First Place - Action/Adventure

A short time later, Draco and Harry were hungrily munching on sandwiches and crisps in Dumbledore's office. While they ate, Snape drew Dumbledore aside and, from the snippets of conversation that Harry could hear, Snape was informing Dumbledore of what had happened the night before. Harry realized that must have been why Ron was in the hallway during Potions earlier.

As Dumbledore and Snape took their seats again, Dumbledore cleared his throat, getting Harry's attention. "It would appear that Occlumency lessons are still required," Dumbledore said gravely.

Harry set the remains of his sandwich back on his plate. "Yes, sir. We all know that I made a huge mistake not taking Professor Snape's lessons seriously enough last year. It's not a mistake I intend to make twice. With Professor Snape's permission," Harry said with a nod to Snape, "I will be taking lessons again and I will be giving it my all to learn it this time."

Dumbledore looked at Harry in concern. "Harry, you do realize that what happened to Sirius was not your fault?" Dumbledore said, voicing it as a question.

Harry glared back at Dumbledore, his anger ignited, even though when he spoke his tone was even. "What I know is that if you want to get technical, it was Bellatrix's fault. She cast the curse that sent him through the veil, and she will pay for that," Harry said darkly.

Harry's expression grew hard as he continued to glare at the Headmaster. "Ultimately, however, the events of that night rest on my head. While many factors contributed to the events, including many different people being involved, I'm the reason that everything happened. It all comes down to me and Voldemort. I know it, you know it and he knows it."

Harry took a deep breath, trying to keep his equilibrium. "Everyone told me how important it was for me to learn Occlumency. I allowed my resentments and personal grudges to interfere with something that I knew I needed to learn, even if I didn't understand fully why I needed to learn it. I acted the part of a resentful teenager, and so perhaps you were right to treat me like a child. I know your wish to give me a childhood," Harry snorted at that idea, but continued on. "But that time is over. I don't like it, but at this point I accept the responsibility that's mine to bear."

Harry's gaze didn't waver as he looked to the two men staring at him intently, even as a little boy climbed into his lap. Harry just hugged the little boy and continued. "It is my responsibility but I also recognize that I need your help. I need to learn Occlumency, if for no other reason than I'm tired of being tortured on a regular basis. Voldemort has been quite enjoying taunting me over the last few months. I know for a fact that his activities have been relatively quiet, but he's had a wonderful time showing me past events." Harry closed his eyes and rested his head atop Draco's.

"How can you tell that his activities have been quiet?" Dumbledore asked gravely.

"Ironically, I can tell now when he's planting information in my head and when I'm the one slipping past into his mind. Don't ask me how, because I'm really not sure. It's just happened so often that I can feel the difference. I'm also fairly certain that he doesn't often recognize when I'm there. I've witnessed several Death Eater meetings and I know that he's deliberately staying low for the time being, now that the wizarding community knows he's back. He's hoping to lull everyone into thinking that it's not really true while he works on plans that will announce his return with a bang. Snape's already heard any of the plans I've heard, so I'm sure you're already working to counter them," Harry said wearily.

"Exactly how much have you witnessed?" Snape asked harshly.

Harry slowly lifted his head to gaze at Snape. "I've witnessed enough," Harry said bluntly, causing Snape to wince slightly. "Honestly, as much as I'd like to learn Occlumency so I could block the bastard out of my head, I'm not sure it's entirely wise at this point."

"Severus?" Dumbledore asked questioningly. "Is there something that I have not been informed of?"

Ignoring Dumbledore, Snape continued to stare intently at Harry, their gazes locked. Harry felt like he was about to step off into completely unknown territory, and once again he was going to be exposing himself, but this was extremely important. He'd seen the Death Eater meetings and he knew that Voldemort seriously doubted Snape's loyalties. A lot of people would have been shocked if they knew his changing feelings about Snape, including Snape himself, but Harry couldn't let this go without saying something.

"I need you, sir," Harry said softly. His gaze flicked to the boy in his lap, back up to Snape's onyx eyes. "More importantly, Draco needs you."

