Faith, A Godmother's Will

. . .

Not all fairytales were purely of tragedy.

As it turns out, his roommate would be the inquisitive blonde customer from Hermione's shop. Harry found himself a bit reluctant about the sleeping arrangements. Not that he wasn't happy to have a friendly face as a companion; he was slightly worried about the boy's ties to the outside world.

Since meeting in the boutique on their first encounter, he had already denied any connections to the school and the designs all together. It was odd if he suddenly showed up on campus—as a student, no less!

He sighed, surrendering to the fact that he would have to face the lad who was currently nestled on top of the sheets. He shook his head in displeasure; surely the blonde would catch a cold in this condition. It was cold out tonight and not all the heating systems were fully functional as of present.

The room was a tad below ideal temperature and to prove it Harry released a visible shiver. He moved to place his own set of blankets on the sleeping boy, careful not to rouse the said male from slumber.

What was his name again? He tried to recall from the previous meeting at the store but Hermione never mentioned it. The boy was dead to the world; Harry took the risked studying unguarded features more closely. Blondie, as Harry referred to him, was a looker albeit being a little baby-faced. There was still some roundness from youth that would harden when the boy matured. Briefly, Harry wondered if they had met somewhere before. He had an itching feeling of familiarity that he couldn't explain.

"Bugger me that" He mumbled to himself as he moved about the room quieter than a mouse. "I get you as a roommate, it must be destiny" He finished with a mix of sarcasm and relief before flopping onto his own bed.

The cool sheets quickly kissed his exposed skin and he felt himself relaxing. He was not used to this yet—the accommodation, the people and most of all the freedom. The restrictions were there but not as suffocating as the ones under his relative's discretion.

Living under his Uncle's roof had been a living hell. It was torturous beyond anyone's imagination. He exhaled a heavy breath when he remembered those hard knuckles making contact with his flesh and the harsh leather of the man's belt welting over his skin.

Thankfully those days were over now. He will be living here at the dorms over the school year and stay over at his godfather's residence over the summer. He smiled at the thought of feeling like he had a real family for once.

Still in deep thought, he rolled over to his side and a caught a flash of blonde hair in the process. Another train of questions flooded his wits. Without doubt the younger lad would be asking questions about this and it was probable that he would uncover the previous alibi. How could he possibly explain his presence in the school without alerting unwanted suspicion about himself?

There were already two people who knew about his parentage and the word was definitely going to spread once the year started. Sirius was adamant about keeping his linage under wraps—at least for the time being.

His mind wandered as far as his imagination was wide. Soon, the dark haired adolescent began to feel the day's exhaustion catching up while stretched over the massive cushion. The adrenaline which had previously fueled his brain dwindled and the call of slumber became far too great to ignore.

He also felt the cold air caressing his skin, slowly soaking into his under-insulated clothing. Most people would have found this situation greatly unacceptable but for Harry it was normal to feel the chill in his sleep. Green eyes took cover behind heavy lids and he drifted into the land of dreams.

. . .

"What the hell are you doing here?" A fierce growl came. Harry awoke with a jolt, feeling an impending weight suddenly above him. He was too sleep-ridden to form any coherent response. He groaned then the question came again, more fiercely. "Why are you here?"

He could feel the cold seeping from the hands that gripped his collar and shivered. Where am I again? He vaguely remembered. Yesterday Lupin brought him to the school—that's right; the Academy! He woke up slight more alert.

"The Academy" he barely rasped due to the restraints on his throat. His assailant didn't seem satisfied as the grip tightened, choking him even more. It was growing harder and harder to breathe; he could feel the sharp pelvis digging into his painfully.

"Yes, we've established that you moron." A hiss was drawn near his face but without his trusty specks he couldn't see his captor. "Now tell me—" His head was jerked backwards. "What business do you have here?"

A strand of platinum hair. Blondie!, his mind called out. That's right; he faintly registered remembering his roommate.

"I study here!" He bit out, feeling the disorientation caused by his attacker's rough shaking. He silently praised whoever decorated their rooms for the soft mattresses. His head didn't hurt so much thanks to the cushioning. But it was still a lot of discomfort.

"Liar!" the voice accused him. Slowly his senses were coming back to him; he faintly recognized the voice—at least the tone. He'd heard it from somewhere before quite recently. "You're nothing but a mere messenger boy! You can't possibly be a student here!"

The words sprang to him like open water. In a flash he recognized the voice and realized exactly who was on top of him. 'Shit' he cursed under his breath. He needed to handle this well for his identity to be kept secret. He searched his brain thinking of an excuse.

"I'm a… uhm.." He unconsciously bit his lip. What would he say? That apparently he was the only son and heir to the prestigious couple who founded the school and he only found out recently was because of his godfather? That all throughout his life his step-family kept it hidden from him? Forcing him into isolation so that he could never take his claim?

"What?" the blonde gritted from above him. The boy was keeping him firmly planted on the bed with legs on either of his side. He registered their positions—it was awkward one and he blushed. There was no way to topple them over without causing the other injury. "Are you going to lie to me again?"

