Homesick

Harry!

I know we’ll see each other in a month, but mother said I could use our eagle owl to write you letters. His name is Ambrosia and he’s very discreet so the muggles won’t see him. Have you started reading your texts for school yet? Uncle Sev expects me to read the entire potions book before classes begin! How barmy is that? He says he cannot in “good conscience” allow his own godson to be “adequate” in potions. I think he simply wishes to ruin the rest of my summer by making me study. Luckily I quite enjoy potions, so I suppose it isn’t all bad. I wanted to let you know that Hira is also doing very well! I can’t understand her like you can, unfortunately, but she seems to tolerate my presence well enough. I leave her enclosure open for her to go in and out of as she pleases, but she often finds herself accompanying me around the manor on my shoulders. I have also found her quite a few times wrapped around the banister and once on top of father’s clock in his office. I suppose she enjoys being high up. (Though she decidedly did not like being on my broom and flying.) I do hope you’ll be able to write to me over the summer, though mother says that you might not be able to what with your muggle relatives. Either way, I hope it’s fine that I write to you.

Your friend,

Draco

Ps. Mother asked me to include this bag of tarts for you. The bag has a stasis charm on it so they won’t go bad. She said the house elves made too many and she didn’t want them to go to waste. They’re very delicious! I’ve already eaten three today.

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Draco,

Hello! Ambrosia is beautiful and is very smart! He waited until I was alone in the garden to deliver your letter and when I came back out at night to give him this one, he was already waiting! The muggles in my neighborhood didn’t notice a thing! I have started reading the texts, though I haven’t gotten very far in them yet as it’s only been a couple of days. The potions text is my favorite so far, as I’m very good at cooking so some of it already makes sense. I’m also excited about the herbology classes! I tend to my Aunt’s garden quite a lot and I’m fairly good at it. I’ll be sure to finish the potions book before classes begin so your uncle isn’t too upset at me. I’d like to make a good impression on him. Lady Malfoy and I found out that he’s my godfather as well, though she doesn’t think he knows about it yet. Is he nice? I’ve never met him, but he must’ve been if my mother named him a possible guardian, right? I’m not sure why he wasn’t able to take me when I was a baby, or why he might not know he’s my godfather, but I think Lady Malfoy is trying to figure it out.

I’m glad Hira is doing well! I miss her already, but I’m glad she isn’t here. My aunt is terrified of snakes so I think she’d only be in danger, or I’d have to keep her locked up all month and I certainly don’t want to do that. I read in A Zoologist’s Guide to Serpents by Godwin Horace Blight that ball pythons (that’s what she is, a Lucy Ball Python) are usually ground dwellers, so I’m surprised she likes being high. But it also says they like to curl up around things, so that fits. I know you can’t understand her, but please tell her I miss her and I’m very excited to see her again once September comes. Also as long as he is able to be discreet, you should still be able to send me letters! But please don’t be upset if I can’t write back as often. My aunt and uncle are still very confused about all of this magic business and I think it scares them sometimes.

Your friend,

Harry

Ps. The tarts were amazing! I hope you don’t mind, I gave a few bites to Ambrosia. I thought it only fair since he flew this far for me. He seemed to enjoy them, I only hope they’re okay to give to birds.

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Harry,

Uncle Sev is your godfather?! He’s mine too! He’s kind of grumpy all the time and father says they used to call him a dungeon bat at school, but he’s really great. I think he’s kind of scary to a lot of people when they first meet him, but once you get to know him, he’s really nice and cares a lot about you. He’s been helping me with potions for ages and he gets me the best gifts for the hols. He’s also super smart and has been helping me with my wandwork since I got my own. Speaking of my mother, you should send her a letter. She keeps asking after you even though I’ve insisted you’re well. I fear if you don’t write to her, she might do something drastic like send a howler or something to demand you’re okay.

My friend Blaise is coming over this weekend to fly with me. I still can’t believe you’ve never been on a broom before. We’re both determined to teach you as soon as possible, though we aren’t allowed brooms as first years. Still, we have classes for it and Blaise and I are the best out of all of our friends. We’ll get you ready for Quidditch in no time. Don’t forget to read Quidditch Through The Ages so we can talk about it all when we meet back up! I’m determined for both of us to get on the team so we can kick Gryffindor’s arse. (Blaise enjoys flying, but is much too prim to play sport according to him.)

Your Friend,

Draco

Ps. Father says Ambrosia is too spoiled, but he always loves treats. He’s a magical bird so you can feed him anything but chocolate.

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Dearest Harry,

Hello darling, I was honored to hear from Draco that you’d written me a letter as well this week. I’m so glad to hear you are doing well and I am so looking forward to seeing you again at the platform. Lord Malfoy and I are doing very well, thank you for asking, and I am happy you’ve enjoyed the snacks I’ve had Draco send along. Our house elf, Mipsy, gets so enthusiastic when she gets the chance to bake and often times cooks too much for us to handle. She’s been trying new recipes recently so Draco has been sending treats to all of his friends.

In regards to your inquiry about Severus, I’ve not yet told him about what we discovered at Gringotts. I wanted to speak with you about it first, though I get the suspicion that he does not know. If you’d like, I can contact him about the matter and, in the case that he was somehow unaware, inform him of the situation. Or you may do so yourself if you’d like. Should you wish to write him, you need only put Severus Snape on the letter and Ambrosia will deliver it for you. I’m aware that the goblins gave you a copy of your inheritance test, however if you do not wish to part with it, you may send a request to Gringotts informing them that you’d either like another copy, or that Severus has permission to the pertinent information. Do keep in mind that in order to verify your identity, you will need to include at least three drops of blood on the letter to Gringotts so they may verify you are the source of the request.

I hope you are doing well in health and mind. Please let us know if you need anything at all. I am always happy to provide it.