At those words, Snape dropped his head into his hands, elbows resting on his knees. "You don't need me, Potter," Snape muttered. Harry swallowed hard. For Snape to act this way, he obviously knew that his life was very much on the line at the moment. The small sign of what Snape would see as weakness simply hardened Harry's resolve to try to talk to Snape.

Harry reassured Draco quietly before getting up, setting the boy in his chair. Then he went to kneel before his professor. It made him feel vulnerable, but at the same time it helped him feel a little more connected to Snape. "Professor?" Harry spoke quietly. Snape moved his hands and looked down at Harry.

"I've been a right mean bastard to you, Potter," Snape said, although without his usual venom.

Harry gave him a small smile. "That's an understatement," he said, causing Snape's lips to twitch.

"Professor, bastard or not, you've been one of the very few constants in my life. Most people tend to put me up on a pedestal, expecting me to be perfect. You've made damn sure that I've remained grounded over the years. Admittedly, I don't exactly enjoy how you've gone about it, but you do realize that I'm human and I don't think many people realize that."

Harry looked down at the ground. "This is really hard for me to say. Sirius, well, he was Sirius. He did his best to treat me like a father would, loving me and protecting me, but he couldn't always be around." Harry paused and attempted to swallow the painful lump that had lodged in his throat. "I figured out that even though you've been far from loving, you've always been there for me the last five years."

Snape snorted, causing Harry to look up again and smirk at him. "Professor, I may not agree with your methods, but I've needed you there in my life. You've saved my life on numerous occasions and whether you've wanted to or not, you've done your best to protect me. I do appreciate all that you've done."

Harry turned to gaze unseeingly out the window. "I also respect all that you've done for the Order. I'm sure you'll tell me if I'm wrong, but I'm guessing that I'm one of the few that truly understand the hell you've been putting yourself through for the side of the Light. I've seen it," Harry said quietly in a pained voice. "I've seen and heard what you've been through."

Harry shook his head as if clearing it of the visions he didn't want to see again. "Sir, whether you believe me or not that I have personal reasons for not wanting to see you killed, there's also the fact that I need you to teach me and to train me. I don't want to see you dead and we both know that he'll likely kill you soon if you continue to go back."

"Sev'rus," a tiny, shaky voice broke in. "I don't want you to die neither." Draco hesitated briefly but then threw his arms around his godfather and hugged him tightly.

Snape looked a little unsure of what to do with this little bundle, but then put his arms around him and hugged the little child back.

"Sir, it's not my decision, but I don't think you should go back. To hell with anything I've said. He's the reason you shouldn't," Harry said, gesturing to Draco.

"Harry," Dumbledore spoke up gently. "Perhaps you and Draco can return after dinner so we can discuss your powers."

Harry nodded and stood up to gather his and Draco's bags. When Draco released his godfather, Harry grabbed his hand and they quietly left Dumbledore's office.

In the time before dinner, Harry had Draco show him the dragon statue and they wandered around, slowly working their way down towards the Great Hall. They had already eaten not really that long before, but both of them ate again as they had dinner with the Gryffindors, before making their way back up to Dumbledore's office.

Harry entered warily, unsure of his reception from Snape. Snape just nodded and told them to sit.

"Harry, under the circumstances, it has been deemed prudent for Snape not to return to his other duties. Unfortunately, as you seem to already be aware, this means that there will be more responsibility on your shoulders," Dumbledore said gravely.

Harry nodded. "I realize this, sir, and I accept it."

"Then I'm sure that you are also aware that it would be best if you were able to reach us quickly at night when your visions generally occur," Dumbledore continued.

Harry nodded warily, narrowing his eyes at the headmaster whose eyes were twinkling again.

Dumbledore smiled benignly. "In light of these circumstances and other recent events, we think it best if you and Draco are moved to Professor Snape's quarters."

Harry's eyes widened incredulously and his head whipped to stare at Snape.

"Are you okay with this?" he asked.

