Chapter Three – Good Impressions

Almost instantly, Harry felt a strange pulling sensation as if his body were being stretched and dragged through a small pipe. It was difficult to breathe, let alone see, but it was as soon over as it had begun. It felt like he was being flung from this mysterious portal as he landed unceremoniously at the foot of a desk. Then, suddenly, a startled screech filled the room, surprising Harry enough to get up off the floor and take in his surroundings. He looked at the source of the noise and stared. It was a phoenix.

'It can't be… Fawkes?' The sound of footsteps fast approaching snapped Harry out of his reverie. Panicking, Harry jumped behind the desk and hid. He heard the sound of the office door opening, as the footsteps grew closer.

"Fawkes? Calm down, old friend. What happened?"

There was no mistaking that voice. He had admired the owner of that voice and he had learned countless lessons amongst everything that was said by that voice. Harry felt a wave of tears spring to his eyes. 'Dumbledore… he's alive!' Harry mentally berated himself. 'Of course he's alive! I went back fourteen years!' Still, knowing that his mentor was well and breathing merely a few paces from where he hid was overwhelming. A warbled cry involuntarily emitted from Harry's lips and he quickly covered his mouth and held his breath, hoping not to get caught.

"All right. Show yourself. I know you're in here." The voice was calm, but firm.

Harry didn't move. He didn't breath. He wasn't sure he was even supposed to be here, let alone be forced to face the man he desperately missed. He wasn't sure if this was right. He prayed that he wasn't skewering the fabrics of time.

A knock came from above him, startling the boy even more, making him jump in surprise and accidentally bang his head against his hiding place.

"There you are. Come on out, then."

Harry froze.

"I'll give you to the count of three. One."

'What do I do? What do I do? What do I do?!'

"Two."

'He wasn't supposed to see me, was he? He never mentioned anything if he did…'

"Two and a half…"

'And if he didn't then shit! I'm in trouble!'

"All right. You leave me with no other options. Expul-"

"WAIT!" Harry leapt out from under the desk, his hands up in surrender.

"My God…" Harry watched as the younger Albus Dumbledore staggered a few steps back in seeing the person in front of him. "…J-James Potter? How is this possible? I thought you…"

"No, no, Professor. I'm not James. I'm Harry."

"Harry?" The Headmaster blinked in surprise. "Harry Potter? But he's just a child…" The older man quickly regained himself and pointed his want firmly at the young man in front of him. "Explain yourself."

"I am Harry Potter! I came here using this thing-" he reached for the pendant dangling around his neck.

"Don't!" Dumbledore warned, not entirely sure what it was around his neck. Harry quickly held his hands back up showing the headmaster his compliance. Dumbledore broke his eye contact and glanced at the pendant. His eyebrows furrowed in contemplation. "That's… is that a time-conductor?"

"Yes! You know about it! Thank goodness." Harry smiled in relief. "I mean, I was told that not many people know, but of course you know! You're Dumbledore! You know everything!"

"Hardly…" the headmaster shook his head, although a smile was playing on his lips. "So then… you're from… the future?"

Eagerly, the boy nodded.

Professor Dumbledore sighed and dropped his arm back down to his side. He studied the boy in front of him. "My word… Harry Potter…"

"Yes, Professor. It's me."

"It must be a matter of great importance if you were granted permission to use a time-conductor."

"Potentially… It's not clear whether or not I have a duty to perform…" Harry shut his eyes and shook his head. His mind was reeling. He looked back up at the older man. "Professor Dumbledore…" Unable to contain himself any longer, Harry swiftly made his way over to the headmaster and wrapped his arms around him in a firm hug.

This clearly caught the man by surprise, as he didn't seem to know what to do with himself. "Err… Mister… Potter?"

Realizing himself, Harry hastily pulled away, wiping the tears that found their way back to the surface. "I'm sorry, I just… It's really good to see you, Professor…"

The headmaster pondered the words. "So… that must mean something happened to me."

"Oh! I shouldn't have! No… Just never mind. I don't know what I'm talking about."

"I see. That bad, huh?" He said warmly, a twinkle in his eye.

"Professor…"

The Headmaster moved around the boy and took a seat in his chair behind his desk. He rubbed his temples with eyes closed, seemingly trying to register everything. "You being here… that must mean the future is in turmoil… what happened? Did Voldemort return?"

