The Family Name
By Elbereth in April
Chapter 22
A knock sounded on the door. "Enter," Dumbledore called.
The door opened. Standing in the doorway, with an aristocratic arrogance Potter could never hope to copy, was Lucius Malfoy. He wore a long black cloak and had his immaculate blond hair pulled back.
"Father," Draco breathed, no louder than a murmur. His face had gone very white, his muscles very tense.
Artemis looked over at him, then back over at Lucius Malfoy with suddenly narrowed eyes.
"The Board of Governors is concerned about recent events," Lucius drawled lazily. "They've called for your suspension. All 12 signatures are on this document. I'm afraid we feel you're losing your touch. Another attack this afternoon--at this rate, there'll be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts, and we all know what an *awful* loss that would be."
Potter restrained himself from leaping up and shouting at him with great difficulty.
"Not to worry, Lucius," Fudge said in a voice full of obviously forced cheerfulness. "The problem has been taken care of."
"What?" Mr. Malfoy blinked, honestly taken aback for all of four seconds, then he recovered. He focused on the other guests in Dumbledore's office for the first time. "Why, Draco. Not getting in trouble, are you?"
"No, sir," Draco replied hoarsely. All of his father's words suddenly came crashing back in on him. Let the Heir get on with it. Stay out of the way. The school needs cleansed. Worthless Mudbloods. . . 'And I've just gone and killed Tom Riddle. I killed the Dark Lord's younger self. The guy my father used to serve--and still does, by all accounts, dead or not. What was I thinking? I'm not that indiscreet. I said I don't want to be a Death Eater. Out loud. If somebody repeats that. . . I'm disowned, I'm done for. Merlin, my father's going to murder me!'
"That's good--why don't you share a few more details, hm? The problem's been taken care of?" His gaze flicked from Draco to Fudge to Potter back to Draco.
"Potter killed Tom Riddle," Draco blurted. "He was in some old book--came alive and possessed the youngest Weasley brat."
"I see. . ." Lucius's face was very cold and hard now. He looked at Dumbledore. "Are you sure she wasn't acting on her own?"
"Quite sure," Artemis spoke up. "Riddle himself confessed the whole thing, just before I killed his basilisk."
Lucius Malfoy's smile would have frozen hell. "And who might you be?"
"Artemis Fowl, the Second."
Their eyes met and locked. They say if ice is cold enough, it burns, and anyone caught between their gaze would have been ashes.
"Yes. . . Slytherin. Same year as my son. I believe he wrote me about you."
"I'm not surprised.--It's a good thing Potter found Riddle's diary. If there hadn't been proof that Ginny Weasley wasn't acting on her own. . . imagine, the daughter of one of the most prominent pureblood families, whose father is backing a Muggle Protection Act murdering Muggle-borns on her own. Think what the consequences could have been."
"Quite right, Mr. Fowl," said Dumbledore, steepling his fingers in front of his face. "Quite right. But you don't have to explain to Mr. Malfoy! As the skilled politician he is, he can imagine the consequences only too well, I'm sure."
Lucius forced a smile. "Indeed. And how are you involved in all this, Draco?"
Draco's mind went blank.
"My bodyguard Butler came to visit me," Artemis interrupted as Draco wet his lips and tried to find words. "He went to the dungeons and found Malfoy and they started hunting me. They found Potter and me with the Weasleys, fresh from leaving the Chamber of Secrets."
"And how did the four of you end up covered in slime?"
"Butler naturally volunteered to help me climb out of a very steep, very slimy pipe. That's how he got dirty. And while he was helping me, Malfoy kindly assisted Weasley in getting his sister out--she was unconscious at the time. Poor Malfoy--I know those are custom-tailored robes, that fabric will never be the same. . ."
"Yours are custom-tailored, too, Fowl." Draco tried to speak as arrogantly as normal and managed fairly well.
"Yes, but I'd gone down by choice. Whereas you were making the best of a bad job, I believe."
"I see. . ." Lucius studied his son a moment longer, then turned back to Dumbledore. "Well then. I guess our call for your removal won't be necessary this time. But we'll be watching you, Dumbledore. To have this happen at all--you're slipping."
"Oh, come now, Lucius," Fudge began, but a glare from Malfoy Sr. shut him up.
"Draco, I'll talk to you another time. When you're not so--tainted. Nasty stuff, slime. Make sure to shower well."
Tainted. Draco felt his stomach clench.
