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A Year Full of Surprises by Cassandra_Potter
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A Year Full of Surprises

Cassandra_Potter

Author's Notes: Thanks to everyone who has reviewed the first chapter. I'm happy to see several people enjoying the story. To answer one of the questions. Alhormora in chapter one isn't being used as a spell..Dumbledore clearly tells Ron and Hermione that it is the password into the Gryffindor Tower. Remember, I wrote this back in 2001..I was a very big amature at writing back then..*wink* Anyway, here's chapter two for all of you. I hope you will continue to review and continue to enjoy the story.

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Chapter Two: Draco....Potter...Are you Crazy

Two weeks had past since Harry's kidnapping and rescue. Rolling over in his sleep, Harry moaned as another nightmare took shape. This one was different than the ones he had been having since he rescue. This one was more dark and evil.

"Kneel before me, you foolish girl if you want to live."

"I won't do it. You'll just have to kill me," Hermione said defiantly.

"You think I won't?"

"No."

"It's a pity you have so much faith in him. It's going to cost you your life, Mudblood."

"No, Hermione, move. Get out of there. He's going to kill you," Harry yelled only to watch Hermione fall to the ground dead. "No, why Hermione," he asked trying to look at the wizard who had just killed his friend.

"One down, but so many more to go," the wizard said turning around enough for Harry to see his face.

Getting a good look at the wizard, Harry shook his head. "No, it can't be. NO!!!"

"Harry, what is it? What's wrong? Another nightmare," Ron asked running to Harry's bed after hearing his friend scream in his sleep.

"I'm fine, Ron."

"No, you are not. Want to talk about it?"

"I'm fine, Ron! Leave me alone!"

Jumping at Harry's angry tone, Ron slowly rose to his feet. "If that's the way you want it Harry, then that's what I'll do."

Biting his lip, Harry shook his head. "No, Ron, that's not what I want. I'm sorry I yelled at you."

"Do you want to talk about it?"

Nodding his head, Harry licked his dry lips. "I was dreaming about Hermione. She was being threatened by a wizard."

"What happened?"

"He killed her."

"Harry, nothing is going to happen to me or Hermione. It was just a dream."

"Yes, it was a dream but the wizard who killed her was me. I killed Hermione, Ron."

"No, you didn't, Harry. It was only a dream. You would never hurt her or me," Ron said in a reassuring tone.

"But what if I do, Ron?"

"You won't, Harry."

"I don't know."

"I do, Harry. You aren't an evil person. The Sorting Hat put you in Gryffindor not Slytherin."

"It wanted to."

"But it didn't. There's a difference, Harry."

"I know."

"It's time for breakfast. Hagrid said he would be taking you, me, and Hermione to Diagon Alley today."

"Okay, I'll be right down. You guys don't have to wait for me."

"Are you sure? We don't mind waiting you know."

Smiling, Harry nodded his head. "I know and I appreciate all the support you and Hermione have given to me. I really do."

"You are our best friend Harry, and we love you."

"I love you guys too. I'll be down in a minute. I'll be okay."

"All right. We'll see you in the Great Hall," Ron said walking out of the boy's dormitory. Seeing Hermione's worried glance he smiled. "He's okay. He just had another nightmare."

"Another one? What was this one about?"

"He said in it he killed you."

"Oh Ron, this is getting bad. I'm getting worried about him."

"You and me both. Let's go on to the Great Hall. I don't want Harry to worry about us worrying about him."

Laughing, Hermione shook her head. "Okay only if you promise we'll talk to Professor Dumbledore about his nightmares before we go inside," she said following after him.

"Deal."

Opening the dorm door, Harry looked down into the common room. Seeing Ron and Hermione gone, Harry breathed a sigh of relief. Doing what he had to do would be easier if he didn't have to confront Ron and Hermione. He couldn't stay here. He knew that now. The nightmares were getting worse and he wasn't going to put his friends in danger again because of him. They were too important to him to stay. Walking down the flights of stairs, Harry quickly reached the front doors of the castle.

"Leaving so soon, Harry?"

"I'm just going outside, Professor Dumbledore."

"Harry, I'm sure you realize I know you by now. Running away will not solve your problems."

"It will keep the ones I love safe."

"Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger will not stay here knowing you are in danger and not here as well."

"I'm not in danger. Voldemort is gone, but they are in danger from me."

"Harry, come to my office and let's have a little chat."

"No, Professor, there isn't any reason to talk. Ron and Hermione will be much safer if I vanish from the Wizarding World."

"Where will you go, Harry?"

"I don't know. Any place I go will be better than staying here."

"I see. It seems you have put much thought into your decision."

"I have."

"Very well. I will allow you to leave on one condition."

"What's that, Professor?"

"Stay through the first week of classes and if you still want to leave then you can go."

"My decision will not change."

"Then staying through the first week of classes will not do you any harm. Do we have a deal," Dumbledore asked smiling down at Harry's growing form.

"All right Professor, I'll stay through the first week of classes," Harry said giving in to Professor Dumbledore's request.

"Excellent. Now, I believe you will find Mr. Weasley and Ms. Granger in the Great Hall waiting for you."

Nodding his head, Harry walked into the Great Hall. Finding Ron and Hermione, he headed over to the table and sat down beside them. Looking down at his plate, Harry decided what he was going to do.

"There you are, Harry. We thought you had gotten lost or weren't coming down," Hermione said smiling over at Harry.

"Sorry about that. Professor Dumbledore stopped me in the hall so we could have a quick chat."

"Is everything all right? Voldemort hasn't come back has he," Ron asked knowing full well why Dumbledore spoke with Harry.

"No, Ron, Voldemort is gone for good. He's not coming back. All three of us saw him explode. No, it wasn't about Voldemort."

"Then what was it about?"

"I don't want to talk about it, Mione."

"Harry, does this have anything to do with the nightmare you had last night," Hermione asked putting her fork down. If he was going to get better he had to start talking about the nightmares.

"How do you know about that?"

"I told her, Harry. She deserved to know."

Closing his eyes, Harry instantly regretted agreeing to Dumbledore's request and telling Ron about the nightmare all at the same time.

"Harry, I'm glad he told me. I don't want you to worry about hurting me. I know you won't."

"That's just it, Hermione! You don't know anything about me! I could kill you or Ron even," Harry yelled getting quickly to his feet. He had made a terrible mistake. He couldn't stay here.

"Harry, wait! You can't be seriously thinking about leaving are you," Hermione asked jumping up in front of Harry.

Can you read my mind, Mione? "What if I am? There isn't anything you can do to stop me."

"I can tell you I don't want you to go. We need you, Harry."

"No, you don't. You don't need someone like me around."

"Someone like you? Harry, what in the Bloody Hell are you talking about?"

"You don't need someone around who's been touched with Voldemort's evil. I'm tainted. I'm no good. If you know what's good for you, you'll clear off."

"What?! I can't believe I'm hearing this from you. You Harry, would never abandon your friends. You can't expect us to abandon you when you need us the most!"

"Ron, I know what I'm doing!"

"Do you know what you're doing, Harry? Because I honestly don't think you do."

"Well, Ms. Perfect Hermione, what do you think I'm doing?"

"Running away."

"That's the only thing I'm not doing. I'm trying to keep you two safe!"

"But don't you see we love you and want to help, Harry?"

"YOU CAN'T!!"

"We can't or you won't let us?"

"Hermione..."

"No, don't Hermione me, Harry Potter! I know what you are doing. You want to keep us safe, but you are just as important to us as we are to you."

Shaking his head, Harry turned his back to his friends. "I shouldn't be important to anyone."

Hermione's mouth dropped open as she starred at him in shock. "I can't believe you just said that," she said stepping in front of him again so she could see his face. "You are the most important person in my life besides my parents and Ron. I don't want to lose you and I refuse to be pushed away. If I have to show you how important you are to me then I will," she said grabbing Harry's robes and pulling him down to her.

She never acted on impulse before, but this was one time she was going to jump in with both feet. Whether she sank or swam was completely up to Harry. Brushing her lips against his, Hermione held on tightly to Harry.

The instant her soft lips brushed against his, Harry felt his body rocked with shook. One of his best friends was kissing him. Stretching his hands out, he intended to gently push her away. Instead of doing that, he found his body responding to her soft kiss. When he should have been pushing her away he was actually pulling her closer and sliding his fingers into her silky brown hair. Sliding his tongue into her mouth, Harry nearly groaned out loud. Pulling back slightly to breath, he glanced down at the beautiful woman in his arms. Smiling, Harry leaned down and planted a soft kiss on Hermione's forehead.

