told him about his godfather and his family. He had mentioned that Ron's bloody rat was actually an ugly person. He had talked to Sirius a few times through the fireplace and hadn't even asked the man if he wanted him. What if Sirius didn't want Harry? Harry didn't want to force himself on the man. He hadn't asked Draco if he was going home. Ron had said he would stay if he stayed at Hogwarts. Hermione was going on a trip with her family. Harry wondered if Sirius liked to travel too. The Dursleys had never taken him anywhere. Going to places he hadn't been with a family member and having fun as they said sounded really nice. Harry's heart ached.

He wondered if he should ask Draco to stay with him for Christmas, but then it occurred to him that the blond boy might have plans with his family. Draco would definitely stay if he asked. No matter how much he didn't want to show it, he cared a lot about his friends.

He couldn't do that to him. He couldn't make someone else miserable just because he wasn't having fun.

"Harry, why are you sad? Did you lose your favorite sock? Don't worry, you can borrow mine," he said.

Harry turned around as soon as he heard the joking voice. Draco had tied his shoulder-length hair into a low ponytail. The bangs that were falling in front of his face were styled into a beautiful wave on the sides. He could clearly see his gray eyes and his long, snow-white lashes. His smile, as bright as the sun on his ice-cold skin, was turned towards Harry.

Harry almost forgot why he was sad. "No, I didn't lose my sock," he murmured, a slight smile appearing on his face. "I'm just thinking about what I'm going to do for Christmas."

Draco's smile faded. "I see. Haven't you talked to Sirius yet?"

Harry shook his head. "No. I don't want to bother him. Maybe he doesn't want me."

Draco's eyes filled with compassion. "Don't be silly, Harry. Sirius loves you very much. He just... needs some time."

"Maybe," Harry said, his voice hopeless. "But I... I don't want to be alone."

Draco touched Harry's shoulder. "You won't be alone, Harry. I'm here."

Harry looked into Draco's eyes. "Really? Will you stay with me for Christmas?"

Draco smiled. "Of course. Even if I had plans with my family, I would cancel them for you."

Harry's face lit up. "Thank you, Draco. That means a lot to me." He couldn't help but feel a little guilty.

"It's no problem, Harry. We're friends, aren't we?"

Harry nodded. "Yes, we're friends."

At that moment, Luna and Astoria approached them. "What are you talking about?" Luna asked, curiously.

"Christmas plans," Draco said. "Harry's staying with me."

"Great!" Luna said, happily. "We're here too. We'll have fun together."

Astoria smiled. "Yes, it will be very nice. And Ginny's here too. We'll all celebrate Christmas together."

Harry's heart warmed. These girls were really nice. He was happy that Draco was friends with them.

"So, what are we going to do for Christmas?" Harry asked, excitedly.

"I don't know," Draco said. "But we'll figure something out. Maybe we'll go to Hogsmeade, or maybe we'll stay at the castle. The important thing is that we're together."

"You're right," Harry said. "Everything will be fine as long as we're together."

That night, Harry felt happier than he had ever been. He wasn't alone anymore. Draco and the girls were with him. And they were going to spend Christmas together.

As Christmas approached, Harry's excitement grew. Draco and the girls started making various plans for Christmas. Going to Hogsmeade, staying at the castle and watching movies, maybe even visiting Sirius... Anything was possible.

On Christmas morning, the castle was covered in snow. The Great Hall was decorated with Christmas trees and lights. Harry, Draco, and the girls gathered for Christmas breakfast. Ron had also decided to stay. After breakfast, they opened their presents and wished each other well.

That day, Harry had one of the best Christmases of his life. Every moment he spent with Draco, Ron, and the girls reminded him that he wasn't alone. And at that moment, Harry decided to visit Sirius. Maybe he wouldn't bother him. Maybe Sirius wanted to see him too.

Harry told Draco and the girls about his plan. They decided to go with Harry. Visiting Sirius would be a nice Christmas present for them too.

They approached the fireplace, and Harry said Sirius's home address. The flames turned green, and Harry, Draco, and the girls set off for Sirius's house.

"You know this is actually my house," Draco said as he stepped out of the fireplace.

Luna and the Weasley siblings looked around in surprise, while Astoria started wandering around the manor as if it were her own home.

"We're on the north side of the manor. Apparently, this was a rarely used fireplace. Sirius must be staying in one of the rooms here. This way," Draco said, pointing to the long corridor that connected to the crescent-shaped room.

They all passed by the huge square windows. It was evening, and the setting sun was lighting up the corridor. Astoria was holding Luna's hand and walking ahead, with Ron and Ginny behind them. The two siblings were whispering about the manor. Draco and Harry were walking side by side at the back.

"Aww, look, baby Draco," Ginny said, pointing to a portrait. Newborn Draco was in his ever-young mother's arms.
They all approached the portrait. The Draco in the portrait was holding his mother's hair with his tiny hands. His mother was looking at Draco with affection, while his father was watching them with pride. The portrait painted a picture of a happy and peaceful family.