Lucius Malfoy swept out of the room. The door closed behind him with a bang.
"I'll just be leaving now, as well," Fudge said uncomfortably. "I'll let the Ministry know everything's fine. What about the Petrified students?"
"In one week's time, the Mandrakes should be ready. Then it will be a simple matter of un-petrifying them."
"Good, good. Farewell then, Albus. Young Malfoy. Harry Potter. Artemis Fowl. And--what was your name, sir?"
"Butler."
". . . Yes, Butler. Good day."
After his exit, the room was quiet for a moment.
"So what really happened?" Dumbledore regarded them with a twinkle in his eye. He took out a lemon drop and began to suck on it.
And they told him. Mostly. It's never wise to tell *all* your secrets.
________ ________
"Special awards for services to the school and 200 House points each," Draco reflected as he, Artemis, and Butler headed back to the dungeons. Dumbledore had asked Potter to remain behind for a few more questions.
"Too bad your part has to be kept secret," Artemis remarked. "Did your father believe us, do you think?"
Draco nodded slowly. "I think."
"Will he do anything to you?"
Draco did not meet Artemis's eyes. He felt exposed and ashamed. How much could Artemis guess about his father and their relationship? "I'm sure everything's fine," he lied. He was far from sure.
"We could've used your 200 points, too. Gryffindor's still ahead for the House Cup."
"It's not my fault!"
Artemis stopped walking. "I know. I'm not implying that it was."
Draco stopped, too, a few feet away. "How do you think Ginny Weasley got that diary?"
Artemis hesitated. "I think--remember that little scene at Flourish and Blott's before school started? I think your father slipped it in with that book he took from her." He waited for Draco's defensive reaction.
He didn't get one. Draco simply looked solemn, and somewhat tired--and old. "That's what I kind of thought, too."
"You did well today, Malfoy."
"You, too. You're very slick, Fowl." Draco's expression became more jovial, as if he was impressed against his will.
"The phoenix is a very useful bird."
"I noticed that." Draco looked over at Butler. "He's a good shot. Why the glasses, by the way?"
"Ah, we were protected from the basilisk's stare. Just the rest of you poor blokes. . ."
"Fowl. You really are a genius, aren't you?"
"You just now noticed?"
Draco smirked. "Something like that."
They resumed walking.
"Fowl--this doesn't mean we're friends or anything."
"Of course not, Malfoy."
___________ _________
Artemis was on hand shortly after Granger was revived. As expected, when he visited her in the Hospital Wing, Potter and Weasley were with her.
"Good to see you up and about," Artemis told her.
"Thanks. So you killed the basilisk."
"Yes."
"You could have let us in on more of your plan."
"Honestly. . . I'm not used to trusting people."
"Fortunately, I figured it all out for myself."
Artemis granted her a smile. Intelligence was to be admired, after all, even if it didn't rival his own.
"One question, though. . . did you ever actually hear any voices? Because if you did, that would make you a Parselmouth, and you wouldn't have needed that box."
"Um." Artemis looked at the Trio, who were watching him closely. "Actually, no." What was this, guilt? He banished it. "I just needed to get you talking. Otherwise, would you have associated with a Slytherin?"
The boys looked indignant. Hermione did not. "Honestly? No. And it would have been our loss."
Artemis blinked.
"Stay friends, Artemis Fowl?" She held out her hand.
"All right," he said, feeling strangely pleased. He shook her hand.
Potter and Weasley looked at each other, at Hermione, then shrugged. They offered their hands and shook, too.
At the door to the infirmary, Artemis stopped and looked back. "Hey, Weasley--say hi to your sister for me."
He nodded.
"And if she ever gets a fancy for large men, Goyle thinks she's pretty."
*"What?"*
Artemis smirked at Ron's expression and left.
___________ _____________
Classes were cancelled that day, and there was a feast in celebration that lasted for hours. Dumbledore chose that time to present the Special Service Awards and the House points. Everyone had known Potter was involved somehow, but the rest of the details had been hushed up. Now everyone applauded as Dumbledore made a speech praising Potter and Weasley for their bravery, and then they returned to eating, expecting everything to be done.
"And this third award goes to Artemis Fowl of Slytherin House," Dumbledore continued loudly. The hall went quiet, then whispers began: "Slytherin? What do the Slytherins have to do with it?"
