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Chapter Text

Draco waited in anticipation, his father was about to open the door of the room his gift was in. 

"Have a look." Lucius insisted as he opened the door.

Draco entered the room, his eyes gazing to a boy who was currently sitting on the available bed.

"My gift's a doll?" Draco blinked.

"He isn't a doll honey." Narcissa defined.

"You adopted a son for the family???" Draco gaped.

"Quit gaping like a fish..I've assembled a personal robot for you, addressed by the name Harry." Lucius explained.

"But father, we have house-elves." Draco reminded.

"That are utter useless. This robot however, holds countless benefits. Unlike the house-elves, he'll be able to attend Hogwarts with you." Lucius went on.

"It sounds like you're making him my babysitter.." Draco thought.

"Don't be ridiculous, he'll do you well..if not, I can discard him by the end of your first year." Lucius reassured.

"Nobody has a robot, think about the positive side!" Narcissa exclaimed.

"I suppose that's true, thank you for the gift..should I introduce myself?" Draco shrugged.

"Yes, we'll be in the office.." Lucius leaves the room.

"Hope you like him." Narcissa followed.

Draco examines his robot, that hasn't spoken a word yet..how is a non-verbal robot beneficial?

"Can you speak?" Draco asks.

"I'll only speak if you allow it." Harry replied.

"Hm, I tell you what to do? That'll be intriguing." Draco noted.

"Happy birthday." Harry wished.

"Mhm, I turned 11 today..I reckon you're younger, or do robots not have ages?" Draco hummed.

"My birthday is on the date July 31st..I'm 10." Harry says.

"That's a shocking one..since you're my personal robot, I take it I can tell you anything?" Draco assumed.

"Yes, and if you wish I can keep anything you tell me a secret." Harry promised.

"Great, now get this! Every year my parents host me a birthday party, they invite my pureblood friends, and we do whatever I please..but this year they won't! Can you believe how unfair that is?" Draco ranted.

"They should do whatever makes you happy." Harry commented.

"Absolutely, and somehow they aren't! I've behaved perfectly this whole year, what did I do to deserve that?" Draco complained.

"Nothing. You deserve everything you wish for." Harry agreed.

"What a smart robot you are, of course I do!" Draco praised.

"Do you want me to throw you a party?" Harry offered.

"You can do that??" Draco sat beside him in amusement.

"Of course, I'll do anything for you." Harry confirmed.

"Father might have another one of his tantrums, he despises when unexpected guests arrive..mother and father would scold me for my behavior, I definitely can't have that on my very own birthday." Draco remembered.

"It would make your birthday worse..that cannot happen." Harry determined.

"You're right, it simply cannot..could you perhaps invite them in secret?" Draco compromised.

"I could..is that something you want me to do right now?" Harry asked.

"Affirmative! Invite Vincent Crabbe, Gregory Goyle, Daphne Greengrass, Theodore Nott, Pansy Parkinson, and Blaise Zabini. Say to arrive at 6, and also make sure that my parents don't see them." Draco instructed.

"Done..is there anything else you want me to do?" Harry wondered.

"I'll introduce you to my pet snake, follow me." Draco stood up, navigating Harry to his room.

"I admire a clean room, ask if you wanna use something." Draco said as he entered his room.

"You have a lovely room." Harry observed.

"Indeed, it's nearly the size of my parents room! Now, let me introduce you to my snake." Draco walked to it's cage.

"Very cool." Harry complimented.

"Scorp is a bit shy, but he means well..I got him as a pet for my 9th birthday, and unfortunately he's staying at the manor while I'm at Hogwarts." Draco explains.

"He'll miss you." Harry claimed.

"Well yes, I am his caregiver after all." Draco nodded.

"Are you excited to attend Hogwarts?" Harry asks.

"I've kept collected around my parents, but between us, I am counting down the days until King's Cross." Draco admitted.

"Did your parents go there?" Harry wondered.

"Yes, they were both sorted into Slytherin..actually, every Malfoy/Black that's still on our family tree has been sorted there. No doubt I'll be as well." Draco figured.

"I see." Harry understood.

"Master Draco, Master Lucius told Beeve to tell you that lunch is served." Beeve, one of the house-elves said.

"I'll be a minute Beeve, please excuse yourself." Draco nodded.

"Beeve will excuse himself." Beeve leaves the room.

Draco eventually joined his parents for lunch, suggesting Harry to have a seat as well.

"It appears you're enjoying the gift.." Narcissa smiled.

"He's tolerable." Draco stated.

"Good." Lucius uttered.

"Is it bad for Harry to digest food and water?" Draco wondered.

"The spells I casted beforehand will allow him to eat one meal per day...too much of it could cause immediate damage." Lucius warned.

"What would happen?" Draco wondered.

"Consider it to be a harmful hex." Lucius hinted.

Right, Draco knew what a hex was...the dark lord used them plenty of times before he died. 

Hopefully his personal robot didn't get one..

"Hello, I see none of you brought gifts.." Draco said to his friends.

"Too last minute Dray, who invites guests the day of the party?" Pansy ridiculed.

"Apparently him." Blaise shrugged.

"I know, poor etiquette, but it's my birthday! Also, didn't I tell you to stop referring to me as that." Draco rolled his eyes.

"Sorry! Old habit!" Pansy apologized.

"Who contacted us?" Theodore wondered.

"My parents got me my own personal robot!" Draco hid a grin.

"A robot?" Goyle blinked.

"Yes, that is what I said." Draco nodded.

"A robot??" Crabbe blinked.

"Yes, do try to keep up you two." Draco huffed.

"How did you get a robot?" Daphne asks.

"My parents." Draco crossed his arms.

"Where is this robot of yours then??" Theodore looked around his room.

"He's in his room." Draco replied.

"Your parents adopted???" Blaise gaped.

"Quit gaping like a fish...no, they got me an actual robot." Draco insisted.

"Good one Dray." Pansy laughs.

"Fine, follow me, but be quiet!" Draco demanded.

"It's just a new brother." Theodore whispered.

"It's not! Harry, my party guests are here!" Draco knocked at the door.

"Harry, no offense Dray but that sounds like such an adopted name." Pansy scoffed.