"How sweet you were, Draco," Luna said, looking at the portrait with admiration.

Draco looked at the portrait and smiled slightly. "Yes, everything was very different back then."

They continued down the corridor. In the next portrait, Draco was a little older. He was posing with his broom after his first flying lesson. He had a proud expression on his face.

"Your first broom?" Harry asked.

"Yes," Draco said. "My father bought it. I was very excited."

In the next portrait, Draco was even older. He was wearing his Hogwarts uniform, looking out the window on the school train. He had a serious expression on his face.

"This is my first time going to Hogwarts," Draco said. "I was very different back then."

As the portraits progressed, the expression on Draco's face became increasingly serious. Even in family portraits, he no longer looked as happy as he used to.

"These portraits... are getting more and more gloomy," Astoria said, worriedly.

"You're right," Ginny said. "It's like... something has changed."

The sun was beginning to set, and the corridor was lit with a dim light. The faces in the portraits looked even harsher in the shadows.

"Is it just me, or have we seen these pictures before?" Ron asked, surprised.

Everyone stopped and looked around. The corridor felt familiar. The portraits seemed to be reappearing in the same order.

"This... how can this be?" Harry asked, fearfully.

Draco sighed wearily. "The manor has done this to me before."

"What do you mean?" Astoria asked.

"The manor is a magical place," Draco said.

"Sometimes, it relives the past. Like... a loop."

"So... are we in the past right now?" Luna asked, curiously.

"I don't know," Draco said. "But we need to get out of this corridor. Otherwise, we could be trapped here forever."

Draco began to walk towards the door at the end of the corridor. The others followed him. When they reached the door, Draco opened it. Beyond the door was a dark room.

"We have to go through here," Draco said. "Hopefully, this will get us out of the loop."

They all entered the dark room together. The room was cold and damp. Old and dusty paintings hung on the walls. In the middle of the room stood a large mirror.

"What's this mirror?" Ginny asked.

Draco approached the mirror. They saw their own reflections in the mirror. But their reflections were different from usual. They had a strange expression on their faces. Like... belonging to someone else.

"This... this isn't us," Harry whispered, fearfully.

The reflections in the mirror smiled. But their smiles were creepy. Like... they were trying to tell them something. They heard applause. They all turned around in fear.

"Game time is over, kids. This is enough adventure for everyone for today." The woman clapped her hands again, as if waiting for them to move.

The woman had long brown hair. Her hair was in a high and messy bun at the back. She had a large flowery hat on her head. The familiar gray was barely visible behind the hat. She didn't look old except for the lines on her cheeks. She was wearing a long-sleeved embossed dress.

"Aunt Nico!" Everyone got over their initial shock and focused on the adult.

"Ah ma chérie, why did you come without telling me?" The woman ran her long, thin fingers through Draco's wavy tresses. "Your mother would be upset if she knew. She was learning a new cookie recipe for you."

Harry saw Draco's warm smile. The woman he called aunt took them out of the room. She took them to a completely different corridor than before. Everyone was very confused.

"Did the manor play a trick on you too? It does it to Sirius a lot. It's actually very funny," Aunt Nico said, running her hand along the wall as she walked.

"Aunt, don't spoil him."

"I've heard funny stories about this from your mother. The manor stopped playing tricks after you cried."

"I was 7 years old, aunt." Draco tried to suppress the blush spreading across his face.

They took another sharp turn in the corridor. The cold gray colors of the manor seemed to have completely changed with this place they saw. They entered a colorful large room. A few birds perched on the open window were singing. They watched the beams of light around the room, which looked like real stars, with admiration.

"What's this smell?" Ron asked. An unfamiliar smell filled the room. Nico screamed and ran towards someone. "Cissy!"
Draco was laughing behind her. Then everyone started laughing.

"What's all this noise?" A man's voice was heard.

It was a handsome man with black shoulder-length hair and sharp jawlines. His eyes were long and dark gray, almost black if you didn't look carefully.

"Sirius?" Draco's questioning voice was heard.
Harry's heart skipped a beat.

Sirius laughed jokingly. "You must be the famous Draco?"

Draco smiled gently. Harry watched the man in amazement, preferring to see him like this rather than in the fire in the fireplace. His heart was fluttering. He unconsciously raised his hand and called out to the man.

"Sirius!"

Sirius turned to Harry as if he had been waiting to hear this voice all his life. He took a breath and said, relieved, "Harry."

Harry couldn't control himself and ran towards the man. The man opened his arms wide halfway as he jumped on him and hugged Harry back. They hugged each other tightly. Sirius closed his eyes tightly and buried his face in Harry's hair.

"Harry," Sirius whispered, his voice trembling.
"How wonderful it is to see you... to see you."

Harry's eyes filled with tears. "Sirius," he murmured, with longing in his voice.

Sirius held Harry tightly in his arms. "Me too, son."

At that moment, everyone in the room was emotional. Even Draco was secretly happy to see Sirius's love for Harry. Aunt Nico watched them with tears in her eyes.