"Well… I guess, technically yes, but-"

"Surely, you're here to stop him while you can? You would only be granted use of the time-conductor to change the past due to dire circumstances. That was our oath. So surely, you're here to-"

"Sir, excuse me, but the future isn't doomed because of Lord Voldemort. A series of events occur that eventually lead to his ultimate death. The world isn't overrun by Death Eaters. It is protected by all that is good." It wasn't until after all this was said that Harry briefly wondered whether or not Professor Dumbledore needed to know these things. Had he altered the future by telling him?

Dumbledore was deep in thought. "Then why…?"

"It is my duty to make sure that Draco Malfoy doesn't die."

"Draco Malfoy?" Dumbledore cradled his chin in his hand. "Malfoy… Malfoy… as in Lucius Malfoy?"

"Yes, sir. Lucius is Draco's father."

"Yes… I think I recall now… but why Draco?"

"He plays a vital role in my escape from Voldemort's clutches."

"And without you, the world cannot be safe?"

"I don't know. But because Draco lived, he was able to come to my aide and I was then able to stop Voldemort." Again, Harry wondered how much was too much. 'But… now that I think about it, Professor Dumbledore was never surprised by anything that happened to him… is this because of me?'

The headmaster registered all this information. "So… if you're from the future, he obviously survives whatever is in store for him."

"Yes, but… the people involved with sending me here are rather convinced that I was the one who saved him in the first place. I'm not so sure myself, but I have to make sure that the man who does save Malfoy does exist so that our future is safe."

"So you were sent here in the belief that you had been sent here before."

"Something like that."

"I see."

Harry glanced at his watch. However, it read the same date and time from when he had left. "Excuse me, sir, but what time is it now?"

Dumbledore glanced at his own pocket-watch. "A quarter past one."

Harry readjusted his watch. "I must be going. I was told to be at Diagon Alley between one and five…"

"Of course. You may use our floo network, if you wish."

"Yes, thank you."

"And Harry," Dumbledore stood. "I'd like very much to discuss the future with you. I know you may have your doubts in doing so, but… I assure you I just want to satisfy my own curiosity. I won't interfere with what's to happen, you can trust me on that."

"I know I can… Perhaps when I am through with this mission we'll have the opportunity to do so."

"Thank you."

"No, sir. Thank you." Unable to stop himself yet again, Harry made his way over to the headmaster and held him in yet another firm embrace. "It truly is great to see you again, sir."

Dumbledore, despite the awkwardness of the situation, returned the hug. "And it's good to see what a fine young man you grow up to be, Mister Potter."

Harry pulled away and smiled. "Good day, Professor."

"Good day, Harry."

Harry walked over to the fireplace in the headmaster's office. Sitting on its mantle was a container of floo powder. Harry, just as a precaution, tucked the time-conductor into his shirt and felt his side for the pouch of money Missus Malfoy had handed to him. After making sure it was secure, he reached out for a handful of floo and tossed it into the fireplace. The flames turned green, signaling its readiness for transport.

"Diagon Alley!" he shouted. And with that, Harry jumped in. Staggering a little upon landing, but better than falling flat out on his face, the green-eyed boy dusted his shoulders of ash and looked around.

The street was bustling with life, filled with witches and wizards carrying on with their everyday lives. He walked past Quality Quidditch Supplies and in the window were models of brand-new Cleansweep Fives and Nimbus 1500s. Harry chuckled lightly, but then suddenly found himself missing his Firebolt. He walked on and tried to keep an eye out for Lucius who was to appear at any time with his son.

He soon found himself wishing that Narcissa had known a specific time. It was already nearing two o'clock and there was still no sight of either Malfoys. He ducked in to Flourish & Blotts, wanting to grab something he could rifle through when a sign caught his eye.

"Now Hiring."

He walked over to the sign and next to it was a small stack of applications. Harry picked one up and glanced over it. He paused. 'Wait… this is… this is the same paper than Missus Malfoy showed me. Did I fill this out?' Finding that he nothing better to do in the mean time, Harry held on to the page and even purchased a new quill to fill it out whilst he waited for the Malfoys. 'It can't hurt.' Harry thought. 'I'll do it just for fun.'

Harry walked around a bit more, trying to find a place where he could sit and wait. He passed by a hippogriff with one of its wings wrapped in bandages, hitched to a pole just outside Magical Menagerie. He was suddenly reminded of Buckbeak. Harry bowed to the creature who studied the boy carefully. Harry remained low and soon the bird bowed down as well. Harry smiled and held out a hand to the hippogriff.

"Hello," Harry said, stroking its feathers. "I have a friend just like you."