Snape nodded. "Particularly after the events of last night, I don't believe anyone will question you and Draco being moved. Certainly your dorm mates' sleep will be interrupted less."

Harry winced. "Yes, we did kind of keep everyone awake."

"Have you told anyone about how long Draco will remain this age?" Dumbledore asked.

Harry shook his head. "No, I wasn't sure if it was okay to say anything yet."

"At this point, that will lend credence to you moving to my quarters," Snape pointed out. "This will allow me to help with Draco as needed and I will be readily available to help deal with your visions of the Dark Lord. Also, after Draco goes to sleep each night, I can work with you regarding your Occlumency. I think it is possible for me to teach you how to block your mind so that Voldemort cannot get in and plant information, while still allowing you to cross the link."

Harry sighed and nodded, resigned to the situation. Everything they were saying made sense. "Yes, sir. When will we be moved?"

"Your things will be moved tomorrow while you are out shopping," Dumbledore said, smiling at Harry. "Once you return, Professor Snape can show you to your new room. Now, I believe we need to discuss your powers."

Snape sneered. "I assume since I've heard no reports of accidents that you were able to avoid using magic today?"

Harry grinned. "The only problem was Charms class and I redirected everyone's attention off of me and onto Draco instead," he said slyly.

Snape raised an eyebrow in question and Dumbledore looked at Harry curiously.

"Could you conjure me a feather, sir?" Harry asked Dumbledore, who willingly complied and passed the feather to Harry.

Harry turned to Draco and grinned. "Care to show them what you learned today?" he asked.

Draco had been sitting quietly. His eyes lit up when he understood what Harry was asking and he nodded eagerly, getting his wand out. Harry set the feather on the small side table and Draco stood to face it, his face becoming determined.

"Wingardium Leviosa!" Draco intoned. The feather rose a few inches off the table before dropping again.

Harry beamed. "That's the best you've done! Great job!" he exclaimed, giving Draco a hug.

Draco turned to look at his godfather and Dumbledore, smiling proudly.

"I'm quite impressed," Snape said, his expression actually showing that he was impressed for once.

"Excellent indeed," Dumbledore agreed, smiling at both boys proudly. "Quite impressive that you were able to learn this, Draco, and also impressive that you were able to teach it to a four-year-old, Harry."

"I didn't do anything," Harry said, grinning proudly at Draco. "Draco did all the work."

But Snape was shaking his head. "I know for a fact that Draco did not learn that spell until he was much older and the boy had tutors. You've obviously done something different to be able to teach this spell to Draco."

Harry winked at Draco. "We just make a good team."

"It would appear so," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling merrily. "Now, Harry, we need to discuss your magic. Professor Snape has already informed me of the interesting magic you performed yesterday."

Harry's expression turned a bit sheepish. "I'm not sure what happened, sir. I've never performed magic like that. It just got out of control."

Snape's eyes narrowed. "How did you know the spells that repaired everything and healed everyone at once?"

Harry shrugged. "I have no idea. I knew what had happened and I just did what was necessary to repair the damage. I'm not sure I even said any spells."

"Harry, levitate Draco's feather for us," Dumbledore directed.

Harry got out his wand and with a swish and flick he said the incantation. Immediately the feather shot to the ceiling and Harry's and Draco's eyebrows shot to their hairlines. However, neither Snape nor Dumbledore seemed particularly surprised with Harry's results.

Dumbledore did some spells that seemed to tell Dumbledore more about Harry's magical potential. Harry wasn't sure exactly what it all meant but Dumbledore seemed inordinately pleased with the results. What caught Harry's interest more so was Snape's reaction.

"Potter, it would seem that I have made the right decision. My time will be much better spent training you, rather than wasting my time pandering to the Dark Lord for information that you can gather anyway," Snape said.

It wasn't just Snape's words that bemused Harry. It was the expression on Snape's face - it was almost ... satisfied, excited.

"Professor?" Harry asked, tilting his head to the side, trying to figure things out.

