Pavel nodded as they flew off in different directions. He mind-spoke, "Ivan? Harry and Oxsana are up to something. I've approved their plan and am trusting them, though I don't know what exactly they are up to. Maybe help me keep an eye on them from a distance? We have time before the Tank or other things."
"Right, Papa. Be right up." John responded as he summoned his broom.
After Harry made a quick pass by the Premium Booth on the Carnival Alley, it didn't take long before Pavel and John saw him hanging out near the dueling lanes, and heard Draco start taunting him. "Oy! Potter! What's the matter? Lost yer nerve? Afraid of getting whupped in front of all these people?"
Harry kept his cool and answered back, "No, I'm going to be racing in a little bit. Just conserving my strength. Save me a spot on your dance card, Malfoy, and I'll wipe the floor with you after the race."
Pavel realized, that would be all right. He'd forbidden Harry from dueling before the encounter with the Basilisk, but afterwards should be fine. He felt Harry's mind quest to his, to check if this was agreeable, and he affirmed quickly that it was.
"You seem very confident, Mr. Potter," Lucius said, in his oily silken tones. "A shame you lack the courage to face Draco."
"Oh, it's not a lack of courage, sir. I just have better things to do for the moment. Oh, and that reminds me, I think you lost this earlier. I want to return it to you," as Harry handed him the copy of the Book.
"I... lost this?" he said, innocently turning it in his hands. "I don't recall ever..."
"Oh yes, Mr. Malfoy. You sneaked it into Ginny Weasley's cauldron at the bookstore in Diagon Alley at the start of school. I watched you do it, though I hadn't noticed too closely at the time. You'll find it's not so interesting a tome as you thought it was. Rather dull, actually," and he backed up a pace from Malfoy.
Rather than lose the valuable artifact, Lucius shoved it to Dobby to carry, as he turned back to pay attention to Draco trying to drum up another opponent.
"Open it!" Harry mouthed to Dobby, when he looked up at him.
Dobby opened the book at what appeared to be a bookmark, and found... a necktie. A Gryffindor necktie, bought with tickets at the Premium Prize booth.
"Master has presented Dobby with clothes," the little elf gasped in amazement. "Master has given Dobby a necktie. Dobby... is... FREE!"
Malfoy turned in irritation saying, "What are you babbling about, you little cretin? I gave you no cl..." and he stopped as he saw Dobby pulling the necktie from the book.
"Oh, sorry, sir," Harry said innocently with a completely straight face. "I was using it as a bookmark. Must have forgotten..."
Lucius was livid and, disregarding the crowds around him, started to draw his wand from his cane, saying, "You lost me my SERVANT."
But before his wand even cleared its sheath or Oxsana could fully unwrap from Harry's throat, little Dobby moved his hand towards Lucius shouting... "You will NOT hurt Harry Potter!" and sent him spinning backwards 3 meters through the air.
Lucius arose with all the dignity he could muster, muttering something about having slipped on the grass, as bystanders wondered whether they had actually seen him starting to draw down on a schoolboy. Draco was struck speechless, as Dobby walked over to Harry and started hugging his leg. "Let's go, Dobby," Harry said, as he swept his cloak out and over the two of them, walking away towards the Carnival Alley. "We walk, don't run, Dobby. It's all over now. You're free and don't have to be afraid of him any more."
"Harry Potter free Dobby! How can Dobby ever repay you?" the little elf simpered.
"Just promise me one thing. Never try to save my life with a bludger again!" Harry laughed.
"Promise!" Dobby said solemnly.
"All done, Professor," Harry mind-spoke, trying to sound as businesslike as he could, despite his elation.
"I see that. Well done, my son. Now invite Dobby to come clean himself up at our place, and I'll see if Wilfried can get him properly attired. After that, he may pass the time however he wishes. We'll speak with him at the end of the day about his options."
"Yes, sir..." Harry acknowledged, as he passed the information on to Dobby.
