So, I didn't intend to update this until 2022, but I had some free time. Consider this chapter a Christmas bonus. Have a good one and I'll see you soon.
Making Those Moves.
I daresay that sorting caused quite a few ripples. Exactly what those ripples would be long term, well we'll just have to wait and see. Right now, I indulged myself in another Hogwarts feast and admittedly, Hogwarts feasts are good. The house elves really outdo themselves everytime, bless them.
There had been some idle conversation going on, but given the fact that Sorting went a fairly long time, it would be prudent for me to sit back and just soak it all in. I took some time to appreciate how young and innocent and alive the students of Hogwarts were, and also remembered that if I allowed the timeline to go unaltered, at least half of these people would be dead or worse within the next seven years.
So, obviously I care little for preserving the integrity of the timeline. The sooner I can finish off Voldemort once and for all, the better we all will be. Although, I'm still unclear what eliminating all of the Horcruxes will do when Voldemort does not have a physical body.
Hopefully, death. Likely knowing my luck, another full scale destruction of the multiverse. Last time I had to piece the multiverse back together, it resembled a jigsaw puzzle with a few of the pieces missing.
"Now, a few words that we're all fed and watered."
Here it comes. I'm ready for this one.
"First years should note that the forest on the grounds is forbidden…"
Hence the name. Then again, for young children, forbidding something is practically an endorsement. And I'm just waiting for the big one right now.
"A few of our older students might do well to remember that as well."
Here Dumbledore turned to the Weasley twins, who flashed smiles. I can tell them apart. Granted, it was a bit easier to tell them apart when one was missing an ear and the other was dead.
Too soon?
"Mr. Filch has asked me to remind you that magic is forbidden in the corridors. And there is a list of objects pinned to his office door which are forbidden."
That's right Dumbledore. Give them ideas.
"Quidditch trials will be held at the end of the second week of the term. Anyone who is interested in playing for their house team should contact Madam Hooch."
Or you can just wait for some jackass to steal a Remembrall and catch said Remembrall on a fifty foot dive. That generally works. But only if you're Harry Potter.
"And finally, I must tell you this year, the third-floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to those who do not wish to die a very painful death."
"Wait, what?"
That's right, I'm going to make a scene.
"Professor Dumbledore, I've got a question!"
Dumbledore's twinkling gaze fell on me.
"Yes, Mr. Potter."
"Man, you're good, even Dumbledore's fooled," Eddie whispered in awe.
Marietta, Cho, and now Daphne all rolled their eyes simultaneously at Eddie's, well being Eddie.
"I was under the impression that Hogwarts was supposed to be completely and utterly safe, sir," I responded.
"Yes, Harry, Hogwarts is perfectly safe."
"Well, then why is there a corridor which we can die in?"
This got the Ravenclaws thinking. And then the Slytherins. And then the Hufflepuffs. And the Gryffindors, well I suppose some of them might get around to figuring it out eventually.
"Well, there's no need to worry, young Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said with a warm smile. "All you need to do is avoid the corridor and there should be no problem."
"I was given assurance that Hogwarts would be the safest place on Earth," I said. "Mr. Hagrid told me it was and now you're telling me you have a corridor where people can die if they go inside."
"Well, Mr. Potter, if you don't go near it, then there should be no danger at all."
"But, there must be a reason why you said we could die if we go near it, Professor."
Everyone had been muttering and some of the teachers looked a bit uncomfortable.
"Did anyone know about this?" I asked. "I mean, surely you informed the parents. And you mean to tell me everyone's parents would be okay with there being a dangerous corridor in a school.
"Mum wouldn't be," Percy commented from the Gryffindor table.
Fred and George nodded, in a rare moment of agreement of their pompous young brother.
"Auntie Amelia would throw a fit," Susan said.
"My Mum wouldn't like it either," Marietta said.
"Or mine," Cho said.
"Neither would my parents," Daphne said.
There was a lot of mutterings from everyone about how their parents or guardians would not approve of this. And obviously, I put Dumbledore on the hot seat.
"Granted, my aunt would be okay with it, if I died in your death corridor."
"Mr. Potter, you really shouldn't say things like that!" Dumbledore exclaimed.
Oh, that got people talking, and I just hid my smile in the shadows, knowing. All it takes is one spark to start a revolution. No one questioned Dumbledore's blase statement of there being a death corridor.
"Well, I don't say things that aren't true, Professor," I said.