"Hello party guests!" Harry opens the door with a wave.

"Hi." Daphne waved back shyly.

"He doesn't really look like a robot.." Blaise thought.

"I knew it was a mouthful!" Theodore called.

"He is a robot!" Draco repeated.

"Yes, you said that." Goyle nodded.

"You did say that." Crabbe nodded along.

"None of you believe me it seems.." Draco rolled his eyes.

"Sorry Dray, but a robot?? I understand that he looks un malfoy-like, but he clearly doesn't pass as a robot." Pansy snorted.

"I told you to stop calling me that, and honest he's a literal robot!" Draco groaned.

"Dray, you aren't fooling us..maybe Daphne's sister would believe it." Pansy says.

"You must address him by Draco." Harry ordered.

"Uh, maybe Draco's not lying-" Daphne considered.

"Harry, you're a robot correct?" Draco turned.

"Yes..Lucius gave you to me. I'm his personal robot that will do anything to make him happy." Harry declared.

"Ok, this is getting a little weird.." Blaise grimaced.

"We're wizards, how much weirder can this possibly be?" Draco argued.

"I think he's cool." Goyle admired.

"I find you cool as well Gregory." Harry smiled.

"He called you- you're cool Harry." Crabbe said.

"You are also cool Vincent." Harry returned.

"Wow!" Crabbe and Goyle gaped in amusement.

"Fine, nice to meet you robot." Theodore huffed.

"Yeah, uh are you a wizard?" Blaise asks.

"He's a robot." Draco deadpanned.

"Well, it was really fantastic meeting you..can we go back to your room Dray?" Pansy pleaded.

"Call him Draco." Harry glared.

"Calm down, it's just a nickname, right Dray?" Pansy reassured.

"Yeah, an annoying nickname." Draco scoffed.

"Dray's just playing around! He loves when I call him that!" Pansy insisted.

"Address him by Draco only!" Harry demanded.

"Teach your robot manners, he's being disrespectful!" Pansy accused.

"He'll do what makes me happy, he's simply reminding you not to call me that stupid nickname!" Draco raised his voice.

"Draco, don't you think you're overreacting a little.." Blaise said.

"It's my birthday, at least try to listen!" Draco sneered.

"Draco!?" Narcissa approached, a very angry Lucius behind her.

"What is the meaning of this?" Lucius growled.

"Draco's robot is rude!" Pansy says.

"No he's not!" Draco disagreed.

"I don't care about this little argument, what are they doing here Draco? Your mother and I specifically said no party." Lucius reminded.

"It simply wasn't fair, you always throw me a party!" Draco complained.

"Beeve will escort you 6 home." Narcissa motioned.

"Beeve will take Master Draco's friends home! Draco's friends please follow Beeve!" Beeve escorted.

"Draco, why were they here??" Narcissa asks.

"I wanted a party." Draco explained.

"You disobeyed us both, how ungrateful can you possibly be?" Lucius sneered.

"I'm sorry." Draco apologized.

"Go straight to bed." Lucius ordered.

"But, mother-" Draco begged.

"No story tonight, next time think before you make a decision like this." Narcissa shook her head.

And with that, Draco headed to his room head down.

Draco climbed into his bed, feeling a great lump in his throat..was it weird to have a robot? His friends sure thought so..and he really looked forward to his mother reading him a bedtime story.

Yes, Draco was 11, but the routine stuck with him for years..

"Draco?" Harry knocked.

"Go away." Draco said.

"I have something for you..it's a good thing." Harry insisted.

"Unlikely." Draco doubted.

"It'll make you happy..I do things to make you happy, remember?" Harry convinced.

"Fine, just don't be annoying." Draco sighed.

Harry entered the room, closing the door on his way in.

"Narcissa said she wouldn't read you a bedtime story.." Harry began.

"Are you here to make fun?" Draco huffed.

"No..I'm gonna read the bedtime story for you." Harry decided.

"I don't want a 10 year old robot reading me a bedtime story.." Draco rolled his eyes.

"It'll make you happy." Harry reassured, climbing into Draco's bed with a book in his hand.

"Hey, who said you could lay in my bed?" Draco retorted.

"Once the stories over I'll leave..I'm sorry, I need to do what makes you happy, and that's reading you a bedtime story." Harry opened the book.

Draco didn't feel like arguing with his robot any longer, and instead drifted off to sleep at the sound of his favorite bedtime story..

Chapter Text

Having a personal robot is weird, but Draco's parents weren't lying about how beneficial Harry would be.

Harry did pretty much anything Draco wanted, he would bring him breakfast in bed, cheer at his amazing Quidditch skills, read to him whenever he wished..Harry was always giving him attention, something he no longer received from his mother.

Harry was truly a great birthday gift.

"Happy birthday." Draco wished to his robot.

"Thank you." Harry smiled.

"Do you want me to give you less orders today?" Draco offered.

"I don't mind, it's already my happiest birthday..I'm spending it with you." Harry admitted.

"Well, I can't be too shocked can I? How do robots normally spend their birthday?" Draco wondered.

"It depends..I stayed in a cupboard for all of my previous birthday's." Harry shrugged.

"You're a great robot, who would do that to you??" Draco frowned.

"That doesn't matter, I'm happy to be spending my 11th birthday with you." Harry smiled again.

"Oh how I hope no one bothers you at Diagon Alley, you're too pure for that." Draco hopes.

"Pure? I have never been called that." Harry laughs a little.

"Do you wanna borrow some of my clothes, I'll allow it as it's your birthday?" Draco offered.

"Yes, you have magnificent clothing, I would love to wear it!" Harry exclaimed.

"Alright." Draco gestured him to the closet.

"I've never seen you in this.." Harry looked at a red-orange patterned sweater.

"I only wear it during Halloween." Draco shrugged.

"I bet it looks lovely on you!" Harry figured.

"No, I look quite silly.." Draco chuckled.

"You never look silly, I am always impressed by you." Harry complimented.

"You're too kind, really." Draco gloated.

"Can I try on your sweater? Please?" Harry asked.

"I suppose..I'll let you change." Draco leaves the closet.