There was more hurt than annoyance in that voice. Harry felt drawn to it. It was the same feeling he had after finding out his heritage; he didn't like it one bit—he didn't want anyone else to feel it too. He didn't like the lies he was forced to swallow. He despised the Dursley's for they hid his true linage from him.

"I'm in a scholarship" so to speak. That wasn't technically a lie. "I'm only starting this year."

As his words faded into the air the hands on his collar loosened until finally they were gone. Harry breathed in relief but the boy was still straddling his stomach. It wasn't unpleasant, the boy was light for his built—uncomfortable, maybe, since he wasn't used to intimate touches.

This was too intimate to him. He shifted uncomfortably.

"So why did you lie to me?" It was spoken very softly. He could hear the hint of hurt that was underlying in those words.

Harry gulped and apologetically said "I'm sorry" but didn't expound. He couldn't at the moment; from the confusion, the secrecy his was bound to or the slender body on top of his—he wasn't sure which. For a moment molten grey eyes lightened but abruptly darkened once more.

"So tell me…" hot breath ghosted over his skin, their faces were drawn closely. The heat of the boy's body flooded through his clothes, causing Harry to shift in discomfort. The blonde seemed to realize the other's awkwardness and a feral smirk formed on his lips. "What's your name messenger boy?"

"It's Harry" the brunette could barely choke out just as the blonde seated back, pressing they hips closer together. It made him gasp. "I'm H-H-Harry" he said again, gritting his teeth. It was one thing to be trapped in a compromising position and it was another to have your assailant using it to his advantage.

Draco was slimmer, definitely, but still a few inches taller than him. The height proved to be an advantage as the blonde swooped down, once more bringing their faces in close proximity. "Harry" He tested the sound of the name on his tongue. "Harry… hmm, there's something missing"

For a few moments he thought. There was something peculiar about this boy; something familiar and strange—like they met before. Draco shook his head; of course he knew were they had met before! In La Boutique, his frequent shop; that's exactly were they met before but something was still off and it was nagging him.

"What about yours?" The other's voice brought him back to reality. "You never told me your name. It's only fair" he said stubbornly, no longer fighting the restrains. The blonde didn't really weigh much and the weight wasn't really that uncomfortable—plus, he feared, further stimulation caused by his twisting about might cause other unnecessary problems.

"It's Draco. But what's it to you?"

The younger was caught of guard when the boy below him laughed, an oddly deep laugh which resonated across the tan body. He was frozen; he had never heard a laugh so—carefree. Being brought up in a world of high society, every movement, laugh, caress or actions was looked upon with intense scrutiny. Growing up, never did he hear something as joyous.

"Why are you laughing?" He asked very slowly, easing away from the body below him. There was no use pinning his roommate down but the insecurities he held was what kept him in place. He needed, at the least, to think that he was in control of the situation despite the fact that he was desperately loosing it.

In the darkness, Draco could see nothing but the outline of his companion. The other boy looked calm, body stiff as a board underneath him. "It's a funny name. I've never heard of it before. Do tell me, where does it come from?" It came as another surprise to him. Most people, because of his status, bowed to the name and gave it respect. Even his peers always just seemed to acknowledge it. Nonetheless he found himself answering.

"It's a constellation." He said, finding himself suddenly shying away from the other boy. No one, aside from family ever knew this. "I was named from a constellation just like my mother and most of her family. Draco also means dragon in Latin."

"Do you like Dragons, no? Because you're named after one?" Draco could only blatantly stare at the boy lying down on the bed. This one—this, no, Harry, was a special one. For the first time, their eyes locked as he could only feel their breaths hitch and he could only hear the sound of their breathing.

Why are you so different?

"You…" he trailed off, trying to find the right words on the tip of his tongue. "You… don't know who I am, do you?" He questioned, this time his voice was softer and no longer demanding. He released the long forgotten fists he had clenched on the boy's collar, carefully eyeing the faint red bruise marring the tanned neck.

Another chuckle was the response.

Harry tried his best to put on the most nonchalant expression he could muster as he caught back his breath. "No I don't. Should I?" It was an innocent question. He lifted his face so that he could gaze on the blonde's once more. Tenderly he lifted a calloused hand over the seemingly perfectly skin. "Should I know who you are?"

Draco gritted his teeth behind closed lips and said. "No. I don't see why a lowlife like you should." The words tasted foul in his mouth after he said it but there was no taking it back. He jerked away from the brunette's touch and stomped off the bed, pulling on his slippers before he descended down the staircase.

Harry sat up, hurt reflected in his eyes as he watched the other boy shuffle into his own bed. It was interesting, he thought, very interesting; show the lad equal passion as he closes himself away. He never knew the joys of teasing another person but right now it felt completely entertaining.

"Draco!" He called loud enough to get a reaction before the blonde could fall into slumber. His action was rewarded by the said boy glaring at him from below.

"What?" the question was snarled back. It only made Harry chuckle even more.

"Hand me back my blanket why don't ya? It's freezing up here." As Draco glared from his bed, it was only then that he realized that he had two sheets covering his form. The brunette had given him his blanket! And he had been rude! He cursed at himself and blushed at the same time.

