3

8:47 1 August 1991

The result of the game of wizard chess before him was decided even before the first move. Draco was just really good at chess.

Theo before him seemed to think hard as he was frowning and practically glaring a hole into the board, earning a snort from their other company, Blaise Zabini who was currently sitting comfortably on an elegant green couch that was in the corner of Draco's room right bellow a big french style window.

They were in his room right now, Theo having decided to challenge him yet again and Blaise just promptly followed them, probably to enjoy the show of the Nott losing yet again. He wasn't even paying that much attention to their game as he was paying much more attention to the book on Dark arts that he was reading right now.

They were one month away from the school starting, over three years that passed Draco mostly worked on himself and getting allies, somewhat. One ally was right now sitting on his couch, he recruited him a year after Nott, pretty much using the same method. Blaise too proved competent and loyal.

One thing that surprised him about Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini was that they actually seemed to have some sort of honor, admittedly in Zabini's case it was quite twisted but it existed there.

Another thing was that they seemed to have genuine loyalty towards him, Draco himself was surprised that he found their company tolerable and even somewhat uplifting. Both were quite smart and witty for their age. That was the thing, both of them were still kids but they weren't the annoying sort so he didn't care.

He checked up on Gregory and Vincent, he didn't need to do anything as both of their families were practically his family vassals. But it surprised him that they seemed more competent than in the movies or generally anywhere they showed. They didn't seem so dumb, they weren't fat but neither handsome, both were quite average. Black and brown hair with both having brown eyes. And they showed etiquette that he didn't expect.

Of course, just because he didn't need to do anything wasn't enough for him, so he still showed them their place. They proved to be acceptable but they weren't as good as Theo or Blaise in terms of intelligence, magical capability, etc. But, they weren't completely talentless, so he did the same as he did for Theo and Blaise. Order them to study and train as he wouldn't accept incompetence. 

Of course, they were still children so they basically just read more books and tried harder but still, it was at least something.

Draco himself studied and trained hard, he knew he had talent but it wasn't like it was something never seen. If wizards of the same level duel most of the time the more skilled one wins. The one who spent hours practicing his spells over and over getting them to be faster, stronger, and more efficient. And that was what he did.

He soaked up every bit of knowledge his grandfather bestowed upon him in the art of dueling, he trained even physically which was rare for an average wizard, in the dueling it was common as every dueler should have some sort of stamina, but it was still looked down upon by some individuals.

Draco didn't care, he did whatever he thought could give him an edge in a fight. Charms, Dark arts, Transfiguration, etc. Of course, he didn't only spend his time figuring out how to fight, he also relearned everything he knew from his previous life by buying muggle books which was a problem at first but after some talk with his mother, he got her permission. It probably helped that she thought he was just buying some stories from muggles, not mathematical questions and their answers, etc.

He also educated himself in a few languages, especially French and Latin. French wasn't all that difficult, Latin was horrible but still manageable. He somehow started his education in Arithmacy and Ancient Runes as making his spells or enchanting objects made him very interested.

Wards were quite difficult but he already knew a handful of the basic ones, potion-making came naturally to him, said by Snape as the man was teaching him every week from his ninth birthday on. That was because Snape and his father were good friends.

Another subject that he went on to further himself was Occulemency, finding himself to be talented in that particular aspect of magic. He already has his mind palace and arranged his memories accordingly. He found that he gained something of a photographic memory as recalling his memories got considerably easier. An aspect that not every Occumelens gets to. Learning from that point on was easy. At least the memorizing part.

Now his Legilimency was only in its beginning stages as only as of now has he gotten to the point where his mastery of Occulemency was enough. This said a lot as he was talented in this sort of magic and it still took him three years to get to this point. Basically, with his wand, he can somehow attack, without his wand he needs eye contact for a simple read on an individual's emotions. Surface thoughts are still beyond him. And even after reading one's emotions he still gets headaches so he still has a long way before him.