I had really got everyone talking, and that was good. Dumbledore could not silence me now, because everyone was now thinking about the so-called safety of Hogwarts.
If you tear out a man's tongue, you are not proving him a liar. You're only telling the world that you fear what he might say.
"I mean, I come into this world, with everyone knowing more about my circumstances than I do. And then I find out how my parents died, about Voldemort, about everything. There is all of this Harry Potter merchandise. Books, posters, clothing. Although there's a distinct lack of Harry Potter ice cream bars. But, I wanted to learn about magic, and now you're telling us that we must be in danger."
"That's not right," Daphne said.
"Yeah, they really should have told our parents," Tracey said.
"Well, yes, but I was talking about the lack of Harry Potter ice cream bars," Daphne said.
I had to keep my look of indignation focused on Dumbledore. Although I did appreciate Daphne keeping her priorities in line.
"I appreciate your concern, Mr. Potter," Dumbledore said. "And I understand some of you may have concerns about this danger in Hogwarts. And I can assure you, if you have any concerns, your Heads of House will be happy to alleviate them."
Flitwick, Snape, McGonagall, and Sprout all shot the nastiest looks possible at Dumbledore, when he dropped this problem on their collective laps.
"Well, enjoy your term and I bid you a good night. Prefects, if you would."
Well, Dumbledore had to slip away to do some heavy damage control. And I can just imagine the logjam at the Owlery come morning.
No school song. I accept full blame/credit for that one, depending on your view on that tune.
The fifth year Ravenclaw prefects had the honor of leading a rather frazzled group of first-years towards the dormitory. And the two prefects looked very frazzled themselves.
Penelope Clearwater was the girl chosen for the duty of Ravenclaw prefect. Penny's dark hair was slightly curly, with enchanting blue eyes. She had a rather curvy figure, buxom, with nicely shapely hips. And a kind, but beautiful face, which looked a bit agitated for a second, although she tried to do her job to the best of her abilities.
Yes, she's an attractive fifteen, nearly sixteen year old girl. There are some very attractive girls in the upper years which will make the next few years until my body matures kind of difficult. Along with a couple of teachers. Sinistra and Vector are smokeshows.
Patience, young Potter. We'll get there eventually.
There's also a male prefect. Because, equality. Kind of short, kind of stocky, glasses, reddish-brown hair.
"First years, welcome," Penelope said. "I'm Penelope Clearwater, fifth year, and it's an honor to help you journey through knowledge."
"And I'm Cyrus Phillips," the male prefect said. "Welcome to Ravenclaw. Wit beyond measure is our greatest treasure."
"And in the nature of Lady Rowena's tradition, the entrance to the Ravenclaw dorm room is a test of your knowledge," Penelope said. "Namely, you will have to answer a riddle to enter."
"And if you get it wrong, then you will have to wait for someone to answer correctly," Cyrus added.
The raven knocker came to life.
"What is the sound of one hand clapping?"
"What's the other hand doing?" I asked.
Cyrus chuckled, and Penny just shook her head with a slight smile.
"An interesting perspective," the knocker said with a chuckle. "You may all enter."
Myself and my fellow first years entered the common room. It looked rather cozy, although it had been lined with several bookshelves.
"Behind this shelf right here, is a shortcut which takes you straight to just oustside of the Hogwarts library," Penny explained. "Although, books are merely just a foundation for knowledge. They are merely the beginning. Knowledge always evolves. You will not find the answer to every problem in a book."
Everyone nodded.
"We hold study groups with each of the core subjects every night," Penny explained. "One of the groups I highly recommend is History of Magic, due to the fact that many students find Professor Binns a challenge to engage with."
That's a nice way of putting Binns is boring as fuck.
"And given that the education of Defense Against the Dark Arts is fractured due to the challenging of teachers," Cyrus said. "We've had a different one for the past five years."
"They changed every year when Mum went to Hogwarts as well," Daphne said.
"Yeah, they say there's a curse on the position," Morag said.
"Well, that's superstition," Cyrus said.
"But, no teacher has lasted for more than a year for decades," Penny said. "And this year, our old Muggle studies teacher Professor Quirrell is teaching us this year."
"I met him when I went shopping for my school supplies," I said.
"I saw him too, at Gringotts," Tracey said. "He's a wreck. Stuttering all over the place."
"He never did that before," Penny murmured. "I guess he picked up the stutter when dealing with vampires in Albania.
Vampires, disembodied Dark Lords, same thing really.
