"I hate the new teacher." Draco plainly said.
"Why? I kind of like her." Goyle said.
"Why do I hate her? Why do you think? She claims she doesn't like qualities that you'll find in a Gryffindor, yet she hates us Slytherins. And the fact that she tried embarrassing me in front of the whole class. That's why I hate her." Draco scowled.
"What do you mean tried? She did embarrass you," Ron said, coming up behind them.
"Shut up Weasel," he spat at Ron.
"My name is Ron Weasley, not Weasel." Ron corrected him.
"Does it look like I care? But maybe you would care to know what happened with me and Ginny earlier," Draco said.
"You lay one hand on her and I'll kill you Malfoy." Ron's face was red with fury.
"We'll see just see about that," Draco smirked. Ron had left, so Draco turned back to Crabbe and Goyle. "So, Goyle, why is it that you like this teacher?"
"I dunno. Mostly that she hates snitches, show offs, copiers, braggarts, and absolutely hates Granger." Goyle replied.
"Yes, I suppose that is a good thing about her. I don't know what the outcome of her will be. She seems like a very big Gryffindor hater, a Slytherin hater, yet she's nowhere near being like a Hufflepuff, and she's not quite clever enough to be like a Ravenclaw. She's not what we need to be worrying about right now anyway," he thought aloud.
"What is?" Crabbe asked.
"What we're going to do to Potter," he replied.
At detention, Draco and Harry were in the trophy room, shining trophies. Ron and Crabbe were sorting out old detention slips in Filtch's office. And last but not least, Hermione and Goyle were at the Greenhouses sorting different fertilizers.
"This is all your fault you know." Draco coldly said to Harry.
"My fault, eh?" Harry replied.
"Yes, your fault. If you wouldn't have been playing with a stupid knife when you were little and made a lightning shaped cut on your forehead, then you wouldn't be getting all this nonsense attention," he said.
Harry looked at him, feeling very offended. "I didn't cut my head open. Do you think that I don't sometimes wish that I didn't have this stupid scar? Do you think I don't try to hide from all the fame that a little scar gives me?"
"I wouldn't know. I don't try to think like your sort." Draco scowled.
"Well I don't." Harry said. He paused for a moment, "Malfoy, just tell me one thing. Why? Why are you always treating me like the dirt beneath your feet just because I'm not exactly like you? Why do you sneer your nose at people like Hermione just because they aren't of pureblood like you? Huh?"
"Because I can. And if I can, then I will," he answered sounding snootier than ever. Draco started thinking about Taryn. "Harry, there's something I've got to tell you."
"What is it now?" Harry mumbled.
"It's about your family. Something that you didn't know about them. Something that could affect your life…Forever." Draco said. He looked over to see Harry staring, dumbfounded at him.
"What about my family? Is this another one of your silly jokes Malfoy?" Harry demanded.
"Never mind, you wouldn't even understand. My father told me he'd kill me anyway if I told anyone anything about this." Draco shrugged.
"I should have known. It's probably just a lie, something to get my hopes up. Well, it's not working." Harry said. They spent the rest of detention in silence.
Meanwhile, back in Filtch's office, Ron and Crabbe worked vigorously on sorting and filing papers. "Can't you get at least one thing right?" Ron asked, very frustrated with Crabbe.
"Well of coarse I can." Crabbe replied.
"No, no, no, and no again. How many times do I have to tell you? A comes before B. At the rate we're going, we'll be here all year!" Ron threw his hands in the air and said to himself, "Why? Why me?"
"You should be honored to even be in the presence of me. So what are you talking about, saying 'Why me?'" Crabbe sneered.
"Just forget it. File the papers, be quiet, and this will go a lot faster." Ron said. Crabbe ignored him and babbled on and on about his past during the rest of their detention.
At Hermione and Goyle's detention, they were getting along very well. "You don't seem to be as big, bad, and tough as you seem." Hermione flirted.
"Is that so?" Goyle smiled.
"Yes. It is," she replied.
"Well that shows how smart you really are. You think I'm not all that big, bad, and tough as I seem. But I am. You're probably thinking right now that I'm actually being nice to you." Goyle said. She nodded and he continued, "The only reason I'm not popping my knuckles in your face is because first, you haven't given me a reason to hit you, and second, I don't hit girls."