Without another word, the blanket was thrown upward and Harry caught it by the edge. A muffled "Thanks" was heard but no response came. Harry smiled; when blondie was asleep he was an angel but an absolute pain in the bullocks when awake. He exhaled a deep breath, swishing the blanket over himself. It had a faint scent of vanilla to it and soon he was brought to peaceful sleep.

. . .

"Wake up cub"

Harry snorted in his sleep, swatting the offending hand away. He curled further into the sweet smelling blanket around him and purred with contentment. He loved sleeping in especially since he could not do it very often. There was no Vernon today; no Petunia, no Dudley, no Dursley's in general! Yes, it was definitely a very good day to sleep in. Classes were still a few weeks away.

"I don't think he wants to be woken up, Moony. What should we do?" The dark-haired brunette mumbled to his companion. Sirius and Remus were currently standing in Harry's part of the room, attempting and failing to wake the boy up. The said boy slept like the living dead when he wanted to.

"Perhaps we should let him sleep in? School hasn't even started and you're waking him at this hour." Remus replied with a gentle smile towards his lover. One could hear Sirius whine is response with a small pout forming on his lips before he said anything. He desperately looked back towards the other and spoke.

"But Remi…"He complained towards the lighter haired brunette. "This might be the last time we get to spend with him before school starts! You know how tough it'll be to keep our connections to him a secret if we keep meeting. Remember that we both decided to keep distance from the pup once the semester begins…" He trailed off, shooting his lover a desperate look.

Remus sighed before chuckling very softly. "I know you wanted to be there for him, Siri, I did too. But Dumbledore placed him in the care of Lily's relatives." He looked intently into Sirius's eyes, their eyes communicated in all seriousness whilst they kept their faces placid. "You're his godfather, I am too by our relation, at least that's the way I feel, and I can't say I fully understand how you feel but I can assure you that it's pretty close."

Dumbledore had been one of the Potter's most trusted realties. Since the untimely death of James and Lily Potter, he was forced to place their child in the Dursley's care because there was no trace of any last will and testament. James had no known next of kin; Sirius, the man's best friend, was the closest. Sadly brotherhood, in this case, was not thicker than blood.

Somehow, despite the Dursley's fierce disapproval, the pair managed to sneak into Harry's life. At first, it was gifts during Christmases, birthdays and other holidays. And as the years passed by, they were finally allowed to meet Harry when the boy was ten. The Dursleys were called away on business as they explain and didn't want Harry's company with them.

Sirius and Remus knew it was a vacation which they didn't want the boy to ruin but they gladly took him in for the month. Since then they have been meeting the boy, often times, in secret. They were terribly distressed at the lad's state of famish and vowed to one day take him. But sadly, they never could for the Dursleys were the boy's guardians legally.

"We should have never let him stay in that horrid place, ya know. We could have given him a better life. We could have raised him." Sirius moaned with sadness lacing his voice. He regretted the fact that he just watched as Harry suffered in the hands of so called family. "He could have been great. He could have followed James' footsteps. I mean look at him! He looks just like my best friend, Remi…"

By this time, Remus had an arm-full of Sirius cradled to his chest as he cooed his lower from the breakdown. He whispered gentle words and touched the man's back tenderly. "I know, Sirius. I know." He repeated the words over and over again as the man calmed down. "He still could be. Look at him; he's so young and he has so much potential. It's not too late. We aren't too late, love."

Sirius shook his head. "I was like a brother to James'. Why couldn't they have given Harry to us instead?" He whimpered quietly, gripping the other's shoulders so fiercely that they might bruise. He would tend to those later because right not he needed an answer. "Why couldn't we keep Harry?"

Remus bit the inside of his lips and looked away darkly. He knew why; he knew exactly why Harry's custody wasn't given to his lover and him. Even if they would have gladly given up their jobs to care for the child. The world still didn't look too kindly upon homosexual despite the fact that they were a large part of the industry. He didn't answer.

"It's because we are what we are, aren't we? Because were in-love… because we're male. It's unspeakable, isn't it Remi?" Sirius' hateful words were painful but true. Social services would never allow them to keep a child. "Even if we would have been a better family for Harry?"

Remus could only nod. "Yes, love. Even if we could have been a better family for him. It's because we're different. We're a special kind of love." He soothed over his lover as gentle as he could. On the outside, Sirius was taller, stronger and broader but inside he was like a child—a child with a dark past as well. He knew the pain all to well. On the corner of his eyes he caught a glimpse of Harry shifting. "Hush now love. Harry's waking up."

They moved apart with Remus wiping the last drops of tears from his lover's eyes. He gave the man one of his most tender smile and kissed him on the nose. "I once promise that I would never let you cry. Forgive me, Sirius?" The other brunette looked up at him and let out a small stifle. He took the paler hand into his and kissed it. On cue, Harry was re-welcomed into the world of the conscious.

"Remus? Sirius?" Harry mumbled groggily as he faintly heard the voices over him. Gingerly he opened his blurry eyes and as expected he saw only blurry images. He swiped around the bedside table for his glasses and continued to prod them as soon as he had them on.

