Harry paced anxiously, running a hand through his hair. A voice in his head was screaming at him to leave, that the longer he stayed, the more likely he was to get Draco and Snape killed. He could swear he could feel something that he was terrified was Voldemort and he was just waiting for it to take over now, to hurt and take away what he was finally creating.

“I need to go,” Harry said, feeling his anxiety skyrocket when he felt a strange tickle in the back of his mind.

“No, you can’t,” Draco said from where he sat on the bed on the left side of the room. “You can’t listen to Dumbledore.”

“Well, I can’t stay here,” Harry said, turning to Draco. “It’s too risky.”

“Harry, we’re already all in danger,” Draco said. “I just had my Quidditch team try to kill me a week ago, remember? And they’ve been taking shots at me pretty much every week since we came back to school.”

“I could get you killed!”

“I’m going to get me killed because I turned on my family, on the Death Eaters,” Draco argued.

“And that was the right thing to do,” Harry said. “This is also the right thing to do. I have to keep you safe. I’ve gotten enough people killed.”

“None of that was your fault,” Draco said.

“But this will be because Voldemort wants me! He’s connected to me! He’ll steal your magic and discover Snape through me!” Harry said, feeling desperate.

“What if we’re willing to take the risk?” Draco said.

“Why would you?” Harry cried.

“Because we care about you, you idiot!” Draco said.

“And that’s why I can’t let you—”

“It is our choice, Mr. Potter.”

Harry turned to the doorway at Snape’s voice and found the man standing there, his face tight. Harry dropped his eyes to the floor, paranoid Voldemort could be seeing through him at any time and he wouldn’t know. He couldn’t live with himself if Snape was discovered because of him.

“All of it comes back to me,” Harry said. “Voldemort, the prophecy, my scar. You’ll all die because of me.”

“Take a seat, Mr. Potter,” Snape said and a hand on his shoulder guided Harry to the second bed in the room.

Sitting, Harry allowed himself to look up and watched Snape take a chair from one of the desks, sitting between the beds. Harry clasped his hands tightly together between his knees and chewed at his lower lip.

“I believe it is time we address this unfounded guilt of yours,” Snape said.

Harry huffed. “It’s not unfounded and it doesn’t matter.”

“Oh, I think it matters very much given your quick decision to listen to Albus Dumbledore,” Snape said and Harry scowled at the raised eyebrow.

“Funny coming from you of all people,” Harry said, angry in his anxiety. He watched Snape’s eyes narrow and sighed, already regretting his comment.

“Mr. Malfoy, if you could excuse us,” Snape said.

Harry glanced at Draco who nodded and left the room, closing the door behind him. Silence settled between Harry and Snape, Harry fidgeting uncomfortably. He knew he’d been out of line with his comment, but he was just so afraid of losing these people who had quickly come to mean so much to him.

“I’m sorry, Professor, I didn’t—” Harry started to say, but stopped when Snape held up a hand.

“I am willing to allow you some leeway due to the distressing nature of the headmaster’s revelation. What I will not allow is you to run away because of fear,” Snape said. “It is exactly what Dumbledore and the Dark Lord want, and I believe I have done more than enough running for all of us.”

“You could be discovered because of me,” Harry said. “Draco could lose his magic. You’ll die, just like Cedric and the Dursleys and my parents.”

Snape sighed and moved his chair until he was sitting in front of Harry. The man leaned forward and held Harry’s gaze, very deliberately.

“I need you to listen to me. You are a child to which terrible things have happened through no fault of your own. Others have made choices with consequences that have affected you tragically,” Snape said. “If I am to be discovered as a spy, it will be because of the choices I have made, many I regret. However, this choice, the choice to be here for you and Draco, to protect you in a world that has done nothing of the sort for you, is not a choice I will ever regret.”

Harry’s eyes widened briefly at the use of Draco’s first name, feeling his also would have been used had the context called for it. He suddenly very much wanted to hear the professor call him by his first name. He sidelined the thought to focus on the subject at hand, the issue facing him.

“But, it’s the same as what you had said,” Harry said. “I can’t say I care if I stay around, knowing I could get you hurt or killed.”

“I was wrong,” Snape said, surprising Harry slightly with the admission. “Being alone is what causes danger because then you are not a threat. The Dark Lord wants you weak and Dumbledore wants you vulnerable. Do not give them what they want. I’ve given enough for both of us.”

“But you’re in danger around me,” Harry said weakly, feeling his argument breaking down. “I don’t want any of you to die.”

