The Forgotten Twin

Bard stopped and blinked. He stared.

Only two weeks he had been away and yet he had still been hit by an enormous amount of culture-shock. Ghosts, invisible platforms, moving pictures, Bertie Bott’s every flavored beans… It was only until he had stepped in the decorated Great Hall for the welcoming back of Hogwart’s students that it really hit him of how much the two worlds differ with each other yet co-exist at the same time. He grinned goofily at the revelation not caring of how he would seem to others. Oh how he just loved living.

“Oi Potter! Stop your grinnin’ and move! You’re blocking the entrance way.” Greeted a house-mate of his. Bard stumbled but kept himself grounded as his seniors passed him by with a shove. He flexed his shoulders and continued on to his usual seat beside Draco. It was also nice to be reminded of his reputation among his fellow school-mates.

“Trouble in paradise, love?” Pansy asked in her place across the table with a knowing look. Bard gave a smirk when he spied his twin brother wearing some of the clothes he chose for him.

“Happy New Year to you too, darling.”

[Quidditch; Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff]

Classes, Potions, books, exercise and the occasional confrontment of first year Slytherins against first year Gryffindors -mainly with his brother’s newly formed group of friends. Culture shock it may be to Bard from migrating on one world to another but after a month of routine, the effects had dwindled to normal and bordering down the dangerous levels of dull. No matter how fantastical a school may be, it seems that one’s life would never escape the imminent feeling of an empty, unproductive, unfulfilling day that those of a student would feel when inside an educational building. Thus it was understood that the constant reminder of a nearing sporting event would give spark to the otherwise insignificant days, more so, that there was to be a great impact in the school’s unchanged history should the results of the game turn to what a high percentage of students would hope might come to be, and that is: should Gryffindor win the upcoming match against Hufflepuff this coming quidditch match, it would be one step closer in having a new House Cup Champion for who knew how long.

It certainly wasn’t a secret that almost every House wants Slytherin to step down from it’s high throne in Hogwarts. Bard could almost taste the anticipation as it builds with each passing day. But of course, Hufflepuff wouldn’t want to lose its chance to dethrone Slytherin either, no matter how hated the said House was. They weren’t no pushovers despite what the general populace think.

“Hufflepuff won’t just give up the game that easily. They have their pride and dignity too, Drake.” Bard commented on his seat next to the blond. Draco gave a snort in disbelief. He was too preoccupied about the upcoming game to notice Bard using the hated nickname.

“I wouldn’t put it past them.” He waved a hand. “But the thought does have merit.” He conceded.

Though the beavers put up a good fight, the Lions won barely five minutes after.

“Damn,” Bard showingly cursed aloud for the throng to hear, “And here I was hoping that our Head of House’s presence would at least scare the Gryffindor’s off their game.” He couldn’t help the smile on his face to appear. Draco made a show of rolling his eyes in return.

It wasn’t long after that, that unproductiveness came crawling back in the student’s daily lives. That is, until students were reminded of the upcoming days of Exam Week.

[Library]

[Bang!]

Bard minutely jumped from his seat at the sound and gave a look at his blond friend’s uncharacteristic loud shuffling of seating himself across from him. A brow raised as he waited for his friend to settle. He did not miss the rare sight of Draco without his two flanking bodyguards. He also cursed himself mentally at the visible -no matter how slight- move his body made. No doubt once summer came, his master would do everything to fix that missed flaw in his training.

“Books are to be handled with respect, Dragon. Not disdained.” Bard sagely uttered, only for Draco, in turn, handle the first book he opened with rough gestures.

“Spare me the attitude Charlus. I’m in no mood.” Draco rebuffed, his tone distinct in that he would like to be left alone. Unfortunately for him, Bard tend to do the opposite of what was told of him. A Slytherin does not like to be told what to do after all. Bard leant in the blond’s space as much as the table between them allowed him to. His eyes widened when in sight of the blond’s face.