Time passed smoothly, Pavel and John "served their terms" at the Dunk Tank, only swimming once for Pavel and three times for John. It seemed students were a bit more motivated for John. Oxsana coordinated things mentally with her staff in Bucharest, as the clock clicked towards 3:00 at the Field Day. Pavel had the Expert Steeplechase timed for 2:50, and the Basilisk awaited his mental signal to exit the drainpipe into the Black Lake.
All the conspirator faculty were keyed in mentally together as the countdown started. Oxsana's Mind Mages would enter the trap clearing at precisely 3:00 p.m. linked to the three minions, and allow them to reach out for sympathetic connection to Petrov at that time. Three other mind mages would work through those minions to draw the other three thugs, who they had been unable to locate in the Forest, or were flitting back and forth between the Forest and Knockturn Alley, to join them. Oxsana had made mental contact with Aragog, and his offspring were hidden throughout the Forest, awaiting his signal to begin hunting Petrov's goons.
Everything was ready, and at 2:50 on the money, the Steeplechase started. Harry wanted to win very badly. Malfoy was in the race as well, but Pavel had made sure that Harry understood the priorities here. Winning was fine, if that was how it turned out, but the real priority was to be finished and heading towards Black Lake at 2:58 to intercept the Basilisk. Whether the race was over or not, whether he and Draco were mixing it up or not, the ONLY thing that mattered, was that he get to that Basilisk. Pavel would keep him appraised of the Basilisk's position as he was coming out, so Harry could time his intercept. Harry would wear Professor Snape's protective goggles throughout the race, so that when the time came for the Basilisk to remove his protective membranes, he would not even accidentally be harmed by its gaze.
Madame Hooch was the starter for the broom race. "READY... STEADY... GO" *Whistle Blew* and they were off! There were eight riders total, seven of whom were on house quidditch teams. The eighth was an excellent rider who just had no interest whatever in quidditch. Harry guessed there was no accounting for taste. There was a little bit of bump and grind through the turns, but nothing as severe as his first ride with Pavel... at least for the first of the three laps. As he started the second lap, Pavel informed him, the Basilisk was beginning his exit. Harry zoomed through the straightaways, but that's where everyone did well. It was in the corners that Harry had to gain any serious advantage, and so far he and Draco were leading the pack.
As they approached the last turn into the third lap, Harry lost sight of Draco and thought perhaps he'd fallen back. But just as he started his tight turn, he saw Draco coming up from beneath him, apparently determined simply to unseat Harry, without any regard for making the turn himself. Perhaps Draco was even willing to lose, as long as it meant Harry lost, too. Fortunately, it seemed Draco was unfamiliar with an Immelman, so Harry just overshot the turn pylon by a bit, did a rearwards loop, and inverted at the top, sending Draco with all his momentum built up to ram Harry... sailing wildly off in the wrong direction.
In his head, he heard Pavel giving him a countdown, he had less than one minute to get to the Black Lake drain point. If he could cross the Finish Line on the way, all well and good. If not...
Harry had two more turns to get through before the Finish Line, and he lay down atop his broom like he'd been poured onto the stick. He flowed all his adrenaline, anxiety, passion, and concern for this mission into his broom... using his imagination to put a jet drive afterburner on it. The broom responded, taking the straightaways at speeds no one had ever seen in person before. He then visualized each flip turn as perfectly executed, and the broom seemed to respond to that, too.
He cleared the Finish Line first, as he heard Pavel's voice in his head counting down... "Ten... nine... eight... seven... six... five..." as he now hovered over the drain exit, and could see the dark shape of the Basilisk rising beneath him. He did one small turn over the spot, trying to look casually curious for onlookers, before the great monster broke the water's surface, creating a medium sized tsunami that inundated students too close to the shore. At that point, Harry dismounted on to the "neck" of the Basilisk, just behind the eyes... and sent his broom to shore, while the Basilisk turned and swam unerringly towards the Forbidden Forest.
