Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of his friends, Ms. Rowling
does.
Author's Note 1: This is my first fic. Please let me know of your opinion and I shall try and improve. I did borrow some original ideas from several great writers around this archive, only to improve upon them. I do not mean any disrespect to them. Thanks.
Chapter 6: Midnight Encounters
Harry whirred back. Hermione is standing at the door. Confused, Harry pulled the curtains only to find Crookshanks coming from under the covers.
Harry sighed a huge relief. 'I LIVE!' he yelled mentally.
"What are you doing here? Who are you talking to?" asked Hermione surprised.
"I...I was just trying to remind you about dinner. I thought you were on your bed." Stuttered Harry.
"Oh!" mused Hermione. She was sure he wasn't telling the truth.
She however did not want to press any further.
"Let's go then", she led him down to the great hall.
Harry walked behind her quickly and found Ron and the table waiting for them. One quick glance explained everything to Ron. He sighed, shaking his head. He had some other thoughts bothering him.
"Hey Harry! Did you notice Malfoy receiving mail in the morning from a bird that doesn't belong to the school?" asked Ron in a very hushed voice.
Harry shook his head.
"Anyway, I heard him telling his goons to not wait for him after dinner as he needs to meet someone!" whispered Ron so that only Harry and Hermione can hear.
"Really! He might be meeting someone, maybe a Voldermort's goon. We should stop him if he compromises the school security Ron!" said Harry eagerly.
Hermione looked at them worriedly, but didn't say anything.
Both thought for a while and slowly ate their dinner. As Ron was eating he felt someone watching him and looking up to find Lavender Brown stealing glances at him.
Ron smiled back and started eating again. He again looked back and found her talking animatedly with Parvati.
'She sure is beautiful..wait Gorgeous..that blonde hair....blue eyes and She herself is...what the crap is wrong with me? Am I also in love?...ahhhh' Ron shook his head out of frustration.
"Are you Ok Ron?" asked Harry and Hermione in unison.
Ron quickly nodded his head and concentrated on his dinner. Then he looked at Hermione. She is nibbling her food, with a close watch on Harry. Harry is also trying to eat his food while his eyes were drifting towards Hermione.
'Prats! Why don't they just realize?' pondered Ron.
They didn't talk much during the dinner. All three stood up and walked towards the entrance of the Great hall and coincidentally Malfoy reached them at the same time. Suddenly an idea flashed in Ron's mind. He purposefully tripped and fell on Malfoy, almost knocking him onto the door.
"Uh!.Sorry..didn't see that coming" apologized Ron.
"Watch where you are walking Weasley. You might rub on someone...." drawled Malfoy with a less than normal tone. Soon the trio walked towards Gryffindor common room.
Once settled in the most reclusive corner of the room, Hermione started to lecture.
"What's up with you Ron? You tripped intentionally, didn't you?" asked a suspicious Hermione.
"Ta! da!" Ron flashed Malfoy's letter from earlier to Harry.
"You got it? Great nick Ron" shouted an elated Harry.
"What's going on Harry? Ron! Are you nuts nicking Malfoy's letter? Somebody tell me what's going on?" demanded Hermione.
"Calm down Hermione! We observed Malfoy getting mail from birds that do not belong to the school and we presume that he is planning to be or meeting a death eater. We just wanted to find out for real and Ron came up with this wonderful job" complimented Harry making Ron bow a little, smiling smug.
Mr. Malfoy!
Meet me near Herbology class after 11:00pm. I have an important message for you. Fail and the consequences will be dangerous.
F.D.E
"What does F.D.E means anyway" asked Ron thinking hard.
"Maybe, Fellow Death Eater?" wondered Harry.
"That's right Harry! It fits. We have to find out why they are meeting!" said Ron.
"I am not sure that is a good idea. You are not going to follow him are you?" asked a hesitating Hermione.
Both Harry and Ron smiled wide confirming her fears.
"Oh! Harry...Ron! Please don't do such stupid things. You can be in great danger as well as put our house in danger, incase anyone sees you" begged Hermione.
"Hermione! That's what Invisibility cloak and Marauder's map are for" crossed Ron earning a glare from Hermione.
They acted as if they are studying till every one went to bed. Once the common room is devoid if everyone but them, Hermione started again.
"Harry! You are not going and that is final." Decided Hermione.
"What...who are you to decide for Harry? He can think for himself. Besides, you need not accompany us....Harry! Why don't you say something?" shouted Ron who was very upset over Hermione's bossiness.