"Alright, alright," Aunt Nico said, her voice trembling. "That's enough emotion. Let's celebrate Christmas now!"

Sirius released Harry and smiled at him. "You're right, Nico. Is Christmas dinner ready?"

"Ready, ready," Aunt Nico said, clapping her hands. "Come on, let's go to the table."

They all went to the large dining room next to the room. The table was full of various dishes prepared for Christmas. Harry sat next to Sirius, and neither of them could take their eyes off each other.

During dinner, Sirius told Harry about his adventures. Harry also told him about his life at Hogwarts and the funny incidents he had with his friends. Draco, Luna, Astoria, Ron, and Ginny also joined the conversation, and everyone had a lot of fun.

After dinner, Sirius gave them a tour of the manor. Harry saw the rooms where Draco grew up and looked at the Malfoy family portraits. Sirius told them stories about the history of the manor and shared funny memories that made Harry laugh.

They chatted until late at night. Harry was so happy to be with Sirius that it felt like a missing piece of him had fallen into place.

Late at night, Harry and his friends approached the fireplace to return to Hogwarts. Harry hugged Sirius tightly.

"I can't wait to see you again, Sirius," Harry said.

"Me too, son," Sirius said, his eyes sparkling. "We'll see each other again soon."

Harry entered the fireplace, and the flames turned green. When he returned to Hogwarts, his heart was filled with warm feelings. Seeing Sirius was the best Christmas present he had ever received.

The next day, Harry told Hermione about what happened. She was also very happy. Harry knew he wasn't alone anymore. Sirius, Draco, and his friends were always there for him. And Christmas reminded him of that once again.

3
Draco, what a wonderful honor to have you here. What do you need?" His father sat stiffly in the leather armchair, legs crossed, watching him with calculating eyes. Draco swallowed. How much he wished his mother were there to shield him from his father's gaze.

"I just came to see how you were, father," Draco said, his voice trembling.

Lucius raised a sharp eyebrow mockingly. "You never talk to me unless you want something or want to show me something, Draco. Is it about Hogwarts? Do I need to eliminate someone?"

Draco looked away. "No, father, no, it's nothing like that."

Lucius's serious demeanor relaxed slightly. "I had a few questions about my summer. My classes and such."

"Your professors inform me how far ahead you are of the curriculum and how you still excel despite showing no desire to participate in class among other students. I was not disappointed. I will allow you to take advanced classes for the summer. You don't need to stress so much about it. Or do I need to hire a potions tutor? I hoped Severus had prepared you well."

Draco silently watched his father talk to himself. He never thought he was failing potions, and he was sure his family wouldn't think so either, and did his father think that was what Draco was avoiding?

"No, father. I assure you I am still excellent at potions. Uncle Severus never spared his training. What I wanted to talk about was my wish to stay with Aunt Martinez during the holiday."

Lucius froze for a moment at his question. Draco noticed the brief lapse in his mask. The man frowned and then straightened his face again. "Martinez gets what she wants when she wants it. I know that well. But Draco, I have noticed your attitude towards me lately, your attitude..."

"It's okay, father, I understand. But I also understand that you see the reasons behind my behavior but don't look. But father, you are my father, and we can't go on like this. Please decide what you will do in the future."

Draco said these words for both the present and future events. He needed his father to change. He needed him to be the person his mother had told him about when he was little. The father who defended Uncle Severus when no one else did during his Hogwarts days, who chased after all kinds of flowers to impress his mother, who played the piano and entertained them. He needed him, his father.

Lucius stood up, hitting his cane on the ground. He turned his face to the window. Draco couldn't even see his expression anymore.

"The Martinez's can have you for the summer as they wish." Draco felt himself tense at these words. "But!" His father turned back to him. His hands were gripping the cane tightly. "Remember, Draco, you are my, the Malfoy's heir. The end of the Blacks and above all, my and your mother's son. If anything happens, if you need me. Your father is here."

Lucius took off the Malfoy family heirloom ring on his finger. He took Draco's hand and slipped it onto his thumb. Lucius rested his hand on his for a few more seconds. And Draco didn't even make a sound at this rare moment. His eyes were already misty. Lucius made a sound of approval and squeezed his hand, then left the room as he had come. Draco rubbed the ring on his finger with teary eyes. He traced the M emblem on it with his finger.

"Another family pressure, another heavy burden on small shoulders, huh cousin?"

Draco wiped away his unshed tears as soon as he heard Sirius's voice. He tried to pull himself together. Sirius came in with his usual grin and sat in the black chair next to him. Draco could see the slight sadness in the man's smile.

"I still wish I had a father's protection, I guess," Draco said. Draco looked at Sirius.

Sirius gently touched Draco's shoulder. "I know, Draco. Family... sometimes a burden, sometimes the greatest support. But remember, you're not alone. We're here."

Draco felt a little relieved by Sirius's words. "Thank you, Sirius. But... I want my father to change. To be the man he used to be, the man my mother told me about..."