Because of his paranoia, he gave a few lessons on the subject to his cohort. Found himself surprised as it produced mixed results. From what he found out, the most basic aspect of Occulemency was controlling your emotions. After that, you could try to shield your mind. After that point, having built something of a 'Mind Palace', you can start to work on your memories. The memories part wasn't mandatory, so most people don't do it. Due to it being difficult and also depending on one's talent in mind magic. It also takes quite a long time and a lot of rigid practice. But Draco held on.

It made sense why not everybody was an Occumelens, not a lot had the talent for the higher aspects of the magic and nobody wanted to work for years just to protect their mind from someone when you might not even meet someone who knows Legilimency in your life.

Of course, that sounded stupid to Draco as he would learn the Occulemency only to protect his mind. But it didn't matter to him what others did, Gregory and Vincent through sheer hard work became able to control their emotions and protect their minds adequately, tested through himself, Blaise and Theo became able to effectively protect their minds and controlled their emotions soundly.

It also really mattered on the temperament of the individual as he found that Gregory, who had quite a temper, was really bad at it. Vincent who was calmer found it a little bit easier. Blaise and Theo could effectively control and hide their emotions even without the magic. Both were of the calm and collected sort with Blaise having a little bit of a temper that he was able to control quite effectively. Channeling his anger into things where it could go and controlling it when it could not show itself. Theo was similar to Draco himself as he was on the colder side.

Also once a week he got his cohort together where he went on to teach everything his grandfather taught him about dueling, of course, he didn't say everything to hide a few trump cards, but still explained the basics in detail so that the four of them were acceptable.

Goyle and Crabbe were competent, Blaise was talented and Theo was the best duelist after him. But the gap between him and Theo was quite big. So usually his training was to pit them against him, all four of them. It helped to improve them all.

Draco was challenged after some time as they gained more experience, and the other four improved on their own too. Of course, they still practiced dueling one on one but practiced fighting as a group as much. Because it was bound to happen to have a group fight and because of that worked on their teamwork, they became quite good.

Due to that everyone got closer, and their group started to feel like a real group, not just some individuals all working together. They started to become friends. Not that Draco thought of any of them that way. But, they were useful. And seemed to lift his mood a bit.

The reason he tolerated them was that even though all of them seemed to become friends except Draco, everyone knew their place and didn't step out. They didn't question him, defy him, or anything. Which made him paranoid because he had at least expected some sort of rebellion against him. There was nothing like that.

He once asked his grandfather for the reason, and his grandfather laughed at him, his face saying that he knew the reason but wouldn't tell him because it somewhat seemed funny to him. He didn't ask again after that.

They didn't call him 'my lord' or anything like that, he approved of them using his first name. He didn't care for any petty titles like some no-nosed fool. It also seemed annoying and embarrassing for a bunch of eleven-year-olds to call him 'my lord'. 

 He heard a knock a the door. 

Draco cast a gaze at Blaise who sighed and got up, resting the book he was reading on the couch, and went to answer the door. Draco went back to his game against Theo, finding that the Nott before him had finally made a move.

It wasn't a bad move but it didn't matter in the end as in the next four moves he gave him the checkmate. His black troops cheered as they beheaded the king.

He went on to put all the pieces back in their position, which lasted for two minutes at most, he wasn't in any rush. When the pieces were back in their place he finally looked up, Blaise was again reading and Theo was standing next to him talking about the book he was reading. Gregory and Vincent were sitting next to them too talking about the book.

"So, everyone is here.." Draco drawled at them,

They looked at him, Blaise immediately sent him a grin and stood up. 

He did an over the top bow to him,

"Your highness, your merry band is ready to go out."

Theo rolled his eyes, Gregory and Vincent both chuckled, and Draco just snorted.

Draco stood up, he was the second tallest of the group. Blaise being the tallest, with Theo, Gregory and Vincent being similiar heights to themselves.

