A/N: I love the holiday season. I have had more free time over the past fortnight than I've had in the three months prior. I originally said I might have some delays, but I never thought I would be able to hurry things up a bit. The truth is that I goofed. Chapter Nine was supposed to include this chapter as well, but I uploaded the old chapter by mistake. As a result, there will be one more chapter in this story than I originally planned. Another thing, I may no longer be responding to all reviews, partly because of time and partly because I can't think of anything to say except thank you for reviewing. It's nice after the first review, but I can't keep saying just that. I will try to answer any questions that a reviewer has. Say "La Vee".

If I may be serious for a moment. Emjay82 is an author I discovered recently. She is writing a story called "A Light Against the Growing Darkness". It is a crossover between Star Wars and Lord of the Rings. It was not what I expected. For one, there are no hobbits. For two, I like it enough to openly suggest it if someone is looking for a good read. (Assuming you share my taste in stories.)

Welcome all to the New Year.

Chapter Ten: Hagrid

Hagrid the Giant smiled at them as the two came closer.

"Hello, Mister Hagrid," Draco said as he walked up. "We saw you here."

"And ye thought ye'd stop by ta say hello." It didn't seem possible but Hagrid's smile grew. "Tha's the kind of thing yer mother would do. And who's yer friend?"

Draco couldn't help but return the smile. "Mister Hagrid, this is Hermione Granger. She's in Gryffindor with me."

"Hello," Hermione said cautiously, almost afraid of the man because of his height. Hesitantly, she held out her hand. Hagrid engulfed it, and a good portion of her arm, with his own hand. His grip for a man his size was surprisingly gentle.

"Ye've got a good frien' in this boy," Hagrid told her. "I knew he was a'right from the start." He leaned down to whisper, although the whisper could be clearly heard. "I'm glad ta see I'm not the only one ta ignore them silly rumours."

They all stared at each other for a minute unsure of what to say. Then Hagrid thumped his chest. "I'm bein' a blasted fool. Ye come an' visit an' I don't even invite ye in. What say ye help me carry in the firewood. I'll make some tea and the two of ye can tell me all about yer first week at school."

Draco and Hermione readily agreed. They each grabbed as much wood as they could, which was only three or four of the cut logs each. Hagrid scooped up most of the remaining wood and led the way.

The hut was sparse for space but well filled despite that. A bed hung against one wall and an iron stove against the other. In between stood a table and chairs. A couch took up the rest of the wall next to the bed. A cabinet, safely far enough away from the stove, took up the rest of the wall on that side. Axes, a crossbow and other assorted tools and weapons hung on the walls. In short order, Hagrid threw a few logs into the stove and set the tea kettle. He turned and sat on one of the chairs, not commenting on how Draco and Hermione could barely see over the top of the table.

"So, how do ye like your teachers?"

"They're wonderful, most of them," Hermione readily admitted. "Professor McGonagall is my favorite, I think, and not because she's our head of house."

"She's stern though," Draco said. "My first day I was late, and she made me feel like I betrayed her."

"You didn't help," Hermione told him. She turned to Hagrid. "She demanded he explain himself and he tried to warn her there was a pig in the classroom."

Hagrid's laugh was infectious. Even Draco was grinning like a madman. Especially when the giant looked at him.

"Ye did a good one. She never expected an answer like that."

"She was fair, though," Draco admitted. "She treated everyone the same. No one was given special treatment. Not like some teachers."

"Like Professor Snape," Hermione noted. "He's always looking for a reason to take points from Gryffindor."

"He seemed fair, though," Draco said defensively.

"Fair?" Hermione was incredulous. "And how would you know? We missed most of the class because of your eye."

"But did you see how he acted to everyone he called. He didn't have a nice word for anyone."

Hagrid laughed again. "Wha' he means, Hermione, is tha' Snape hates everyone. Although he is partial to the Slytherins when it comes to givin' house points. It is his house."

Hermione scowled. "Being mean to everyone is not my idea of fair."

"You want unfair," Draco asked. "What about Professor Black? He smiles and praises Potter and Longbottom and saves his scowls for me. Once he finds out you're my friend he'll give you the same treatment."

