Chapter 20 – Unlikely Alliance

"There's Ginny. Let's ask her if she wants to look for a compartment with us." Harry said.

I look at him strangely. Since when did Harry care about which compartment Ginny is in? We just got on the train to Hogwarts. H and Ron went off to the Prefect's Meeting.

"Ginny normally doesn't sit with us remember." I said tentatively. She's been giving me crazy eyes the entire summer. He spent most of the summer at the Burrow maybe they became friends.

"No harm in asking." Harry shrugged. Ginny was talking to a couple of her friends. "Hey Ginny, want to go and look for a place to sit."

Ginny went red in the face. "I'm going to sit with my friends. And I'll be meeting Dean later."

Did I see just disappointment on Harry's face? "Of course. Thought I'd just ask."

"Thanks." She followed her friends back to their compartment.

"Hey Harry, Hey Nat." I turned around and saw Neville and Luna.

"Hey guys. Let's go look for a compartment." I said.

They agreed. We passed the compartment, which was occupied by Draco and his so called friends. We found one almost at the end of the train. Once we settled down, we talked about our vacation, the news and everything possible. When we were out of topics to talk about, I took a novel from my bag and started reading. I've been reading a lot lately. I realised if I want to stop thinking about Draco I need to keep my brain occupied. And that is my strategy for this year. Keep myself occupied. I signed up for all the subjects, including History of Magic, though, I'm not very good at the subject.

Soon H and Ron came back. Conversation resumed. They told us that Draco didn't bother showing up to the Prefect's meeting. That startled me. I remember Draco really wants to be the Head Boy. But the road to being Head Boy is through performing Prefect duties properly. Before we could ponder much on it, a third girl came in and said –

"I'm supposed to give these to Neville Longbottom, Harry Potter and Natalie Shepherd." She handed us some letters.

We took them and thanked her. She left the compartment with a smile.

"What is it?" Ron asked even before we could open them.

Ms. Shepherd,

I would be delighted if you would me for a bite of lunch in compartment C.

Sincerely, Professor H.E.F. Slughorn.

"An invitation." Harry answered.

"Who's Prof. Slughorm?" Neville asked.

"Our new teacher." Harry answered again.

"What does he want from me? Why does he want me to have lunch with him?" I asked. I don't even know him. I tried to filter the guests through the years of boring parties at my grandparents' home. Was there ever a guest named Slughorn? I can't remember.

"I don't know." Harry said. "Let's go and find out. Let's go under the Invisibility Cloak."

"I don't think so Harry. Nothing's going to happen in a train filled with hungry children." I dismissed his idea.

When we reached compartment C, we saw that we were not the only invitees. There were two seventh year boys, Blaise and Ginny. How come Ron didn't get an invite if Ginny got one? Prof. Slughorn looked very pleased to see Harry and he was genuinely nice to Neville and I. Prof. Slughorn introduced us all. Blaise gave me a slight nod. I gave him a small smile. Maybe, I can ask him for information.

Prof. Slughorn told us about some of the famous Hogwarts alumni that supposedly come to him for advice or give something for free. I am not sure what to feel. He started talking to each of the students. All I could gather was each of the people here had at least one famous relative. Apparently he got really impressed by Ginny when she cast a very powerful Bat Bogey Hex on someone in the train.

"Ms. Shepherd, tell me how your grandfather Jonah is."

"He is good. Now that he has all that free time. He's taken up organic farming. Mom says it's the next big thing."

He laughed like I was making a joke. "You're funny, Ms. Shepherd."

"This is true. But he has agreed to work with the Wizengamot in Advisory capacity. He is bored of the dirty politics in the Wizengamot and Ministry."

"Yes, I know that. He really tried a lot to clean up the Wizengamot. How is your lovely grandmother, Deborah?"

"She's great. Still works actively with Witches Welfare Group. She keeps travelling to discuss the importance of Education in women's lives and other witch issues." I told him.

"Sounds like the Deborah I know." He said with a slight laugh. Then he questioned me about my parents, my uncles and aunts. Thank God, he didn't ask me about my brothers and other cousins.

"Does her family end?" Blaise asked slyly.

I brushed it off with a laugh. "Not really."

Then Prof. Slughorn turned towards Harry. The spark in his eyes shocked me. He looked like he was about to unwrapped his Christmas presents.

"Harry Potter! We hardly talked this summer. The 'Chosen One' they are calling you now. Of course, those rumours have been going on for ages. But…I still remember that night. Lily – James…such terrible news. Word has been going around that you have powers beyond the average…"

Blaise gave a little cough. Ginny got really pissed. "Like you are talented, Zabini."

Her outburst surprised me. Why did she react so strongly? Harry looked a little too pleased for my liking.

"You don't want to anger this young lady. She casts a mean Bat Bogey hex." Slughorn warned Blaise.