“As Draco said, we are already in danger and have been well before this summer,” Snape said. “If we die, it will be because of choices we have made, not because of you. We get to choose what risks we are willing to take and we choose to take this risk.”

“Why?” Harry whispered.

“Because…” Snape trailed off for a minute before he reached out and, in a shocking display of affection, wrapped his hands around Harry’s clasped ones. “Because, Harry, as hard as it may be to believe, we care for you and we choose you.”

Harry felt his eyes burn with tears, dropping his head to stare at the hands still holding his and hide his emotion. He’d never expected to hear anything like that in his life, and especially never from Snape. The professor’s words went to war with those he’d heard from his uncle for fourteen years. His fear of causing more death fought his fear of being alone. His desperation to have what was in front of him just once in his life caused his heart to pound painfully. He squeezed his eyes shut as his mind and heart remained in harsh conflict, a couple of tears slipping down his cheeks.

Fingers curled under his chin, tilting his head up until he was looking at Snape once again as his eyes slid open. His chest clenched in a different way as he met the dark eyes that were gazing at him softly, in a way he’d never seen before from any adult.

“The world is not your responsibility, no matter what anyone has told you,” Snape said and Harry knew he was talking about Dumbledore. “All you should be doing is being a teenager, figuring out what you want to be one day, mastering your magic, and getting into trouble that threatens to turn me prematurely grey.”

Harry laughed weakly, a couple more tears streaming down his face.

“You have given up enough, child, as we all have,” Snape said. “Do not give up when we’re finally figuring this out.”

Harry sniffled. “Only if you keep calling me Harry.”

Snape chuckled and released Harry’s chin, brushing back his fringe instead. “A fair trade.”

“Does that mean you’ll keep calling me Draco too?”

Harry and Snape looked over to see the door had been cracked open and Draco was peeking around it. Snape pulled back from Harry, looking at Draco with a raised eyebrow while Harry swiped away his tears.

“Do I need to explain why eavesdropping is wrong again?” Snape said.

Draco shrugged, walking into the room and flopping onto the bed next to Harry. “If you like.”

“You did just say we should be getting into trouble,” Harry pointed out.

When Snape rolled his eyes to the ceiling and muttered, “Merlin save me,” Harry and Draco burst into laughter.

“Enter.”

Harry pushed open the door at the invitation and walked into McGonagall’s office. She was sat behind her desk writing something, but looked up at his entrance.

“Ah, Potter, come sit,” she said, gesturing to the chairs in front of her desk. Harry sat, placing his bag on the floor by his feet. “I wanted to talk to you about Professor Umbridge and the Quidditch match.”

Harry immediately tucked his left hand between his knees to hide his bandaged hand. Snape knew about what Umbridge was doing, but Harry didn’t want anyone else to know. He didn’t want Umbridge to have any reason to go after the professors. Despite the conversation with Snape a few days earlier, he was still struggling with the idea that he was putting people at risk in a variety of ways.

“You have been having problems with her, correct?” McGonagall said.

Harry cleared his throat awkwardly. “Uh, yes, Professor. We don’t…get along.”

“I understand the sources of your conflicts,” McGonagall said. “However, there seems to be one source I was unaware of.”

Harry swallowed thickly.

“She seems to be under the impression you have been using magic not taught here at Hogwarts and I find I am inclined to agree given what happened after the Quidditch match,” McGonagall said.

Harry stiffened. “I’m not sure what you mean, Professor.”

McGonagall gave him a pointed stare. “That was no Protego, Mr. Potter.”

Harry sighed, realizing he had no hope of keeping the secret from McGonagall. “I have Elemental Magic and compatible magic with Draco.”

McGonagall blinked at him, stunned. “Truly?”

Harry nodded. “We found out this summer, but, Professor, Umbridge cannot find out. She’s trying to connect me to something dangerous.”

She gave him a searching look. “And Professor Snape?”

Harry’s eyes widened and she scoffed.

“You think I haven’t noticed that he no longer complains about you every chance he gets or the lack of detentions you have received from him this year?” McGonagall said, seeming to be amused. “Not to mention the way he helped you after the Quidditch match.”

And he was worried Draco or I would give us away, Harry thought, internally rolling his eyes.

“Yeah, we’ve kind of gotten to know each other,” Harry said. “Umbridge can’t know or she’ll find a way to get rid of him.”

McGonagall hummed, still gazing at him searchingly. “I will, of course, keep this to myself. Professor Umbridge will learn nothing from me,” she said eventually. “Dreadful woman,” she added quietly.