"Let's go," Draco said simply and started to walk away, steps starting to follow him.

They went to the part of the Manor where the floo network was connected, he idly summoned an elf and ordered him to inform his mother that they were going. His father wouldn't be going with them to Diagon Alley as he had a meeting with Wizengamot today and some other business meetings. His mother too was busy and his grandfather went on a trip to France to 'visit some old friends' as he said it. Draco didn't care what his eccentric grandfather got up to. Just that he didn't die, he still had a lot to teach him.

His mother came a few minutes later, blazing in all her glory. Long blonde hair, beautiful blue eyes, tall. In short, she was a pure-blood beauty. Draco found that he looked more like his mother than his father, which he was slightly thankful for, beauty is a strong weapon. And while his father could be described as handsome he wasn't as handsome as his mother was beautiful.

Draco of course knew that in the movies and the books Draco resembled more his father than his mother, which was another point that was only making him more sure that this was some sort of alternative universe. One of many.

"Draco, dear, be careful alright? The same goes for you too boys." In the end, she looked at the other kids in his company, especially Theo.

All of them nodded and after his mother gave him an embarrassing show of love, by kissing him, they went out.

...

Diagon Alley was even more populated than normal, Draco thought as he was walking through it. Looking around himself he saw that there were a lot of journalists and other people of that kind. As if some superstar graced them with their presence.

And in a few seconds, he saw just why. He was seeing another thing that led him to believe he was in some sort of alternate universe.

Before him, in the center of attention, was Jim Potter. The boy who lived. Around him was the whole Potter family consisting of his father and mother and his sister, James Potter, Lilly Potter, and Dahlia Potter respectively. That wasn't the end of it.

There was also the Black family, Sirius Black, and his wife Aquila Black nee Greengrass. Yes, from the Greengrass family. There were also their children, Orion Black, and Iris Black. Even that wasn't the end.

Barring the adults, there were other children, Ron Weasley, Ginny Weasley probably, Luna Lovegood, again he wasn't sure, Neville Longbottom, Daphne Greengrass, Tracey Davis if Draco thought correctly, Susan Bones, Pansy was actually there too, Hannah Abbott.

All of them were in groups, the boys talking to each other, Iris Black seemed to be holding her court with Greengrass, Pansy, and Davis. While Dahlia Potter seemed to be holding her court with the Weasley girl, Lovegood, Abbott, and Bones. 

All of them were currently sitting in Florean Fortescue's Ice Cream Parlour, all the journalists and the general public were waiting respectfully outside. The children and adults inside the Ice Cream Parlour looked unbothered.

Draco's head was spinning by the number of connection makings that were before him.

Over the last few years, he began to understand that his position was not good. But seeing this made him realize, it was even worse.

Not even talking about the Potter family or the Black family which is currently married into the Greengrass family. Susan Bones, niece of Madam Bones, or Amelia Bones, The Head of the Department of Magical Law Enforcement.

Daphne Greengrass, the heiress of the Greengrass family.

Neville Longbottom, the heir to the Longbottom family.

Tracy Davis's family actually held quite a sway in the Potion field in Magical Britain.

Abbott was the same as Davis, which meant resources for both of them.

Already, quite impressive.

Then add James Potter and Sirius Potter, the lords of one of the most influential families on Wizengamot.

Then add Albus Dumbledore, Supreme Mugwump, Chief Warlock, and of course the Headmaster of Hogwarts.

The Light faction, side, or whatever was looking stronger than ever.

Draco's family came to the Grey side of politics in Wizengamot after the war, and his father did an excellent job in politics so that the current Minister was in their pocket. So Malfoy's could still see eye to eye with the Potter's and Black's.

But all wasn't good. The other Dark Families cut off contact with them, of course, that was dumb on their part as Malfoy's basically shit gold but that didn't matter to Draco.