"Good morning cub!" Sirius greeted the boy brightly putting on a face that didn't show any traces of his earlier breakdown. "Good morning my boy. Good to see you up, ya?" Remus added from behind him.

"What are doing in my room?" He asked out of pure curiosity at the situation. "Isn't it dangerous for Draco to see you here?"

Sirius momentarily looked dumbfounded. "Draco?" He repeated the name but not at all recognizing it until his partner whispered in his ear. "Draco Malfoy, Lucius' son."

"Ahh!" Sirius jubilantly exclaimed. "The blonde boy's your roommate, ya? The lad got shipped off with his father for the rest of the week so Moony and I are free to see you any time we want!" He said, flinging his arms around the boy in a very Sirius-like gesture of affection. The tall brunette was known for his touchy, hug-monster-like qualities.

Remus caught Harry's eyes whist the boy was in a bone-crushing hug. "Sorry to wake you, Harry, but Sirius want us to into a little shopping trip in town today. He utterly insists since it will be about mid-term before we get some time for the three of use once the semester starts."

"Alright" Harry nodded. "But we don't really need to buy anything right?"

"Of course, lad. We can just go browse through the store if you like" was Remus while Sirius had another idea in mind. "No! We need buy you new dress robes for the school's opening ball! What you have Harry, is utter trash, if you don't mind me saying. The Dursley's sense of fashion is absolutely revolting! As my godson, even if the others won't know it, it is not acceptable!"

"Forgive us Harry. Siri here had been really excited to see you out of those rags and get you into some proper clothing" Remus shot the boy an apologetic look. "Will you please let him have what he wants today? I assure you I'll be getting the worse of it tonight if you don't."

Harry turned his gaze from his godfather to the man he came to accept as his second godfather and paled nearly two shades lighter. "Robes…? Opening ball…? At the start of school…? Won't the Dursley's be there?" He said brokenly through deep breaths. "Y-Y-You can't p-oss-ssibly l-l-let me g-go, right?"

But Remus shook his head. "Sorry my boy, all students are requested to be of attendance by school policy. It'll be the first test to determine who would be this year's batch of model trainees."

"All important people in the fashion industry will be invited. This is the students chance to know the people they would be most likely working with in the future and a chance to get a glimpse of what it's like when you're actually in the business. But don't worry, cub. The Dursleys never come to these balls because the dean never invites them!" Sirius laughed the last part off, making Harry smile.

"Alright, Harry. Get dressed and be down in ten minutes, ya?" Remus threw one last look at the boy before pulling Sirius down the stairs.

. . .

The second encounter with the prince,

By the end of the week, most of the dormitories were filled up. Students from various parts of Europe flocked for a chance to be part of this year's batch of trainees. Most were returning students from previous years who wanted another chance to convince the higher administration to look a second time. They all yearned to prove that they had the potential to be part of the fashion world.

Finally the day of the opening ball arrived with much jitters from Harry. It was the talk of the school of the last week. The blonde never returned to their rooms, Harry was thankful for the moments of privacy it provided him. According to his godfather, the boy was with his own father away for urgent business and preparations.

Ron and Seamus were enthusiastically swapping trade secrets which they both knew. Though equally ecstatic about joining the said conversations, Harry had no secrets to share because he was so unfamiliar with the fashion worlds. He only had the very few pieces of advice from his two godfathers and happily shared it with his friends.

With several heavy breaths, Harry strode into the colossal banquet hall in the school's estates. He was dressed not to kill but, rather, to please. He was formally dressed from head to toe in the latest tuxedo suit of the season, care of his godfather Sirius, a pair of sleek black leather shoes and a gold and red tie from Remus. He also had a dark crimson red handkerchief in his breast pocket.

This year's celebration was a bit different from the previous ones because the Kingdom had offered to sponsor. Talent scouts, models and other officials of the agency were in attendance this year making the playing field a little tougher. The gesture proved to strengthen the relationship of the school and the agency.

Immediately Harry felt the familiar surge of adrenaline course through his veins as he entered the lowly lit space filled with mellow tunes. He realized, once the doors closed behind him, that this was too familiar—it was something from his childhood. He gripped his head and hissed in pain. He could remember his mother and his father bringing him here.

"Mama…" he gripped his temples a little tighter. "Papa…" He moaned with anguish. His skin felt clammy. His body suddenly felt cold and hot at the same time. His breath was short. His eye sight got worse then usual. The world seemed to blur into a million different objects all at the same time.

"Are you okay?" Harry flinched as a hand was placed on his shoulder. Through the pain he recognized the familiar color of red hair but the voice was too different. He spoke the name nonetheless, hoping to the gods that the man would help him else he might faint in the middle of the hall.

"Ron?" He groaned, now clutching the hand for support. His head was pounding like never before. It felt like memories hammering away at the protective wall of his subconscious that were trying to get out. "Argh!" He muffled a scream with his arm, slinging it across his mouth as he let out another wail of pain.

