Title: How to Seduce The Head of Slytherin

Summary: Harry has already learned all about Dumbledore, Hogwarts and magic. Knowing the truth about the most powerful wizard of all time, Harry decides he will make Dumbledore crumble to his feet. With the help of a snarky potions master, Harry will combine their strength and change the fate of the Wizarding World. Manipulative!Dumbledore, Ron, Hermione and a little bit of Gryffindor bashing. (Someone tell me I'm doing all the labeling correctly! Lol)

Pairings: SS/HP

Rating: M

Author's Note: There is OOC in here. So please take note of this before telling me how out of character Harry or any of my characters are. Thank you!

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter; it is all J.K. Rowling!

"Normal speech"

Thinking

Chapter 8

The Holidays

"Boys! Where are you planning to go this winter break?" Hermione asked, bouncing up to the first years.

"I'm going to go home." Draco answered, glumly.

"And I'm going with him." Harry said, with a similar expression on his face. The two dreaded the consequences that awaited them upon stepping foot inside of Malfoy Manor. No, scratch that. They dreaded seeing Draco's parents – the two would probably be livid after hearing from Severus that their two sons had ended up fighting a troll in order to save their friend's life.

"Granger."

The four first years looked up to see Prefect Snow walk up to them, only to hand Hermione a small note. "I read over your research assignment and passed it onto Professor Snape. He said that it was brilliantly written and would like to send it off to a publishing company, with your permission."

Hermione brightened with a smile, "Truly? Professor Snape thought that it was good enough to be published?"

Lilac smiled, brushing a lock of hair behind her ear. "There is potential in your research, and I'm glad you've gone through it. With this published, it might change how people look towards purebloods. We all want to keep our traditions, but it would help others understand why we wish to preserve them."

Taking the note from the prefect, Hermione nodded her head. "Thank you."

The prefect wished them a happy holiday before leaving. And after a few moments of happy excitement exuding from Hermione, they continued with their previous conversation topic.

"I'll be at home tending to my greenhouse," Neville smiled. The Gryffindor turned to wave goodbye to Seamus and Dean, whom had walked past the quartet with friendly smiles. After they had left Ron on his own, the two had been accepted back into the Gryffindor fold, and their new and shaky relationship with Neville had stretched to include Harry, Hermione and Draco as well.

"What about you, Hermione?" Neville asked, turning around to his friends.

"My parents decided to go to France this year, so I'm going with them." Then the smile fell off of the bushy-haired Slytherin's face. She swallowed before adding, "My parents will be joining us for the last few days of vacation."

"Yeah. . ." Draco and Harry both murmured. The letter that they had received the first of November had told the trio that the Malfoys would be discussing the happenings of the Troll incident.

Neville seemed to pick up their despondency, quickly changing the topic. "Oh, well. How about we all hang out during Easter break? That way, you can come with and your parents can join us again? I'm sure your parents want to know all there is about the Wizarding World, what with them being muggles and all. Rather than being brought in due to a horrific situation, they can be more relaxed during Easter."

"Are your parents okay with that?" Hermione asked, turning to Draco. Harry shrugged his shoulders.

"Lucius and Cissa should be fine with the arrangement," Harry assuaged her worries. "We'll even ask Madam Longbottom to join us, but Draco and I will ask for their permission just in case."

…..

The ride from Hogsmeade Station to Platform 9¾ was spent speaking of holiday plans, greeting various students from other houses and even keeping bothersome first years away from them. Surprisingly, it was Neville Longbottom whom had warned Harry's fan club from them. As they have had only several encounters with the shy, pudgy boy considering Neville had been sorted into Gryffindor (he was bullied often by Ron and his gang, Dean and Seamus), it was a nice change to have, spending the couple of hours the train ride allowed to speak with him.

Five minutes late saw the Weasley twins entering, chatting and leaving with the promise of pranking their youngest brother when they returned to school.

The only thing that had somewhat ruined Harry's cheerful expectance of spending the holidays with the Malfoys and Severus was the Headmaster.

"Did he do anything to you?" asked Draco.

Harry rolled his eyes, "When has he never done anything concerning me?"

"Whatever does that mean, Harry?" Hermione asked. Even Neville looked confused.

…..

"Harry, my boy, please! Please come in!"

"What have you called me for Headmaster?" Harry asked as he took a seat before Dumbledore's desk.

"I have reviewed the list of those whom are going home for the holidays and took the liberty of removing your name from it." Dumbledore said jovially, eyes twinkling in anticipation of the oncoming appreciation from his little pawn. He'd done Harry a wonderful thing after all. Harry wouldn't need to return to the Dursleys over the holidays and with that in mind, the boy would fall graciously over his feet to thank his savior. Him! Albus Dumbledore!

Harry was incensed, "How dare you remove my name! What right do you have to do so?"

"My boy," Dumbledore said in a grandfatherly tone, "As your magical guardian, I feel it was best for you to spend the holidays here at Hogwarts. I'm certain your relatives, the Dursleys, have other plans already. Therefore, you are obligated to stay in school."

"You have forgotten old man," Harry sneered, "You are notmy magical guardian. I'm sure Gringotts have sent you a missive of this change. As such, you cannot tell me what to do. I am going to spend my holidays with my friends and you cannot stop me."

"Harry, my boy," Dumbledore frowned, "It is for your protection." The Headmaster wanted the first year to happen upon the Mirror of Erised in order for Dumbledore to begin to put Harry under his thumb. And he couldn't do so if the boy was not in school!

"My protection will be guaranteed by my friends' family's wards. So this meeting is over. Good bye."

Harry stood up and walked to the door before freezing when he felt a compulsion charm hit him.

"My boy," Dumbledore said, "I believe your decision of staying at school is the right thing to do. I will see you tomorrow."

Harry turned around and, with a glare on his face, spat onto the Headmaster's carpet. "I'll see that your restraining order is sent as soon as possible for sending that compulsion charm at me, a Lord of several titles."

Harry walked out of the office and slammed the door, enjoying the gobsmacked expression on Dumbledore's face.

…..

"I can't believe he'd do such a thing!" Hermione cried, outraged. "He's the Headmaster! He's supposed to protect us!"

"You forget, Hermione," Neville replied, "He's also the Chief Wizengamot and the Supreme Mugwump. Three positions of authority."

The brunette huffed, "Then he shouldn't have all of them if he can't produce results for any one of them."