Sincerely,

Narcissa Malfoy

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Harry!

You’ll never guess what happened this morning. I woke up and could not find Hira- don’t worry, she’s okay! But I was frantic, naturally. She wasn’t in any of the spots she usually is and I was terrified I’d lost her. You’ll never guess where I found her! She was sleeping around father’s shoulders! And he didn’t even seem bothered! In fact, he looked quite comfortable there while he worked on paperwork. He said she came in early in the morning and didn’t even hesitate before curling around him. He said it’s very unusual for wizard’s familiars to act that way towards other wizards, but that it could just be because you trust us. I can admit that I am a bit jealous, as Hira usually spends her time around my shoulders, but I suppose I will have to learn to share her once we get to Hogwarts and she starts spending her time with you again. I’ve not introduced her to my friends yet, though only Blaise and Theo have visited this summer. I figured you’d rather introduce her yourself, seeing as she’s your familiar.

Mipsy has made more treacle tarts, since you said they were your favorite. She’s upset that she’s never met you, but has already become obsessed with feeding you. She’s always like that, you know. She’ll always claim you’re much too skinny and demand you eat until she’s satisfied with your health, and she’s always so worried when you’re hurt or sick. Anyway, that’s why this package is so much larger this time. Mipsy says muggle healing isn’t as good as wizard healing, so she included your treats, as well as some basic health supplies. The blue potions are health potions, they’ll only help with small cuts and headaches and the like since children aren’t allowed to take stronger medicines without a magical adult administering them. The purple and yellow potion is for pain, and the slave is for bruises. Mipsy says with how often I harm myself falling off my broom or how often I get in tussles with Blaise, that you’re bound to do the same and you’ll need extra help since you don’t have a wizard to heal you. The box these are in is charmed to keep the glasses from breaking, and it’ll refill whenever you run out. Mipsy made sure of it.

Oh! I know you don’t get the Daily Prophet post, so I’ve sent you my copy! The Quidditch World Cup is happening and we’re down to the Chudley Cannons and the Holyhead Harpies. Father is going to get us tickets to go see the match in person! He wants to know if you’d like to attend. We get a private booth so you needn’t worry about people knowing you’re there. Just write to me before then and father will arrange it. It will be the weekend before school begins and father says if your relatives agree to it, you can stay with us those two days and we can just go to the train together.

Your Friend,

Draco

Ps. Uncle Sev is acting weird. Did mother tell him about being your godfather?

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Dear Mr. Snape,

I hope this letter finds you well. Ambrosia seemed confident when I asked him to take it to you, so hopefully it’s gotten to the right person. (Though I’m sure Ambrosia would be offended to hear me doubt him.) My name is Harry Potter and I’ll be attending Hogwarts in a couple of weeks as a first year. I’m very excited! Especially for the potions class. Anyway, Lady Malfoy told me she spoke with you about my inheritance test. I haven’t heard from you since then, so I’m not quite sure how you feel about it. She said you didn’t know, and I think Lord Malfoy is going to be looking into the will reading to find out why, but I know that explains why I haven’t been living with you after my parents died. I do hope you’re not upset at me. I’m not asking for charity or anything like that, and I’m perfectly fine remaining where I currently am, I simply thought maybe you’d like to get to know me. I’d like to know you, if that’s okay? Lady Malfoy said you were close to my mum and I don’t know much about her if you’d be willing to tell me.

Please do not feel any obligation to write back if you do not wish to be in contact with me. I perfectly understand how strange this situation might be for you.

Sincerely,

Harry J. Potter

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Mister Potter,

The situation is quite the revelation and I will admit I was unsure of how to handle the news. Your mother and I were very good friends when we were children, however we had a falling out my last year and I was surprised to know she still trusted me enough to name me godfather.  While the situation is strange, I would be happy to tell you about your mother if you’d like to hear it. Narcissa tells me you are staying with muggle relatives. I can only assume this is Petunia Evans, your mother’s sister. I knew her to be quite awful when we were children, so I do hope she is treating you well. Please inform me at once if she is not.

I will admit that I am shocked to see a Potter interested in potions. Your father was quite honestly terrible with the subject during our tenure, though he excelled greatly in Transfiguration and Quidditch. Your mother was rather adept at potions, perhaps due to my own influence, but her strengths laid more with charms and healing, than it did anything else. I’ve included a few copies of photos I have of your mother when she was younger. Do not be alarmed when the photos move, they are wizarding photos and are quite unlike the photos Petunia has probably shown you. I have an album of photos as well that you may look at, however I ask that you wait until you arrive at school as I am hesitant to part from it and it is too much to make a copy of.

As I am your godfather, and I take this responsibility very seriously, do not hesitate to write me if you need anything at all.

Sincerely,

Severus Snape, M.P.

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

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Lady Malfoy,

Professor Snape wrote me back! He says he’d like to tell me about my mum and he even sent me photos! He didn’t have any of my dad, but that’s okay I think. I’m just happy to know what my mum looks like, you know? My aunt always complains about how I have her eyes, so it was really cool to see them in the photos. And the photos moved! I didn’t know they could do that! Draco told me about the talking portraits at Hogwarts, but moving photographs? That’s brilliant! It’s kind of like she’s actually there, you know? Smiling at me.

I’ve gotten through all of my supplemental texts for school and am nearly done with my textbooks as well. It’s all so fascinating to see! I know I’m not allowed to practice with my wand, but I’ve been working on the incantations and everything else as much as I can. I don’t want people to be disappointed in me when I get there, I suppose. I think I’m getting very good at it all, though I might need Draco’s help on some of the more complicated wand motions. I simply cannot understand some of them.