Artemis walked to the front and collected the plaque the Headmaster gave him. "I would call you brave," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling madly, "but as that is such a Gryffindor trait, I fear you would be insulted. Or I could describe your intelligence in solving the mystery, but isn't that a Ravenclaw trait? So I will congratulate you instead on your cunning, your determination, your overall Slytherin-ness that allowed you to use your traits together, trick the villain, and destroy his basilisk. I feel there could be no higher compliment."
Three more seconds of absolute quiet. Artemis mentally sighed. "Perhaps this will put an end to rumors against our House. I, for one, would like to see more inter-House cooperation." He didn't mean that last part, but he knew the sort of things one was expected to say. He politely smiled at Dumbledore, and held up his plaque for the Slytherin table to get a better look at.
Four more seconds of dead silence. By now, Draco was feeling rather put out. "Whatever," he said suddenly, in a loud voice. Then he shot to his feet, raised one fist in the air, and shouted, "Slytherins rock!"
Upon which Artemis and Snape actually (mostly) smiled, and the whole Slytherin table burst into wild cheering. Artemis went and sat back down.
Dumbledore merrily began clapping along, so Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff applauded, as well. Very few people amongst the Gryffindors did, however. But what truly astonished everyone was that those clapping included Potter, Granger, and all the Weasleys, who felt they owed Artemis at least that much for saving Ginny's life.
____________ ____________
"The Ides of March are upon us," declared Artemis at breakfast.
"What?"
"He just means it's mid-March," Chevalier interpreted.
"Couldn't he just say that?"
Zabini came running in late. "Does Ginny Weasley have my hawk again? I can't find him."
"Snape's birthday is the last day of March," Pansy informed them.
"Really? Does he give a party?"
"Are you kidding?" Eva laughed.
"He's seemed almost--happy, lately."
"He's still basking in a state of overwhelming contentment, brought about when Slytherin got applauded for Artemis's award."
Millicent's eyes suddenly filled with panic. "Wait, did I bring my Charms homework?" She began rooting through her bag.
"Malfoy, don't forget Quidditch practice tonight," Flint called over as he left the table. Draco nodded.
"Bulstrode, you're dropping things." Goyle handed her quill to her.
"I heard we're having a surprise quiz in Herbology."
"Not much of a surprise, apparently."
"I'm still hungry."
"You always are, Crabbe."
_____________ ____________
"So, any more visits from that house elf?" Artemis asked Granger as they left the Potions classroom.
"Not since just after you all defeated Riddle. I wonder how Dobby is doing."
Draco pushed Longbottom out of the way and scowled. He had been eavesdropping on their conversation. "Dobby? A house elf named Dobby?"
Artemis and Granger turned to look at him. Granger's chin went up. "Yeah, so?"
"*We* have a house elf called Dobby. He's served the Malfoys for decades. Why are you talking about him?"
'Well now,' Artemis thought, 'isn't *that* interesting.'
"I don't have to tell you anything!" Hermione stalked away.
"Fowl. . ."
"Malfoy. . . it's really better if you don't know."
"I have the right to know!"
"If I tell you, you can't let on. Promise?"
"Promise. Slytherin honor."
"Mm hm."
A half-grin. "Oh, all right, I'll swear on something else."
"Just wait til we get back to the common room." Finnegan kept staring at them suspiciously, even though they were now speaking very softly.
__________ __________
"So our house elf has been trying to save Potter by nearly killing him several times?"
"That about sums it up, yes."
Draco leaned back against the couch and stretched his legs out toward the fire. "Very erratic behavior, for a house elf. He's not even supposed to leave the Manor without permission."
Artemis's brow furrowed. "You're taking this very well."
"At this point, not much is left to be done about it. It's more like a case of, 'well, whatever.'" He shifted and crossed his arms. "My parents wouldn't be happy."
"So don't tell them."
". . . I might not."
"Anyway, now that you know, I have homework to do." Artemis picked up his bag and stood.
"Last Quidditch game next Friday. Against Hufflepuff--it's a joke, really."
"Be sure to win. We're still in the running for the House Cup."
Draco continued to sit by the fire after Artemis left. So--a traitorous house elf. And for Potter, of all people. Draco still detested Potter. He sighed. They were only behind 80 points for the House Cup. If only he'd gotten his 200 points! It was all his father's fault, but that was no use thinking about.
'Meanwhile, Fowl probably thinks I'm getting soft. I better insult him some more.'
___________ ____________
Mail time came with the rush of air and the clapping of wings, with hoots and feathers. Owls swooped along the Slytherin table, dropping off their burdens and then settling down for bacon for breakfast.
