A/N: I'm in one of those moods this morning. I feel I should write something but I can't think of anything. Therefore, I've decided to post the World's Easiest Test (TM). It's so easy, you only need four (4) correct answers to pass. The answers are at the end of the chapter. Good luck.
1) How long did the Hundred Years War last?
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
3) From which animal do we get catgut?
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of?
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
7) What was King George VI's first name?
8) What color is a purple finch?
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
Chapter 4: Arrival
Sirius Black was there at the train station when the Hogwarts Express arrived. James Potter was with him. Neither was smiling when they spotted Draco. They walked over to where the motley crew stood waiting. Casper was moaning while he leaned heavily on Draco's arm. Justin held a steady hand on William's shoulder. The boy was pale but otherwise he looked fine. The two adults stopped directly in front of Draco. Potter reached out for William.
"What happened to you?"
"'e's fine," Draco offered. "'e threw up 'bout 'alf an hour ago." Casper moaned. "This'un sounds like 'e's ready to let go any minute."
"It wasn't our fault," Justin volunteered. "Well, it was, but we were trying to be nice."
"Nice?" Potter's tone of voice stated clearly that he wasn't going to believe a word of it.
"Yeah. Draco had some money left over and the kids wanted to look for William's brother, you know, Harry."
"Yes. I do know Harry."
"Um, yeah . . ."
"It's me own fault," Draco admitted. "I din't know 'ow much candy a Galleon could by."
The man's eyes widened. "You gave them money for candy?"
"Tryin' to be nice, you know. 'ad some left after shopin'."
James Potter walked William away. He paused and turned back. "You did the right thing to take him with you. I'll grant you that." He paused. "And that's all I'll grant you." He continued walking away, saying something about Madame Pomfrey.
Sirius Black was still standing there.
"Where is Miss Granger?"
"Wood wanted an early start," Draco explained, "but 's a'right. She put Justin in charge."
"That obviously helped. And how much did Casper eat?"
Casper moaned. He turned back toward the train and fell to his knees. Everyone looked away and tried to ignore him while he emptied his stomach.
"That much," Justin exclaimed.
Sirius Black began laughing. Both of the students stood speechless. As Casper calmed down, so did Black. He helped the now ashen boy to his feet, wiped his mouth with a handkerchief, and led him away.
"You're not yellin' at us."
That led Sirius to start laughing again. "Bellatrix will take care of that."
"Professor," Justin called out as they ran to catch up. "What happened? At the station. We were worried."
"Really? It was nothing dangerous. Someone cast a spell to block anyone from getting to the platform. We could leave but we couldn't get back. The spell vanished the instant the train left the station. We never had enough time to cancel it. Or examine it. And I'm not a Professor anymore."
"You don't know who cast it?"
"No. But we do know when it was cast, Justin. At least, we know the last person to make it through the barrier." He looked pointedly at Draco.
"Me? They're blamin' me for it? It 'appened after the Potters came through."
They reached the coaches. Sirius Black found an empty one and put Casper in. He motioned for Draco and Justin to get in as well, closing the door as he sat down.
"Malfoy, I'm telling you and Finch-Fletchley about this, not because you did it. Because I think it was done for you. James and Claire both agreed with me that it was the most likely explanation. We're guessing that someone was following you with the intent to do you harm. Someone, who wishes to remain anonymous, was trying to protect you."
"You won't tell me?"
"I can't tell you. I don't know. And I don't know anyone who does."
"The face?" Casper asked weakly.
Sirius furrowed his brow. "What face?"
"Draco saw one. On the train."
Black's eyes peered directly at Draco. "You saw a face?"
The blond boy shrugged. "Maybe. Don't know. Thought I did. Jus' for a second. It disappeared right when I saw it."
"Was the man in the corridor?"
"Weren't no man. Looked more like some ugly kid. And it were outside the window." He shrugged again. "Imagined it, probably."
No one said anything for most of the trip. Black was clearly thinking things over. Draco had the feeling the man was enjoying himself. As they neared the castle, Black broke the silence.
"I'm taking Casper to see Madam Pomfrey. Draco, I don't want you or Justin to say anything about the face, or about why we think the barrier was blocked. I'll talk to Dumbledore, though. He'll need to know." He nudged Casper. "Let's keep this a secret, too?"
Casper gave a wane smile and nodded.
When the coach stopped, Black climbed out and grabbed Casper. "One small thing to consider, Draco. Last year, you made it a point to talk in, you called it your fancy voice? You might want to do that again this year."
"Why?"