Dumbledore spoke gently, but with a wide smile. "It would seem that your professor has finally felt some hope that this war will end favorably."

Harry turned wide green eyes between the two of them. "Do you really believe that I have a chance to defeat him?"

Snape's expression turned calculating for a moment. "Once you have learned to control your magic, and with additional training, the Dark Lord will not have a chance," he said with a smirk.

"I'm still not sure I understand why I seem to have more power now," Harry said. "Or why I could do what I did yesterday."

"Harry, while you were growing up, you had periodic bursts of uncontrolled magic, correct?" Dumbledore asked.

Harry shrugged. "Yes, but I didn't know that's what they were at the time. They usually happened when I was scared or angry. Like when I blew up my Aunt Marge."

Dumbledore was nodding. "Your magic, in particular, seems to work closely with your emotions, even more so than other wizards and witches. Your emotions have been running extremely close to the surface the last few days and I daresay that your magic breached the normal set of rules."

Harry barely restrained himself from rolling his eyes. Of course Harry's magic didn't go by any normal set of rules - he was Harry Potter and he was certainly never normal.

Dumbledore continued. "Generally magic can be affected by emotions to some extent, but it would appear that, at the moment at least, your magic has decided to be ruled by your emotions."

Harry spluttered. "But I can't have my magic doing that all the time. Someone will get hurt," he protested.

"Exactly, Potter," Snape glared at him. "This is why you need to get your magic back to where you can control it properly. Your anger, and seemingly overwhelming need to protect Draco, has pushed it out of control. You have far too much power at your disposal and you will need to retrain your magic and learn to use it far more effectively than you have in the past."

"Harry, I've said before that one of your greatest strengths is your caring and your ability to feel pain," Dumbledore said calmly. "Yesterday's demonstration of magic simply proved that your ability to care manifests itself in powerful ways. Now you simply need to learn to control it."

So, for the next couple of hours, Snape and Dumbledore walked Harry through the process of being able to connect to his magical core like Snape had done with Harry in the infirmary. Harry learned the very basics of how to cast spells that he already knew with a sense of control. Over time Harry would have to learn how to control how much power he put into a spell.

By the time Harry left Dumbledore's office that evening, he wasn't exactly feeling confident, but he felt he at least had somewhat of a handle on his magic. He had a lot of training to do until he had more control, though. He just had to figure out how to keep a handle on his emotions. Much easier said than done.

And right now Harry had to inform his friends that he'd be moving down to the dungeons the next day.

"What?!" Ron shouted.

Harry glared. "Don't you dare wake him up," he snapped.

Harry was sitting in the Common Room with a sleeping Draco on his lap. He'd just finished telling his friends that he'd be moving down to the dungeons the next day.

Hermione was wringing her hands nervously. "This does seem a little extreme, Harry," she said uncertainly.

Harry snorted. "Yeah, and it's not a little extreme for Draco and I to be waking everyone in the dorm with nightmares every night," he said sarcastically.

"We can handle that," Ron glared. "It doesn't mean that you have to go move in with the greasy git."

Harry shook his head and sighed. "Ron, he's Draco's godfather. Snape's not so bad and he's trying to help. Besides, our dorm is crowded with the extra person." Harry held a hand up to hold off Ron's next outburst. "And, no, I'm not going to give up caring for Draco just because Dumbledore wants us to move down to the dungeons with Snape, so don't even suggest it."

Ron snapped his mouth shut and flopped back onto the couch, crossing his arms over his chest.

"Harry, are you sure that this is wise? Snape doesn't exactly treat you fairly," Hermione said anxiously.

Harry snorted again. "Whatever gave you that idea?" he asked sarcastically.

That seemed to snap Hermione out of her nervousness and she glared at him. "Harry James Potter, I think you've been spending too much time with Slytherins already," she snapped.

Harry sighed. "Look, everything's already decided. Dumbledore's already arranged everything and this is just how it's going to be, whether everyone likes it or not. I'm not going to abandon a four-year-old child because Snape's treated me like shit for the last five years, or because Draco himself has been a right obnoxious prat to us for the last five years. I wasn't asking for your guys' permission to do this. I've already agreed to it."