"Thank you."

"For what?"

"For knocking some sense into me in your own special way."

"Oh, well, you're welcome then."

"I'm glad you helped but did you have to do that in front of me?"

Laughing, Harry and Hermione shook their heads. "Ron, I'm sorry. I didn't know what else to do to make him understand. You just happen to be standing there."

"I'm sure you had that all planned out. You just wanted to snog in front of me," Ron teased.

"You are very evil. Do you know that, Ronald Weasley," she asked laughing even more.

"Well, I do learn from the best you know. Fred and George wouldn't have it any other way."

"I'm sure they wouldn't."

"Ah, there you three are. Ready to go get your school supplies are you?"

"Hi, Hagrid."

"Harry. All right?"

"Much better now, thanks, Hagrid," Harry said smiling down at Hermione.

"Wonderful. Well, come along. It's time for a little trip."

"Hagrid, how are we going to get there?"

"Magic of course."

"But you aren't allowed to do magic, Hagrid."

"Very true, Ron. Professor Dumbledore has made an exception this one time."

"Are you going to apporate us there?"

"Almost. Diagon Alley has the same wards as Hogwarts. We'll end up in the alley behind The Leaky Cauldron, Hermione. Well, we best be off," Hagrid said looking down at his pocket watch.

Walking outside, Harry thought back to the beginning of summer. Before they had separated, Hermione had kissed him on the cheek. At the time he had found it strange, awkward, sweet, and above all confusing. After all the time the two of them tried to convince...and she does that. It did leave Harry wondering if Hermione was being honest with him. Now he knew she hadn't been and her feelings ran much deeper than friendship. What surprised him even more was the fact his feelings ran deeper than friendship as well for her.

Pulling himself out of his thoughts, Harry listened to Hagrid's instructions before taking hold of Hagrid's huge arm. In the blink of an eye, he, Hermione, Ron, and Hagrid were standing in the alley behind The Leaky Cauldron.

"Here we are," Hagrid said as he firmly tapped the bricks that lead to Diagon Alley.

After the opening was clear the three friends and Hagrid walked out into the crowded street. Wonderful smells of warm food and Butter Beer was in the air. Walking toward Gringots, Ron glanced over at Hermione. He had no idea what they were going to do. Neither of them had their keys.

Sensing the added tension, Harry smiled. "Don't worry you guys. I can get your school supplies this year."

"No, you don't have to do that. That's your money, Harry."

"It's not a big deal, Ron. I've got enough to help you guys out. Besides what are friends for?"

"I just don't like feeling like I'm taking your money."

"Ron, if I didn't want to do it I wouldn't have offered. Besides if you're worried about paying me back don't worry because I don't want to be paid back. Anyway if you were the one with all this money, I know you would offer to help me out."

"Of course I would. You are my best friend after all."

"Then that's settled. I don't want to hear any more about feeling guilty. Is that understood?"

"As you wish, My Lord," Ron said bowing slightly toward Harry.

"Get up you, prat," Harry said laughing.

Laughing, Hagrid shook his head as he led the way toward Harry's bank vault. Giving the key to the Goblin, everyone waited for the door to be opened. After collecting the money he needed, Harry, Ron, and Hermione parted ways with Hagrid with a promise to meet him at The Leaky Cauldron in an hour's time.

"Well, well, well, if it's not Scar Head, Weasel, and Mudblood. Shouldn't you be oh I don't know hiding," Draco sneered.

Grabbing Ron, Harry starred hatefully at Draco. "Hiding from what, Malfoy? I'm sure you know by now Voldemort is gone."

"So I heard. You may have defeated the Dark Lord again Potter, but you still aren't safe. Just thought I would give you a little piece of advice. I'd watch my back if I were you."

"You know what Malfoy, take your advice and sod off."

"Gladly, Weasel. Oh by the way you aren't safe either. Hmm, it sure feels good to be so nice."

Raising her eye brows, Hermione placed her hands on her hips. "If this is what you call nice, I would hate to see what you call being generous."