I’ve also read through the Wizard Traditions and Societies book by Henrietta Ursla that you got me. It’s very interesting, though I find I have a lot of questions if you don’t mind me asking them. I’ve come to find that there’s a lot of differences in Wizarding religions and muggle ones. My relatives goes to church, you see, and all I know of witchcraft is that it’s seen as evil there. A nice couple moved into the house at the end of my street a few years ago and my Uncle called them Hippy Freaks because they wore necklaces with runes and crystals on them. The Ursla book says wizards celebrate old holidays like Yule and Samhain, however my Hogwarts: a History text mentions Christmas and Halloween celebrations. What’s the difference?

I’m also interested in learning more about the process of the Ministry and Wizenmagot. I know I’m the heir to many houses, but I’m only one person. Why would I have multiple seats? When I am old enough to vote on subjects, do I only get one vote as one person, or multiple votes for each house I’m an heir to? Draco has been teaching me about the other families and what to expect when it comes to the more traditional side of the wizard community, but I’m interested in knowing more about the actual process as well. Can I appoint anyone to hold a seat for me? Who holds my seats right now if I’ve not appointed anyone? Certainly not my aunt or uncle.

Sincerely,

Harry Potter

Ps. I hope it’s okay, but I got bored the other day and knitted Mipsy some baking gloves. Draco says House Elves are very small, so hopefully they fit her. I wanted to thank her for all the treats she’s been sending me! They’ve been a life saver.

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 Dearest Harry,

You’ve sent poor Mipsy into tears with your gift. She’s been using them nonstop and has insisted that I send this letter with this new tin of tarts. It’s perfectly fine that you’ve made her these mittens, but I must warn you to be careful with gifting clothing to house elves. Some muggle-born families might not understand, but House Elves are servants to families. It’s a very old treaty that the original elves have made with wizards. House Elves have magical cores that depend on being connected to a wizarding family. When a family’s magic weakens, so does the elf’s. Many muggle-borns akin this to slavery, however the house elves do willingly get into this arrangement, because without it they would wither away as their magical cores die. I suggest looking into a few texts I’ve listed below once you get to school if you’d like to know more about the specifics as I’ll admit I’m not as educated on the details as some others. Regardless, giving clothing as gifts to house elves signifies your retirement of them, thus severing their connection to your family. Now, you’ll notice if you visit that some of our elves do indeed wear. This is because we can give them cloth or fabric and they can make clothing for themselves. No need to worry yourself though! Since you are not a member of the household, giving Mipsy gifts will not harm her, I simply wanted to inform you of this in case you get your own house elf later on.

As for your questions, I’d be happy to answer as many as I can. I’ve passed your Ministry questions to Lucius, as he knows more than I do about the specifics. Ambrosia should be delivering his letter to you as well.

In regards to Wix (the gender neutral term for the wizard and witch community as a whole) religions and holidays, a lot of this can be attributed to the introduction of muggle cultures into our own. For a very long time, wix families only bred within other wix families, but eventually they began to spread out and mingling with muggles. This created half-bloods, squibs, and muggle-borns all throughout the world. As more muggle-raised people joined our families and communities, their cultures began mingling with ours as well. Over time, a lot of people have started celebrating the more Abrahamic holidays rather than our traditionally pagan ones. However, most, if not all, of the pureblood and more traditional families still celebrate our original holidays: Samhain, Yule, Beltane, and so on. These are sacred holidays in which we give thanks to Lady Magic for giving us our gifts and keeping us safe and protected. If you’d like, you are happy to join us for any holidays you wish. We are a very traditional family, so we often hold events and rituals for our larger holidays. Draco would likely be happy to explain them in further detail if you wish.

I’ve included a book with this package that goes into greater detail on Wix Beliefs in regards to Lady Magic and our history with Paganism and the holidays. You’ll also likely find a lot of helpful information in the Magical Mages and the Power Within text you purchased in the Alley. Mages often have a very deep connection with Lady Magic if I remember correctly.

I do hope you are doing well. Mipsy mentioned you’ve used a few of her healing potions. I’m a healer myself if you ever need anything more.

Sincerely,

Narcissa

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Mister Potter,

My wife has informed me of your questions about the Wizenmagot and Ministry and I would be glad to answer them. You’ll also find an overview of most sections of the Ministry in your Ministry: A History text you purchased in the Alley. Any further questions you may have, or inquests into specific sections, you may send me a letter personally if you wish.

You, Mister Potter, hold a good many lordships to your name, and as such you hold the seats to each of those houses. As the heir to five great houses, you in fact hold the greatest amount of power to the Wizenmagot at this time. This simply means that should you wish to vote for something, you will not only be able to put in five votes of your own, but you’ll also hold sway over the various families who have alliances with the houses you are heir to.

I understand this is very confusing to someone who is new to the Wix world, however you will only have one physical seat to sit in. The concept of having ‘five seats’ is just that: a concept. It simply means that if there were others in the family that came from those houses, they would have a seat instead of you. Since all members of these houses have died out, been disowned, or married into another family, this leaves you as the final heir to each.

I’ve looked into your inquiry of who holds seats for you right now. It appears, though Severus was named your Godfather, you’ve also been appointed a Magical Guardian. These are usually assigned to magical children who have been orphaned, as children are held very sacred in Wix culture. We do not wish for them to go to muggle families if they’re orphaned as it makes them harder to keep track of and could pose a danger when their magic acts up accidentally. Your magical guardian seems to be Albus Dumbledore, headmaster of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. I am unable to find the documentation for this decision at this time, though rest assured, I am still searching. It is highly possible that since we were in a time of war, your parents thought him the best choice for protection until the war ended and you were able to be placed with a listed godparent. Though why you were not placed with Severus when he became available, I am unsure.

