13. It couldn't last.
Harry had thoroughly enjoyed the holidays as well. They had slept late, played games, and spent hours talking and drinking hot chocolate in the Gryffindor common room without the constant interruptions that came with living in the busy tower at other times. It had been very nice that Ginny had remained at Hogwarts this year, they'd twice visited Dobby in the kitchen and were stuffed to bursting, Dumbledore had arranged a couple times for them to see Sirius in his office –unfortunately they couldn't risk Christmas dinner or New Year's eve, but it was better than nothing- and even Professor Snape had been quite friendly, almost as he had been at the end of the summer. On top of all that there'd been not a single Slytherin and the Dursleys hadn't bothered to send even the smallest toothpick or tissue, good riddance if you asked him.
The new term started with lots of homework. It seemed their teachers suddenly remembered that, even with the threat of Voldemort, they still had their O.W.L.s at the end of the year. Harry groaned as he looked over the homework they received just that first day, and Fred and George also insisted they get in at least an hour's worth of practice on the Quidditch pitch. Hermione, of course, was in great spirits, happy with the challenge and saying she was glad she had something to do again after she'd finished her holiday's homework the first weekend. As if she hadn't enjoyed herself the rest of the time!
He was extremely glad he was doing better in Potions, for Professor Snape started them on a difficult brew, then assigned them loads of homework as well. Even so, Professor Snape was noticeably more patient with them all, even repeating part of his explanation to Dean without taking any points. Rumor had it he'd gone all day yesterday without taking a single point from Gryffindor, too.
Professor Flitwick, after lunch, gave them almost as much homework after a demanding hour practicing vanishing spells. At least Hagrid wasn't likely to be too bad; most of Care of Magical Creatures was practical and the half-giant rarely required lots of reading or long essays.
As he walked towards Hagrid's hut he could hear a snorting and a pawing at the ground. He started and looked at Ron.
"Oh no, Hagrid's real interestin' animal, or whatever he called it," Ron said, turning white.
Harry winced, remembering Hagrid's hint at Halloween. "What do you think it is?"
"Sounds a bit like a dragon."
"No way, they're bigger and make even more noise," Harry said, hoping fervently he was right. He'd seen enough dragons up close to last him a lifetime. This creature sounded awfully big too, though.
"Harry, Ron!" Hagrid greeted them enthusiastically.
"Hi Hagrid," Harry replied, trying to sound not too apprehensive. "What eh, what is that sound?"
"Oh, ye'll see in a moment. 'E's a beauty, 'e is."
That wasn't very helpful. Nervously, Harry waited for the rest of the class to arrive. At last Hagrid started to talk.
"Las' summer I was on the continent for a spell," he started off. "Te see some ol' relatives of mine. Underway I ran into a few mountain trolls, not too friendly a bunch, but they were okay once they fig'red out I liked their critters. They 'ad a few of these, like ter ride 'm. Anyone know yet what critters I mean?"
Ron raised his hand, looking rather pale.
"Yes Ron?"
"Eh, you got a Graphorn? A real Graphorn?"
"Exactly! Five points to Gryffindor. Yup, mountain trolls like to tame and ride Graphorns. They're a great help up there in the high areas, save 'm a lot of walkin' and climbin'. They're extremely sure-footed, haven't ever 'eard of one fallin' yet, and there's not a whole lotta decent trails up there."
"But they're dangerous, the book said they're like really aggressive," Dean said.
Hagrid shook his head. "Well, they are, but only 'til they're tamed. Is hard to tame one, an' though I wouldn't mind tryin' my hand on it some day if I could get a young un, I wouldn't bring one inta class. Some of 'm just won't learn, ye know? But those that are broke to ride, they're fine. Bit feisty sometimes if they don' get enough exercise but that's hardly ever a problem in the mountains."
Harry wasn't completely reassured, and wondered how much exercise this one'd had since arriving here, but he did his best to look brave. He had to trust Hagrid wouldn't do anything that'd get them all killed. He followed Hagrid to the large enclosure, and Hagrid opened the gate.
"This 'ere is Lumpy."
Inside, a huge, hump-backed animal raised its head. Harry's first impression was 'ugly'. It stood as tall as a horse at the withers, or what would've passed for them, and it was much more massive. It had two long, sharp horns pointing almost straight forward, solid, trunk-like legs, splayed feet and a thick, purple grey skin. The head looked like a cross between a rhino and a dinosaur. It wore a bridle on its head, and was tethered to a post, which was probably about as likely to hold it as a matchstick would hold a horse, if it didn't care to be tied up.