Sirius took a deep breath. "Your father... has gone through difficult times. But there is always hope. Maybe this will be a turning point for him."

Draco rubbed the ring on his finger. "I hope so. But... what if he doesn't change?"

Sirius looked into Draco's eyes. "Then you will carve your own path, Draco. You will determine your own destiny. Remember, you are a Malfoy. You are strong, you are smart, and you are brave."
Then Sirius's voice filled with joy. "And you definitely have the beauty of the Blacks. Anyone who sees these handsome faces will recognize them." Draco chuckled, trembling.

Draco felt strengthened by Sirius's words. "You're right. I... I will carve my own path."

Sirius smiled. "That's my cousin. Now, let's get some fresh air. It will do some good to this gloomy atmosphere."

They left the room together and walked towards the manor's garden. The night was full of stars, and there was a light breeze. Draco felt better walking next to Sirius.

"You know, Draco," Sirius said, looking at the sky. "Sometimes, to get rid of the burdens of the past, you have to look to the future."

Draco looked at Sirius. "The future?"

"Yes," Sirius said. "The future means new beginnings. New hopes, new opportunities. And you, Draco, deserve these new beginnings."

Draco was filled with hope by Sirius's words. Maybe he was right. Maybe it was time to get rid of the burdens of the past and look to the future. Seriously?

"Thank you, Sirius," Draco said sincerely. "I needed to hear that."

Sirius smiled. "Anytime, Draco. Now, let's walk a little more. Tonight may be the harbinger of a new beginning for you."

They continued to walk under the stars together. Draco was happy to be with Sirius. Maybe, finally, everything would be alright. A star fell.

. . .

Draco had fallen asleep on the grass. While talking to Sirius, the silence of midnight and the brightness of the stars had lulled him into a peaceful sleep. But this peace was shattered by the cold hands of a nightmare.

When he opened his eyes, he was lying on dull gray grass. There were no stars, the sky was covered in a gloomy mist. Whispers were rising around him. The voices were familiar but foreign, echoing like a choir.

"I found you!"

"We found you!"

"Is that him!"

"Yes!"

As the voices rose, the grass darkened, the shadows lengthened. Draco sat up in terror. The voices were like shadows spinning around him, each one an accusation, a threat.

"Devil!"

"Die!"

"Revenge!"

The shadows were spinning like a witches' dance, the voices ringing in his ears. Draco was trembling with fear. What was this? These voices, these shadows... what were they going to do to him?

"Die!"

Draco woke up with a start at the call. When he opened his eyes, the stars were still shining, Sirius was snoring softly next to him. Everything had become colorful, alive, the gray tones of the nightmare were gone.

But Draco knew. His time was running out. This dream was a warning. The voices, the shadows, they were approaching him. Something was waiting for him, something dark and dangerous. And no matter how much Draco ran, this thing would find him.

. . .

"Where have you been! Do you know how long I've been waiting for you!" Pansy had gotten up from the leather couch where she was lying. Her eyes were swollen, her hair was a mess. Draco's heart trembled at the value the girl placed on him.

"You know, strengthening family ties during the holidays and stuff?" Draco said as he took off his jacket. He lost his balance and fell to the ground with the weight on him. Draco realized that Pansy was holding him tightly. The little girl had wrapped her arms around his neck, holding on to him with no intention of letting go.

"I was so worried. Don't think I forgot what happened the last time you went to talk to your father and didn't come back." The girl pulled back a little but still didn't let go of her tight grip. Her eyes quickly scanned Draco. She relaxed when she realized he wasn't hurt.

"What happened?" Draco was sure this question meant "what did he do?"

"Really, it's nothing, just this." Draco showed the ring on his finger. Pansy recoiled in shock.

"But this is a very heavy task. Are you sure you want to carry it-" Draco didn't let the girl continue speaking.

"This is an acceptance, Pansy, despite everything, family is mine now."

The girl's face filled with dismay. "But you're too young for this respect-can you do it?"

"I'm wearing the ring, aren't I?"

The girl hugged Draco again, her eyes filled with tears. She pulled back, straightened her hair and eyes, then her clothes. She put on a serious demeanor and raised her right three fingers to her cheek. Draco was shocked when he realized what she was doing. He sat up straight. This was the symbol of the Parkinson family. The sign was the index, middle, and ring fingers being close together. The index and ring fingers represented the feather in their emblems, and the middle finger represented the castle. The girl began to speak, thickening her voice.

"I, Pensée Parkinson, daughter and future heir of Peter Parkinson of the Parkyn family, make an unbreakable agreement with Draconis Black Malfoy. In this agreement, the Parkinson family will defend and protect Draconis. Will be the greatest confidant and shield. This agreement is spoken by Pansy, that is, Pensée Parkinson. This agreement is my word. I swear on my family title, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'.

As Pansy spoke, her three fingers began to glow, and the Parkinsons' white feather and purple castle appeared.