See? Harry was just so nice..he complimented Draco a ton, and it didn't annoy him like it did with Pansy. 

"I'm finished." Harry said.

"I'm coming back in." Draco opened the door.

"It's a bit big on me, you'd look way better in it." Harry thought.

"No, it looks good on you..how about we head downstairs?" Draco decided.

Draco had a lot of shopping to do with his parents, all for his 1st year at Hogwarts. Harry would even see Draco get his wand, and it would look even more impressive.

"I heard countless amount of mudbloods are attending Hogwarts this year.." Lucius scowled.

"Lucius..remember, the times are different now that he's dead..we can't torture muggleborns forever." Narcissa reminded.

"Right." Lucius huffed.

"Anyways, I see Harry's gotten a new outfit put together, is there an occasion?" Narcissa noticed.

"It's Harry's birthday, I allowed him to borrow it." Draco replied.

"That's...nice." Lucius commented.

"Draco is nice, my birthday has never been this good." Harry shared.

"Mhm..Draco, are you done with your food? We have a lot of shopping to do." Lucius asked.

"Yes, we're ready." Draco nodded.

"We're?" Lucius blinked.

"Harry and I of course." Draco replied.

"Well let's Floo there shall we!" Narcissa says.

"Floo, like how Draco fly's?" Harry assumed.

"No, just do as I say." Lucius instructed.

"But I listen to Draco." Harry said.

"Trust me, father knows what he's doing..follow his lead." Draco insisted.

"Ok.." Harry nodded unsurely.

They Floo'd to Diagon Alley, the setting totally opposite from the manor. 

Draco had Harry by his side the whole trip, and Harry could not stop clapping when Draco got his wand. 

Yes, Draco did admit, his wand was rather nice..

"Father, can Harry eat ice cream at Florean's?" Draco wondered.

"Yes, but only a small amount." Lucius nodded.

"Harry, because you've been a great robot, would you like to eat at the ice cream shop?" Draco asks.

"I have never ate ice cream, but I would like that." Harry grinned.

"Perfect! Mother, father, can we go on our own?" Draco asked.

"I suppose, we'll finish up with your supplies." Lucius agreed.

"Don't cause trouble!" Narcissa reminded, handing Draco galleons.

"Thank you, follow me Harry." Draco directs.

Draco entered the ice cream shop with Harry, there wasn't too many people inside.

Draco ordered himself pistachio, and noticed Harry eyeing the chocolate..because it was his birthday, Draco decided to order that for him.

"Dray!" Pansy approached, Daphne trailing behind her.

Draco groaned, of course Pansy was here.

"Hello." Draco greeted.

"I didn't know your robot could come to Diagon Alley!" Daphne observed.

"Wait, how can he eat if he's a robot?" Pansy wondered.

"He's allowed to eat one meal per day..if he digest's too much he'll get really unwell." Draco explained.

"Hm, that's interesting!" Daphne commented.

"Mind if we sit with you both?" Pansy asked.

"It's up to Harry, considering he turned 11 today.." Draco says.

"Oh, happy birthday then." Daphne wished.

"Thank you, this has been my best birthday yet..sit if you'd like." Harry accepted.

"How do robot's celebrate their birthday?" Pansy sat next to them.

"I never really met another robot, I can't be sure.." Harry shrugged.

"Oh..I'm sorry that we got caught during your birthday party Dray.." Pansy apologized.

"I apologize for arguing, I respect you for making amends with me." Draco appreciated.

"I respect you for making amends with Draco." Harry agreed.

"How do you get him to praise you like that?" Daphne wondered.

"He's my robot, he'll do what makes me happy." Draco replied.

"How did Lucius get a hold of a robot? Tell him to contact my parents so they can get me one too!" Pansy cheers.

"Then I won't be the only student at Hogwarts with a personal robot.." Draco huffed.

"He's allowed to attend Hogwarts with you??" Daphne gaped slightly.

"Yes, and I don't have a clue on how father managed it." Draco confirmed.

"At least just tell us how he got one??" Pansy begged.

"I honestly don't know..but it doesn't matter considering he's been nothing but helpful." Draco claimed.

"I see.." Pansy nodded.

"Woah, what's happening to Harry's hair?" Daphne wondered.

Draco glanced at Harry, his hair turning messier than usual.

"Why's your hair doing that?" Pansy furrowed her eyebrows.

"I've never seen your hair in this state..someone must've casted a hair spell on him!" Draco guessed.

"No." Harry shook his head.

"No? No what?" Draco blinked.

"It's my natural hair..Lucius made sure to spell it so I'd look less atrocious. Maybe it wore off?" Harry explained.

"That's your natural hair? Have robot's never heard of hair brushes??" Pansy scoffed.

"It's always looked like this..no brush keeps it contained." Harry shrugged.

"Father can barely handle a string of my hair un slicked, I imagine he'll throw a tantrum once he sees this..we better find him. Nice to see you both, now follow me Harry." Draco waved goodbye, leaving the shop with Harry.

"There you are- Oh my! What is going on with Harry's hair?" Narcissa found them.

"Father, can you fix it?" Draco asks.

"What did you do?" Lucius daggered toward Harry.

"The spell wore off I think..sorry." Harry frowned.

"You best be! Do you know how unprofessional the Malfoy's look with your atrocious mane?" Lucius ridiculed.

"I'm not sure why it happened...I didn't mean to make you look bad." Harry defended.

"Well you are right now! That wizarding family over there is staring due to how unpresentable you look." Lucius scolded.

"I'm sorry." Harry apologized.

"We're returning to the manor." Lucius decided, using his hand to grip Harry's hair. 

"Of course, we'll finish up.." Narcissa nodded, guiding Draco away.

"Why can't you fix his hair here?" Draco wondered.

"Don't disrespect me, Draco..you'll do as told." Lucius sneered.

Draco couldn't protest because they were already gone within a second. 

Sure, Harry's hair did not look put together, but wasn't his father being a bit harsh? He didn't find it necessary to drag Harry back to the manor when a simple spell could easily do the trick. 

He would ask Harry about it later..

Later.

"Harry?" Draco knocked on his door.

