Static: We might have some bad news for you.

Shadow: If y'all were expecting Draco to get it on with any of our leading ladies you're wrong.

Wang: Well, he did get it on.

Shadow: What.

Wang: He has a kid.

Shadow: True…But you won't see him getting it on with anyone in the story, capishe?

Time Stop: Are you guys done yet?

Static: I sure hope they are. I'm already getting a headache.

Time Stop: As usual, we don't own a thing.

Chapter 2: No Quidditch?

He awoke several times to her crying during the night. Each time he would hold her and feed her. Each time he would rock her back to sleep. Each time he would slump back into his chair and watch her until he passed out. By the time morning came, he was thoroughly haggard. In his reflection in the mirror he saw a tired, unkempt young man with stubble popping out from his chin. He looked at the clock on the wall.

"It's only six?" He muttered. "That's too bloody early."

He stood up. To the right of the door stood the changing station, something he had brought with him when he had come. He bent down in front of it and opened one of its doors. He brought out a potion and closed the door. He unstopped the cork and drank deeply. Energy instantly coursed through his veins. He set the potion down and looked back at the mirror.

The dark circles that were below his eyes were now gone, and his eyes weren't as bloodshot anymore. He took out his wand and waved it a few times. The first spell freshened up his appearance, giving him an illusion that he had bathed and put on cologne. The second spell shaved his face and combed his hair. The third cleaned his robes and discarded any odour. The fourth brushed his teeth, leaving a fabricated mint taste inside.

Self-grooming spells had become a life saver for him.

And Pepperup Potions.

She started to gurgle, and he was at her crib side in an instant.

"Good morning, Princess." He whispered.

He reached down and scooped her into his arms. She gurgled appreciatively, before a puzzling look came to her face. A second later a loud rumbling came from her diaper. Draco held her at arm's length.

"You are a very stinky princess." He muttered.

According to every book he had read, magic shouldn't be used on the child for the first year or so. However, medical emergencies and licensed healers may use spells on the baby. Draco was neither of those. But, as the hassle of not using magic to scourgify the diaper was all too real, he actually preferred to clean his child by hand.

That was the way that she would preferred it anyway.

Tears threatened to fill his eyes. With practiced motions, he robotically cleaned his daughter and exchanged the diaper for a new one. He dropped it into a small can next to the changing station. He could clean it properly later tonight.

She started fussing again. Draco reached around into the cupboard and pulled out a small bottle. He held her and fed her and whispered sweet nothings to her. He spent the early morning feeding and just being with her.

A large crack sounded in the room. Draco looked up from his baby. The house elf was there, bowing low.

"Keep it down." Draco hissed. He looked back down to her. "She just went back to sleep."

"Of course, sir." The house elf bowed low again.

Slowly and gingerly, Draco put his daughter back in her crib. He watched her with the house elf for a few moments.

"I will be back as soon as my classes is over."

"Yes sir."

Draco left the room. He turned back to gaze at the crib, before closing the door softly between them. His visage sagged a moment before it returned to a familiar sneer. He waved his wand and his bag came to him. He didn't bother to check to see if his books were inside. All he knew was that he had some bullshit classes. And if it was anything like last year and the year before, he would be with the same students, save for the prior sixth years.

That meant that he would be in class with Granger and her little Griffindork friends.

Just great.

He took one look in the mirror. Satisfied his grooming spells had done their job, he left his room. Closing the door behind him he was face to face with Granger.

"Malfoy."

"Granger." He responded. As much as he wanted to retort with his usual bravado, the Pepperup Potion had stopped working its magic. As a result his words were a bit subdued. He silently cursed the potions he had bought from that hack of a wizard from Knockturn Alley.

"I'm surprised you decided to show back here at Hogwarts after what you did."

"I have my reasons." He smirked. "Now if you may, I have a breakfast to eat."

"I don't like this anymore than you do."

He stopped turning and glanced back at her. She had her arms crossed as she stared at him under a bushy cloud of hair. He noticed her wand close to her hand.

