Tom listened with only half his attention to Adrian's crowing about his latest date with whatever starry-eyed young witch was wanting to be seen on the arm of one of the 'heroes' that had rescued the 'Boy Who Lived' from the troll. The other half of his mind was on the letter to Dora he was writing.

All his roommates had a sudden upsurge in interest from the fairer sex, though Jack had a serious girlfriend, already – just as Tom did. There had been some interesting overtures from several rather attractive witches that Tom had turned down. He'd been surprised by the offers, as well as the starry-eyed eagerness from the girls. In the past most of the girls had been looking at him as a potentially powerful wizard with rich and influencial friends.

Being hero material was new. After the cauldron incident he'd not been available to hero worshiping girls. Here,though, he was fair game. Tom chuckled and added to the letter – telling Dora that even Marcus Flint had a bit of a following, now. There was one particular Hufflepuff prefect who trailed Marcus everywhere. Rumor had it she was on a 'crusade' to rehabilitate him. The other Slytherins seemed too amused to be angry over it. The bewildered Marcus just looked stupified whenever he was cornered by her.

Marcus' family had decided that the incident was a good way for the family to ease over onto the side of the fence Lucius Malfoy was occupying. The Flints still didn't want to throw in with the Order as yet - they still had many familial ties with wizards who did wear the dark mark. They wouldn't move openly until they were forced to – likely by the return of the Dark Lord.

The conversation was soon turned from girls to Quidditch and Tom moved down to the common room without them even noticing. He set up, as usual at a corner table partially hidden by curtains. It was at least a bit quieter.

Some of the first years were whispering together on a sofa. Ron, Hermione and Neville were huddled together over a book. Hermione had come through with a book on magical canines that had a large chapter on cerberuses. To the three's dismay it had only a list of spells that would work on the dog – and they were all very advanced.

"It says you have to spell each head separately." Neville said with horror.

"Yeah, what about the other two heads?" Ron asked angrily.

Hermione sighed and read the list of spells again. They were all ones she would hesitate to even attempt on her own. The stunning spell alone was scary – the book warned that casting it the three times needed to down the cerebus could drain a young witch or wizard.

She'd been happy to be included in the two boy's little 'investigation'. She enjoyed Mafalda's company, but the girls that she always seemed to be running with were ... well, boring. They were mostly okay ... Padma was smart, but her twin Pavarti was a typical ... girl. The others - Lavender Brown, Lisa Turpin, Mandy Brocklehurst, Hannah Abbott and Susan Bones. They all were equally girly and interested only in makeup charms and hair potions and the like.

Mafalda wasn't overly interested in all of that, but she could tolerate the conversations much longer than Hermione could.

The houses were becoming a lot more lax in allowing visits from other houses. Neville had become a frequent visitor to Gryffindor with Ron. Dudley, of course knew his way around the Slytherin dorm. The Patel sisters shuttled between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw – along with their many friends, all the time. The various Weasleys went everywhere, it seemed.

Hermione was becoming familiar with Gryffindor, now that she was assisting with Neville and Ron's investigation into the cerberus and what it was guarding. She'd been reluctant to believe that Professor Snape might be trying to steal anything, but Neville had been fierce in his condemnation of anyone that wore the dark mark – even if he had been exonerated by having turned into a spy.

Ron supported Neville in this, saying that Draco's father had also been a Death Eater. They'd told her story after story about the horrors inflicted on the wizarding world by Voldemort's followers. She'd looked up old Daily Prophets and had been stunned by some of the articles on Death Eater raids. If Professor Snape had truly been a Death Eater, she could not put anything past him.

They had visited Hagrid and wormed the name Nicholas Flamel out of him and that 'Fluffy' was, indeed guarding something. He'd laughed at Neville's statement that Professor Snape was trying to steal whatever it was.

Hagrid had been emphatic that Snape was well-trusted by Albus Dumbledore, therefore there was no possible way that Snape could be trying to steal two boys were unconvinced, neither of them wanting to let Snape off the hook. Hermione was inclined to trust the Headmaster and would need further evidence before she was sure.

Now they had the added research of Nicholas Flamel as well as the cerberus.