Harry opened the door instantly, catching Draco by surprise.

"Oh yay, you're back! Do you want me to fetch a cup of tea?" Harry greeted.

"Not currently, no..are you alright?" Draco wondered.

"Do I look sad?" Harry frowned.

"No, I'm referring to what happened with you and father.." Draco meant.

"Oh, he yelled a lot, but It was my fault for upsetting him..I was more sad about having to leave without you." Harry explained.

"Yeah..hey, did you change out my sweater?" Draco noticed.

"Lucius said it made me look fat, I suppose he doesn't want an even worse image." Harry smiled sadly. 

"Father says a lot of nonsense when he's frustrated. I said it looked good, and nobody's judgement is as accurate as mine." Draco reassured.

"That's true, you are always correct." Harry agreed.

"Which proves my exact point! Now, what are you doing at the moment?" Draco asked.

"Not causing any trouble." Harry stated.

"I don't recall saying that.." Draco hummed.

"Lucius orders." Harry replied.

"But you're my robot, why would you listen to him?" Draco crossed his arms. 

"I don't know..I shouldn't have. I would listen to you over him any day." Harry sighed.

"No, I'm being unreasonable..father hates denial, he would've been more agitated if you didn't listen. Considering you're my robot, it's a responsibility that I make sure you're not hurt." Draco believed.

"Draco, you know how to make me so happy..I've never met someone as lovely as you." Harry declared.

"You're too kind, really.." Draco flushed.

"Only to someone as great as you." Harry pats Draco's shoulder with a warm smile.

Perhaps Harry thought it was Draco's birthday..or maybe he really did find Draco to be those things..

Oh well. 

Chapter Text

September 1st

Platform 9 3/4

Draco shared one final look with his mother before beginning to board the train, he knew deep down that he'd miss her.

"Draco? Are you ok?" Harry asked from beside him.

"Yes." Draco nodded. 

The good thing about Harry was that he didn't push Draco for answers, the only exception being if Draco was near the extent of crying..he understood Draco's lack of emotion. 

Draco began looking through compartments, along with constantly checking to see if Harry was following him. 

"Where will we sit?" Harry wonders.

"Right here!" Draco decided as he sat in an empty compartment.

"Hey can I sit with you guys? The other compartments are full.." A red head approached.

"I suppose." Draco shrugged.

"Right, thanks..I'm Ron by the way, Ron Weasley." Ron introduced.

"Nice to meet you." Harry returned.

"A Weasley, makes sense...Draco Malfoy." Draco returned.

"A Malfoy?" Ron blinked.

"That is what I said, what's it to you?" Draco crossed his arms.

"Nothing..sorry. What's your name?" Ron asked.

"Harry." Harry replied.

"Cool, do you two know each other already?" Ron wondered.

"He's my personal robot, of course we know each other." Draco claimed.

"A robot?? Wicked!" Ron gaped.

"It is..he was a gift from my parents, I quite like him actually." Draco admitted.

"What can he do?" Ron wondered.

"He'll do whatever makes me happy..Harry? Do something to make me happy?" Draco asked.

"Anything from the trolley dear's?" The trolley came by.

"Tea." Harry ordered, giving her some galleons.

"There you are!" She hands the cup over.

"Draco, you deserve a cup of tea." Harry scooted the steaming liquid towards him.

"Drinking tea is a pleasure." Draco thanks Harry.

"What else does he do for you?" Ron wondered.

"He'll read to me, watch me practicing quidditch, match with me in a game of a chess, he'll protect me as well." Draco listed.

"Bloody hell! He's cooler than my rat!" Ron compared, showing them a pet rat.

"You have a pet rat?" Draco grimaced.

"He's a bit pathetic." Ron shrugged.

"Make him less pathetic." Draco suggested.

"I have an idea! I'll turn Scabbers yellow!" Ron decided.

"Yellow? That's the color of urine.." Draco noted.

"Has anyone seen a toad? A boy named Neville's lost one." A girl interrupted.

"No." Ron shook his head.

"Oh, are you doing magic? Let's see it then." She insisted.

Ron clears his throat, wand in hand, "Sunshine, daisies, butter mellow, turn this stupid, fat rat yellow!" 

Ron's face turned more red when the spell resulted into nothing.

"Are you sure that's a real spell? Well it's not very good is it..I've only tried a few simple spells for practice, and they've all worked for me." She gloated.

"Congrats?" Draco blinked.

"Oh, I'm Hermione Granger!" Hermione sat beside him.

"Draco Malfoy." Draco introduced.

"You're the wizard who has a robot! I heard other students talking about it." Hermione realized.

"Mhm, his name's Harry." Draco added.

"Fascinating! Oh, and you are?" Hermione faced Ron.

"Uh, Ron Weasley." Ron responded.

"Pleasure. Is your robot allowed to be sorted?" Hermione wondered.

"No." Draco denied.

"Well I better keep searching for Neville's toad, make sure to change into your robe's Ron." Hermione reminded as she left the compartment.

"Girls." Ron rolled his eyes dramatically.

Draco had to agree with him on that.

Even though Harry insisted that he could get on the boat fine without falling into the water, it didn't stop Draco from practically carrying him to one.

Draco placed Harry down, taking a seat next to him. 

"You're so strong, Draco..I am really impressed by you." Harry praised.

"He can't be that strong." Ron doubted, who was sitting in front of the two.

"Draco is strong in many ways..he is a strong quidditch player, he has a strong heart, he's the strongest person I know!" Harry stated.

"Right." Ron nodded unsurely.

"Harry's my robot, he could've fallen into the water and if that leads to carrying, so be it..besides, there's no way in hell I'm letting anyone else touch him." Draco defended.

"And Harry's alright with that?" Ron blinked.

"Of course, Draco would never do anything to hurt me." Harry declared.

"You two must have a good bond, how long have you had him?" Ron wondered.

"Since June." Draco replied.

"Do you guys have a brotherly friendship?" Ron wondered.

"What's it to you with all these questions? But no, I'm an only child, and I doubt father would ever consider adopting..whether he's a robot or not." Draco crossed his arms.

"Sorry..wow, Hogwarts looks out of this world up close!" Ron awed.