Black smiled. "When you talk in your normal voice, everyone expects you to do something. When you use your fancy voice, they don't know what to expect. It gives you an edge. You might need one."
As Black lifted Casper out of the coach, Draco asked, "Why you bein' nice to me, all of a sudden?"
"I owe you one." He stood Casper on the ground, then walked him to the Castle and went inside.
Draco and Justin were left by themselves. Draco was lost in thought. He was remembering last year, when he was pushed over the stairs at the Quidditch match. Everyone was amazed that he survived. Maybe the magic helper couldn't stop the fall. And he didn't want to reveal himself. He made it so that Draco survived.
"Coming?"
Draco looked at Justin, standing on the ground holding the door open.
"Might as well." He cleared his throat. "I suppose I will have to set an example of good conduct this year."
Justin laughed at Draco's Eton accent. "You definitely should. It will confuse everyone. Especially Hermione."
I'm back. Those were the first words to pass through Draco's mind as he entered the Great Hall. He self-consciously brushed the hair on his forehead. It was now long enough to cover his scar and that was what he was making sure it did. Justin said his farewell and went to join the Hufflepuffs. Draco looked toward the Gryffindor table and saw Hermione wave to him. He walked over and sat next to her. Across the table from them sat the Weasley twins.
"Enjoy your holiday?"
The twins grinned at him.
"A wonderful time," George told him.
"Despite certain events at someone's birthday party," Fred added.
"For which Hermione has forgiven us," George noted.
"As long as we promised never to do it again," Fred amended.
"A promise we intend to keep . . ."
"At least for the rest of the school year . . ."
"No hoses at Hogwarts." Fred and George tried to look sad.
"I could ask Mick to send me one," Draco offered.
"Wha', no bloody a'cent?" Fred asked.
Draco tried to frown. "I thought I was speaking with an accent."
Hermione nudged his arm and gave him an inquisitive look. Draco shrugged his shoulders. He told her and the twins what Sirius Black had said. Once he mentioned that Black was there, Hermione had him tell everything she knew about what happened at the Station.
"Where's the old Professor now?" Fred asked cheerfully.
"The infirmary, I guess."
"What did you do?" Hermione had an expectant look that matched the two Weasleys.
"Yes. What did you do?" That was an angry voice directly behind Draco. One that belonged to a certain Harry Potter. "My brother is here, and he's in the infirmary."
Draco looked up and back at Potter. Longbottom was standing there as well. In as haughty a voice he could manage, Draco told him.
"It seems that William Potter and his best friend, Casper Black, finessed their way on board the Hogwarts Express, stole a significant sum of money, then spent it all on candy."
Draco smiled as Potter became furious. Hermione was groaning. Longbottom was grabbing Harry's arm and trying to tell him that a certain blond haired boy was lying through his teeth. Potter took a few deep breaths to calm down. In a low voice he demanded to know the truth. Draco's smile grew as he saw who was walking up. He ignored Potter and gave out a cheerful call.
"Uncle Severus!"
"Draco, welcome back." The cheerful voice and the smile were replaced with a scowl as the Potions Professor turned to the two Gryffindors who were standing. "Mister Potter, you will be happy to know that your brother is fine."
"Do you know what happened, Sir?" Potter dared to ask.
Professor Snape arched an eyebrow. "Your father didn't tell you? It seems your brother and his friend spent a rather large sum of money on candies and pastries, then ate every last piece. Madam Pomfrey gave them something to settle their stomachs."
"Friend?" Potter asked. Draco smirked at the doubt that was in the other boy's voice.
Snape glanced at Draco. "Perhaps, Potter, you should find out by going to the infirmary yourself."
"Yes, Sir."
Draco waited until Potter and Longbottom had walked away. As soon as the path was clear, he stood up only to be grabbed into a hug.
"Did you enjoy your birthday, Draco?"
"You know about that?"
"All about it." Snape leaned down to whisper in Draco's ear. "I mentioned to someone, one of those bothersome muggles in the government, that you were born overseas. It seems that was enough." He stood up. "Did you like my birthday present?"
"It was great."
They hugged again. Professor Snape excused himself, giving Hermione the curtest of nods and ignoring the Weasley Twins completely. Draco sat down as Snape headed toward the teacher's table.
"What did he give you?" Hermione asked.
"My birthday."
Hermione was thrilled to learn that it was dour Professor Snape (dour to everyone except Draco) who slipped the information to the muggle authorities. It seemed almost funny to like someone who scowled whenever he looked at you.
