Disclaimer: I do not own the creation of Harry Potter or anything to do with it. It all belongs to J.K. Rowling.

This is a complete rewrite of this story previously started five years ago. It begins very similar, but really begins to change as the story progresses. Enjoy!

An Unusual Attachment

Chapter One: Hogwarts Express

...

Harry sat at the front of the car, cornered as much as possible to his window, to stay away from his purple faced, heavily obese uncle on his other side. Harry's summer had been the worst yet.

From the moment they entered the house Harry had been forced to change into Muggle Clothes (also known as Dudley's normal cast offs). After this, he was reluctantly compelled into locking his school trunk, in the shed, including his three most precious objects: his wand, invisibility cloak and broomstick. At the time Harry had wondered why had his possessions been transferred into the garden shed, rather than the cupboard under the stairs but he did not question out loud, just in case Uncle Vernon put him under the stairs for the rest of the summer. Unfortunately for Harry, that was exactly what he had planned.

But Harry wasn't a mere boy of eleven anymore. He had grown up, and the small broom cupboard was no way suitable for a boy of fifteen going on sixteen.

"No more flying cars to save you this time boy," Uncle Vernon had said with a satisfied expression, licking his lips, and a slightly crazed gleam in his eyes. "No more Godfather threats, oh yes, I know about his death, no more freaks coming through the fireplace. You're alone this summer, boy, alone." Uncle Vernon had cackled like a maniac before shutting Harry in the cupboard. "You don't even have your bloody bird. Your crackpot old fool of a headmaster has kept it so you can't send out messages!" Harry had thought he would never be allowed out. When he looks back now, Harry wished that would have been the case.

But Harry was allowed out, oh yes, he was allowed out. He was tolerated outside to cook food, clean windows, hoover the carpet floor, set tables after polishing them, scrubbing the bathroom tiles and cleaning up after meals. The only think Harry was not permitted to do was clean out the Dursleys' bedrooms; Aunt Petunia was afraid the freak would attempt to steal something. These were only in the house chores though. Outdoors Harry had had to wash the car constantly, neaten the flowerbeds on regular basis, mow the grass, wipe the windows outside and repaint the fence in the scorching sun blazing down upon his skin. Harry would have taken his overly large t-shirts off, if it weren't for the inflict Uncle Vernon brutally had left upon him every single torturous night when he came home drunk. Even Aunt Petunia had become scared of her husband's new drinking pattern, yet still she had not protected dead sister's son from harm. Harry had at first hoped his Aunt would draw a line to the amount of pain he received. Once Harry caught on that his mother's sister was not going to save him, Harry realised he was truly alone.

So after two months of malnourishment and severe pain, a shattered Harry Potter sat in the Dursleys' car, on his way back to Hogwarts via King's Cross Station. So far the journey had been entirely silent until 10 minutes before the end.

"Now listen boy…" Uncle Vernon began threateningly.

"Yes Sir," came Harry's automatic response. Uncle Vernon rolled his eye at the mechanical answer.

"You know the ropes. Not one word about this summer. There is no need to get those freaks involved. Hell, they won't even care. They didn't check on you once, nor did they try to contact you. If this gets out to anyone, anyone I tell you," Uncle Vernon paused; his face barely inches form Harry's, "This summer would have seemed like a holiday."

"Yes Sir." Harry repeated his voice void of any emotion. It was about midway through his holidays Harry begun this. Every question he had been asked throughout the summer had been answered short and briskly. It made things simpler. It made things easier. It made Uncle Vernon completely in full control over Harry.

They arrived at King's Cross Station. Harry weakly, but as fast as he could manage, got out the car. He picked up his possessions and then, finally came the trunk. Harry grabbed the trunk by the handle and with all his might, pulled the burden as hard as he could. The load was overwhelming and despite Harry's age, he fell with a crash on the floor. Uncle Vernon who had been tapping on his window impatiently for Harry to retrieve his trunk, now saw that his nephew had completed his task and was currently lying breathlessly on the floor. Uncle Vernon pressed the automatic button to close and lock the back of the car. Then, paying no attention to Harry, Uncle Vernon drove away without saying goodbye.