Ron and Hermione sat as if frozen, staring at Harry.

"Draco's going to be this age for the next four months," Harry said quietly. "It's still temporary, but it's not going to be just a few days. It's not fair to my dorm mates for Draco and me to be imposing on them. It's also not fair that Draco should be separated from his godfather for so long under these circumstances. But even if Snape had the time and the will to care for a four-year-old, Draco isn't that comfortable and would rather stay with me. This is the best compromise for everyone."

Harry ran a hand through Draco's hair and smoothed it back from the little boy's forehead.

"It's really that important to you, Harry?" Hermione asked, watching how gently Harry treated Draco.

Harry's eyes didn't leave the little boy and he simply nodded.

Ron let out his breath explosively. "I don't understand you, Harry!" he exclaimed. He did sound more confused than angry now and Harry glanced up at him, giving Ron a wry smile.

"I'm not sure anyone completely understands me, but that's all right," Harry said. "I would simply prefer not to lose my friends. All I really need you to understand is that this is important to me."

"We're just worried about you," Hermione said softly.

"I appreciate that. I really do, but your worry isn't necessary here. I know what I'm doing," Harry said quietly.

"Fine," Ron said mournfully. "But I still think you're crazy to be moving in with Snape, though."

"We're behind you," Hermione said with a gentle smile.

Harry grinned. "That's all I'm asking."

September 4

Well, Draco, it's been another interesting day. A very long day. So much has happened and I don't even know where to begin. I suppose I should start by telling you that for once you had a great time in Care of Magical Creatures this morning. I'm sure that's quite shocking for you to remember! Ha! You were adorable though as you hopped around and ...

I was really proud of you today. You worked so hard learning the levitation charm ...

I'm finding it kind of bittersweet, but you should be happy, I guess, that this is your last night in Gryffindor tower. The two of us are moving down to the dungeons tomorrow ...

I'm totally exhausted, but as I sit here writing, I keep looking over at you. You seem to like me calling you angel and looking at you now, I have to say you really do look like a little angel ...

Good night, angel.

The next morning, both Harry and Draco woke feeling much more rested. Voldemort had left Harry alone and Draco had only one nightmare, which had occurred early in the night. With comfort and assurances from Harry, Draco had quickly gone back to sleep. Harry, as well, had soon fallen asleep afterwards.

Harry woke first and lay there quietly for a bit, thinking about the fact that this could be his last morning in the dorms. At least for a long time. There were no guarantees that Voldemort would be gone anytime soon.

Of course, everyone else thought he was moving just because of Draco and thought Harry would be back after the Christmas holidays.

Harry knew he should probably explain to Ron and Hermione the other reason he was moving to Snape's quarters, but he couldn't bring himself to do it. They didn't know exactly how far that Voldemort had been infiltrating his mind and he didn't want to worry them any more than they already were.

Harry sighed and looked at Draco. At least the move to the dungeons should be good for Draco. It would be a good opportunity to get to know his godfather better. It'd be good for Snape, too, for that matter.

As Harry watched, Draco's eyes began to flutter and he blinked blearily at Harry.

"Good morning, angel," Harry said, smiling warmly.

Draco returned with a sweet smile. "Good morning."

"We're going shopping this morning. We should get up so we can get ready," Harry said.

Before he'd even finished talking, Draco was pushing back the blankets and scrambling out of bed, causing Harry to laugh at the boy's enthusiasm. Truthfully, Harry was looking forward to the shopping trip, too. They went to shower and begin getting ready for the day.

Searching through Draco's clothes, Harry realized that Draco didn't have much that would be suitable to wear into Muggle London. Harry had the strong suspicion that Dumbledore had bought some new colorful robes and pyjamas for Draco, but otherwise had simply shrunk down a few of Draco's other clothes.