A hush came over the hall as the first years were led in. All of them looked around in amazement, reminding Draco that everyone else in his class did the same thing last year and that circumstances prevented him from joining in. As a result it was with forced humour that he watched the new group make their way to where the sorting hat sat perched.
The hat then began to sing. To Draco's surprise it sang a different song than last year. Hermione told him later, she had asked about it, that the hat sings a different song every year.
Stand and listen to my tale.
In times gone by it does begin.
Might Wizards came together
On this very spot we're standing in.
Noble Gryffindor did join with
None other than Salazar Slytherin.
Our heirs were joined by Hufflepuff,
Then Ravenclaw did make it four.
The founders sent out their call,
Inspiring other to come and find
Spells and potions, Runes and Lore,
Taught to all of ready mind.
Ravenclaw, of sharpened wit,
Yearned to hone each young mind.
In her house, learning is love;
No wasted thoughts are here to find.
Gryffindor chose those who were brave
To study under him hard and long
Of how to use their polished skills
Keeping others safe with magic strong.
In Hufflepuff's house a slower pace,
Love of work makes it seem like play.
Labour is never a task for them,
Doing their best in every way,
Ready to lead, to be in control.
Ambition lives in Slytherin's halls.
Comrades only in their drive for power.
Over time they help each others goals.
Many have come to hear me sing,
And each have tried me on for size.
Let me read your thoughts, that I can do.
Find out what is the very thing
Of which you are best. I'll tell no lies.
You will find the house that is right for you.
Then the sorting began. Each house cheered upon gaining a new member. The third in line, a small boy named Colin Creevey came to their house. Draco liked him at once, simply because it meant that he was no longer the shortest person in Gryffindor. One girl caught Draco's eye. She reminded him of Casper except, while he tried to dress like a muggle without knowing how, she seemed to be trying to dress like a witch. She had scraggly dirty blond hair which hung to her waist. Her most striking feature was her eyes, grey and glassy. At one point she turned to look around her. As her eyes roved, they stopped when she spotted him, and gave Draco a whimsical smile. Then her name was called.
"Lovegood, Luna."
Draco watched as the hat was placed on her head. After a long pause, it called out, "Ravenclaw." He couldn't explain it, but seeing her go to a different house gave him a sense of relief.
The sorting continued. It was almost over when the name, Ginevra Weasley, was called out. Hermione nudged him and nodded toward the twins. Both had their fingers crossed. Moments later, they were all standing and applauding as the hat called out, "Gryffindor".
As Ginny sat down, Albus Dumbledore stood.
"Another sorting completed and another school year begun. I can only hope that most of you learn as much this year as you've forgotten over the summer holiday. But let me first put everyone at ease over an incident at King's Cross Station this morning. To everyone's embarrassment, there was a failure in the barrier that keeps muggles from entering Platform Nine 3/4. While anyone could still leave the platform freely, the barrier kept everyone and anyone from entering. The handful of students who missed the Hogwarts Express as a result of this did arrive safely by means of a timely but less exciting route. I know that several rumours of dreadful things have been circulating but, as all of you should have realized by now, none of them are true.
"Before we begin eating, I also have a few announcements. Our caretaker, Argus Filch, asked me to remind all students that loitering in the halls is not permitted during or between classes. All students second year and above should note that Quidditch tryouts for each house will take place on the second weekend from today. Please consult with your Heads of House for the specific times. Also, I would like everyone to give a warm welcome to our new teacher for Defense Against the Dark Arts, Professor Peter Pettigrew."
A short balding man, slightly on the plump side, stood up as the students politely applauded. He gave everyone a shy smile and quickly sat back down. Draco groaned. He recognized the man from the picture on Sirius Black's mantlepiece. The one with the four adult friends.
"He'll be great," a familiar voice said. Draco looked over and saw that Potter was back from the infirmary.
Dumbledore smiled as the hall became quiet. "I should note that we do have some unexpected guests at the feast. I will note that two of them needed to go to the infirmary upon their arrival . . ." Justin's snort of laughter could be heard in the relative silence of the Great Hall, but Dumbledore's glance was clearly aimed at Draco. ". . . but that was because they helped themselves too freely to the candy trolley on board the Hogwarts Express. They will be sad they could not be here but that cannot be helped. And finally," Dumbledore continued, an amused smile on his face, "I need to inform all students and guests that the announcements are done." He raised his hands and said, "Let the feast begin."
With much less trepidation than last year, Draco quickly filled his plate with anything within reach. Hermione, doing the same but with more grace, asked her question.