"Um.Hermione! Don't be mad. Ron is right. We have to find out Malfoy's motives. You know we will be perfectly safe with the map and cloak. I promise to be back before it is late....Ok?" Harry pleaded Hermione for permission.
'Oh Dear! They are behaving like a couple.' Smirked Ron. Before Hermione could talk against Harry's pleading Ron jumped in.
"Hey! Why do you plead her? She is not your wife..." winced Ron as both Harry and Hermione threw a death glare and Ron.
"Err..sorry! Let's go Harry" trying to change the topic. Hermione who is totally red with Ron's words couldn't say anything.
"Please....be careful....Harry" stammered "and you too Ron" added as an afterthought.
They nodded and stepped out of the common room quietly. They walked slowly in the cloak not wanting to trip on the cloak. However, the cloak covered them completely. They waited patiently near the Herbology classroom for 15 minutes.
"Do you think he would come here?" whispered Ron.
"Silence Ron. It was written in the letter. Wasn't it?" Harry whispering back.
Ron silently nodded, but had his doubts. They were wiped away as the sound of someone walking near by alerted both of them.
From the shadows Malfoy walked in. Both were surprised to see Malfoy being a little afraid and hesitant as he approached a death eater coming in from the other side.
"How did you get here? There are supposed to be wards around this place", questioned Malfoy with a low voice.
"I apparated into Hogsmeade Mr. Malfoy and walked from there. Anyway, down to business. I have orders to tell you that you have been selected to be a death eater and serve our lord.....", he however was cut off by an angry Malfoy.
"OUR! Be careful what you speak of. I don't serve any lord. I don't intent to become a death eater. Go tell my father that. I want to live the way I want." Malfoy putting a defiant face.
"If so, remember that you will feel the wrath of Dark Lord. He will conquer Hogwarts and soon the world. You don't want to be on his wrong side by being friends with those pathetic muggle lovers." Warned the death eater.
"Look. I will do what I want. Don't you dare talking about my friend. As for my fate, I am willing to die for my friend than be on the wrong side with her. You can go now. You have no more business here." Spat Malfoy.
The death eater hissed some rude words and left quickly. Malfoy stood there still thinking deep. He slowly turned and walked off.
Both Harry and Ron were shell-shocked. They didn't know that Malfoy's has a good side. He not only does not want to go onto the dark side but also willing to do anything for his friend. This was too much for them.
After what seemed like 10 minutes Ron spoke.
"Harry!.Harry!" whispered loud waking Harry from his thoughts.
"Did you hear all that. I can't believe what Malfoy spoke. I mean his good side of it." said Harry walking back.
"Me too. I wouldn't have believed if you told me. But this is something." Replied Ron.
"Who do you think is his friend, he is so defending of?" asked Ron.
"Don't know Ron. I bet the person is more than just a friend, from the way he was defending the girl." Replied Harry thoughtfully.
"GIRL! What makes you think of that?" asked Ron.
"You git! He said 'on the wrong side of her', didn't he?" said Harry smiling.
Ron simply nodded his head. They failed notice another cloaked shadow step into light and walk in the opposite way.
They were discussing who the muggle loving girl can be that is friend with Malfoy and they walked into their common room.
Hermione was waiting for them in the room. Ron saw her and thought that this would be a perfect chance to get them spend sometime together.
"I am feeling very tired. I am off to bed." Ron quickly walked leaving a surprised Harry behind.
He sat down on a couch near fire and explained everything to Hermione. She listened intently and finally spoke.
"Harry! I think I know who that person might be. But I need to confirm before I come out with a name." Said Hermione.
"Let me know when you do. I am off to bed too" yawned a tired Harry.
'why doesn't he just hold me and kiss me?' thought Hermione dejected.
Harry started walking as if he might fall asleep on the stairs. Hermione shook her head and kissed Harry on his cheek and went into her dorm.
Later that night, Harry woke up almost petrified from a nightmare. His whole body was covered with sweat and he was shivering from cold. He slowly walked down the stairs to go and sleep on a couch in front of the fire.
The same night, someone walking tip-toed, went into the owlery and mailed the events that happened that night, including Harry and Ron's eavesdropping, to the Malfoy manor.
Half an hour later.....
