Chapter four: As a Great Wizard Should…

Harry thought he was going to faint. He felt Draco's warm body pressing on his, a dangerous wand pointed at his chest, whispering words of a dark curse filling his ears. Memories flashed before his eyes, green flashes of light blinding his view. The snow underneath his body was soaking his cloak. Somewhere in the distance Harry could hear Ron scream but he had lost all means of direction or time. It felt like he was floating in a vacuum glass boll, not allowing him to breathe. The blood in his veins was slowly turning into ice, constructing a layer around his fast beating heart. 'This it is, this is the end of Harry Potter' he thought, closing his eyes, trying to gasp some fresh air.

Suddenly a loud voice thundered through the garden. A jolt of fresh air was catapulted to Harry's brain, which made him awake with a shock out of his trance. He opened his eyes. He felt Malfoy shivering on top of him; his white cheeks trembling with fear, his eyes twisting nervously, as the person that stood on the outskirts of the bleak garden came strolling down the slope. Hermione crawled to Harry, leaving Crabbe alone who was trying to hide his wand behind his back. "You are brave Harry": she whispered and her blandishment made Harry blush with excitement. He felt Malfoy standing up. His black cloak touched Harry's cheek for a moment and then the soft cloth was jerked away furiously by Draco as he stood eye in eye with Professor Dumbledore. Harry looked up and saw the mad face of the old wizard. It struck him and a wave of deep respect flood his body, as he had never seen the headmaster of Hogwarts angry. Malfoy must be thinking the same thing as his cheeks coloured into a funny scarlet blush. Ron helped Harry up his feet again. A bit dizzy, the six pupils followed Dumbledore. None said a word. What was there to talk about anyway? They could expect the worst punishment, if they didn't get expelled. Hermione started to cry silently. Harry put an arm around her shoulders, touching his bruised lips with his other hand, painfully smiling at his friend. "It will be all right": he comforted the girl. She nodded and hid her face in her hands. The doors of the Great Hall opened with a swing. The fireplace was burning happily, spilling big red flames on the black logs, but Harry didn't notice. He saw the stern faces of Professor McGonagall and Snape, blazing with angriness.

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"And to think that you didn't inform me!" McGonagall ended her speech. "I subtract 50 points each for both Gryffindor and Slytherin!" Harry chuckled as he saw Draco's face, his lip hanging low, his eyes empty and cold. But his smile faded away as he looked at Dumbledore's sad face. He must be really disappointed. He was sitting in his usual chair, nipping a cup of coffee, but his emerald eyes looked gloomy. "Go to your dormitories now. It's been enough for today": he heard Professor McGonagall scream. Draco, Crabbe and Goyle turned around, muttering something like 'I'll get you for this Potter'. They were punished even worse than Harry and his friends. They got three detentions, helping gamekeeper Flinch capturing toads in the backyard. McGonagall had threaten to expel the three boys, but Snape had interfered and had debated with his colleague for about an hour, finally convincing her not to be stubborn and let them all stay. Malfoy was lucky again. Harry sighed. In a way Harry felt relieved. He couldn't imagine Hogwarts without Draco. Harry saw Dumbledore nodding. Surprised he looked at his shoes, who were covered with a filthy blubber. Suddenly he felt the tiredness knocking him down with the mallet of sleep. He yawned and was ready to leave the Great Hall as he heard Dumbledore call out his name.

He slowly turned, seeing how Hermione and Ron left the Great Hall. Slowly he approached Dumbledore. The old man stared at the young boy in front of him. His face was reflecting in Harry's glasses.

- "I'm very disappointed in you Harry Potter."

Harry coughed and dragged him in front of Dumbledore. Ashamed of what he had done, he nervously pulled his shirt.

- "Yet, deep in my heart, I have this feeling of pride. The trick Malfoy pulled the Gryffindors was out of range, I admit, and when I heard Percy argue with the prefect of the Slytherins, I knew that something had happened. As I saw the three of you leaving, I knew you would try to get those wands back."

Professor Dumbledore smiled and took out the wands. He spread them all over the table. The wooden sticks were shining fiercely for a second and then turned normal again. The old wizard had de-cursed them. He nodded and Harry picked them up, putting them safely inside his pocket. He wished the professor good night and was about to leave, when Dumbledore called his name again. A bit annoyed, Harry turned around, instantly regretting the feeling as he got the sudden impression that Dumbledore had read his mind. Blushing and stuttering he asked what the wizard wanted. The old man smiled for an instant and then pointed out a chair. The chair began shaking and flew gracefully through the air. It landed softly and then made a little spin, before Harry sat down.

- "I was happy, Harry, when I found you regretting Draco being expelled from Hogwarts.

- "How… How do you know?"

- "The way of magic is never to be revealed. But you must understand Harry. No one can become a great wizard, as he isn't defined by someone else. Although that person fills your heart with hatred, once this person vanishes out of your life, you will feel this strange need of finding him as nothing is the same anymore. Your greatest enemy is your best friend, Harry. You know him, as he knows you. Even your friends can't predict your next move, but he can. Remember that Harry. It's bad to hate someone, yet it makes us wizards who we are. Powerful and wise. Lock your friends in your heart, but don't forget your enemy, as you treasure him!

Harry nodded. These words were so strange, yet they meant a lot to Harry. After a long time chattering about the many sides of Hogwarts, Harry felt relieved he could go to bed. He was happy when he excused for a game of wizard's chess. Slowly he ascended the staircases. Suddenly he saw a little boy gazing at him. Harry immediately recognized Draco. He poked his tongue at him, which was instantly replied by Malfoy's own red, slimy organ sticking out of his mouth. "NERD" echoed through the hall way and in a second Draco disappeared, laughing evilly.

Harry grinned. He didn't know why. He just felt happy… And the urgent need to hug Draco Malfoy!!!

THE END

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Phew, thought it would never end, didn't ya? :p anyway, new stories are brewing inside my head as we speak. I hope you'll like this one!

Thomas Radcliffe xxx  

(btw, no family of good ol' Daniel J )