The moment Harry saw Uncle Vernon's car disappear he was tempted to shout in relief. A huge weight had been lifted from his shoulders... he was finally free! Harry looked around. He had no idea where he could find Platform 9 and ¾. Harry looked at the time on the big clock outside King's Cross. He had approximately seven minutes to find Platform 9 and ¾. Trying not to panic, Harry lifted himself up.

An old man who had witnessed what had happened came jogging up to Harry. He appeared Muggle. The old man looked at Harry's demeanour. "You alright son?" he asked curiously.

"Yes sir," replied Harry automatically.

"Well, do you need any help?" the old man questioned sympathetically, nodding towards King's Cross. Harry's pale green eyes looked up into the old man's kind ones. Suddenly Harry snapped out of it; you're free now Harry scolded himself gently, it's okay now.

"Yes please Sir. D-do you think you c-could give me directions to Platform 9 and 3- Sorry, Platform 9?" Harry spoke politely, flushing at his stutter. He realised, with a funny jolt that that was the longest sentence he had probably spoken for two months.

After receiving instructions from the old man, and wishing him a good day, Harry picked up his belongings and placed them on a trolley. He made his way to Platform 9 ¾ hoping he didn't bump into anyone along the way; he had to make sure he had worked his concealment charms right.

Upon reaching Platform 9 3/4, Harry looked for a compartment that was completely empty. It was rather difficult, for Uncle Vernon had dropped him off just in time. Finally, Harry found one at the back of the Hogwarts Express. Hopefully, no one would find him here. Harry had passed Ron and Hermione's compartment; they had seemed fairly content holding each other's hands, Ron's hand on Hermione's thigh. Did this mean Ron and Hermione were now an item? Finally, Harry thought to himself, but he still couldn't shake off the feeling that from then on he would potentially become a third-wheel.

Disregarding these thoughts, Harry made himself comfortable with his invisibility cloak next to him. He began his ritual of concealment charms, marvelling in how clear his skin had become. Shame that it can't remove the pain either, he thought to himself. Harry had felt, after a whole summer with no contact and being alone unless he was with Uncle Vernon or surrounded by Dudley's gang, he would want company, and friends. But no. Now he's back, it felt all too noisy and impersonal. Harry had grown accustomed to be alone, and knew he was going to struggle with large crowds again; at least for the first few days. Harry really needed to check he had completed all his homework, but he was just so tired…

Harry opened his eyes to the train slowing down with violent jerks. He hadn't realised he had fallen asleep. Harry looked down at his battered watch. Surely they couldn't be there yet…

The train was getting slower and slower until it came to a sudden stop with a forceful jolt. Harry placed his invisibility cloak over him and curiously looked out the compartment. He could hear a lot of "What's going on?"'s and "Have we broken down?"'s. Abruptly the lights went out. Harry took off his father's cloak and moved towards his compartment window. There was something out there! And it was coming aboard! Harry fleetingly thought of dementors. Maybe they were coming aboard again. But hadn't Voldemort taken over Azkaban, including the dementors?

There was no Professor Lupin to save him this time, nor any Ron and Hermione to support him. No, this time, he was alone, but he also knew how to protect himself. This time, he defends himself on his own. Harry heard screams echo across the train so he fumbled into his cloak to get his wand. Without warning a boy ran into his compartment followed by a large silhouetted creature. Intense coldness indulged Harry. Harry did not even have enough energy to see who the other boy was. He just concentrated all his strength into the spell. Taking his last shuddering breath he shouted "Expecto Patronem" before collapsing to the ground. He barely got a glimpse of his patronus leading the dementor out before fainting.

Harry woke with a sudden sting across his face. He had been slapped. Harry's instant thought was that he was with the Dursley's, so he curled up and tensed ready for the next bout of pain. It didn't come. Harry mentally kicked himself. 'Of course it wouldn't. You're on the Hogwarts Express'. The lights were back on and it was no longer that cold, but there was still an eerie surrounding. "Why this time?" Harry murmured to himself. He sat up slightly and smacked foreheads with a boy, but with no glasses on, he could not tell who it was; presumably the boy that ran into his compartment. The blur moved back clutching onto his head, swearing under his breath.