"It's a castle! Draco, you can be the person who saves everyone from danger!" Harry thought.

"Perhaps I could do that someday, but as of now I'm not capable of such an heroic act." Draco knew.

"I guess not many wizards at 11 can do something like that, but I know you'd save me if I was in danger." Harry believed.

Draco preferred to stay out of life risking danger, however, Harry was right. If his robot were to be in danger, he'd have no choice but to take a stance. Harry's only been his robot for a short three months, but he really meant a lot to Draco..

"You're my robot, I couldn't have you in danger." Draco says.

Yeah, Draco went soft for his robot..

The sorting hat would determine Draco's house, and his name was getting nearer and nearer.

"Hermione Granger?" McGonagall called.

Draco glanced at the muggleborn, who was clearly distressed.

"Mental that one, I'm telling you." Ron whispered.

"Perhaps." Draco shrugged. 

"GRYFFINDOR"

Draco didn't find it shocking, but he was thrown off when his name got called not too long after.

"Draco Malfoy?" McGonagall said.

"Yay!" Harry patted his back encouragingly. 

Draco gave Harry a quick nod before going up to take a seat, the hat placed on his head.

"Hm..ah, another Malfoy. What should I do about you?"

"Sort me into my house." Draco replied.

"This one's tricky..ravenclaw is not the house."

"Tricky? I'm Slytherin through and through." Draco claimed.

"Determined and clever yes, but I'm leaning towards another.."

"What??" Draco asked.

"You show great loyalty to your robot.." 

"No, you can't possibly think I have the potential to be in Hufflepuff!" Draco argued.

"You still remain with plenty of Slytherin traits, but your loyalty sticks out the most.." 

"No, please don't sort me in Hufflepuff! No Malfoy is and I want to keep it that way!" Draco begged.

"Better be...HUFFLEPUFF!"

Draco froze, feeling the desire to disapparate. 

"Please take a seat." McGonagall instructed.

Draco complied, walking over to the Hufflepuff tables wearily. 

What will his friends say? They always talked about being in Slytherin together..more importantly, what would his father think?? 

"Draco?" Harry approached.

"Hey." Draco greeted.

"I know you wanted to be in Slytherin, but don't let it ruin your arrival." Harry insisted.

"Harry, I'm the first Malfoy in Hufflepuff, it'll disappoint my father and our name!" Draco worried.

"No. You're the first Malfoy in Hufflepuff, that's a milestone..If you were to be in Slytherin you'd grow into a replica of Lucius, who wants to be someone who already exists? It's a good thing to be different, I think it makes you cool." Harry believed.

"I know, but he'll be furious.." Draco reminded.

"The hat chose, not you..he can't get mad over something you weren't able to control. It wouldn't be valid." Harry stated.

"Hm, you're a very smart robot." Draco noted.

"You're a very cool wizard..oh look! It's Ron up there!" Harry pointed.

"GRYFFINDOR"

"Lucky.." The boy in front of them mutters.

"I'm sorry?" Draco blinked.

"Oh, uh nothing.." He shook his head.

"Is that a toad?" Harry spotted.

"It's my toad, uh Trevor." He raised the animal.

"You're Neville! It's good that you found him!" Harry realized.

"Yes, I was worried...I didn't see you get sorted?" Neville noticed.

"I'm not a wizard." Harry replied.

"You're a muggle at a wizarding school?" Neville blinked confused.

"No, he's my personal robot..he goes everywhere with me." Draco explained.

"A robot?" Neville's eyes widen.

"Yes, that is what I said." Draco nodded.

"I'm Harry." Harry introduced.

"Let the feast begin!!" Dumbledore announced.

The food appeared in front of them, wonderful scents filling the nostrils.

"Can Harry eat or drink?" Neville wondered.

"He can have one meal a day, no drinks though..too much water can damage his system." Draco explained.

"You're the wizard with a robot?" A bloke guessed.

"Yes." Draco confirmed.

How often were his peers gonna ask him that? Draco found it repetitive and annoying.

"Are you ok?" Harry asked, who could clearly sense his irritable mood.

"Fine." Draco muttered.

"Nobody as amazing as you deserves to be upset." Harry thought.

"I'm always upset, Harry." Draco reminded.

"Yes, but you're still really cool..I'd do anything to be cool like you." Harry admitted.

"I'm not cool anymore..I'm a Malfoy in Hufflepuff." Draco remembered.

"It may not sound cool to your relatives, but your house doesn't define you as a person. You have well-dressed robes, a snake, amazing quidditch abilities..you're really strong and smart..you're hair is very cool, and you have the prettiest shade of eyes I ever seen." Harry compliments.

"Really? No one's ever complimented my eyes before..Pansy wishes they were brighter." Draco says.

"I think they already look beautiful." Harry insisted.

Draco responded with a quick grin, trying to ignore the way Harry's words were affecting him. 

Sure, Pansy tends to compliment Draco constantly, but it doesn't feel the same..

Draco simply preferred Harry anyways, maybe that was why.

Maybe

"I'm Reina Jones your house prefect, welcome to Hufflepuff! Please follow me, as I will escort you to our common room!" Reina instructed.

Draco always imagined himself in the Slytherin dungeons, how different would this be?

"These barrels are the entry way, we get in by tapping on this specific barrel..see how I'm doing this? If you do it correctly like I did, you'll be able to crawl through the tunnel and make it to the common room. Everyone follow me, please be respectful and go one at a time!" Reina guided, entering the tunnel first.

Draco did not like waiting, having a tunnel as an entry way was so inconvenient..Draco didn't wanna see an arse up in his face. 

"Harry are you seeing this?" Draco whispered to his robot.

"The barrel's are cute." Harry smiled.

"That is not what I'm referencing..someone's gonna be staring at my bottom!" Draco complained.

"You go into the tunnel last..that way no one will look at your bottom." Harry says.

"Alright." Draco sighed.

"Come on." Harry grabbed his hand and lead him towards the front of the tunnel.

"Look at how uncenetery this is..what if we're getting chased, this tunnel would do us no good." Draco crawled inside.

"I wouldn't let anyone chase you, it'd be ok." Harry reassured.