Frowning, Draco turned his attention to the trio's female companion. "You know Granger, I can be a nice guy when I want to be."

"Oh please. You don't have a nice bone in your body, Malfoy."

"You don't believe me? Fine have it your way then."

"If you think you have a 'nice' streak in you Malfoy, why don't you prove it."

"Is that a challenge, Potter?"

"What do you think, Draco?"

"You're on, Potter. What do I get if I win?"

"The satisfaction of being nice for a change and proving me wrong."

"It isn't much, but I'll still rise to the challenge," Draco said extending his hand.

Looking down at Draco's hand, Harry wondered what he was getting himself into now. "All right Draco, it's a bet, but if I win you have to stop bad mouthing my friends for the rest of the school year," Harry challenged as he to extended his hand.

Nodding his head, Draco took a firm hold on Harry's hand and shook it. "Done. Now when does this little challenge start?"

"How about right now?"

"Fine by me."

"Excellent."

"Ron!"

Turning around, Ron smiled broadly as his little sister came running toward him. "Ginny, I didn't know you guys would be coming here today."

Laughing, Ginny gave her big brother a huge hug. Professor Dumbledore owled Mum and told her when you would be here. So here we are."

"Here you are, and you are looking very pretty today," Draco said smiling sweetly.

"That's my sister you are talking to, Malfoy. Back off."

"What's wrong, Ron? I'm being honest. Ginny does look very pretty today," Draco said never taking his eyes off of Ginny's face.

Glancing over at Harry and Hermione, Ron couldn't believe what he was hearing. Malfoy never used his first name much less called his sister by her first name or paid her with a complement.

Feeling her cheeks turn hot, Ginny smiled before glancing down at the ground. "Thank you."

"Your welcome."

"Come on Ginny, lets go find Mum," Ron said leading his sister away.

Smiling, Draco turned toward Harry and Hermione. "Listen, you two need to be careful today. I heard Lucius talking about an attack here today."

"Why are you telling us this?"

"Why? Maybe because I've decided to change."

"You haven't changed in four years why should we believe you've changed now and don't say this is part of the bet."

"No, this has nothing to do with the bet. I guess you could say seeing Voldemort face to face puts things into perspective. I saw things I would rather I had not seen. You were right about me, Harry. I was a stupid prat who should have wised up instead of allowing Lucius to make me into what he is. For that, I am truly sorry."

Shaking his head, Harry struggled to comprehend what Draco was saying. How could he see Voldemort and why was he calling his father by his first name?

"If you are changing your ways why did you address us in your usual manner before?"

"For someone as smart as you are Hermione, you don't think sometimes. If I had walked up to you and tried to talk to you without the insults what would you have said?"

"I would have tried to figure out why you were being so nice."

"Exactly, but?"

"But now it makes sense why you would agree to a bet to be nice."

"I used to be your enemy, but if you let me I want to be your friend and partner."

Looking closely at Draco, Harry wasn't sure they could trust him. One day of being nice couldn't erase four years of being nasty.

"You don't look convinced, Harry."

"Can you blame me, Draco? You have spent the last four years of Hogwarts doing everything you can to get me and my friends expelled or killed. Why change now when Voldemort is dead?"

"Because I know how you stand by your friends and do anything in your power to protect them."

"So you just want to use me?"

"No! I want to turn my life around before it's too late!"

"What are you talking about? With Voldemort gone the Death Eaters have probably disbanded again."

"No, they haven't because Voldemort isn't dead."

"You have got to be joking. We saw him explode from the Killing Curse."

"But Harry isn't dead."

"He was but I saved him."

"And in doing so, you also saved Voldemort."

"Are you saying the only way to kill Voldemort is for Harry to die?"

"That's the theory. Voldemort has ordered his Death Eaters not to harm one single hair on Harry's head. He doesn't want Harry killed until he can figure out a way to break the link they both share."

"That link can't be broken since it is my blood he has running through his veins."

"Trust me, if there is a way Voldemort will find it," Draco said before the sky suddenly clouded over. "They're coming."

"Hermione, run! Find Ron and get out of here!"

"I'm not leaving you, Harry!"

"You have to. They won't hesitate to kill you! Now go!"

Grabbing Harry's face gently in her hands, Hermione kissed him quickly. "I love you, Harry Potter."