"He's not unfair."

"Then I'm wrong?"

"Well . . ."

Hagrid interrupted by getting up to get the tea. "Don't you to go arguin' about that. Both of ye should know somethin' about Sirius Black." He set out the cups and began to pour. "He is partial to Harry Potter and he has a good reason. He's Harry's Godfather. And Neville Longbottom's been Harry's best friend since they was babies. If ye ever see 'em talkin' outside of class, ye'll hear both of 'em call him Uncle Sirius."

"And you're close to them?" Draco asked, afraid he was about to be hurt by the answer.

Hagrid noticed the look on the boy's face. He grinned. "I was close enough ta hear 'em talkin' the other day. An' Professor Black did introduce me. They were polite."

Hermione scrunched her eyebrows. "You don't sound impressed."

"I'm no fool, Hermione. I know how most people react to a giant. Even if I'm only half giant. They were polite enough. But ye'll never see them come ta my hut just to say hello." He patted her lightly on the shoulder. "There's polite and there's friendly. Ye can talk all day to polite folk just fine. But ye talk ta friendly folk, ye end up havin' to explain yerself. 'Cause friendly folk honestly want to know. They care."

Draco felt small at those words.

"I'm not really a friend."

Hagrid didn't scowl. "An' now ye have to explain yerself."

Draco ignored the fact that Hermione snorted. "You said you knew my parents. I wanted to find out more about them."

Hagrid nodded. "Ye could 'ave asked Dumbledore. He knows more than anyone I'd bet. Or any of the teachers. Why'd ye decide to ask me?"

"Well . . ." Draco couldn't think. Why would he decide to ask Hagrid. He had only met him once before and that was for less than a minute. ". . . You said you were, uh . . ." His mind went blank.

Hagrid finished his sentence. " . . . a friend of yer mother? She was barely older than you when she first sat in that very same chair. An' all because she wanted ta know what a giant was like. She came by regular, an' brought some of her other friends." He leaned forward. "She even brought Lucius Malfoy, the very day he asked her to marry him. She wanted my approval."

Draco watched as Hagrid wiped a tear away.

"Sorry," Hagrid said as he pulled out a huge handkerchief and blew his nose. "I was rememberin' all the good things and I reminded myself of . . . when she died. I'd been hearin' all those stories about Lucius Malfoy. I refused to believe them. Then the stories began to include yer mom. I didn't know what to think. Then I held you in my arms the night they died. Ye were asleep. I was told ye cried until ye had nothin' left in ye." He looked directly at Draco. "I knew yer mom. An' I like to think I knew yer dad. An' when I looked at you I decided those stories had to be rubbish. Lily Evans was my friend. Lily and Lucius Malfoy were my friends."

Draco glanced at Hermione. She was wiping her eyes as well. He took a deep breath. He had to return the man's honesty the only way he knew. He put as much pride in his voice as he could. "And now their son is your friend."

That was a mistake, Draco thought, as Hagrid grabbed him into a hug.

"He was nice," Hermione admitted as they walked back to the castle. "I only wish I didn't have one of those biscuits."

"I had one, too," Draco admitted.

"And you dunked yours into your tea."

Draco sighed. "It didn't help."

"I wish I knew him better. I wanted to ask him about the robbery. He probably won't know anything, though."

"Um. What robbery?"

"Nothing was actually stolen, mind you," Hermione explained. "Ron Weasley has the Daily Prophet delivered every day and he pointed it out. It happened in the beginning of August. And Harry Potter mentioned that he was there that day. Apparently someone tried to break into Gringotts but the vault they wanted to rob had already been emptied."

"Could have been my vault," Draco sniffed. "I emptied it."

Hermione paused. "You were there?"

"Unless Potter went to the bank on a different day than he went to buy his robes. That's where we met. Madam Malkins."

"Harry didn't mention you."

"He wouldn't."

Draco stopped. Hermione stopped as well and looked at him as he turned to stare at Hagrid's hut. "I'm here on official business." He patted his chest with his right hand. "That's what he told me. When we met in Gringotts."

"You think he emptied the vault?"

A shrug of the shoulders. "It makes sense. Don't know what it was, though. It could 'ave been anything."