"How did William Potter become best mates with Casper Black?"
Fred smiled. "That's a question I would love the answer to."
"Easy," Draco said as he bit into a chicken leg. He swallowed before he explained, "I convinced them that they think the same."
Hermione frowned, "A Death Eater and a Blood Traitor think the same?"
"This has to be a good story," George told his brother.
"Yeah, Casper says he only likes purebloods, except for me. Associating with anyone who isn't a pureblood means you're a blood traitor. And Potter claims to like muggles but he doesn't know any so that makes him a lying Death Eater."
"I know that part," Hermione pointed out.
"They don't," Draco said with a nod toward the twins. "Anyway, I talked them into looking around the train. I told William he could introduce Casper to his brother."
Hermione looked doubtful. "And they went along with it?"
"Yeah. I had some money left so I gave them a Galleon and told them about the trolley lady."
"Wait. You weren't on the train long enough last year. How do you know about the trolley lady?"
"Ron Weasley. He complained last year that she had all this candy and he didn't even have enough money for a chocolate frog. And I made the mistake of asking him if it was a real frog."
Fred grinned. "That tells us what you and Ron talked about for the next hour. Did you really give them a whole Galleon?"
"Yeah, had some money left after shopping. Honest, I din't . . . didn't expect them to spend all of it." If I have to explain that one more time, Draco thought, I'm going to scream.
Draco was halfway through breakfast when the owls came in. They did this every morning to deliver the mail, but Draco rarely received any. He was surprised when an owl flew up to him and delivered a letter. It was in a red envelope. As he picked up the envelope, he heard someone say, "Howler."
Draco looked up. It was Ron Weasley. Sitting just past him were Potter and Longbottom. Both were smiling.
"Hermione?"
Hermione gave him an encouraging smile and put her hands over her ears. Draco wasn't sure what was going to happen but he knew it wouldn't be good. With trepidation, he opened the letter.
"DRACO MALFOY," a booming voice said as it echoed through the hall. It seemed a hundred times louder than humanly possible. And Draco recognized the voice. It was his godmother. "HOW IS IT POSSIBLE FOR ONE BOY TO CAUSE SO MUCH TROUBLE? YOU HAD TO HAVE TAKEN LESSONS FROM SOMEONE. (Fred pointed at George, who shook his head.) MY SON, LEFT IN YOUR CARE, ENDED UP IN THE INFIRMARY. AND IF THAT WASN'T ENOUGH, ANOTHER BOY IN YOUR CARE ENDED UP THERE AS WELL. I CAN ONLY BE GRATEFUL THAT YOU'RE ONLY STARTING YOUR SECOND YEAR OR ELSE YOU MIGHT HAVE KILLED THEM BOTH. YOU INCOMPETENT DERANGED EXCUSE FOR A WIZARD. THE FOULEST DARK WIZARD IN THE WORLD HAS MORE COMPASSION AND UNDERSTANDING THAN YOU DO. YOU MAKE ME ASHAMED . . . ASHAMED . . . TO BE RELATED TO YOU. AND WHEN I SEE YOU AGAIN IN PERSON I WILL HAVE A TALK WITH YOU ABOUT THE LIES YOU HAVE BEEN TELLING CASPER."
The letter concluded with a loud scream of disgust.
"Lies," Hermione asked as the echoes faded away.
Draco shrugged his shoulders. "It's your fault, anyway. You ran off to talk with your Quidditch friends."
"I left Justin in charge. That would make it his fault. But you were the one who did all the talking and gave them the money."
"I don't believe it," Longbottom said loudly. "He has Bellatrix Lestrange calling him evil."
"She is the expert," Potter added.
"Who's Bellatrix Lestrange?" a voice asked from Draco's right. Draco looked over and down. It was the short boy, Colin something-or-other. The boy was smiling but he seemed nervous.
"Me godmother," Draco told him. "No one wants to tell me what, but her husband did something bad and I guess he's in jail or ran away. And her last name is now Black. It was her name before she married."
"Um, Draco." It was Hermione, pointing at an owl. The owl dropped a red letter in front of Draco.
"I'm going to guess this is from the Potters," Draco said as he picked up the letter. He opened it and another voice, male, belonging to someone named Potter, began booming though the hall.