"Oh… I- I'm sorry… My glasses." stuttered Harry apologetically. Wordlessly, his glasses were passed to him. "Thanks." Harry looked up at the boy and froze.

"The dementors came on board for no apparent reason whatsoever - probably a doing of the Dark Lord, to give everyone a scare. I must say, that is some powerful magic for a dumb-witted loser such as yourself. What are you doing alone here anyway?" said Draco Malfoy calmly, unaffected by Harry's shock.

"…Malfoy?" said Harry slowly, keeping a tight hold on his wand.

"Surely after five years you should know who I am. The Golden boy's memory can't be that bad can it?"

"Back off Malfoy, where are your common goons?" answered Harry smoothly, wondering what Malfoy was still doing here alone.

"We've had a rough few years Potter, but it's come a point where one must decide what path to take," Draco started mysteriously, "I for one, do not wish to associate with the likes of Crabbe and Goyle. Those fools are no longer friends of mine. Well, they weren't really friends in the first place. All they did was take orders, it got a bit wearing. I am currently avoiding them. Be as that may, you haven't answered my question." He finished, cocking his head to the side.

Harry looked oddly at Draco, his dull eyes gawping into Draco Malfoy's blue-grey ones. How he wished he could read minds like Snape. Draco fidgeted slightly but then looked directly back. Why was Malfoy, aside for the odd insult, being almost… civil? After a few moments of silence Harry finally spoke.

"They are in another compartment. Not that it's any of your business Malfoy." said Harry quietly. Draco frowned.

"And why are you not with them?" Harry's face shape altered. Just from these few minutes with Draco Malfoy, Harry had forgotten why he wanted to be away from other people, and what had happened to him in the summer.

"I guess I just wanted to cut myself off from the usual crowd," said Harry simply, sitting back down. This however, confused Draco even more.

"But why?"

"I don't know! Why are you even here questioning me like some Daily Prophet journalist, leave me alone!" Harry glared.

Draco did not pursue. He was clever enough to realise when someone wanted to end a conversation topic. There was something wrong with Harry Potter, something was missing, and something had changed. Harry wasn't his general open, talkative, brave self. He seemed much more reserved, as though he was afraid to say the wrong thing. Draco wanted to find out what was going on.

"Merlin's beard Potter, what has happened to you?" Draco also noticed how underweight and weak Harry looked.

Harry tried to pretend that Malfoy's question did not bother him but Harry feared his heart was thumping so loudly against his chest that Draco probably could hear it. Panic threatened to engulf. Did he honestly look so bad that his school arch-enemy would notice something looked wrong? "I don't know what you're talking about but if I were you I'd go back to your Death Eater corner before someone else finds you here. I hate you and you hate me and this conversation is beyond unnecessary."

Draco relented. "I know I had hated you in the past but I have most certainly matured since then. So should have you." The Slytherin gave a non-committal shrug and began to walk out the compartment, leaving Harry Potter incredibly confused.

Just in that moment, Hermione and Ron came barging in through the compartment door, noticing Malfoy halt when they arrived. Hermione began to speak breathlessly. "Found you Harry. Sorry, we didn't know where you were," she paused for a moment and looked at him oddly. "You're looking very peaky. Were you alright after the Dementor attack?" She then continued. "You best get changed, we're almost there."

"Well, well the Weasley and Granger. Interesting combination." said Draco casually.

"What's it to you Malfoy?" Ron growled, "Go back to your Slytherin corner ferret."

"Ron don't worry, just drop it, Malfoy was just leaving." mumbled Harry, rubbing his face, hoping to give it more colour. "Hermione I'm fine, yeah the Dementor attack didn't bother me."

Hermione pulled Ron into the compartment. "What was he doing here anyway Harry?" she asked, checking to make sure he was gone as she closed the door.

"Honestly, I'm not too sure. He didn't make much sense; he was being his insulting pompous self, yet claiming he's broken ties with his former friends? I don't know, but it honestly doesn't matter. Like you said Hermione, I need to get changed, mind if you excuse me for a moment?" Harry replied, relieved to see his two best friends in front of him again.