"It would have to be small enough to fit into his pocket." Hermione smirked as she remembered how big Hagrid was. "You're right. It could have been anything."

It was Wednesday. Defense Against the Dark Arts.

Professor Black was strutting back and forth in front of the classroom as everyone took their seats. He glanced around the room before he said anything.

"Who can tell me the difference between a curse and a jinx? Malfoy."

"A curse affects the complete physical or mental state of the victim. A jinx only affects a part of the victim."

Black frowned. "You would know about curses." He smiled as he turned away. "What we are here to study are the most common curses. Can anyone name a curse?" He smiled. "Longbottom."

"Stupify."

Professor Black nodded. "You can always tell which new students have a father who's an Auror. They always seem to know that one. Stupify stuns your opponent long enough to take him into custody." He nodded to the boy next to Longbottom. "Potter, what's the other one every Auror knows."

"Expelliarmus," Potter said with a grin. "It disarms your opponent."

"Very good. And the rest of you. Who else knows any curses?"

Hermione raised her hand. Draco would wager she knew every one. Apparently, so did the Professor. When he pointed at Hermione, he specified that she give only one curse. She gave him, "Incarcerous. It binds your opponent with ropes."

A few others raised their hands as well. Professor Black would point at a student and ask for a curse. Then he would point at another student. He gave every student a chance to mention a curse.

Draco saw the look in the Professor's eye. Black was about to call on him again.

"Malfoy. Do you know any curses?"

Draco frowned. He knew what curse he was supposed to mention. He decided he would answer the question his own way. He smiled. Then he brushed his hand over the scar on his forehead.

"Yes."

Professor Black did something that Draco did not expect. He nodded then made it a point to look at the entire class.

"Not all curses are benign. Every curse mentioned so far is one that is used to defend against the Dark Arts. To disarm or disable a person without doing harm. Is there anyone in this class who does not know what curse Mister Malfoy and myself were referring to? Because there are other curses out there. Ones that hurt and maim. And Kill. I want every student in this class to understand that Defense is not a joke. This is the most important class you have."

After the class was over, Hermione joined Draco as they walked back to the common room.

"You see. Professor Black is fair. He wanted to point out how serious curses can be."

"I was useful to him," Draco said sullenly. "I think he wanted to remind me of what happened. He didn't have to single me out like that. You heard his remark earlier. I would know about curses."

"I know he doesn't like you, but he was trying to be fair." Hermione paused. "You're right. I'm prevaricating." She looked at Draco. "Lying to myself."

"You're right, though," Draco admitted. "He may be trying to be fair, but he still doesn't like me. His idea of being fair is not insulting me every time he talks to me."

"I wouldn't talk to you at all." It was Potter's voice. Draco started to turn his head when he was hit on the left shoulder. "Sorry," Potter said wryly. "Just trying to get by."

"Me, too," Longbottom said as he pushed against Draco.

Both boys snickered as they passed and headed briskly up the hall. Hermione quickly switched sides with Draco so that he was walking along the wall. "I hope they try something now," she muttered.

"You can't protect me all the time," Draco told her.

"Only when they're coming from your blind side."

"One good thing," he noted. "Now I don't have to look at you, either."

Draco laughed when Hermione hit him in the shoulder.

It was Friday afternoon. The first broom flying lesson. The Slytherins were there as well but the houses separated themselves, as usual. Draco was standing at the far end of the line. Hermione was directly across him, in the second line. Both were nervous. Hermione hated doing something she could not learn from a book. Draco hated doing something he had never done before with people watching who would know his every mistake.

Madam Hooch gave the command. Draco put his hand out over the broom as he was instructed and called, "UP." The broom did nothing. Draco glanced around and saw that quite a few others had failed on their first try as well. He also noted that Potter and Longbottom were holding their brooms. And smirking.

"UP." Draco gave emphasis to the word, making it an order. The broom flew up into his hand. He looked up. Hermione gave him a quick smile. Her broom was also in her hand.

Madam Hooch gave the instructions on how to mount the broom, and Draco followed them to the letter. When everyone was ready, she pointed to the first line. "You will push off, go no more than five feet, then pull back to land your brooms. GO."

