Chapter 3: Meeting the Malfoys

Alaric and Morgana walked through Diagon Alley, making their way from shop to shop as they gathered the necessary supplies for his first year at Hogwarts. The air was filled with the sounds of excited chatter, the clinking of coins, and the occasional burst of magical energy. Alaric's senses were on high alert, taking in every detail of this new world.

They stopped first at Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions, where Alaric was fitted for his school robes. The shop was filled with bolts of rich, dark fabrics and the soft hum of magic as robes stitched themselves together. As Alaric stood on the fitting stool, arms outstretched, he noticed another boy around his age being fitted nearby.

The boy had pale blonde hair, slicked back, and sharp, aristocratic features that reminded Alaric of his own. He was flanked by two tall, stern-looking adults—his parents, no doubt. The boy caught Alaric's eye and smirked.

"Are you starting at Hogwarts this year too?" the boy asked, his tone casual but tinged with curiosity.

Alaric nodded. "Yes, I am. My name is Alaric Peverell."

The boy's eyes widened slightly, and even his parents seemed taken aback. The name "Peverell" carried weight, after all, even among the most noble of wizarding families.

"Draco Malfoy," the boy introduced himself with a slight bow of his head, as if acknowledging a peer. "It's a pleasure to meet you. I don't think I've heard of the Peverells in quite some time."

"We prefer to keep to ourselves," Alaric replied smoothly, his tone even and polite.

Draco's father, Lucius Malfoy, stepped forward, his eyes narrowing slightly as he regarded Alaric. "Peverell... I see," he said, his voice cold but not unfriendly. "It is rare to meet one of such an old and noble lineage. What brings you to Diagon Alley today?"

Alaric met Lucius's gaze without flinching. "I am gathering supplies for my first year at Hogwarts."

Lucius nodded slowly, as if considering something. "Then we may see more of each other. Draco will be starting at Hogwarts this year as well. He will be in Slytherin, of course."

Alaric smiled faintly. "I expect I will be as well."

Draco's smirk widened, clearly pleased with this response. "Then we shall be housemates. Perhaps we can help each other navigate the trials of our first year."

"Perhaps," Alaric replied, his tone noncommittal but not dismissive.

Narcissa Malfoy, Draco's mother, stepped forward, her gaze softer but no less intense than her husband's. "It is important to make the right connections, especially in Slytherin. I am sure you and Draco will find much in common."

Alaric inclined his head slightly, understanding the subtle message behind her words. The Malfoys were offering an alliance, of sorts—one based on mutual benefit and the recognition of power.

The fitting was soon complete, and Alaric, now clad in his new robes, joined Morgana as they continued down Diagon Alley. Draco and his parents made their way out of the shop as well, pausing to bid Alaric farewell.

"We'll see you at Hogwarts, Alaric," Draco said with a confident grin.

Alaric nodded. "Indeed. Until then, Draco."

As the Malfoys disappeared into the crowd, Morgana turned to Alaric, her expression thoughtful. "The Malfoys are a powerful family, but they are also dangerous. Be careful, Alaric. Alliances in Slytherin are rarely straightforward."

"I know," Alaric replied, his mind already turning over the possibilities. Draco Malfoy might be useful, but Alaric knew better than to trust anyone too easily.

The rest of their day was spent collecting the remaining items on Alaric's list—books from Flourish and Blotts, potion ingredients from the Apothecary, and finally, a wand from Ollivanders.

The shop was small and dusty, with shelves lined with long, thin boxes. As they entered, a tall, thin man with silver hair appeared from the back, his eyes narrowing as he studied Alaric.

"Ah, a Peverell," Ollivander said softly, as if to himself. "I have been waiting for this day."