Disclaimer: Everything recognisable belongs to J.K. Rowling.
.oOo.14.oOo.
Payback
Harry had been looking forward to sleeping in on Saturday morning. Unfortunately, it was not to be.
"Harry... Harry! Wake up!" Ron was roughly shaking him and Harry groaned as he opened his eyes to look at the boy.
"Wazzit Ron?" he said, yawning.
"You have to come down to the common room! I can't believe it! Sodding Slytherins!"
Ron raced out of the room and Harry sat up, frowning at Ron's behaviour. Curious at what had Ron so worked up, Harry pulled on pants and a shirt and left the dormitory, finding Ron standing with Hermione on the balcony. Nearly everyone in the common room was either conversing angrily or scowling up at the ceiling. Harry followed their gaze as murderous mutterings swept the room and his mouth dropped open.
High up on the ceiling, stretched the whole way across the length of the tower was a huge emerald green banner, adorned with an elegant, curling script that Harry recognised at once.
Malfoy's handwriting adorned the banner, the words 'Slytherins rule' embossed in silver on the fabric, along with a huge, curling snake.
"Those stinking Slytherins!" roared Ron, turning to Harry. "I bet that's why Malfoy was up here the other night; he was planning this!" Ron waved his arm at the offensive decoration.
"Calm down, Ron," scolded Hermione, who had been waving her wand at the banner, muttering spell after spell in an attempt to unstick it from the ceiling.
"How can you tell me to calm down!? Gryffindor will never live this down! By morning tea, everyone is going to know that Slytherin infiltrated Gryffindor!"
"Just in case you don't remember Ron, you and I have been in the Slytherin common room."
"Yeah, but no one knew, so it doesn't matter. This is... it's..." Ron seemed lost for words, his face red as he scowled up at the banner.
Harry clapped Ron on the back. "Don't worry, mate. We'll get 'em back, and McGonagall will get rid of this in an instant."
"That's right, Ron," agreed Hermione. "Except for the getting back part. Don't go doing anything silly. I just wish I could work out what spell they used to put it up there. I've tried everything I can think of to get it down."
"Why don't we go and get some breakfast," suggested Harry.
Harry noticed Ron cheer slightly at the proposal, and Harry let him lead the way out of the portrait hole, giving one last scowl at the emerald banner.
As they entered the hall, Harry's eyes went to the Slytherin table, seeking out a certain blonde-haired prefect. He found Malfoy, and as they locked eyes, Malfoy gave a sly smirk and a wink.
Beside him, Ron gave a strangled gasp. "Did you see that! He winked! Winked! The stinking ferret." The redhead was now grinding his fist into his hand, and Harry and Hermione each took an elbow leading him to sit down.
"Well, he certainly does look more satisfied with himself than usual doesn't he," commented Hermione, sniffing daintily.
"Bloody gits, I bet they're all having a good old laugh at our expense."
Harry shoved a bowl of porridge in front of Ron to shut him up.
...
Later that day, Harry was browsing the shelves in the school library where he was working on charms with Hermione when he spotted Malfoy in the next row.
"I can't believe you did that!"
Malfoy smirked. "Have you got it down yet?"
"McGonagall and Flitwick are doing it now. Even Hermione couldn't work out the charms you used to stick it up there."
A satisfied smirk crept over Malfoy's face.
"At least they won't think I was up to something wicked. There's no nefarious plot to abduct Harry Potter while he sleeps.
Harry's eyes widened in surprise. "You did that to deflect suspicion?"
Malfoy shrugged jauntily. "Only one of several reasons. I am now a god among my people." He spread his hands and flashed a brilliant grin.
Harry rolled his eyes. "I hope you know that there will be payback. Ron was practically rabid this morning, and he wasn't the only one."
"Ha, I can just imagine the Weasel's face when he saw it."
oOo
Late in the night, Azkaban Prison was attacked. Harry heard the news along with the other students at breakfast that morning. He, Hermione and Ron walked in to find the Great Hall full of rustling newspapers and frightened conversation. At the head table, the teachers were gathered in small groups, whispering frantically. Exchanging worried glances, they rushed over to the Gryffindor table and picked up a newspaper.
"YOU-KNOW-WHO TAKES AZKABAN - DEMENTORS DEFECT"
In a shock attack late last night, You-Know-Who and his league of Death Eaters stormed Azkaban Prison, killing Ministry guards and Aurors and releasing an as yet undetermined number of Death Eaters.
Compounding matters, the Dementors of Azkaban have departed from Ministry control, apparently joining the ranks of You-Know-Who.
Azkaban was considered one of the most secure sites in wizarding Britain, and there are now fears that the Death Eaters and their Lord may make an assault on other wizarding establishments.
The attack is the largest public statement made by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named since his return last June when the Ministry of Magic was attacked.
The Office of Magical Law Enforcement released a statement ensuring immediate action to detain the released Death Eaters and regain the services of the dementors.
Minister for Magic, Cornelius Fudge was unreachable for comment.
"This is terrible!" moaned Hermione.
"Who knows how many of them will still be sane enough to function, though?"said Harry. "Except for the ones who were at the Ministry last year, most of them have been in there since Voldemort's first rising."
"I'd be more worried about what the insane ones will be capable of."
...
That night, Harry was fairly certain there would be an Order meeting, and after dinner he took his invisibility cloak and made his way through the waterfall painting and into Grimmauld Place. He settled himself down once again in the window of the barn and was rewarded when very shortly the kitchen was filled with witches and wizards. There were fewer than the last meeting he had been too, probably because this gathering was an emergency meeting.
As soon as Dumbledore entered the room, followed by McGonagall and Snape, he was assaulted with questions by the people in the room.
The grey wizard held up a hand for silence and the room gradually settled into a strained and expectant silence.
"As you have all heard, the attack we feared has come to pass, much sooner than any of us expected. Severus, if you would..." Dumbledore motioned to Snape, who spoke.