As you are now aware of your seats, and Severus aware of his position, you do have the right to request a change in guardian as well as a change in who holds your seats. Keep in mind that the person who holds your seats must have your utmost confidence. Ideally, they would consult you and educate you on the bills and issues being brought to the Wizenmagot and you would inform them how you wish to vote. However, in the case that you are unable to be contacted, be that due to school, illness, or otherwise, they must be someone you trust to vote in your stead. It’s important to consider who has the same values as you, who you think would best represent your wishes if you’re unable to vote yourself. If you’d like, I can access all previous bills and issues we’ve voted on since Dumbledore became your Magical Guardian so you might see where he sits on issues. This will inform you of whether or not you hold similar views on various topics that might come up. These records will also inform you where other members of the Wizenmagot have stood in the case that you wish to switch your seats into someone else’s care.

Do keep in mind that you need not choose someone currently in the Wizenmagot as your representative. If there is someone else you’d like to hold your seats and vote in your stead, you may petition the Ministry and I can assist you in filling out the proper forms. When you turn 17, you’ll be allowed to vote for yourself, though we often still recommend heirs having a chosen representative while they finish schooling to attend the gatherings of lesser importance.

As always, we hope you are well and look forward to hearing from you further.

Lord Lucius Abraxus Malfoy, Gov.

Wizenmagot Official

Department of Magical Education, Ministry of Magic

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Harry,

I just realized we met right after your birthday so I couldn’t get you a gift! This is absolutely unacceptable. We’re friends now, and friends get each other gifts. Since we’re meeting up for the World Cup, I’m going to give it to you then, but I wanted to tell you that I’ve gotten you something. It’s terribly rude of me not to, and I want us to be the best of friends. Blaise won’t be going to the game however, as he holds very little interest in either of the teams playing, so he’s asked me to send his gift along. I understand you’ve not met yet, but he hopes to be your friend as well and I think he wanted to make a good impression. Theo, never one to be seen as rude, also insisted I send his gift along. The dunderheads both got you books, which I am convinced is a terribly boring gift, but I’ve told them how much you enjoy reading, so I suppose it’s alright. The package of Wizarding Fairy Tales is from Blaise (he thinks he’s hilarious, truly. There’s even a fairy tale in there about you.) While the Obscure and Dangerous Flora and Fauna is from Theo.

We’re only a week away from school now! Are you terribly excited? Even though father is a governor of Hogwarts, I’ve never been allowed to visit. Uncle Sev says it’s just an old castle and there’s nothing special about it really, but I think he’s just trying to dampen my hopes so it’s even more incredible when we finally see it. Mother says it’s absolutely fantastic.

Uncle Sev also said that you sent him an entire essay of questions about the properties of different potions ingredients. You are aware school hasn’t even started yet, correct? You better be careful or you’ll end up sorted in Ravenclaw! Which wouldn’t be terrible I suppose. It’s probably the best house after Slytherin, but I’ll be terribly upset if we aren’t in the same house and I’m not nearly as interested in books as you are so I can’t go to Ravenclaw. You’re sweet enough I could imagine you in Hufflepuff. Mother says Slytherins often adopt Hufflepuffs as their own, so I suppose I’d much rather you be there than in Ravenclaw. That way we can still be close. Plus Hufflepuff is also in the dungeons, just like Slytherin, so our houses wouldn’t be too far.

Your Friend,

Draco

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Draco,

Professor Snape (though he’s told me now that I can call him Severus if I’d like when we’re not in classes) has been really helpful with learning potions! I’ve already made tons of notes in my text to elaborate on certain sections and define others. There are a lot of things I don’t know, but he says I’m a very quick learner. He’s also sent me a few texts about ingredients and the properties and uses of different potions. He didn’t send me the one Theo did though, I’m excited to read it!

Please tell him and Blaise thank you for the gifts, though they certainly didn’t need to get me anything! Neither did you for that matter. We were going to be friends no matter what! Still, I’ll treasure them forever. I’ve never gotten gifts for my birthday before, so I’m not sure what to say other than thank you so much.

I think I’d be happy in whatever house will take me, though I will admit I’d like to be where you are if I got to choose. I’m not sure how they decide which house to put you in, but I hope they take our preferences into account.

I’m sorry this letter is so short. I’ve hurt my hand and it’s difficult to write.

I’ll see you in a few days for the World Cup!

Your Friend,

Harry

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Harry,

Draco informs me that you’ve injured yourself. As I’ve been informed that Mipsy supplies you with mild healing potions, I can only assume you’ve been injured further than that. If I recall, muggle healers may be adequate in assisting the injury, however I feel as if it’s my duty as your godfather to assist you even further. You are aware that children are not allowed stronger healing potions without adult supervision, however I’ve made this the exact amount you should need as long as the damage isn’t too extensive. You will take the entire vial all at once and return it to Mipsy’s box. She’ll give it back to me when finished. If it does not heal completely, please leave a note in the box as well and I will send you another. Do not take this potion with any of the other potions in the box or it will not work. If there is bruising, you may use it with the bruise balm, but it cannot be used with either the minor healing potion or the pain potion. The potion I’ve included will assist with the pain already so you’ll not need the others anyway.

If you’ve already taken those potions today, be sure to wait a minimum of five hours before taking this one.

Sincerely,

Severus

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Draco,

I won’t be able to go to the World Cup. I’m really sorry, but my aunt and uncle don’t want me to go. I’ll see you on the platform. Please don’t leave without me.

Harry

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Dearest Harry,

Draco is terribly worried about you. He hopes we’ve not gotten you in trouble with your relatives from all of our letters and packages. If you’d like, I can have Severus pop over to visit you and explain to them that the World Cup is a perfectly safe event to attend and that we are of course happy to house you and take you to the train if needed.

Sincerely,

Narcissa

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Lady Malfoy,

Thank you for the offer, but I’ll be okay! My Uncle’s sister is ill and he doesn’t want for any of us to go too far right now in case something happens. Maybe I can go to next year’s cup. Please tell my Godfather that there’s no need to visit! My Uncle doesn’t want any visitors right now while he tends to his sister.

