Disclaimer: Not my story. If it was I'd be rich.
"You can never hide the truth. Certain people think that by keeping a tight leash on what gets
published in my paper that their dirty little secrets will be safe but, they're just fooling themselves. All it takes is one reporter to make everything come crashing down. People don't like a corrupt leader but no one likes one that lies and that's what censorship is:
A lie"
- Barnabas Cuffe, Editor-In-Chief of the Daily Prophet
As expected, Hermione was unable to sleep that night. After breakfast in the Great Hall, the girl sneaked away from her friends and headed directly for the library. Her heart was pounding like a drum as she marched towards her favourite spot in the school, eyes flittering left and right, looking for any sign of people she knew. While she knew many other students skipped classes on the first day, this was the first time she was doing it. The sheer adrenaline of it was making her blood pump through her veins. Hopefully they wouldn't miss her much in Runes. Luckily for her, Professor Script never seemed to mind missing students much.
Eventually, she reached the large oak doors of the library. With care, Hermione pushed them aside and walked purposefully past Madam Pince, who was behind her desk reading a book. As far as the librarian knew, Hermione had a free block and was spending her time innocently studying. However, today she walked past her usual spot near the centre of the history shelves and instead headed straight for the seldom-visited shelves in the back where the dust was thickest.
Today it was the Archives she wanted. Her encounter with the Headmaster was just too strange to ignore. Hermione had little doubt that the old man was lying but if this was his first time purposely letting innocent people die, wouldn't he act more guilty? Instead, he called her over immediately upon her arrival to coax her back to his guidance. And there was the thing he said to her, "I failed you child, like I failed so many others." Really! Dumbledore obviously underestimated her. Did he think Hermione wouldn't have caught that slip? If it was Harry and Ron they probably would have missed it, but the witch noticed the strange expression on aged face; his was the look of a man with multiple sins on his back. Just how much blood was on his hands?
Hermione reached the shelf labeled Daily Prophet. Here was the collection of all the Daily Prophet dating as far back as 1734. Here was where Hermione would be able to research exactly what happened during the first Wizard War. Reaching her arm out, she called out,"First Wizarding War of the modern era."
Out floated about fifty issues of the Daily Prophet that gently rested into her waiting arms. Hermione grunted from the weight but carried them quickly to a waiting table near the shelves. Dropping with them with a thud on the surface made the once stagnant dust shoot upwards, making her sneeze and startling the portrait behind her. He gave a yelp. Ignoring the painted man, Hermione read the first headline:
"New Dark Lord Arrives To Conquer Wizarding World."
The new Dark Lord behind the most recent attacks against muggles can now be named. Lord Grindelwald, sources say…
Huh. Hermione gaped at the unfamiliar name. This wasn't what she expected. Looking at the date, she noticed that it said 1930 rather than 1970. Vaguely, she recalled the name somewhere. Reaching to the bottom of the pile she had summoned, Hermione pulled out the last issue given to her.
"Dark Lord Grindelwald Defeated By Rising Star" (1945)
Albus Percival Wulfric Brian Dumbledore, said to be becoming the most powerful wizard of the age, defeated the previously thought to be invincible Gellert Grindelwald. In a fierce battle spanning half a day, Dumbledore managed to best the Lord through sheer willpower. "It was nothing like I've ever seen before," says an astounded Auror. "By the time we reached the scene, it was over. Grindelwald lay defeated on the floor." Yes, my dear readers, this man ended what was a hard fifteen years for the wizarding world.
Ah... now I remember, it was on his chocolate frog card, Hermione realized. Along with the clue that helped solved the mystery of the Philosopher's Stone, Dumbledore's victory against the previous Dark Lord was also mentioned. That was all they knew of their Headmaster. All the information they had on Dumbledore was written on a childrens' collectable and the fact that he founded the Order of the Phoenix. The statement that the man was the greatest wizard of the age was told, yet not explained in any paper including his battle with Grindelwald. Wouldn't it have been better to explain to Harry how to defeat a Dark Lord, since he had already done so himself? Why was this never brought up?
Deciding that before she delved in the second Wizard War she would look into Dumbledore, she summoned all issues of him after 1945 and marvelled at the incredible stack that came.