It snorted as it watched them enter, yet it didn't charge. Hagrid approached it, avoiding the horns as it swung its head towards him, and stepped up to the side of the huge creature.
"Always be watchful of those horns, now. He don't mean no harm but he don't know his own strength, if he catches ye with 'm, it's gonna hurt."
He reached into one of the pockets of his coat and pulled out a chunk of meat, which he offered to the beast on a flat hand. "Hold yer hand flat and he won't nip yer fingers," Hagrid continued. "Now any of ye –not all at once, mind- want ter come and help me brush 'm?"
Harry and Ron looked at each other. So far, the beast seemed harmless enough. Harry shrugged. "I guess we can."
"At least we won't have to worry about Draco getting in the way," Ron said, pointing at Draco. The Slytherin stood at the very rear of the group. If Harry had been worried about him getting injured again, he wasn't now –it looked like Draco wasn't gonna get anywhere near the Graphorn.
Together with Neville, who also looked rather pale but apparently still trusted Hagrid's judgement –he'd done well with the Hippogriffs and Care of Magical Creatures was probably his best subject after Herbology- they approached the beast. Hagrid held the leash and kept the animal from swinging its large horns.
"Anyone from Slytherin?" Hagrid asked. He looked over the group until, with some reluctance, Blaise came forward. Clearly the Slytherins put less trust in Hagrid.
"Good, very good," Hagrid said. He handed them all a stiff, long-haired brush. "Jus' brush the hide, 'specially the crags, to get all the sand out. Isn't a lot of sand in the mountains, 'e might get itchy if 'e don't get brushed. Watch the horns, ye can walk all 'round him otherwise. 'e can't kick ye, their legs don't reach up like that."
Hagrid himself started to groom the head of the animal, and Harry, Ron, Neville and Blaise set to work on the rest of the beast. The skin was thick as anything Harry had ever seen, thicker even than the hide of the Blast-Ended Skrewts.
As the other students saw 'Lumpy' did not make any move to attack those who were brushing them they, more or less reluctantly, took their turn. All except Draco, who scowled as he remained where he was, leaning semi-casually against the gate post, claiming he was not going to get his hands dirty on such an ugly beast. Hagrid tried in vain to persuade him, but finally had to give up as the boy refused to budge.
"It's no shame te be afraid of a big critter like Lumpy," he said as the lesson was over. "I'll have 'm here for a bit, 'til the weather gets too warm for 'm to be comfortable. P'rhaps next time."
Draco scowled deeper. "I'm not scared," he snapped, just a little too quick to be believable. The Gryffindors laughed. Harry, too. The git deserved it!
-0-
By the end of the week, Harry was looking at a weekend that would mostly be spent doing homework. And, of course, going to the Quidditch match between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. No amount of homework would keep him from attending a Quidditch game, whether he had to play or not. Besides, it was useful seeing the other teams play, they still had to play Hufflepuff in the next match in March.
It was still cold, but also sunny and there was no wind. Great weather to fly, although the snow on the ground would make the Snitch hard to spot; any glint could just as well be ice crystals.
Harry wore a thick sweater under his coat and his Gryffindor shawl, he'd decided against openly supporting either team by wearing their colours. He liked Cho and while he no longer was interested in her romantically, he would like to see her win, yet a Hufflepuff win might be better for Gryffindor.
The teams kicked off and soon the game was in full swing. The Beaters and Chasers were pretty evenly matched, so there was a lot of action. Harry also scanned the field for the Snitch, although it would be unlikely he would spot it from where he was sitting.
He greatly enjoyed the game, as always –this was Quidditch after all- but he soon felt he would not have to worry about the next match. The teams were not bad, but most of the players had older brooms, and there was little of the high speed action of the Gryffindor and, Harry had to admit, the Slytherin team. Still, the teams were pretty evenly matched and it wasn't until two hours into the game both Seekers suddenly went into a headlong dive towards the Hufflepuff side of the pitch. Standing up, and peering in the direction the Seekers were headed, Harry spotted it too; near the bottom of the goal post was a glint that definitely was not snow or ice. It zoomed off, and he almost lost it from his place here on the stands, then saw a tiny glint headed towards the stands, close to the ground. The Hufflepuff Seeker needed a fraction of a second less than Cho to pick it up again, and after a nice, tight turn, he rose up into the air, holding the Snitch in his hand. Harry cheered; his regret Cho had not won was overruled by his respect for the quick action of the Hufflepuff Seeker; that had been a very nice manoeuvre, especially on the Cleansweep he was riding. He would have to watch the lithe Fourth-year after all, come March.