Albus adjusted the Hogwarts boundary wards to now allow through only the faculty and Aurors that had been programmed, as all the conspirators flew or blinked to the Trap Clearing. Pavel had duplicated the protective goggles for everyone, who donned them as they got to the clearing, even though the Basilisk was still in "safe mode". Oxsana had extra pairs for her men and the thugs as they arrived, and at 3:00 precisely, all was in readiness, and the transmissions started to draw Stoian Petrov into the trap.
The three minions were in firm control, calling to Petrov that they had escaped and lured Potter into the Forest. He could kill him here. Petrov heard the calls immediately, and sent the three assassins who were with him, to come to the glade where he was told Harry had been lured, and check things out. When they apparated in, Pavel lent his power to assist Oxsana and her additional mind mages immediately to insinuate themselves into the minds of the lackeys, to send the message, "Yes. Yes he's here and we can hold him, but he has some enchantment that won't let us transport him. If you come, you can kill him."
No one even seemed to breathe among the conspirators, Aurors, Mind Mages... even Harry, as they waited for Petrov to appear.
And then, gradually, there appeared a shimmering light, as Pavel had spread a screen of Prime to detect incoming magic, and finally... there he was... Stoian Petrov.
Harry stood atop the Basilisk, as Petrov stood looking at the boy riding what appeared to him to be simply a large snake.
"I understand you've been looking for me. Well, here I am... and here's looking at you!"
In that moment, the Basilisk opened his eyes fully, and even with the protective goggles, the yellow-gold flash of deadly magic was breathtaking to behold. Petrov had opened his mouth to shout back some challenge, but the Basilisk simply bent his head to get a clear gaze with both eyes down on this two legged monster, and the air froze in his lungs as he literally turned to stone. No one had ever seen such a thing before... well, except for the Basilisk, of course. But fairy stories, like about trolls caught in sunlight or whatever, don't do the phenomenon justice. It was horrific to see. One moment, there was what seemed a living, breathing being, and then the next... naught but a statue.
Stoian Petrov... was dead.
Pavel first spoke aloud. "Thank you, O Noble Wyrm, for this great service. You may, please, shield your gaze again, lest any mishap befall," he paused while the nictitating membrane again covered the Basilisk's eyes.
Professor Snape strode forth, "Thank you, from all of us. Would you care to return with us to Hogwarts now, and be properly introduced to our students and faculty? We are honored by your presence, and you are welcome to bask in what sunlight there be, as long as you wish."
"Thank you, Heir of Slytherin," he said, still using mind-speak, rather than tax Severus' knowledge of Parseltongue. "I should enjoy that very much, at least until the sun goes down. I cannot stay away from water too terribly long, but perhaps when you all retire for the evening meal, I shall return to my Chambers? Also, I realize it may be rather familiar and undignified, but if any of you would care to ride back with this young man on me, I should allow it this one time, in celebration of our victory. I suggest you do so, O Heir of Slytherin. It is only right."
"Thank you, Mighty Serpent. I'd never have dared ask, but who could decline such a privilege?" So saying, Severus mounted.
Harry mind-spoke, "O Great One, I owe you my life, and I am most grateful. Let this Professor, the Heir of Slytherin accompany you back. I owe you much, and I shall go back on my broom with Professor Konstantyn. Thank you again," and so saying, he dismounted and bowed profoundly.
"You are welcome, young one. And I hope you will come visit me, with he who is as a father to you, from time to time."
"We shall be honored," Pavel assured him, as Harry summoned his broom from the shore of the Lake.
The entire contingent of faculty with brooms sailed above the Basilisk and Professor Snape, as they glided back into the Hogwarts grounds to the oo's, ah's, and gasps of all attending. Oxsana and her staff made sure the minions were all clearly marked for the spiders, as they blinked away, and Oxsana signaled Aragog that his children could begin their unique form of Easter Egg Hunt. The minions were barely husks now, anyway. Petrov had consumed them from the inside out for years.