"Ravenclaw is all about knowledge," Cyrus said.
"And you can learn something about your fellow year mates," Penny said. "Why don't we share something about each other? If you want to, that is. I'll go first."
Penny cleared her throat.
"My favorite subjects in school are Charms, Arithmancy, and Herbology," Penny said. "I'm a first-generation magical user. My mother is a child psychiatrist. I lost my Dad at nine due to cancer. But, I know he's in a better place now, and not suffering. And I know that he would be proud of me. I want to be a magical historian when I finish Hogwarts."
Penny turned to her counterpart.
"My Dad works at the Ministry for the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad, Mum is an accountant, I'm a half blood," Cyrus said. "I love Charms, and also Care of Magical Creatures, and Study of Ancient Runes. I would like Potions, but I don't like the teacher.
Join the club, Cyrus, join the club.
"I wanted to be a Potions master until Snape ruined things," Cyrus said a little bitterly.
Penny looked like she was trying hard to stay polite about Snape, as to not influence the first years. Although she seemed to have a bit of a sour taste on her face when the man was mentioned. Again, join the show.
"Well, it's your turn," Penny said. "Ladies first."
"Given there's only one gentleman here," Tracey said.
"Has that ever happened before?" Padma wondered. "Only one boy or girl being sorted into a house for the year."
"I'm not sure," Penny said with a shrug. "I mean, it could have happened."
"It's odd that there were no girls sorted in Slytherin," Cyrus added.
Oh, I did do that, didn't I? Ooops.
"I'll ask around and get back to you later," Penny said. "The ghosts might know something."
Right, time to share.
"My name is Mandy, Mandy Brocklehurst. My parents are both attorneys. I like collecting Chocolate frog cards. Both my parents are first generational magic users. Not sure if that matters…"
"Trust me, it matters to all the wrong people," Daphne said darkly.
"Tracey Davis. My Dad's a firefighter. My Mum has a small shop in Knockturn Alley. And not all of the shops there are dark, it's just that the rent in Diagon Alley is too high, that some people have to go to Knockturn."
"We don't judge here," Penny said reassuringly.
"My name is Daphne Greengrass," the ice cream queen said. "My mum is the heiress to Frostytreats. It makes ice cream and other frozen magical treats. And my Dad is the owner of Greengrass Dispencery. He grows special herbs, although my sister and I aren't allowed to go into that greenhouse. Oh, and I have a sister named Astoria. I tried to owl her to Tibet one time, but my parents caught me."
I chuckled.
"I'm Su Li," the shy girl stated. "Dad and Mum have an antique shop. And I like ponies."
Simple and to the point. I like it.
"My name is Morag," she said. "I'm hoping to avoid the family curse of turning into a banshee on my eighteenth birthday. I like opera music."
"Wait, your Mum's side or your Dad's side?" I asked her.
"Mum, it only affects the women in the family," Morag said.
"So, did your Dad and your Mum…."
"Hey, we can't help who we fall in love with," Morag said. "He died with a smile on his face."
Penny cleared her throat. Moving swiftly along.
"Um, Padma Patil," the Indian witch said, a bit shaken about Morag's casual statement about how her father died. "My Dad's a Diplomat from India and my Mum's a potioneer. I have a twin sister named Parvati, she's in Gryffindor. I hope to get a Potions mastery when I grow up, and one in Charms."
"Good luck, Padma," Cyrus said, trying to keep his expression neutral.
How many dreams did Snape kill anyway, I wonder?
"Sophie Roper. I live with my Dad. I like hunting, fishing, archery, and biking, and also Dungeons and Dragons."
Oh, there's one more girl.
"Lisa Turpin. Dad's a cop. Mum's a cup. My uncle is a cop. I want to be an Auror when I grow up. That's kind of like a magical cop, right?"
"Well, yes," Penny said. "Although, you need top marks in it, in Charms, Defense, Herbology, Transfiguration, and Potions…yes, Potions. It's not an easy job. Although, there was a Hufflepuff who managed to get on who finished last year."
Ah, dear Nymphadora. She managed to get into Snape's class, somehow. I'm sure her presence tormented the greasy bat.
"I guess it's my turn," I said.
"Harry, you know you don't have to share, if you don't want to, right?" Penny asked.
"I want to," I said firmly. "Hello, everyone, my name is Harry Potter. A few of you might have heard of me."