"Sorry mate. I'm his brother." The stranger guided him to the nearest seat available. "Here, take a seat. I'll go fetch some water and hopefully my brother. I'll take your jacket off, ya? Air will do you good… looks like you need it." His jacket was shrugged off without a fight and the stranger left. "I'll get you water. Be back in a few"

Harry felt himself nodding but the rest had grown fuzzy. A cup was pushed into his hands moments later. He took the generously offered container and drank. Beads of sweat were rolling over his forehead. A damp cloth was pressed against his temple. He sighed in pleasure. "Thanks" He managed to say hoarsely. It took him minutes to recover. His tie was loosed and hung lazily around hi neck.

"Nice to see you're better" The voice said from behind him. Turning around he saw the Ron-colored hair that didn't belong to Ron. He looked at the new fellow strangely and the man chuckled. "Sorry. Excuse me for being a rude one; the name's Charlie Weasley. I'm Ron's older brother. You must know him ya? You said his name when I caught you looking pale."

Harry blushed; he had just let a random bloke nurse him better. "I-I-I…" his voice broke off from embarrassment. He used the damp cloth as a make-shift shield to hide the bottom of his face, trying to save himself but the man was grinning even more.

"You're a cute one, aren't ya?" Charlie teased, earning yet another blush from the poor brunette who saw beside him on the round table. "What's your name?" But he was cut off when another red-head popped into the scene with a wrinkled forehead.

"Harry!" It was Ron, trying to make his way through the crowd. "Charlie! What are you doing to him?" His eyes narrowed as he glared as his brother keenly then looked to his friend with concern. "He hasn't been buggering you, ay mate?" He stepped between the two protectively.

Harry shook his head fiercely. "He wasn't, Ron. I was feeling light-headed and you brother actually helped me." He explained with a blush, looking down with a hint of embarrassment. His usual episodes weren't as bad as today. He didn't know why his body was acting up. There was just something so familiar about the whole arrangement of the hall.

"Thanks… uhm, Charlie" He said weakly at the older man then smiled to his friend. "I was just feeling a bit off, that's all Ron. Nothing big to worry about ya?" He comforted despite the fact that he was still feeling a bit fatigued. Ron was already crouched down to Harry's side, eyeing the brunette from a low angle.

"Are ya sure mate? I could take you to the Infirmary if you wanna rain check tonight" The red-head tried, patting Harry's knees for good measure. He looked closely over those tired looking emerald eyes by his friend shook his head. In the corner of his eye he saw his brother still hovering over them. "And you can bugger off Charlie. I call dibs on this one."

"Alright little brother" His older brother chuckled playfully then turned his heel to leave. But not before he said his parting words. "I say you brother; the more that learn to read, the less learn how to make a living. That's one thing about a little education. It spoils you for actual work. The more you know the more you think somebody owes you a living. So shall I say now that we will battle with sticks and stones in the future? That boy is definitely not one to pass up. Cheery good day ya? "

"No. I'm fine Ron." Harry insisted, bringing his hands up to re-knot his tie in a more presentable appearance. "Besides, it's the teacher's showcase, ya? It's the first time we get to meet—well see—our professors ya?" He attempted to say it in the most evenly tone he could manage without his voice cracking and thankfully the other boy just nodded and helped him up.

"Come on mate, the show case is going to start soon." Ron cast his brother one last fleeting glance then walked with Harry towards the elongated runway. "Sorry about my brother." He apologized. "He's a bit of a flirt you see… flirts with anything walking on two legs that is. You should be careful around him ya? Suspicious fellow he is!" then he laughed, humorously patting Harry on the back lightly.

Harry joined the laughter as they made their way through the crowded hall. It was filled with students and adults alike. Most were unfamiliar to him but he could see Ron glance and nod to a few people surrounding them. That's right, it was Ron's third year in the Academy; of course the red head new so many people. For some reason, Harry felt a little alien.

"Harry!" A voice called from behind them. He whirled around slowly and was face to face with a curly haired female who he knew very well. He greeted her with one of his warmest smiles and instinctively opened his arms to welcome her into a hug. It was a friendly hug—she was one of the few people whom he was comfortable being in close proximity to.

"Hermione!" He addressed her amicably. "Wow you look great! I'm surprised to see you here!" He said peering at her with tender eyes before he asked. "What are you doing here by the way?" He paused, looking at the big grin she had on her face.

"Don't tell me… you got in, didn't you? You finally got recognized by someone big, ya? You're rolling in the big bucks 'cause you're a hot-shot new designer, no?" There was the biggest smile on his face once more.

She smiled brightly up to him as they separated. "Oh Harry! It's been wonderful. I did! I finally got in! A clients been a really big help and I came highly recommended to the Diagon Alley by a client! I signed a contract two weeks ago!" She was too giddy to realize that Harry had a friend with him. "My clothes will be in their store windows in less than a month can you believe it? Harry my dream's finally come true!"

She enveloped Harry in another bone-crushing hug before the poor boy could say anything. "And I'll also be putting some of this year's academy trainees in my clothes! Can you believe it? In my clothes, Harry! My designs on real, living models! I'm so excited!"

"That's great new Hermione!"Harry gave her a light chuckle before remembering the friend he had momentarily forgotten. "By the way—" he pulled on Ron, who was silently staying in the background, nearer. "—this is my friend Ron. I met him on my first day here." He introduced. "Ron, this is my good friend Hermione. She one of my greatest friends. I hope you two get along, ya?"