A large grey owl, with eyes that seemed too human for a mere bird, landed by Draco's right hand. He recognized it at once as his father's. A letter was attached to his leg. It bore the Malfoy seal.
He didn't want to read it, but he knew that, like in so many things, he had no choice. He considered waiting until he was alone, but he couldn't stand the suspense. He ripped it open and read,
"Draco, to my dismay, it has been brought to my attention that you have been running around with Muggle-lovers, Mudbloods, and half-bloods. I have seen with my own eyes your relations with that dreadful Artemis Fowl. You have allowed yourself to become tainted, Draco. This cannot be ignored. You will stop your associations immediately. I will be paying close attention to your actions in days to come. Keep this in mind. Lucius."
Tainted. There was that word again. Merlin, he'd been afraid something like this would happen. And now his father. . . his father would be watching him. It occurred to him to wonder--would they be watching Fowl again now, too?
"Draco. Draco, what's wrong? You've got a really weird expression."
His friends were staring at him. "Nothing," he managed.
"Liar," Fowl said.
Draco's eyes narrowed and his cheeks flushed. "Be careful what you call me, Fowl." His voice was soft and dangerous.
"Very well. You are not, at all times or in general, a liar. But you are, currently, lying."
"Just shut up. I don't care about your opinions. And by the way, you remember our little discussion about the Ministry? I'm thinking their eyes are open wide again."
"Ah."
"Draco, that was your father's handwriting, wasn't it?" Pansy asked.
"Would you all just mind your own business?"
She looked hurt.
He didn't care. Why should he care? He was tainted. He was letting down generations of Malfoys. He was a disgrace to wizards and purebloods and everyone who mattered. He felt cold and hot at the same time.
And the worst part was, his father would be watching him.
Fowl was looking at him, Fowl had the strangest, unreadable expression. "Malfoy. . ."
"Just. Leave. Me. Alone!" Draco jumped to his feet and stalked away.
_________ __________
A/N: Holly coming soon! More conflict, plot twists, and adventure!
I love you all, my dear reviewers!
Oh, and Artemis running from Moaning Myrtle was a rational, strategic retreat. :)
By Elbereth in April
Chapter 22
A knock sounded on the door. "Enter," Dumbledore called.
The door opened. Standing in the doorway, with an aristocratic arrogance Potter could never hope to copy, was Lucius Malfoy. He wore a long black cloak and had his immaculate blond hair pulled back.
"Father," Draco breathed, no louder than a murmur. His face had gone very white, his muscles very tense.
Artemis looked over at him, then back over at Lucius Malfoy with suddenly narrowed eyes.
"The Board of Governors is concerned about recent events," Lucius drawled lazily. "They've called for your suspension. All 12 signatures are on this document. I'm afraid we feel you're losing your touch. Another attack this afternoon--at this rate, there'll be no Muggle-borns left at Hogwarts, and we all know what an *awful* loss that would be."
Potter restrained himself from leaping up and shouting at him with great difficulty.
"Not to worry, Lucius," Fudge said in a voice full of obviously forced cheerfulness. "The problem has been taken care of."
"What?" Mr. Malfoy blinked, honestly taken aback for all of four seconds, then he recovered. He focused on the other guests in Dumbledore's office for the first time. "Why, Draco. Not getting in trouble, are you?"
"No, sir," Draco replied hoarsely. All of his father's words suddenly came crashing back in on him. Let the Heir get on with it. Stay out of the way. The school needs cleansed. Worthless Mudbloods. . . 'And I've just gone and killed Tom Riddle. I killed the Dark Lord's younger self. The guy my father used to serve--and still does, by all accounts, dead or not. What was I thinking? I'm not that indiscreet. I said I don't want to be a Death Eater. Out loud. If somebody repeats that. . . I'm disowned, I'm done for. Merlin, my father's going to murder me!'
"That's good--why don't you share a few more details, hm? The problem's been taken care of?" His gaze flicked from Draco to Fudge to Potter back to Draco.
"Potter killed Tom Riddle," Draco blurted. "He was in some old book--came alive and possessed the youngest Weasley brat."
"I see. . ." Lucius's face was very cold and hard now. He looked at Dumbledore. "Are you sure she wasn't acting on her own?"
"Quite sure," Artemis spoke up. "Riddle himself confessed the whole thing, just before I killed his basilisk."