"That's rather peculiar. I think it's best to stay clear of him, now that his father is officially a death eater to the public. And of course, I'll leave you two alone to get changed. See you at the carriages once we arrived. I've missed you Harry." Hermione smiled, leaving the boys alone.

"We've been worried about you mate, straight after the attack we wanted to find you but as prefects we had to make sure everyone was okay. How was your summer?" asked Ron, calming down once knowing that Harry hadn't been in danger due to Malfoy.

Harry stilled for a moment and then replied shortly, "It was fine, Ron. And yours?"

"Are you sure? Muggles didn't give you a too hard time did they? Yeah it was awesome. I'm guessing you know about…" Ron awkwardly stopped mid-sentence, hoping Harry would catch on.

"It was fine. Of course," Harry smiled, "I knew it was coming, but you two are so stubborn, was just hoping I'd get to see it in my lifetime. And no Ron," when Ron went to open his mouth again, "I haven't got a problem with it at all. Just please keep the snogging at a minimum when I'm about." Ron laughed appreciatively, his ears going red as he thanked Harry for his support and began to get changed.

After the train came to a halt, the pair picked up their belongings and began to leave their compartment. As where they were sitting was right at the back of the Hogwarts Express, many of the students had already left the train. Ron and Harry began to walk down the isle of the Hogwarts express together to get off the train when they watched from a distance Draco suddenly be bombarded by Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle. They both looked mutinous, looming over Malfoy ready to fight. "Put them in a compartment." A recognised voice called. Crabbe and Goyle pushed him through the nearest empty compartment door. Ron and Harry shared a look, before mutually deciding to follow the Slytherins.

The two cronies took a step forward towards Draco so they were barely touching. Draco did his best not to flinch at the closeness. From behind the two goons, Blaise Zabini stood, smirking, followed by Pansy Parkinson. "Well, well, well. Draco Malfoy," he drawled, "Mixing with the famous, half-blood, muggle loving, chosen one, boy-who-lived." Zabini looked at Draco with extreme disgust. "The Malfoy name seems to be degrading more and more by the second. Even your idiot of a father will not be impressed. Day by day he works to get back on terms with the Dark Lord, my father tells me. And you? Well… let's just say good luck to the Malfoy family." He saluted at Draco sarcastically and before anyone could speak, Zabini and his crew left the compartment. Draco had stayed tense the whole time. He was now shaking slightly.

Out of fear or of anger, Harry couldn't tell. But what he could tell, was that Malfoy most certainly didn't have the reputation he had had the previous years. Harry paused before following the Slytherins and the left over few students. "Should we…" Harry asked Ron, looking back towards the compartment in which Draco was standing in.

"No!" Ron said immediately, "Serves him right his mates have abandoned him." But Harry shook his head, and felt a strange sense of compassion as he turned back towards where Malfoy was. "What are you doing Harry? Oh for Merlins sake," Ron followed after Harry rolling his eyes.

"Are you ok?" Harry asked carefully when he saw Draco coming out with his luggage. Draco abruptly looked at Harry. Without answering Draco asked a question of his own. "Are you the Chosen One?" he said speaking rather fast. Harry was taken aback by the enquiry.

Harry stuttered uncertainly. "Uh, well, uh…Why?" He finally said. Draco though seemed to have snapped out of his trance.

"It doesn't matter. We are going to miss a carriage so we better get moving; can't have that happening to Saint Potter" Draco said somewhat civilly. Ron rolled his eyes.

"Come on Harry, can't believe you actually came back to ask if this troll was alright." Harry left with Ron, leaving Draco rather stunned. Harry hadn't caught on to the reason why Draco had acted so peculiarly and asked such a question out of the blue, but to Draco it was blatantly obvious.

But how on earth was he to get closer to the Golden Boy for his father with a mutual hatred so mighty and his sidekicks so close to him?

...

Chapter end

So that's the first chapter of the re-written 'An Unusual Attachment.' Please review – compliments and critique equally welcomed. Also, if there is anything that wasn't apparent in the story previously that you would like now, let me know.

By the way; this may make me sound old but how awesome is it that you can now add more than one character in a story now?! Last time I posted a story you could only have a maximum of two! Oh it's so good to be back!

Review, review, review!

Best wishes

Raiise