Draco may have pale features but even when hit by candle light, the bruise on his face was starting to show color that could not be hidden by the white of the light alone. Bard did not notice when his hands formed to a fist but flexed it back down on the surface of the table when his nails started bothering skin.

“What happened.” A demand, not a question. Though given lowly, almost hissed through, Draco’s blue eyes snapped surprisingly back at Bard’s own sharp hazel, near golden with how the dash of green merged, eyes. He sent a sharp look back and shove the other back down to his seat by the face. He was in no mood to be babied by Bard’s overprotective tendencies.

“Cool it, Ignatius.” He purposely called the right name for clear attention. “And the Weasel happened. Caught me off guard, that’s all. Not going to happen again, I assure you.” He then went right back down to his book.

“Why is it still on your face then?” Bard asked nonchalantly, taking the hint.

“Because the nurse is a pompous ass and said that she would not cure it until tomorrow for me to learn a lesson.” An unmentioned red-head was not missed by the raven; it meant that the blond had missed the opportunity to return the gesture. Bard returned back down to his own studies.

A beat of silence and, “I’ll be sure to hand my own two cents to him at the first sign of opportunity.” Bard casually stated as if in a form of an afterthought. Draco merely hummed in response, his eyes focused on the words in his book.

“You do that.”

“Also, try not to mess with my potions partner again, will you? Your actions against any other Gryffindor is only ill advised but actions against him will reflect their eyes on me, understood?”

Even when pierced by golden hues, Draco still had the nerve to scoff and smirk at his newly promoted best friend. “I don’t promise anything.” He told the other and went back to his book, feeling better than when had arrived.

“I haven’t thanked you yet for the gift you gave me for yuletide did I?” Bard suddenly started, ignoring the look his blond haired friend gave. “Thank you for the gift, the book is a fascinating read, I admit. Only has three copies in the world, I understand? I really loved it.” And though the speech was given as though sarcastic, Bard had a way of showing when it was truly genuine and so Draco believed him. Bard then tilted his head as if a sudden thought just came about, “Oh, you never did thank me for my gift did you? Though I know that you got it from that letter your mother gave me -does that mean you haven’t solved it yet?” Draco glared and was about to retort when Bard continued. He gave no chance for the blond to speak. “Do not worry Draco, I understand that you’ll thank me when you’ve managed to open it. I’ll be waiting then.” With a look and a smirk, he ended the subject with a clear sign of going back to his studies.. and almost fell off his chair.

"Thank you." Draco smirked back.

A Slytherin is not one to be outdone in conversation; not even by one of their own.

Silence soon followed after their game of words though it was not long after Draco heard the familiar sounds of students shuffling in on the other work desk near their own. Curious, his eyes wandered down the main hall between the high walls of bookshelves and almost fell embarrassingly down the floor at a quick glimpse of three familiar students. He balanced himself on his seat and took a look back to confirm.

No mistake, it was indeed the three students that has been the talk of the school ever since the Troll Incident back in Halloween; The-Boy-Who-Lived Harry Potter, The Bookworm Hermione Granger and the less important, yet most annoying of the three, Ron 'The Weasel' Weasley. Each choosing a seat around the desk near theirs and chatting in loud whispers -paying no mind to other students-, the three were, as always, in their own little bubble of conversation. He scoffed at their lack of discretion and was about to say so at his friend only…

“Are you eavesdropping?” He narrowed his icy blue eyes at the seemingly studying student across from him. Bard shrugged, not denying yet also not confirming his actions. Draco huffed and went back to his books. “Whatever,” he mumbled, unbothered. Let the Gryffindors be listened in on by unwanted party. It was their fault for their lack of awareness.

A few moments of silence passed and Draco finally caved. No matter what, curiosity never ceased its ugly head to pop out, especially when one is eavesdropping in on another from right across you. “What are they talking about?” He glared at the raven’s mocking smirk.

