The Gryffindors had their first lesson of the year with Slytherin on Wednesday, double Care of Magical Creatures. When they arrived at Hagrid's hut, the familiar half giant wasn't there to greet them, but instead, it was Professor Grumbly-Plank who had substituted for Hagrid before.

"Do you reckon he's still on his mission for the Order?" Ron said in a low voice.

"Shhh!" Hermione hissed, but luckily, nobody else was nearby to listen. Malfoy and his gang of Slytherins were stood in a little huddle away from them. Dudley glanced over, wondering if he should say something to Malfoy. He had saved his life, after all. He met the gaze of Tracey Davies who smiled broadly and came over to him along with Daphne.

"Hello, Dudley, how's it going?" she said.

Dudley looked surprised. The only words he had ever exchanged with Tracey Davies had been last year, when she announced she had formed a group called Slytherins Against Death Eaters. Sure enough, when he glanced down, both she and Daphne Greengrass were wearing SAD badges.

"Oh, erm, pretty good," he said, unsure of what to say.

"We've added another member to SAD," Tracey said. "Graham Pritchard, do you know him?"

"No," said Dudley.

"He's only a second year. His dad's in the Department for Magical Law Enforcement. Oh, and here ..." she rummaged in her robes. "I got you a chocolate frog. I heard they're your favorite."

"Thanks," said Dudley taking the treat. He was a little puzzled as to why Tracey was acting so friendly all of a sudden. He wondered if he should say something about Roger, but before he could do so, Grubbly-Plank spoke.

"Quiet down," Grubbly-Plank said. She was standing in front of a table which looked to be full of twigs.

"Bowtruckles," Tracey whispered.

Sure enough, they were Bowtruckles. He listened while Professor Grubbly-Plank explained about them. Or, at least, tried to. Tracey kept whispering comments as if trying to impress him by what she knew. Dudley felt quite relieved when Grubbly-Plank split them into pairs. He was paired with Dean. Tracey looked disappointed at that.

"What was all that about?" Dean whispered.

"Dunno, maybe she wants to be friends with us?" Dudley suggested. "I mean, the rest of the Slytherins can't be happy about SAD."

Hermione, who was working with Ron nearby, snorted. "She likes you, remember, Dud."

"Oh, yeah," said Dudley.

"So she's clearly hoping to get to know you more."

"But I'm with Luna," Dudley said. He glanced over at Tracey. She was staring at him. After they made eye contact, she smiled broadly and even waved.

Dudley quickly turned back to his Bowtruckle.

"I don't think that'll stop her, mate," said Ron as he started drawing his Bowtruckle. "She's a Slytherin, they'll do whatever it takes to get what they want."

"Yeah, well, I'm happy with Luna," said Dudley and looked over at Tracey again. As if sensing his glance, she looked up and smiled.

Dudley quickly looked down. He suddenly realised that if he kept looking at Tracey, she might get the wrong idea and think he liked her too. Sure, she was very good looking, but he liked being with Luna.

"Maybe you can take Tracey off my hands?" he suggested to Dean.

"She's good looking," he admitted. "But I'm going to ask Romilda out soon."

There was a clatter. Ron had dropped his bowtruckle on the floor. "Are you really? When?" he demanded, not noticing as Hermione scrambled around on the floor to retrieve the fleeing Bowtruckle.

"I dunno, I'm just waiting for the right moment. Well ... waiting to get to know her first. I'm no going to just walk up and ask her out straight away. Ginny suggested I sit near her studying ... offer to help and let things go from there. What do you think?"

"I dunno," said Ron. "I didn't do that with Cho. I just asked her."

"Yeah, but that was for a dance, it's different," pointed out Dean.

"That's what I kinda did with Luna," said Dudley. "But I didn't do it because I liked her. I did it because I liked her." he frowned, realising that didn't make sense. "You know, liked her liked her... oh, you know what I mean."

"Yeah," said Dean nodding. "So Ginny suggested I try that."

"She likes you though, mate," said Ron. "I bet she'll go out with you if you just ask her now."

"Ginny says that will make me seem too desperate," said Dean.

"How does Ginny know all of this?" Ron demanded.

"She's a girl," said Hermione, returning. "We know more about this than you ... especially you."

"Maybe I should ask her how I can put off Tracey," Dudley said, making the mistake of glancing at Tracey again. She saw him and smiled and, even worse, she and Daphne started giggling. That was never a good sign when girls giggled.

"Just be yourself," said Dean, innocently.

Dudley didn't noticed the dig and turned to Hermione. "I mean, you know, she is a Slytherin ... I don't want Tracey to try something," he said, thinking of love potions or some nefarious plot to break him and Luna up.

"I don't think you need to worry, she's a Slytherin, but she's not like those lot," Hermione said, nodding towards Malfoy and his gang.

"I still can't believe they helped us," Ron said, shaking his head. "I almost want him to call me a blood traitor and Dudley a mudblood again to get things back to normal."