Slughorn kept talking trying to get information out of Harry. But Harry was being discreet. Which is why I decided to keep my mouth shut about the incident in the Ministry. But Neville and Ginny told him that we broke the Prophecy so no one could hear. After prodding Harry some more and after dessert, Slughorn sent us off.

I really want to get to Blaise before he goes back to his compartment. I have to get some information.

Harry, Neville and Ginny were discussing something, but when Harry said, "I'll see you later." I snapped my attention back to him. He was about to remove his cloak.

"Harry wait." I said.

"What is it?"

I want to follow Blaise. But instead I asked, "Where are you going?"

He quickly pressed his lips against mine and went under his cloak. "I'll tell you later." He whispered in my ear and I felt him move away.

Now there is no way I can follow Blaise. I can't risk Harry hearing our conversation. I follow Neville and Ginny back to our compartment. Ginny sat with us for a while and left.

We reached the station but Harry was not back yet.

"Maybe he is waiting for us in the station." Ron said tentatively.

"It's better if we get off. If he is still in the cloak then it'll be difficult for him to take it off in this crowd." H said.

We got off the train and collected our trunks. We collected Harry's trunk as well so we don't waste time. We waited for a while but the train started to move and we decided to take a carriage to school. Now, I was worried for him. I'm not saying he is not capable of taking care of himself. What if he didn't get off the train? No way, I'm sure he got off.

The sorting began and he is still not here. The sorting is over and he is still not here. I'm too scared to say anything. H and Ron, voicing their fears, were not working to my advantage either. It was beginning to irritate me now. The food is served but he is not here yet. I don't even know what I am eating. My eyes are on the door. Occasionally, I would look at Draco but he was apparently having the time of life. He is making his friends laugh. I haven't seen him do that in a while.

Finally, he walked in. Something is wrong. Was he in some sort of a brawl? The others noticed him as well. He sat down next to me quickly.

"What happened to you? We were so worried." Ron asked.

"Why? What is it?" Harry counter-questioned him.

"You're covered in blood." H said. "Tergeo!" She siphoned the dried blood off him. "Now you are fine."

"Thanks."

"What happened, Harry?" I finally found my voice.

Others were listening in so Harry said, "I'll tell you guys later."

"But Harry…"

"Hermione, later." Harry cut her.

He was about to pick up a chicken leg but the food was replaced by dessert.

"Here, you can have my chicken leg." I gave him one from my plate. He smiled at me and took it from me. "I was worried." I whispered.

"I know, I'm sorry." He put his hand around my shoulder and pulled me close. He pressed his lips to my hair.

He began to eat and we had dessert. Soon Dumbledore stood up to make his speech.

"What happened to his hand?" H asked.

"It was like that when saw him in the summer." Harry told her.

"It…it looks dead," she said.

We were not the only ones who noticed. They were gasps all around the hall. Dumbledore covered his hand with his sleeve and continued talking.

"I want to introduce you to Prof. Slughorn, who has agreed to return to his former position as Potions Master."

There were whispers everywhere. Everyone was shocked.

"Potions? Harry you said he was going to be teaching DADA." H said.

"I thought he was going to teach DADA." Harry said. "Now, that I think about it he never mentioned which subject he is going to be teaching."

"And Prof. Snape has agreed to teach Defence Against the Dark Arts." Dumbledore said.

While the Slytherin table cheered for their head of the house, the rest of the houses groaned.

"There's at least one good thing to look forward to." Harry said.

"What do you mean?" Ron asked.

"Snape will be gone by the end of the of the year. That job is jinxed. Quirrell died doing the job. I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for another death." Harry said.

"Harry!" Both H and I screamed at the same time.

"That is no way to talk about someone Harry." I told him reproachfully.

Meanwhile, Dumbledore continued to talk about Voldemort and the Death Eaters and emphasised on the importance of being careful and following rules. He sent us off to beds after reading the list of things that are banned from the school. When everyone started moving, H went off to fulfil her prefect duties. Harry bent to tie his lace, Ron and I waited with him.

"So, what happened?" Ron asked.

Harry told us that Draco figured out that he had entered their compartment under the Invisibility cloak. When the train, reached the station, he sent everyone out, he immobilised Harry and broke his nose and left him under the cloak so one would find him. But Tonks found him and brought him to school.

I've never been this pissed off with Draco. I feel like punching him. I watched him leave the Hall with his cronies looking smug. I started to move towards him but Harry held me back.

"I want to punch him."

"We'll have other chances. Now is not the time to start a fight."

But that's all I want to do. I want to start a fight with him. He'll at least look at me. He'll at least react. "I should have gone. I shouldn't have let you go. He would have never hurt me."

"How can you say? You never know what he would do." Ron said.