"Aww! I think that's so sweet!" Hermione shouted.
"Oh Please! Don't make me puke. It's not sweet, it's just the way I was brought up," he said.
The next day, Draco, Crabbe and Goyle were all huddled around the fire in the Slytherin Common Room. "So, what did you guys do to Granger and Weasley in detention?" Draco asked.
"Um, I kind of forgot about that." Goyle said, avoiding Draco's disappointed glare.
"Weasley had me working like a slave for him! I could barely remember my own name!" Crabbe answered, doing the same as Goyle.
"You bloody idiots! You were supposed to do something!" Draco shouted.
"Well what did you do to Potter?" Goyle asked.
Draco looked at him in disbelief, "Well nothing actually."
"You see? You didn't do anything, so why does it matter so much that we do something to Granger and Weasley?" Goyle once again asked.
"Look, just forget it. We have plenty of other chances to get them." Draco said. "We've got to get to Defense Against the Dark Arts anyway. We can't miss out on learning how to do the Demonic Curse on Potter."
"Yeah," Crabbe and Goyle said in unison.
They all walked to DADA class, coming in casually late. "Aha, so nice of you to join us Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Crabbe, and Mr. Goyle. If you'll please take your seats, I'll be glad to start my class." Professor Darnell said.
"Oh, we just couldn't miss your class Professor. We thought that the Demonic Curse would be just so fascinating to learn about." Draco said sarcastically.
"Well you better be glad that you've decided to join us, the Demonic Curse will be on your O.W.L.'s this year. And may I remind you, I don't put up with students who have a sharp tongue." Professor Darnell said. She looked nothing at all like a professor. She was young, beautiful, and she was actually a cool teacher. Everyone liked her, with the exception of a few. "Ok, students, as soon as Mr. Filtch arrives, we can begin with our class. For right now I'd like you to write me a summary of what I told you in class yesterday."
Instead of writing his summary, Draco got out a separate piece of parchment, and began writing a letter for Taryn. He wrote:
Taryn,
Right now I don't really know what to think of it. Every time I even look at Potter-er-Harry, I end up thinking about you. It's just too awkward knowing that he has a sister, and that he's fixing to become the uncle of my brother or sister. I'll have to think it over for a while before I can determine whether it a good idea to meet you or not. Just so you know, I don't hate you, it's my father I hate. Don't think of it as bad or anything, it's always been that way between me and him. He never did like me, and I always hated him. Please write back.
Draco Malfoy
Draco quickly folded the piece of parchment and put it away in his backpack. He then got out another parchment, and began writing his summary. 5 minutes later, Filtch walked in the classroom, looking grumpy as usual. "Doesn't look like he needs the Demonic Curse, it looks like he already has it," he mumbled to Goyle.
"Mr. Malfoy, I've told you once already to be quiet, if I have to tell you again, then I'll not only take 10 points away from Slytherin, but I will also give you a detention to work off with Hagrid in the forest." Professor Darnell said.
Draco shivered at the thought of having to go back into the forest again. *How does she even know about my detention in the forest?* he wondered. "Yes ma'am."
"Thank you." She said to him. "Now, class, the Demonic Curse is very powerful, and is not to be tried. If you do something wrong during the spell, it can back fire. Listen and watch closely." She paused for a moment and then turned toward Filch with her wand raised. "DOMINIOUS RETRIBULIAN!" All of the sudden sparks flew out of her wand, going straight for Filtch, hitting him like a fresh gust of wind. He began to stumble, and soon fell completely over. The class began to whisper amongst their groups. "No, class, I assure you, Mr. Filtch is quite alright, he should be coming to any second now." Any second was more like 3 minutes. Filtch sat up and opened his eyes, which instead of being a nasty brown color, they were a disgustingly bluish-green color. He started muttering nonsense words, most likely very old English Spells. Professor Darnell started talking again, "Class, this is just the beginning stage. If we were to let him progress, he would eventually take the shape of the spirit's old body. He would also be able to kill all of you with a single glance. Therefore, you all need to really pay attention now." She paused a second, and then took another deep breath. "Spirit, be gone from this poor man's body!" The spirit that inhabited Filtch's body looked at her and got up as if it were going to attack. "LEAVETH VARTRUE CORUDEMIOS!" she shouted. Filch's body fell on the floor, lying lifeless. "Once again I assure you he is alright. He is in a lot of pain, but he is alright. Miss Brown and Miss Granger, I'd like it if you two will kindly escort Mr. Filtch to the Hospital Wing."