Draco immediately raised his left hand. Such words under a respectful agreement should never be refused. His hand immediately glowed green and silver. A few winged snakes belonging to Salazar Slytherin in the Malfoy coat of arms appeared. Three ravens belonging to the Black family began to glide in the air.

"I, Draconis Black Malfoy, son of Lucius Malfoy II of the Armando family and the accepted marked heir. And I not only accept this valuable word but also promise to take Pensée Parkinson under my protection and endow her with my magic."

The ravens began to fly around the Parkinsons' castle, and the snakes coiled around the feathers. They bound these words with the sacred oath of ancient magic. They both began to speak at the same time.

"The parties will support each other in difficult times and help when needed.

The parties will remain loyal to each other and never break the trust between them.

The parties will respect each other's family ties and heritage and protect these ties.

When one of the parties is in danger, the other party will use their magical abilities to protect them.

When one of the parties is wronged, the other party will do their best to ensure justice.

The parties will support each other in all circumstances and never leave each other alone."

When the magic ended, Draco looked at Pansy.

"Only you would give such a word despite not having a heirloom, Pansy." Draco smiled at the girl. Pansy chuckled.

"I was planning to bless you when I got my mark, but I guess this will do too." Pansy shook her arm dismissively, laughing.

Draco was horrified by her words. Still, he felt so warm towards his closest friend. He had watched this girl grow up.

"You're forgetting the Zabinies though." Blaise came out from behind the door where he was hiding and sat cross-legged on the couch. Draco blinked at him. He wasn't expecting anyone to come back during the last days of Christmas break.

"I don't know what to say about the Nott family, but I would like to give my word on my own behalf." Theo came down with his sleeping goggles. His brown hair was disheveled. He sat next to Blaise. He was closing his eyes with sleep.

"We're giving words, Great!" Daphne and her two girlfriends fell to the ground with their pillows and onesies in their hands."I keep forgetting the order of saying the words. If you guide me, I would like to give my word too." Greg frowned as he put the rugs on the floor together.

"Don't worry, I don't know either." Trace interjected.

"There's a pajama party, and no one woke me up?" Crabbe joined them, dragging his feet.

That evening, many oaths and words were given. In this untrustworthy world, the children came together and made friends they could trust. These words were not for profit, as their families wanted. These were real words made with trust and warmth, a sense of family. Later that night, they decided to huddle in the common room. The girls shared a few onesies, while Greg took the single couch. Crabbe was lying on the floor in a pile of cushions. Nott had forced a blanket on him. Draco was sharing a onesie with Blaise and Theo. He was in the middle of the two, and neither of them stopped touching him. Draco chuckled, remembering the old days. He slept very uncomfortably that night.

. . .
"What is a word?" Harry asked Ron, taking a break from his toast. Ron continued to eat his food without caring.

"I've heard things in the books I've read. According to what's written, it's one of the limited spells that can still be used today, translated from ancient magic. To make a word, you must have family ties. And the magic of these family ties must be very strong. This family magic exists in purebloods. Why don't you go ask a pureblood? Maybe Draco?" Hermione replied.

Ron cleared his throat.

"Well, Draco mentioned the word he made last night, and I couldn't say I don't know. He looked very happy." Harry took another bite of his toast. When Ron cleared his throat louder, they turned to him.

"How lucky you are that one of your best friends is still a pureblood."

Harry raised an eyebrow. Ron was getting puffy now. He pulled a crooked strand of Harry's hair. "You idiot."

Then it dawned on Harry.

"You know, all this blood traitor stuff in my family is just about our supposed 'adoration' of Muggles. I'm still a pureblood. I grew up with pureblood heritage. My mother also comes from another powerful pureblood family."

Harry and Hermione looked at him in surprise. They nodded in agreement. "I'm sorry, mate. So what's this word thing?"

"It's actually called a word because it's very similar to an unbreakable vow. But it's also known as an agreement. Pureblood families still use this word when they unite their families. You can even hear it at a few weddings."

Ron took another bite of his food. He continued to speak while half-chewing.

"It doesn't have to be between purebloods. Depending on what the agreement contains, it can be between a Muggle and a half-blood, or even between Muggle-borns. The agreement starts by saying your first family member's family, and if you don't know that person, you can mention your grandfather or grandmother. Then family titles come. For example, I would have to say something like, 'I, the 6th son of Arthur and the future heir of the Weasley clan, make an agreement with Harry James Potter.'"

He swallowed and continued.

"Draco probably hasn't been given the right to make decisions on behalf of the family yet because he's the heir. He can start making decisions on behalf of the family after he becomes the marked heir, that is, after his father chooses him. One family can vow to provide magical power to another family, for example. In return, they ask for magical power in difficult situations. This is how purebloods have remained powerful. If the word is broken, you will be worse than dead. The head of the house can give the word on behalf of the whole family. The whole family has to abide by this word. After becoming the marked heir, the heir has to prove himself with pureblood rules. If he cannot prove himself, his whole name falls. If he proves himself, he makes a word with the people he proves himself to, that is, he makes an agreement with them and takes their protection."