Lucius Malfoy's smile would have frozen hell. "And who might you be?"
"Artemis Fowl, the Second."
Their eyes met and locked. They say if ice is cold enough, it burns, and anyone caught between their gaze would have been ashes.
"Yes. . . Slytherin. Same year as my son. I believe he wrote me about you."
"I'm not surprised.--It's a good thing Potter found Riddle's diary. If there hadn't been proof that Ginny Weasley wasn't acting on her own. . . imagine, the daughter of one of the most prominent pureblood families, whose father is backing a Muggle Protection Act murdering Muggle-borns on her own. Think what the consequences could have been."
"Quite right, Mr. Fowl," said Dumbledore, steepling his fingers in front of his face. "Quite right. But you don't have to explain to Mr. Malfoy! As the skilled politician he is, he can imagine the consequences only too well, I'm sure."
Lucius forced a smile. "Indeed. And how are you involved in all this, Draco?"
Draco's mind went blank.
"My bodyguard Butler came to visit me," Artemis interrupted as Draco wet his lips and tried to find words. "He went to the dungeons and found Malfoy and they started hunting me. They found Potter and me with the Weasleys, fresh from leaving the Chamber of Secrets."
"And how did the four of you end up covered in slime?"
"Butler naturally volunteered to help me climb out of a very steep, very slimy pipe. That's how he got dirty. And while he was helping me, Malfoy kindly assisted Weasley in getting his sister out--she was unconscious at the time. Poor Malfoy--I know those are custom-tailored robes, that fabric will never be the same. . ."
"Yours are custom-tailored, too, Fowl." Draco tried to speak as arrogantly as normal and managed fairly well.
"Yes, but I'd gone down by choice. Whereas you were making the best of a bad job, I believe."
"I see. . ." Lucius studied his son a moment longer, then turned back to Dumbledore. "Well then. I guess our call for your removal won't be necessary this time. But we'll be watching you, Dumbledore. To have this happen at all--you're slipping."
"Oh, come now, Lucius," Fudge began, but a glare from Malfoy Sr. shut him up.
"Draco, I'll talk to you another time. When you're not so--tainted. Nasty stuff, slime. Make sure to shower well."
Tainted. Draco felt his stomach clench.
Lucius Malfoy swept out of the room. The door closed behind him with a bang.
"I'll just be leaving now, as well," Fudge said uncomfortably. "I'll let the Ministry know everything's fine. What about the Petrified students?"
"In one week's time, the Mandrakes should be ready. Then it will be a simple matter of un-petrifying them."
"Good, good. Farewell then, Albus. Young Malfoy. Harry Potter. Artemis Fowl. And--what was your name, sir?"
"Butler."
". . . Yes, Butler. Good day."
After his exit, the room was quiet for a moment.
"So what really happened?" Dumbledore regarded them with a twinkle in his eye. He took out a lemon drop and began to suck on it.
And they told him. Mostly. It's never wise to tell *all* your secrets.
________ ________
"Special awards for services to the school and 200 House points each," Draco reflected as he, Artemis, and Butler headed back to the dungeons. Dumbledore had asked Potter to remain behind for a few more questions.
"Too bad your part has to be kept secret," Artemis remarked. "Did your father believe us, do you think?"
Draco nodded slowly. "I think."
"Will he do anything to you?"
Draco did not meet Artemis's eyes. He felt exposed and ashamed. How much could Artemis guess about his father and their relationship? "I'm sure everything's fine," he lied. He was far from sure.
"We could've used your 200 points, too. Gryffindor's still ahead for the House Cup."
"It's not my fault!"
Artemis stopped walking. "I know. I'm not implying that it was."
Draco stopped, too, a few feet away. "How do you think Ginny Weasley got that diary?"
Artemis hesitated. "I think--remember that little scene at Flourish and Blott's before school started? I think your father slipped it in with that book he took from her." He waited for Draco's defensive reaction.
He didn't get one. Draco simply looked solemn, and somewhat tired--and old. "That's what I kind of thought, too."
"You did well today, Malfoy."
"You, too. You're very slick, Fowl." Draco's expression became more jovial, as if he was impressed against his will.
"The phoenix is a very useful bird."
"I noticed that." Draco looked over at Butler. "He's a good shot. Why the glasses, by the way?"
"Ah, we were protected from the basilisk's stare. Just the rest of you poor blokes. . ."
"Fowl. You really are a genius, aren't you?"
"You just now noticed?"