"Around seventy Death Eaters were released from Azkaban, ten of which the Dark Lord killed because they were no longer capable of intelligent thought or spoke against him. Of the remaining followers, most of their minds have degenerated to some point. As such they are highly unbalanced and unpredictable. They have become fanatics to his cause, desiring nothing more than to seek revenge on those who imprisoned them. I doubt they will be seen in action for a while, given that they are very weak after having been in Azkaban for up to sixteen years. Still, it is a huge blow to our
campaign. Once they are returned to full physical health we will be in a significant amount of trouble."
A short man with a crude accent spoke up. "I thought you were supposed to be providing us with the information to stop these sorts of things from happening."
Snape fixed the man with a condescending stare. "I knew he was planning it, though I did not expect it to be so soon."
"I was under the impression you considered yourself one of his most trusted followers. How could you not have known when the attack was to take place?"
Snape sneered at the man. "All I know is that last night we were summoned and told that was the night we would be storming Azkaban. I assure you everyone else was a surprised as I was at the sudden announcement. There was no chance for me to warn the Order."
"For all you claim to be loyal to the Order, you don't always do such a good job of keeping us informed." There were several mummers of agreement around the kitchen.
"If you are suggesting I am not loyal-"
"Enough!" said Dumbledore sternly. "I trust Severus implicitly, as you all know. Sometimes things happen that we cannot plan for. We need to support each other rather than assigning blame where it is not warranted. Severus, please continue."
Snape glared around the room before continuing. "In addition to securing his followers, he has gained the allegiance of the dementors. I do not know what he has planned for them, but no doubt he has promised them souls in return for their services. I would suggest that people who do not already know how, very quickly learn to conjure a patronus." Snape glanced at Dumbledore to indicate that he was finished and Dumbledore nodded.
"Thank you. Severus is quite right. The patronus is your only defence against the dementors, so learn it. If those that know it could help others, that would be much appreciated. Now, to other business. We need to talk about protecting Harry Potter."
"Dumbledore, I know he did us all a favour all those years ago, but do we really need to assign him some protection? We're spread thinly as it is, without protecting every individual that You-Know-Who might target."
McGonagall and Snape exchanged a glance. It seemed McGonagall was in on the prophecy as well. Dumbledore replied, "Harry is a special case. I must stress the importance of keeping him safe."
A member of the crowd spoke up. "What about the rest of the children at the school? They are all in just as much danger."
"Perhaps we could send an auror or two to guard the school. I have no problem with that. Especially now that the dementors have joined You-Know-Who, we don't want to take any risks with our children," replied Kingsley Shacklebolt. "Of course, it shouldn't be too hard to convince the Minister of the need to protect the school. The Ministry is looking for somewhere they can publicly
demonstrate that they are doing something to keep the community safe. I shall suggest posting Aurors who are in the Order, perhaps Owens and Mulgrave?"
Murmurs of agreement ran through the group and Dumbledore bowed his head in acknowledgement. "Very well. Kingsley, if you would accompany me to Hogwarts after the meeting, perhaps we could discuss positioning an Auror or two at the school."
Kingsley nodded assent and the meeting turned to the problem of tracking down Voldemort's stronghold.
oOo
On Monday morning as they were eating breakfast Dumbledore announced the posting of two Ministry Aurors at the school. The first was Mulgrave, the one from the Order. He was a tall, stately looking man with thick black hair and a piercing gaze. The other was Fitzgerald, a short Irish fellow with a cheerful grin and friendly appearance. Harry was unsure if he was in the Order as well, or just a Ministry employee.
"To ensure the safety of students, Aurors Mulgrave and Fitzgerald will be patrolling the castle and grounds," explained Dumbledore. "Please be respectful of their presence as they are here to protect you. They will also accompany students third year and above on the Hogsmeade visit next weekend."
Excited whispers broke out at the announcement of another Hogsmeade weekend.
"Excellent," said Ron once Dumbledore had resumed his seat. "I really need to stock up my lolly stash."
oOo
After lunch the next day, Harry and Malfoy were once again down in the chamber. Malfoy was reading and Harry was working on his Ancient Runes essay, occasionally throwing a question at the Slytherin. After a while Harry grew tired of writing and put his quill away.
"Have you decided if you'll teach me Occlumency?"
Malfoy looked up from his book, chewing his bottom lip. "Yes. I've decided I will, but only because it's going to help my Legilimency training."
'Trust Malfoy to only do something because it benefits him', thought Harry. "Great! Can we start tonight?"
Malfoy spared a last glance at his book before closing it and placing it on the low table in front of the lounge. Salz slithered down from her branch to investigate the book.
"I have one condition."
"What?"
"You can't tell anyone about me learning Legilimency or that I know Occlumency. It could cause... problems for me."
"You know I won't. I remember the rule. Besides, I don't want anyone else to know either."
"I want you to swear it."
Harry pondered for a second. He couldn't see any danger in making a promise. If Malfoy didn't want anyone else to know, he had no problem with it."
"I don't think it's necessary, but all right. Perhaps we could just make the rule formal? I, Harry Potter do hereby swear not to tell a soul that Draco Malfoy is teaching me Occlumency or learning Legilimency. From this moment on, knowledge of any events that occur within the Chamber of Secrets shall remain within the Chamber."
Malfoy held out his hand and Harry took it. He was surprised when Malfoy spoke. "And I, Draco Malfoy do also swear that no soul shall learn of any events that occur within the walls of the Chamber."
Malfoy tapped his wand to Harry's hand, and a green flame shot out, twining around their clasped hands. He motioned for Harry to do the same. Harry took out his wand and touched it to Malfoy's hand. This time, a red flame shot out. When it was complete, both flames disappeared and Malfoy disengaged his hand.
"It's done."
Harry shook his hand. There was a strange tingling sensation permeating upwards through his arm, eventually filling his whole body. He shook his body, trying to dispel the feeling.
Malfoy must have felt it too, because he gave a little shiver.
"Weird," muttered Harry.
"Yeah..."
"So... can we start now?"