"Does this subject have to be this complicated, or is it all like this?"

Ron shrugged at Harry's question. Hermione was definitely going to research this subject.

. . .

"Well, can I give a word then?"

"Of course, Harry, who do you want to give it to?" Draco asked, turning another page of the book in his hand. He gave him the potions homework that Harry had struggled to finish to check. Draco quickly scanned it, marking a few wrong places.

"Actually, I would like to give you a word."

Draco looked at him in surprise. "Words are hard to break. Are you sure you don't want something you'll regret?"

Harry immediately took Draco's hand. He squeezed it lightly. He tried to convey his trust and love in his grip. "I won't regret you." Draco's gray eyes sparkled. He handed the homework back to Harry. "Great homework, except for a few terminology mistakes. You're getting better and better, Harry." He said.

Then he got up from the bench he was sitting on. He immediately slung his bag over his shoulder. "I don't want to make a word with you. I would rather bind our souls."

Harry looked at him in surprise. Bind our souls? What was that? He couldn't take his soul out of his body and tie it to his with invisible ropes, could he?

Draco, sensing his confusion, was covered in a lovely pinkness to the tips of his ears. Before Harry could say anything, he had run away.

When Harry asked Ron about this, Ron just laughed and said something about 'clumsy Malfoys and their offers'. Whenever Harry tried to ask him, Ron tensed up and went into another fit of laughter.

For the first time, even Hermione didn't answer him. She pouted and muttered something about the library. Harry also found the last solution in asking the purebloods he knew. And although he preferred Blaise to Pansy, he couldn't find the Slytherin boy anywhere, and Pansy, who was sitting on the ground shaking a fluffy creature in her hand, was his last chance. Harry sat next to the girl with great determination.

"Hey."

Pansy put down the ball of fluff in her hand and looked at him. She raised an eyebrow. Her tiny, crushed-looking chin was tense.

"What happened, Potter?"

"You're nicer when Hermione's around."

"You're dumber than usual when you're with Draco."

Harry rolled his eyes. "Actually, it's about Draco."

Pansy put the thing in her hand on the ground. The fluffy creature ran away on 4 feet. It looked like just a shadow from a distance.

"Isn't it always about him for you? Seriously, you two should find someone else to complain about each other to, or I'll start asking for a salary."

"I'm not even complaining." Harry protested. Pansy looked at him mockingly. "Spill, or I'll force you to spill." The girl pointed her wand at him.

"What's going on, Parkinson?" Harry didn't go into any defensive position. Pansy lowered her wand, pouting. "Is it about Arthur again? He didn't do anything... I mean, he didn't do anything more than usual."

Harry felt the air around him bend at her words. There were crackling sounds coming from somewhere.

Pansy recoiled as if burned. "Seriously, Potter. It was sunny today, you're ruining everything!"

Harry tried to understand what she was trying to say in surprise. "What?"

"Look up, Harry." The girl's voice was resigned. She even sounded like she was sorry for him.

Harry looked up. Right above his head, the clouds had darkened and were swirling like a tornado.

"You need to control your wild magic. I'm starting to hate very powerful wizard kids."

When Harry dispersed the clouds, Pansy looked at him with a grin. "I knew you were possessive, but this jealous? Wow."

Harry restrained himself. This girl was very annoying. "Actually, I need to ask you something."

"Oh Merlin! The mighty thunderbolt, the boy who lived, Harry Potter, is begging for my help? Of course, sir." She gave a fake reference.

Harry rolled his eyes very exaggeratedly. "Yeah, yeah, whatever. I just need to ask what it is to bind souls with someone."

Pansy stopped. Harry wasn't stressed by her losing her smile. "Did someone propose to you?"

"What!?"

"What what."

"What! What! What?"

"What what what what, be explanatory. Seriously, Potter, you're like a fish."

"Did Draco propose to me!?"
"Did Draco propose to you!?"

"I don't know!"

"What exactly did he say!?"

"He said he wanted to bind souls instead of making a word with me."

Pansy gasped in shock and staggered back. "For Salazar's sake!"

"Great!" Harry shouted.
"Terrible!" Pansy shouted at the same time.

They both looked at each other for a long time. Harry was fidgeting with happiness. Draco? Draco? His angel, wants to propose to him? Wait. Did he already? That explained his running away. Wait, wait, wait. Harry hadn't answered him. Did he think he didn't want to?

"How did this happen? Wait, actually, it's not that surprising. You two were fluttering around each other like two butterflies wanting to mate."

Harry blushed at the girl's choice of words, while Pansy got up as if nothing had happened and brushed herself off. She dusted off the non-existent dust. "Well, I guess congratulations then? Even if it's too early."

Pansy whistled at the fluffy creature. The creature ran quickly and jumped into the girl's lap. Before leaving, Pansy looked at him and grinned. "Wait until the others hear." Then the girl quickly walked away.

Harry couldn't help himself and shouted angrily after her, "You're very annoying!" The girl turned and stuck her tongue out at him.

