What If?

Beginning of The End

Not quite like the story you remember is it? I wonder how many of you stopped reading because you already liked the nice version better. That doesn't matter. All that matters is that some of you are still reading and that's all it takes. One person can change the world. But never can they do it single handedly, not that they won't try. I'm trying aren't I? Maybe I'll prove myself wrong. 

Maybe.

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There were no enchanted boats to take our characters across to the school. Nor was there a friendly half giant to greet them. The man known as Hagrid was taken to Azkaban when the Chamber of Secrets was opened by Tom Riddle. He had been successfully framed and is still there to this day. 

Carriages drawn by thestrals brought the students to the castle and both Harry and Draco could see them, though neither one admitted it. When they arrived at the castle they were shepherded into a room before they were to enter the great hall. Draco steeled his nerves and did as his father had asked of him. He needed to become 'friends' with Harry Potter. Harry was fiddling with the hem of his sleeve when a pale skinned, blonde haired boy came up to him and began talking. 

"My name is Malfoy- oh to hell with it! I've been told by my father to befriend you but I know he really means that I should gain your trust and then use it against you." 

Harry looked up at the slightly taller boy with a confused expression. "I don't think I should want to be friends with someone who will use me." He said quietly. Draco sighed and ran a hand through his platinum blond hair. "I wouldn't either. But will you at least give me a chance? I've told you what I'm supposed to do and that I don't want to do it. I'll work hard to gain your trust, I just need a friend. I real friend." He pleaded and held out his hand a bit hesitantly. 

"I wouldn't if I were you. He's a Malfoy. Nasty, pureblood wizards is what they are. Lots of dark magic in that family. My name's Ron, Ron Weasley. You'll soon learn that some wizarding families are better than others. I can help you there." The redheaded boy said, sticking out his hand as well. Harry's eyes darted between the two hands. One pale and dainty, the other freckled and rough. He turned to Ron and shook the hand of Draco. Still looking at Ron he said, "I think I can tell the wrong sort for myself thanks." Ron sneered at him and walked away, leaving a stunned looking Draco and a drained Harry. 

"You chose to be my friend?" Draco whispered, still grasping Harry's hand. "Even after what I said?" Harry raised an eyebrow at him. "I know what it's like not to have friends and be ordered around. I should at least give you a chance." He let go of Draco's hand and tugged on his robes as they started moving into the great hall to be sorted. Our two boys stood side by side, shoulders almost touching, as one by one students were called up, placed on a stool, and sorted. 

How many of you stopped reading this story because the Ron you knew and loved isn't the true Ron? I warned you that you might not like the truth. It hurts doesn't it? It will only hurt more in the future. Just read, and remember, you must never doubt me. If you do then your focus will be lost and so will our two boys. 

For Harry the beginning of the end was when he was sorted into Slytherin. Yes. Your Gryffindor lion was never a lion at all. Because Slytherin is the house of dark wizards and pureblood families. Draco came after and was sorted into Slytherin as well. Dirty looks were thrown at Harry throughout the feast by his fellow Slytherins. All except Draco. Neither of them were aware that this small gesture of friendship would change both their lives forever. Nobody was. 

That year Draco earned the complete trust of Harry. Voldemort didn't attempt to come back this time. Nor will he ever. For he was too afraid. How can the most powerful dark wizard this world has ever seen be too afraid to rise to power? Simple. Something, or someone, more powerful and ancient is awakening and he knows it.