John and Oxsana together levitated the "Statue" of Stoian Petrov up and out of the clearing, rising to 5,000 feet altitude, where the cold was bitter and the winds severe, before John used his Space arcana to grind the stone to the finest dust, and let the winds take it in four different directions. This Vampire would never return.
Back at the campus, Harry was belatedly announced to have won the Expert Steeple Chase Race, and earned 20 points for Gryffindor House. Draco's last maneuver had cost him 4 places, putting him 5th, which still earned Slytherin 5 points. When Harry landed, Professor Snape and Headmaster Dumbledore were introducing the Basilisk and telling a foreshortened version of the story of his discovery. Almost everyone focused on them with rapt attention.
But then, the Malfoys arrived where Pavel, John, and Harry were standing.
"We have some unfinished business, Potter!" Draco hissed through gritted teeth. His father didn't look much happier.
"That's fine, Malfoy," and Harry felt a light squeeze by Pavel on his shoulder, as he looked up to see Pavel's eyes focused on the Headmaster, still speaking, but a slight smile on his lips as the very slightest shake of his head. "I'm sorry, I meant 'Mister' Malfoy. I must be a bit tired." As Pavel ever so slightly nodded, without changing his expression a lick. If you still have that space on your dance card, I'll be happy to duel you, as soon as Professor Snape and the Headmaster finish speaking."
"Is that..." Lucius wondered, "is that truly Salazar Slytherin's familiar? Is THAT the monster from the Chamber of Secrets?"
"Yes," Harry answered, "yes it is."
Lucius looked down his nose at Harry as though smelling something disagreeable, "I wasn't addressing YOU, boy. I was asking an adult who might know something."
At which Pavel turned and narrowed his eyes at Malfoy, saying, "Mr. Potter is quite right. And he has made a strong friendship with this Noble Wyrm already. In fact, they have spoken together more than anyone. I suggest if you have questions, you address them to Mr. Potter, here," and Pavel turned his glance back towards the speakers.
"Did you have any other questions, Mr. Malfoy?" Harry asked, in his very best "butter-wouldn't-melt-in-my-mouth" tone of humility and innocence.
This was more than Lucius could stand, as he simply turned on his heel and marched away, dragging Draco in his wake.
"Thank you," Harry snickered in an undertone to Pavel.
"Well played, Harry. Well played. Humility can be a powerful weapon against the arrogant," Pavel replied, never turning his head.
Harry wandered to the food tables and had the first snacks he'd had all day, as Ron and Hermione caught up with him.
"That was awesome!", "Yes, incredible, Harry!" they blurted at him.
He was surprised, as they'd not been allowed to come, despite their best efforts to persuade the grownups. "How do you know? Oh... please don't tell me you sneaked..."
"No no no," Hermione laughed. "Though I'm not sure if they weren't afraid we might. Professor Konstantyn kept us in the loop, and let us see everything through his eyes as it happened. It was like we were right there."We're so proud of you. What a relief to know that thing can never bother you again!"
"Yes, indeed. And it will be nice to be able to walk around the Castle again without a keeper every time!" Harry nodded, taking a big glug of a butterbeer with his sandwich.
"That's for sure!" Ron agreed. "So what now, we about done for the day?"
"I've got just one more thing on my plate. And this one is sheer pleasure, not duty," as he looked over and saw Pavel talking to Professor Snape, and taking leave of the Basilisk. Pavel saw Harry looking his way, and walked over to join him.
"Harry, may I have a moment of your time?" Pavel asked, as Ron and Hermione took the hint and began to make themselves scarce. "Don't go far, kids, this won't take very long." They nodded as he and Harry walked a little way towards the Lake. "You won't want to hear this, but it is information you would want to have." Harry tried to steel himself for bad news. "You risked your life out of your compassion for a Basilisk you didn't know. Most of the time if you get in trouble at all, it's to help someone. Now, how much compassion do you have for Draco Malfoy?"
"What?! What are you talking about?"