After class, when they returning the Bowtruckles to the table, Dudley found himself standing face-to-face with Draco as they arrived at the same time.

Dudley stared at him for a few seconds. This sort of stuff had never come easy.

Malfoy stared back, his eyes narrowed in distaste. "What?" he snapped, sounding much more like the usual Malfoy.

For a brief moment, Dudley felt the urge to give him a clout. Malfoy may have helped him, but he knew he could never like the boy. He was too much of a git, as Ron would say.

"Thanks," said Dudley, quickly.

Malfoy looked shocked. "For what?"

"You know what," said Dudley. "The Patronus ... getting those Dementors away from me and Luna."

Malfoy was silent for a few seconds, his face expressionless. Finally, he declined his head an inch or so in acknowledgement and turned to walk back to Crabbe and Goyle.

Dudley stared at him for a second or so, wondering whether to say something else, shake his hand or thump him.

"Good lesson that," said Tracey, sparing him from making a decision. "Shall we head back to class? We've got potions next."

"Oh, no ... I ... I'm going to walk back with Dean and Ron," Dudley said, quickly. "And Hermione." Without glancing back, he hurried over to his friends, not noticing the look of irritation on Tracey's face.

Once more, they had Snape for potions and he hadn't changed over the Summer—not that Dudley had expected him to. He glided around the classroom, criticising all of the Gryffindors except for Hermione whose Draught of Peace was passable. He gave a small nod as he passed her cauldron, which was the most praise he ever gave to her.

He sneered at Dudley's own which was emitting clouds of thick, grey smoke, mocked Seamus, whose cauldron had gone out, and insulted Ron for being a moron (his potion had somehow disappeared completely).

"I expect much better before the end of year," Snape said. "Some of you ..." his gazed fixed on Dudley and then Ron, "Have a lot of work to do if you plan to scrape even an acceptable this year. Dursley, you will remain behind. The rest of you, go."

"What's Snape want with you?" Ron asked, as he packed his bag.

"Dunno," said Dudley. Surely his Draught of Peace hadn't been that bad had it?

"It'll be about your extra lessons," said Hermione. "Remember, what Dumbledore said."

"Oh, yeah," Dudley had forgot about that.

He remained seating while the rest of the class left, then. Snape guided his way.

"Colloportus," said Snape, locking the door.

Being in a locked classroom with Snape wasn't exactly somewhere Dudley ever wanted to be.

"Professor Dumbledore told you that you will be attending extra classes with me," said Snape.

"Yes, professor," said Dudley.

"Good," said Snape. "I'm sure I don't have to remind you that what I say stays between us ..."

"What about Dean, Ron and Hermione?" Dudley said.

"Don't interrupt me, Dursley," Snape said in a dangerous voice. "Professor Dumbledore said it would be acceptable for you to tell them," he said, stiffly. "However, for the first time in your life, Dursley, I urge you to listen to me. Be careful what you tell your friends. I will be telling you some of the Death Eaters greatest secrets. It wouldn't do for any of your friends to let slip what you know."

"They won't," said Dudley, firmly. "I trust them."

Snape stared at him for a long few seconds. Dudley got the feeling that Snape wanted to say something. Fianlly, he gave a small nod.

"On your head be it," he said. "Your first lesson will be next Monday after class. You will tell the other students you are studying remedial potions. Anyone who has see your work knows you need it."

"Remedial?" Dudley said, not sure what that meant.

"Extra study," said Snape, smirking slightly. "Now, go,"

Dudley didn't' hesitate. Snape silently lifted the charm on the door and Dudley left to head to the Great Hall.

The meal was in full swing when he arrived. He sat down next to Luna, who was waiting for him, and started shoveling slices of prok chop on his plate.

"Ron says you had to stay behind with Snape," Luna said, staring at him. "What did you do wrong?"

"Nothing," said Dudley, defensively. "I have extra lessons, remember."

"Oh, yes ... the ones ..." she trailed off, glanced around and lowered her voice to barely a whisper. "About him."

"Yeah," said Dudley.

"It will be fascinating," said Luna, still speaking in a low voice. "Nobody knows really what goes on within the Death Eater ranks ... well, except for Death Eaters. And Snape. And I suppose Dumbledore. But it will be interesting to learn their secrets. Daddy has many theories on how You-Know-Who survived," said Luna.

"Oh, like what?" Dudley asked, curiously.

"Well ... that might actually not be the original You-Know-Who, but it could be a clone. Daddy also says that maybe You-Know-Who can double himself, and it was his double who died at Godric's Hollow. Of course, some say ... and dad says this is ludicrous ... that You-Know-Who never died at all, and that he faked his death."

As Luna spoke, Dudley found his gaze drift over to the Slytherin table. Sure enough, Tracey was sat there with Daphne, Flora, Hestia and Astoria and kept shooting glances in his direction.

"Ginny says she likes you too," said Luna.

Dudley jumped, almost spilling his plate. "Who?"

"Tracey," said Luna. "She's nice. And pretty. I wouldn't blame you if you are interested."