The hippogriff just looked at him curiously.

Harry smiled and left the creature where he was. He found a seat outside of a café that overlooked the area. Ordering a hot chocolate, Harry looked around one more time and then proceeded to complete the application.

'Name. H-' He paused. He had only made one line of the H before he rethought his actions. Curving the line at the bottom, he changed it into a J. 'Okay… James… Evans… There.' Harry frowned. Things seemed to be working out too perfectly. Wasn't there supposed to be an actual James? Still, Harry continued. 'Date of Birth, July 31st. School, Hogwarts. Skills, Defensive Arts and Dueling. Hobbies, Flying-'

There! Harry's eyes darted towards what had caught his attention.

Across the square walked a man of high society. In a sea of dark colored robes, it was easy to see how a man with hair of platinum could catch Harry's eye. With a cane in one hand and long platinum locks flowing behind him, Harry had finally spotted Lucius Malfoy. He looked around, expecting to see Draco right behind his father, but the little boy was nowhere to be seen. He looked around some more.

He found the young Malfoy was standing in front of the pet store looking at the kittens in the window. After a few moments, the little boy looked around and noticed that his father was no longer at his side. Draco scurried away from the window and headed towards his father.

Then, the sounds of a scream caught Harry's attention. He looked back over to where it came from to see the hippogriff rear on its hind legs. Apparently, some wizard had manhandled the beast without gaining its trust first. The rope that held the creature to its post snapped and it charged forward. The man ran from the bird, right in the same direction where little Draco Malfoy was hurrying to catch up with his father.

Harry's heart leapt to his throat. He stood and took a few paces toward the boy. 'This must be it… James Evans is going to jump out at any moment to stop Draco from getting run down by that hippogriff…' Even though he said this in his mind, he couldn't help but start panicking when the creature drew closer towards the little boy. 'Any minute now… James…' His breathing was haggard. Harry couldn't let this happen, but he was sure that James would jump out at any moment. Soon, the man and the hippogriff were only meters away from the boy. Hearing the ruckus, Draco paused and looked behind him. The look on his face when seeing the charging hippogriff was one of shear terror and Harry couldn't wait any longer. Before he knew what he was doing, Harry ran towards Draco. Just as the man ran past and the hippogriff trampled over, Harry leapt out, scooped the little boy into his arms, and landed heavily on his back so that Draco was sheltered in his arms. He felt the little boy clinging to him, burying his face in his savior's chest.

"Are you okay?" Harry asked, holding the boy.

"Draco!"

Harry looked up. Lucius Malfoy was standing over them, concern in his eyes for his son.

Draco turned in hearing his name. He immediately released his hold on Harry and hurried over to his father. "Papa!"

Lucius bent down and picked up his son. "Where did you go? What did I tell you about leaving my side?" The older Malfoy frowned, but stroked his son's back in a calming motion.

Harry stood, instantly feeling the weight of his actions on his back. He winced slightly and dusted himself off.

"What happened here?"

Harry looked at Lucius. 'He's talking to me…'

"Ummm, he was chasing after you when that hippogriff broke from its tether. He was charging right towards him." He nodded at the boy in his arms.

"And you jumped out and helped him?"

Harry nodded again.

"Well, thank you."

"You're welcome."

Lucius looked around. There was a crowd forming around them of people who saw what happened and people curious to see what had happened. "Come," he motioned Harry to follow. "This way."

Harry followed Lucius over to the café where Harry had been waiting for the pair. "Oh, I was just…" he pointed to the table where he had been sitting. His drink had arrived, at least. Lucius nodded and took a seat at the table. Harry occupied his former chair.

"Again, thank you." The blond looked at the boy in his arms. "Come, Draco. You must thank this man for what he did for you."

The boy released his hold on his father and turned to face Harry. He hung his head and didn't meet his eye. "Thank you."

"It was nothing. He looked like he was in trouble so I just did what I thought was right."

"I see."

Draco looked a little worse for the wear. Harry sympathized. He looked at the boy. "Hey, Draco. Are you thirsty? Here's some fresh hot chocolate if you want…"

Draco's face lit up. He eagerly nodded and took a sip. After realizing it was cool enough to drink, he gulped down some more.

Lucius cocked an eyebrow.

"Oh, don't worry. I didn't drink any yet. It just got here. But I guess I should order another…" he said, smiling at the mustache Draco was donning.

"What is your name?"

"Huh?"

"Your name."

"Oh… it's um, J-James. James Evans."