"Harry? Can I ask you something?" Draco wondered.

"Yes, anything." Harry nodded.

"How come you're so nice to me?" Draco asks.

"Because I like you." Harry faced him.

"But you like everyone." Draco protested.

"I do, but I like you the most..these past few months have been the happiest moments of my life." Harry poked Draco's right cheek.

"Hey? Are you two alright? We've been waiting for a few minutes!" Reina interrupted from the end of the tunnel.

"Very, I apologize..continue crawling Harry." Draco said.

They finally entered the common room, and Draco couldn't deny the place had a calm demeanor. It was sunny, full of grass and plants, it seemed cosy.

"This is the common room! To the right is our stairs that lead to the boy's and the left stairs lead up to the girls! All your luggage is up in your dorms, if you have any questions feel free to ask me, the other prefects, or even Professor Sprout!" Reina explained.

Draco didn't bother asking questions, and instead walked to his dorm with Harry.

Draco almost collided into a bloke, moving out of the way last second, which caused Harry and the bloke to fall.

"Maybe get out of the way." He glared at Harry.

"Sorry." Harry stood up.

"You're still in the way moron." He huffed.

"Right, sorry." Harry turned.

"Hey, what do I address you by?" Draco intervened.

"Zacharias Smith." Smith replied flatly.

"Don't call my robot a moron, Smith." Draco warned.

"A robot? That's kinda creepy..what if he hurts someone?" Zacharias judged.

Draco saw the frown on Harry's face, causing him to get even angrier.

"He is not creepy! In all honesty you look creepier, which says a lot about your looks in particular.." Draco insulted.

"Sure, he may not look creepy, but once we're asleep he'll make a plan to hurt us all." Zacharias assumed.

"He would never hurt someone on purpose! What are you? Scared of robots? I find that pathetic." Draco sneered.

"Pathetic? I saw you after getting sorted, you were about to cry!" Zacharias accused.

"Who do you think you are?" Draco clenched his fists.

"Come on Draco, let's go see your dorm." Harry suggested, grabbing one of Draco's fists.

"Fine, I've spent too much time around this filth anyways." Draco moved out of the other bloke's way, and began walking to his dorm with Harry.

"That wizard made me angry..I wanted to do something, but I was afraid I'd end up proving him right." Harry said as they walked.

"What are you on about, Harry?" Draco stopped walking.

"He said I'll probably hurt someone..what if he was right?" Harry sighed.

"He couldn't be more wrong, I know who you are..he doesn't know the first thing about you, he solely judged you on the fact that you're a robot." Draco knew.

"..Is it weird that I'm a robot?" Harry frowned.

"I think you're cooler than everyone here." Draco poked Harry's right cheek.

"Even if I'm a robot?" Harry itched closer to him.

"Mhm." Draco nodded.

"Thank you, Draco." Harry linked their arms with a smile.

"Well, it appears that we made it to our dorm." Draco noticed, opening the door with his free hand.

Draco entered the room, a interior of yellow and black.

"Hello." One of the bloke's greeted.

"You would be?" Draco wondered.

"I'm Justin..who's the brown-haired bloke behind you?" Justin asked.

"It's the color raven actually..he's my personal robot, Harry." Draco motioned.

"I didn't know robot's were real?" Justin hummed.

"They aren't common, but it's nothing too unordinary..I'm Ernie Macmillan." Ernie introduced.

"Alright. Harry, claim the bed next to mine." Draco instructed.

Harry climbed into the empty bed, a smile written on this face.

"The beds at your manor are definitely bigger in terms of size, but these beds are much more comfortable." Harry thought.

"I'll be the judge of that..however, I need to unpack my belongings first." Draco decided.

"Would you like me to do it?" Harry offered.

"No." Draco declined.

"Oh finally! I made it to the right dorm!" Neville bursted through the doors.

"Hello to you too.." Draco blinked.

"Went to the wrong dorm? So did I." Justin flushed.

"Yeah.." Neville nodded as he made his way to the unoccupied bed.

Draco tuned their conversations out, leaving himself to organize his things.

"Harry? Are the other's asleep?" Draco whispered from his bed that following night.

"Yes." Harry confirmed.

"Perfect..I have my book." Draco says.

Within seconds Harry was laying next to Draco in his bed.

"I shall read it to you." Harry picked up his book.

Draco would never let someone like Theodore or Pansy read to him..Theodore would be laughing the whole time, and Pansy would exaggerate everything. Blaise would make an attempt to act serious, but would no doubt fail at it. Crabbe and Goyle could care less about a bedtime story, but Draco was positive that they both didn't know how to read. Daphne isn't one to judge, but she'd be the person that would fall asleep while reading it. 

Draco couldn't deny that Harry reading to him was nearly as calm as to when his mother did..Harry spoke gently and kind, never raising his voice or stuttering in between a line. 

Draco always fell asleep in content. 

Chapter Text

"Make sure to listen really well, I know you aren't performing any real magic, but Professor Snape has extremely high standards." Draco warned Harry before entering the potion's room. 

"How do you know?" Harry wondered.

"He's an old friend of father's. Follow me, alright?" Draco enters with Harry.

Draco takes a seat behind the row of Gryffindors, insisting Harry to do the same.

"Hey, there's Ron!" Harry pointed at the ginger who sat in front of him.

"Oh! Hello Harry, Draco." Hermione turned around at them.

"He didn't say your name." Ron retorted.

"How is Gryffindor?" Harry asks.

"It's wicked cool!" Ron exclaimed. 

"No foolish wand-waving or silly incantations in this class. As such I don't expect many of you to appreciate the subtle science and exact art the dispersion making, however for those select few who possess in the predisposition. I can teach you how to bewitch the mind and ensnare the senses. I can tell you how to bottle fame brew glory and even put a stopper in death." Severus stated, his eyes beginning to gaze at Harry.

"Ah, you must be the talk of the school..Draco Malfoy's robot." Severus drawled.

"I am Draco's robot." Harry nodded in confirmation.

"Don't think because you're a robot that you'll be granted with any difference in expectations.." Severus warned.