"DRACO MALFOY, YOU HAVE TO BE THE MOST INCONSIDERATE, SELFISH, EGOTISTICAL BOY THAT I HAVE EVER MET. IT WAS BAD ENOUGH THAT YOU TRICKED MY SON INTO EATING HIMSELF SICK. BUT YOU HAD TO TOP THAT BY FILLING HIS HEAD WITH HOLLOW, MEAN SPIRITED SLANDERS ABOUT HIS BROTHER. I HAVE ALREADY TAKEN THIS MATTER UP WITH THE HEADMASTER AND I KNOW THAT WHATEVER PUNISHMENT HE GIVES YOU WILL NOT BE SUFFICIENT REGARDLESS OF WHAT IT IS. AND WHEN I SEE YOU AGAIN I WILL HAVE A TALK WITH YOU ABOUT THE LIES YOU HAVE BEEN TELLING WILLIAM."
"I am impressed," George said in the ensuing silence. "Two Howlers in one day has to be a record."
"We did have one for the two of us," Fred pointed out, "but that isn't quite the same."
"Here's more fun," Potter was heard to say.
"Mister Malfoy." It was Professor McGonagall.
"Yes, Professor?"
"You are excused from your first class today so that you can go to the infirmary. Madam Pomfrey wants to discuss certain matters with you at your earliest convenience."
"Yes, Professor."
"And Mister Malfoy. You will be given detention as a result of your antics on the train. Despite your good intentions, you clearly showed poor judgement. Both of you will be informed later as to where and when you will serve your punishments."
"Both of us?" Hermione asked with mixed surprise and fear.
"Not you, Miss Granger. I was referring to Justin Finch-Fletchley, who was with Draco the entire time yet never used his authority to keep matters under control. I am given to understand that he was left in charge."
As Professor McGonagall walked away, Draco could hear Potter and Longbottom laughing. Others were talking and he was obviously the subject under discussion. His appetite gone, he decided to keep his appointment. Madam Pomfrey, after all, was his legal guardian.
"Hermione? I'm not allowed to go anywhere by myself."
"Ask Justin. I'm sure he'd be happy to miss his first class of the year." She smiled at his frown. "I haven't finished eating. You'll have to wait."
"Excuse me?" It was the small boy on his right, Colin. "Why can't you go anywhere by yourself?"
"Someone is trying to kill me."
"Why?"
Draco frowned. "Do you know who I am?"
"You mean about being the Boy-Who-Lived."
"Yeah."
"They said you were evil."
Draco frowned again. "Then why are you sitting next to me."
"I wasn't. You sat next to me."
"Oh. Right." Then Draco had an inspiration. Colin was a first year. First years had their mornings free on the first day of classes. "How would you like to go to the infirmary?"
Fear came across Colin's face as he suddenly stood up. "I'll move. I'm sorry. I didn't mean anything."
Draco hastily grabbed Colin's arm and tried to calm him. It took a couple of minutes, with Fred, George and Hermione laughing at his efforts, to get the boy to understand that he only wanted an escort. Because he couldn't walk around the school by himself. Colin agreed only because Draco assured him that if he were really evil he would have ordered Colin to go with him.
"Morning, Mum," Draco said as he entered the infirmary.
"The prodigal son returns. And why is that boy behind you shaking like a leaf?"
"I told him about someone trying to kill me, and the times he tried already. He thinks that whoever it is might decide it's better to kill both of us than to risk any witnesses."
"Be thankful your mysterious adversary hasn't thought of that. I'll be with you in a moment." She smiled at Draco then walked out of the infirmary.
Draco smiled. There was no reason for it. He was happy to be back, to see Madam Pomfrey again. He turned when a third voice called his name. It was William. He was lying in Draco's usual bed.
"What happened? You're still here?"
"Madam Pomfrey's orders. We had to spend the night. Uncle Sirius is picking us up in an hour."
"Casper's still here?"
"He's taking a bath. I'm next." William tried to smile but it didn't seem to work. "Draco. I wanted to say thanks."
"For getting you sick?"
"For being nice to me. Like we were really friends."
Draco was surprised. As was Colin, who asked how William became sick. This led to introductions and a repetition of the events on the platform and on the train. Then William explained his comment. Harry, being the older brother, was always the special one. He always came first. William knew he was loved but he resented always being placed second. His father would talk with him and do things with him. So would his mother. But Harry was always their first concern. But Draco and Justin treated him as though he was just as good as, maybe better than, Harry. And they made him talk to Casper. And made them become friends. Despite what their parents might say.
"We can talk about anything, Draco. He'll never tell on me, and I won't tell on him. We've even decided to be in the same house next year."
"Slytherin or Gryffindor?" Draco asked.
William grinned. "No. And once we're sorted our parents can't do anything. We're thinking about Hufflepuff. Justin will be there to help us, and my dad won't be able to blame you."