"Yeah. I don't want you anywhere near him, now that he is a death eater." Harry whispered.

"What?" I asked. "He…he said that?"

He told us about the boasts he made on the train. Draco apparently said that he may not return to school next year and that he may have more important things to do rather than attend school.

"Harry. We have talked about this. I think he was just trying to show off in front of Parkinson." Ron said.

"Parkinson? Why would he want to show off to her?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"I heard some people talking. They said Parkinson and Malfoy are together-together now." Ron answered. "And quite frankly, I think they suit each other. Both of them are pigheads."

"Ya! You got that right." I laughed but I actually wanted to punch a wall. Draco dislikes her. How can he be with her? I am sure this is just a rumour.

"Anyways, getting back to what I was saying, I don't think he was just showing off. How do we not know that Voldemort doesn't need someone on the inside?"

"Harry, I wish yeh would stop using the name." Hagrid said from behind us.

"Dumbledore says it." Harry retorted.

"But he is Dumbledore, innit." Hagrid said.

"Granpa says that by not saying the name we are giving into the fear. If we have to fight him then we should be afraid of saying his name." I said.

He huffed like there was no way to get around the point I made.

"Why were you late today?" Harry asked.

"Los' track of time. Was with Grawp." Hagrid looked happy.

We enquired about Grawp, which made Hagrid even happier. "Well, see you tomorrow. First class after lunch. Come early so you can see, Buck…I mean Witherwings!" He left us after waving goodbye to us.

"You're not taking Care for Magical Creatures this year, are you?" Harry asked.

Ron shook his head. "You're not taking it are you?"

Harry shook his head. "I don't think Hermione is taking it either."

"I am." I told them.

"What?" They both looked shocked.

"Why would you do that?" Ron asked.

"I did get an 'O' in the subject." I thought that would be enough explanation for them. But they still stared blankly at me. "Guess, I've an aptitude for the subject."

"Even Hermione got an 'O' in the subject but she is not taking it."

"Hmmm…Well H gets 'O' in every subject so she can choose what interests her. I don't know what I'm going to do after school so I have to keep all my options open."

I am waiting in the Room of Requirement. Before leaving home, in the morning, I sent Draco an owl asking him to meet me here after dinner. I, somehow, managed to get out of the common room without anyone noticing. He'll be here. I know he will.

Next morning, when I went down to the common room, Harry, H and Ron were talking.

"Good Morning." I grunted.

"Woke up on the wrong side of the bed?" Harry asked me as he pulled me onto his lap.

Oh, I'm so pissed this morning. Draco didn't turn up last night. I was angry enough to break into the Slytherin dorms.

"Something like that. Classes are beginning today." I said like that was the thing bothering me.

"But classes are exciting. Education broadens are mind…" H started.

"H! Not right now, please." I requested. She nodded. "Let's go get some breakfast."

On our way to the hall, Lavender Brown batted her eyelids and smiled coyly at Ron and went on her way. What just happened here? I looked at H. She looked confused as well. And clearly she didn't like it. We started talking about the students in our year and who all could have chosen to that CFMC as a N.E.W.T subject. Ron kept proclaiming that CFMC is a stupid subject and anyone taking it was equally stupid.

I smacked him on his head and gave him a satisfied grin. "Charlie mastered the subject and now he is a Dragon Trainer in Romania." That shut him up.

After breakfast, we saw Prof. McGonagall go around distributing timetables. Then she turned to the sixth years. She said it is difficult setting sixth years timetables because the students need to be eligible to continue the subject and also everyone chooses different combinations of subjects.

She finally turned to us. H was cleared for Charms, DADA, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, Arithmancy and Ancient Runes. Next, Professor started working on my timetable.

"I'm sorry Ms. Shepherd, you can't continue History of Magic. Prof. Binns takes only students with Outstanding into his N.E.W.T. class." She said. Ron and Harry looked at me like I was crazy.

"Are you kidding me?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"I most certain am not kidding you, Ms. Shepherd." She said sternly.

"Who would have thought a ghost would have such high expectations!" I muttered. Harry and Ron snorted.

"What was that?" Prof. McGonagall asked.

"Nothing, Professor."

"Good. So here you go – Charms, DADA, Transfiguration, Potions, Herbology, CFMC, Ancient Runes, Arithmancy and Astronomy."

"Thank you." I told her.

"Why did you want to continue History of Magic?" Ron asked like he has been waiting to ask it from a long time.

"I could become a historian. I could become a lawyer. To become a Lawyer, I need to understand how each event affected the laws that are present today." I answered.

I squeezed Harry's hand and then H and I went off to our first class – Ancient Runes.

H was looking at me strangely.

"Why are you looking at me?" I asked her.

"You wanted to continue all the subjects." She stated the obvious.

"Ya, I know."

"That is so not like you. What is going on? What haven't you told me?" She asked.