"Alright. Make yourself comfortable and sit facing me."
Harry did as Malfoy said, and they sat facing each other on the lounge, legs crossed.
"I'm going to enter your mind. It requires eye contact. At first, I just want you to try and feel me in your mind. It shouldn't be too hard, as I'm not yet very good at Legilimency. When you do, focus on what you think is me. You might choose to imagine me, walking around in your mind, or maybe I'm just a presence that you can't see. For me, it was easier to visualise something more 'physical' that I could push out, rather than some invisible force."
Harry nodded, already slipping into his meditative breathing. In his lesson with Snape yesterday, Snape had said how the wall was stronger if he imagined actually building it, rather than just imagining it was there. After that they had moved on to some different barriers that Snape
suggested. Amongst them were fire, a maze, a forest, an ocean, and darkness. He had experienced varying success with each.
Tonight, he decided he would try darkness again, when he realised Malfoy hadn't said anything about a barrier. "I was reading a book that said you should envision some kind of a barrier. Should I do that?"
"Not yet. First I just want you to see what it's like having someone else in your consciousness. Once we've done that, we can move on to creating a barrier."
It sounded reasonable to Harry, so he settled down into the breathing again as Malfoy looked him straight in the eyes. "Legilimens."
Harry's first thought as Malfoy invaded his mind was that he had not been exaggerating when he'd said he wasn't very good at Legilimency. It wasn't painful, but Harry was shockingly aware that there was someone other than himself in his head, and that it was Malfoy.
His second thought (one that was somewhat disturbing) was that compared to Malfoy, Snape's presence was gentle, like a calm breeze caressing his mind rather than a herd of rampaging hippogriffs.
Malfoy also had far less control than Snape. While the Potions Master could slow Harry's thoughts down to view one at a time, and peruse them at will, Malfoy hurtled through the memories, unable to grab and hold on to any. Harry desperately hoped Malfoy knew how to pull out. He wasn't sure he could push Malfoy out.
Suddenly, the presence was gone from his mind.
"Well, there's no chance I could miss that!" Harry blurted.
"I told you I wasn't very good yet. I have only been learning this year. We've really only covered actually penetrating someone's mind, not controlling myself once I'm in there."
"How did you stop it?"
"That part is even more difficult than getting in, but Snape made me practice until I could do it perfectly. It wouldn't do for me to unwittingly engage someone, which is very easy for a student of Legilimency, and then not be able to get out. I've actually caught flashes now and then of what people are thinking. Just things like "Got charms now' and that sort of thing. It's weird when these thoughts pop into your head and you don't know where they're from."
"I can imagine."
"Well, now that you know what that is like I suppose we could try the barrier. Have you ever meditated before?"
"Yeah, I know how."
"Good, that will help. You need to find a comfortable breathing pattern and envision the barrier in your mind. You need to put all your thoughts and memories inside the barrier, and keep me out. This is where the way you imagine me in your mind comes in to play. I think of myself as smoke."
Harry snorted. "Didn't feel like smoke."
"Shut up, Potter. I'm doing you a favour here, so don't insult me," said Malfoy, though his tone was light.
"If your barrier is a wall for example, I can just float up over it, or maybe find a way in through a crack. If you imagine me as a person, I can't do those things – I'll be forced to find another, more difficult way. If you imagine me as a person however, I'll just imagine myself as smoke, and I'll change. That's where practice comes into it. When you first start, your mind is relatively weak. The more control you gain over your mind, the harder it will be for me to change. Get it?"
Harry nodded. He had been through things similar to that with Snape.
"Because I already know Occlumency, my mind is most likely stronger than yours. I'll try not to be too aggressive at first, but because my Legilimency isn't very good, I don't have too much control. Ready? I'm going to give both of us a minute to prepare, then I'll try and enter your mind slowly. Then, you just need to keep me away from your memories."
They sat quietly for a minute, and then Harry felt Malfoy's presence in his mind again. It wasn't quite as fast as the first time, but it wasn't slow either. Tonight, Harry had chosen darkness as his barrier. It wasn't physical, but it permeated the deepest recesses of his mind. The first time he had imagined darkness, he had thought of his cupboard at the Dursleys. It was a depressing place, but it had been his, a place where no one else had ever gone. When he had done it with Snape, the man had simply opened the cupboard door. After that, Harry had kept the image of darkness he experienced in the cupboard, but remembered how much darker it was when he closed his eyes. Now, there was no door, just the security he felt in his own little space. Snape had simply conjured a torch. This time however, Harry imagined the darkness to be impenetrable. There were no walls keeping the sunlight out, no windows to be opened. The darkness simply was. He imagined it was something like the darkness caused by the Peruvian Instant Darkness Powder that Fred and George had started selling in their joke shop. Not even a torch or lumos could penetrate that.
He could imagine Malfoy now, hurtling through darkness, and was taken aback when he felt Malfoy's surprise. Satisfied that for now Malfoy couldn't see anything, Harry concentrated on banishing the Slytherin presence from his mind.
A few minutes later, Malfoy pulled out. Neither of them had been getting anywhere, though Malfoy hadn't been able to sense any of Harry's thoughts. "That was better than I thought for your first try."
Harry shrugged. "I've been practicing on my own a little bit... I could feel what you felt. Why is that?"
Malfoy shrugged. I suppose it's because I'm not good enough at controlling my emotions yet. It should have only been quite faint."
"Yeah, it was. How long has Snape been teaching you this?"
"He started teaching me the basics of Occlumency when I was quite young, but I really only got serious about it in the last few years. I only started Legilimency about six months ago."
"Well, hopefully it doesn't take me too long to get a basic grasp on Occlumency so I can get my book back."
oOo
That night brought with it an unexpected occurrence. Dumbledore stood and clapped his hands to gain everyone's attention. "If I could tear you away from your sausages and eggs for a moment, I have an announcement to make."