Draco nodded his head in agreement, "Harry, are you all right?"

"Yes," Harry smiled, looking down at his textbook. "I was just thinking about what would happen during the holidays." The conversation easily steered away from their previous topic.

"My father's still busy, but I'm sure mother wouldn't mind taking us travelling." Draco said, drawing Harry back into his, Hermione's and Neville's conversation.

When the train finally arrived at the station, Harry and Draco bade Hermione and Neville a good holiday before departing with the Malfoys.

"Severus, I have something to tell you." Harry said.

"About the Headmaster?"

Harry's eyes darkened, "Yes. It's always him."

…..

"You will be at Florean Fortescue's in about an hour, understood?" Lucius told the two wide-eyed boys.

"Yes Lucius."

"Yes father."

"And stick together!" Narcissa reminded them, watching as they turned on the spot and sprinted away. Sighing, she turned to her company, "I suppose now you're going to follow after them?"

Severus raised an eyebrow, "I have no need to. They're both eleven."

Lucius and Narcissa shared a look or mirth, already seeing the telltale signs of the potions master's need to run after the boys. "Go on before you end up murdering that little street stand with your eyes."

With a sniff, the Head of Slytherin turned on his foot and trailed after the boys, the billowing robes creating a large and empty pathway behind him.

"I see now why people insist he must be a dungeon bat," Narcissa giggled behind her hand.

"Indeed," Lucius smirked. Holding a hand out, he said, "Shall we?" Once Narcissa had grasped his hand, the two walked through Diagon Alley, leaving an awestruck crowd of the beauty and power radiating from the Malfoy couple.

…..

It was difficult for Severus to follow after the boys when the incoming crowd that saw the potions master would scatter like bugs. Yet, the boys were so focused on their task that they didn't bother checking their surroundings. Something that relieved Severus, because they wouldn't see him, but scared him in that the boys wouldn't know what would hit them until the very last second.

He watched as they entered Honeydukes and waited outside for them, onyx eyes taking in his surroundings. Though there were people who were quite frightened with how stern and scary Severus looked, the need for candy, for a sugar rush, compelled the customers to zoom past the potions master and into the store.

After half an hour, the boys left and Severus continued to trail after them. An hour into his little adventure saw Severus blinking in realization. He truly was treating Harry like the son he never had – yet those feelings he felt in the pit of his stomach whenever he either saw the boy's green, green eyes or watched his sleep was certainly confusing.

One last look towards the duo and Severus left them alone, smiling to himself as he went about finishing what he needed to do in the Alley.

…..

"I can't find anything for Severus!" Harry said with frustration. He nearly stomped his foot in anger, but with the amount of people eyeing him up, he refrained from doing so.

He had already gone to Gringotts and nearly all the stores in the Alley – even the stores in the richer part of the shopping district! Surely there had to be something that would be worthwhile for Severus.

Draco snorted, staring at the chocolate frog card in his hands. "Just get him a book. Uncle Sev always loves to read. I usually get him a potions tome for his birthday or for Yuletide."

Harry frowned, "I don't want to get him something completely ordinary – no offense Draco." The blond shook his head. It was hard to find something that Sev would want, but his godfather was always very thankful for his gift, accepting it with a small smile and with a nod of the head.

Looking around, Harry finally had an idea of what he wanted to gift Severus and so, he tugged on his best friend's hand and the two swiftly walked down the alley.

…..

"Harry, wake up!"

The raven haired Slytherin furrowed his eyebrows in annoyance. Whatever it was that was calling his name, had better stop before he got angry.

"Harry, come on! Wake up!" Something poked at his cheek, and even when the young boy turned around, the poking continued.

Harry's lips turned into a scowl. Okay; whoever it was, was too bothersome. The eleven-year-old boy pulled his covers over his head, sighing in relief when the voice had disappeared.

Producing a full body flinch, Harry finally got up and glared at the intruder. Draco smiled sheepishly in his direction, hands full with Harry's thick blanket, still sitting in his pajamas.

"What?" Harry snapped. He was cold, his bed was warm, and he was still tired and sleepy. How long ago did he fall asleep anyway? It couldn't have been too long. Looking out the window, the sky was still dark.

"It's Christmas!" Draco declared, tossing Harry's blanket back at him. "Well come on. Are we going to open presents are not?"

"What time 'sit?" Harry murmured, rubbing his hand over his face.

Draco paused in the midst of sliding off the bed before looking back at Harry with a guilty expression, "5 AM?"

"You woke me up this early for this?"

Draco finally stepped onto the floor, thankful that his fuzzy socks kept his feet warm from the cold tiled flooring. Looking down at his toes, he watched as they moved about. "I usually get up alone to open presents." He lifted his head and looked at Harry. "But finally I have you with me! I want to do it together! We can start it as a Christmas tradition!"

Harry's cold, half-lidded, bleary-eyed glare melted. "Okay, Draco. Let me get my robes on."

Nodding his head quickly, Draco waited patiently for Harry to grab his robes before leading the boy downstairs to the den. He'd already awakened his parents and godfather – all he had to do was knock, stick his head in and greet them. For Sirius though, Draco had left the animagus to Harry, who the raven had easily awoken after jumping onto his bed.

Running down the stairs, they slid down the corridor on their sock-worn feet and proceeded to throw open the doors leading to the Malfoy den. Draco vibrated with glee when he saw the large pile of presents under and around their Christmas tree. Harry saw the vibrant happiness oozing from his best friend, but wiped his own worries away when Draco led him over to the pile.

They had just finished organizing the presents according to the receiver before the first of the Malfoy Manor's residents came upon them.

"Happy Yuletide boys," Lucius said to them, dressed in a black bathrobe. It was about 5:30AM in the morning when the family had gathered around the large Christmas tree.

"Happy Yuletide, Lucius!" Harry yawned; he quickly closed his mouth, murmuring his apology for the lack of decorum in the presence of another Lord.

"Happy Yuletide father!" Draco smiled brightly. Today was probably one of a few handful of days that the blond would wake up geared with energy. Any other day, waking up Draco earlier than 9AM would have been suicidal, for the Slytherin believed in catching up on his beauty sleep, and that he was a demon when awoken earlier than he wished; he was not a morning person at all.

"Happy Yuletide, my darlings," Narcissa smiled. She was wrapped in a silver bathrobe with the Malfoy crest sewn on her right breast. Even upon waking up and having no time to gather her appearance, Narcissa was still a thing of beauty. Harry could understand why the women in her social parties envied the woman.