The awkward pair momentarily looked at each other them shook hands stiffly. At least that was until Harry nudged Ron a bit harshly on the shoulder. The other boy took the hint and bowed slowly before kissing the lady's hand. "It's a pleasure to meet you miss. I do say, you're looking very lovely this evening." He spoke a gentleman's words making Hermione blush.

"Thank you, uhm, Ron. You're looking quite dashing as well" She replied warmly to him while their hands remained linked a few seconds longer. "Actually, I'm a bit curious… who are you wearing tonight? The suit has absolutely marvelous tailoring!" She exclaimed, leaning a bit closer and running her fingers over the seams near his wrists just as their hands let go.

Ron bit his lip and slightly looked away before answering. "It's an Andrew Kirke, from two year's ago, nothing big. And yours?" He inquired to make light conversation. He wasn't ashamed that it wasn't a new suit. He really had no one to blame, he didn't have the cash to spare to break the bank over a new wardrobe.

"Oh" Hermione didn't wrinkle her nose or snort at him for it. Instead she gave him a lopsided smile. "Classic, tailored and simple. I like it." She declared making Ron's break into a grin too. "Fashionable and affordable. I like the way you think, Mr…?" She realized that she had no idea what to call him.

"Weasley" Ron finished for her but later added. "But please, Ms. Hermione, do call me Ron. I have several of kin present here tonight and I'm afraid that calling me by my family name will cause a bit of a ruckus. It would be an honor if you call me Ron."

Hermione gave him an unabashed smile. "Then please, Hermione will be more that suffice. Any friend of Harry is my friend as well, Ron." Again Ron took her finger and kissed it.

"My pleasure, Hermione" He finished then released her hand. "If you excuse me for a moment?" He turned to her and then to Harry before stepping into the crowd and disappearing. Hermione had a fleeting glance on his back before he was gone. She sighed.

"He's a peculiar one, Harry. Most students here have been wearing the latest trends of the season yet he comes here wearing an Andre Kirke from two years ago." She contemplated over it while the brunette beside her cocked his head in confusion. "Very peculiar… just like you are! Look at you! I see that you've been treating yourself well, haven't you?" She teased light-heartedly.

"If I'm correct… I just might think that you're actually wearing a Demelza Robbins!" She giggled a bit but then turned deadly serious. "Who are you and what have you done with Harry James Potter?" She asked stiffly, eyeing him from head to toe. "Harry would never have purchased something that rich!"

Harry guiltily looked away and scratched his head. "It's actually a gift from my godfather. He says I need to look presentable tonight, honest Hermione!" It was a straight forward explanation but the girl wanted more. "Something about this being the first round of test for the new recruits… or something like that. I'm not really sure."

But before she could utter another word the lights dimmed and spot lights were lit, one on each side of the hall. The pair was focused on the stage a loud booming voice resounded. "Welcome to the Academy's grand opening ball!" A tall, slightly bearded man stepped onto the lights holding a microphone in hand. "This year we've received a great honor of being sponsored by London's top modeling agency, The Kingdom, and tonight here with us is their King, the genius in his craft, Mr. Lucius Malfoy!"

The whole audience resounded in applause when a blonde man stepped along the commentator. He graciously took a microphone handed by a production crew member and greeted the crowd. "Good evening everyone! I trust that you all are enjoying yourselves? It's a pleasure to be with you all tonight" Somehow, while he spoke, Harry had a twinge of familiarity towards him. "Thank you Albus, it's an honor to be here."

"I'd like to present you all to the heir of The Kingdom, my son Draco Malfoy" The name immediately rang in Harry's ear and he quickly looked up to see his roommate walking to stand beside his father. To Harry, the blonde looked like an angel—clad in a full-white suit paired, a dark shirt beneath paired with a green and silver tie. He was breathtaking. The boy walked with an air of elegance as he stood in front of the audience and bowed.

Minutes seemed like hours and soon the blonde boy was exiting the stage. The two older gentlemen were left to host the event. "Let me do the honor of presenting this year's faculty. They will your mentors, young ones. You will learn from them the basic, the truths and the hardships of the life you all wish to enter. I highly advise you to listen and listen to them well… let's kick off the show with our program's special set of instructors!"

Harry recognized the first person to walk out of the runway. "—Mr. Sirius Black, Angles" He watched as his godfather strode onto the platform looking like a god. Never had he seen his godfather walk before and it was amazing. His breath hitched like so many others beside him—all looking at the dark haired brunette and unable to take their eyes away from him. It was like he never really retired at all.

After Sirius came several other instructors for the trainees which Harry faintly remember hearing, then it was Remus' turn and he too held the aura that the others possessed. It was a quiet but still captivating appearance that caused the crowds to follow his steps until he disappeared behind the curtains.

. . .

"So he's here then, is he not?" A dark haired man with dangerous looking eyes inquired. He was near one of the hall's colossal pillars, leaning against it with a wine glass in hand. He had a lean frame, tall stature and a hard face that screamed seriousness. The man meant business as he addressed his shorted sandy haired companion.