Lucius Malfoy received the owl. He smiled evilly upon reading it. The letter was terse and said:
**I am ready for the dark mark. No one should know about it. I will wear a cloak over my head and be there on time.
**Malfoy
Author's Note 1: This is my first fic. Please let me know of your opinion and I shall try and improve. I did borrow some original ideas from several great writers around this archive, only to improve upon them. I do not mean any disrespect to them. Thanks.
Chapter 6: Midnight Encounters
Harry whirred back. Hermione is standing at the door. Confused, Harry pulled the curtains only to find Crookshanks coming from under the covers.
Harry sighed a huge relief. 'I LIVE!' he yelled mentally.
"What are you doing here? Who are you talking to?" asked Hermione surprised.
"I...I was just trying to remind you about dinner. I thought you were on your bed." Stuttered Harry.
"Oh!" mused Hermione. She was sure he wasn't telling the truth.
She however did not want to press any further.
"Let's go then", she led him down to the great hall.
Harry walked behind her quickly and found Ron and the table waiting for them. One quick glance explained everything to Ron. He sighed, shaking his head. He had some other thoughts bothering him.
"Hey Harry! Did you notice Malfoy receiving mail in the morning from a bird that doesn't belong to the school?" asked Ron in a very hushed voice.
Harry shook his head.
"Anyway, I heard him telling his goons to not wait for him after dinner as he needs to meet someone!" whispered Ron so that only Harry and Hermione can hear.
"Really! He might be meeting someone, maybe a Voldermort's goon. We should stop him if he compromises the school security Ron!" said Harry eagerly.
Hermione looked at them worriedly, but didn't say anything.
Both thought for a while and slowly ate their dinner. As Ron was eating he felt someone watching him and looking up to find Lavender Brown stealing glances at him.
Ron smiled back and started eating again. He again looked back and found her talking animatedly with Parvati.
'She sure is beautiful..wait Gorgeous..that blonde hair....blue eyes and She herself is...what the crap is wrong with me? Am I also in love?...ahhhh' Ron shook his head out of frustration.
"Are you Ok Ron?" asked Harry and Hermione in unison.
Ron quickly nodded his head and concentrated on his dinner. Then he looked at Hermione. She is nibbling her food, with a close watch on Harry. Harry is also trying to eat his food while his eyes were drifting towards Hermione.
'Prats! Why don't they just realize?' pondered Ron.
They didn't talk much during the dinner. All three stood up and walked towards the entrance of the Great hall and coincidentally Malfoy reached them at the same time. Suddenly an idea flashed in Ron's mind. He purposefully tripped and fell on Malfoy, almost knocking him onto the door.
"Uh!.Sorry..didn't see that coming" apologized Ron.
"Watch where you are walking Weasley. You might rub on someone...." drawled Malfoy with a less than normal tone. Soon the trio walked towards Gryffindor common room.
Once settled in the most reclusive corner of the room, Hermione started to lecture.
"What's up with you Ron? You tripped intentionally, didn't you?" asked a suspicious Hermione.
"Ta! da!" Ron flashed Malfoy's letter from earlier to Harry.
"You got it? Great nick Ron" shouted an elated Harry.
"What's going on Harry? Ron! Are you nuts nicking Malfoy's letter? Somebody tell me what's going on?" demanded Hermione.
"Calm down Hermione! We observed Malfoy getting mail from birds that do not belong to the school and we presume that he is planning to be or meeting a death eater. We just wanted to find out for real and Ron came up with this wonderful job" complimented Harry making Ron bow a little, smiling smug.
Mr. Malfoy!
Meet me near Herbology class after 11:00pm. I have an important message for you. Fail and the consequences will be dangerous.
F.D.E
"What does F.D.E means anyway" asked Ron thinking hard.
"Maybe, Fellow Death Eater?" wondered Harry.
"That's right Harry! It fits. We have to find out why they are meeting!" said Ron.
"I am not sure that is a good idea. You are not going to follow him are you?" asked a hesitating Hermione.
Both Harry and Ron smiled wide confirming her fears.
"Oh! Harry...Ron! Please don't do such stupid things. You can be in great danger as well as put our house in danger, incase anyone sees you" begged Hermione.
"Hermione! That's what Invisibility cloak and Marauder's map are for" crossed Ron earning a glare from Hermione.
They acted as if they are studying till every one went to bed. Once the common room is devoid if everyone but them, Hermione started again.
"Harry! You are not going and that is final." Decided Hermione.
"What...who are you to decide for Harry? He can think for himself. Besides, you need not accompany us....Harry! Why don't you say something?" shouted Ron who was very upset over Hermione's bossiness.