Silence descended upon the school and Dumbledore spoke again. "Today we welcome to the school a new student. She is transferring from Freilie's Academy of Magic into her sixth year here at Hogwarts, and will be with us for the remainder of her time at school. In light of the occasion we shall have an impromptu sorting."
Excited whispering broke out in the Hall. They had never had a student transfer in the middle of term before, just a few who would turn up at the beginning of the year.
The headmaster nodded to Professor McGonagall who was standing off to the side with a stool and the sorting hat. Next to her was a tall tanned girl with brown hair and blue eyes. At Dumbledore's nod, McGonagall placed the stool in the middle of the Hall and placed the hat upon it.
"I introduce to you Pandora Noksmyth," said Dumbledore loudly, and the tall girl walked over to the sorting hat, placing it on her head. The hat fell to just below her eyes, and it wasn't long before the brim of the hat opened wide and yelled "GRYFFINDOR!"
Harry clapped along with the rest of his table as the girl took a seat at the end closest to the head table, smiling and shaking hands with the people around her.
"Wonder why she transferred, eh Harry? It's not usual to change schools in the middle of the year," said Ron.
Harry shrugged, glancing briefly down the table. To be quite honest, he didn't really care too much.
"You know we got a fair few new students besides first years this year. People just want their kids to be closer to home or somewhere safer. Maybe that's why." It was true, at the sorting there had been about twenty-five students sorted into second through seventh year.
"Whatever the reason," said Hermione, "we should ask her to sit with us tomorrow. She'll be in my dorm anyway."
"Great idea Mione!"
Harry looked up at Ron strangely. "Getting a bit excited Ron? I suppose she's not bad looking."
Ron blushed bright red. "I'm just being supportive of the new student. That's what prefects are for!"
Harry chuckled at Ron's indignation. "Calm down, I'm just joking. I know you fancy Hermione." Ron blushed again, and Hermione smiled.
Just then, dinner appeared and both boys were very quickly distracted from any conversation by the steaming mounds of potatoes, chips and lamb chops.
...
After dinner, Harry was being caned by Ron in a game of chess when Hermione dragged the new girl over to meet them. "Ron, Harry, this is Pandora Noksmyth."
Harry finished watching as one of his knights was demolished by Ron's queen in a particularly vicious fashion before looking up at the girl and smiling.
She finished shaking Ron's hand and turned to face Harry, who stuck out his hand. "Hi, nice to meet you," he said.
"And you. I can't believe I'm at Hogwarts. I've always wanted to come here, but my parents wanted me to go to Freilie's."
"So why'd you change?"
"Oh, my parents thought it would be safer here. It probably is, I suppose."
Harry privately disagreed with that assessment. He'd never even heard of the school she had gone to. Hogwarts on the other hand was the most prominent school in Britain, and certainly of interest to Voldemort.
To accommodate Hermione and Pandora, they changed their game to exploding snap. As the game went on, Pandora grew more and more boisterous, earning amused glances from students seated around them and thoroughly irritating Harry. He wanted to relax before bed, but was finding it exceedingly difficult to do so with her yelling in his ear.
Ron and Hermione seemed to have no problem with it, however. They happily joined in, and after a while Harry excused himself and went up to his dormitory.
...
For the rest of the week, Hermione brought the new girl to sit with them, which surprised Harry somewhat. New people often found Hermione to be a bit bossy, but she and Pandora seemed to get along like a house on fire. Harry found he quite enjoyed Pandora's company... for short amounts of time. She was very bubbly and outgoing, and easily one of the loudest people Harry had ever met. She was enjoyable to be around, but acted in an overly friendly manner, and after a while that started to grate on his nerves. The day after Pandora arrived, McGonagall presented her with a timetable at breakfast, favouring her with a familiar smile, and Harry wondered briefly if they knew each other. He leaned over to look at her timetable and saw that she shared defence, potions, transfiguration, herbology and charms with him. He felt a bit guilty when his first thought was that he only had two classes without her. She was alright, really, just a bit loud for his tastes.
oOo
On Friday after breakfast, Harry was stopped on his way out of the hall by Dumbledore. "A quick word, if I may, Harry."
"Yes sir," replied Harry, stepping over to the side with the man.
"I'm afraid I have an unfortunate request to make of you. I believe it would be unwise for you to participate in the Hogsmeade weekend, given the recent escape of prisoners from Azkaban. I'm sure you understand."
Harry barely retained his sarcastic snort. 'Request? Yeah, right!'
"I understand completely sir." There was no point arguing, he knew Dumbledore wouldn't change his mind.
...
After dinner, Harry was sitting with Ron, Hermione and Pandora playing exploding snap.
"All ready for Hogsmeade tomorrow?" asked Ron.
Harry's scowl deepened. "I'm not allowed to go. Dumbledore said so."
"What!? But everyone else is going! There are aurors going to be there."
He still won't let me go.
"But why just you, Harry?" asked Hermione.
Harry replied with a shrug. There was no way he was going to tell them about the prophecy, especially while Pandora was there. Besides, they'd probably hear it from someone in the Order eventually. "He just doesn't think it's safe, given the number of times I've already had a run in with Voldemort."
"Yeah, but that was cos you were in his way. He's not going to come after you for the sake of it, is he?" said Ron.
"No, I suppose not. Still, Dumbledore thinks I'm safer here. What a load of rubbish. I mean, he let Quirrel in in our first year, and he had Voldemort stuck on the back of his head, there was the basilisk in second year, then he had a Death Eater teach us in fourth year, Umbridge last year, and he thinks I'm safe here!"
"Harry, Dumbledore didn't let them in. There was nothing he could have done to prevent those things that happened."
"You're right Hermione. It's always been up to me, hasn't it?"
"Harry, that's not what I meant."
"It's the truth though. In the end, I look after myself. He should realise by now that I'm more than capable of defending myself. He certainly hasn't done a very good job of it."
There was a strained silence where no one was quite sure how to reply.
"Well, at least you won't be alone, Harry," said Pandora. "Since I just got here, my parents haven't signed a Hogsmeade permission form yet. We can hang out together." She gave a bright smile.