"Certainly, Professor Darnell." Hermione jumped out of her seat.
"Class, for homework, I'd like you to write me two parchments on what you observed in class today and why it is important to learn about such dangerous curses. That will be all for tonight. You are all dismissed. Oh, and Mr. Malfoy would you please stay?" Professor Darnell said.
"Yes Professor." Draco rolled his eyes.
As soon as the class left, Professor Darnell began to eye Draco from head to toe. "Please sit Mr. Malfoy."
Draco sat down and began to glare at Professor Darnell. "Why are you holding me back, Professor?"
"I would like to have a little discussion with you. Besides the fact that you are constantly talking in my class, I have heard of your plans to do something to Mr. Potter. Perhaps something along the lines of what you saw in here today. Is this true?"
"No, Professor, it isn't." Draco lied.
"Humph, is that so? Well from what I hear, you have always hated him. Whenever you get the chance to insult him or bully him, you snatch it. You have been planning his death ever since you first came to Hogwarts and he chose to not befriend you. You loathe him because of his fame and attention, and you think that you should be the one with all the fame and power. You're a young, power hungry Malfoy. That sounds just like the Malfoys. Am I right?" she asked.
"No." Draco still lied, even though he knew all of it was true.
"Mr. Malfoy, why do you insist on lying to me? I know every little secret your little heart could possibly hold, every little fear you have, everything your cold heart desires. How do you think I know so much about you?" She asked him, but he wouldn't answer her. "I'm not just taking wild, off the wall guesses about you Mr. Malfoy."
"What did you hold me back for? All you've done is try to tell me what I am and you have not once yet told me what exactly it is that I've done wrong and what my punishment is for it. Professor, I've only got a minute or so left to get to Potions, so if you'll kindly tell me what I did wrong, tell me not to do it again, and then give me my punishment, then I'll be on my merry jolly way." He stated.
"Well, well, well. Another quality that shows you're a Malfoy. You're just like your father you know?" she began to smile. "You two even look the same."
"I'm nothing like my father." Draco sneered.
"Believe that if you must, but I assure you, that you two are in many ways alike. Mr. Malfoy, would you please tell me why you are planning all of your evil schemes against Mr. Potter?" she asked.
"No, I won't." He smarted off to her.
"Fine, have it your way. Just remember, I'll eventually find out. I'm watching you Mr. Malfoy. One wrong step out of line, and I could have you expelled." Professor Darnell said.
"And that'll be the day that my father has you fired." Draco said.
"I'm sure he will." She chuckled, "You should tell Miss Potter that you'll see her in Hogsmeade next week. Don't ask why, I just know these things. Tell her good luck with the baby."
Draco's mouth flew open in shock, "What are you talking about?"
"You know what I'm talking about, now here, take this and give it to Snape. If he has any complaints about you being late for class, tell him to come see me." She handed him the note, and he dashed down to the dungeons.
"Please take your seat Mr. Malfoy, you're late, you'll need to catch up with someone on what you've missed." Snape said as he entered the classroom.
"Yes sir." Draco said, sitting down beside Crabbe and Goyle.
Not a minute later, Hermione and Lavender walked into the classroom and handed a note from Madam Pomfrey. "That'll be 20 points from Gryffindor." He said as he read the note.
"But Professor, we had to take Filtch to the Hospital Wing, and we brought you a note." Hermione pleaded.
"Excuses, excuses. I've got no time for them Miss Granger, please take your seat before I decide to take 40 points from Gryffindor."
"But-"she started but was interrupted by Snape.
"Miss Granger! I've already warned you, talk back to me one more time and I'll take 50 points." Snape said.
Hermione took her seat as all of the Slytherins began to snicker.