"Um.Hermione! Don't be mad. Ron is right. We have to find out Malfoy's motives. You know we will be perfectly safe with the map and cloak. I promise to be back before it is late....Ok?" Harry pleaded Hermione for permission.
'Oh Dear! They are behaving like a couple.' Smirked Ron. Before Hermione could talk against Harry's pleading Ron jumped in.
"Hey! Why do you plead her? She is not your wife..." winced Ron as both Harry and Hermione threw a death glare and Ron.
"Err..sorry! Let's go Harry" trying to change the topic. Hermione who is totally red with Ron's words couldn't say anything.
"Please....be careful....Harry" stammered "and you too Ron" added as an afterthought.
They nodded and stepped out of the common room quietly. They walked slowly in the cloak not wanting to trip on the cloak. However, the cloak covered them completely. They waited patiently near the Herbology classroom for 15 minutes.
"Do you think he would come here?" whispered Ron.
"Silence Ron. It was written in the letter. Wasn't it?" Harry whispering back.
Ron silently nodded, but had his doubts. They were wiped away as the sound of someone walking near by alerted both of them.
From the shadows Malfoy walked in. Both were surprised to see Malfoy being a little afraid and hesitant as he approached a death eater coming in from the other side.
"How did you get here? There are supposed to be wards around this place", questioned Malfoy with a low voice.
"I apparated into Hogsmeade Mr. Malfoy and walked from there. Anyway, down to business. I have orders to tell you that you have been selected to be a death eater and serve our lord.....", he however was cut off by an angry Malfoy.
"OUR! Be careful what you speak of. I don't serve any lord. I don't intent to become a death eater. Go tell my father that. I want to live the way I want." Malfoy putting a defiant face.
"If so, remember that you will feel the wrath of Dark Lord. He will conquer Hogwarts and soon the world. You don't want to be on his wrong side by being friends with those pathetic muggle lovers." Warned the death eater.
"Look. I will do what I want. Don't you dare talking about my friend. As for my fate, I am willing to die for my friend than be on the wrong side with her. You can go now. You have no more business here." Spat Malfoy.
The death eater hissed some rude words and left quickly. Malfoy stood there still thinking deep. He slowly turned and walked off.
Both Harry and Ron were shell-shocked. They didn't know that Malfoy's has a good side. He not only does not want to go onto the dark side but also willing to do anything for his friend. This was too much for them.
After what seemed like 10 minutes Ron spoke.
"Harry!.Harry!" whispered loud waking Harry from his thoughts.
"Did you hear all that. I can't believe what Malfoy spoke. I mean his good side of it." said Harry walking back.
"Me too. I wouldn't have believed if you told me. But this is something." Replied Ron.
"Who do you think is his friend, he is so defending of?" asked Ron.
"Don't know Ron. I bet the person is more than just a friend, from the way he was defending the girl." Replied Harry thoughtfully.
"GIRL! What makes you think of that?" asked Ron.
"You git! He said 'on the wrong side of her', didn't he?" said Harry smiling.
Ron simply nodded his head. They failed notice another cloaked shadow step into light and walk in the opposite way.
They were discussing who the muggle loving girl can be that is friend with Malfoy and they walked into their common room.
Hermione was waiting for them in the room. Ron saw her and thought that this would be a perfect chance to get them spend sometime together.
"I am feeling very tired. I am off to bed." Ron quickly walked leaving a surprised Harry behind.
He sat down on a couch near fire and explained everything to Hermione. She listened intently and finally spoke.
"Harry! I think I know who that person might be. But I need to confirm before I come out with a name." Said Hermione.
"Let me know when you do. I am off to bed too" yawned a tired Harry.
'why doesn't he just hold me and kiss me?' thought Hermione dejected.
Harry started walking as if he might fall asleep on the stairs. Hermione shook her head and kissed Harry on his cheek and went into her dorm.
Later that night, Harry woke up almost petrified from a nightmare. His whole body was covered with sweat and he was shivering from cold. He slowly walked down the stairs to go and sleep on a couch in front of the fire.
The same night, someone walking tip-toed, went into the owlery and mailed the events that happened that night, including Harry and Ron's eavesdropping, to the Malfoy manor.
Half an hour later.....
Lucius Malfoy received the owl. He smiled evilly upon reading it. The letter was terse and said:
**I am ready for the dark mark. No one should know about it. I will wear a cloak over my head and be there on time.
**Malfoy