"Dumbledore Gains Order of Merlin First Class for Defeating Dark Lord Grindelwald." (1945)
"Dumbledore Is Voted Chief Warlock in Wizengamot." (1950)
"Dippet Steps Down; Dumbledore is Headmaster." (1956)
"Unanimous Vote Appoints Dumbledore as New Chairman of International Confederation of Wizards." (1963)
"Could Dumbledore Become the Next Minister of Magic?" (1965)
The issues listed the many great things the man had achieved. Chief Warlock to Chairman of the ICW; it was just outstanding the places Dumbledore reached in just two decades. However, Hermione couldn't help but notice a pattern: there was hardly any news about the Headmaster discovering anything save for the twelve uses of dragon's blood, which was strange considering that the old man was normally portrayed as a scholar. From what she could tell from the issues, the man was more of a politician than anything else.
Should one man be really allowed to handle that much power? wondered Hermione. Remembering what she actually came for, the witch banished the articles back to their humble abodes. This time, she summoned "Casualties of the Second Wizard War."
To her shock, an even bigger pile appeared. On the first one, Hermione just saw a list spanning pages of all the people killed. The date read 1981, the year Harry first defeated the dark lord.
"A Tribute to All Those That Passed," read the headline.
Lord and Lady Bones (1981)
Edgar Bones (1981)
Marlene McKinnon (1981)
Dorcas Meadows (1981)
Gideon Prewett & Fabian Prewett (1981)
No other news was written in the issue. That's how long it was. No one really talked about the people who died in the war. Though now she could tell it affected everybody. To her surprise, not many muggleborns were mentioned by names. They most likely fled when the Death Eaters came out. Most of the dead belonged to pureblood families or were at least half blood. Kind of ironic that the blood you-know-who cherished so much was spilled during his crusade.
Another name caught Hermione's eye:
Peter Pettigrew (1981)
Hermione wrinkled her nose in disgust. Of course, how could she forget? This article was printed when they still thought the rat wasn't a death eater, before they found out that they sent an innocent man to jail. Speaking of Sirius, looking into the articles she had, there was no mention of any trial anywhere. In the later issues many of the Death Eaters were at least given a hearing, but in Sirius's case he was carted off straight for Azkaban. She tried to summon Daily Prophet articles on the Black trial and as expected came up with nothing. Surely Dumbledore would have known that he should have at least pressed for a trial to discover what really happened in the Potter murders? Looks like the witch would have to look into that case later. She looked at the next issue.
"Longbottoms Tortured to Insanity by Fleeing Death Eaters; Bellatrix Lestrange Finally Captured"
Just mere days since He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named was defeated by a young Harry Potter, the Longbottoms were sought out by Death Eater fugitives in the dead of night. Aurors arrived quickly to the scene but it was too late. Frank and Alice Longbottom were hit with multiple shots of the Cruciatius curse. Twelve Aurors died in the fight but in the end Bellatrix Lestrange, the Lestrange brothers, and Barty Crouch's son were taken into custody. While it is amazing news for the wizarding community, the same cannot be said for the Longbottoms as the Healers are doubtful that they will ever make a full recovery. Public outrage raged out in the streets after the once favourite candidate for Minister of Magic turned out to have a dark son. Could this be the end Barty Crouch's ministry campaign? (More on the Crouch's on page 8)
The clock ticked on as Hermione pored over all details of the war the newspaper had to offer. She noticed that with the exception of the McKinnons, all the other pureblood families that were wiped out had at least one survivor. The Prewetts which she thought were completely destroyed, had Molly Weasley as the sole survivor. Even the Bones, though Madam Bones was now gone, still has Susan from Hufflepuff. The Death Eaters on the other hand were still alive. There seemed to be more casualties on the Order side then any other. Could this be what Dumbledore meant when he said he failed? That he was a terrible military leader? No, Hermione doubted that was answer. To her disappointment, Hermione found that she was no closer to figuring out the hidden meaning behind the Headmaster's words than before.
"Miss Granger," called out a scratchy, irritated voice. Hermione recognized it very well and she turned reluctantly to face the stern face of the librarian. "Do I need to yet again remind you of the rules?"
Hermione bowed her head in shame. As usual, she got carried away again. After the years of researching things constantly to help Harry with his adventures every year, Madam Pince had got familiar with the girl's habits. She didn't think it would be this easy to find her since she changed spots.