"James Evans…" Lucius' eyes looked down to the piece of paper on the table. He picked it up and looked it over. "You're looking for a job, Mister Evans?"

"I… suppose so. I only just arrived here."

Lucius looked over the application again. "I think I'll hold on to this if you don't mind. If you'll excuse me, I've some duties I must attend to."

"Yes, of course."

The man placed his son on the ground and stood. "Thank you again, Mister Evans. Perhaps I shall see you again." He held out his hand. Harry shook it firmly. "Lucius Malfoy. If you need anything, don't hesitate to contact me." He reached into his robes and tossed a galleon onto the table. "Here. On me. Come Draco. Say goodbye."

Hanging onto his father's hand, Draco tentatively looked up at Harry. "…Bye."

Harry waved at the pair as they disappeared into the crowd. He ordered another hot chocolate and fell back into his seat, allowing himself the time to register what just happened. 'So… that means I really am James, right?'

He quickly looked through the crowd again, hoping to spot anyone that bore any sort of resemblance to himself. Not a single one looked like he could be James. Harry slumped forward, holding his head in his hands.

'Okay… so I am James… so what? I said I'd fulfill my mission, and I will. I mean, Malfoy didn't seem so bad just now. I think I'll be able to manage him as a four-year old…'

Harry sighed. 'So what do I do now? I stopped Malfoy from being trampled and Lucius took my application… maybe that's what McGonagall and Missus Malfoy were going to tell me. They surely would have known what I do next. Maybe I should go back? Will I be able to come back here? McGonagall said I'd return when I take the necklace off… but what if I can't come back and Draco dies? Then I could die and the world won't be safe from Voldemort. No… I should play this out…'

He quickly downed the hot chocolate when it arrived, glad it wasn't scalding hot. 'For now, I'll just find a place to stay.' He glanced at the back of his shirt, seeing the damages of crashing into the ground. 'And in the mean time, I suppose I should get some new clothes…'

Harry spent the rest of his afternoon doing just that. He wandered in and out of the various stores on Diagon Alley, making sure to stop at Madam Malkin's shop to pick up a new shirt. He walked over to the Leaky Cauldron and asked Tom for a room. It was then that Harry decided to take a rest.

When he awoke an hour later, there was a light tapping on his window. Harry yawned and stretched, feeling a little sore on his back. He opened the window and the owl flew in, dropping a letter on his bed. It perched by the window, watching Harry with its large brown eyes. Harry opened the letter.

To Mister Evans,

I am looking for an au pair for my son, someone of your character and skill. If you are interested, please send word with this owl and I will arrange an interview with you, my wife, and myself for three in the afternoon tomorrow. If not, thank you again for helping my boy. I would not know what to do had I lost him today.

Signed, Lucius Malfoy.

Harry blinked. 'This is really happening isn't it? I'm really James…I saved Draco and now I have an interview to be his babysitter. There's no denying it any longer. I am James.' He sighed. He tore off a piece of the parchment and wrote back.

To Mister Malfoy,

I'd be happy to meet with you and your wife. I'll see you at three.

Signed, James Evans.

He tied the note around the owl's leg and sent it on its way. He watched the bird fly off into the moonlight before closing his window and falling back into his bed. 'Great… how am I going to pull this off? Well… I guess the fact that I'm still alive means that I did this once before… Man. I wish Ron and Hermione were with me on this. They'd know what to do.'

Harry stared at the ceiling, perplexed. He wondered fate held for him for the next two and a half months.

---

Apparating somewhere near the manor, Harry walked the few meters it took to arrive at the front gates. He looked at the structure before him. He had never seen Malfoy Manor in daylight. The place was huge!

He had purchased a new outfit that morning, one that he thought would make him look capable yet casual. He wore a clean white dress shirt with a thin black and green tie and black slacks. Trying to keep things light, he loosened his tie a bit, and unfastened the first button and rolled up his sleeves to his elbows. He still wore the sneakers he had arrived in. But coming up to the manor, he wasn't so sure if his attire was appropriate enough and he found himself straightening up some.

As soon as he got close enough, a face magically appeared on the front gates. "State your name and your purpose."

"Um, hi. I'm James Evans? I'm here to see Mister and Missus Malfoy? I have an interview…"

"Proceed." The gates swung open, granting entry to the young man.

Harry was greeted by large hedges that ran down the entire driveway. Walking through the grass were peacocks of pure white. Harry was amazed at the sight and was drawn by the dancing waters of the fountain at the end of the driveway. He walked up to the massive and lavish front doors and rang the bell. He was soon greeted by a house elf who then led Harry into the drawing room.