"I don't think any of us like this."

"Just don't ruin this for me."

"Ruin what?"

"My final year of Hogwarts."

He almost snorted. She was worried about that? That was cute, Granger. Only you would be worried about something like that.

"We need to talk about patrols and Hogsmede visits."

"I don't give a rat's arse."

"Listen –"

He spun to look at her fully, shoving a finger in her face. "Listen here Granger. I don't give a single bloody crap to that bull. You decide what you want. But get one thing straight. I'm not spending my free time wandering the corridors after dark. I have much better things to do then."

Her face turned as red as her house colors. She pushed his finger out of her face. "Then perhaps I should talk to Headmistress McGonagall about this."

"Go ahead." Draco smirked. "In fact, I'll talk to her myself." He turned away from the Gryffindork leaving her just a bit more than confused.

He entered the common room a second later and set out. It was still early, and most of the students in Hogwarts would just be getting out of bed now. But thanks to his wanderings the previous year, he knew that the Great Hall was already serving food for early comers like himself. He walked a little faster, as if time would hurry quicker if he were to get there faster.

That and once he had food in him he could properly be a little awake.

Outside the Great Hall stood a message board. It was much like the ones in the common rooms, and it displayed information pertaining to the students. Unlike the common room's board where it showed information pertaining to the house, this one was a bit more general. There was a list of banned contraband (mostly Weasley products,) a list of various clubs, and something about a lost toad.

And a new one that appeared as soon as Draco neared it. Half curious, he glanced at it. Then he stopped and fully read the flyer.

"What in Merlin's name is going on?" Draco muttered to himself. He looked about, as if McGonagall would suddenly appear and tell him what was happening.

Not finding anyone about, he resigned himself to enter the Great Hall. Inside he spotted the old crone already sitting at the Professor's Table. He walked up to it. She watched him as he did. He stopped in front of her and planted his hands on the table.

"What in Merlin's name do you mean no Quidditch?"

She pursed her lips at him. "I thought, Mr. Malfoy, that you were far too busy this year with other activities to play." She sipped from her tea cup.

Draco narrowed his eyes. "That didn't mean I didn't want to watch the games."

She set down her cup. "The answer to your question, and the question of the rest of the student body will take place at supper tonight."

He looked at her. "Really?" He forced as much bitter anger he could into that one word.

"Yes. Though, I do need to have a meeting with you and Miss. Granger. I believe both of you have a free period after breakfast, if you don't mind stopping by."

Draco scowled. "That free time I was going to spend—"

"And if you would tell Miss. Granger about our meeting that would be wonderful." McGonagall cut him off, a smile on her lips.

Draco scowled again. "Fine. But I want answers."

"All in due time."

He stormed off, stomping to his seat. Trickle by trickle, other students entered the Great Hall. They whispered excitedly to each other, while others spoke in confused tones. He shook his head. By supper, the whole school would have known about the decision.

Blaise sat in front of him. "You saw the news?"

Draco nodded. "Not happy about it either."

The other Slytherin scooped eggs and sausage onto his plate. "She's got to be bat-shite crazy. The school'll riot."

"I don't think so."

"You don't?"

Draco inched closer in his seat to Blaise. "That old crone has to have something up her sleeve. I'm going to find out what."

Blaise smiled. "That's the Draco I know. You mind spilling some secrets when you're all done?"

Draco laughed. "Nope."

Blaise's face fell.

"She's going to tell the whole school tonight."

"But you're going to know early."

"If I play my cards right."

"You're a right git."

Draco smirked. "Well, that's the Draco you know."

Blaise groaned around a mouthful of sausage. "But not the one I love."

The two of them finished breakfast in silence. He kept tabs on Granger during the meal. Weasley was complaining about something very loudly, and Granger could only give her shrugs as a response. It was almost comical.

Almost as one, the students around Draco got up. Classes were to start soon and the students with their schedules in hand went off. Several students, mostly the seventh years who had similar schedules, had free period first thing on Wednesdays. Granger was still sitting down, talking to both Longbottom and Weasley.