"Happy Yuletide, mother. Happy Yuletide Severus and Sirius," Draco greeted before gathering around the dining table. Harry murmured his greetings to both Lady Malfoy, his godfather and his guardian before doing the same.

"Happy Yuletide, Harry, Draco," Severus said.

"Happy Yuletide pup, blondie."

Draco scowled but didn't let Sirius's nickname for him deter him from the glee of awaiting his presents. For once, Sirius was not arguing with Severus. It was probably due to the fact that the two had been separated for a few months, what with Severus being at Hogwarts teaching potions and Sirius at Malfoy Manor recuperating from his stay in Azkaban.

The house elves had subsequently placed a pot of coffee for the men, a fresh pot of brewed Earl Grey tea for the lady and two mugs of hot chocolate with whipped cream and mini marshmallows for the boys. After they had each taken their first sip, breakfast appeared on the table with three copies of the Daily Prophet set besides their breakfast plates.

"How are the stocks today, Lucius?" Harry asked and with a smile, the Malfoy patriarch dove into business. The conversation soon branched from there.

With their early morning meal over with, Draco was abuzz with energy as he quickly returned to the Christmas tree, hand grasping Harry's as the two led their small party of six over. He had planted his bum directly besides it, waiting patiently for Harry to take the spot besides him and for the adults to gather on the settee around them.

"Who's first?" Narcissa asked. She withheld a smile when she saw Draco's glimmering face. Though her smile did drop when Harry sent happy looks to Draco, not that he was happy himself.

"What's wrong Harry?"

Harry startled before blinking wide eyes at the witch. Then, the first year shook his head, "It's nothing. Don't worry about it."

"Very well," Narcissa didn't push the issue any further, "If you insist."

"Youngest goes first," Draco declared, pulling out a present from one of the piles besides the tree and handing it over to Harry. "Here you go! This is yours. Let me bring out the rest from under the tree."

Upon receiving the gift, Harry's eyes filled to the brim with tears and one by one, they fell.

"Harry!" Everyone was so surprised. Severus dropped down besides the Slytherin and grasped his hands. Sirius would've done so, but saw how comfortable Harry was with the darkly robed man. He clenched his fist, but he couldn't show his anger. It was his fault that he thought of revenge before Harry. While he should've been the one to comfort his godson, Sirius couldn't help but approve of Severus's actions.

"Harry, what's wrong?"

Harry cried and cried, sniffling in intervals before words came out of his mouth, "I-I've never received a-a p-p-present be-he-foree! I-I'm just so ha-a-a-ppyyyy…"

His cries and admittance broke their hearts and even Narcissa was quickly wiping away her tears with the best of her abilities. Severus, Sirius and Lucius's eyes were neither dry as well. Draco's eyes had filled with tears at disbelief before he blinked it away furiously and rubbed his eyes with his sleeve.

"HERE'S YOUR NEXT PRESENT!" Draco declared, rapidly blinking his eyes to clear away his tears. "IT'S FROM ME!"

Harry bawled even more and Draco gave him a big hug. "Don't cry over such a little thing! You're family now, Harry! You'll always get presents!"

Sirius hesitated when he saw Severus removing Harry from Draco's arms and soothing his tears away, "There, there. Now, there was no need for those tears. But I'm sure Narcissa and Lucius, as well as Sirius, Draco and I, understand well enough that those were tears of happiness. Come; dry them. We still have presents to go through."

"A-Are you s-sure they're for me?" Harry asked, holding the present tightly, as if any one of them would steal it from his hands. When all five of his family members nodded their heads, Harry gave them a watery smile before hugging his gift.

While Draco ripped open his presents with relish, Harry took his time, admiring the animated gift-wrapping paper before folding them and pocketing them. Severus stayed on the floor with him, large arms comfortably wrapped around the small body. Harry didn't complain; he felt more loved that way.

"What are you doing, Harry?" Draco asked, confusion written all over his face. The blond had paused in the midst of admiring a potions kit that his godfather had given to him – it was well received.

"I'm saving the wrapping paper – for safe keeping." Harry said, plucking the tape off of the box. He folded the wrapping paper, showing a set of Quidditch balls flying about the canvas, before pocketing them in his robes. "I want to remember my first time receiving a Christmas present."

The adults shared a sad look, but nonetheless, understood where Harry was coming from. Draco, on the other hand, nodded his head slowly and proceeded to slow down in his unraveling, placing his ripped up wrapping paper neatly besides him, instead of having it flutter uselessly a few feet away.

As their pile of wrapped gifts decreased, their opened and visible gifts increased. Both boys had received a plethora of items, ranging from warm clothes for the winter to toys, to arts and craft and much more.

Harry picked up a box and looked at the nametag. Draco peered over and read it aloud, "It's from Emery."

"James Emery? Seventh year Slytherin – heir of the Emery House?"

"Yes," Harry nodded.

"Emery has sworn loyalty to Harry on the first night!" Draco informed his father.

"Oh? How did this happen?"

"I beat him in a duel," Harry explained, opening the wrapping paper and smiling at the gift. It was a diary and the note included told him that there was a sister diary that Emery had; whatever was written in one, would show up in the other. Therefore, if Harry needed anything from Emery, the first year could call for the seventh year in private.

Draco picked up a deep green gift-wrapping box and saw the nametag, "Oh… it's from Blaise." The box next to it was tagged as Pansy's gift to him.

"What's the matter?" Harry scooted closer to him and looked down.

Draco shrugged his shoulders, slowly peeling the wrapping paper off, "I haven't spent much time with Blaise or Pansy – even though you don't really like Pansy. But, now that I've received their presents, I sort of miss them."

Harry patted his hand, "You should spend time with them; I'm sure they miss you as well. Besides, if you really like Pansy as a friend, I'll endure when in her presence."

Draco smiled, "Thanks – I understand how much you don't like her."

The pug-faced girl had ripped into Harry about half way into October, about stealing Draco away and dirtying the pureblooded Slytherin house with his dirty mudblood lineage. Suffice to say, the girl had been sent to the infirmary with a face full of boils, hexed to fart with each step she took and jinxed to spout profanities whenever she saw someone.

Severus was quite amused, but he took points off of Parkinson for starting the confrontation.