"Ah, Mister Evans," Lucius said, looking up from his paper. He stood and shook hands with the younger man. "Thank you for coming."

"Thank you for inviting me."

He turned, introducing the woman who sat with him. "This is my wife, Narcissa."

Harry looked at the lady of the house. She looked the same as she did when he had seen her in McGonagall's office. She held out her hand which Harry shook in greeting.

"Hello. Thank you for having me."

"Please, Mister Evans. Have a seat." Narcissa motioned to the chair across from her. Harry did as he was told. "Would you like something to drink?"

"Um, water would be fine."

"Dobby." She snapped.

Harry looked at the approaching house-elf as bittersweet emotions ran through him. But Harry had to hold himself together, despite seeing his dear friend. It was necessary for him to do so in order to get the job.

"Got get some water for our guest."

"Yes, milady." The house-elf bowed and walked away.

"My husband told me you rescued our little Draco yesterday. Thank you."

"It was nothing."

"Nonsense. It was a brave thing to do. Not just anyone would have the guts to jump out in front of a hippogriff like that."

"I only did what I thought was right." Dobby arrived with the water and placed it next to Harry. "Thank you, Dobby."

The house-elf looked startled, but quickly retreated from sight. Harry took a sip.

"Still… I'm grateful. I don't know what I would do without my dear boy."

"So, Mister Evans," Lucius spoke up. "Tell us a little about yourself."

"Well… I just left school, Hogwarts. I haven't really found time to settle down or find a job or anything. I'm sort of just… passing through."

"And you think you are competent in the role of an au pair?"

"I think so."

"As an au pair," Narcissa spoke, "we'd be expecting you to do some light housework especially when our house-elves are busy with other things. We have frequent dinner parties that they would attend to. You would have to pick up their slack."

"No problem. I grew up in a strict household. I know how to do some cooking and cleaning."

"Good, good." Narcissa nodded her approval.

"And, of course, you'd be expected to watch over our son throughout the day," Lucius added. "And some nights as well. He can be a handful at times."

"Well I've seen quite a number of things in my lifetime thus far. I think I'll be able to handle your son."

"We'd also be expecting you to help tutor the boy with some basic things. You know, reading, writing."

"That's fine. I once taught a class of students some basic spells."

"Excellent. I like your confidence," Lucius noted. "And it said on your resume that you're adept at defense arts?"

"Yes sir. I was the best in my class at defense arts and dueling."

"Brilliant. Very good indeed," Lucius seemed pleased. "You see, James, we've been receiving the occasional howler from some lunatic. Probably because of our success in life. If anything should happen to Draco-"

"Don't worry. I've fought trolls, giants, and even a few dementors in my travels. I think I can handle a crazed fanatic."

"Perfect. I think my wife can agree, Mister Evans, that you are quite capable of what we expect of you. We'd be able to pay you handsomely of course. At the end of every week?"

"Sure. Sounds good."

"This first week will be a trial period, of course. We need to make sure that you are compatible with our Draco."

"Yes, of course." Harry nodded.

Lucius and Narcissa stood, and Harry followed suit.

"I have one last question, Mister Evans." Lucius said.

"Yes sir?"

"What house were you placed in at Hogwarts?"

Harry blinked. Quickly he glanced at Narcissa then back at Lucius. He knew he had to play the role. "Slytherin, of course. God forbid I were ever a Hufflepuff."

"Or a Gryffindor, for that matter." Lucius said with a smile. "Brilliant. You can start tomorrow."

"Yes. Arrive promptly at six. The house-elves will show you to your room. Draco wakes at seven. Then your trial period will begin. We look forward to working with you, Mister Evans."

"And I, you."

Harry shook the hands of both Malfoys and made his way back out of the Manor.

'This is it. I got the job.' Harry smiled as the front doors closed behind him. Once he was off the grounds, he Disapperated back to Diagon Alley. 'Okay,' Harry thought. 'Now I need to buy some new clothes for this…'

He spent the afternoon buying more clothes from Madam Malkin's shop. He even purchased a saddlebag to put them all in. And once he was satisfied with all that he had bought, Harry decided it would be best then to go to Flourish & Blotts to do some research. He hadn't a clue about what it would be like to watch a four-year-old.

Author's Notes: I think as a child, Draco wouldn't call his father "Father." That's why he says "Papa." Hey! Thanks for reading!