Harry

"How the hell did you get in here?" Ron demanded angrily.

Draco Malfoy turned in the window seat and lounged back against the curtains. "If it makes you happy, Weasley, you can believe I got in using dark magic, however, the truth is I followed you after lunch last Monday and learnt the location and the password." He examined his fingernails disinterestedly. "But that's hardly very impressive, is it?" He started buffing them on the edge of his robes.

Ron gaped at him, too stunned even to be angry. Harry, however, moved towards the door and opened it again "Well it doesn't matter how you got in because you're leaving now. Goodbye Malfoy."

Malfoy laughed softly. "You make it sound as if you think I might actually heed that order."

Harry pulled out his wand. "If you don't I'll curse you so hard that you won't be able to get your ears straight for the next month."

"No," Malfoy said, "you won't."

Ron laughed, regaining the power of speech at last, and removing his wand too. "If he doesn't I will; get out."

Malfoy smiled and reclined further back into the window. "You know what Weasley, I don't think I will. I rather like it here; the Slytherin common room is so dingy besides," he closed his eyes and yawned "I have a message for you."

Harry looked at Ron who looked back at him with equal astonishment. As one they started towards the blonde boy and yanked him roughly to his feet, sending him spinning across the dormitory floor. Malfoy's eyes were open again now, and blazing with what was not anger but rather malicious delight.

"Alright, Potter," Malfoy began softly, "I'll leave if you want but when you hear the news that your half-breed friend is dead don't come crying to me because I did try to warn you."

Harry's thoughts flew immediately to Hagrid but then shifted direction rapidly. "Remus is in danger?" he asked.

Malfoy shrugged infuriatingly. "He might be." Harry started towards him and Malfoy laughed. "Don't get your knickers in a twist… you're right; he is in trouble. Silly little werewolf thought he could lie to Lord Voldemort."

The memory of Remus grinning at them in The Three Broomsticks flashed into Harry's mind. "I don't believe you," he said quickly, not sure whether he did or not. "How would you know?"

Malfoy's fingers flickered to his right arm; he seemed somehow younger, fiddling with the fabric. Then he gave a look that seemed to say 'why shouldn't I show you? What do I care for your opinion?" and pushed up his right sleeve; there on his arm was a large black tattoo of a snake emerging from a skull. "I think," he said quietly, "that you can at least trust me as far as knowing is concerned. Now you haven't much time. Lord Voldemort requests your presence, Potter; should you refuse this invitation Remus J Lupin will certainly die. What is your answer?"

"You're bluffing," Ron insisted.

"I might be bluffing," Malfoy admitted, letting the sleeve drop. "But," he added, turning to Harry, the secret smile creeping back across his face, "are you willing to take that risk?"

Harry didn't even think. "No," he said softly.

"Good," Malfoy said briskly, sweeping towards the door. "Potter, you will come with me; Weasley…" he waved his hand dismissively. "Stay here and do… whatever you people do for fun. I don't know… snog Granger." He turned as he reached the door and regarded Ron seriously. "The invitation is for Potter alone, Weasley, do you understand this?" Ron glared. "If you, or Granger or Albus Dumbledore: the saint that walks this earth, appear by accident in the same place I am taking Potter too, he will die." He smiled again: feline, and laughed at something, shaking his head. "To think you had the effrontery to order me away from here," he opened the door, still extremely amused. "Follow me Potter."