Draco smirked. "Something like that."
They resumed walking.
"Fowl--this doesn't mean we're friends or anything."
"Of course not, Malfoy."
___________ _________
Artemis was on hand shortly after Granger was revived. As expected, when he visited her in the Hospital Wing, Potter and Weasley were with her.
"Good to see you up and about," Artemis told her.
"Thanks. So you killed the basilisk."
"Yes."
"You could have let us in on more of your plan."
"Honestly. . . I'm not used to trusting people."
"Fortunately, I figured it all out for myself."
Artemis granted her a smile. Intelligence was to be admired, after all, even if it didn't rival his own.
"One question, though. . . did you ever actually hear any voices? Because if you did, that would make you a Parselmouth, and you wouldn't have needed that box."
"Um." Artemis looked at the Trio, who were watching him closely. "Actually, no." What was this, guilt? He banished it. "I just needed to get you talking. Otherwise, would you have associated with a Slytherin?"
The boys looked indignant. Hermione did not. "Honestly? No. And it would have been our loss."
Artemis blinked.
"Stay friends, Artemis Fowl?" She held out her hand.
"All right," he said, feeling strangely pleased. He shook her hand.
Potter and Weasley looked at each other, at Hermione, then shrugged. They offered their hands and shook, too.
At the door to the infirmary, Artemis stopped and looked back. "Hey, Weasley--say hi to your sister for me."
He nodded.
"And if she ever gets a fancy for large men, Goyle thinks she's pretty."
*"What?"*
Artemis smirked at Ron's expression and left.
___________ _____________
Classes were cancelled that day, and there was a feast in celebration that lasted for hours. Dumbledore chose that time to present the Special Service Awards and the House points. Everyone had known Potter was involved somehow, but the rest of the details had been hushed up. Now everyone applauded as Dumbledore made a speech praising Potter and Weasley for their bravery, and then they returned to eating, expecting everything to be done.
"And this third award goes to Artemis Fowl of Slytherin House," Dumbledore continued loudly. The hall went quiet, then whispers began: "Slytherin? What do the Slytherins have to do with it?"
Artemis walked to the front and collected the plaque the Headmaster gave him. "I would call you brave," Dumbledore said, eyes twinkling madly, "but as that is such a Gryffindor trait, I fear you would be insulted. Or I could describe your intelligence in solving the mystery, but isn't that a Ravenclaw trait? So I will congratulate you instead on your cunning, your determination, your overall Slytherin-ness that allowed you to use your traits together, trick the villain, and destroy his basilisk. I feel there could be no higher compliment."
Three more seconds of absolute quiet. Artemis mentally sighed. "Perhaps this will put an end to rumors against our House. I, for one, would like to see more inter-House cooperation." He didn't mean that last part, but he knew the sort of things one was expected to say. He politely smiled at Dumbledore, and held up his plaque for the Slytherin table to get a better look at.
Four more seconds of dead silence. By now, Draco was feeling rather put out. "Whatever," he said suddenly, in a loud voice. Then he shot to his feet, raised one fist in the air, and shouted, "Slytherins rock!"
Upon which Artemis and Snape actually (mostly) smiled, and the whole Slytherin table burst into wild cheering. Artemis went and sat back down.
Dumbledore merrily began clapping along, so Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff applauded, as well. Very few people amongst the Gryffindors did, however. But what truly astonished everyone was that those clapping included Potter, Granger, and all the Weasleys, who felt they owed Artemis at least that much for saving Ginny's life.
____________ ____________
"The Ides of March are upon us," declared Artemis at breakfast.
"What?"
"He just means it's mid-March," Chevalier interpreted.
"Couldn't he just say that?"
Zabini came running in late. "Does Ginny Weasley have my hawk again? I can't find him."
"Snape's birthday is the last day of March," Pansy informed them.
"Really? Does he give a party?"
"Are you kidding?" Eva laughed.
"He's seemed almost--happy, lately."
"He's still basking in a state of overwhelming contentment, brought about when Slytherin got applauded for Artemis's award."
Millicent's eyes suddenly filled with panic. "Wait, did I bring my Charms homework?" She began rooting through her bag.
"Malfoy, don't forget Quidditch practice tonight," Flint called over as he left the table. Draco nodded.
"Bulstrode, you're dropping things." Goyle handed her quill to her.
"I heard we're having a surprise quiz in Herbology."
"Not much of a surprise, apparently."
"I'm still hungry."