Harry finally selected a pair of soft gray trousers and a white silk button down shirt for Draco to wear, swearing to himself that he'd be buying Draco some more appropriate clothing for a four-year-old.

Harry himself put on the clothes that Blaise had selected for him two nights before. He shimmied into the black leather trousers and put on the green silk shirt, finishing up by putting on the black boots.

Harry walked over to the mirror, checking to make sure he looked okay.

"Trust me, you look hot," Seamus spoke up.

Harry grinned, glancing over and realizing Seamus was waggling his eyebrows suggestively.

"You're just saying that because you want my body," Harry said, laughing at Seamus' attitude.

"But of course," Seamus said, which caused the other boys in the dorm to laugh as well. Seamus was well known for his flirtatious tendencies.

Harry made sure that he had his vault key in his bag, along with his money pouch, and him and Draco made their way out of the dorm.

Harry's appearance caused a stir among the few people that were in the common room. Hermione and Ginny were waiting for Ron and Dean as usual and both girls eyed Harry appreciatively.

"You look great, Harry," Hermione said.

"Yeah, you have a hot date today or something?" Ginny asked with a teasing grin.

Harry grinned. "Or something," he said wryly. "Blaise and I are taking Draco shopping today. Snape's taking us to Diagon Alley, but we're supposed to be going into Muggle London as well," Harry explained.

"Sounds like fun," Ginny said.

"I hope so. It should be interesting if nothing else," Harry said with a shrug.

Harry slipped out the portrait hole with Draco, saying good morning to Crabbe and Goyle before starting down the corridor.

"Wait!" Hermione called.

Harry stopped and turned, seeing that the other Gryffindor boys had finally made it downstairs and were now hurrying to catch up with Harry, along with Hermione and Ginny. Harry raised a brow in question.

"If you think we're missing everybody's reaction, you're crazy," Seamus said with a grin.

Harry just rolled his eyes and turned to start walking again.

A short time later, as Harry entered the Great Hall, he realized that maybe his friends had had a point. The gobsmacked expressions on half the people in the Great Hall were actually pretty entertaining.

Harry caught Blaise's eye and smirked. He gave a bow in recognition of everyone's attention, much like he had in the Slytherin and Gryffindor common rooms, then made his way to the Slytherin table amidst cat calls and wolf whistles. He felt a little silly, but half the school had already seen him dressed like this and he'd rather have this teasing attention than have everyone scared of him because of the unusual magic he'd done.

"Even Draco's never made that kind of entrance," Blaise said, smirking at Harry.

Harry smirked back. "Sure he has. People were just less vocal about their appreciation. Besides, everyone is used to Draco looking spectacular. I am wearing his clothes after all," Harry said wryly.

"Yes, but you have the looks to pull it off like Draco," Pansy said as she studied Harry. "Although, I think where Draco has that elegant grace, you have more of a ... animal grace."

Harry gave her a questioning look, like she'd gone crazy.

"No, she's right, Harry," Blaise said. "Draco's movements are all elegant and refined. You have more of a wild grace about you. You move more like a ... black panther."

"Oooh, that's perfect!" Pansy squealed. "Especially with his coloring and that silky black hair."

"Maybe it's just the underlying raw power that he radiates," Blaise suggested.

Pansy and Blaise were both nodding at Harry thoughtfully. Harry just rolled his eyes at them. "I can't believe you two can say all that with a straight face," he said wryly.

"Harry," Draco said quietly. "Everyone is staring again."

"It's alright, angel," Harry said, smiling reassuringly. "They're just not used to seeing me in nice clothes."

"No, they're trying to figure out how come they've never realized that you were hiding that body under your robes and your old clothes," Blaise smirked.

Harry rolled his eyes again. "That's definitely not true. Don't listen to him, Draco. They just think your clothes look nice on me. You've got good taste in clothes," Harry said, tapping Draco on the nose, causing the boy to giggle. "Finish your breakfast, and then we can go and get you some more clothes that will actually fit you and be more appropriate for a boy your age."

Malfoy's Child - Chapter 11

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