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Tom cast the eavesdropping charm again, listening in with faintly horrified amusement on the three conspirators. He'd overheard their conversation after having visited Hagrid and had been 'listening in' on their plots whenever he caught them together since then.

He'd been quite irritated by their immediate assumption that Severus was out to steal something, though the fact that they'd already figured out that the object was from the broken – into vault from Gringotts and that Fluffy was guarding it had impressed him. Hermione was no slouch at research and Neville and Ron could figure out things when they applied themselves.

He was quite curious about what was being guarded as well, but after several debates with Yvane they agreed that showing some discretion by not insisting on being included in the secret would be best.

Now, though, this bunch of first years was threatening to cause all sorts of problems. He could just yell at them to not be idiots, but they would likely think that he was just in on the plot with Severus. No, he would have to use some strategy for this.

Tom quickly found Dudley and told him what Ron, along with Longbottom and Granger, were up to. "...whatever is being guarded is important, and they're going to cause Severus and everyone else alot of trouble poking around this way."

Dudley nodded. He and Dean, along with Seamus tried to include Ron in their conversations and games. Ron, though, would quickly become confused if they lapsed into 'muggle talk' as Ron put it. Ron bored easily if they mentioned Soccer or Rugby teams or spoke of movies.

Seamus was usually the one to notice if they were losing Ron, since he 'lived a bit in both worlds'. Ron tended to sulk if they didn't immediately move the conversation back to wizard sports, though, and spent more and more time with Neville.

Dudley paid more attention to the little trio of investigators over the following weeks and joined them several times when he saw them huddled together. They were reticent, at first – but Ron couldn't resist accusing Professor Snape and offering their 'evidence'. Neville had added his opinions of Death Eaters – former, or not. Hermione, had – of course – found out about Nicholas Flamel. She'd finally asked some of the older Ravenclaws who he was and most of them had heard of the famous alchemist. The information on the Sorceror's Stone had not been hard to find after that.

Dudley found that trying to reason with Ron or Neville just made them more stubborn – worse it made them a bit suspicious of him 'for sticking up for the Potions git, Snape'. In a way it did that to Hermione as well – she appeared to listen, and then found another argument or 'reason' that they were right. He knew that trying to debate a Ravenclaw on his own was a mistake.

Just before Christmas Break Dudley included Harry and Draco in the task of reining in the conspirators. They had been quite insulted at the three's assumption of Professor Snape's guilt. Harry, though was quite concerned with the news of the Sorceror's Stone

He knew Voldemort wasn't gone, and this Stone was likely a way for him to return. Harry and Draco resolved to keep an eye on the three. Theo was recuited to watch over Neville a bit. Neville had decided Theo wasn't going to murder him in his sleep, but he still couldn't be called a close friend of Theo's.

Harry wanted to tell Severus right away, but Draco said they needed more evidence, first. Having Neville, Ron and Hermione 'researching' things and even speculating on the Stone was rather circumstantial.

Harry kept as close a watch on the three as he dared. Albus noticed the interest and felt gleeful. He knew from Madame Pince, that Miss Granger and the two boys had looked up all the books he had been hoping Harry would. Now, though Harry was finally getting dragged into the fray – like it or not.

Harry had felt alot of sympathy for Neville – but his continued distrust for Harry's new father angered him. Ron, Harry knew, judged by appearances a great deal. Severus was not patient with Neville and Ron because they didn't pay the neccessary attention to detail when in Potions class, so Ron disliked him. Hermione was a mystery to him. Mafalda was equally obsessed with learning every little thing – but she could be reasoned with. Hermione – when presented with information that differed with her own theories she would argue and find more books and 'reasons' that she was right.

Harry and Draco had sent for catalogs to peruse for Christmas gifts, It was the second week of December and they both realized they was running short on time before the break arrived. They had a list of students they wanted to give a gift before they left for break.

Buying for Tom was fairly easy – he and Draco had Cho send for oriental books on dragons with a translation spell on them. She had plently of relatives on the two Chinese dragon reserves that knew what would be of interest to Tom – and that he would be unlikely to already have.