"You always are, Crabbe."
_____________ ____________
"So, any more visits from that house elf?" Artemis asked Granger as they left the Potions classroom.
"Not since just after you all defeated Riddle. I wonder how Dobby is doing."
Draco pushed Longbottom out of the way and scowled. He had been eavesdropping on their conversation. "Dobby? A house elf named Dobby?"
Artemis and Granger turned to look at him. Granger's chin went up. "Yeah, so?"
"*We* have a house elf called Dobby. He's served the Malfoys for decades. Why are you talking about him?"
'Well now,' Artemis thought, 'isn't *that* interesting.'
"I don't have to tell you anything!" Hermione stalked away.
"Fowl. . ."
"Malfoy. . . it's really better if you don't know."
"I have the right to know!"
"If I tell you, you can't let on. Promise?"
"Promise. Slytherin honor."
"Mm hm."
A half-grin. "Oh, all right, I'll swear on something else."
"Just wait til we get back to the common room." Finnegan kept staring at them suspiciously, even though they were now speaking very softly.
__________ __________
"So our house elf has been trying to save Potter by nearly killing him several times?"
"That about sums it up, yes."
Draco leaned back against the couch and stretched his legs out toward the fire. "Very erratic behavior, for a house elf. He's not even supposed to leave the Manor without permission."
Artemis's brow furrowed. "You're taking this very well."
"At this point, not much is left to be done about it. It's more like a case of, 'well, whatever.'" He shifted and crossed his arms. "My parents wouldn't be happy."
"So don't tell them."
". . . I might not."
"Anyway, now that you know, I have homework to do." Artemis picked up his bag and stood.
"Last Quidditch game next Friday. Against Hufflepuff--it's a joke, really."
"Be sure to win. We're still in the running for the House Cup."
Draco continued to sit by the fire after Artemis left. So--a traitorous house elf. And for Potter, of all people. Draco still detested Potter. He sighed. They were only behind 80 points for the House Cup. If only he'd gotten his 200 points! It was all his father's fault, but that was no use thinking about.
'Meanwhile, Fowl probably thinks I'm getting soft. I better insult him some more.'
___________ ____________
Mail time came with the rush of air and the clapping of wings, with hoots and feathers. Owls swooped along the Slytherin table, dropping off their burdens and then settling down for bacon for breakfast.
A large grey owl, with eyes that seemed too human for a mere bird, landed by Draco's right hand. He recognized it at once as his father's. A letter was attached to his leg. It bore the Malfoy seal.
He didn't want to read it, but he knew that, like in so many things, he had no choice. He considered waiting until he was alone, but he couldn't stand the suspense. He ripped it open and read,
"Draco, to my dismay, it has been brought to my attention that you have been running around with Muggle-lovers, Mudbloods, and half-bloods. I have seen with my own eyes your relations with that dreadful Artemis Fowl. You have allowed yourself to become tainted, Draco. This cannot be ignored. You will stop your associations immediately. I will be paying close attention to your actions in days to come. Keep this in mind. Lucius."
Tainted. There was that word again. Merlin, he'd been afraid something like this would happen. And now his father. . . his father would be watching him. It occurred to him to wonder--would they be watching Fowl again now, too?
"Draco. Draco, what's wrong? You've got a really weird expression."
His friends were staring at him. "Nothing," he managed.
"Liar," Fowl said.
Draco's eyes narrowed and his cheeks flushed. "Be careful what you call me, Fowl." His voice was soft and dangerous.
"Very well. You are not, at all times or in general, a liar. But you are, currently, lying."
"Just shut up. I don't care about your opinions. And by the way, you remember our little discussion about the Ministry? I'm thinking their eyes are open wide again."
"Ah."
"Draco, that was your father's handwriting, wasn't it?" Pansy asked.
"Would you all just mind your own business?"
She looked hurt.
He didn't care. Why should he care? He was tainted. He was letting down generations of Malfoys. He was a disgrace to wizards and purebloods and everyone who mattered. He felt cold and hot at the same time.
And the worst part was, his father would be watching him.
Fowl was looking at him, Fowl had the strangest, unreadable expression. "Malfoy. . ."
"Just. Leave. Me. Alone!" Draco jumped to his feet and stalked away.
_________ __________
A/N: Holly coming soon! More conflict, plot twists, and adventure!
I love you all, my dear reviewers!
Oh, and Artemis running from Moaning Myrtle was a rational, strategic retreat. :)