"I'm one of the faces you'll see all your life, Harry. You better get used to it!"

The girl shouted and disappeared. Harry turned bright red with what she implied. He had to find Draco.

. . .

"Draco?"

Draco opened his eyes. The familiar blurriness around him made him realize he was dreaming. He was slowly getting used to it.

"Draco?" His mother's voice called again.

Draco looked around and realized he was in his room in Malfoy Manor. But no light was coming through the curtains, the room was very dark and smelled of damp. Draco got out of bed. When he stretched his feet to the ground, he encountered something unexpected. His feet were bigger than they should have been. Before Draco could focus on himself, his room door started to be hit rapidly.

"Draco!"

"Mother!" Draco leaned against the door in a hurry.

"They've come, Draco!"

"Who came? Mother!"

"You have to go, we have to get you out of there!" The doorknob began to shake. His mother was trying to force it open.

"The house is inventing you now, Draco, order it to release you." His mother's voice was filled with a weakness and trembling he had never heard. Draco didn't want to think she was crying.

"Mother, I don't have the ring or my wand." Draco didn't know where these words came from, but they had already slipped out of his mouth.

His mother's silent sobs sounded very miserable on the other side of the door.

"Mom..."
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Your father didn't listen to me. Your aunt broke my wand, I can't do anything. I can't even release you. My poor son-"

His mother's painful groans stopped with laughter coming from afar. Draco was filled with fear. His mother sniffed a few times. The sound of high heels coming from afar sounded very familiar to Draco.

"Ohohoo Cissy~ What are you doing here? Is it mother-child day? The Dark Lord will be angry if he hears about it."

Draco recognized this voice. His mother was referring to Bellatrix when she said aunt. Draco's heart froze.

"And you're going to tell him?" His mother's voice sounded defiant.

Bellatrix chuckled again. "He already knows~"

His mother's faint voice was heard. "No-"

"You better go downstairs now if you don't want your punishment to be heavier. My Lord got out of bed on the right side today."

"You wouldn't dare-"
"A-a-a come on Cissy, or do you want to play?"

His mother hit the door again. "mon enfant" She whispered one last time before walking away. As Draco listened to the two women leave, he felt himself pull back into bed. His vision was turning blue. His eyelids closed. A few stars were falling, and a few were exploding and going out.

Tiiik tak
"Draco?"

Draco opened his eyes again. Although his vision was still a little blurry and blue, he was waking up. His eyes were cramping. He rubbed them a few times and leaned towards the gentle touch on his forehead. There was a gentle caress on his cheek. Draco narrowed his eyes and focused. Dark, messy black hair that blocked the sharp yellow light, and the iconic lightning bolt mark on his forehead, cursed Potter was leaning over him. Draco smiled involuntarily. Even though the boy was blocking the sun, his grin was already burning Draco's eyes.

"Harry..." Draco whispered his name and closed his eyes. The finger on his cheek began to draw circles. Then Draco became too aware of his position. The thing under his head was Harry's legs. Draco opened his eyes in a panic. Harry was clearer now. He was smiling at him with narrowed eyes, shining brightly. His cheeks were starting to turn red. Harry's hand was now in his blond hair. He was running his hand through it, pulling the strands that Draco had been trying to keep straight all morning.

"About the previous conversation... Were you serious?"

"What?" Draco asked, not understanding.

"The soul thing?"

When Draco understood what he meant, his eyes widened. His cheeks were burning. He looked away from Harry. He murmured in a low voice.

"Pardon?"

"Yes!" Draco exploded. Harry looked at him in surprise, then grinned again. His cheeks were starting to turn red. Draco's whole body was now on fire. His hand found his cheek again.

"Me too!" Harry said, laughing. Draco's heart skipped a beat. He reached up and wrapped his arms around Harry's neck. He quickly pulled him down and hugged him. His yellow-white hair was mixing with his curly black hair. Draco pressed his face into the other boy's neck with his heart beating loudly. He could feel the moisture of his own breath, and he could hear Harry's deep breaths. He could feel the breath passing through his neck, his heart beating. Meanwhile, Harry's hands were trembling as they wrapped around Draco's shoulders. He hugged him, unsure of what to do. He buried his beautiful 'angel' in his arms.

. . .

Everyone was sitting on the beanbags.
"So, what are we doing on holiday?" Greg asked, trying to throw a candy into Theo's mouth for the third time. Theo missed it. The boy looked sadly at the candy on the floor and pointed to his mouth again. Greg pulled out another candy from the packet and tried to aim.

"My mother's wedding is this summer, you all have to come," Blaise said, slurping his drink. Pansy got up from where she was lying.

"Are you kidding me! You're telling us this now!" The black fluff ball on her fell to the ground. It curled up next to Draco, making limited noises. The slightly longer snake in Draco's hand hissed at the animal. Draco continued to stroke Apallo's head, ignoring it.

Daphne wrinkled her nose, flipping through the magazine in her hand. "Your mother is very clever. She chose her wedding just when the new fashion will be revealed. Now we have to work harder on choosing clothes." Still, there was admiration in her voice.