Deliberately, Draco stood up and took even measured steps to the Gryffindork table. Longbottom noticed him first. As he came closer, the Gryffindork nudged the other two and they stared at him.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" Weasley barked. Well, more of shouted. It was hard to tell what she was trying to do. She reminded him of a tiny dog trying to stand its ground.

He smirked. "Come, Granger."

"Who are you to tell—"

He cut off Longbottom. "I talked to McGonagall." He could see her face change from guarded to curious. "She wants to meet with both of us, now."

Granger stood up. Weasley put a hand on her arm. "I'm fine, Ginny." Granger glanced down at her friend. "I can handle Malfoy."

Longbottom chimed in. "I sure hope you can handle a ferret."

That sent Weasley and himself giggling. Granger started off, to the exit of the Great Hall. Draco caught up to her shortly and fell in beside her. Several younger students gasped as they saw the two bitter enemies walking next to each other. Malfoy smirked. Granger ignored him.

They walked in an uncomfortable silence to the Headmistress's Office. Normal insults were ignored. Either Granger had taken a vow of silence, or she was just as intrigued as he was about this most unexpected meeting.

Ten minutes later and they arrived at the gargoyle guarding the way. "First Task." Granger spoke. The gargoyle moved aside to reveal a winding staircase. Draco mounted first, and took the stairs with heavy stomps. He wasn't happy about this meeting, when he could be with his daughter instead.

They came to a door. He opened and went in without ceremony. McGonagall sat behind her desk, and put down the book as he stepped into her office.

"Glad you two could make it." Draco concealed his frown well, but displeasure still radiated from him. "Take a seat."

Granger and he took seats from the chairs that sat in front of her desk. The old woman sighed, and took the glasses from her face. She pinched the bridge of her nose. Draco watched her in silence.

"Professor? You called us?" Granger spoke quietly.

"Undoubtedly you have heard the news, Miss. Granger." She spoke finally. "I know that Mr. Malfoy has."

"About Quidditch?"

"The lack of Quidditch this year." McGonagall corrected. "I was going to make an announcement this evening at supper about the details of the news. However I have decided that you two should know more in case your fellow students come to ask. Though, I wish that you keep this privy until after tonight's supper."

Draco raised an eyebrow. What was she on about? For the first time that he knew her, the old crone looked almost absent-minded. As much as he hated the former Gryffindork Head of House, it was a look that he didn't like.

"Understood, Professor." Granger spoke immediately. They both turned to Draco and he nodded.

"I'm here for my own curiosity, Professor." He said.

"As you both know too well, the war from last spring was devastating." Draco ignored the images that sprang into mind. "Since last May, the teachers have been very busy working with the Ministry on repairing our school. Due to the amount of damage and the nature of the damage we had, we needed to make sacrifices. The Ministry itself was badly crippled, and couldn't spare many wizards and witches to help us. We only finished repairs to the castle itself yesterday morning. If you noticed the grounds as you came in, the Quidditch Field and the grounds are still in disarray.

"As acting Headmistress, we had to make sacrifices on what would most benefit our students. Quidditch, while being quintessential to our school, was decided to be put on the back burner. Even now, we have Ministry Officials working with us right now to fix the grounds. We expect that the damage should be repaired by the end of this calendar year."

"So we can still have Quidditch." Draco spoke. "That's still half a season we have."

"There can still be pick-up games of Quidditch." McGongall said. "Madam Hooch has agreed to referee those games. However, there's an idea that has come to the table."

"Idea?" Granger asked.

"It was one of Dumbledore's," McGonagall sighed. "He always had this hatched at the back of his brain. He wished, once all of this was over that we would go along with this. I had agreed."

Draco glanced at the portrait of the late professor. It was conspicuously empty.

"It was Dumbledore's?" Granger leaned forward. "What did he have planned?"

"A series of tasks. He was thinking something along the lines of the Triwizard Tournament, but open for more students. And only for our school."