Harry couldn’t help his grin of amusement. “Thank you, Professor.”

“I am glad someone has finally gotten through to Severus, and I think you three are just what the others need,” McGonagall said and Harry raised an eyebrow. “Now, have you considered what you may want to do after Hogwarts?”

Harry blinked, a little turned around by the rapid topic change. “Uh, like, career-wise? I thought the career advice wasn’t happening until spring?”

“Correct, but, with this magic of yours, there is an option you may be interested in and it requires earlier prerequisites than most,” McGonagall said and she handed him a brochure.

Harry took it curiously. “Rune Mage?” he read.

McGonagall nodded. “It is a very exclusive career field and one we do not typically highlight to students. However, given your unique magic, I believe it is a viable path for you.”

“What is it?” Harry asked, even as he continued perusing the brochure.

“As you know, being in Ancient Runes, runes are often used to make something more powerful. Witches and wizards with a need for powerful spells and charms, and even potions, will request the work of a Rune Mage,” McGonagall explained. “Having Elemental Magic would allow you to offer very unique services.”

“Sounds complicated,” Harry said. “What prerequisites would I need?”

“It is a difficult process,” McGonagall said. “You would require Os on your core course OWLs and NEWTs, as well as Os on your Ancient Runes OWL and NEWT. You would also have to take the Magical Theory course which requires an entrance exam to enroll and you would have to demonstrate your unique magic. After that, in your seventh year, you would have to apply to the Rune Mage Association and go through their interview process which is quite intensive.”

“Bloody hell,” Harry muttered, feeling anxious and overwhelmed.

“You might consider speaking with Professor Siguard if this is something you may be interested in pursuing,” McGonagall said.

“Thank you, Professor,” Harry said. “I’ll definitely consider it.”

McGonagall smiled at him. “You may go,” she said and Harry headed for the door. Before he could open it, she called him again and he turned around. “I do not know what has occurred between you, Mr. Malfoy, and Professor Snape, but I do hope you take care of each other. You each deserve the best of each other.”

Harry gazed at her, perplexed. “We’ll try, Professor. Thanks again.”

She inclined her head and he left the office, still puzzled. In the corridor, Harry looked down at the brochure in his hand again, chewing his lower lip in thought. He had to admit, he was intrigued by the concept of the Rune Mage career, especially as it would allow him to use his Elemental Magic. He’d wondered if he’d ever be able to use his Elemental Magic in a career. However, hearing about the requirements made him unsure he’d even be capable of pursuing the career.

He glanced at his watch, finding breakfast to nearly be over. He cursed quietly, knowing Snape would have noticed that he missed a meal. The professor had been clear about not wanting Harry and Draco to miss any meals, Harry especially given his life with the Dursleys. He sighed and headed up to the seventh floor for training with Alexei.

“Alexei?” he called out as he entered the Room of Requirement and dropped his bag by the door. He blinked when a plate with toast, marmalade, tomatoes, and kippers appeared in front of him, floating in the air. He raised an eyebrow at the food, taking the plate from the air, and watched as Alexei came into the main room with dummies floating behind him.

“You know, the only reason you haven’t been dragged to the kitchens or the dungeons is because I promised to bring you breakfast,” Alexei said without even turning to look at Harry.

“Sorry, McGonagall wanted to talk to me,” Harry said, taking a bite of one of the loaded slices of toast.

“Anything we should know about?” Alexei asked, finally coming over to Harry who couldn’t help but feel Alexei’s question was very…parental. It gave him a strange feeling to have adults curious and ready to be concerned about something as mundane as a professor talking to him. Then, the realization of what Alexei was implying set in and he scowled.

“I didn’t do anything and I’m not in trouble, if that’s what you’re asking,” Harry said and Alexei just smirked. Harry rolled his eyes and held out the brochure. “She wanted to talk about this and my magic. She knows about my Elemental Magic.”

Alexei took the brochure. “The Rune Mage Association?”

“She thinks it would be a good job for me because of my magic,” Harry said, taking another bite of his toast.

“Well, I certainly agree, and I know Leif and Severus will as well,” Alexei said. “What do you think?”

Harry looked down at the second piece of toast and shrugged. “It sounds really interesting, but…I dunno.”

“What’s on your mind?” Alexei asked and Harry felt that air of parental care and guidance again.

“There’s just all of these requirements, and they’re really difficult and complicated,” Harry said, picking at the crust. “I’m not sure if I could do it.”