"My father is taking me to wizarding Italy. Family visits and stuff."

Crabbe whistled. "Come on. My family wants me to take extra classes this summer. They're really determined, even though I can't do it."

"Don't be so eager. As long as you stay with them, they get worse and worse." Theo pouted as another candy fell to the ground.

"What about you, Draco?" Daphne asked.

"I don't know. We're planning to go to Aunt Martinez's after some family bonding."

"France?"
"France..."

"Dude, everyone's going somewhere. I'm going to stay at home and burst with boredom." Greg took a candy that had fallen to the ground without Theo noticing and aimed it at the boy's mouth. For the first time, Theo swallowed a candy. Seeing this, Astoria giggled while Draco turned his face away in disgust.

"I need to rest a bit," Draco said as he went to his room. He could hear Daphne calling him a spoilsport from behind.

"Maybe we should all get together?" Pansy suggested, taking the fluffy creature into her lap. "We could have a holiday together somewhere."

"That would be great!" Daphne said excitedly. "But where are we going?"

"Maybe we should go to a wizarding resort?" Blaise said, sipping his drink. "We can have fun and enjoy the wizarding world."

"A wizarding resort?" Greg asked, frowning. "What's that like?"

"It's a wonderful place!" Pansy said excitedly. "Magical beaches, enchanted forests, flying castles... It has everything!"

"Sounds amazing," Astoria said, her eyes sparkling. "But it must be very expensive."

"Money is no problem," Draco said dismissively. "I'll take care of it."

"You're amazing, Draco!" Pansy blew a kiss to Draco from afar.

"Sleep," was the last thing Draco said before leaving.

. . .

"Sirius said he's taking me with him on holiday."

"So you're coming to our house."

"Yeah, even though the mansion looks scary, I say it's better than the Dursleys. And you're there." Harry shrugged.

"But Harry, I'll be in France for most of the holiday."

Harry's face fell. He turned a few shades paler. "But-"

"Don't upset your husband for no reason, Dray Dray," Pansy said, sitting next to them. Ron choked on his pumpkin juice. After greeting Pansy, Hermione hit Ron's back dismissively.

Draco and Harry were both blushing crimson. Ron, who was no longer coughing, was laughing.

"I don't think Aunt Martinez would have a problem with a Potter," Pansy continued. Draco shook off all his shyness. Although his cheeks were still pink, he said, "Of course, Aunt Nico wouldn't mind. It's like even my father knows Harry's coming. Aunt Nico is the least dangerous person in this situation."

"You think?" Pansy looked at him playfully.

"You're right... I guess," Draco laughed.

"Don't get too excited just because you two lovebirds are staying alone on holiday. I'll be there to disturb you."

"Yeah, yeah, Pans," Draco dismissed the girl.

"So, Weasley, what's up with you?"

Ron shrugged. "I don't think there's anything fun on my route."

"Actually, I was going to ask you something, isn't your father obsessed with Muggles?"

Everyone tensed at this question. Ron's face seemed to turn a few shades redder.

"If you don't mind, can you find me a screwdriver?"

They all looked at Pansy in surprise. Ron squeaked at Hermione, asking what a screwdriver was.

"I made a bet with my friend Ren in Japan. And I don't intend to lose. And the kid is extra handsome."

Draco shook his head in amusement and exasperation. "Only you would make a bet involving a screwdriver. Only you, Pans."
Pansy grinned triumphantly.

The remaining days of Hogwarts passed brightly and warmly. Ginny Weasley hadn't used the diary and was very happy. She had introduced her new friends Astoria and Luna to her other girlfriends. Astoria introduced the girls to Pansy and her group. Pansy immediately adopted the two little girls and went into silly big sister roles. Daphne and Astoria being biological sisters didn't help. Pansy loved power. The power she gained over Luna's bullies was priceless.

Harry and Luna had gone on a unicorn hunt a few times. Harry wasn't afraid of Luna's weirdness, he even enjoyed it a bit.
Hermione forced Ron and Harry to read books until school closed. Harry was eager to read these books. He would show every book he finished to Draco and do somersaults to get a head pat. Draco would laugh and pull the boy into his arms happily. Harry and Draco finished many books together this way. Ron was... Ron.
But Hermione and Ron spending more time together had eliminated the strange tension and shy feelings that resembled contempt between them.
Pansy spent a lot of time around Hermione. Hermione was very fond of Pansy's rat. She kept talking about wanting a cat the following year.

Crabbe and Greg were delighted with the picture books Draco showed them. Theo then showed them a book of pictures he had received from his Ravenclaw friend. Both boys were fascinated by these things called superheroes by Muggles.

Time passed very quickly. Apart from the figures screaming in pain in his dreams, Draco was always very happy. He knew that some of his dreams were not just dreams but also visions of the future.

Dreams were nothing more than a door to his mind, a door to his magic. His dreams were just harbingers of the nightmare to come. Weren't they already living in a nightmare?