Thanks,

Harry

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Harry made it a point not to tell his relatives about going to Hogwarts until the very last second. In fact, it wasn’t until the day before he was supposed to be dropped off at the platform that Harry brought it up. He really had wanted to go to the World Cup with Draco, but the thought of asking for that… of telling his aunt and uncle about the wix world at all before he absolutely had to, made his stomach churn with dread and anxiety. He especially wanted to keep Draco a secret.

(He was happy to receive a letter that morning however. Draco had informed him that his favorite team, The Harpies, had won the Wizarding World Cup.)

Harry had never had a friend before, and Draco had been wonderful to him over their letters the past month. Harry didn’t want the Dursley’s to catch wind that he was even remotely happy, or that he had someone who genuinely seemed to like him for him.

Clearing his throat, Harry made his way to the living room the moment he’d finished cleaning the dishes from dinner. It was the best time to do it, really. His uncle would be full and lazy from dinner and his aunt would be winding down for the day with nothing else left to do that could cause her stress. Not to mention the fact that Dudley was out with friends.

He waited until they were distracted, watching whatever show was on the telle, and they turned to look at him like he was mad for daring to interrupt. Harry stood closest to his aunt, his Hogwarts letter safely tucked away in his pockets just in case they didn’t believe him. (His other letters he had wrapped up tight and hidden in his trunk. They were oh so precious to him and he’d die before letting the Dursley’s even see them.)

“What is it, girl?”

Harry forced himself not to jump, instead turning to his aunt and trying not to fidget too much. She always hated it when he fidgeted. 

“Um- I’ll need someone to drop me off at King’s Cross Station tomorrow before 10 am, if possible,” he said quietly. He wasn’t used to speaking with them, since his Uncle hated the sound of his voice and his aunt always sent him into stuttering. “I’ve gotten a letter from a boarding school in Scotland-”

“No.”

Harry jumped at the sharp sound of his aunt’s voice, head shooting up to stare at her where she’d stood from her seat. “W-what?”

“Absolutely not,” she all but growled, clenching her fists in her skirts. “I’ll not- I’ll not have another freak living in my home, you hear me? I thought Vernon had beaten it out of you, but that school- that bloody school-”

She said it like she knew what it meant. Like she knew the school was for magic. Harry couldn’t help but gap at her, torn between demanding answers and self-preservation. He felt a bit dull for not realizing it sooner, if he was being honest. Of course his aunt knew. She must’ve if Harry’s mum went to Hogwarts too like Lady Malfoy and his godfather had told him. But she’d never told him, never so much as hinted towards knowing what was going on when Harry’s magic acted up on accident when he was younger. When his wounds healed faster than they should have or when his cupboard door was unlocked from the inside. When he’d Stepped away from Dudley and onto the roof of the school to get away from the fists and bruises.

“I’ve um-“ he stuttered, interrupting his aunt’s ranting and his uncle’s fuming. “I’ve already sent a letter back and told them I’ll be attending. You don’t have to worry about supplies or-or fees,” he said quickly. “There-there was a sort of scholarship for students like me. The school pays for everything on a loan, so you won’t have to worry about any of that.” It was a lie of course, but they didn’t know that. Harry assumed, perhaps, that it would make them more likely to agree if they knew they wouldn’t have to pay and that Harry might be in debt later in his life. He definitely was not telling them about the piles of gold in his vault. “A-and I’ll be gone the entire year, even holidays. You’ll only have to see me in summer when school is out and even then I can-I can stay in my cupboard like usual,” he promised.

To his surprise, that was really what did it. His aunt still looked furious, but his uncle looked all too pleased to get Harry out of his sight at the earliest convenience.

That didn’t save Harry from the beating he received that night for dropping the information on them last minute. His uncle’s fists were heavy and angry, even as he laughed, but Harry couldn’t be bothered, not when he knew there was somewhere waiting for him only hours away.

Someone too.

The Malfoys, and Professor Snape, had literally saved Harry’s life this summer.

His relatives had never been kind to him, and Harry took plenty of beatings in the past month, but knowing he had someone to write to kept him going, gave him hope. His aunt usually only gave him enough food to keep him alive, but Mipsy’s treat box was always full and Harry was happy to munch away on it through the night. It wasn’t really enough to help him gain much weight, but it kept him from being sick so often and from feeling so weak he could barely move some days.

His new friends gave him something to cling to when his cupboard felt too small and dark. When his lungs struggled for air and his stomach ached so much he thought he’d be sick. Perhaps that’s why Harry didn’t mind as much on that last day when his uncle’s fists slammed into his ribs or the back of his hand smacked Harry’s glasses right off his face. Perhaps that’s why he didn’t mind that he didn’t get dinner that day, or breakfast the next, so he was going three days without much more than a handful of tarts.

But it didn’t matter.

It didn’t matter because he was leaving for a whole year. A whole year. Without the Dursley’s, without Harry Hunting, without needing to be completely silent if he wanted to eat at all that week.

The moment they got to Kings Cross station, Harry was out of the car and dashing away. His uncle yelled after him, but Harry wasn’t paying attention. He couldn’t care about the people he nearly crashed into, or the fact that his uncle certainly would not forget this when Harry got back.

He was so close.

So close he could taste it.

The magic tasted like gunmetal and sweets, simmering around the platform as Harry drew closer and closer to where he was supposed to go. He had to force himself not to hesitate when Platforms 9 and 10 came into view. Had to hold his breath and close his eyes and pray that Draco hadn’t been teasing him. That this hadn’t all been a dream that he’d wake up from back in his cupboard under the stairs.

It had to work. It had to. He didn’t know if he’d be able to handle it if it didn’t.

Magic wafted over his skin like a gentle kiss, like warm arms welcoming him home, and when Harry opened his eyes again, he could see it.