"I know your dad. He'll blame me anyway."
"It's true," Colin said. "He's going to talk to him about the lies he told you."
William palled. "I didn't mean to . . ."
"It's all for a Tin Bath," Draco assured him. "Casper's mum is going to yell at me for the same thing."
"Lies?" Madam Pomfrey asked as she returned with a neatly dressed Casper in jeans and a jumper.
Draco shrugged his shoulders. "I'm not sure. I think it's because I told them they could be friends. Casper, those new clothes suit you."
Casper smiled as he put on his sunglasses. "Madam Pomfrey knows how muggles really dress."
Pomfrey smiled at the compliment. "William. It's your turn."
William jumped out of bed and followed her out.
Draco gave Casper an approving grin. "Billy tells me the two of you are thinking about Hufflepuff."
Casper's smile wavered but held. "I'm worried Mother will decide to send me to Durmstrang instead. It's supposed to be a better school, as far as who they let in."
"Better?" Colin asked. "Like in purebloods?"
"Yeah," Draco answered. "It's like the whole school is in Slytherin."
Casper nodded. Then he smiled and reached into his pocket. "I bought loads of Chocolate Frogs on the train. And look. I have Circe, and I finally found one of Merlin. All I need now are Ptolemy and Agrippa and I have the complete set."
Draco had to laugh. He knew someone else who saved Chocolate Frog cards. And those were the only two he was missing.
Madam Pomfrey returned again. She motioned Draco to follow her into her office. They had some talking to do.
"Did your friends take good care of you?"
Draco nodded. "Thanks for setting that up. It was a great summer."
"And what did you think of Dudley?"
"You know about him."
Madam Pomfrey told him yes. And she explained about his summer. The Minister had originally planned for Draco to be supervised by one of the Aurors. When he told her of the plan, she said it was probably better than what she was thinking of: having Draco stay with a muggle family. The Minister loved the idea. He even insisted that the family be in the general area of Grimauld Place. As far as Dudley, that was also Madam Pomfrey's idea. It was a practical means of determining how much the boy knew about the wizarding world.
"You know what's been going on?"
"Mostly because of Sirius Black. He was supposed to watch you and the Dursleys. When you left, he made it a point to keep track of them anyway. Just in case. It seems that he and the Minister knew what happened to you after you ran away."
"Yeah. It turns out he lives next to the Home I was sent to."
Madam Pomfrey frowned. "That was an odd coincidence."
"I'd call it a lucky break. For him. Most kids who go there are shipped out to a foster home within the week. I had too many problems when I arrived."
Madam Pomfrey reached over and wiped away an unwanted tear from Draco's cheek. "The memories still hurt. Then I will give you some happy news. You do know that Professor Snape interfered with the muggles, so that they would be able to find all your records?"
"He told me yesterday."
A sigh. "And I wanted to be the one to tell you." She lifted his chin with her finger. "Perhaps I should explain why I called you here? It concerns two unlikely friends that you made."
"Billy and Cas?"
"Exactly. Such a friendship, if it endures, is going to cause a great many problems. Bellatrix Black puts on a beautiful front, but her views are well known. That she was also a suspect when her husband was arrested was no surprise to anyone. Do you understand what I am referring to? Good. Because James Potter is one of the few people who insisted she was lying about where she was. He only backed off when he found out whom she was with."
"Hermione told me," Draco admitted. "She was telling a couple of men in the ministry that she thought her husband was up to something. Hermione said that one of them was the Minister's son."
"A bright girl," Madam Pomfrey admitted. "But did she tell you who the other man was? No? It was your new Defense Professor. Potter was forced to accept Bellatrix Black's statement or call one of his best friends a liar. As it is, he thinks it very appropriate that she is your godmother."
Draco understood. William Potter and Casper Black claiming to be best mates would be the equivalent of Harry saying that Draco was all right in his book. And one blond-haired Gryffindor would be blamed.
A/N: Here are the answers. I'm sure you did great.
1) How long did the Hundred Years War last?
116 years
2) Which country makes Panama hats?
Ecuador
3) From which animal do we get cat gut?
Sheep and Horses
4) In which month do Russians celebrate the October Revolution?
November
5) What is a camel's hair brush made of?
Squirrel fur
6) The Canary Islands in the Pacific are named after what animal?
Dogs
7) What was King George VI's first name?
Albert
8) What color is a purple finch?
Crimson
9) Where are Chinese gooseberries from?
New Zealand