"Why? I kind of like her." Goyle said.
"Why do I hate her? Why do you think? She claims she doesn't like qualities that you'll find in a Gryffindor, yet she hates us Slytherins. And the fact that she tried embarrassing me in front of the whole class. That's why I hate her." Draco scowled.
"What do you mean tried? She did embarrass you," Ron said, coming up behind them.
"Shut up Weasel," he spat at Ron.
"My name is Ron Weasley, not Weasel." Ron corrected him.
"Does it look like I care? But maybe you would care to know what happened with me and Ginny earlier," Draco said.
"You lay one hand on her and I'll kill you Malfoy." Ron's face was red with fury.
"We'll see just see about that," Draco smirked. Ron had left, so Draco turned back to Crabbe and Goyle. "So, Goyle, why is it that you like this teacher?"
"I dunno. Mostly that she hates snitches, show offs, copiers, braggarts, and absolutely hates Granger." Goyle replied.
"Yes, I suppose that is a good thing about her. I don't know what the outcome of her will be. She seems like a very big Gryffindor hater, a Slytherin hater, yet she's nowhere near being like a Hufflepuff, and she's not quite clever enough to be like a Ravenclaw. She's not what we need to be worrying about right now anyway," he thought aloud.
"What is?" Crabbe asked.
"What we're going to do to Potter," he replied.
At detention, Draco and Harry were in the trophy room, shining trophies. Ron and Crabbe were sorting out old detention slips in Filtch's office. And last but not least, Hermione and Goyle were at the Greenhouses sorting different fertilizers.
"This is all your fault you know." Draco coldly said to Harry.
"My fault, eh?" Harry replied.
"Yes, your fault. If you wouldn't have been playing with a stupid knife when you were little and made a lightning shaped cut on your forehead, then you wouldn't be getting all this nonsense attention," he said.
Harry looked at him, feeling very offended. "I didn't cut my head open. Do you think that I don't sometimes wish that I didn't have this stupid scar? Do you think I don't try to hide from all the fame that a little scar gives me?"
"I wouldn't know. I don't try to think like your sort." Draco scowled.
"Well I don't." Harry said. He paused for a moment, "Malfoy, just tell me one thing. Why? Why are you always treating me like the dirt beneath your feet just because I'm not exactly like you? Why do you sneer your nose at people like Hermione just because they aren't of pureblood like you? Huh?"
"Because I can. And if I can, then I will," he answered sounding snootier than ever. Draco started thinking about Taryn. "Harry, there's something I've got to tell you."
"What is it now?" Harry mumbled.
"It's about your family. Something that you didn't know about them. Something that could affect your life…Forever." Draco said. He looked over to see Harry staring, dumbfounded at him.
"What about my family? Is this another one of your silly jokes Malfoy?" Harry demanded.
"Never mind, you wouldn't even understand. My father told me he'd kill me anyway if I told anyone anything about this." Draco shrugged.
"I should have known. It's probably just a lie, something to get my hopes up. Well, it's not working." Harry said. They spent the rest of detention in silence.
Meanwhile, back in Filtch's office, Ron and Crabbe worked vigorously on sorting and filing papers. "Can't you get at least one thing right?" Ron asked, very frustrated with Crabbe.
"Well of coarse I can." Crabbe replied.
"No, no, no, and no again. How many times do I have to tell you? A comes before B. At the rate we're going, we'll be here all year!" Ron threw his hands in the air and said to himself, "Why? Why me?"
"You should be honored to even be in the presence of me. So what are you talking about, saying 'Why me?'" Crabbe sneered.
"Just forget it. File the papers, be quiet, and this will go a lot faster." Ron said. Crabbe ignored him and babbled on and on about his past during the rest of their detention.
At Hermione and Goyle's detention, they were getting along very well. "You don't seem to be as big, bad, and tough as you seem." Hermione flirted.
"Is that so?" Goyle smiled.
"Yes. It is," she replied.
"Well that shows how smart you really are. You think I'm not all that big, bad, and tough as I seem. But I am. You're probably thinking right now that I'm actually being nice to you." Goyle said. She nodded and he continued, "The only reason I'm not popping my knuckles in your face is because first, you haven't given me a reason to hit you, and second, I don't hit girls."