“Oh, rebenok,” Alexei said, throwing his arm around Harry’s neck. “You are more than capable. After all, Severus tells me you were capable of a fully corporeal Patronus at just thirteen?”

“I mean, yeah, but that’s different,” Harry said, a little uncomfortable. “I’d have to show my Elemental Magic, though, and no one’s supposed to know about it.”

“We’ll deal with that when it comes,” Alexei said. “If it interests you, look into it, and focus on the requirements you would need to fulfil now. Fair?”

Harry nodded, smiling and pushing Alexei away when the vampire ruffled his already messy hair. He took the brochure and brought it back to his bag, finishing off his toast as he did. He quickly jogged back to Alexei and the dummies. He looked at them somewhat warily.

“Am I duelling today?” Harry asked.

Alexei put his hands on Harry’s shoulders, guiding him to stand in the center of the circle he’d created with the dummies. “In effect,” he said. “We are going to see how you handle multiple opponents as you have only had to face me so far.”

“You consider what we’ve been doing duelling?” Harry said, raising an eyebrow.

Alexei smirked. “Not quite. You will know when we are duelling.”

Harry’s eyes widened and the vampire laughed.

“Now, the dummies will attack you randomly. You need to block and incapacitate them,” Alexei instructed.

“Why are you saying that like it’s simple?” Harry said, eyes narrowing as Alexei laughed again, walking away to lean against a wall of mirrors. “You get to explain to Snape why I’m in the infirmary.”

“You will be fine,” Alexei said. “Besides, he approves of your training.”

Harry huffed. “Of course he does. Sadists, all of you.”

Alexei smirked, but didn’t comment. “Elemental Magic only,” the vampire reminded.

“Yeah, yeah,” Harry muttered and focused on the dummies, waiting for their attack, with his Elemental Magic swirling just beneath the surface, waiting to be used.

He didn’t have to wait long as two dummies sent spells at the same time and he responded as quickly as possible. He threw up a shield of water, dissolving both spells, and sent a vine to wrap around the legs of the dummies. He tightened it and they were all swept from their feet, hitting the floor. However, they bounced back up and he had to duck when all eight sent spells at the same time. They collided in the air above him and sparks rained down on him. He winced when one landed on the back of his hand, leaving a small burn. He used his Air Magic to blow the sparks away and brought up his water shield again to block the spell sent at his back.

He moved as quickly as he could, but he was still slow in some of his responses to the dummies, particularly when multiple attacked at the same time. He tried to keep up a large enough shield to block himself from all the dummies except one, attempting to take them out one by one. He was hit several times with spells that caused cuts, burns, and even knocked him down. He managed to take out two of the eight dummies, setting one on fire with a strong fireball and the other he tied with vines.

The longer the battle went, the more tired he became and the more he realized he still needed a lot of practice. He was finding it difficult to split his focus between two elements and for different purposes. He could manage alright if he was using two elements for the same purpose, such as shielding or attacking, but, once he tried to use one to shield and one to attack, he couldn’t give both the same amount of focus or strength. He found himself relying on the same moves, unsure how else to respond to the dummies’ attacks.

He was able to use his Air Magic and rip the wand from one of the dummy’s hands, and moved his water shield to block another dummy’s spell, only for yet another dummy to catch him with a spell that felt like he’d been kicked in the ribs. He stumbled at the unseen impact and threw water over one of the dummies, drenching it. He focused on the cold that was beginning to envelope Scotland and blew bitterly cold air at the drenched dummy, turning it to ice. A spell flew from behind him past his head, leaving a cut on his cheek. He hissed and spun, throwing a fireball at the dummy only for it to be deflected and then a spell hit him in the chest, and he was thrown backwards.

He hit the floor with a solid thud and slid across the marble, making him grunt. He laid there for a time, gasping for breaths and feeling exhausted. He groaned as he eventually pushed himself up so he was sitting, touching the cut on his cheek with a wince. He could feel bruises already forming all over.

“That was well done,” Alexei said as he walked over and crouched next to Harry, examining the cut. “Do you know where you went wrong?”

“Focused too much on just one?” Harry said, knowing that was one of his biggest issues. He was too narrow-focused.

Alexei nodded. “Especially as, with our magic, you can attack multiple opponents at once. You are also a very defensive dueller, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but it can trap you and limit your options.”

“How do I stop being defensive?” Harry asked.

“Don’t wait for your opponent’s move. They are likely more skilled than you and will get the upper hand easily if given the chance,” Alexei said. “Always try to throw them off and be unpredictable.”