"Yes, my lord" The man replied with a slight bow in his stance. "Harry Potter has entered the Academy."

The man leaning on the wall gritted his teeth and clenched his hand, threatening to break the glass he was holding. A few faint cracks appeared on the surface. "Why here and why now? You idiot! You were supposed to dispose of them all!" He snarled at the man and glared. "What do you suppose we do, ay Peter?"

Peter looked drastically different from the way he was several years ago. This was due to intensive plastic surgery and facial reconstruction. No longer did he have a plump round face, round eyes and a big nose. Instead, he had a heart-shaped jaw, sandy hair, a straight nose and small eyes making him look like half-Japanese. He even learned the language to strengthen his persona.

"Forgive me my lord. He was thrown out the windshield and survived. It was a miscalculation." He scurried, almost to his knees as he begged for mercy. "Shall I eliminate him tonight?"

There was no response. "No. Wait for the right time, Peter. I want to see what the boy had to offer. Perhaps he can be useful in the future. For now, call Bella. I need a pretty lady to accompany my side tonight."

. . .

"Draco" Lucius called his son's attention when a familiar shade of raven tresses caught his attention. The boy immediately retracted his direction and followed his father's gaze; it landed directly on his roommate but he feigned foolishness.

"Pray tell, who is it that caught you attention father?"

"That boy" the elder said, returning his eyes back to the brunette. "Black hair and glasses. He attends the school does he not?" Draco nodded tough unwillingly so. "Are you familiar with him?"

It took sometime for Draco to answer until finally he nodded. "Take me to him" his father's words came as a surprise. He stuttered his reply. "I b-beg your p-pardon father?" A million questions ran through his head while he stared at his father in blatant awe.

"Compose yourself by boy. I merely want to meet the lad. Introduce him to me." Lucius reiterated evenly with a hint of amusement playing on his tone. This boy, he thought, looked quite familiar and he had an aura that was appealing. Perhaps this boy had potential if he spoke eloquently enough. It was a bargain.

"What could you possibly want with that boring guy?" Draco spoke the words before he could stop himself. Immediately he regretted it as he received one of his father's harsh expressions. It was disapproving but not deterring; he still felt reprimanded all the same. He kept his head high by lowered his eyes shamefully. "I'm sorry father. Please, allow me to introduce you"

The crowds parted for them like they were true monarchy. When they reached the Harry, he realized that the boy was not alone. "Hermione?" he addressed her with glee. "You made it!"

The girl stopped talking and immediately twirled around to face him. Her polka-dotted dress whirling behind her. "Draco!" She greeted. "It's a pleasure to see you! Thank you for the invitation tonight" She said, bowing a little out of respect especially since she noticed that he was not alone.

"Father, this is Hermione. The one I recommended to Diagon Alley." He motioned for her to greet his father and she did so by curtsying. "Hermione, I'd like you to meet my father." Lucius, the trained gentleman that he was, took her hand and kissed it lightly.

"You look brilliant young lady. Would it be too presumptuous to assume that you are wearing one of your own tonight?" He not out of politeness but he was genuinely attracted to the clothing. When the girl nodded his lips broke into a smirk. "A pity my wife could not be present tonight. She would adore your dress. Would you be so kind as to send her a portfolio?"

His words made her blush more than his gestures and she couldn't believe her ears. The Lucius Malfoy, was asking her for a portfolio! The gods were definitely smiling upon her tonight and she beamed. "Of course Mr. Malfoy it would be an absolute honor! Thank you!" She smiled over at Draco then back to Lucius. "Thank you ever so much for considering me! I fear I must retire now to start my compilations."

She bid the three men farewell and left. When she did, Lucius turned to the brunette then to Draco. "Draco, I do believe I haven't met this fascinating lad. Please do make the introductions."

Draco obediently did as told. "Father, this is Harry. Harry, this is my father Lucius Malfoy" He did so stiffly, lacking the warmth which he had introduced his female companion with.

"Harry" The older blonde greeted, extending a hand for a handshake. Harry had learned from Sirius that Lucius Malfoy was not a man to be angered. He bowed before taking the hand in respect. Both blondes seemed baffled by his gesture.

"It's a pleasure Mr. Malfoy" He said with a bright smile. He gripped the hand only hard enough to mean he was serious. It seemed appropriate given the nod of approval that he was given.

"No need for formalities Harry." Lucius told him when the handshake ended. He eyed the boy from head to toe then said. But he was cut off before any conversation could be held.

"You clean up well, Harry" Draco said in a taunting tone just enough for it to appear teasing but not malicious. He eyed the brunette closely whose face remained placid much surprise. "Demelza Robbins, yes? Not a thread of polyester, quite unexpected from someone like you."

"Yes" Harry remarked flatly. "Highly unlikely but not entirely impossible. Correct me if my assumptions are misled but I believe that you, yourself, are wearing a Geoffrey Hooper, yes?" He said with no malice at all but it irritated the blonde the most. With that he swiftly took the blonde's hand and dropped a kiss on it.