For the Dark side, they were basically traitors and for the Light side, they were basically the same just in a different scenario. Goyle and Crabbe families followed them, and after some persuasion, even the Nott's did so currently they had somewhat of a faction on the Grey side.

It wasn't anything spectacular, Goyle and Crabbe weren't all that reputable, and Notts were respected but ultimately fall short before the kinds of Potters and Blacks.

Zabini was a bit of a wild card, his family didn't hold a position on the Wizengamot but they actually had a lot of dirt on the other families on Wizengamot and also had a lot of connections in Europe, which meant a lot of information.

Blaise was probably his best investment.

Draco inspected the whole situation, a question in his mind that he had for quite some time,

Where is Harry Potter?

Or maybe there wasn't Harry Potter anymore, due to the apparent changes there seemed to be only Jim Potter. 

But Jim Potter wasn't Harry Potter with a different name, the boy was a copy of his father in everything, even his eyes.

"Draco?" A silent voice spoke to his side.

He looked to the right a little, "What?"

"Are we going to be staring at them like all the other posers around us?" Asked a chuckling voice to his left. Blaise.

"They sure are salivating." Mumbled Vincent.

Gregory just smirked.

Draco, looking at them all, rolled his eyes.

"Also, don't want to ruin the laughs, but there is an annoying looking Black coming our way." Blaise said with sarcasm and pointed at the shop.

Draco looked at the entrance and already coming out of it was Iris Black, making her way towards them, few seconds the other girls went out after her.

"She is not alone," Theo said with a monotone voice.

And much more worryingly, all of the people in the shop were looking here. All the adults and all the children, soon the journalists followed their gaze but still kept a respectful distance from the Black child and her friends.

The Black girl got close to them, face smirking.

"Hello there, Malfoy. What are you doing here on this fine day?"

Draco tensed up a little. This wasn't the first time he had the 'honor' to speak with her.

Over the years, he met her numerous times on a lot of the Balls that he had been to. She used every excuse to talk to him, about anything seemingly. He thought that she probably did it because her family and the Potters hated his family.

He looked behind her, in the shop, and saw Sirius Black and James Potter looking here. He couldn't really see their faces from this distance, but he imagined they didn't look happy.

Draco looked down a little, the girl smaller then him by a few inches, his face neutral.

"Scion Black, what a pleasure." Draco's response was laced with a hint of sarcasm, though he kept his tone polite.

Iris's smirk widened, "Always a pleasure, I'm sure," she replied smoothly, her eyes flickering with amusement. "So, what brings you to Diagon Alley today? Picking up some new toys for your collection?"

 "Just some errands," he replied coolly. "Nothing quite as exciting as your shopping spree, I'm sure."

Iris laughed, "Oh, you have no idea," she said cryptically, her gaze flicking briefly towards the bustling crowd behind them. "But enough about me. How's life in the Malfoy Manor these days? Still playing the role of the perfect little prince?"

As she said this, the other girls came to them.

Greengrass and Davis were just watching them curiously, Pansy gave them all a nod.

Draco ignored them and looked at Iris,

"Everyone has a role to play, you just haven't seemed to found yours." His tone cold.

Iris was still smirking, even laughed a little bit, "Malfoy, you and your theatrics. This is why I always come say hello, you are the life of every party."

After she said this she looked with a weird face behind him and then laughed a little.

"Well, don't let me keep you. I'm sure we'll have plenty of time to catch up later." Her tone sarcastic.

She turned around and started walking back, the girls following her after giving them their goodbyes and pleasantries.

Draco watched them leave, "It is pointless to get angry."

He looked at the guys, Gregory was openly frowning, Theo's jaw was tense, Blaise's smirk was a little bit sharper and Vincent just had cold eyes.

They were still watching Iris.

Draco ignored it and started walking away, noticing that more than few journalits were writing in their notes. And all of the adults in the ice cream shop were still looking his way.

Draco stared back as he was walking away, undeterred. Steps followed him.