I never got a chance to tell H anything about Draco. During the summer, we were always surrounded, so it was impossible to tell her. Plus, I was still working out what happened.

"How about I tell you tonight?" I asked. She nodded right before we entered the class.

We were waiting outside the DADA class, when Harry and Ron joined us. H complained about our homework to them. Ron laughed, H told him that Prof. Snape might give us even more homework. Ron looked like someone threw a water balloon on his face.

Prof Snape had drawn curtains in the class. The class felt colder. He started speaking about the Dark Arts like it was his baby. He spoke about the Unforgivables, Dementor's Kiss and Inferi. Then he asked us to practice non-verbal spells. One partner was supposed to jinx the other non-verbally and the other had to block the jinx non-verbally.

Harry and Ron paired up. H paired up with Neville. A thought popped into my head. I walked over to Blaise.

"Zabini, would you like to pair up with me?" I asked as sweetly as possible. This made Draco's head snap in my direction. Bull's eye! He glared at me. I didn't pretended not to have seen him. Harry, Ron and H looked at me questioningly. Prof. Snape narrowed his eyes at me. Others just looked shocked.

Blaise looked at me suspiciously, "Sure, Shepherd."

I took the seat next to him. I smiled at him.

"So, shall I jinx you?" I asked him playfully.

"Hit me with your best shot." He smirked at me. "What are you doing?" He whispered when the others stopped looking at us.

"The Sorting Hat said that the houses should unite to fight the dark forces that threatened the magical world. Even Dumbledore has said that we all need to be united no matter what house we belong to. I'm just implementing their words."

He raised an eyebrow at me, "Right. Will you cut the crap and get down to it?"

Oh well, if he wants to just get down to business. "What is Draco up to?"

"I don't know."

"Blaise, I really need to know. He won't talk to me. I don't know what is going on. I'm going mental. I need to know."

"Honestly, Natalie. I don't know. Even on the train he kept saying things that didn't make any sense to me."

"Will watch him please? And of course tell me what he does when he is not in classes."

"I really don't want to get in between you two."

"Please Blaise. I'm very worried about him."

"I'll try. But you have to tell me something."

What does he want from me? It was my turn to be suspicious, "What do you want?"

He scratched the back of his neck nervously. "What is the deal with Lovegood?"

"What? You want to know about Luna? Why?"

"Ms. Shepherd, you are supposed to cast spells wordlessly. Five points from Gryffindor." Prof. Snape roared.

When Prof. Snape's attention was on Ron and Harry, I asked him, "What do you want from Luna?"

"She intrigues me. She is different. I haven't met anyone like her." He looked uncomfortable saying it out loud.

"She is different, no doubt about it. She just sees the world in a different light. Do you want to talk to her or something? Do you want to take her out or something?" I don't know how to describe her. It is best if he asks her everything himself.

Something was happening in between Harry and Prof. Snape but I really need to have Blaise on my side so I didn't bother paying attention.

"I...no, that won't be necessary."

"I can set it up. You both can talk in the library or something."

"Forget, I said it. I'll let you know what I find out."

I went closer to him to hug him but I stopped myself when he looked at me strangely. "Ummm…are Draco and…Parkinson really dating?"

He gave me the strange look again, "It seems like it. Although, I can tell that Draco is not really into it."

He is dating her. He is dating her! So what! I am dating Harry. It shouldn't bother me that he is dating Parkinson. All my life, he told me he doesn't like her and now he is dating her! Did he hit his head somewhere?

"Look, Draco is going to ask you why I paired up with you." I told him.

"I'm going to tell him that you have a crush on me." He smirked at me.

"He's not going to believe that. He knows I love Harry. You are just going to tell him that I asked him if he is dating Parkinson." The name brought a sour taste to my mouth.

"Alright, Ms. Shepherd. I am capable of making excuses, you know. I'm not very dumb." He said.

I smiled at him. I turned to see the commotion. I saw Prof. Snape look really angry and give Harry detention on Saturday. I wonder what happened.

"Why did you pair up with Zabini?" Ron asked as soon as we got out of the class.

"I was trying to find out if there's any truth to Harry's assumptions."

"And why would he tell you even if he knew?" Harry asked.

"Well, he did help me out once, so, I thought he would help me out again."

"When did he help you out?" Harry was surprised.

"Last year, when the Toad was catching DA. Zabini caught me but he let me go. He was the one who asked me to cast a disillusionment charm on myself and stay still."

"Why would Zabini save you?" Ron asked.

"Beats me. I'm just glad he saved me. Maybe he has a crush on me." I wiggled my eyebrows at them.

Harry put his hand around my shoulder, "Too bad, he doesn't have a chance with you."

H, Harry and Ron laughed but I just smiled at them.

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Enjoy! Neepa :-)