"Out of the library," Madam Pince ordered. "Out! It's lunch and I don't want to miss it because I need to watch over you all the time." Obediently, Hermione gathered her things and left. Well, she needed to attend her afternoon classes anyway. She'd just have to come back tomorrow. Hermione never noticed the painted man frown as he watched her leave and then slide out of his frame.
Stepping into the Arithmancy room, Hermione hesitated before choosing a seat at the back. Normally, she would sit at the front but honestly it was way too late in the day to bring attention to herself now. The class could survive without her answering all the questions anyway. She glanced at the clock with the magic circled design above the blackboard. 4:30 pm. Looks like she really had come too early. Maybe she should have skipped this class too. Not knowing how else to spend her time, she took out her textbook and began to memorize the notes within.
Slowly the other students began to file into the class. Among them was one of her house mates, Dean Thomas. Dean catching her eye, eagerly made his way over to where she sat and took a seat beside her. "Glad you were still taking this course."
"Of course," Hermione scoffed. Did he really think she wouldn't? Dean was her faithful partner in all the years they took Arithmancy together. At first it surprised her that the boy enjoyed doing math but ever since she welcomed his presence. He was good at it.
"Missed you in Runes," he said looking at her curiously. "Needed to go to the Hospital wing or something?"
"Didn't feel like going," she replied dismissively. "Everyone skips the first day anyways." Personally, Hermione didn't think it was a big deal but looking at Dean's face, the boy looked like she said that the dragons were vegetarians. Really she huffed to herself, it's like they think I worship school or something.
"Yes Dean, I skipped class," she said dryly to his gaping face.
"To do what," he asked eagerly. Hermione groaned inside. She forgot how much of a giant gossip the boy was. So much for quietly researching; the news would spread to the rest of the house by 5:00.
Luckily, she didn't have to answer his question when Professor Vector decided to begin the roll call.
"Abbot, Hannah," Professor Vector called out cheerfully.
"Present." replied Hannah.
Hermione began to zone out after her name was called. It was hard to concentrate when she was so focused on ignoring the curious glances Dean continued to give her.
"Malfoy, Draco." That name caught Hermione's attention as she turned to the pale-haired prat sitting a few seat away. He still looked awful. Now that I think about it Hermione mused, the stress could also be because he is a Death Eater. Ever since Harry suggested that the Slytherin was in fact a murderer in the making, Hermione couldn't convince herself otherwise. She narrowed her eyes. If that were true, what mission could you-know-who have given him? To kill Harry? No he would want to do that himself. To kill her? Ron? If he was a Death Eater, who else might be? It could be anyone. Seamus. Crabbe and Goyle. Goldstein never liked Harry. He could be one too. What about Luna? Was the crazy talk just an act?
Or perhaps—
Someone tapped her on the shoulder wrenching her from her thoughts. It was Dean. He looked at her with obvious worry hiding out a parchment with a magic circle etched onto it. Ugh It's Solomonic Magic circles Hermione grumbled. Unfortunately, drawing was not her strong point and one of the questions given asked for the students to draw one. Reluctantly, she quickly drew a sad scribble that she hoped was good enough to pass. Dean took one look at the circled mess that was her drawing and coughed loudly, trying to hold back his laughter. Hermione reached for her wand; pink would suit his hair quite nicely!
"Alright class," interrupted Professor Vector. Just when I remembered the curse too... thought Hermione darkly, glaring at her desk mate. Dean sat blissfully unaware of the lucky break he had just received. "Can anyone tell me where to draw the Solomonic conjuration circle when summoning a spirit?"
Everyone sat relaxed in their seats waiting for a certain someone to raise their hand. They knew that there was no need to participate with Hermione Granger around. However, Hermione herself seemed equally as keen to keep her mouth shut and instead continued to attempt to salvage the wreckage that was her drawing. After a couple minutes, she gave up seeing that the magic circle resembled less of a circle than before. It resembles more like a Niffler's armpits, she thought. As she crumpled the parchment angrily, Hermione noticed that there was an uncomfortable and eerie silence. That was strange, I could have sworn Professor Vector was still teaching.
Suddenly she realized that everyone had been staring at her. Even Professor Vector looked at her questionably. Ah, they're waiting for me to answer. She furrowed her brows. Sure, the question was simple, but must they always expect her answer everything?
Professor Vector broke the silence, "Miss Granger do you know the answer?"