Draco pushed off the ground and lifted his feet up as he had been shown. As the broom rose, he slipped sideways and fell to the ground. With a grunt, he picked himself up and reached for the broom. To look at him, one would think he never even heard the laughter from the other students. To look inside him, one would have seen that he would rather have died than to be the laughingstock he was becoming.

"Remember to hold on," Potter said with a sneer, causing more laughter. Several of the Slytherins were vocally agreeing with him.

"Enough of that," Hooch threatened and the laughter died away. "Malfoy, try again. Use a firm grip and keep your balance."

Draco mounted the broom again. Holding on tightly, he kicked off as he was shown. This time he did not slide off the broom. Instead, he twisted on the broom and landed on his back, the broom still in his hands.

Madam Hooch gave an angry glare when the students started to laugh again. The laughter died quickly but the grins remained. For all of his infamous parentage, the Malfoy cur was proving his incompetence.

Draco tried again.

He fell again.

"Sucks to this," Draco yelled as he threw the broom from him. Madam Hooch was faced with a choice. Stop Draco from leaving, or bring the class to order. She chose to bring the rest of the class to order. She did not stop him as he left the Quidditch pitch. She could not stop the laughter either. Not right away.

"Madam Hooch." It was Potter calling out. "I could show him how it's done."

Draco didn't even bother looking back. He kept walking until he was out of the pitch altogether. Professor McGonagall was standing there with Hagrid. When she saw him, she rushed inside the pitch to see what the problem was. Draco was left looking at Hagrid.

"Ye wan' to tell me wha' happened."

"I hate sodding Brooms," Draco said harshly.

"Ye'd rather have some tea instead?"

Draco wiped away a tear. "Yeah. Thanks, Hagrid."

"Tha's what friends are for."

Hagrid led the boy to his hut and put the kettle on. Draco was well into his second cup when he finally told Hagrid what happened with the broom.

"But that don't make any sense," Hagrid told him. "Them brooms are spelled to make sure you can't slip off 'em. Someone hexed yer broom. I think we better talk to Madam Hooch."

There was a knock on the door. When Hagrid opened it, Madam Hooch was standing there. "Well I'll be. We was just settin' to come find you."

Madam Hooch smiled as she came inside. "Then you figured it out." She was looking at Draco.

"I thought it was me," he admitted. "I didn't think."

"You should know, Mister Malfoy, that I frown on pranks, especially ones that can lead to a student being injured. I've checked every student's wand, except one. I want you to come with me when we confront him."

Draco followed Madam Hooch out of Hagrid's hut. He felt comforted that Hagrid insisted on coming as well. As they walked, his mood brightened. This confrontation could be fun.

"Where are we going, Madam Hooch?"

"To Dumbledore's Office. I've sent him and Professor McGonagall a message and Potter should be there waiting for us."

Draco frowned. It would be Potter. Either him or Longbottom. Then he made note of something odd. "Madam Hooch. You said you checked everyone else's wand but his. Why didn't you check his?"

"I didn't check yours either for the same reason. Although I don't have to check yours. He also left before the class was over. He bragged that he could show you how to fly and decided to show off. I have to admit that his skill was impressive for a boy his age. And apparently your head of house agreed. Professor McGonagall spotted him. She decided to use him as Gryffindor's seeker. Not that he'll ever play after I'm through with him."

Hagrid saw Draco's confused look. "She's talkin' about Quidditch. Your house team was terrible last year." He added hopefully, "they're lookin' better this year but there's no one good for seeker. Ye know about Quidditch, don't ye?"

"I've heard talk. Potter said he was a natural so I stopped paying attention."

"Wait til ye see yer first match. Ye'll like it well enough."

They reached the statue of a gargoyle and Madam Hooch said, "Peppermint Imps." The gargoyle leapt aside and let them enter.

Draco had a brief moment of happiness. When he entered Dumbledore's office, Harry Potter looked at him. It was a look of defeat.

Hagrid's wistful comment about Quidditch had Draco thinking, however. Now that he knew what Potter had done, he wanted revenge. But any act of vengeance would only make his situation worse. It was as the matter was discussed that Draco saw the solution. It was perfect because of one thing. Potter hated him.