Harry narrowed his eyes in suspicion. “Snape told you I use Expelliarmus a lot.”

Alexei gave an amused smile. “He may have mentioned it.”

Harry just rolled his eyes.

“You will learn, rebenok,” Alexei said. “You are still very good and I see how you’ve managed to get out of all the situations you’ve been in. You are remarkable for only fifteen.”

Harry flushed, looking at a small scrape on his hand. He was helped to his feet a few moments later and they both left the Room of Requirement. He bid goodbye to the vampire until dinner that evening and they parted. Harry glanced at his watch, finding he still had most of his second study period left before Ancient Runes. He pulled the Rune Mage brochure from his bag and stared at it thoughtfully. He chewed his lip before making a decision and heading for the Ancient Runes classroom. Hesitating outside the door for a moment, he took a deep break and peeked in, knocking lightly.

Siguard was sitting on the edge of his desk, looking between a book in his hands and the chalkboard where charmed chalk was scribbling. At Harry’s knock, the man looked over his shoulder.

“Mr. Potter, what can I do for you?” Siguard asked, putting his book aside and turning to Harry fully.

“I don’t mean to bother you,” Harry said, anxious he’d interrupted the professor’s work.

“Not at all,” Siguard said, waving Harry to approach. “How can I help you?”

“I was talking to Professor McGonagall and she told me about this job she thinks I could do,” Harry said, holding out the brochure. “She told me I should talk to you if I was interested.”

Siguard took the brochure with a quick glance at it. “This is something you are interested in? Correct me if I’m wrong, but you switched into Runes just this year, yes?”

Harry nodded. “I’ve really enjoyed the class so far and…” he trailed off as he considered revealing his secret, gaining a curious look from the professor. “I have something to tell you, but it has to stay a secret.”

Siguard’s expression turned more curious and he crossed his arms over his chest. “If it is something I can keep secret, I will.”

Harry hesitated again before deciding it was the best he’d get. “I have Elemental Magic.”

Siguard blinked. “Truly?”

Harry nodded again.

“Well, a Rune Mage is certainly an ideal job for your talents and I can certainly help if it is something you wish to pursue,” Siguard said. “I, myself, am a Rune Mage.”

“You are?” Harry said, perking up.

“For the last thirteen years,” Siguard said. “Do you know the requirements for application and acceptance?”

McGonagall explained them a bit and I read the brochure,” Harry said.

“So, you know you must achieve Os on your OWLs and NEWTs, take Magical Theory, and demonstrate your skill with runes,” Siguard said and Harry nodded. “To apply to the Association, you also require the recommendation of a Rune Mage that has seen your work.”

Harry deflated somewhat as Siguard considered him.

“Have you thought of your practical for this course yet?” Siguard asked.

“A little, but I haven’t come up with anything solid yet,” Harry admitted.

There was a pause as Siguard considered him once again.

“If this is something you are serious about pursuing, I would very much like to help you,” Siguard said and Harry perked up again. “I want you to think hard about this. It is a wonderful career and, with Elemental Magic, you would be quite the asset to the Association. However, it is very difficult, so take some time to think about it and discuss it with your family. If you decide you want to do this, think about your practical. We can use it for your entry to the Magical Theory course if it demonstrates your skill and magic. Try to make it personal. It will be more powerful that way and be a more impactful demonstration. Agreeable?”

“Yes, Professor,” Harry said. “Thank you.”

Siguard smiled and gave Harry the brochure back just as the bell rang, and students began to trickle into the room for class.

“Must have been some training,” Snape said as he held Harry’s chin and examined the cut on the Gryffindor’s cheek.

“Blame him,” Harry said, pointing to Alexei.

Snape just smirked and ran his wand along the cut, sealing it and leaving behind a pink line. Draco grabbed the chess set from Snape’s desk at the back of the room and brought it over, placing it on the sofa’s center cushion as Harry sat on one end.

“Hey, why weren’t you at breakfast?” Draco asked, dropping on the sofa across from Harry, and they both immediately began to set up the chess set between them.

“A question I would also like answered,” Snape said from his spot in the wingback adjacent to them and looking up from his book. “You know better than to miss meals.”

“Alexei brought me some,” Harry argued.

“And then beat the hell out of you?” Draco said with a grin, catching the pawn Harry threw at him.

“Draco,” Snape admonished and Draco dropped his head to hide his snickering.