A few giggles from my classmates despite the situation. Penny's apprehension could be seen from a mile away. Perhaps she picked up some things from her mother and noticed some red flags regarding me.
"I defeated a Dark Lord when I was one, or so I've read," I stated. "I was sent to live with my Aunt and Uncle, who hate magic. And I lived in a cupboard underneath the stairs."
"You lived in a cupboard underneath the stairs?" Su asked, the normally quiet girl's voice getting louder.
"That's…not normal in the Muggle world, is it?" Padma asked.
"No, it isn't!" Lisa snapped.
"It's fine, I'm out of there now," I said. "I've moved into my cousin's second bedroom, when my Hogwarts letter came."
"Your cousin had a second bedroom this entire time?" Daphne asked.
Everyone looked a bit shaken up. Cyrus looked ill and Penny shifted, looking rather guilty. And fuck, now I feel bad, because Penny's a nice person, trying to do the best she can, and now I made her feel bad. I only want people who deserve it to feel bad.
"Harry, I'm really sorry," Penny said. "What you've gone through is wrong!"
"Well, I'm sure Dumbledore knew best, he put me there," I replied. "Although, I'm really questioning that after tonight."
"Not the only one," a disgusted Daphne stated.
"Are you going to be okay?" Penny asked. "I'm really sorry if you feel pressured…"
"Penelope, it's fine," I told her. "Don't make a deal out of it."
"Oh, it's a deal, it's a big deal," Daphne said.
"It's getting late," I told them. "Maybe I should head off to bed."
"But, you're going to be all alone," Padma protested.
"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine."
"Damn," Cyrus said, who struggled to keep it together. "Right, first year boys' dormitory is through there, but if you need anything, don't be afraid to shout."
I walked off, heading to bed with only the most casual nod. I did here Sophie mutter something.
"Is this how we treat our heroes in this world?"
I had a couple of thoughts before going to bed. I wonder if the Philospher Stone that Dumbledore hid in the mirror was the actual deal. That makes matters worse if it was a glorified fake.
Although, Flamel might have also fooled Dumbledore. After all, would you risk your life's work as bait for a nutcase?
Also, I realize that if Ravenclaw maintains equality, they're going to have no choice, but to make me a prefect in my fifth year. Providing the school's still standing by that point.
I put even odds on that happening.
I woke up early in the morning. Only to notice that there was something, or rather someone sleeping curled up in a sleeping bag on the floor by the foot of my bed.
Su Li, who shivered a little bit. I levitated a blanket and laid it on top of her, making sure she was as snug as possible.
"You're up early," Su murmured in her sleep.
"I am," I said. "And you shouldn't be sleeping on the floor, when you have a nice warm dormitory to sleep in."
Su got herself up and averted her eyes, so I could get changed. She walked down the steps, where Padma and Daphne had been waiting for her.
"Su, it's time already?" Padma asked.
"No, he's up," Su said.
"Early, isn't it?" Daphne asked.
"I have a couple of things to do before Breakfast," I told them. "Have you been taking turns sleeping at the foot of my bed?"
"Well, we're worried," Padma said.
"You shouldn't be, I'll be fine," I told them.
I was flattered, really I am.
"I have bad dreams about that night, and I don't want any of you to get hurt if I have an attack," Harry said.
"Wait, the night your parents died?" Padma asked.
"Yes, that," I said. "I didn't know what it meant until Mr. Hagrid told me about it and everything else. Although, I do wonder if he told me everything."
Tracey returned from upstairs, along with Lisa and Sophie, and the others would be there behind him.
"You should be sleeping in your beds," I told them. "Don't worry about me…"
"You'll be fine," Daphne said with a sigh.
I slipped out of the Ravenclaw common room before they left. I swear, I'm not even trying and they're flocking to me.
Much too young though. I do appreciate their concern, although I admit my performance was a bit too good. It tugged on a lot of heartstrings.
I made my way to the owlery to send a couple of things off. One of them was a formal request about obtaining a copy of the trial transcripts of Sirius Black. Obviously, that would set off another powderkeg, due to the fact that they were nonexistant due to Sirius never having a trial.
The only problem is that I had to have my guardian co-sign my request due being legally underaged. Such a bother. Fortunately, Kreacher was able to obtain Petunia's signature rather quickly, under the threat that he would be sticking around if she refused. She signed rather quickly.
Also, I sent a letter to Lupin. I realize that it's kind of a longshot that he might respond, due to him currently wallowing in his own self-pity and guilt presently. Still, I had to try. I laid on the guilt trip a bit thick.