The platform was crowded with people, though it was still early enough that Harry could see the train in the distance. It was magnificent, big and red. Hogwarts Express was painted in golden letters across the sides and Harry’s breath caught in his throat at the sight.

He was out. He was finally out.

Not permanently, no. He’d have to return for the summer. But still, he was there, standing just outside of a magical train that was going to take him somewhere new, somewhere safe.

A flash of white-blonde hair had Harry turning on his feet instantly. He dodged around people easily, his small stature quick as he slipped through the crowd as fast as he could.

The Malfoys stood near one of the columns, the Lord and Lady glancing around the crowd like they were looking for something.

Looking for him.

Before Harry could think better of it, he was launching himself at Lady Malfoy, wrapping his arms around her waist and digging his face into her stomach. He knew the tears had been trailing down his face as soon as he’d seen the train, but he felt a bit bad now that he was getting her dress dirty with tears.

“Oh,” the woman said quietly, and he could feel her hands resting gently atop his head and back. She didn’t squish him against her, just held him in place as he cried. “Harry? Darling, are you alright?”

Harry nodded, hugging her tighter as he tried to get control of himself. He’d never felt so comfortable around an adult before, not even Missus Figg. He was a bit embarrassed at the display, but he couldn’t help himself. Not when these people had been so happy to know him. Him.

“Sorry,” Harry mumbled in her skirts. “I didn’t mean to get your dress wet.”

“Oh sweetheart, that’s okay. We’re happy to see you too. Can you look at me?”

Lady Malfoy was just as pretty as when Harry had last seen her. Even more so, perhaps, since she was in a pretty purple dress and her long hair was tied up into tasteful curls atop her head. Lord Malfoy stood beside her, his cane in hand and his back perfectly straight. He was still intimidating, but after all the letters they’d exchanged over the last month of summer, Harry found himself much less frightened of the man now.

“Harry,” Narcissa gasped, her hand raising to cup his cheek. He fought himself not to flinch away, but judging by the sad look in her eyes, he didn’t succeed. “What’s happened to your face?”

Oh right. Harry hadn’t looked in the mirror before they’d left, and he was sure Uncle Vernon probably bruised his face with how hard he slapped him the night before. He’d taken one of the potions from Mimsy and put some bruise balm on it, but he couldn’t do too much without his relatives being too suspicious or angry. They knew he healed quickly, but not that quickly. Besides, he hadn’t been sure if he’d still get those supplies while at school and he wanted to save them until he needed them. He wouldn’t have taken the stronger potion when Dudley crushed his hand except that Severus had asked for the vial back. Harry was half tempted to dump the potion into a plastic bottle or something for later, but he wasn’t sure how potions reacted to plastic and he didn’t want to mess it up.

“I’m okay,” he assured the woman, smiling at her and rubbing quickly at his tears. He reached out and rubbed at the spots on her dress as well, willing them away with barely a thought like he did with the stains on Aunt Petunia’s rug. “Sorry I messed up your dress.”

“Harry, are you hurt anywhere else?”

There was something in her tone that had Harry pausing, glancing up at her. There was worry and anger in her eyes, as well as Lord Malfoy’s. He wasn’t sure if it was directed at him or not, but he scrunched slightly into himself with a frown. He grew quiet, like he always did when he was sure he was in trouble.

But… was he in trouble? Was she angry at him for getting himself hurt? Was she disappointed that he made uncle Vernon so angry that he’d hit him? Did she think he deserved it?

“I-I’m okay, I promise,” he said softly, wrapping his arms around his waist to hold himself. The excitement of seeing them again was dwindling, tainted by the fear churning in his gut. “I just- I just fell down the stairs last night is all. I put some bruise balm on it, it’s healing. You don’t have to worry.”

Narcissa frowned, crouching down to be at eye level with him and prodding gently at the bruise on his cheek. “May I heal it for you?” He blinked, but just nodded in response. Narcissa gave him a pained sort of smile and lifted her wand, whispering a quiet spell before pocketing it again. The pain was gone instantly, and Harry found himself breathing a bit easier now. It hadn’t done much for the pain in his ribs or his arms, but the almost blinding headache he’d been dealing since the night before had finally dissipated. “There, better?”

“Much, thanks,” he smiled back, sparing the Lord Malfoy a look before nodding respectfully to him. “Thank you for meeting me here. Where’s Draco?”

“He went ahead to drop off his trunk and find his friends,” Narcissa said as she straightened back up. “He should be back any moment to-“

“Harry!”

The boy barely had time to turn before there were arms encircling his shoulders and a tuft of blonde hair in his face. It sent his ribs jarring and he had to fight back a wince, but he responded instantly, his arms wrapping around Draco’s waist and tugging him close with a bright smile.

“Draco!”

“You were nearly late,” Draco scolded as he pulled back and let Harry take a good look at him. He looked good, with his fancy robes and Hira draped over his shoulders. His cheeks were brightened and pink and his hair was slicked back just enough to keep it out of his face. “I was afraid you wouldn’t show!”

Harry grimaced, tugging at a long curl before shrugging. “Sorry, my uncle was running late this morning. I practically ran here to make sure I made it in time. Hello, Hira,” he said quickly, reaching out with gentle fingers to brush across the snake’s head and grinning bright when she curled around his wrist and slithered up his arm, settling comfortably around his throat like a scarf.

“Speaker,” she greeted with a flick of her tongue. “Your mate has been kind. I did not eat him.”

“Thank you, I like him a lot so I’m glad you were able to hold back,” Harry joked.

“Fascinating.”

The smooth voice of Draco’s father had Harry jumping, glancing up at the man with wide eyes. “I-I’m sorry?”

The man shook his head, blinking away whatever emotion was on his face. “I would advise you to be careful speaking parseltongue in public, Mister Potter.”

Harry frowned, rubbing his fingers under Hira’s jaw as the snake settled more comfortably, her head tucked under the collar of his shirt. “Is it bad?”