Harry was wondering what to do about Severus and Rosmerta's presents, but he could think about that after the break started. Petunia had promised to take him – and Dudley and Draco on a lengthy shopping trip so they could get presents for all the adults and she promised not to look when they bought her presents.

Harry and Draco made their way down to Hagrid's hut the day before they were to leave on the train. They had thrown in together to get him and entire set of beer-stein sized cups for tea. They'd been carved with runes by the two of the against breakage, poisons, and pilfering.

It was getting quite late in the evening when Draco and Harry got to Hagrid's hut. They banged on the door several times before Hagrid opened it just far enough to reveal a smoking beard and slightly wild eyes.

"Sorry lads, I'm not in any fit state to entertain tonight." Hagrid attempted to close the door, but Harry had a different idea.

Dudley had told Harry about the three first-years suspicions regarding the Sorcerer's Stone. Dudley had also said that Hagrid had told Neville, Ron and Hermione quite a bit of things about the Cerberus – though it had been unintentional. Harry now had a few questions, himself. So he threw out the first thing he knew Hagrid wouldn't close the door to.

"We know about the Sorcerer's Stone." Harry declared loudy. The door stopped closing and Hagrid looked at them doubtfully through the small crack.

"Oh," Was all Hagrid said as he let them in. He watched them place the gaily wrapped presents on the mantle – out of Fang's reach, and then served them some tea.

"Now, then." Hagrid started to bluster. "You need ta' not meddle in these things – 'tis bad enough that lil' Ron and his two friends are sticking their noses inta things. They kept on and on 'bout poor Fluffy – actin' like Fluffy was a bad dog fer doin' his job as a guard..." Hagrid rambled on for a bit, which pleased both the boys. If the Cerberus really couldn't be defeated, they could rest easy and let Neville and his friends poke around all they liked.

Hagrid's speech was interupted by a loud tapping and cracking noise coming from a pot on the fire. Hagrid whooped in happiness and pulled on some oven mitts and then carefully removed a large black egg from the pot.

Harry and Draco watched the egg break open in stunned silence. The tiny creature that emerged was obviously a baby dragon.

Draco was torn between envy and terror. Harry though could only think of the fact that dragons breathe fire and Hagrid's hut was made of wood.

The dragonet chirped uncertainly at Hagrid and burped a small puff of flame at him. Hagrid was enchanted by this, although he lost a couple inches of beard before the fire was out.

"Where did you get it?" Draco whispered, wondering if he could hide a dragon in Wiltshire if he got an egg like this one. No, he mused, it would frighten the Granians and wreck the gardens. Lucius would never allow it.

Hagrid petted the dragonet and answered rather absently. "Won 'im off a fella down at the pub. Seemed right anxious to be rid of the egg, now tha' ya mention it."

Harry thought rapidly, he really liked Hagrid but he did tend to give out information whether it was safe to or not. "Did you talk about Fluffy to the man?"

"Well of course - he wanted to know that I know how to care for a big beast like a dragon – I told him that after Fluffy a baby dragon ain't nothin'. Yeah just have ta have the knowledge of how ta calm the beast ... like Fluffy – I told the fellow that ya just have to play some music an' he falls straight ta sleep."

Draco and Harry stared at him in astonishment and Hagrid suddenly looked concerned. "I shouldn't have said that ... to you or him." He glared a bit at the pair. "No more questions, now."

Harry and Draco veered back away from the subject of the Stone or Fluffy – they already had the information that they wanted. Instead they spent an hour or so trying to make Hagrid see that a dragon doesn't make a good pet.

"The young ones may act like rogues, but when they're older they can talk to each other – and us - mentally." Harry said to him pleadingly.

"Now, Harry – they may be smart compared to some, but they're not that smart." Hagrid chided. He seemed baffled by the idea that dragons really were intelligent.

"Really – he's not not meant to be a pet." Draco added in. "Dragons can't be owned – they may bond with a person, but you don't own them."

This merely made Hagrid brighten. "Well, Norbert can bond with me, then, can't 'e?"

Harry and Draco leaned back in the chairs, defeated. If Hagrid had already named the dragonet it would take more than the two of them to pry Hagrid away from his latest deadly pet.