I needed one more thing to really get the ball rolling to freeing Sirius and obtaining his freedom. Although I had to be rather careful. If I made one wrong move, Sirius would end up dead in his cell faster than you can say "Jeffery Epstein."
"Hey, Penny," I said to the prefect.
"Oh, Harry, good morning," she said. "How are you this morning?"
"Fine," I told her.
"Sorry about last night," Penny said.
"That's not your fault."
"I'm supposed to make first years feel welcomed," Penny told me. "And I made you feel like you had to share about your life to fit in. I thought about turning my badge this morning."
"Don't do that," I told her. "We need someone like you to be a prefect. You're awesome, Penny. You care more about the students, than any power trip."
"Really?" Penny asked.
"Yes, really."
I gently kissed Penny on the cheek in reassurance. She had been astonished, and surprised, and smiled warmly.
"You're a sweetheart, Harry," she told me. "And you really shouldn't be…you're strong, and you really shouldn't have to be. As young as you are."
"But, I am," I told her.
"And you should have questioned what Dumbledore said last night," Penny said. "More of us should have."
"Yes, we should," I said. "I'm sorry to hear about your Dad."
"He's watching with your parents," Penny said. "Watching and smiling with the angels."
I cannot say anything snarky. My crusty Grinch heart might have grown three sizes.
As I predicted, there was a stampede of students coming to send owls. A few about the sorting, but many over the death corridor. And maybe a few over my casual admission that my aunt would like me to get killed by the third floor death corridor.
I returned to join the rest of the Ravenclaws for breakfast. The rest of my year mates, along with the group of the year above were close by as schedules were passed out.
"Potions first thing," I said.
"Ooh, that sucks," Marietta said.
"Snape first thing in the morning," Cho said with a shudder.
"That bad?" I asked, playing up the innocent first year role.
"He's really rotten," Marietta said. "How are you doing this morning?"
"Why does everyone keep asking me that?" I asked.
"Well," Marietta said. "You casually admitted to the Great Hall last night that your aunt would like to see you die in the death corridor."
"Right, that," I said. "My aunt and uncle don't like magic."
"Mmm," Marietta said disapprovingly.
"So, they're like the Muggle equivalent of all of those blood purist families," Roger said.
"Yes."
Marietta gnashed her teeth, and obviously she figured there was more to the story than I was willing to divulge. Cho had a more tranquil response, although her eyes narrowed. Padma, Daphne, and Su all looked at me, but I found the bacon really interesting.
"Potter. A Malfoy is good as their word."
Draco showed up, with a bag full of galleons and placed it on the table. All one hundred and fifty galleons were there.
"Thank you, my favorite Hufflepuff!" I called to Malfoy's retreating back.
I patted myself on the back.
"Don't worry, there's no knife back there," Marietta said.
"Potions might be interesting," I said.
After all of the heartwarming sentimental stuff involving my fellow Ravenclaws being concerned by my well being, I was very looking forward to tormenting someone who I felt honestly deserved to be tormented.
History of Magic later. Perfect time to take care of some business, regarding a certain Chamber and a couple of Horcruxes.
"Weasley, I don't know how you were sorted into Slytherin. But, you will not disgrace this house and it's noble history. And that wand of yours, is a disgrace and also a danger to my students!"
First day. I would say that Ron got on Snape's bad side, but that would imply he had a good side.
"I didn't want to be in Slytherin!" Ron whined.
"Detention for your disrespect, Weasley," Snape said. "Look at this pathetic disgrace of a wand. Unicorn hair is poking out everywhere, it's slightly fractured. What is your problem?"
"It was my brother, Charlie's, his old wand," Ron said.
"Yes, which means it's not only in disrapir, but also not suited for you," Snape said. "Your mother let you go to school with a wand in this state?"
"Well, we don't have much money…"
"And yet, your brother has a new owl, and new robes, which I saw him strutting around with an overinflated opinion of his own self worth," Snape said. "And your parents could not bother to get you a new wand. Well, I will be writing to your mother about my displeasure."
Snape, don't make me agree with you. I'll hate you even more. The truth was, letting Ron go to school with a wand that was not suited for him was purely negligent on Molly's part. And also did wonders in destroying Ron's fragile self esteem even further. It reinforced his opinion that he was considered second-rate to his brothers. Especially since Percy was rewarded while Ron got everything second hand.