"No," Hermione replied flatly before trying to draw the circle again. Ok! First draw the outer body... Whispers broke out in the class as everyone looked at the Gryffindor witch. Even Malfoy looked at her in confusion. If the whispers bothered her, Hermione never showed it as she tried to focus on her assignment.
"Well if —um no one knows, then I'll just tell you," Professor Vector cut in lamely. Taking a moment to compose herself, she went back to her controlled self. "The Solomonic Magic Circle is to be drawn on the floor because you are trying to conjure the spirits of the earth. Remember that, that connection between circle and earth is very important."
The class continued without much excitement afterward but Dean noticed something really interesting. Throughout the rest of the class, Hermione's gaze never wavered. It was firmly fixed on the back of budding Death Eater, Draco Malfoy.
"I'm telling you man, something's off with Hermione," Dean whispered harshly to Harry as they plotted Saturn's moons on their astrology maps. They had been sitting on the floor looking out of the Astronomy Tower. Harry shot a skeptical glance at his friend before looking over his map. Hmm Rhea should be around here. Dean began wringing his hands in panic. "She's acting battier than Loony!"
Harry recalled all the moments the bushy-haired witch acted in odd ways: her strange obsession with grades, her strange obsession with liberating House elves, and her admittedly quite abnormal obsession with following the rules. The girl has a lot of quirks doesn't she?
"Look, she usually is a bit mad with all the studying and that sort of thing, but..."
Harry looked. All he saw was his dorm mate acting crazier than he claimed Hermione was. After dotting the spot where Hyperion was located on his map he spoke,
"Well, out with it."
Dean looked relieved now that he was finally being taken seriously. His eyes darted around the tower suspiciously in case there was anyone around to hear. This was serious news after all. Taking a deep breath he confessed,
"Hermione refused to answer a question."
"So what?" Harry challenged. There were plenty of times Hermione didn't answer a question. Most of the time because she was already studying ahead of everyone else and didn't want to stop or when Snape was feeling particularly snarky some days and willed her to shut up. With a glare Harry thought with a shudder.
Dean held up his finger. "Wait, let me finish first." Taking a deep breath he continued, "She also skipped class."
The resulting thud of the metal telescope and Dean's screams could be heard all the way from the Astronomy Tower to Hagrid's hut.
"Tell me exactly what happened," Harry demanded shoving Dean inside a room and closing the door behind them.
"No bloody way, you prick," Dean sputtered out between tears. He was clutching his left foot in sheer agony. Looking around he noticed stalls and a row of sinks present.
"Are we in the girl's bathroom? I thought you were taking me to the infirmary, you nutter." He limped his way to one of the broken sinks, steadying himself as he overcame another wave of pain.
Harry just rolled his eyes. "Oh just deal with it."
"Deal with it?" Dean looked at him incredulously. "You dropped a ten-ton telescope on my foot. Look! There's blood!"
"Yes, I'm sorry now-could you get on with what you were telling me, please?"
Dean just ignored him and sank to the floor, closing his eyes as the wave of pain began to subside. "This is Moaning Myrtle's bathroom ain't it?"
"Yeah we're lucky she isn't in. Now spit it out."
"She skipped Runes," Dean said. "Said something about skipping 'cause everyone else did it. Which is true. I wanted to skip as well, but Ginny snuck in there and you know Professor Vector, he don't give a damn. It's the only place we can hang out without Ron bothering us, you know?"
"And the questions?" asked Harry.
Dean nodded his head dumbly. "Yeah, we were at Arithmancy. None of the other blokes would join me because of math and all. I tried to get Ginny to join me but she was more interested in duelling instead. Shame really."
Harry smacked him on the head.
"Ow." Dean glared at the scarred boy furiously. Harry was not impressed.
"We don't have all day."
"Okay, Jesus. Well, Hermione was my desk mate like always. She seemed out of it, you know, just doodling some crappy drawing for the homework assignment. Girl can't draw Solomonic Magic circles to save her lif-"
"Dean," Harry interrupted holding his wand up warningly.
"My bad. What was I talking about again?"
"Hermione's state of mind."
Dean's face brightened. "Yeah, I was. Well back to the topic. She was acting weird, man. The prof asked an easy question too. We all knew the answer, but everyone usually waits for Hermione to answer. You know force of habit, but get this, she didn't!"
Harry narrowed his eyes suspiciously.
