Chapter 5: Walking a Fine Line
Harry could handle sneers, gossips and looks of disapproval. But one thing that he could not shake off, was the why to Ron's behavior. They had been best friends since the first time they were on Platform 9 and 3/4. Harry believed that they would be through thick and thin but the behavior and demeanor since the school found out the identity of the now fourth champion, Ron's anger and jealousy was slowly building up. Harry was able to see the red head's silent anger and seething, if the white knuckles were anything to go by. Also when Harry tried to talk to him, Ron would always get up and leave, roughly bumping Harry out of the way without even batting an eyelash.
Hermione even took notice of Ron's behavior, as did Draco. The blond started to get up but Harry grabbed his hand.
"Dragon, no."
"But," Draco began but relented when he saw Harry's silent plea, taking his seat again. "I don't understand, you two were best friends. Now he's being an uncouth brute to Harry and he's completely ignoring you Hermione."
"Ron is being unreasonable." Hermione said. "But Harry's right Draco, don't confront him. It'll make matters worse..."
"Fine, I'll let it be for now, but I swear, if it gets out of hand, I'm stepping in." Draco warned. "Not my father, not Uncle Sev, ME..."
"Understood," Hermione said as she looked up at the sound of the bell. "Oh, we best go inside before we're late. What do we have next?"
"Potions," Draco said as he helped Harry to his feet. "Let's get going."
The two Slytherins and one Gryffindor were not the first ones to be in the Potions classroom. There, sitting at a cauldron, arms crossed, was Ron.
"I waited for you two traitors." Ron spat as Draco pulled Harry behind him and motioned for Hermione to back up. "Oh, are you protecting them Ferret?"
"Granger doesn't need my protection." Draco drawled, crossing his arms but didn't move. "What do you want Weasel, you are boring me for one thing, and second your ghastly sweater is killing my eyesight!" Ron roared and tackled the blonde, sending Harry into Hermione. Ron and Draco brawled, wrestled and threw punches at each other. Ron had a temper but Draco had the reach! Their tousle ranged throughout the classroom, upsetting the cauldrons, books and papers flew. Harry and Hermione were too stunned to do something but Professor Snape was not.
"ENOUGH!" He yelled. Draco turned but landed one much punch on Ron. Ron had a black eye while Draco had a bruise on his jaw. Professor Snape was pissed off. He straightened his classroom and glared at the brawlers.
"After...class...off to my office...Is that understood?" Professor Snape hissed between his teeth. "Now, take your seats!" The four students silently took their seats. Harry uneasily sat next to Draco and wilted under Ron's glare with the silent threat in his eyes.
Best watch your back.
"Well Draco, what do you have to say for yourself?" Lucius asked sternly as regarded his son with a steely look. Narcissa placed her hands on her husband's shoulders while Molly was doing the same for Arthur. Both Patriarchs were biting at the bit. They loathed each other but here they were in the Potions Master's office. Ron was sitting next to his father while Draco was leaning against the wall near his.
"Father, I..."
"I understand there is a lot of hostility at midst here, but it is not an excuse to act like a common brute."
"Malfoy, watch what you say." Arthur warned. Lucius looked at him coolly with a raised eyebrow.
"You should keep your brood on a leash then Arthur." The Malfoy patriarch said icily. Harry and Hermione were shifting nervously. Hermione was conflicted. They were all her friends, Draco being the newest. But Harry looked distressed. He was pale, his hands were slightly trembling. He didn't need this...
"Mrs. Weasley, Mrs. Malfoy, I don't think Harry should be here." She said as she patted Harry's hand comfortingly. "He's going through a tough time with the Tournament..."
"Oh shut up Hermione," Ron snapped venomously, causing her to yelp. Professor McGonagall glared at Ron's use of language. So did the other adults.
"No, Ms. Granger has a fine point." Lucius said. "Harry, why don't you go with Narcissa and Molly? If your testimony is needed, we will send for you."
"Yes sir," Harry said politely, walking out with the two women. Lucius didn't resume speaking until they were out of earshot.
"Draco, your actions, although the intentions were noble, were not the best ones, for one of your caliber."
"As much as I hate to agree with Malfoy, he's right Ron." Arthur said to his son. "You boys have to remain away from each other."
"So what do you propose?"
"A repel spell?"
"Arthur, that might work..." Lucius said, truly impressed with the idea. "Let us try that." The men cast the spells on their sons and looked at them.
"You have a repel spell, but it also has a feature that will alert us if you two are like this again." Arthur said sternly.
"Fair warning Gentlemen," Lucius said icily. "You two are walking a very fine line. If you two end up brawling again..."
"There will be dire consequences..." The boys gulped. "Don't try crossing us. Although we loathe each other, we will make sure you two act as the Heirs you are."
"Yes Dad,"
"Yes Father,"
"All well and good but in addition," Professor McGonagall said. "You two will serve detention not only with me but with Professor Snape as well, indefinitely.You will also be restricted to your studies and your dormitories. And no Hogsmeade."
"Also, no Qudditch." Professor Snape said with a smirk. "In it's place, you will have library hour and History of Magic. If one more toe is stepped out of line you will be expelled. That will be all you are dismissed." The boys nodded and McGonagall escorted Hermione and Ron back to Gryffindor Tower. Professor Snape and Lucius looked at Draco sternly. Arthur sat back and rubbed his temples.
"Draco, you may go." Lucius said. "We need to speak to Harry alone."
"Yes Father," Draco said before turning on his heel and leaving for the Slytherin dorms. The men looked at each other before Severus poured out three glasses of Scotch and handed one to Lucius and another to Arthur.
"We best come up with a plan or this year will end in a bloodbath." The Potions Master said. Both Patriarchs nodded and as soon as they started drinking, the women burst in. The tree men jumped up and choked on their drinks.
"Arthur, your boy has cornered Harry! Molly is trying to break it up!" Narcissa seethed. The three wizards swore and ran with Narcissa falling quickly in step with them. They saw that Molly was begging her son to release the ravenette from his grip. He had Harry in a corner and they were having a wizard's duel! Harry was managing but Ron had a crazed look in his eyes.
"EXPELLIARMUS!" Both Lucius and Professor Snape yelled, disarming both boys. When Ron lunged at Harry, Narcissa and Molly lashed out with their wands, with Narcissa putting the Weasley Heir in a body bind and Molly knocking her son out to sleep.
"We best figure it out fast!" Molly said waspishly. Narcissa placed a careful hand onto Harry's shoulder.
"Come with me and Molly, Dear," She said calmly. "We will escort you to the Common Room. Gentlemen, your discussion with Harry will have to wait." With a tone that booked no discussion, the Matriarchs escorted a shaken and angered Harry while the men dealt with the bound redhead.