"Yeah, great," said Harry. It must have sounded more than a bit sarcastic because Hermione shot him a look behind Pandora's back.
"Sorry Pandora. I'm just annoyed about being banned from Hogsmeade when no one else is."
She waved his apology aside and they went back to their game.
...
Shortly after, Harry left for his 8:00 astronomy lesson. It was quite chilly up on the tower, and Harry pulled his cloak around him as he set up his telescope. Beside him, Malfoy was already scanning the skies and marking his star chart.
"Going to Hogsmeade tomorrow?"
"Of course."
"I'm not."
"And you feel the need to tell me, why?"
"Just making conversation."
"Potter, I took this class because I liked the peace and quiet, not because I wanted to make idle conversation with Gryffindors."
Harry fell silent and set about marking points of interest on his star chart. As the lesson drew to a close, he packed up his things and was walking down the stone steps from the tower when Malfoy caught up with him.
"So why aren't you going?"
"Feel like talking now, do you?"
"Just making conversation."
Harry rolled his eyes before replying, "Dumbledore thinks it isn't safe for me to go."
"Sucks to be you then."
"Mm."
"Why is the Dark Lord so interested in you anyway?"
Harry cast a sidelong glance at the Slytherin, and found he looked genuinely interested. He shrugged. "Why don't you ask him that."
"Something tells me that that would not be a wise course of action," replied the blonde wryly.
oOo
On Saturday morning Harry bid goodbye to his friends in the dorm without getting out of bed. When he finally got up, they had been gone almost an hour, and he was tempted to grab his invisibility cloak and use the secret tunnel behind the statue of the one-eyed witch to get to Honeydukes and into Hogsmeade. Thinking he might do just that, he opened his trunk and pulled it out.
He felt bad about leaving Pandora alone, but he wasn't going to miss out on going to Hogsmeade just because Dumbledore didn't think it was a good idea. After all, if Voldemort was going to attack Hogsmeade, it would happen whether or not he was there.
He opened the door of his dorm and came face to face with Pandora. "Hey, Harry. I was just coming to see if you were up yet. Fancy working on your Defence essay? I was about to start mine."
"Er... Actually, I was just off to meet someone. Maybe when I get back?"
"Oh, well, I don't really feel like working anyway. Maybe I could come with you?"
Shite! "I suppose, if you really want to."
Pandora smiled brightly and bounded along beside him, knocking over a chair on the way out.
It was only as he was closing the portrait hole that he wondered how he would explain when there was no one there to meet them.
His problem was solved however, when he rounded a corner with Pandora on his heels and a person stepped out of the shadows. "Malfoy? I thought you were going to Hogsmeade."
Malfoy shrugged, casting a disdainful sniff in Pandora's direction. Luckily, Pandora hadn't been here long enough to understand the house rivalries, even though Ron had briefed her fully, so she wouldn't think it was strange that Harry was talking with Malfoy.
"I found I had more productive ways to spend my time. I still might go a bit later. Right now, I was thinking I'd go to the library, if you want to come. Of course, present company considered..." Malfoy indicated with his eyes at Pandora, who scowled.
Harry, thinking it was only polite, decided to introduce them. "Er, Pandora, this is Draco Malfoy. Malfoy, this is Pandora Noksmyth."
To Harry's surprise, Pandora scowled at the boy. "Yes, I know who he is. Son of Lucius Malfoy."
"That's right. How do you know him?"
"We've met," she replied shortly.
"I see. I'll be sure to ask him about you."
Pandora flicked her hair haughtily. "Do."
Malfoy flicked a glance in Harry's direction, then back to Pandora. "Why don't you run along, Noksmyth. I have to talk with Potter for a moment."
"Actually, Harry and I were on our way to meet someone."
"And so you have, now it's time for you to go. I'm sure you've got better things to do, maybe work on your defence essay?"
Pandora narrowed her eyes at Malfoy and turned to Harry. "Harry, I don't think you should hang around with this scum."
Harry raised his eyebrows at the girl. She hadn't even been here a week and already she was into the house rivalry thing. "We're not 'hanging around'. I just need to talk to him about... potions. We're partners, you see. I'll meet you back in the common room later. I've got a few other things I need to do too."
"I could wait, I really don't mind."
"No, that's okay. You'll just get bored. Plus I have to go see a teacher. You did say you had that essay to work on."
Pandora appeared extremely put out by Harry's suggestions, but finally relented, glaring suspiciously between Harry and Malfoy. "Well, if you're sure..."
"He's sure, now scram." Malfoy's tone was impatient as he turned and stalked down the corridor. Harry gave a half-hearted wave to Pandora and hurried to catch up with Malfoy.
"Is she always that annoying?"
"She's alright, just a bit excitable. I have to thank you though; there was no way I was going to get rid of her on my own."
"Anytime. Getting rid of pesty Gryffindors is a specialty of mine. So, were you headed to the Chamber?"
"Actually, I was planning on going to Hogsmeade."
"Really? And what of Dumbledore's wishes?"
"The more time goes on, the less I find myself agreeing with Dumbledore's wishes, especially those that regard my life and welfare."
"Do I sense a note of rebellion, Potter?"
"There's a difference between rebellion and wanting to be independent."
"Is there? That's debatable."
"Whatever. I don't feel like debating with you today. Hogsmeade or the chamber?"
"How about the chamber, then Hogsmeade for lunch?"
"Alright. What did you want to do in the chamber?"
"I was hoping to get some basilisk scales actually. To sell at the apothecary in Hogsmeade."
"Why?"
"Unfortunately my funds have become depleted, and I have nothing to spend."
"Malfoy, you're the richest student in this school, how could your funds have 'become depleted?'"
"I don't carry all my gold with me. My parents give me a certain amount to last me the term. It's gone, I need more. Of course, to get more I need your permission."
"My permission?"
Malfoy gave a long sigh. "Technically the basilisk is yours, since you are the one that killed it. Besides, I need you to get me down there."