When Draco touched upon his next present, he was practically vibrating with glee. He knew what it was; how could he not? And turning his head to the side, he found that Harry was opening the same size gift as well.

Tearing the last bit of wrapping paper off, both boys gasped in delight, turned to look at each other with grins that seemed to run for miles, before smiling down at their present.

"A wand holster!" They screamed.

"Our own wand holster!" Draco shouted, hands moving reverently across its length. He looked around for its accompanying gifts and opened them as well, seeing the wand polishing kit included.

"Thank you father!"

"Thank you Lucius!" Harry chimed. They quickly strapped the wand holsters onto their arm and watched as it disappeared from sight.

While the boys opened their own gifts like children on a sugar high, the adults were taking their time.

Severus was the last to open his gifts. Sirius had noted that Harry was especially nervous, but had to smile. It was the boy's first Christmas slash Yuletide away from those filthy muggles, and while the man would have loved to harm them, he wasn't up to anything other than to get better as soon as possible. Plus, he loved Harry's gift of a year's supply of Honeydukes' chocolates. The boy certainly was like Remus in that aspect.

Harry had grown particularly antsy and anxious when deciding what to get for the world-renowned potions master. Severus Snape was also the first person to ever, welcome Harry into the Wizarding World – even if his welcome was not as warm as Harry believes his intentions were. He had even panicked when December 25th had drawn closer and closer – leaving Harry with less time to pick out the perfect gift for his guardian slash savior. However, his worries were for naught, for when Severus had opened up the small wrapped box, he looked up and smiled warmly at Harry.

"Thank you," He said, pulling his present out from within. Harry had gifted Severus a lifetime's supply of fresh and handpicked potions ingredients from Apothecaries all around the world. Harry also included subscriptions from each apothecary so whenever they had a fresh batch of ingredients stocked, Severus, along with other subscribers, would be the first to know. Severus raised an eyebrow before pulling out the final present that Harry had put in there. "A Chocolate Frog card? Of you?" He asked.

Harry cheekily smiled up at his Head of House, "So you can always have a piece of me."

"You know I'm not very fond of sweets."

"Chocolate is the god's candy." Harry exclaimed, watching Severus's mouth twitch at its ends before opening the box and deftly catching the frog. "Besides, you can keep my card. I heard it's a collector's item. Unless… you don't want it?" Harry finished in a whisper.

The potions master rolled his eyes and patted Harry's head gently. "Very well," Severus said before chewing the limbs off of the animated chocolate before the head went next and finally the body.

Harry glanced at Draco and they both shuddered. What a particular way of eating the Chocolate Frog.

Severus handed Harry his card and watched as the eleven-year-old flipped it back and forth.

"I wonder how they took my picture already."

"Shall I start a lawsuit?" Lucius asked. He still had his cup of coffee with him on hand.

"No, I think it's just this one. It's not hurting anyone." Harry shook his head. He returned the card to Severus before they moved onto the other presents.

Harry took the last of his gifts from Draco, turning it around in his hands. There was no name from the sender, only his name written out on a card.

"Your father left this in my possession before he died. It is time it was returned to you. Use it well."

Furrowing his eyebrows, Harry untied the package and pulled out a silvery sheen cloak. "What's this?"

Severus narrowed his eyes, "Let me see the card."

Handing it over, Harry stood up and held out the cloak. "I've never seen anything like it. What is this?"

"Your father's invisibility cloak," Severus revealed, scrunching up the note. It was written by Dumbledore, the old bastard. Whipping out his wand, he cast several spells and revealed some compulsion spells. What is was linked to, Severus had no idea; however, he knew Dumbledore's signature when he felt it and that was enough for the potions master to remove all spells on the cloak.

"Invisibility cloak?!" Harry gasped, throwing it on.

Draco's jaw dropped as he stood, "Your body's gone!"

"Whoa! It is!" Harry laughed and threw the hood on. "Am I invisible?!"

"You are! Let me try it!"

While the boys fussed over the cloak, Severus had a short but tense conversation with the Malfoys. They didn't know what Dumbledore was planning, but with the amount of compulsion charms on the cloak, they knew it had to be dangerous.

"Now, boys. There are still more presents available. Here, open these." Narcissa interrupted their fun and handed them two giftwrapped boxes.

When presents were all opened and thanked for, everyone just lounged around in the drawing room for a break. Yuletide was a day spent with family, and their peaceful day was spent chatting amicably with each other. Other than that, the day was spent with Lucius holed up in his office, Narcissa redecorating the Malfoy Manor, Severus in the Malfoy Manor's potions lab, and the boys outside on the grounds having a snowball fight with Sirius.

And finally, when evening came, the boys were dressed in their best robes in preparation for the Ministry's Yule Ball.

"Why must we go?" Harry asked. He didn't want to receive a stinging hex like Draco did when he complained. And his actions showed it as his hands were behind his back, neatly covering his bum.

"The Minister had found that you were spending time with us and so, even with our yearly invitations sent out, he had sent one specifically for your arrival. It wouldn't do to turn down the Minister, dear." Narcissa said, smoothing out the nonexistent wrinkles in Harry's robes.

She adjusted the cufflinks she'd gifted to the young raven haired Slytherin before she stood back and looked between both boys, smiling. "Oh look at the two of you! You both look so handsome!"

"And you look as gracious and elegant as ever, Cissa," Harry chimed, grinning brightly when he brought a flush to Narcissa's cheeks.

"Oh, you." She smiled, gracing their cheeks with a soft kiss. "Now, let's head downstairs. I'm sure Lucius, Sirius and Severus have been waiting patiently for us for about half an hour. And we have to pick up Hermione and her parents as well."

"Yes, ma'am."

…..

"Ah Lucius! There you are."

"Thank you for inviting us, Minister Fudge." Lucius smiled sardonically.

"Not at all," Cornelius smiled winningly. It was either he did not realize how Lucius was acting quite sarcastically, or he was choosing to ignore his advisor's derisive attitude. "Ah, Lady Malfoy. Still as stunning, I see."

"Thank you, Minister."

"Now, is this Heir Malfoy?"

Draco clicked his heels together, just as he was taught, and bowed at the waist, thanking the Minister of Magic for an invitation. Harry stood by Severus's side, feeling the urge to hide behind his guardian's robes, away from the inquisitive looks that were thrown his way.

"Ah, and Mister Harry Potter – ah, pardon my manners – it's Lord Potter-Black now, isn't it?"