“No, darling,” Narcissa shook her head. “But very few people in history have been able to do it and people tend to be frightened of those who can. Best to keep it to yourself or people you can trust, yes?”

“Okay,” he nodded, glancing at Draco with wide eyes. His friend just smiled back and nodded. “Um- do-do we get on the train? I didn’t get a ticket or anything.”

Draco laughed and shook his head, grabbing Harry’s hand and giving it a slight tug towards the train in question. “Your letter is you ticket, silly. We need to get on, though before they leave us. Blaise and Theo are saving our room but we want to make sure no one tries to steal it before we can get it.”

Before Draco could drag him off though, Harry gave Narcissa another tight hug, fighting back tears again when the woman returned it. He turned to Lord Malfoy to do the same, but the man was stiff and unsure, his cane placed strategically in front of him in a casual way to keep himself separated from others. Harry couldn’t blame him, there were plenty of times he felt uncomfortable with physical touch, so he just gave the man a bow. That seemed to surprise the man, but he must not have been angry because his lips twitched into a small smile and he nodded his head respectfully back.

“Now,” Narcissa said, straightening the collar of Harry’s ugly flannel and trying to add some order to his curls, “if you need anything at all, you write to us, yes? We’ve lent Ambrosia to Draco for the school year, so feel free to use him as often as you need, understood?”

“Yes, Missus Malfoy,” Harry nodded, smiling sweetly.

It felt… heartbreaking, in a way. Not a bad way, really, but in a way that his heart felt like it was swelling so big that it threatened to burst. This was how he’d always imagined his own parents acting when he was off to school. Or well, his mum at least. He didn’t know much about James Potter, but he imagined the man would have been a bit more excitable than Lord Malfoy.

Still, he had to fight back tears as Draco started tugging him away from the platform and onto the train.

He’d never expected to have people who cared about him, not like Lord and Lady Malfoy seemed to. Granted, he still didn’t know them that well and it’d only been a little over a month since they’d met, but he never had anyone care about if he was eating or if he was hurt. Didn’t have people invite him to sports matches or get him birthday presents. The most he had was Aunt Petunia making sure he was alive enough to tend to her garden or cook them meals every day.

Harry wasn’t quite sure what to do with that affection.

“Speaker,” Hira hissed, her tongue flicking against his collarbone. “Your mate is speaking.”

“Oh,” Harry blinked, glancing up at Draco to see the boy frowning at him, his pale eyebrows drawn down in concern. They must have been at their location, because they were stopped in the walkway of the train outside a set of doors. People were rushing around them, squeezing past and chatting loudly with others. “Sorry, what?”

“Are you alright?”

“It’s- it’s just a lot of people, sorry,” Harry said quietly, his fingers tightening around Draco’s  as he forced himself to take deep breaths. It was true. The time he’d gone to Diagon Alley had been one of the first times he’d been around so many people outside of a classroom or the rare times Aunt Petunia took him shopping with her. His skin felt itchy with nerves, and he found himself hunching his shoulders to be smaller, less obtrusive.

“Come on then,” Draco nudged, tugging open the booth doors and pulling Harry in behind him. “It’s quieter in here.”

And miraculously it was.

In fact, it was so quiet, Harry couldn’t even here the mass of students outside once the doors shut and he stared at them with wide eyes. “Magic?”

“Silencing spell,” a new voice said, drawing the boy’s attention into the small carriage room.

There were two boys already in there, neither of which Harry recognized of course. The boy who’d spoken was nearly as small as Harry was with dark blonde curls and sharp green eyes. There was a book laid open in his lap, but Harry couldn’t tell what it was from the distance and his glasses were still cracked from Uncle Vernon. The other boy was bigger than all three of them, his skin even darker than Harry’s and his eyes an almost shocking blue. A big smile spread across his face as he bounced to his feet, holding out a hand.

“Blaise Zambini, you must be Harry Potter!”

The sound of his name, his name, almost shocked Harry. He’d expected to show up at school and Harry would disappear to make room for Harriet again, but he guessed it made sense. Draco had always called him Harry and he’d spoken to Blaise and Theo about him already.

It warmed his heart and sent bubbles building in his stomach at the thought that these other boys just willingly accepted Harry’s name without question.

“Theodore Nott,” the other boy greeted. “A pleasure to meet you officially. Draco hasn’t shut up about you all summer.”

“Theo!”

Draco’s outraged cry had Harry giggling, the tension in his veins finally dissipating at he shook Blaise and Theo’s hands. “Sorry do I-“ he paused, glancing at both boys with an unsure frown before glancing at Draco. “I don’t know all of the pureblood families yet. Do I greet you like-like heirs? With the bowing and stuff?”

Blaise blinked in surprise before grinning again. “Sorry, mate! Should’a done that first I guess. Draco said you were raised by muggles so I didn’t figure you knew all that yet.” Straightening his spine, Blaise flipped his hands out and gave a deep bow. “A pleasure to meet you. I am Blaise Zambini, Heir to the House Zambini.”

They glanced at Theo who sighed and pushed himself to his feet, placing his book on the seat behind him. He gave a similar bow to Blaise, only not quite as low. “A pleasure, Heir Potter. I am Theodore Nott, Heir to the Houses Berthain and Nott.”

Harry swallowed, nodding with interest and filing the names away for further research. As soon as Lord Malfoy had started helping him learn about the different positions in the Wizenmagot and the importance of families and houses, he’d started getting more and more interested in the history of various families.

A sharp elbow to his pained ribs had Harry grimacing and he glanced at Draco. “Now you.”

“Oh, um… do I have to give all of my titles?”