"Well, I suppose I could spare a few scales. How many did you want?"
"Oh, three would be more than enough. That'll get me more than I need to last a few months, if I'm careful."
"Three?" Three scales would get you enough galleons to last a few months?"
"Potter, you honestly have no idea how desirable those ingredients are. With that whole snake, you're set for life a hundred times over."
"Hmmm... Maybe I could sell some too. I need some money, and I don't have my key."
"Why don't you have your key?"
"Oh, Dumbledore or the Weasleys have it. Not sure which."
"Why on Earth does someone else have your Gringotts key? Are you an idiot?"
"They just usually get money for me on the holidays for school books and things. I don't really get to leave my house much, so they go for me."
"You are an idiot. Giving your key to the Weasleys! Next time you go to Gringotts, your vault will probably be empty! And as for Dumbledore, just a moment ago you were talking about being independent!"
Harry stopped and glared at Malfoy. "First of all, do not insult the Weasleys. They would never steal from me. Second of all, I never gave permission to Dumbledore to have my key. He just seems to think he can control every detail of my life."
Harry turned and strode off. "Well I think you should get your key back. I never let my key leave my neck." Malfoy patted his chest, indicating where his key hung on a fine gold chain.
"Don't worry, I intend to."
"Good. So," asked Malfoy, changing the subject, "How were you planning on getting to Hogsmeade?"
"Invisibility cloak."
Malfoy perked up at that. "Have you got it on you now?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Because that Noksmyth chit is following us."
Harry made to turn and look, but Malfoy spoke exasperatedly, "Don't. Turn. Around."
Harry dipped his hand in to his pocket, running his fingers over the silky cloak. As they rounded a corner, he grabbed Malfoy's elbow and pulled forward. The Slytherin growled at the contact and wrenched his arm away, but Harry just jerked his head in the direction he wanted Malfoy to go.
They walked quickly over to a stretch of wall not far away and Harry pulled aside a tapestry that hung on the wall, revealing a secret passage way. Malfoy's eyes widened and they ducked into the passage way. "Let's run," whispered Harry.
They took off at a jog, coming out into a corridor near the transfiguration classroom and stopped to catch their breaths. Faintly, Harry heard hurried footsteps. "Shite! She must have seen us. Quick, get under!" He pulled out the cloak and flung it over their shoulders, adjusting it so it covered their feet, and they backed into a tiny alcove. Seconds later, Pandora burst through the tapestry, looking in each direction.
"Talk about clingy," muttered Malfoy.
Harry couldn't agree more. The girl's behaviour certainly was odd.
Pandora's face fell when she realised they were gone. "Dammit!" With that, she turned and walked quickly away from them, the sound of her footsteps receding.
Harry turned his head slightly to Malfoy. "Come on. We aren't far from Myrtle's bathroom. Let's keep the cloak on until we get there."
They shuffled forward until they reached their goal, and Harry tucked the cloak safely away. "Let's get this done so we can get to Hogsmeade."
Malfoy nodded agreement and they went quickly into the chamber with the basilisk. Twenty minutes later, they had a small bag holding ten medium sized basilisk scales. Malfoy had ordered that they only take broken or split ones, claiming they would still get a good price for them. "Best to keep the fine ones for ourselves, or to sell later. The broken ones will lose their magic after too long."
Another twenty minutes later found them once again under the cloak and approaching the Whomping Willow. Harry felt it was safe to show Malfoy this secret passage as Pettigrew and therefore Voldemort, already knew about it.
"So this goes to the Shrieking Shack? Huh."
"Yeah, I've used it a few times before."
"Is this the only one that leads to Hogsmeade?" asked Malfoy curiously.
Harry hesitated before answering. "Yes."
Malfoy looked at him appraisingly. "Liar."
"I am not."
"Yes you are, I can tell. You're a pathetic liar, actually."
"Well, you did say not to trust you. I'm not so stupid that I'd tell the son of a Death Eater how to get in to Hogwarts."
Malfoy narrowed his eyes, but then nodded. "Well, at least you listened to me. That is information it wouldn't be safe to trust me with."
...
Half an hour later, they were standing in an empty alleyway around the corner from the apothecary.
Malfoy stepped out from under the cloak, but Harry stayed hidden. It wouldn't do for anyone to see him in Hogsmeade, let alone with Draco Malfoy. "Are you going to come in or wait here?"
"I'll come in, but I'm staying under the cloak."
"You'd better. I will not be seen in public with the Boy-Who-Lived."
Harry gestured rudely at Malfoy, safe in the knowledge he was unseen.
As he watched, Malfoy performed some charms on himself. First, his hair became a honey brown colour. Then, he turned his eyes green and lengthened his nose. Lastly, he made his jaw squarer and stuffed his Slytherin tie into his pocket. He looked quite different, so that anyone who didn't see him regularly wouldn't recognise him.
"Where did you learn to do that?!"gasped Harry.
Malfoy smirked arrogantly. "Private study. Although, my father requested I do it. It comes in quite handy. I don't want to be recognised selling these sorts of things."
"Why not?"
"Because, you fool! People would talk, and eventually it would get back to Snape, who frequents this apothecary, that I was selling rare basilisk parts. Since I already gave him a whole lot for Christmas, he's going to wonder where I'm getting it from. Luckily he's let it go for now. Then, Snape or someone else would probably mention it to my father and it might even get back to the Dark Lord then. Would you want that? I cannot lie to him."
Harry was astounded that Malfoy had thought it through so thoroughly. "Good idea then. Let's hurry. I missed breakfast this morning and I want lunch."
Malfoy left the alleyway, Harry walking behind him. They entered the dark apothecary and Malfoy headed straight for the counter.
"What c'n I do for ye?" asked the man who was mixing a potion there.
"I have some stock I think you might be interested in."
"Do ye now? Bang it on the coun'er then."
Malfoy removed the little pouch from his robes and opened the drawstring, turning it upside down and tipping the scales into a pile on the counter.