With a soft nudge from Severus, Harry removed himself from his guardian's shadow and walked up to the man wearing the bowler's hat. Drawing off of his etiquette teachings from over the summer, Harry too, clicked his heels together and bowed at the waist, though it did not reach as low as Draco's bow did.

"Minister Fudge, thank you for the invitation." Straightening up, Harry looked at the rotund man and introduced his plus one and her parents. "This is Hermione Granger and her parents Dan Granger and Emma Granger. Thank you for sending them an invitation as well."

"Not at all. Not at all." Fudge laughed, shaking Dan's hand before kissing the back of Emma's hand and Hermione's hand. He complimented their appearances, knowing that the image of welcoming a group of muggleborns who were in the in with the Harry Potter, would make his image all the more greater.

When his eyes landed on Sirius, he turned a bit pale, choking out a greeting for the wrongly incarcerated man; and Sirius did not let him forget it through his not-so-subtle jabs of "how great the Ministry must be to remember his case after a full nine years sitting in the horrid dregs of Azkaban."

With a stuttered apology and a wary congratulation of his free status, the Minister turned to pull Harry into a new conversation, thankful that Sirius had turned away from staring at him too long.

Looking around and returning his attentions back to the cheery round man, Harry spoke. "This is the first event I've ever attended, and I am already overwhelmed by how grand it all seems."

The minister puffed his chest up in pride. The Boy-Who-Lived had complimented his function, and he seemed to greatly enjoy himself, even as he had entered their venue. Sure, the boy had seemed nervous at first, but that could be forgiven considering he had yet to be revealed to the Wizarding World in public. The only thing gathered about the boy was from Skeeter's articles in the Daily Prophet.

"So, Lord Potter – may I call you Harry?" At the Slytherin's nod, Cornelius continued on. "Harry, how are you liking the Wizarding World?"

"From what I've already seen, I find it very interesting. There's a lot to learn, and I'm thankful that both Lord and Lady Malfoy have taken the time to instruct me on such findings. Professor Snape, as Britain's youngest potions master, also spends his time teaching me as well. I hope to get caught up in our traditions and customs so I can better learn to navigate our community."

"Yes, yes." Cornelius nodded his head. "Quite right! Lucius is quite the adviser; if you ever need anything, my door is always open."

Harry smiled charmingly at the elder wizard, "Thank you for such a generous offer, Minister. I'll make sure to keep that in mind."

With a hearty chuckle, the Minister sent for a house elf to lead them to their table before walking off to greet other guests.

Harry sighed and adjusted his collar line, "That was too much pressure."

"You'll get used to it," Draco said. He pulled out his chair and sat down besides his mother, followed up by Lucius and two empty seats. Sirius sat on the other side of his godson, while Harry sat down besides Severus. He smiled up at the potions master when Severus gave his shoulder a supporting squeeze.

"You did very well, Harry."

A winning smile acknowledged his compliment.

Hermione squealed besides him and pulled him into a hug, thanking him for inviting her and her parents to such a wondrous event.

"It wouldn't be right not to invite you Hermione. We're friends after all." The smile on Dan and Emma's face paled in comparison to Hermione's smile. "Neville should be here as well, but he's probably at a different table than ours. Oh – there he is! Neville!"

The three first year Slytherins turned and waved, seeing Neville two tables away as he sat besides his gran, Augusta Longbottom, who wore a hat with a vulture perched on top.

"You look great, by the way." Harry smiled, "You too, Mrs. Granger. Both of you look gorgeous."

Hermione flushed, "Oh, this old thing?" She ruffled the fabric of her dress, trying to brush off the nonexistent wrinkles. Her hair was done up in an elegant bun, small strands of brown hair framing her light makeup-covered face, which made her more mature looking. The strapless jeweled covered black bodice showed off her collarbone and led to the ombre rainbow tulle overlay skirt that fluttered over her toes and the comfortable black heels with bows.

Emma giggled, "Old thing? You practically flipped the mall on its top, trying to get the perfect dress for the event. Oh, but it was a good thing." She quickly rushed out, seeing her daughter flush embarrassingly underneath all the attention. "This is the first time I've ever seen you so happy. Thank you Harry. You've made both our evening. Dan and I have never seen our daughter shine more brightly than she ever did."

Hermione's face burned darker, but the large grin never fell from her face.

There was a duo coming up to them and Harry only had to look over to see who would take the remaining two seats when the other two empty ones were for the Minister and his wife.

"H-Hello Harry."

The Slytherin smiled, "Good evening Ms. Bones. Good evening, Madam Bones. You both look lovely this evening."

The Head of the DMLE smiled gently, "Thank you. Good evening to you too, Lord Potter-Black. You as well, Lord Malfoy, Lady Malfoy, Severus, Sirius." Amelia greeted the other two adults, finding it fascinating that the man who joined You-Know-Who was associating with two muggles. "How are you doing Sirius?"

"I'm well, Amelia. My cousins have spoiled me in their care. I feel as good as new."

"Well, not without some difficulties. Sirius has always been the most stubborn," Narcissa interjected.

While the adults had their own conversation, Harry decided to start his own. "Susan, correct?" The Slytherin asked. "I recall you were sorted into Hufflepuff?"

"Y-Yes," The first year replied breathlessly. She was talking to the Harry Potter! Oh, Hannah was going to be so jealous! Then her eyes met with that of the potions master and she froze stiffly. Oh man! How was she supposed to react around him?!

Seeing scared eyes on his guardian, Harry smiled. "Please don't worry about Severus. He's really a kind person."

"I don't need you trying to ruin my image, brat." The Head of Slytherin said fondly.

Harry only smiled before engaging the Hufflepuff in idle chatter. Hermione soon joined in, eyes glancing back at Draco to include the blond in their conversation. With a sigh, the blond acquiesced and the four first years were soon talking about their classes and winter holiday plans.

…..

Once all the guests were welcomed and seated, the Minister had started off the event, laying out a speech at the grand wooden podium, center stage with all lights, cameras and attention on him.

Harry noted that he seemed to look like a preening peacock. Those at his table overheard his comment, and the children giggled quietly behind their hands, the adults looked quite amused at the comparison as well.

"Once again, thank you all for coming to the event. Please enjoy yourselves and have a wonderful night."

The Minister left the stage amongst the applause and he ambled back to his seat, which was at the table where Harry and his friends and family were sitting. When the Minister was seated, he ordered first, which paved the way for other guests to do the same.