"And for every day you don't get a new wand, you will get another day of detention," Snape said.
"How is that my fault?" Ron asked. "My parents can't afford…"
"Then you better find an alternate way to acquire seven galleons, if you don't want to spend your entire life in detention," Snape coldly told him. "And don't think I haven't noticed that filthy rat that you acquired from your pompous brother. Professor McGonagall might bend the rules, but I don't. The rules state clearly that students are allowed only an owl or a cat or a toad, but not all three. And we can all thank Black for that rule."
"Sirius Black?" Ron asked.
"No, Bellatrix," Snape said before changing the subject. "The point is, the rat will be gone by tonight. Or I will take the rat and harvest him for Potions ingredients."
Ron's eyes widened, and I realized I had to get that bloody rat sooner rather than later. Somehow, I thought that the knowledge that Scabbers was really one of Snape's old enemies in disguise would not discourage him from harvesting the rat for potions ingredients. It would only encourage him.
"But, you can't…"
"Weasley, get rid of the rat, and get a wand that's not a disgrace," Snape whispered in his most deadly voice. "I'll see you in detention."
Snape seemed to be in a worse mood than before. Maybe it was the fact he had a Weasley in his house. Maybe it was the Slytherin students who came to him with concerns about Dumbledore's death corridor.
"Hey."
Ron turned around and widened his eyes.
"Blimey, you're Harry Potter," Ron said.
"Yes, yes, I am," I told him. "And I'm interested in purchasing a rat."
"Well, I have a rat," Ron said.
The pathetic excuse for a rat looked rather worn down.
"But, he's not worth much," Ron said.
"How does Seven Galleons sound?"
"Well, I don't know," Ron said. "But, I could use seven galleons, because I need an actual wand and not Charlie's old wand."
"Fine, you drive a hard bargain," I said. "Ten Galleons?"
"Ten!" Ron shouted. "That's…"
"Fifty?" I asked.
"Oh, Harry, I don't know about this..you don't mind if I call you Harry, do you? There are story books about you and comic books and…"
"Yet, there are no ice cream bars," I said.
"Yeah, that's weird," Ron admitted.
"You are a shrewd negotiator, Weasley,' I said. "One hundred galleons."
Ron's voice went high.
"A hundred galleons?"
"You're right," I said. "One hundred and fifty galleons! And that's my final offer. All of the gold from the bet that Malfoy lost to me."
"Wait, Malfoy lost a Bragge bet to you?" Ron asked.
"I bet him a hundred and fifty galleons he would go into Hufflepuff."
Ron laughed. I looked reproachful at him.
"Sorry, but the look on his face was funny," Ron said.
"Look, do you want the gold or not?" I asked him.
"Um, are you sure, mate?" Ron asked. "I mean, Scabbers isn't much. He might be dead and we would never know it."
"I'm offering you a hundred and fifty galleons," I told Ron. "Take it or leave it."
"Well, okay, if you say so," Ron said. "I'm not sure Percy is going to be happy that I sold his old rat for one hundred and fifty galleons."
"Oh, I'm sure he'll understand," I said.
I never really got why prim and proper Percy Weasley had a pet rat. One of life's greatest mysteries.
"Here you go," Ron said. "Bye, Scabbers. Harry will take really good care of you."
"Yes, I will," I said. "I will hug him, and kiss him, and pet him, and name him George."
"Why would you name him after my brother?" a confused Ron asked.
Never mind. I gave Ron the bag of money that Malfoy gave me this morning. Ron took it with a trembling hand. Blaise Zabini stared at me. He had been watching this transaction.
"You paid one hundred and fifty galleons for that pathetic vermin?" Zabini asked. "Are you insane?"
Well, I don't feel comfortable about answering that question. Zabini turned to Ron, as if he was looking at the second youngest Weasley in a new light. Ron kept looking at me, before shrugging and walking off.
"Kreacher, the coast is clear."
Kreacher appeared next to me, with a magically crafted cage to secure Pettigrew until the moment was right.
"Ah, you got the filthy rodent," Kreacher said. "Kreacher will ensure he is safely secured until you are done with your class with the greaseball professor."
A squeak of terror came from Wormtail when he was put in the cage.
"And I shall take care of Regulus's locket this afternoon," I told Kreacher. "As promised."
Kreacher bowed and disappeared with Wormtail safely in his cage. I turned to head to Potions class, for a double period with the Hufflepuffs. Time to get reacquainted with an old fiend.
To Be Continued.