Hagrid looked up just in time to see a face at one of his windows. It disappeared immediately, but Harry and Draco suddenly realized that they were out past curfew. They shouted goodbye as they fled through the snow.

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Professor McGonagall marched down the corridor with the student who had awakened her, after firecalling Severus to meet her at the entrance to the castle. She'd not been pleased to be cheated out of much needed sleep over some out -of -bounds students. She caught the guilty pair as they entered and gave them a displeased glare.

"What do you have to say for yourselves, young men?" She asked sharply, making Ron smirk in triumph as he stood at her side.

At last, the 'golden boys' of Slytherin would be taken down a notch or two. Ron had of course, had hated the rich, pampered Malfoy heir the moment he'd met him. Harry Potter instead of becoming his friend had rejected him over the insults to Snape and had become a Slytherin on top of it. Ron had held out a slight hope that Harry would be in Gryffindor, like James and Lily had. He might have been able to wean him away from Draco if that had happened. It was impossible now to find a way to be the 'Boy Who Lived's' best friend. Worse – Harry and Draco were quickly becoming favorites in many of the classes and were actually allowed to practice Quidditch. Ron had turned green when he'd heard that.

Now, though, the teachers would have to discipline them. Points would be taken and everyone knew how Snape viewed his snakes losing points.

Ron watched as the Head of Slytherin approached, eyes narrowing as he viewed Draco and Harry. He smirked again. Harry would be less happy with his guardian after a thorough tongue-lashing from him.

Harry watched Ron's glee at the oncoming stormcloud in the shape of Severus in his billowing cloak. His heart sank, he hated it when he felt he was disappointing his dad. He tried really hard to keep well within school rules and do his work properly. Harry almost didn't hear the question asked by Minerva, but Draco did.

"We were taking Hagrid's presents to him – we didn't realize it was so late because we were trying to reason with him about the ..." Draco abruptly realized he wasn't sure they should tell about the dragon.

Harry had no such reservations, though. Hagrid was likely to burn himself up alive with this latest venture, and he had no intention of losing another friend.

"Hagrid hatched a dragon egg and we were trying to convince him that with a wooden hut that that wasn't the best thing." Harry pleaded to Severus. "He's going to get himself killed."

Meanwhile Ron was livid. The pair was selling out Hagrid. "You dirty little snitch!" He shouted in fury at them.

"Silence, Weasley!" Minerva answered him, grimacing at Severus' mocking look. Ron obviously didn't count his going straight to Minerva as 'snitching'. She turned back to Harry and Draco. "There is no excuse for being out of bounds, though I understand your concern for Hagrid. 10 points and a detention when you return from vacation for all three of you."

"All three of us?" Asked Ron in confusion.

"Why, yes, Mr. Weasley." Minerva answered in a censorous tone. "Honourable as your intentions might have been – you, too, were out after curfew."

Ron glared at the pair, his triumph turning to ashes. The Professors nodded to each other and herded the students to their dorms.

"Are you really angry with us, Sir?" Harry asked halfway down the staircases.

Severus sighed. He'd expected far more that this escapade to occur with Harry. "I'm not so angry that you cannot call me dad, Harry. I'll never be that angry with you."

Harry relaxed at that and straightened from his slightly hunched pose. Everything would be alright, then. "Okay dad." Harry answered in relief.

Severus gave the pair a fairly mild lecture on the numerous dangers lurking both inside and outside the castle when they should be safely tucked in bed.

The next morning when Draco and Harry got to the Great Hall, the first and second year students were in an uproar. Upon spotting them Ron yelled. "Sneaking Slytherin snitches!"

Dudley was red-faced and bellowing that they were, not. Everyone seemed to be talking at once. The teachers were about to descend when Tom and Percy intervened. They'd heard Ron's loud complaints about Harry and Draco and telling about the dragon. Most of the upper years of all the houses heard the words dragon and wooden hut and understood completely why they would go to an adult with the problem.

"Enough!" Tom shouted, silencing them immediately. Tom had an impressive glare, when he wished. "Now, perhaps you would allow Harry and Draco their side of the story?"