Draco scoffed. "Like we could house anything grand like that with this school." Both women looked at him. "Have you seen the grounds? It's a nightmare."

"He intended for these tasks open from fifth year to seventh year. And with no Quidditch this year to entertain the students, this will take its place."

"Tasks. Like, fighting dragons?"

McGonagall waved her hand. "Nothing too extreme. As you know, we have five Core Classes here at Hogwarts; Charms, Defense Against the Dark Arts, Herbology, Potions, and Transfiguration. We also have six electives; Ancient Runes, Astronomy, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, History of Magic, and Muggle Studies. Each month we would have a task styled after either one of the Core Classes or a pair of Elective Classes."

"Wait. You're telling me this is some sort of extra credit?" Draco stood up. "Count me out."

"I'm not here to convince you, Mr. Malfoy, so sit down." Grudgingly he followed her instructions.

"But is it extra credit, professor?"

"In a manner of speaking, yes. While O's and E's and A's and such will not be handed out, there will be prizes. Taking first in a task will give extra points that will help your overall score for that subject. Taking multiple firsts or seconds or thirds will multiply that bonus."

"But what's the catch?" He looked at the old crone. "This is Dumbledore's idea. He wouldn't do something like this without some grand plan behind it all. Something like inter house unity or some shite like that."

McGonagall ignored his language. "In fact, that is indeed what he wants." Draco groaned. "Teams of four to eight will compete in each task. At least one member per house must be on a team to qualify, no more than two members of the same house on one team."

"So more people the better?" Granger asked.

"Not necessarily. Sometimes it will easier to compete with more members, sometimes with fewer. Depends on the specifics for each task. Now, sign-ups will be posted by the Great Hall. Only fifth year to seventh year students may sign up. The first task will be at midnight in two weeks time, on the Friday."

Granger nodded. "Is there anything else Professor?"

McGonagall nodded. "Do you have a patrol schedule lined up?"

Granger nodded. "Here," and handed over a piece of parchment.

The Professor glanced at it, her eyes darting over the names and assignments. After a long moment of silence she looked up. "Sebastian Swallow is a bright young man. Give half of Mr. Malfoy's hours to Mr. Swallow."

"What?" Granger stood up. "But, Professor—"

"No, no," Draco stood as well. "Please, do."

The old crone glanced his way before looking back at Granger. "Mr. Swallow had owled me earlier this year after he found out he would be a Prefect. He expressed his desire and his exuberance. Mr. Malfoy has a few tasks he has to attend to." Her tone lowered, as if to hide it from him and to only tell Granger. "Part of keeping a close eye on him." Her voice got louder. "As such, he will be indisposed on weekends. Have him on the schedule at least four nights during the week, but give him three nights instead of the usual two off."

Granger nodded, as if she understood exactly what was going on. "I understand." She turned to him. "Would Wednesdays work for you?"

"Whatever." He kept on looking at the old crone.

"If you could excuse us, Miss. Granger, Mr. Malfoy and I have to talk."

"Of course, Professor." She stepped around the chair. "I should let the prefects know their duties." She left the room, the door closing behind her.

Draco slumped into his seat. "Keep an eye on me?"

The professor nodded. "Would you prefer a mandatory curfew?"

He smirked. "I'm good. Thanks."

"Now, don't shirk on your nights that you are on duty. That is part of the agreement."

In his mind he saw her towering over him. He shook away the memory. "Fine." He stood up. "I still don't understand why you took me back."

"Because you had begged, Mr. Malfoy." She smiled at him. "And I felt sorry for you."

He stormed out of her office to head to his first class.

Wang: WHAT? No Quidditch?

Static: It was in the title.

Wang: But still…

Shadow: Eh, can't exactly call it Draco and The Eight Tasks and not even mention tasks.

Wang: But still…

Time Stop: Can this happen later?

Wang: Okay…

Shadow: Please Review! Let us know what you think the tasks are gonna be!

Wang: We haven't decided those yet?

Static, Time Stop, and Wang: all face palm