"I'm not," said Dudley, firmly.

"Really?"

"Really," said Dudley. "I like you. It doesn't matter how pretty or nice Tracey is." He hesitated before leaning over to give Luna a kiss on the cheek.

He didn't noticed the flash of anger that appeared on Tracey's face as he did so.

Lockhart

Lockhart felt pleased as he looked at the Daily Prophet.

"Auror Kill Order Returns" was the headline with a picture of Lockhart looking his very best and very commanding. His new executive order allowing the Aurors to use deadly force if needs be had been signed off. Now, the Aurors wouldn't be handicapped with non-lethal spells. They could finally fight fire with fire and shoot to kill. He had already received seven owls this morning from members of the public who approved of his new order.

It had seemed to have gone down well with the Aurors too. At least from what he could tell, most seemed relieved that they would no longer be at a disadvantage when fighting. Though there were concerns from Shacklebolt that this may lead the Auror Division down a slippery path, even he had admitted that it would make things easier if they didn't' have to worry about capturing the Death Eaters alive. Though, Shacklebolt had insisted that the kill order apply to known Death Eaters only. Lockhart had agreed-he didn't want innocent to be killed. But if they were one of the wanted Death Eaters-the Lestranges, Dolohov, Rowle etc, or wearing Death Eater robes, then the kill order would apply and the Aurors could use any lethal force necessary.

It was a good victory, thought Lockhart, and had gone some way to restoring his reputation after Umbridge had used the law against him. Still, it wasn't enough. Soon, he would give Shacklebolt his new orders and outline the new mission to take the fight to Voldemort. But not yet, today he had an exclusive interview for Witch Weekly.

Lucius Malfoy

Lucius thought about what he had been asked to do. Bring his son, his dear Draco to the feet of the Dark Lord to face judgement. Could he really do it? If he didn't, then he, Narcissa and Draco would surely be murdered by Lord Voldemort once he took power. But if he obeyed, then his son would be at the mercy of Lord Voldemort. He would definitely be subjected to the crucio curse, Lucius realized, as punishment for fighting alongside mudbloods against the Dementors. Lord Voldemort had said Draco would be given a chance to prove himself, which seemed ominous. No doubt Lord Voldemort had something nasty in mind for Draco to do. He couldn't subject his son to that, could he? But if he didn't, then he was surely handing his entire family the death sentence by defying Lord Voldemort. There was nobody he could turn to either. He was completely on his own.

Rufus Scrimgeour

"That's Rabastan Lestrange," Rufus said, recognising the man immediately. He was naked, bound tightly to a chair with ropes that cut into his wrists and had a gag in his mouth. His eyes were wild and his skin was pale and clammy.

"He's a tough one," Augusta said, reluctantly. "He took a long time to crack."

"What are you doing?" Rufus said. "Augusta, you can't do this."

"We are at war, Rufus," said Augusta Longbottom. "This bastard destroyed my family. He knows You-Know-Who's location-or at least, how we can get to him. We're going to make him tell us everything he knows."

Rufus was starting to regret getting involved with Augusta Longbottom. Capturing Death Eaters and torturing them. This was insane. And yet, a small part of him felt glad that someone was doing what needed to be done. Rabastan Lestrange was trash-the lowest of the low.

"What's your plan, Augusta?" Rufus said, finally.

"I want to kill You-Know-Who," Augusta said, simply. "But I can't do it alone. That's why I got in touch with you, and that's why we're going to get others who might help."

"Like who?" Rufus Scrimgeour asked, his curiousity getting the better of him.

"I came to you because I need your tracking skills, Rufus. You were the best at it,"

"True," Rufus said, giving a nod. Tracking was something he specialised in.

"Good, then you are going to help me track down Igor Karkaroff before the Death Eaters get to him."

"Igor ... are you serious?"

"I am," said Augusta. "He was once a Death Eater. We need someone who can tell us how his mind works. Or, at least give us some help on how to get him or other Death Eaters."

Rufus Scrimgeour thought on what Augusta had said. He was out of action and was now very dissatisfied with the Ministry. Lockhart was too easily influenced by Umbridge. He also didn't trust Dumbledore. The man had too many secrets.

"Let's find him," he said, finally.

Tracey Davies

Try as she might, Tracey couldn't see what Dudley saw in Luna Lovegood. She was quite pretty and kind, but her eyes were weird and she made zero effort to make herself look good. Plus, she was just odd … walking around as if in a dream, staring at people without blinking and full of stupid theories and believing in ridiculous things. Dudley was handsome, strong and popular—he could have any girl in the school. He could have her, and yet for some reason he picked Luna Lovegood.

She sighed and hurled herself down on the bed. She thought Dudley had been starting to like her. She had caught him staring at her enough times during Care of Magical Creatures, but then, at dinner, he had had that Lovegood creature hanging off his arm again.

Professor Snape had told her to focus on one thing. At first, she had thought she would devote herself to being an Auror, but then, she had seen Dudley and her plan changed. She would devote herself to snagging him, by any means necessary.