"And then we all waited for her to do something. She just did nothing. The prof called on her and you know what she said? I don't know!"
"What?"
"Yeah, I ain't kidding. Everyone's jaws dropped to the floor. Like we all knew she knew, but Hermione Granger: resident teacher's pet, purposely refusing to answer a professor's question? That's crazy, man."
Knowing the kind of person Hermione was Harry couldn't help but agree, but when he thought about it, Hermione's actions wasn't that odd. She just lost her parents after all. Some abnormal habits were bound to have formed anyway. Yeah, it's just a phase Harry reassured himself. He helped Dean up, ready to finally take him to the infirmary, but Dean wasn't finished with his news. Grinning he remembered the final juicy piece he saved for last. He lowered his voice to a mock stage whisper,
"Hey, Harry. Do you know what else? Hermione spent the entire class staring at that snake Malfoy." Dean waggled his eyebrows. Harry's eyes widened. "You'd think there is something between them. She looked at him like he was prey or something. I'm serious; she couldn't keep her eyes off him."
That afternoon, Hermione took the opportunity after dinner to return to the library. There was still time before curfew and she still wanted to research as much as possible about the Second War. There was still so many questions: Who was Dumbledore referring to when he said he failed? Why was Madam Bones chosen to die? When was Sirius's trial if he had one? With so many cases to solve, Hermione felt like a magical version of Sherlock Holmes. Filled with childish excitement over her new pet project Hermione practically ran down the halls towards the library. Taking the quickest route, Hermione sped down the hallway past the figure walking in the opposite direction. A hand grasped her shoulder to stopping her in her tracks. Hermione felt a peculiar sense of dread. She stiffened, was she being attacked? Was it Malfoy? Quickly she whipped around, wand already in her hand-
"Calm down Miss Granger," chuckled Dumbledore as he held his hands up non-threateningly. Hermione flushed in embarrassment. Unconsciously, she relaxed before remembering her suspicions again and discreetly backing up a few steps. Nonetheless, the witch kept her expression friendly, not wanting the man to notice her sudden wariness. She saw that he was holding a couple thick books.
"Sorry sir," she replied apologetically as she looked into his eyes. Suddenly she felt something subtly probing the back of her mind. What is that feeling?
"Heading for the library," Dumbledore asked curious.
"Yes sir," she answered. "There's an essay for Transfiguration that I still need to complete." Dumbledore smiled.
"Well, go be off your way then Miss Granger," Dumbledore replied pleasantly. "I wish you luck on your essay." At that note, the wizard made his leave and resumed to leisurely walk down the hall. Hermione nodded back and sped off towards the library. The more distance she put between them, the more she felt that an invisible hand that had been squeezing her loosening its suffocating hold.
Hermione didn't see Madam Pince in her usual spot behind the Library check-out desk. As she approached the Archives Hermione noticed someone busy conjuring ropes around it. The Archives were being roped off like the Restricted Section and the missing librarian in question was in fact the one sealing it.
"Just what is this about," Hermione asked, baffled.
"Oh, you're back," was all Madam Pince said in response. In her arms was an issue of the Daily Prophet. From Hermione's perspective all she could see was part of the headline: DUMBLEDORE DECLARED MAGICAL GUAR..." The date read 1981. What did Madam Pince want with an old paper? As if noticing the Gryffindor attempting to read the rest of the headline, Madam Pince positioned the newspaper so it was hidden from view. She scowled down at Hermione. "What are you doing here?"
"Just wanted to look something up," Hermione answered. She made way towards the rope to undo it. The librarian shot out a hand to stall her.
"You can't."
"Why not?"
For a second, Hermione could've swore that she saw something like pity flash in the librarian's eyes. But in a second it was gone and her usual stern expression was in place. "Only seventh years are allowed anywhere near the archives."
"What," Hermione exclaimed. "Wh-when was this decided?"
"A few hours ago. Some—professors, were concerned about letting priceless documents be in the hands of students. Now only seventh years are allowed. Those are the rules, Miss Granger."
"There has to be some way to let me in there."
Madam Pince glowered. "If you really want to look at something, then all you have to do is get a note from a professor giving you permission to look at them and I'll give you a copy. You are also required to tell me the reason why you need them."
"I can't wait until seventh year!"
The librarian grew suspicious. "That's why I told you to ask me for a copy. What exactly were you looking for?"