“Nothing much,” Bard stated. “A few complaints about the upcoming exams, some mention of unfair teachers, that girl Hermione wanting to shut Ron up and such. Also, apparently, our resident groundskeeper has a fascination about wanting to keep a pet dragon.” He ended with a shrug.

“The groundskeeper?” Draco questioned and turned just in time to see the groundskeeper leave clutching several books with him. He frowned and wondered how on earth he missed the giant of a caveman lumbering through the main hall. In fact…

“How on earth can he keep himself from making a sound?” In fact, despite just clearly in sight of the three Gryffindors, they had yet to notice their existence. He suddenly directed suspicious eyes on the teen before him.

Bard flipped a page from his book, unaffected. “I placed a silencing charm just before they passed us.”

“I didn’t hear you say anything,” Draco raised a brow.

“Then you weren’t listening.” Bard cheekily replied. Draco rolled his eyes in irritation and ceased to ask further, knowing not to waste his time in something that will eventually answer itself in time. Unseen by his blond friend, Bard let out a smile in gratitude for having such an understanding friend; one that was quick in mind even if a little immature in several areas. He took a quick glance back at the three students he was spying on.

They knew. Bard mentally cursed. He couldn’t help but think of a famous line that had been said in a sitcom countless times as the three got up from their seats and head to who knew where but more importantly to who knew what.

Unconscious of facial feature at the moment, Bard was seen glaring hatefully at the three departing lions.

If it weren’t for those meddling kids…

[Great Hall]

“Shut up!” Bard heard Harry hissed not so quietly at his two other friends. He applauded his brother then. It was nice to know that his brother had at least acknowledged the liability of being overheard by a person, albeit it took him a while. This would be a learning experience for them. He watched as the three scurried to their first class for the day.

“It is so very obvious that they’re hiding something.” Draco drawled as they followed their fellow first years out the Hall for their first class. “I wonder what that letter said for them to argue about it, being such close friends and all.” Bard exasperated a sigh at his friend’s blatant want to investigate.

“If you’re so curious about it, why not follow them then? They clearly want to go to Hagrid’s hut to watch something.” Bard finally acknowledged.

Draco raised a brow at him, “Don’t want to come?” Bard simply gave a shrug in turn. He wasn’t at all interested as at the moment, his thoughts were more on watching their Defense against the Dark arts teacher whenever he can. After finding out about outside party knowing about the Stone, him and Professor Snape had been more on their guard around the culprit, especially after a silent holiday which fortunately, nothing happened. Unfortunately, nothing had happened in what would have been a quick and quiet way for apprehending the culprit. Needless to say, the staff and Bard were all tense for the upcoming attempt of burglary.

And as their first class of Herbology ended with the Gryffindors, Draco did as Bard suggested and followed the pacing group towards the direction of the wooden house.

“Don’t get caught.” Bard faintly advised before turning and following the rest of the group inside the castle. Barely fifteen minutes later did Draco came back looking as if he had just won the jackpot. Bard raised a brow while Pansy announced his happy mood.

“You look as satisfied as a cat that caught a canary.” she commented but Draco was too happy to reply and kept his mouth shut as he sat down next to his fellow classmates. They all faltered at the silence given and had no choice but to let it be until the unveiling as per according to Slytherin language, what one does not say will not be said until one eventually comes to say. A good Slytherin is only as good as how long one can keep one’s secret and besides which, Bard wasn’t too interested. His mind was on guard for the culprit’s next move more than his friend’s interesting information at the moment. And if he were to be brutally honest, Draco would surely crack sooner than what their peers anticipate as the blond wasn’t one to keep to himself for long.

“I say a month before he starts.” Pansy started as they walked through to their next class, unabashed about betting even in front of the blond himself. Credit to Draco that walked with them, unbothered.

Theodore scoffed, “He can keep a secret longer than that.” he proclaimed. “I say double.”