"I love you too. Now go, please."

Nodding her head, Hermione quickly left the street to find Ron and his family. As she went in search of them, she silently prayed Harry would be all right. She didn't know what she would do if she lost him now that she knew he loved her just as much as she loved him.

"You better go to, Draco. You told me the truth and I appreciate that."

"No way. I'm not leaving so you can kill yourself. I know you want Voldemort gone, but we'll find another way to do it."

"You sound like Ron."

"Maybe one day you will be able to trust me like you trust him and Hermione."

"Maybe Draco. Just maybe," Harry said before spinning around hearing a woman scream.

"So we meet again, Harry. Draco, why are you here?"

"Sorry to disappoint you, Lucius. I came to warn him and his friends."

"How dare you address me in that manner you ungrateful little brat," Lucius growled pulling out his wand.

"Petrificus Totalas!"

Watching Lucius Malfoy collapse onto his back, Harry lowered his newly acquired wand and looked over at Draco. He had never seen that kind of hate toward his father in the Slytherin's eyes before. Frowning Harry knew Draco was hiding something. He could feel it in his stomach not to mention noticing for a third time how Draco had addressed Lucius as Lucius instead of father.

"Come on Draco, we better get out of here before his friends show up."

"Sounds good to me. Good riddance, Lucius. If I never see you again it will be too soon. Let's go, Harry," Draco said walking away.

Following beside him, Harry pushed his confusion aside as they ran into the Weasley's and Hermione. Seeing the look of relief on Hermione, Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's faces, Harry felt good knowing people cared about him.

"Are you all right, Harry?"

"I'm fine Mr. Weasley, but we need to get out of here."

"I agree. The safest place for you kids would be Hogwarts, but we can't apporate there."

"No, but we do have a Portkey that will get us there," Ron said taking the Portkey boot from his bag.

"Why did you bring that with you," Hermione asked not really caring for an answer.

"Just in case we needed it. I think we need it."

"Yes, we do. Good thinking Ron," Harry said patting his friend on the shoulder. "Time to go."

"What about Hagrid?"

"Don't worry about him, Hermione. We ran into him and he said he would see you kids at the castle since Molly and I offered to take you back," Author said nodding his head.

Stepping up to Ron, everyone took a hold of the boot. Within a matter of minutes Diagon Alley was far behind. In its place was Hogwarts. Hearing Hagrid yelling 'hello' from his hut, Harry breathed a sigh of relief.

"Now that we are here you can drop the act, Draco."

"Ron, back off. He's not pretending."

"What? Have you gone mad, Harry?"

"No, but you didn't see what I saw back in Diagon Alley either."

"He's right, Ron. Draco warned us about the Death Eaters."

"He's probably just spying on us for them and his father."

"Ron..."

"Its okay, Harry. I don't blame him for not believing me. To be honest if I were in his shoes I wouldn't believe me either," Draco said walking away from the group and heading toward the lake.

"Good riddance is what I say."

"Ronald Weasley, I thought I taught you better than that."

"Mum, you don't know what he is like..."

"That doesn't matter. Right now you are acting out of character. Don't make me take you over my knee."

"Mum," Ron whined as his face turned as red as his hair.

Glancing over his shoulder, Harry quietly slipped away from everyone. It was time he got to the bottom of Draco's strange behavior.

"Draco, we need to talk."

"What about?"

"About what's going on."

"There's nothing to talk about. I just decided I wanted to change. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing, but you have to admit it is a bit strange. It's like you woke up one morning and said I'm going to change my ways."

"That's pretty much how it happened. Look, I really don't care if you believe me or not."

"Draco, I'm not saying I don't believe you. All I'm saying is it's a bit strange."

"Yeah, well it was strange for me too."

"What was?"

"Finding out the truth."

"The truth about what? Draco, you aren't making any sense here."

"Finding out the truth about me and you, Harry."

"What," Harry asked. He was more confused than ever. What was going on?

"I'll start at the beginning. When Lucius found out Voldemort was still alive he took me to see his Master. Voldemort was very pleased with the way I was raised. He commended Lucius and sent me out of the room. Being the nosy git I am, I hid by the door so I could listen in on the conversation. What I heard floored me."