Severus directed the subject, "I have a potion boiling, watch closely at my demonstration.." 

Draco kept his eyes set on the cauldron, the boil looking seemingly content..that was until the boil started overflowing.

"Excuse me Professor Snape?" Hermione raised her hand.

"What must you interrupt me for..Granger?" Severus scowled.

"I apologize, but your cauldron's overflowing." Hermione noticed.

"Anyone with proper sight should've noticed that..what should I do to fix this current problem?" Severus questioned.

A Gryffindor rose his hand.

"Yes..Finnigan?" Severus called.

"Clean it up." Finnigan replied.

"Minus 5 points for a Gryffindor answering a question with pure stupidity.." Severus took away.

Draco raised his hand, confident that he'll be correct.

"Yes, Draco Malfoy?" Severus says.

"Boil cure..it's a potion that'll remove one's boil." Draco answered.

"Pathetic, a Hufflepuff knows better than a Gryffindor..boil cure is what we'll be focusing on for today's lesson. I hope you all can keep up, as I know most of you will struggle in this area." Severus assumed.

Eventually Severus gave a demonstration on how to make boil cure, and put them all into pairs.

Draco luckily got to work with his robot. 

"Harry? Do you mind grabbing the ingredients for me?" Draco asks.

"I do not!" Harry oblivedged. 

Draco waited for Harry's return, who managed to grab everything in one go.

"I think this'll be easy!" Draco figured.

"Well done, maybe your robot could do something next time.." Severus looked at their potion.

Harry did plenty of helping, what was his godfather on about? 

"Longbottom, you idiot!" Severus peered at the melting cauldron.

"Sorry p-professor Snape." Neville turned a bright red.

"Minus 10 points from Hufflepuff!" Severus docked.

Draco wonders what potions would've been like if he was a Slytherin..

"Hey Hufflegrump." Theodore greeted at the pitch.

"Hello." Draco returned, feeling anxious at the sight.

"Hello Theodore!" Harry waved.

"Right, forgot he was with you..uh hello." Theodore waved awkwardly.

"Are you good at quidditch?" Harry wondered.

"Eh not really..Blaise is better than me." Theodore shrugged.

"Hm, well Draco's really good!" Harry insisted.

"I've known him way longer than you, of course I know he's good." Theodore rolled his eyes.

"Anyway, how about you fly by me and Blaise, Draco?" Theodore continued.

"Alright, come on Harry, you can watch beside me." Draco motioned.

"He's not even flying, why would he have to be near us?" Theodore retorted.

"He likes to watch me fly up close." Draco says.

"This is ridiculous." Theodore departed.

Draco blinked in annoyance, why was Theodore so uptight? 

"I don't think he likes me." Harry muttered.

"What makes you say that?" Draco wondered.

"He didn't want me near him, or you..maybe he thinks it's weird that I'm a robot?" Harry frowned.

"If he can't get used to you he'll have to deal with it." Draco dismissed.

"You really make me happy Draco..also, this piece of hair is out of place." Harry noticed.

"What? It is??" Draco panicked.

Harry touched his slicked hair for a few moments, before pulling his hand away.

"There you are, I fixed it. Although, I think your hair always looks good.." Harry smiled.

"How fascinating." Hermione suddenly commented.

"Were you eavesdropping?" Draco accused.

"Not to pry, but I've seen plenty of interactions between the two of you..and it really has me wondering.." Hermione hummed.

"What's it to you?" Draco crossed his arms.

"From what I know, most robots don't show a lot of emotion..however, it doesn't seem to be the case with yours." Hermione noted.

"Enough learning, this is a flying class!" Ron approached.

Draco was thankful that the ginger interrupted their conversation, he didn't need to hear Hermione's unwanted explanation.

Everyone got situated as Madam Hooch began instructing.

"Good afternoon, class. Welcome to your first flying lesson..well, what are you waiting for? Everyone step up to the left side of their broomstick. Come on now, hurry up! Stick your right hand over the broom and say "up." Madam Hooch instructs. 

"Up." Draco succeeds, broom in hand.

"Up!" Ron says for the fifth time, groaning as the broom smacks him in the face. 

Draco snorted, clearly Ron wasn't familiar with a broom.

Neville definitely wasn't familiar with a broom, as Draco watched him break a wrist. 

Madam Hooch brought Neville to the Hospital Wing, leaving Draco and his peers by themselves.

"Anybody as fat as him would've fallen like that." Theodore insulted.

"Hey, don't say mean things about Neville!" Harry defended.

"Well he did fall, and he is fat..I was just being honest." Theodore shrugged.

"You shouldn't call people fat." Harry ridiculed.

"You can't tell me what to do..bloody moron." Theodore huffed.

Draco did not find Theodore's comment agreeable.

"Harry is not a moron." Draco interfered.

"Yeah, actually you're the moron! You've only known Harry since June, how is it you keep defending him!? He's a robot, you don't know what he's capable of doing!" Theodore spat.

"I lived with him, I know way more than you do! Harry's been nothing but kind to you, he only did otherwise because you insulted his friend!" Draco protested.

"I wish you didn't get your stupid robot-" Theodore began.

"Quit calling him that!" Draco shoved the Slytherin's shoulder.

"You're so pathetic, no wonder you're in Hufflepuff!" Theodore shoved him back.

"Don't touch him!" Harry ran in between them, guarding Draco. 

"How about nobody touches anyone! Madam Hooch would not be happy to see this!" Hermione intervenes.

"He's the moron who started the pushing to begin with!" Theodore accused.

"If you were the smarter person than you wouldn't continue making Draco angry. I think that makes you the moron!" Harry thought.

"You're the robot who doesn't know how to stay out of someone's business! Draco doesn't need you! He's better off without you, hell, everyone's better off without you!" Theodore argued. 

Draco couldn't decide what made him more mad..Theodore's cruel insults or the defeated look on Harry's face? He frankly didn't care as he tackled Theodore, pinning him to the ground. 

"Stop!" Hermione tried to say.

"Bloody hell!" Ron exclaimed.

"Draco Malfoy!" McGonagall pulled him away.

Draco didn't even notice her presence, but the realization of the situation started to settle in. 

