September 1, 2010
400 words, according to OpenOffice word count.
Oh man. I'm updating.


"I refuse to ask that git for help!" Ron cried upon receiving his assignment. Harry nudged him with his elbow in warning, and even though he felt the exact same way, he knew better than to disobey his superior so baldly.

And indeed, their commanding officer did not take kindly to such a blatant display of disrespect. His mouth tightened in disapproval, while the sudden crease in his brow alerted Harry to his simmering anger.

"Unfortunately for you, Weasley, you are in no position to refuse. If you want to be an Auror, you will get Malfoy to help us in this investigation. If that is too difficult for you, or if it's beneath you, you know where the door is, and you'll have wasted not only the last two years of your life, but mine as well."

With that, he stormed out of the office, and both Harry and Ron wondered at his confidence to leave so quickly, as if knowing Ron would give in and complete the assignment as instructed.

"Harry, I hate that git! I thought leaving Hogwarts meant we wouldn't have to deal with him anymore!"

"I know. Me too. Did you really expect to become an Auror and never see the Malfoys again, though?"

Ron was pacing in agitation, but at this question, he stopped, looking at Harry with the resigned face of one whose duty was dangerous and grim.

"Do you really think he'll help us?"

Harry honestly didn't know. Whenever Draco Malfoy came to mind, three scenes repeated in his head, flashing in rapid succession: Malfoy crying in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom and his ultimate fate bleeding on the floor, Malfoy's wand lowering as Dumbledore tried to bargain for both of their lives, and then Malfoy in the Room of Requirement, in a frenzy to try and capture Harry or escape the ferocious flames alive.

Ron's contempt had not lessened in the years since they'd last seen Malfoy, but Harry had seen his face, he'd witnessed his desperation, and he was willing to give him a small chance.

"There's only one way to find out," Harry replied.

Sighing in an exaggerated fashion, Ron took out his wand and said, "Well, let's pay a visit to the family we love to hate and beg them for help."

"Sounds like a plan," Harry said with a small smile.