"Harry, I have every confidence in the world that you're about to step into that dueling lane and make Draco look like the arrogant little brat that we know him to be. Right?"
"You bet!"
"Well, you need to know that he's been raised that way, by an arrogant father who has no idea how to train or discipline his son. But he does know how to punish him. He vents his anger, particularly for any perceived 'slight to their family honor' with generally one, fairly standard, penalty. The reason Professor Snape caned him three strokes with a junior school cane for cheating was that had he been sent home with that report, Lucius Malfoy would have caned him 10 strokes with his walking stick.
"This afternoon, you succeeded in freeing Dobby, who knocked Lucius Malfoy into the dirt, humiliating him in front of dozens of witches and wizards who know him."
"I didn't do that, Dobby did!"
"I know that, but he blames you for it."
"Then, you bested his son in a race he was determined to win, and he feels humiliated by it, and is now angry at Draco as well as you. That's why Draco showed so much bile, back there just now. Add to that, you uncovered his plot with the Book and returned it scornfully to him, in front of witnesses. And then top it off with converting his precious Basilisk, his plot to kill you, into an ally that protects you instead. You seeing a pattern here?"
"Yes..." Harry answered, cautiously.
"Harry, if you duel Draco right now, and you beat him, in front of all these people, in front of his father, and in front of all these people that KNOW him and his father, Draco will receive a severe beating... at least 10 strokes with his walking stick... at Lucius' first opportunity. The man has been humiliated by you, and he is counting on his son to redeem some of that in this duel. If Draco fails, he will be beaten without a doubt."
"So... what are you suggesting? That I NOT duel Draco? That I back out of the match?"
"No, not at all. I don't think that would help. And I'm not 'suggesting' anything. I'm just making you aware of some relevant facts. I believe the only way Draco comes out of this whole, is if he defeats you in a duel strongly enough to gain his father's admiration. And I mean it when I say I'm not suggesting what you should do. That's entirely up to you. Neither I, nor anyone else, could fault you to go out there, do your best, and win. Even if that earns Draco a thrashing. He's had them before, he'll have them again, and Merlin knows he's treated you badly enough long enough to have earned this one, if you decide that. I'm truly, literally, just giving you information. You do whatever you want to do." With that he walked away, returning to get some food himself - for he'd eaten nothing either - and nodded that the children could rejoin Harry.
Harry didn't look happy. They got to him just in time to hear him say, "Well, damn."
Fifteen minutes later, or so, the crowd was thinning as parents headed home and tired students headed towards the Castle, but word had gotten round that Draco and Harry were going to duel, and that drew quite an audience of its own. An Australian wizard served as referee, so no one could claim any bias. There was little trash talk as the boys came to the center, saluted, turned back to back, and paced off their five steps.
They turned, Harry taking his crouching shielded posture, and Draco using the en garde position.
Draco fired first, using "Serpensortia!" right from the gate.
Harry blocked with "Protego!", bouncing the poor snake up into the air, where the referee banished it instantly.
Harry responded with "Expelliarmus!", but used so little passion and aimed so poorly, Draco's wand barely wobbled.
Draco countered with "Impedimenta!", and while Harry wandlessly blocked it effectively, he let his motion slow down and grow sluggish.
Harry threw a Jellylegs Curse, whispering "Locomotor Wibbley!", with enough clarity and oomph to actually make Draco a bit less steady on his feet.
Finally Draco gathered up his verve, and yelled "Immobilis!" at Harry, petrifying him, and knocking him over.
Draco fist-pumped in sheer joy - and probably some relief - as he walked over to Harry and said something inaudible and rude to him, there on the mat... before turning his back and marching off in triumph.
The referee came over, and cast "Finite Incantatem!", freeing Harry up and letting him walk off the lane.
Draco ran over to his father to receive a hearty pat on the back, as Lucius turned to Harry to sneer... "Let that be a lesson to you, boy! Don't go challenging your betters!"