“You two overestimate him.” Icy blue eyes glared at an unconcerned Zabini, “Three days.” Blaise declared. He turned to Draco’s two bodyguards but was only given a shrug as they were not the type to bet on a Malfoy. Pansy then turned to Bard whom shrugged, just the same as the last two.

“Come join in the fun, Charles! It’s especially interesting on when you think Draco will tell. You two are always together.” Aforementioned boys shared a look.

“Fine then,” Bard relented. “A week. Give or take, two.” he shrugged indifferently.

Had they officially given the bet a serious thought, none would have won. Draco did not crack nor would he, as Bard found out, standing as he now was in front of the ever-so strict Professor McGonagall, before his plan of exposing the three scheming Gryffindors. Two weeks had gone and passed when Bard specifically recalled betting ‘within’ two weeks.

“And pray tell, what you are doing here, Mr. Potter?” Professor McGonagall asked condescendingly at him while his brother, the bookworm and Neville all stared at him confusingly. On the other hand, Draco looked as though the cat had caught the canary yet also wanted some answers of why he was there. Bard, unprepared, did what any of his character would do; a charming yet innocent act of play.

“Professor!” Bard chirped. “You found Draco! Thank goodness! I was looking all over for him! Did you find the dragon carried by these two yet?” He pointed at the direction of his brother and the bookworm. “Or were you duped by them as I thought and there is actually no dragon at all?” He ignored the surprised looks he got as he ended his speech. How did he know? Draco wasn’t all that careful to hide evidences. He found the letter on the floor next to his bed and as Slytherin rules goes: ‘Finders Keepers. Losers Weepers.’ The blond should be thankful that he was that good of a friend to try to get Draco out of trouble, yet all was too late. The tower wasn’t that much of a cake to walk to from the Slytherin dormitory after all.

“You too, Mr. Potter?!” Professor McGonagall nearly screeched. “I’ve had enough of this dragon nonsense! Now I see what is going on here, you fed Draco Malfoy some cock-and-bull story about a dragon trying to get him out of bed and into trouble. I suppose you think it’s funny that Mr. Longbottom here and your brother, Mr. Potter heard the story and believed it too, don’t you?” She pierced accusing glares at Harry and Hermione “Detention! All five of you,” Draco’s grin instantly fell. “-Yes. even you Mr. Longbottom, Mr. Malfoy. Nothing gives you the right to walk around school at night, especially these days. It’s very dangerous -and fifty points will be taken from Gryffindor.”

“Fifty?” Harry gasped. There goes all the points the Gryffindors just won from their last quidditch match. Bard couldn’t help but smile at the situation. He too was, as any student of Hogwarts would easily become, pulled in on the House competition for the Hogwarts House Cup.

“Fifty points each,” said Professor McGonagall, breathing heavily through her long, pointed nose.

“Professor -please-”

“You can’t-”

“Don’t tell me what I can or can’t do, Potter. And don’t think I can’t see that smile of yours Mr. Charlus -twenty points will also be deducted from Slytherin each. Although your intentions were admirable, as I said, there is no excuse for disobeying school rules. Now head on to bed all of you and come early morning, you two shall report to your Head of House about this.” As they were ushered about by Mr. Filch, whom had been grinning a cheshire cat’s grin through it all, Bard heard the last of Professor McGonagall’s mumblings.

“I’ve never been more ashamed of Gryffindor students…” And as he took a quick peek behind him, twin synchronisation seemed to happen between the two Potters as they both turned their heads the same time and managed a quick glance at each other. Bard in curiousity, Harry in for a glare. Bard sighed once he turned back front. It seemed nothing had changed between them then.

“How’d you find out about the dragon?” Draco whispered next to him as they followed the caretaker leading them back to their dorm.

“I found the letter on the floor next to your bed.” Bard simply answered. “Have you figured out how to open the box yet? It could really help you with hiding things…”

Tbc