"You have done very well indeed, Lucius."

"Thank you, My Lord. I have done my best even though he is not my son."

"Yes, you have. Does anyone suspect the truth?"

"No, My Lord. No one not even Dumbledore knows Draco is really a Potter."

"Excellent. I want to keep it that way. It feels so good pitting brother against brother. Wouldn't you agree, Lucius?"

"Of course, My Lord."

"No, that's impossible. You look nothing like me or my parents. Besides we are the same age. My mother only had me."

"Harry, have you ever seen a picture of your Grandfather?"

"No, but why does that matter?"

"It matters because I look like your Grandfather on your Father's side of the family," Draco said pulling out a picture of the Potter family.

Taking the picture, Harry starred at it. It was his family, and standing there next to his Father was his Grandfather. Draco was right. He did resemble his Grandfather. "How is this possible?"

"I don't know. All I know is that I'm your twin brother. Our mother gave birth to both of us without knowing it. Voldemort took me and gave me to Lucius to raise as his own son."

"If he took you why didn't he take me away too?"

"He tried, but our Father intervened in time. I can't explain it, but there is one thing I know for sure."

"What's that?"

"You and I are family and we have a lot of catching up to do."

Starring up into Draco's blue eyes, Harry knew without a doubt he was telling the truth. Smiling, he wrapped his arms around his brother and gave him a hug. His heart beat with joy when he felt Draco hug him in return. He had a brother and he never even knew it.

"Harry, what's going on? Why are you hugging Malfoy?"

Letting go of Draco, Harry turned around with a goofy grin on his face. "Actually Ron, you can't call him a Malfoy any more."

"Why not?"

"Because he was never a Malfoy to begin with. He's actually a Potter."

"What?!"

"He's my twin brother, Ron."

"Bloody Hell. If this is a trick Draco, I swear..."

"It's not a trick. It's the truth. I heard it from both Lucius and Voldemort's lips. I'm Harry's twin brother."

"I knew it was a lie. Voldemort is dead."

"No, he's not because Harry is alive. I saw him with my own eyes."

"Was that before or after Harry was kidnapped?"

"Kidnapped? When?"

"It was right before we killed Voldemort," Hermione said joining the boys by the lake.

"You didn't know about that?"

"No, I didn't know. Lucius was always gone, but I never wondered why. He was always doing something for Voldemort. He just apporated to the mansion one night saying Voldemort was gone. About a half hour later he took me to see him saying something about a miracle."

"I bet he did. It sounds like cadswallop to me."

"It doesn't matter. I believe him okay? Oww," Harry groaned gritting his teeth and grabbing his forehead.

"Harry, what's wrong," Hermione asked stepping up to his side.

"It's my scar. It's burning. Voldemort is up to something."

"So he is alive."

"I told you he was, Ron. Come on we need to get Harry inside. He'll be much safer than out here on the grounds."

"I thought Voldemort wanted Harry alive?"

"He does until he can break the link binding him to Harry. Once that is gone, he'll come after him again."

"He'll be after you too now that you know the truth."

"I know, but Harry is the one Voldemort fears not me."

"Why?"

"I'll explain later. First, we need to get inside the castle," Draco said leading Harry toward the castle doors.

"Okay Malfoy, what were you talking about outside," Ron asked as the group stepped inside the castle and closed the door firmly behind them.

"Don't call me that," Draco spat. "I'm not a Malfoy, and I don't want to be reminded of the way I treated everyone around me. But to answer your question, Harry is a lot stronger than I am with magic. He poses a greater threat to Voldemort than even Dumbledore. As long as Harry is alive Voldemort will not reach his full power. That's why he tried to kill him when he was a baby."

"That sounds like a prophecy I read once. The birth of a child with great power will bring the end of a great evil. The only problem is there is no way to tell if this has anything to do with Voldemort or Harry."

Feeling his strength return, Harry rose to his full height. "I would appreciate it if you guys didn't act like I'm not even here."

"Sorry, Harry. We're just worried."

"I know, but I'm not a child who needs three people watching my every move. I am old enough to take care of myself you know."

"Of course we know that, but with Voldemort back we'll just have to be extra careful."

"Draco, you said Voldemort is trying to break the link he and I share right?"

"Yeah, why?"