"Foie Gras with fresh fruit and a side dish of caviar and a flute of Sauternes." Harry said to his plate, and five seconds later, his order appeared.

Before he could cut into his goose, he turned to look at the Grangers. "What's the matter? Aren't you ordering?"

"W-Well, there's no menu." Hermione said. Then she frowned, "Are you drinking alcohol?"

"It's better to have some alcohol around friends and family – as practice. So I don't end up drunk when I actually drink alone with others. By anyway, just order whatever you want. It'll arrive on your plate in seconds."

"Anything?" Dan asked skeptically. He stared blankly at the plate before him. This was his first contact with the ways of the Wizarding World. Were self-cooking and serving plates a normal thing the magical variety?

"Anything." Harry confirmed. "The house elves make them in the kitchen, and with their magic, they send it to the our plates."

"House elves?" Hermione frowned.

"They're like servants of wizarding families. I'll tell you about them later." Harry promised, already seeing his friend's eyebrows knitting together.

"Anything." Emma repeated once more.

Harry laughed, "Yes, anything you want. Whatever you wished to try, you can order it now."

Dan didn't need any more promptly, eagerly calling out, "Wagyu Ribeye Steak with a side of mushrooms on toast and a flute of Cabernet Sauvignon."

"Samundari Khazana Curry, a side of spinach samosas and a flute of Chardonnay," Emma said lucidly, eyes lighting up when her desired dish appeared.

Hermione dutifully followed her parents, ordering a "Fresh tagliolini with buttered prawns and white truffles, a side dish with raw carrots, celery sticks and a flute of champagne."

"We really can't thank you enough for inviting us, Lord Potter-Black." Dan said.

"Nonsense, Hermione's my friend. And please, call me Harry. No need for formalities."

"If you insist," Emma smiled, enjoying her meal.

Small chatter filled the large dining room, and within half an hour, their main course was whisked away, allowing for a break between the following dish.

"You wouldn't believe how we felt when we found out that our Hermione was a witch – and already set to go to Hogwarts no less!" Emma said, her hand upon her heart.

"Yes, that's how it is for most muggleborns," Harry said. "Ah, non-magic folk." He explained, at their confused looks. "They go through an entire decade, not knowing what is happening with their child, before their eleventh birthday comes and a letter arrives."

"Why, that's absurd." Dan frowned, "How are we expected to help our children if we don't know what exactly it is that they're going through?"

"I agree with you entirely," Lucius said. "While we do live in the magical world ourselves, and have grown up with magic our entire lives, we can't help but frown upon the lack of decorum our world provides when it comes to dealing with muggleborns."

Cornelius sputtered in his seat, wiping off the dripping wine that flowed from his mouth when he had heard of Lucius's concerns. Amelia raised an eyebrow, but her attention was soon drawn from her niece and to the conversation.

"Ah, but it is not to say that it is entirely our fault. Our Statute of Secrecy prevents the magical world from revealing itself. It is not only to protect our world, but our kind from those that may wish harm upon the magic folk. I trust you have learned about the Salem Witch Trials in America?"

The Grangers nodded their head, and while they agreed with what the blond aristocrat was saying, they still believed that the English Wizarding Community should have informed them when their daughter had her first bout of accidental magic. It almost gave the Granger couple a heart attack when they saw their daughter levitating off of the living room settee, face red and scrunched up in anger, when Dan had accidentally spilled his cup of coffee onto her precious book, the one she had kept close to her for several days ever since they'd bought it for her as a gift when she was four years old.

"Couldn't there be schools built for children when they are four to ten? Sending them directly to school at eleven doesn't seem to be very… accommodating – to either the parents or the child themselves."

"The children are homeschooled by the parents or tutors until they reach eleven years of age," Narcissa informed them. "They learn what is being taught their first year at Hogwarts, or any school of witchcraft and wizardry. Though the professors insist on having them stay in their year, the same year that a handful of muggleborns are first enrolled in, it does inhibit their talents, knowledge and skills. For that, I do agree with you – perhaps building schools for four-year-olds to ten-year-olds would be a good project. Don't you agree, Harry?"

Harry smiled, glad to be drawn into their conversation. He saw the Minister swallow in nervousness before he spoke.

"I agree. If the muggleborns had the same education as the magic folks of our age, before they even got to Hogwarts, it would make, not only the parents and children happy, but also the economy and community a lot prosperous. With the basic knowledge already set in place, it would not be as difficult to learn new skills in class. To send a muggleborn to Hogwarts, a month or two before they've even experienced the magic world for themselves is quite disastrous." He paused and looked at the guests listening in on their conversation.

"I understand that there are differences between the two worlds, but the muggleborns need to understand that those differences are what makes us unique. No offense, but muggleborns come into the magical world with preconceived notions about the holidays and creatures they've read about in stories or even dressed up as in costumes. And while those beliefs may work in the muggle world, it does not bode well in the magical world." Holding a hand up to hold their thoughts, Harry pressed on.

"Would you enjoy it if we came into your world, changing everything that you grew up with? Everything that you've grown up learning? No, you wouldn't and you wouldn't do the same to our customs as well. The fact of the matter is, most muggleborns leave the magical world, even with the seven years worth of knowledge that we've provided for them, because they can't stand how our world lives. With each of them leaving, it gets harder for our Ministry to track down each citizen. It gets harder to track down their future generations and it gets even more difficult trying to explain to them that, should their children be magical, how it is that the Magical World works and why it is that their parents left. The Statute of Secrecy gets harder to maintain and with each muggleborn leaving our world, the threat of exposing magic increases."

"But that does not mean that muggleborns should continue living in oppression." Emma denied. "Both Dan and I, we've been treated quite rudely by some magical folk that we've come across, and I do not want my daughter to experience that the rest of her life, should she wish to continue living in the magical world."

"I understand your worries, but the magical folk have been living like this for centuries. And while there are some customs that need to be reformed and the community should be progressive, we shouldn't jump at the chance to completely demolish all the knowledge that's been with us since the beginning of time. Slow and gradual advancements are preferable compared to outright denying our way of life. As a matter of fact, the reason for muggleborns is the fact that they are descendants of cast-off squibs from pureblooded families. The faster the wizarding world sees this, the easier it will be for muggleborns to live equally amongst us all."