Draco blushed heavily. "You-you-!" He tried but stopped himself from cursing as he jerked his hand away. Harry merely gave him a smile of innocence as if nothing happened. He feigned naivety quite well.

Draco was speechless, fisting his hands to the side in attempts to keep his frustration at bay. He would not lose his temper here. The boy from the dormitory was completely transformed! He couldn't even recognize his roommate. How could he just cast him aside like some—some—some plebian! How dare him!

"Forgive Draco, he's still quite young." Lucius cut in, giving Draco one of the we-need-to-have-a-talk looks. He stepped a little forwards, separating the bantering pair before any damage to their reputations was done. Instead he engaged the brunette in another conversation. "You to are close, are you not?"

Harry's prideful grin turned into a playful one, humor clear in his eyes to anyone who looked. "We are indeed Mr. Malfoy. Your son and I happen to be roommates. Though I regret that his presence was very scarce the past few weeks."

"Forgive me, Harry. I believe that was my fault. I kept him away on business you see." Lucius couldn't help the curve of his lips twitching upwards. Yes this boy definitely reminded him of someone he knew. Yet he could not ask the boy's last name for it had been forbidden. "I trust that you shall welcome him on his return?"

"I give you my word as a person, Mr. Malfoy, for I deeply lament the fact that I have no title yet to my name." It was like words of a true society born aristocrat—a perfect gentleman. Lucius, if not a trained man, would have been fooled. He smirked at the brunette's wit.

"I do believe that you are a fine gentleman, Harry. Please do address yourself so in the future." Harry nodded but was unable to reply due to a disturbance.

"Lucius!" A booming voice came from behind them. Soon a dark-haired man appeared with a lavish smirk. "I've been looking for you…" the new man paused. "—oh and who might this be? Your newest prodigy, ay Lucius?"

"Tom" The older blonde merely flashed an acknowledging eye. "Not quite right but not quite wrong either. But I suppose you ruined the momentum and I must resolve to asking him another time. This gentleman here is Harry, a student of the Academy. Perhaps I shall wait until he blooms before I pick him, no?"

"Hmm…" the other man peered at Harry closely—a little too closely, making the brunette shift uneasily on the balls of his feet. "My, my… he's a looker, ain't he? Let's see… good bone structure, high nose, wide forehead, luscious looking lip and—" there was a slight pause "—blazing emerald eyes. An amazing find yet again, my friend!"

Lucius sighed and looked over at the boy. "Harry this is Tom Riddle, one of the Kingdom's highest paid models. He's been to several shows around the world including, Milan, Paris, Macau, Beijing and right here in London. But I think you'll do more, personally"

Harry blushed faintly at the comment but fought it down. "Oh I would never think of it Mr. Malfoy! You praise me too much." He said before facing the new man. "It's a pleasure to meet you Mr. Riddle, I'm honored to meet you acquaintance" He bowed slightly and offered a hand.

Tom, in response, merely raised a hand towards the young brunette—a gesture for Harry to kiss his hand. The clever boy did so quickly. "I fear that I have kept you long enough, Harry. It was a pleasure taking to you." It was Lucius who said it. "Shall we go Tom? We have much to talk about since your recent arrival back in England… How was Beijing?"

The three bid goodbye and left Harry's company. Draco steered off in another direction. In the corner of his eyes he saw his blonde roommate chatting up another raven-haired student. He pressed his lips together in displeasure with something curling deep inside him. He shook his head before his thought became too deep. The weird feelings were only because of the blonde's sudden reappearance and nothing more.

"You did well cub" There was a gentle hand on his shoulder but it was only brief. It ceased him from charging at his roommate. Harry remained statuesque like he was frozen in time. He knew that his godfather was behind him but he dared not to turn around. "You just stood your ground in front of the King. How does it feel?"

Harry felt a grin tug on his lips finally releasing the paper clips he was hiding. It was clenched in the hand which was tucked inside his coat pocket away from the view of many. His knuckles were nearly a translucent white and the form of a paper clip was pressed onto his palm. It was a little trick from Remus a few days back. "Just lucky I guess."

There was a low chuckle behind him.

"Enjoy yourself, pup. I do believe that you just earned your place as a trainee."

. . .

Author's Notes:

Whoops! Alright, who here admits that they almost forgot about James and Lily's murder? Raise you hands!

Woot! This chapter was definitely longer than the previous two. I just had to put the ball in there! It was too much fun to do. I hope you all like it.

So I introduced quite a bit of characters in this chapter. I trust you all can keep up. The Harry x Draco was a little short in this but I'm planning to build their relationship slowly. There's a little preview of the relationship between Sirius and Remus. I love them I really do; they make me squeal! The other teachers will be introduced in the next chapter. Any suggestions on pairings?

The designers they mentioned are actually students of Hogwarts; Andrew Kirke, Demelza Robbins and Geoffery Hooper. Who caught that be honest?

The quote from Charlie was from Will Rogers.

Anyhow. There has been an overwhelming response to the question of domination. I'm sorry if I still can't decide. But hopefully you continue following this story.

Review if you like!

I do love you all so very much!
-Arh.

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31 Days
A Long Way from Surrey
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