“Anyway, I know I’m not supposed to miss meals, but McGonagall asked to talk to me,” Harry said.

“What did you do this time?" Draco teased only to have a pile of leaves rain over him. “Oi!” he cried, shoving the leaves from his lap and pulling them from his hair.

“Shut up, ferret,” Harry said.

“Boys,” Snape said, looking at them pointedly.

Draco scowled as Harry rolled his eyes and sent the leaves to the fireplace, letting them burn.

“It is a fair question, however,” Snape said and Draco snorted loudly at the glare the Gryffindor sent the man.

“You people have no faith in me, honestly,” Harry grumbled. “I didn’t do anything. She wanted to talk about a career she thought I would be interested in.”

“Did you talk to Professor Siguard?” Alexei asked, he and Leif leaving where they’d been standing beside the desk talking to join them in the sitting area.

Draco looked at Harry, puzzled. “Siguard? What kind of job could he help with?”

“Uh, Rune Mage,” Harry said, seeming to be uncomfortable.

Draco gaped at his friend. “Seriously? You’re going to become a Rune Mage?”

“Maybe,” Harry said. “Siguard told me to think about it. It’s a pretty complicated process. I’m not sure if I can do it.”

“Harry,” Alexei said.

“You have to think about it?” Draco said, still stunned at the news. “You have to do it! Being a Rune Mage is incredible!”

“You know about them?” Harry asked.

Draco nodded. “I wanted to be one growing up. More because it meant I could be away from my family, but it sounded brilliant too. Elemental Magic is perfect for getting into the Association.”

“What about Aether Magic?” Harry asked.

“Our magic cannot be applied in such a way,” Leif said.

“It’s not something I want to do anymore anyway,” Draco said.

“Have you considered what you would like to do?” Snape asked.

Draco studied the chess game intently to avoid looking at anyone as he spoke. “No, not really. My father said I’d be the same as him and wouldn’t work like the ‘common people’. There was also the whole my life would be for serving Voldemort thing. Didn’t seem like there was much point in career planning.”

“Well, what are you interested in?” Leif asked, splitting the slightly awkward silence.

Draco frowned at the game. “Um, I’m not sure. I’ve never had much chance to think about it.” He paused, cursing his parents. “Can we do anything with Aether Magic?”

“There is, actually,” Leif said and Draco looked at him curiously. “Because Aether Magic can connect with all magic and use it in any way, and is the source of magic, it can be used for creation.”

“What do you mean?” Draco asked.

“Along with curse breaking that is impossible for normal magic, Aether Magic can also be used to create spells and even entire branches of magic,” Leif said and Draco’s eyes widened.

“Wicked!” Harry said.

“Quite fascinating,” Snape said.

“Like Rune Magic, it is a very exclusive career and a difficult one to pursue,” Leif said. “I would be more than happy to help you, however, if it is something you would like to do.”

Draco shifted, uncomfortable again.

“Wait, why didn’t you two do these things?” Harry asked, looking at Leif and Alexei.

“My education did not allow for such a path,” Alexei said. “I was homeschooled and only in the core subjects, as well as those that would benefit my future as a royal and political figure. I also wished to repent for my feral years and all the harm I’d caused.”

“I, too, had inadequate education and, honestly, it was centuries before the job existed,” Leif said with a wry smile. “Then, I caused so much pain and damage during the wars that I needed redemption.”

Draco couldn’t help but glance at Snape, seeing slight tension in the man’s face even as he continued to calmly and casually read the book he was focused on.

“I eventually went to the Archives to keep an eye on prophecies and records for Aetherions,” Leif said.

“So, what had Professor Siguard told you, Harry?” Alexei asked.

“He said he would help me if I decide to give it a go,” Harry said.

“And what do you think, Draco?” Leif asked.

“Oh, uh, yeah, maybe,” Draco said.

“Think about it,” Leif said. “I’ll help you if you want to pursue it.”

Draco smiled and nodded before looking back at the game. He stayed silent as the others asked Harry more questions about becoming a Rune Mage, choosing not to voice what they seemed to all have forgotten. He may be away from his father, but it was ultimately temporary and he was still marked for death. Truthfully, he wasn’t sure he had any more of a future now than when he was going to be sold to the Death Eaters. It didn’t seem worth it to choose a career when he wasn’t sure he would have such freedom or even be alive. He knew there was no escaping Voldemort and the Death Eaters, and he was still his father’s son. Whether he wanted it or not, he would have to go back to Lucius eventually and the day he did, he knew…his life would be over.