-0-
The next week got off to a good start, even the Graphorn was still rather meek. Hagrid made sure it got enough exercise, Harry had seen them emerge from the Forbidden Forest during the weekend and in their Tuesday class Hagrid saddled it, too. Still, to Hagrid's obvious disappointment, Harry passed on giving it a try. He'd seen how much force Hagrid used to turn the beast's head, and he was afraid he simply wouldn't have the strength to stop or turn it. It wouldn't be of much help that it wouldn't buck him off or try to attack him if it simply carried him off through the Forest to who-knows-where. Nor were there any other volunteers. Finally, Hagrid himself rode it around the paddock and the path around his shack for a bit, while they watched.
-0-
That Wednesday, Harry walked the halls. It was not his shift, but Yoni from Ravenclaw had spilled ink over her transfiguration essay and had asked him to trade while she could re-write it. Harry had finished his own homework and he had agreed. It was a snap anyhow, what with his Marauder's Map.
That was strange, what was Draco doing in the Potions classroom? He was not visiting with Snape, Harry could see Snape in the staff room.
Of course there were a dozen quite normal explanations, but Harry had a bad feeling and he did not think it had anything to do with his dislike of Draco. He wished he had his cloak with him. Walking softly, he went down to investigate.
Coming closer, he saw Draco had just entered Snape's office. Now Harry knew something was wrong. No one was allowed in there alone, ever. He considered turning around and warning the Professor, but the staff room was quite a long way from here and by the time they returned Draco could be anywhere. If he were gone by the time Harry made it up there he could even deny ever having been in here. With most other students, even the Slytherins, Harry thought Snape would take his word, but Draco? That would be a toss-up. He needed proof.
Walking slowly so his footfalls did not make any sound, Harry reached the dungeons, walked through the classroom and peeked in through the door. It appeared the office was empty, but another glance at his Map showed Draco was standing next to Snape's desk. So, Draco had found himself an invisibility cloak as well.
Looking closely, Harry could now see a capsule drop soundlessly into a vial sitting in a rack on Snape's desk. Another one followed it. Harry's breath caught, if he was not mistaken the capsules would have a time-release skin, causing who-knows-what kind of reaction once it dissolved. And for some reason, he was sure it would not be a simple dung bomb or such.
Again, he wondered what to do. He now knew what to warn Snape for, but he still did not have any proof it was Draco, except for what he had seen on his map. Anything he did would give him away, and like it or not, he was pretty evenly matched with Draco. He knew a lot of curses but Draco knew many ways to block them. But of course Harry had one great advantage, he knew Draco was here while Draco had not seen him, and likely felt pretty secure under his cloak.
He pointed his wand, took aim using his map. "Petrificus Totalus!" he called out.
He ducked back from the office door, just in case it did not work, but nothing happened. "Accio cloak," he used next. The silvery cloak lifted off Draco, who was frozen holding a small flask in his gloved hands.
"Got you," Harry said, unable to keep from voicing his satisfaction. He rushed off to the staff room.
-0-
Professor Snape believed Harry immediately and Harry felt relieved as he followed Snape, running to keep up, and suppressing the urge to check his map to see if Draco was still there. He had been there when they left the staff room, and he would fall behind if he checked again.
Soon they were in the dungeon. Snape snarled wordlessly when he saw Draco. He looked at the petrified boy, at the flask Draco held in his hands, and at the vial on the shelf. Taking his wand, he cast a stasis spell on the vial. Then he took his gloves from his robes, carefully took the flask from Draco's hand, and put it down on his desk. Finally, he took up his wand again.
"Finite Incantatem"
Draco gasped and almost fell as he was released from his petrification. Snape caught him by the arm and roughly dragged him up, plucked his wand from his robes, then pushed him into the desk chair. He remained standing, looming over Draco.
"Distilled manticore blood and devil's fig. Both highly illegal. Mixing them creates odourless, toxic fumes which are fatal in less than a minute. Never mind that you tried to kill me but you would also have caused a serious danger to whoever would find me. Not that you care, I suppose." Snape's voice was flat and cold.
"No, I don't. You're a traitor, you're a spy. I hate you!" Draco burst out. He looked wild, eyes flashing hatred.
Professor Snape winced and for a long moment, everyone seemed frozen in time. Harry certainly had not dared move while he watched.
"Harry, get the Headmaster," Snape said finally, breaking the silence in a flat voice.
"Yes sir!" Harry replied and took off, glad to be able to leave. He hurried down the halls again, checking the Map just to be sure Professor Dumbledore was, indeed, in his office. He navigated the corridors quickly and jumped over a vanishing step in a staircase. He reached the Gargoyle, gave the password, and waited impatiently as the moving stairs took him up to the Headmaster's office.