"Aww! I think that's so sweet!" Hermione shouted.
"Oh Please! Don't make me puke. It's not sweet, it's just the way I was brought up," he said.
The next day, Draco, Crabbe and Goyle were all huddled around the fire in the Slytherin Common Room. "So, what did you guys do to Granger and Weasley in detention?" Draco asked.
"Um, I kind of forgot about that." Goyle said, avoiding Draco's disappointed glare.
"Weasley had me working like a slave for him! I could barely remember my own name!" Crabbe answered, doing the same as Goyle.
"You bloody idiots! You were supposed to do something!" Draco shouted.
"Well what did you do to Potter?" Goyle asked.
Draco looked at him in disbelief, "Well nothing actually."
"You see? You didn't do anything, so why does it matter so much that we do something to Granger and Weasley?" Goyle once again asked.
"Look, just forget it. We have plenty of other chances to get them." Draco said. "We've got to get to Defense Against the Dark Arts anyway. We can't miss out on learning how to do the Demonic Curse on Potter."
"Yeah," Crabbe and Goyle said in unison.
They all walked to DADA class, coming in casually late. "Aha, so nice of you to join us Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Crabbe, and Mr. Goyle. If you'll please take your seats, I'll be glad to start my class." Professor Darnell said.
"Oh, we just couldn't miss your class Professor. We thought that the Demonic Curse would be just so fascinating to learn about." Draco said sarcastically.
"Well you better be glad that you've decided to join us, the Demonic Curse will be on your O.W.L.'s this year. And may I remind you, I don't put up with students who have a sharp tongue." Professor Darnell said. She looked nothing at all like a professor. She was young, beautiful, and she was actually a cool teacher. Everyone liked her, with the exception of a few. "Ok, students, as soon as Mr. Filtch arrives, we can begin with our class. For right now I'd like you to write me a summary of what I told you in class yesterday."
Instead of writing his summary, Draco got out a separate piece of parchment, and began writing a letter for Taryn. He wrote:
Taryn,
Right now I don't really know what to think of it. Every time I even look at Potter-er-Harry, I end up thinking about you. It's just too awkward knowing that he has a sister, and that he's fixing to become the uncle of my brother or sister. I'll have to think it over for a while before I can determine whether it a good idea to meet you or not. Just so you know, I don't hate you, it's my father I hate. Don't think of it as bad or anything, it's always been that way between me and him. He never did like me, and I always hated him. Please write back.
Draco Malfoy
Draco quickly folded the piece of parchment and put it away in his backpack. He then got out another parchment, and began writing his summary. 5 minutes later, Filtch walked in the classroom, looking grumpy as usual. "Doesn't look like he needs the Demonic Curse, it looks like he already has it," he mumbled to Goyle.
"Mr. Malfoy, I've told you once already to be quiet, if I have to tell you again, then I'll not only take 10 points away from Slytherin, but I will also give you a detention to work off with Hagrid in the forest." Professor Darnell said.
Draco shivered at the thought of having to go back into the forest again. *How does she even know about my detention in the forest?* he wondered. "Yes ma'am."
"Thank you." She said to him. "Now, class, the Demonic Curse is very powerful, and is not to be tried. If you do something wrong during the spell, it can back fire. Listen and watch closely." She paused for a moment and then turned toward Filch with her wand raised. "DOMINIOUS RETRIBULIAN!" All of the sudden sparks flew out of her wand, going straight for Filtch, hitting him like a fresh gust of wind. He began to stumble, and soon fell completely over. The class began to whisper amongst their groups. "No, class, I assure you, Mr. Filtch is quite alright, he should be coming to any second now." Any second was more like 3 minutes. Filtch sat up and opened his eyes, which instead of being a nasty brown color, they were a disgustingly bluish-green color. He started muttering nonsense words, most likely very old English Spells. Professor Darnell started talking again, "Class, this is just the beginning stage. If we were to let him progress, he would eventually take the shape of the spirit's old body. He would also be able to kill all of you with a single glance. Therefore, you all need to really pay attention now." She paused a second, and then took another deep breath. "Spirit, be gone from this poor man's body!" The spirit that inhabited Filtch's body looked at her and got up as if it were going to attack. "LEAVETH VARTRUE CORUDEMIOS!" she shouted. Filch's body fell on the floor, lying lifeless. "Once again I assure you he is alright. He is in a lot of pain, but he is alright. Miss Brown and Miss Granger, I'd like it if you two will kindly escort Mr. Filtch to the Hospital Wing."