Harry hid his clenched fists as he reattached his cloak, and said in an humble tone, "I'll try to bear that in mind, sir."
"Well see that you do!" was Lucius' parting shot as the two Malfoys strutted off in satisfaction.
Ron was just drawing breath to make some wholly appropriate, but unacceptable response, when Harry spotted it, laughed and spun Ron around pushing him into the opposite direction.
Pavel was on his way to join them, when his hearing picked up the odd sound... of coins clinking. Too many coins... too much clinking. Looking in the direction of the sound, he saw the Twins in the midst of a small cluster of students, and it appeared they were taking up a collection for something. Curiosity got the better of him, as he focused his hearing and realized... they were collecting their winnings, having wagered against Harry in the duel. Considering past performance, they had posted very attractive odds, and apparently suckered every student who didn't know them well enough, into a bet. Slowly and stealthily he approached behind them, until finally, seeing the nervous expressions on the small faces before them, they turned around and looked.
Gently, he reached out between them and took one ear in each hand. "Give it back, gentlemen."
"But, Professor, we just..."
Pavel tweaked the ears a touch. "I don't like repeating instructions, gentlemen. Do you really need me to?"
"No, sir," they chorused in unison. As sadly they began giving back the money.
"All of it..." Pavel raised his voice, "has anyone walked away here, that are owed their money back? There will be no gambling on this lawn. Now, come get your money if you gave it to Fred or George just now."
A few timid students looked their way.
"No no, you're not in trouble. They are," he laughed. "Come get your money back, please."
By this time, Ron, Hermione, and Harry had noticed the activity, and drawn close enough to hear the proceedings. After that, they followed along, gleefully.
And Fred and George continued to pay out, ears in Professor Konstantyn's fingers, until no further students came forward. "Is that all of it?"
The Twins checked their pockets, "Yes, sir. That's it."
"All right." Pavel looked around until he spotted Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape talking to one another, as they were taking leave of the Basilisk. He was preparing to return to his chamber. Without the slightest hesitation or embarrassment, Pavel walked the boys, still held gently by the ears - unless they struggled - over to Professor McGonagall, and waited politely to be recognized. The Twins were red-faced with embarrassment. They were also totally awed to be standing a couple feet away from the Basilisk. He cast a translation charm so that the Noble Serpent could converse if he chose.
"Professor Konstantyn, how good to see you, sir. What have we here?" Minerva asked in her most cordial and innocent voice.
"I believe, Professor, that we have some volunteers to help with your project Monday. I caught these two young men collecting on wagers of the duel. They had given long odds against Harry, and... despite being Gryffindors themselves, were making book AGAINST their Gryffindor champion. Now why in the world would they do that, I wonder, considering that they've seen Harry best Draco many times? Hmmm?" Pavel tilted his head slightly, reflecting his suspicious nature, as he released their ears.
"Aye, that seems a most reasonable question. Mr. Weasley's? What have ye to say for yerselves?"
"We overheard Harry talking to Ron and Hermione, saying as how he was going to let Draco win, or else his father would cane him when he got him home. We knew Harry never loses to Draco, so it seemed like... well, easy money."
"I see," Professor McGonagall nodded, "So you eavesdrop on a private conversation, that reveals a kindly and charitable act by a housemate to keep an adversary from taking an abusive beating, and rather than learn by the example, you exploit the information to fleece students who don't have your 'insider knowledge'?"
The Twins brows knitted in a remorseful expression, "Well, Professor, I don't think that's exactly what we did. At least it didn't seem like that at the time. It just seemed like, well, a bit of a windfall," George said.
"A moment of good fortune," Fred said.
"Serendipity," George said.
"Fate smiling upon us," Fred said.
"ENOUGH!" Minerva laughed as she raised her hand. "That's enough of that. Well, noo... you'll bring yer serendipitous selves to my office after class Monday, and join the rest of Harry's scoundrels doing a wee bit o' cleaning for me. I'm sure they'll tell you all about it, when you tell them what you did and apologize for it."