"Perhaps…" Severus interjected, "We should begin with two projects? Searching for those muggleborns that are currently being born and making sure they are not living with abusive families, and" He said, eyeing the nervously sweating Minister, "The building of orphanages for them, as well as schools for our younger generations? This would be the first step in achieving our ideals and lessening our concerns."

The adults seemed to rear back in their seats, horrified looks plastered on their faces.

"Abusive?" Emma hissed. "Who would dare hurt a child?"

"Is this not similar to the Salem Witch Trials from back then?" Severus asked rhetorically. "People fear what they do not understand. And this fear turns into the mindset to protect themselves from the unknown, from the "other", from "them"."

"I would happily found such a proposal," Harry smiled. "Not to mention, I believe that my parents have a foundation that manages solely the muggleborn that enter our world, helping the transition between a non-magical life to a magical one. I'm sure I can use the Evans Foundation to help incoming students, either magical or non-magical, settle into the school. I, myself, was quite surprised to find out I was a wizard, and I'm sure this would help settle the nerves of muggleborns and their parents."

"An excellent idea, Harry." Lucius smiled, turning to his superior. "Don't you agree, Minister Fudge, Madam Bones?"

Amelia agreed wholeheartedly, if only a little surprised to see the Malfoys' open support of the idea. Soon, all eyes were turned to the silent Minister; even the Minister's wife was staring at her husband. Cornelius pulled out his handkerchief and blotted the sweat on his forehead. "I believe that's a fine idea, Lucius, Harry."

"Excellent! I'm glad I have the Minister and the Ministry's backing then." Harry smiled, oblivious to Cornelius' wide eyes and gobsmacked expression. "I'll have my solicitors start on the proposal and the project. We all want the magical world to flourish and thrive with each generation."

Sirius chuckled, "And with which project do you wish to start on?" The boy was just like his mother when Lily went on a rampage of helping others.

"Oh, everything." Harry nodded his head. "Of course, I don't wish to be spread so thinly, especially since I am still an eleven-year-old, and on my first year of education at Hogwarts." Then he directed his words toward the Minister, "But of course, duty comes first. I refuse to let future generations down, and I have no intention of letting my grades fall below an O."

"Excellent proposition, Harry!" Cornelius feverishly agreed. He did not want the young Lord Potter-Black to view him in a negative light, especially if it meant losing his seat for the next election. He quite liked where he was, thank you very much!

"Now, now Harry." Lucius chided, "It is a lot of work to put on the shoulders of an eleven-year-old boy. Why don't you distribute the workload? We're all friends and family here."

"You wouldn't think it too much to do, would you Lucius?"

"Of course not. I'd be glad to help you in your endeavors." Lucius smiled, "Which would you like to plan?"

"Well, I'd like to start with the building of orphanages and schools. This would allow for squibs and muggleborns to work there, if they please. It would keep them within the magical world, reinforcing the Statute of Secrecy. And, if it's not too much of a bother, could you man the handles for the search for muggleborn children? Orphaned and abused and even within non-abusive families? You're more familiar with the inner workings of the Ministry than I am."

"Of course," Lucius agreed.

"Harry," The green-eyed Slytherin turned to look at Hermione's parents, "We would be honored to join in on your project. If you would like, we could be the co-chairs of the Evans foundation – to help the transition for future muggleborns and parents into the magical world."

"Would you really?" Green eyes gleamed brightly with anticipation, "Oh, but you have your dentistry practice."

"Nonsense," Dan grinned. "It really would be our honor to help future muggleborns into the magical world. Why, this would be a lovely experience for ourselves. It would help them understand where they're coming from. Plus, it also helps to have people who feel the exact same way about their own children."

Harry grinned from ear to ear, "Brilliant!"

"Speaking of brilliant," Lucius turned to look at Hermione, "Severus has allowed me to peruse your research in the theory that pureblood and muggleborn relations begets stronger wizards, which would not happen if muggleborns were treated less than first-class citizens in the magical world, my dear. After all, many muggleborns return to the muggle world because they cannot fully integrate themselves into the Wizarding World's customs and traditions, which therefore make some people change our practices in order to benefit the newly arrived muggleborns, while forgetting that these same people themselves have grown up with the same practices that they wished to remove. Would it be possible that we have a chat with a publisher to print out your findings?"

"Of course," Hermione gushed. "I didn't even do it for the money. I'm glad Prefect Snow gave me this little assignment. It really allowed me to open my eyes about the customs, traditions and the like, that pertain to the purebloods in the magical world. I really hope that others will feel the same."

"I'm sure they will, Hermione." Harry said. "Lucius will make sure of it. I'm sure by the end of the year, everything will be settled – both your book and my ideas," and the Malfoy patriarch nodded his head.

The adults enjoyed the way Cornelius began to subtly slouch in his seat, wondering how in the world he had gotten into this mess in the first place.

Neither Lucius nor Narcissa had it in them to remind the young Lord to calm down from his exuberant state. Severus looked proudly upon his ward – Harry Potter was definitely someone he was proud of.

…..

"Are you sure we can stay over?" Emma fretted. "We wouldn't want to impose… We were scheduled to stay the last few days…"

"Nonsense. A few extra days won't hurt." Lucius said. "I'm sure we have much to talk about, and you have said that you've taken days off to spend time with Hermione? Your daughter is a friend to our son and Harry. I'm sure they'd love her company. The young Longbottom heir is joining us as well, but Madam Longbottom will have him over the next morning."

"Well –"

"Please mum? I really want to spend time with Draco, Harry and Neville! With the both of you there, we can show you what we've been learning! It would be great!"

Emma and Dan exchanged looks, seeing their daughter's big brown doe eyes shining excitedly. "Oh very well. Thank you for your hospitality. We will take up your offer."

"Brilliant." Lucius smiled. "Minister, Lady Fudge, thank you for such a wonderful dinner. It was splendid, but it is getting late, and the children should be heading to bed."

After dispatching a few words of thanks for their invitation and for such a lovely evening, their large group returned to Malfoy Manor and settled in for the night.

…..

"Why don't you kids go and have fun?" Narcissa suggested. "I'm sure there are some untouched grounds of snow for you to play with. You can even floo call Blaise and the rest of your friends over."

"Yes mother," Draco said dutifully. He led Harry, Hermione and Neville out of their informal dining room and towards the floo room, calling for a house elf to bring them warm outerwear for the snow.

"Neville's become such a handsome boy," Sirius spoke up. "Just like a miniature Frank."