"Certainly, Professor Darnell." Hermione jumped out of her seat.
"Class, for homework, I'd like you to write me two parchments on what you observed in class today and why it is important to learn about such dangerous curses. That will be all for tonight. You are all dismissed. Oh, and Mr. Malfoy would you please stay?" Professor Darnell said.
"Yes Professor." Draco rolled his eyes.
As soon as the class left, Professor Darnell began to eye Draco from head to toe. "Please sit Mr. Malfoy."
Draco sat down and began to glare at Professor Darnell. "Why are you holding me back, Professor?"
"I would like to have a little discussion with you. Besides the fact that you are constantly talking in my class, I have heard of your plans to do something to Mr. Potter. Perhaps something along the lines of what you saw in here today. Is this true?"
"No, Professor, it isn't." Draco lied.
"Humph, is that so? Well from what I hear, you have always hated him. Whenever you get the chance to insult him or bully him, you snatch it. You have been planning his death ever since you first came to Hogwarts and he chose to not befriend you. You loathe him because of his fame and attention, and you think that you should be the one with all the fame and power. You're a young, power hungry Malfoy. That sounds just like the Malfoys. Am I right?" she asked.
"No." Draco still lied, even though he knew all of it was true.
"Mr. Malfoy, why do you insist on lying to me? I know every little secret your little heart could possibly hold, every little fear you have, everything your cold heart desires. How do you think I know so much about you?" She asked him, but he wouldn't answer her. "I'm not just taking wild, off the wall guesses about you Mr. Malfoy."
"What did you hold me back for? All you've done is try to tell me what I am and you have not once yet told me what exactly it is that I've done wrong and what my punishment is for it. Professor, I've only got a minute or so left to get to Potions, so if you'll kindly tell me what I did wrong, tell me not to do it again, and then give me my punishment, then I'll be on my merry jolly way." He stated.
"Well, well, well. Another quality that shows you're a Malfoy. You're just like your father you know?" she began to smile. "You two even look the same."
"I'm nothing like my father." Draco sneered.
"Believe that if you must, but I assure you, that you two are in many ways alike. Mr. Malfoy, would you please tell me why you are planning all of your evil schemes against Mr. Potter?" she asked.
"No, I won't." He smarted off to her.
"Fine, have it your way. Just remember, I'll eventually find out. I'm watching you Mr. Malfoy. One wrong step out of line, and I could have you expelled." Professor Darnell said.
"And that'll be the day that my father has you fired." Draco said.
"I'm sure he will." She chuckled, "You should tell Miss Potter that you'll see her in Hogsmeade next week. Don't ask why, I just know these things. Tell her good luck with the baby."
Draco's mouth flew open in shock, "What are you talking about?"
"You know what I'm talking about, now here, take this and give it to Snape. If he has any complaints about you being late for class, tell him to come see me." She handed him the note, and he dashed down to the dungeons.
"Please take your seat Mr. Malfoy, you're late, you'll need to catch up with someone on what you've missed." Snape said as he entered the classroom.
"Yes sir." Draco said, sitting down beside Crabbe and Goyle.
Not a minute later, Hermione and Lavender walked into the classroom and handed a note from Madam Pomfrey. "That'll be 20 points from Gryffindor." He said as he read the note.
"But Professor, we had to take Filtch to the Hospital Wing, and we brought you a note." Hermione pleaded.
"Excuses, excuses. I've got no time for them Miss Granger, please take your seat before I decide to take 40 points from Gryffindor."
"But-"she started but was interrupted by Snape.
"Miss Granger! I've already warned you, talk back to me one more time and I'll take 50 points." Snape said.
Hermione took her seat as all of the Slytherins began to snicker.