"Professor," Madam Hooch called as the small group entered.

"I received your message, Madam Hooch," Dumbledore told her. "And I have told Professor McGonagall and Mister Potter the reason." He held his hand out to the black-haired boy. "Harry. Your wand please."

Potter took out his wand and handed it over. Not once did he meet the headmaster's eyes. Dumbledore held the wand in front of him.

"Priori Incantatum."

Draco watched in curiosity as the wand gave off a faint glow, demonstrating the last spell it had cast, the lumos spell. Dumbledore repeated the charm, and the next to last spell was demonstrated, a repulsion spell. The headmaster nodded, then handed the wand back to Potter.

"Mister Potter, I will leave it to your head of house to decide your punishment. Also . . ." He smiled sorrowfully at Professor McGonagall who nodded in agreement. " . . . I think we can forget about any exemptions to the Quidditch rules."

"Yes, Sir," Potter muttered.

"Mister Potter." McGonagall voice held quiet anger. She led the boy from the headmaster's office.

"Thank you, Headmaster," Madam Hooch said, "for resolving the matter so quickly."

"We are in agreement, Rolanda. Such a prank could have caused serious harm. Even the Weasley Twins have avoided crossing that line." Dumbledore looked up at Hagrid. "Did you need to see me for anything?" His eyes twinkled. "Or did you come for moral support."

Hagrid gave a gruff cough. "Jes' wanted to make sure all was fair an' done." He gave Draco's shoulder a squeeze.

"And you, Draco. Are you satisfied with the turn of events?"

Draco smiled. "Excuse me, Sir. You said exemption? May I ask why?"

Dumbledore turned to look at Draco. He glanced briefly at Madam Hooch then looked back. "It seems, Draco, that after you left, Harry put on a display of his own skills. Your head of house saw him fly and thought his skill remarkable. She was asking me to approve an exemption to the rules against first years playing. I was quite willing to agree when Madam Hooch's message arrived. It seems that whatever skills Harry possesses he lacks the maturity to use them wisely."

"Oh, then first years aren't allowed to play," Draco said in an even tone. "Hagrid told me that our team did poorly last year."

"They were in last place," Dumbledore said.

"That is poor," Draco admitted. "Hagrid told me that this year's team was an improvement, but they lacked a . . ." Draco paused. His voice held a curious note. " . . . a seeker? Is that the correct term?"

Draco's knew everyone had their eyes on him. He had to reveal himself now or they would guess on their own.

"May I ask a favour, Professor. Not for myself, nor for Potter, but for our house." Draco kept himself from smirking with difficulty

Dumbledore's eyes were twinkling, but his tone was serious. "Am I to understand, Mister Malfoy, that you would like me to give Harry Potter the exemption? Even after the cruel trick he played on you?"

"You did say that Professor McGonagall would be responsible for his punishment, Sir. But letting Potter play is something that would benefit my house. It would benefit Gryffindor." Even if it means letting that bastard play, Draco added to himself. But he smiled. Potter would always remember that he had his chance to play Quidditch because someone he hates let him. It was a subtle way to get back at him but it might help more in the long term.

"Under the circumstances, a most magnanimous offer." Dumbledore replied. "And an interesting revenge. Harry will now have you to thank. I don't think he will appreciate that."

Hagrid snorted. "Why, ye cunnin' little schemer. Tha's the kind o' thing yer mother would 'ave done."

Draco couldn't help but grin. Even Madam Hooch knew why he wanted to do this.

"There is one thing." Dumbledore was still looking at Draco. "If your opinion of Harry is correct, he may look upon this as proof he can do anything and get away with it."

Draco swallowed hard. He hadn't thought of that. Then Madam Hooch spoke up from behind him.

"Don't worry, Albus. I'll make sure he understands. One wrong move and I'll ban him from the team. And not just for the rest of the year."

Madam Hooch led Draco from the office. The boy noted that Hagrid asked to talk to Dumbledore privately. As he walked back to Gryffindor, Draco reminded himself of the scene at Gringotts. Hagrid thumped his coat pocket. Official Hogwarts Business.