Swallowing her frustration, Hermione just replied, "Nothing." This was just too coincidental. She suddenly gains an interest in the old Daily Prophet issues and a couple periods later students are not allowed access?
Madam Pince sighed. She could practically see the steam pouring out of the young witch's ears. If she didn't nip this in the bud, all that pent up righteous Gryffindor rage would be unleashed upon her. Merlin, she hated kids.
"Look," she began. "If you want, I can tell you who you should complain to."
Hermione perked up, "Who?"
"Dumbledore," the librarian answered. "He was just here to tell me to seal off the archives."
Dumbledore. It always lead back to him. Hermione seethed as she marched down the hallway away from the library. A few minutes after being chased away by Madam Pince, she stopped to see if there were any non-fiction books on the Second War in the library. Somehow, all the books had been taken out and there was nothing left for her to research from. Well, it certainly explained all the books the Headmaster was carrying when she bumped into him on the way to the library. Now she had no doubt that the conniving old man had to be hiding something. Judging by the fact that he went as far as censorship to keep Hermione from nosing around the War, Dumbledore must have some pretty large skeletons in his closet. He can try to stop me. I'll sneak into the archives. I'll break into his office if I have to. I will have those books!
Suddenly, something she saw stopped her in her tracks. In front of her was a disembodied sneaker positioned around a corner hovering a few inches above the ground. Well this certainly is disturbing. Now Hermione had three choices.
She could:
A) Ignore the floating foot.
B) Tell a Professor that there was a floating foot
C) Go investigate the (maybe) cursed floating foot to satisfy her curiosity
The witch wished that she could just choose option A but knowing the type of person she was, that was impossible. The problem with B was that she didn't trust any of the professors anymore. The closest one was probably Snape, who would probably make her eat the foot and then take points off for being disgusting.
Curiosity killed the cat. Hermione reminded herself once more. Good thing I'm not a cat! Tentatively, Hermione reached her hand forward to make sure it wasn't attached to anything. To her shock, her fingers grasped smooth fabric wear there was none and she pulled it. What it revealed was her bewildered friend Harry, who realized that he was now visible.
Paling visibly, Harry swiftly turned around towards his attacker. He relaxed once he recognized who it was.
"Hermione just the person I want to see. How did you know I was here though?"
"You know, there is no point to use the Invisibility Cloak if it doesn't cover you completely."
"Huh?"
"You're stealth amazes me." Harry flushed.
"Shut up!"
"You want me to what," Hermione asked loudly to annoy him. Harry pushed her against the wall and covered her mouth with one hand after throwing the invisibility cloak on both of them. "Seriously be quiet," he whispered harshly peering out the corner.
Hermione peeled his hand away glaring at her crazy friend. "What's going on?"
"Malfoy," Harry answered. True to his word, Malfoy was walking down the corridor with Crabbe and Goyle flanking his sides. He walked past not once, not twice, but three times all the while looking like he expected something to jump out and attack him at any moment. Which he should be Hermione thought looking at Harry who was watching Malfoy like a hawk. Though even she thought it was odd how Malfoy just kept pacing the corridor. At the end of his third round, a door appeared. Realizing which floor they were on, Hermione realized where they were. Malfoy's using the Room of Requirement?
"This is where the ferret goes every night," Harry whispered.
"How did you know," Hermione shot back. "We've only been here for a day."
"Well, you know Malfoy is a Death Eater right?"
The question left Hermione speechless. Harry grinned, taking her silence as agreement. "I knew you agreed with me."
"I never said I agreed with you but I admit it is a possibility." Seeing Harry's victorious smug look on his face Hermione added, "I'm still skeptical." Harry shrugged and went back to watching the door. This is so surreal. First censorship in a school of learning, now the "saviour of the wizarding world" obsessively stalking an alleged Death Eater just to prove he's right. Sometimes I wonder why I didn't go to the private school my Grandmother suggested. But no, I wanted to learn magic. Because of my brilliant choice I'm friends with a stalker who seemed to know his victim's habits just after the first day. Wait…
"Harry," Hermione asked cautiously. "How did you know Malfoy would be here exactly?" She already suspected the answer but was dreading his answer.