The mass of students turned to the nervous pair. "Hagrid lives in a wooden hut and now has a highly illegal dragon – I for one don't want to see him burned alive." The students nodded reluctantly – that would be nasty end.

"Dragons aren't meant to be pets – when they are full-grown they are as intelligent as people. You don't own a dragon any more than you can own a centaur or a goblin – it would be slavery." Draco added emphatically. "The dragon belongs with other dragons."

"Oh, everyone knows they're dumb brutes." Seamus scoffed.

"Really?" Dean was suddenly angry. "Just because 'everyone' knows something doesn't make it true or right. Alot of people – magical and otherwise got enslaved because others thought it was alright." Dean glared at Seamus.

"Yeah, none of us are dragon experts – I'm sure the Dragon Reserves will take care of the dragonet." Lee Jordan chimed in. "Harry and Tom live on a Reserve – if they say they're smart, they likely are."

"They are thought to be 'dumb brutes' because they mature so slowly. They might not learn to speak to humans until they are sixty or seventy. That 's not long for them, since they live for centuries. Young dragons are dangerous because they don't understand things as yet." Percy added in.

With the younger students settled Tom and Percy went back to their table. Heather Black had joined them to discuss the dragonet 'problem'. Albus had gone to Hagrid first thing that morning to discover smoke billowing out of the hut. The chicken and brandy he'd fed the dragonet had given it hiccoughs that had set some furniture on fire.

They expected Yuan to arrive to figure out what to do very soon.

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Voldemort and Quirrell watched the chaos with satisfaction. Voldemort even watched Tom's taking charge with some nostalgia – he could remember making entire crowds fall on their faces in fear with one scowl. He still wasn't sure how to leash the boy, except to threaten those he seemed to care about, and that would make an unsatisfactory arrangement. Tom was his son, so he should want to be his heir.

None–the-less he was making progress. Quirrell had come up with the plan regarding the egg and had played the part to perfection to make the exchange and get the information they wanted. They now had a way past the dog. He just needed to figure out how to get past the other traps. He had managed to worm a general idea of everyones trap so he could work it out, given time.

He had hoped to work on it over the Christmas break, but the Headmaster was insistant that he go visit the cousins he'd made the mistake of mentioning. No amount of cheerful pleading to stay so others could go swayed the man. Albus had watched him gravely the last few weeks, making him nervous. Not to mention that Severus seemed to be around every corner. It was maddening.

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Harry and Draco, along with Dudley rode the train to London along with the other children. The train ride was always fun and the winter scenes were spectacular. Tom used the train ride to set up times to visit Percy and for Percy to come over to the Reserve. He sent another lengthy letter to Dora, hoping to spend time with her as well. She didn't have as long a break, but they would make the most of it.

Dudley was not looking forward to the time he would spend with Aunt Marge. He hadn't minded the last Christmas or the days in summer, but Lucius had told he and his mum that Marge had bought the house on Privet Drive. The idea of going back in that house gave him chills. Lucius had tried to reassure him that he would once again have a portkey on him. He'd also said that perhaps confronting the ghosts in the house would be a good thing. Dudley had reluctantly agreed.

Albus watched the children and teachers leave with relief. For the first time in years no students had stayed over. The one or two who couldn't go to their own homes they had found families of friends to take. It would make it easier to lock down the castle. Removing Quirrell had been difficult but neccessary. After all, Harry wouldn't be here to solve the problem set before him.

Hagrid had presented them with another problem. Yuan had visited the sullen Hagrid and said that they could not take the dragonet by floo or apparition or even portkey – the dragon's magic would fight it. They would need to take him by dragon-back – but not until the weather was better. This had pleased Hagrid – until Yuan and two dragonriders built a fire-proof shelter and enclosure and insisted that Hagrid keep him in it.

Albus had hoped that the cave would have been found by now, but it was proving difficult to narrow down. Even with the incentive of the reward Lucius was offering to whomever located it, they hadn't found the right one.

Well, with any luck they would have the right place in time for spring break. They needed to keep moving on the Horcruxes. Voldemort was on the move. He would not wait for them to be ready.

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