"Draco –Professor Snape caught Draco trying to poison him, Sir," Harry blurted out without waiting for the Headmaster to offer him a lemon drop or ask him to sit down.
The Headmaster started, but his voice remained calm. "Tell me what happened."
Harry took a deep breath, trying to steady his voice as well. "Malfoy tried to poison Professor Snape, with a time-release poison. I saw him –Malfoy- in Professor Snape's office on my Map, he was wearing an invisibility cloak. I Petrified him and got Professor Snape. He saw what Malfoy had been doing and sent me to get you." Harry surprised himself by getting the grist of the message without stumbling over his words.
Dumbledore rose from behind his desk, muttering something under his breath Harry couldn't hear, but he suspected it was a curse, one of the non-magical kind. The Headmaster's eyes had lost all their usual twinkle and Harry almost shrank back as the old wizard started down the moving stairs and motioned for him to follow.
The Headmaster did not run, but he moved quicker than it would seem. Before too long they entered Snape's office. The scene was almost as when Harry had left, Draco sat in the desk chair, now looking sullen, and Professor Snape still looming over him, his face blank. Professor Snape half-turned as they came in, and for just a moment a look of relief at the sight of the Headmaster was evident.
"Severus," the Headmaster said as he walked up to Snape and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Headmaster." The Potions Master's voice and face were expressionless again.
"Tell me what happened –Malfoy tried to poison you?"
Professor Snape gave one brief nod. "He attempted to make a mixture of distilled manticore blood and devil's fig, using a simple time-release capsule. Its fumes are odourless, and highly toxic. If it weren't for Harry noticing him, he might well have succeeded in his plans."
At those words, Draco audibly hissed and shot daggers towards Harry. Until then, the Headmaster had turned his attention solely on Professor Snape, but now he looked down at Draco, who stared back defiantly.
"Is there anything –anything- you have to say for yourself?"
Harry knew that if the Headmaster had addressed him that way, he would've wanted the earth to swallow him. But Draco seemed to be beyond reason.
"I hate him, he's a dirty traitor, he deserves to die. And you are a stupid old fool for employing him. I'll be glad to be expelled from this dirty, Mudblood-loving place!"
"I'm afraid what you've done goes a little beyond a simple expulsion," Dumbledore said quietly.
Draco snorted. "You can't sent me to Azkaban. I didn't use any of the Unforgivables and I'm not sixteen yet."
Dumbledore shook his head. "What will happen to you will be up to the Wizengamot to decide."
Draco seemed a little startled at that, but not too much. "They still can't sent me there. And I don't care if I'm sent anywhere else, I'll still be out of here."
Dumbledore sighed, then looked at Professor Snape. The Potions Master had shown no emotion whatsoever after that first flash of relief upon seeing the Headmaster.
"I think we should take this to my office," the Headmaster said. "Is everything secured here?"
Professor Snape nodded. "I will have to reset the wards, of course."
"Then do so," the Headmaster replied. "Harry –please return to the Gryffindor tower. I would like to speak to you in more detail later. Do not speak to anyone about what happened here –that includes Ron and Hermione. Oh, and could you stop by Professor McGonagall's office and ask her to join us in my office?"
"Yes, sir," Harry replied again, and once again was all too glad to be able to leave. He turned and left the office with just one more over his shoulder.
Once again he checked his Map, and walked the halls. He was glad there weren't many students around, it was getting late and most were in the common rooms, but he still didn't run as fast as he had before. Thank god there hadn't been anyone to notice him run earlier. While he was supposed to be on patrol and could be anywhere in the castle he wished, running and perhaps his look might've raised questions he didn't want to answer, and now wasn't even allowed to.
He noticed in spite of his reduced speed he was breathing hard, and he was shaking. He had faced worse things than Malfoy, yet he had still got a nasty shock. And he was angry, angry like hell. Even the past years, when Professor Snape had hated him, Harry hadn't wanted him to die. Away from Hogwarts, yes, but he couldn't wish anyone dead, except perhaps Voldemort. Now Professor Snape had helped him and was even starting to be friendlier towards his friends, and that greasy ferret had tried to kill him. He might not want anyone dead, but he realised he wouldn't be sorry to see Malfoy go to Azkaban at all.
He reached Professor McGonagall's office, knocked and was admitted. She showed more shock at the news than either Dumbledore or Professor Snape himself, but she always showed more emotion. Harry was kind of glad to see her angry, it helped him get his own emotions back in control. Still, he was scowling when he entered the Gryffindor common room through the portrait hole. He went directly up to his room, avoiding all questions.