The man leaned over, a careful eye scanning the ingredients. "Snake scales?"
At Malfoy's nod he continued. "Not in grea' condi-shun. I c'n get better stock from my regular supplier."
"Not of this kind you can't."
"'N why's that, lad?"
"These aren't just any snake scales. They're very rare."
The man glanced suspiciously at Malfoy before leaning to inspect the scales more carefully.
"'Ow rare?"
"Basilisk rare," replied Malfoy, and the man's head shot up. "Ye lyin'. 'Avent seen basilisk stock in two decades. Where'd som'n like you get sum'n like this, kid?" Malfoy said nothing, and the man took a pair of tweezers, picking up one of the scales. He began a detailed inspection of the scale, using several spells and assorted bits of equipment.
When he returned, he appeared quite stunned. "Right, ye are. Basilisk no doubt, n full o' magic. They're broken, so they must be fresh. Where'd you get 'em from, eh?"
"Ask no question and hear no lies, my friend. Are you willing to pay?"
The man pondered for a second, assessing Malfoy. "'Ow old are ye?"
"I don't believe my age is an issue. If you aren't willing to make a deal there are a hundred other places I could go."
The man's eyes widened. "No, no sir. I'll buy, I'll buy! Say... ninety galleons?"
Malfoy snorted. "I think not. I may be young, but I am not stupid or inexperienced in these matters. I'll accept nothing short of... let's say one fifty, and I'd say you're still getting the better end of the deal there."
The man hastened to agree, not wanting to press his incredible luck at obtaining the ingredients, and several minutes later they left the store, Malfoy holding a cheque. They made their way to the local branch of Gringotts, a small building in the middle of town. Malfoy had resumed his normal appearance. In the bank, Malfoy cashed the cheque and received a heavy bag filled with clinking gold coins which he shrunk and put in his pocket. Then, he turned and walked up the street. Harry followed silently as Malfoy led the way to the Hog's Head.
Inside was practically empty, as was the usual for the seedy pub. Malfoy sat in a corner, ordering a bottle of firewhisky and two glasses. "Sure you don't mind talking to someone who isn't there?" asked Harry jokingly.
"Potter, in case you haven't noticed the majority of the clientele at this pub are exactly that sort. No one will think on it a second."
The barkeeper brought their drinks, not batting an eyelid at the fact that Malfoy had asked for two glasses. The cork was popped and the glasses filled. "A toast to our first business deal, Potter."
"Harry grinned and touched his glass to Malfoy's
"So, how much does your business partner receive, Potter?"
"Huh?"
"What's the split? How much of the one hundred and fifty galleons do I get?"
"Oh er, I thought you'd just take what you wanted."
Malfoy rolled his eyes. "I told you before, Potter. The basilisk is yours. However, if you insist, I'll take half."
"Fine with me. I wouldn't have even thought of selling parts myself, so you're certainly entitled to what you want."
"You would make a terrible businessman, Potter. You're far too naive."
"Hey, don't insult me just because I let you take what you wanted."
"Fine, but you really should learn to be more forceful. You won't get anywhere being nice."
"Believe me, I'm beginning to realise that."
Harry left the Hog's Head a little merrier than he had arrived and made his way back to the castle, stopping along the way at several shops to spend some of his earnings. Malfoy had gone off to find his Slytherins companions, taking his half with him.
His last stop was Honeydukes, and it was beginning to empty out as students headed back to the school. After dropping a galleon on the counter, Harry slipped out the back and into the cellar, where he opened the hatch and entered the tunnel that would lead him back to Hogwarts.
Not wanting to alert Ron or Hermione that he had been out of the castle, he used the pendant and deposited his purchases in the chamber before apparating to a hidden passageway near the portrait hole that he had used before.
He entered the portrait hole and was immediately ambushed by Hermione. "Harry! Where have you been?"
"Um...I just went for a walk around the castle for a while. Before that I was in the library. Why? What's wrong?"
"Professor McGonagall is looking for you. No one could find you all day!"
"Well I wasn't missing. Why were they looking for me?"
Ron entered the conversation. "Pandora said you disappeared this morning. Me'n Mione thought you might have gone to Hogsmeade, but we didn't see you... did you go?"
"No, I wasn't allowed, remember? I spent a fun-filled day studying and walking around the castle."
"Well, you'd better go see the professor. I think she's quite worried. Pandora said she saw you with Malfoy, and then you disappeared."
Harry scowled, looking around for the girl. "What does she care if I was with Malfoy?" he hissed quietly.
"Why were you with him, mate?"
"I was talking to him for about five minutes about potions, if that's alright with you."
"Pandora said you ran away from her."
Harry was starting to get annoyed. "What are we, five? And what is with that girl? She was following us. Running was the only way to get rid of her."
"She's just looking out for you, Harry," said Hermione. "I don't think you should go off with Malfoy alone either, even if it is just to talk about potions."
"I'm perfectly capable of looking after myself. I don't need Pandora to do that. What I do is none of her business. What does she even have against Malfoy? And then she goes and tells on us for talking!"
"Don't worry about it, Harry. Just go and tell McGonagall you're okay."
"Fine."
Harry left the common room and headed for McGonagall's office. He was thoroughly annoyed with Pandora, and with the teachers. It was like they were tracking his every movement!
He knocked on the office door and went in.
"Mr. Potter, there you are," said McGonagall, relief in her voice. "Where on earth have you been all day?"
"I slept in for a while, and then Pandora and I went for a short walk. Most of the day I was studying."
"And why is it that nobody could find you?"
Harry shrugged, trying to look puzzled. "I don't know. Who was looking for me?"
"Professor Dumbledore wanted to see you. He was concerned when you didn't appear at breakfast. He thought perhaps you had disobeyed his order for you to stay at school."
"Well I didn't."
"Are you sure about that? This is quite a serious matter. You do realise how dangerous it could be for you to leave the protection of the castle, don't you."
"Yes Professor, and I swear I didn't."