The other boys blinked, but Draco just smirked, already well aware of all the seats Harry had a claim to. “Absolutely. Names hold power, you should know,” he explained with an air of snootiness that Harry could never hope to replicate. “Especially to purebloods. Some people you’ll need to be careful of introducing certain houses, but you can trust any of my friends with the full extent of your titles. Go on then, I’m eager to see their reactions.”

Not one for being in the spotlight, Harry was still a bit hesitant, but he nodded anyway and turned towards Blaise and Theo. His bow had gotten better over the last month since he’d been practicing a lot—or at least, he thought it’d been getting better—but he was still happy to see the proud glimmer in Draco’s eyes when he straightened back up. “A pleasure, Heirs Zambini and Nott. I am Harry Potter, heir to the houses Potter, Black, Prince, Peverell, and Slytherin. I hope we can be good friends.”

The cabin was silent when Harry raised his eyes. Blaise and Theo were staring at him with wide eyes, though the former had his mouth popped open in a way he was sure Lady Malfoy would have scolded him for. Draco was giggling at his side and Harry shuffled awkwardly as the silence continued on.

“Bloody hell,” Theo finally scoffed, dropping back into his seat. “Close your mouth Blaise, before you catch nargles.”

Blaise snapped his mouth shut but it only lasted a moment before he practically pushed Harry and Draco into the seat across from them and sat eagerly next to Theo. “Bloody hell, Harry! Slytherin? When you come into your lordships, you’ll be the most powerful wizard in Britain, you know that? Of course, we’ll have to teach you a lot before then. Draco has done a barmy job so far with that bow of yours but we can work on it-“

“Hey,” Draco interrupted, glaring at his friend, “we’d only met the once in person! Everything else was in letters!”

“Did- did I do it wrong?”

He’d thought he’d done it better than last time, but honestly, bowing in front of his bathroom mirror on his own was the best he could do. Harry wouldn’t be surprised if he actually made his bow worse.

“It was fine,” Theo said placating, shooting Blaise a mild glare before turning towards Harry. “You just bowed too low for someone of a higher status than us. It’ll be easier when you learn all the different pureblood families and houses, but right now, you’ll only bow that low for actual Lords and Ladies. Since you have so many houses, and powerful ones at that, you wouldn’t bow as low to other heirs. In fact, I should have bowed lower in my greeting.”

“Oh,” Harry muttered, blinking in surprise. “It’s a lot, I guess. There are a lot of rules for all of this.”

“Purebloods have a lot of traditions they honor,” Draco said with a nod. “Since you are so young and have been raised by muggles, you’ll have a bit more leeway when it comes to learning proper greetings. You’ll also likely get a lot of people butchering their greetings to you until they learn how many titles you hold. Father will no doubt spread the word through his own circle, and mother as well.” He waved to his friends across the cabin and they both nodded back. “As you meet other heirs, they’ll likely inform their parents, so people will know fairly quickly. Word travels quickly through pureblood circles, but there are likely still some who will mess up.”

“We’ll also have to adjust how you introduce yourself,” Theo continued, tapping a finger on his chin in thought. “When you have more than one house, you introduce yourself by order of importance. In Wix culture, the most important title comes last, because that is the one people are most likely to remember.  So the order you should use would be Peverell, Prince, Black, Potter, and Slytherin. Normally, the house you are a direct line to would be your most important one, however since Slytherin hasn’t had an heir for generations, and it’s such a powerful house on its own, that would probably go last. Those first three might be a bit out of order. I don’t know the house Peverell or Prince, so I’d need to do some research before knowing for sure, but Black, Potter, and Slytherin are all very affluent houses that everyone will recognize.”

Draco nodded along, pointing to himself. “Before we realized you now held the title, I was believed to be the heir to the Black family since my mother is a Black. So when I introduced myself, I’d say Black then Malfoy. Now I would just say Malfoy. When you get old enough to gain your majority and take your titles, you’d be Lord Potter of the houses Peverell, Potter, and Slytherin, Heir to the houses Prince and Black. Since Sirius Black and the Prince lord are still alive, you’d only hold the heir to those houses until the current lord dies or passes the lordship to you.”

“You could,” another voice chimed in, this one higher pitched and just as snooty as Draco’s, “petition the Ministry to allow you the Black title regardless since Sirius Black is incarcerated in Azkaban. Thus making you Lord Black as well.”

There were four new people in the doorway now, two girls and two boys nearly as tall as Dudley.

The girl in the front, who’s hair was short and black as night, her nose turned up like a button, bowed deeply to Harry. “Pansy Parkinson, heir to the Houses Lock and Parkinson. It’s an honor, Heir Potter.”

“Daphnee Greengrass,” the other girl bowed as well, slightly deeper than Pansy, her blonde hair fluttering around her shoulders and her green eyes lowering. “Heir to the house Greengrass.”

The other two boys introduced themselves as well, but Draco said just to call them Crabbe and Goyle since neither cared much for titles. Pansy gave the small cabin a painful look before flicking her wand and muttering a spell and enlarging the room to fit all of them.

It was easier after that, with the eight of them.

Harry found he liked the other heirs quite a lot. They didn’t treat him any differently than each other, despite the fact that he was supposedly famous and not exactly what any of them were likely expecting. Theo had asked to see Harry’s scar in full, though he asked politely and more out of educational curiosity apparently. He had a fascination with curse scars and Harry’s was unlike any he’d ever seen before.

They were all also ecstatic to meet Hira, and though the Lucy-ball didn’t let anyone but Harry or Draco hold her, she did let them pet her head after they gave proper introductions and she accepted them. Apparently she approved of Harry’s new friends because they were more polite than any other children she’d met in the Menagerie during her captivity.

Friends.

The word was still kind of foreign to Harry, but he found he liked it quite a lot. Sure, they probably wouldn’t like Harry much once they got to know him, or maybe they’d get bored of him eventually like everyone did, but it was nice in the moment at the very least.

Harry decided he’d enjoy it while it lasted.