Harry of course never ripped his eyes away from the door. "Well, I spent most of the night watching him in the Marauder's map. At first I was confused why he had disappeared but after following his route yesterday, I discovered exactly where he had been going. I didn't know if he was going to show up again so I've been waiting here ever since classes ended. Now I know and I am going to keep a look out for him until there is proof that he is a Death Eater."
The fact that he said all of that nonchalantly bothered Hermione greatly so she discreetly moved a few steps away from her friend— just to be safe. "You watched him the whole night?"
"Yes."
"…"
Thankfully their conversation was cut short by the screech of the old door swinging open. Out came out their suspect in question who was visibly paler than before he entered. His ever-faithful bodyguards, Crabbe and Goyle, straightened up from against the wall attentive to their leader.
"How did it go," they heard Crabbe ask. "The mission I mean."
Malfoy snapped,"Quiet." From behind the cloak, Harry could see the ferret's eyes flitting across the hall frantically only to relax when he saw no one present. "What if someone heard you?"
"Sorry," Crabbe apologized scratching his head awkwardly. "I just thought it was ok since no one's around."
"Well think better! Even the walls have ears you know."
"How far are you in completing the task," the previously quiet Goyle inquired.
Malfoy just glanced at him disdainfully. "That's none of your concern. Now what is your concern is to cover for me tonight. I'm not coming back to the the dormitory after the prefect rounds tonight so make sure no one else knows. I can trust both of you to not mess this up right?"
His manservants just nodded though Hermione though she saw somehting like resentment in Goyle's eyes. With his head still high in the air, Malfoy swished around and with his robes billowing (not unlike Snape), he along with his two followers marched down the hallway towards the dungeons.
—
"You heard it right?"
"Harry…"
"He's a Death Eater," Harry bellowed as they were walking back to the Gryffindor common room.
"Maybe they were talking about a mission Snape gave them or something."
"Snape," Harry exclaimed. "Snape, Hermione, really?" Frustrated, Harry stopped, grabbed his friend by the shoulders and shook her. "What will it take to prove he's part of the people trying to kill us? To have 'I am a registered Death Eater' stamped on his forehead? Open your eyes!"
"Stop it," Hermione growled slapping his arms away. "I refuse to believe that Dumbledore would allow a member of a murderous cult into a school full of children." Even if he also might be an evil maniac the witch added quietly.
"He let Voldemort in our first year," Harry challenged.
Speechless, the Gryffindor witch found that there was no argument she could use against that. Harry knew that he was right. For all the times adults told them that Hogwarts was the "safest" place in the world, somehow something almost kills the boy every year. I'm safer with the Dursleys Harry added mentally. And that's really sad.
"But still, he's sixteen. What type of Dark Lord allows a sixteen-year-old join his ranks?"
Harry shot back," What type of Dark Lord tries to assassinate a baby and still lose?"
Good point. As much as Hermione wished she had some sound reason why Harry was acting completely bonkers, unfortunately she came up with nothing. Finally, she relented, "What do we do about it then?"
"We prove that Malfoy's evil."
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes but how will we accomplish that exactly?"
Instead of looking embarrassed like she expected, to her fear Harry merely grinned diabolically at her.
I have a bad feeling about this.
"Glad you asked."
It took a awhile for Malfoy to convince Pansy to not accompany him on their prefect rounds, but after many threats, compliments, and bribes he managed to persuade the harpy to stay and have a "rest." Hopefully those two dimwits would stay true to their word otherwise it would be quite annoying if Snape would catch wind of what he's been up to. Snape, that traitor. On the first day, he called Malfoy down to his office to chat about he would like to "help him" with his mission because his mother requested it. Please! Everyone knew Snape was only looking to make himself look better in the eyes of the dark lord. He wouldn't even bat an eyelid if the dark lord decided it was time to be rid of the Malfoys. No, he needed to stay on the dark lord's good side if he even hoped to have a chance of surviving. And that meant not failing.
Malfoy walked purposefully towards the fifth floor. He had a feeling that he would be very familiar with the hallway by the end of the year. With the rate the mission was going, it was unlikely it would be completed anytime soon. The torches nearby flickered.
One, two, three. He passed by the empty hallway three times all the while watching out for the squib and his ruddy cat. Malfoy only relaxed when he spotted that ever familiar wooden door appear out of nowhere.
That was his mistake because he stopped being aware of his surroundings. When Malofy placed his hand on the doorknob, he never felt the red beam of light hit him square in the back.