"If he succeeds then he can be killed and I don't have to die with him."

Snapping his fingers, Ron smiled. "Why don't we try and help old Voldie out in that department."

Smiling himself, Harry nodded his head. "My thoughts exactly, Ron. Draco, what are you going to do about your House? I don't think our Dad would like having a son in Slytherin."

"There isn't anything that can be done. I was sorted into Slytherin."

"But that was before you knew you were my brother. That has to make a difference."

"I don't know. All we can do is go to Professor Dumbledore and talk to him."

"Talk to me about what, Mr. Malfoy," Dumbledore asked walking up to the teenagers with Molly, Arthur, and Ginny Weasley standing beside him.

Wincing, Draco smiled feeling Harry's hand touch his shoulder. It was going to take him awhile to get over all the evil things he had done to his brother and his friends. He was relieved in the knowledge that Harry believed him.

Squeezing Draco's shoulder, Harry looked up at the aging wizard in front of him. "Professor, is it possible for someone to be resorted if the House they are currently in doesn't suit them any more?"

"The Sorting Hat doesn't make mistakes, Harry. Are you not happy in Gryffindor House?"

"No, sir, it's not a request for me. It's one for Draco. He and I agree that Slytherin House isn't where he should be."

"Why is that, Harry? If I remember correctly the Hat took only a few seconds to decide."

"Yes, sir, it did but..."

"Its okay, Harry. I'll stay in Slytherin."

"But you don't belong there, Draco. You aren't an evil person," Harry whispered.

"It's okay. I'll be fine. You don't have to worry about me," Draco whispered back.

"Well, I do worry about you now."

"I know, but there isn't any reason to tip our hand," Draco whispered glancing at Dumbledore and the other adults.

Frowning, Harry looked over at Ron and Hermione. They seemed just as confused as Harry was since they heard the whispers between the two brothers. What was Draco getting at? Why didn't' he want Dumbledore and the others to know he was a Potter and not a Malfoy? Looking over at Professor Dumbledore, Harry could see the wizard was as confused as the rest of them since he had no idea what Harry and Draco had been saying to each other.

"Draco..."

"I'll talk to you later, Harry," Draco said in a normal voice as he headed toward the Great Hall.

"Harry, is there anything wrong?"

"No, sir, everything is fine," Harry said shaking his head at Ron and Hermione.

"Very well," Dumbledore said motioning for the Weasley's to follow him.

Once everyone was out of ear shot Hermione shook her head. "What was that all about? Why did Draco want to keep his relationship to you a secret, and why did you do the same thing?"

"I don't know, Hermione. I need to talk to Draco and find out what's he planning before I say anything to Professor Dumbledore."

"Okay, we'll stay quiet too until we hear differently from either you or Draco," Ron said as Hermione nodded her head in agreement.

"Thank you both for your support. It means a lot to me, and I'm sure Draco appreciates it too."

"It's not a problem, Harry. I will admit it's going to take me a little while to get used to the idea of Draco being your brother, but I will for you," Hermione said as she wrapped her arms around Harry's neck.

"Thanks, Hermione," Harry said returning the hug. Seeing Ron frowning, Harry frowned as well. "Ron, what's wrong?"

"Sorry Mate, but I can't stop thinking this is some kind of trick or trap."

"Ron, he showed me a picture of my family, and he's a spitting image of my Grandfather."

"Harry, anyone can change a picture. You've never even seen your family on your Dad's side, so how do you know it's really a picture of your family aside from seeing your Dad? That's all I'm saying. You need to be careful. He may not be your brother at all."

Closing his eyes, Harry knew Ron was right. In the excitement, he never really thought Draco could be lying to him. "You're right, Ron. The only way to really be sure is to have a DNA test, but I have nothing of my Mum or Dad to compare us to."

"Ask Sirius or Professor Lupin. They might have something that has your parents DNA on it," Hermione said helpfully.

"All right. I'll send a letter to Sirius tonight, but until it's proven to be a lie I'm still going to treat Draco like he's my brother," Harry said walking away from Ron and Hermione and heading into the Great Hall.

"I hope Draco is Harry's brother."

"Yeah, me too because if that good for nothing prat is lying he'll have to deal with me. This time though the curse I send him won't backfire on me."