"Oh, Professor! Really?" Fred asked.
"Apologize?" George asked.
"To Harry, Ron and Hermione?" Fred asked.
"We'll never hear the end of it!" George said.
"I said that's enough, noo!" Minerva chuckled again. "Yer Gryffindors and you should know better. Besides which, there's no gambling allowed on school activities."
Fred muttered, "It's not gambling when you know the outcome."
"Pardon?" Pavel volunteered.
"Nothing, sir," George answered.
"It's unfortunate that you find yourself in Gryffindor with such a plot. I suspect were you Slytherin, you may have had house points awarded," Pavel commented.
"True indeed," Severus picked up, without missing a beat. "What say you, Noble One?"
The Twins were astonished to hear laughter from a 20 meter deadly snake, and the words, "Indeed. I should think such cleverness and cunning should be rewarded... Well, except for the 'getting caught' part, anyway."
"Ah yes, there is that... tsk, tsk, tsk," Severus said, in mock sympathy.
"I believe you are excused, gentlemen," Pavel chuckled. "And you'll find the objects of your apology about 10 meters behind us, near that blue booth there, if I don't miss my guess."
"Yes, sir. Excuse us, professors... Sir," they bowed to the Basilisk.
"Yessssss..." the Noble One entoned, "I am very very pleased with what I see of the students, and faculty, of Hogwarts. The Founders would be proud, I assure you. Good night, all!" and he glided away into the Black Lake, as they all headed up to the Castle after a perfect, and perfectly exhausting, day.
Supper at the Great Hall was far more a social event this evening, than a meal. Students had eaten their way through what seemed like tons of food, as the elves kept the tables stocked right up until 4 p.m. At the same time, students were thrilled to share their stories, their treasures and prizes, and relive the adventures they'd had throughout the day.
At the Head Table, Professor McGonagall tinged her water goblet to let the Headmaster announce the various category winners and house point totals awarded, all to great applause and cheering, and also to announce that the special rules restricting movement through the Castle were now lifted, and normal hours and rules were in effect... also greeted by great applause and cheering.
Harry was sitting in his accustomed place at the Gryffindor table, when Draco Malfoy walked over to him and asked if he could have a word. Harry was shocked at first, then suspicious, but as Draco's face didn't display anything but fatigue, he decided he may as well go ahead.
Pavel saw the exchange, as did Severus, and both of them raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
The two of them headed out the front door of the Great Hall to speak in the corridor.
Draco said, "Potter, I think your a git."
"Yeah, and I think you're an arrogant prat. What of it?"
"I need to ask you something. When we fought today, were you feeling ok? Were you sick, or exhausted or something?"
"No, Malfoy, I was feeling fine," Harry laughed. "Why?"
"Because that fight was all wrong, and it's bothering me. I can beat you. I KNOW I can beat you, and one day I'll show you that. But this wasn't the day. You didn't fight worth a damn, the whole time. I want to know why. You let me win that fight, and I need to know why."
Harry glanced away before looking back to Draco.
"Listen, just let it go, OK? I don't want to talk about it."
Draco scowled. "No, I need to know. So tell me."
Harry sighed before answering in a low voice. "OK, I don't want to talk about my muggle family, but I had kind of a tough time of it. Today, I saw how mad your dad was. I knew I'd ticked him off big time all day. And I could see that he really NEEDED you to win that fight. That it might not be ok for you if you didn't. I know what it's like for a grownup to take out their anger on a kid... just because they can. That sucks, and I won't be part of it. And I wouldn't be part of it today. So... just forget about it already, OK?"
"OK. Sorry I asked. That's fine. We'll never mention it again, K?"
"K."
"Oh, and Potter?"
"Yeah?"
Draco stuck out his hand to shake, "That was really decent of you. Thanks."
Harry shook his hand and said, "Don't mention it."
And they headed back into the Great Hall, thinking one another slightly less git, and arrogant prat.