"Yes, but he could do much better," Augusta replied.

The tension further escalated when Severus explained to the parents and guardians about the Troll incident on Halloween. Unlike Dumbledore who believed that the incident should be kept quiet, as a fellow guardian for one of the students at Hogwarts, Severus knew he had a duty to tell them, bar the Malfoys as they've already found out.

"M-My Hermione could have d-died?" Emma repeated in shock.

Dan jumped from his seat, the chair clattering noisily behind him. "That's it! Where do we go to withdraw her?"

"Please calm down. Hermione was not hurt – possibly traumatized, but she is doing all right. I have kept an eye on her ever since – including the students that were involved in the scene."

"Calm down? CALM DOWN?!"

"But you are not her Head of House," Emma said, voice trembling with fright, "When we were first introduced to magic, this woman – Professor McGonagall, Hermione's Head of House now that she's in Gryffindor – promised us that she would be in good hands at Hogwarts. Where was she? Has she helped or looked after Hermione?" Her brown eyes looked pleadingly towards Severus.

"I am Ms. Granger's Head of House." The Grangers looked towards him, Dan with angered eyes now having a target to vent his frustrations, and Emma with anxiousness.

"I admit that my snakes are targeted a majority of the time by the Gryffindors, due to their false belief that anyone in Slytherin will become a Death Eater." The potions master took a deep breath, lifting out a hand to hold their comments. "No matter, they are under that misconception and the Headmaster and Minerva has not done anything to prevent the antagonistic ways from occurring. Minerva – Professor McGonagall, has a lot of obligations on her plate. Not only is she the Head of Gryffindor, she is also the Transfiguration Professor and also the Deputy Headmistress of Hogwarts."

"And?" Dan asked impatiently.

"With these roles, she has little to do with her house. She deals with detention and she may see them in the halls and in the classroom, but she does not have a connection with the rest of her house, like the other Head of Houses do."

Dan and Emma sputtered with disbelief. "Then, we do not think that Hogwarts is the best for our Hermione." Dan finally stated. "If even one professor turns a blind eye to such bullying, we don't want our Hermione to live out her teenage years under such influence."

"You want to remove Hermione from Hogwarts?" Sirius asked with incredulity.

"Would you not want to remove your godson if professors preach equality but does not follow through?"

"Minerva may be busy, but she is a brilliant teacher!" Sirius protested.

"Of course you would say that," Severus said silkily. "As a graduate from Hogwarts, and a past Gryffindor, you have yet to look past your mistakes, believing that you've done nothing wrong."

"If this is about Moony –"

"No, not just that." Severus interrupted. "It has everything to do with all the pranks, all the humiliation, all the trauma and all your actions that you've never thought twice about before enacting."

"You –"

"Not even Azkaban has changed who you are." Severus snarled and swept from the drawing room.

"We apologize for Severus's abrupt departure," Lucius responded. "But past… events have risen due to this issue with Minerva being the Head of Gryffindor House."

"Is she not the right person for the job?"

"There are… others that would say otherwise," Lucius sent a sidelong glance at his cousin. "Even during my day, you have to understand, the only professors without a biased view against the Slytherins were Professor Flitwick and Professor Sprout. Professor McGonagall may seem like the perfect person for the job, yet she knows nothing of the ongoings in Gryffindor and is too blinded by her trust in Dumbledore."

"Dumbledore… the same Dumbledore that Professor McGonagall has told us is the Headmaster of Hogwarts?"

"Correct."

Dan and Emma exchanged wary glances with each other and the conversation was interrupted when the children entered the drawing room, each with a blanket over their shoulders, spelled with the heating charm, and a cup of hot chocolate in their hands.

"What's going on?" Harry asked, darting back and forth between their eyes.

"Hermione, dear," Emma gestured for her daughter to come closer.

"Yes, mummy?"

"Tell us truthfully." Dan said. "Do you like Hogwarts?"

"Yes!" Hermione nodded her head. "I like learning about the magical world, the subjects at school, meeting new people, making friends," She whispered the last part with a blush. "I love Harry and Draco and Neville and all the other friends I have. I feel great at Hogwarts. It's where I belong."

"But darling, what about the dangers?" Emma looked at Hermione, running her hands through her daughter's bushy hair. "We cannot protect you when we, ourselves, do not know what to protect you from."

"That's why Harry and everyone else are here, mummy." Hermione said with certainty. "That's why I'm learning in the magical world and why I'm a student at Hogwarts. Mum, Dad, is everything okay? Why are you asking me these questions?"

When Dan and Emma shared a look, Hermione's eyes widened in understanding. "This is about the troll, isn't it?"

Their silence was her answer.

"No, no, no. Harry and Draco saved me! Severus and the guys watched out for me. Sure, I had some bruises and cuts, but Madame Pomfrey healed me and I'm fine! Everything's okay. I don't want to leave Hogwarts. Please don't take me away!" Hermione sniffled, tears leaking from the corners of her eyes. "I love Hogwarts. I love magic. I don't want to go somewhere else. I don't want to leave my friends behind."

Lucius cleared his throat, "If you would like, we can take Hermione in and become her magical guardian. Muggleborns don't know that they can ask a magical family to take in their child so they can get daily, weekly or even monthly updates during their time within one of the magical institutions. Since it is rarely used, muggleborns usually fall under loco parentis, which allows for the Headmaster or even their Head of House to become their magical guardian for issues pertaining to the magical world."

"Would you really? For us? For Hermione?" Emma asked, relief apparent in her eyes.

"Of course," Lucius inclined his head.

Augusta coughed, "If he didn't, I would insist Hermione fall under the protection of the Longbottom House."

"Thank you – all of you." Dan and Emma said graciously.

Lucius nodded his head, "I will have my solicitor write up a contract and have you sign it. That way, it will be legal and if Dumbledore has anything to say about it, he cannot."

While the Grangers profusely thanked Lucius, the children wrapped their arms around Hermione to give her a hug. The young female Slytherin was probably smiling the largest smile her parents had ever seen.

…..

Edited: 6/8/17

A/N: Thank you to all my readers who pointed out that Hermione's Head of House isn't McGonagall anymore. I find it funny because I've went over this chapter before posting it and it still didn't catch my attention, even when I knew she was a Slytherin. Sigh. I apologize for the confusion and have edited that portion as I saw fit. Thanks for catching that everyone! Have a great week.