"I can explain-" Draco began.

"You'll be explaining this to your head of house, follow me Mr.Malfoy!" McGonagall instructed.

"No! I told Draco to tackle Theodore!" Harry lied.

"Is that so?" McGonagall questioned.

"It's ok Harry..no, I did it on my own terms." Draco confirmed.

"Very well." McGonagall noted.

"Wait, can't I come with Draco?" Harry asked.

"You will stay here to make sure Mr.Malfoy doesn't miss any importance." McGonagall decided.

"But this'll be his last class, and Draco knows how to fly perfectly-" Harry protested.

"My decision stands..come along Mr.Malfoy." McGonagall directs.

Draco only hoped that Professor Sprout was less willing of punishment. 

"Explain Mr.Malfoy?" Sprout encouraged.

"To be clear, Theodore Nott started everything before I even got involved..Harry heard him insult Neville, and being the nice robot he is, decided to defend his friend. It turned into quite the argument. Theodore wouldn't stop taunting, and made very harsh comments about Harry. He's my robot, and I suppose that lead to me pushing Theodore.." Draco explained.

"I do not approve of violence, but I'm not Head of Hufflepuff for no reason..It's clear to me that you were only trying to protect Harry. I didn't see you as a Hufflepuff right away, but the hat of course is never wrong. Seeing students in my house protecting one another is exactly what I cherish..5 points will be taken. I advise you to study and keep your distance from others for the night." Sprout decided.

Only 5 points? Consider Draco as satisfied.

"Thank you." Draco nodded, exiting the greenhouse.

Draco entered the Hufflepuff common room, destined to find his robot.

He did.

Harry was sleeping in the egg-like chair.

Draco wondered how long he had been sleeping for, and what drew him to that spot in particular?

"Harry." Draco spoke up.

Draco watched as Harry stirred, and almost felt bad for waking him up.

"Hey, Harry." Draco spoke again.

Harry awakened shortly after, who didn't seem to notice that it was Draco who woke him up.

"Oh, Draco!" Harry quickly got off the chair as soon as he spotted the blonde.

"How long have you been in here for?" Draco asked.

"I don't know, I was waiting for you and ended up falling asleep..did you get in trouble?" Harry wondered.

"Professor Sprout only took away 5 points, how lucky is that!" Draco shared.

"Yay! I was real worried about you!" Harry wrapped his arms around Draco's waist, hugging him affectionately. 

"You were?" Draco blinked.

"Yes." Harry replied, leaning his head onto Draco.

"I was worried about you too." Draco returned the hug.

"You were?" Harry looked at him hopefully.

"Yes." Draco insisted.

"Theodore didn't think so..he started laughing once you left, saying you're lucky to get some space away from me.." Harry pulled out of the hug with a frown.

"I don't know why he was saying those things but I swear they aren't true..I would've been devastated if you didn't come to Hogwarts with me." Draco reassured.

"Really?" Harry hesitated.

"Even though you're a robot, I think of you as my best friend." Draco admitted.

"I've never had a best friend before, nor a friend..you're the first person who's ever cared about me." Harry smiled shyly.

"I always believed that wizards were the greatest people in existence..however, robots evidently hold that spot." Draco stated.

"So you wouldn't like me better if I was a wizard like you?" Harry wondered.

"No, I think you're already perfect." Draco believed.

"Thank you, Draco." Harry sighed with a smile.

Draco really felt like he should be the one thanking Harry, but, maybe they were both equally thankful. 

It was later that night when Draco saw Odyssey flying up to the dormitory window. 

Draco squinted, Odyssey was his parent's owl? 

Which only meant one thing.

And the thing Draco feared came to place as he saw the letter drop on his bed.

Draco knew before even opening it that his father had been the one to write it..he's seen the way he writtened plenty of times.

Draco,

I heard about your sorting through Severus. A Malfoy in Hufflepuff is disgraceful enough, it being my own son is a completely different matter! Hufflepuff. How did you manage to land in that pathetic of a house? It's terrible for our legacy! As a result, you will not be returning to the Manor for the Christmas holidays. Your mother and I agree that this shall be your punishment. We'll see you in early spring, possibly.

Lucius Malfoy

Draco felt better after the events of earlier, but one tiny ass letter from his father had to ruin it.

Draco remembered Harry's motivating words when he first got sorted, and for the most part he believed them..although, the result was unlucky as he originally expected.

He knew the punishment could've been worse, but Draco simply didn't care..he was looking forward to the holidays. His parents would host a formal Christmas Ball and invite tons of wizarding families, most of them being purebloods of course. 

Yes, Draco had attended them numerously in the past..not a big surprise considering his parents were the one's hosting. 

Inevitably, they were nothing out of the ordinary. 

Harry on the other hand, thought it sounded exhilarating. 

When Draco filled Harry in about what the holidays were like at the Manor, Harry had been fascinated by the idea of going to a Christmas Ball. 

And because Harry was his robot, Draco assured him that he'd be able to go. At the time he didn't think much of it, but now that he and Harry were so close, letting him down was the last thing he wanted to do. 

Draco decided it'd be best to tell Harry right then and there about his letter. If he waited til tomorrow to tell Harry, he could get upset before the day even begun. 

Therefore, Draco hesitantly went over to Harry's bed. Feeling a little bad that he had his eyes shut too..

"Harry?" Draco nudged him.

"S-sorry..want me to read for you?" Harry blinked.

"No, not right now..uh, my father sent me a letter." Draco said.

"Oh no, what did it say?" Harry wondered.

"I'm sorry Harry, but we can't go to the Christmas Ball like I promised..my parents aren't letting us come back to the manor." Draco revealed.

"Oh..I'm not mad you know. I'm kinda sad, because I wanted to go with you..but it's ok, I'm happy to still be celebrating Christmas with you." Harry smiled sadly.

Draco let out a sigh in relief, "I'm so happy you aren't mad.."

"It's not your fault, it was your parents decision..are you ok though?" Harry asked.

"Yes, I'm alright." Draco nodded.

After they talked a bit more, Draco found Harry reading to him in his bed.

And soon Draco fell asleep, the same way he has been since the day he turned 11.