"Very well, I trust you. There is one other matter I wish to discuss with you. N- Ms. Noksmyth said she saw you talking with Draco Malfoy?"
"Yes."
McGonagall pursed her lips, gazing sternly at Harry. "I do not think it is a good idea for you to associate with Mr. Malfoy, especially when there are so few people around."
"We were just talking about our potions assignment. Snape paired us up last term. I only saw him for about five minutes."
McGonagall nodded, accepting his answer. "You may go."
"Thank you professor."
oOo
In transfiguration they had started their solely theoretical study of animagi, and both Harry and Malfoy were currently sitting in armchairs in front of the fire working on their first essay on the topic. Harry was reading the book he had found in the chamber, and Malfoy was scribbling notes on a spare bit of parchment.
Animagia is a special branch of transfiguration, the study and practice of transforming from the human form to animal form. Wizards with the ability to perform the animagus transformation are called animagi. It is an incredibly difficult and rare ability. There are few wizards who are naturally gifted, but it is believed that it is possible for any wizard to perform the transformation given time and practice. History tells us that a wizard's animagus form usually (but not always) takes the form of their patronus, as the animal portrayed by both magics is a representation of some inner belief, experience or persona. Several notable animagi are Merlin, who became an owl, Gredford the Squeamish, who became a worm, and Wendolyn the Weird, who was able to transform into a salamander.
The latter is an example of a magical animagus. These are about as rare compared with all animagi as a natural animagus is to the whole population of magical people. In fact, in over a thousand years of written history, there are only sixty-two magical animagus recorded in Britain and on the continent, compared with over one thousand normal animagi in Great Britain alone.
A magical animagus differs from a normal animagus in several ways. First and foremost, a magical animagus takes the form of a magical creature, such as Wendolyn's salamander or Arthur King of England's Griffin. Other examples of magical forms include the dragon, unicorn, and it was rumoured that the Hogwarts founder Salazar Slytherin had the ability to transform into a basilisk. A magical animagus has greater control over the transformation than a regular animagus and can take on more than one form, though this takes much practice. The 'natural' form of the magical animagus is their first animal form, and it is usual for a magical animagus to take on a non-magical form similar to their magical form. For example, Meekel the Pure had a unicorn form, but due to the lack of practicality of walking around in this form (he was constantly mobbed, and once even attacked for
his blood) he practiced until he could also assume the form of a white horse, which is very similar to a unicorn in shape and colour.
In recent years, the art of animagi has been dying out. In the last hundred years, there have been less than ten registered animagi, but it is the general consensus that there are many animagi who remain unregistered.
Harry grinned at the last part. Sirius and his father had been one of those 'many animagi' who did not register, along with Rita Skeeter who had, since Hermione's blackmail, still not printed anything negative or condescending about Harry.
For a wizard who is not a natural animagus, learning the art can take up to several years, depending on the dedication and ability of the wizard. Animagia is considered wandless magic, as it mostly requires strength of mind to initiate and successfully complete the change. While an amateur may find it easier to hold their wand as some focus of magical energy, an accomplished animagus will make the transformation wandlessly. Being a complex magical object, a wand will not be a part of the transformation as clothes can be.
That was interesting. He had never considered that animagia was wandless magic. Of course, if you were holding your wand to transform, you might not be able to hold it in your animal form, so wandlessly transforming did have a distinct advantage. Perhaps if you held your wand in a holster you could keep your wand with you?
Harry wondered what animal he would be if - no, when - he learned to transform. His first thought was a lion. He was a Gryffindor after all. But then, was he really? The sorting hat had wanted to put him in Slytherin, and he could talk Parseltongue, so perhaps he would be a snake? Then again, he loved to fly, so perhaps a bird of some kind suited him better.
"Hey Malfoy, what kind of animal do you think you'd be if you could transform?"
Malfoy looked up from his notes. "A dragon of course."
"But that's a magical animal. Magical animagi are exceptionally rare. You seem pretty sure of yourself."
"My patronus is a dragon, so there's a high chance my animagus form will be as well."
"Yeah, but your patronus is probably just a dragon because that's your namesake."
"My parents named me Draco because they thought I had a fiery temper, like a dragon. It's a facet of my personality, not just a name."
"I suppose. That'd be cool, being a magical animagus. You could learn to change in to all sorts of different animals. If I had a choice, I'd choose something that could fly."
"Well, dragons can fly, and breathe fire."
"Yes well I won't believe you're a dragon until I see it."
"Well, what do you think yours would be? An innocent little doe?"
Harry ignored the sarcastic tone. "My patronus is a stag. Anyway, I don't think so. I think that's only the form my patronus takes because that was my father's animagus form. I saw my father as protection."
Malfoy sat up and looked at Harry. "Your father was an animagus?"
"Yeah, he was friends with Lupin. Him and Sirius and... they used to transform to help him get through the full moon."
"You mean Sirius Black?"
"Mm. He was my godfather."
"Really? I'm related to him, you know.
"I know. I've seen a family tapestry in his house. His name got burned off though."
"When have you been in his house?"
"Last year, at Christmas. It was pretty much the last time I got with him before he died."
"You spent Christmas with him? But I heard he betrayed your parents to the Dark Lord!"
"No he didn't!" spat Harry, a little too vehemently. Malfoy raised an eyebrow at the outburst.
"Sorry. It just makes me so angry that people don't know Sirius was innocent. Peter Pettigrew is the one that should have been in Azkaban."
"Wait, Pettigrew? The rat? I don't believe it. He's such a weakling."
"Yeah. Pettigrew was my father's friend as well. He betrayed my parents. He's the reason they're dead."
Malfoy was silent for a moment. "If it were me, I'd want revenge."
Harry stared into the fire, mesmerised by the flickering flames as he whispered, "One day."
oOo
Hi everyone! Thanks for reading. Just letting you know updates might start taking a bit longer now. Pleasepleaseplease review.
Voldemort is Dead, Fhippogriff, MoonlightxParasite: Thankyouthankyouthankyou for the reviews. :)