Disclaimer: Much as I'd like to, I don't own Draco Malfoy, or any part of the magical world that J.K. Rowling has all the copyrights to ... please don't sue me. There are some parts of this story that are quotes from the book - it can't be helped - events are the same as in the book, but Draco's opinion of these events may vary from Harry's.
Author's Notes: Well, I didn't feel like writing out the whole First Task thing ... so Draco just didn't pay much attention to it.
Devi: Well, not die ... but be very jealous, yes indeed. I have not got a soft spot for Potter - the only way I can like the boy is when he's acting Slythish (which he actually does, quite a few times, in the real books). Um, Draco also did quote parts of that article to Harry, according to the original GoF. She lives with her mother - and no but Cat and her mom know that Sirius is her dad. No, the house elf can not sense things like that ... it's just the same reason Theo and Luna are extra perceptive - Kreacher is also insane. And no, the jinxed hairbrush just made James' hair worse than usual (yes, it is possible!) for a few days.
angelkas: Erm ... actually, that's about as romantic as I can get ... Draco's character as I write him is entirely based on myself. I don't understand romance, so I actually do have trouble writing it ... I'm surprised you think it's romantic. Of course he doesn't know ... and they were never married ... Cat's mom slept with Sirius precisely three times, before she dumped him (she had a vision about him going to Azkaban, and wanted nothing to do with someone who could deserve to go there) ... she dumped him before Cat was born. Now, whether Cat is his or not, I'm leaving open to debate.
Bob: I actually agree - I was debating not doing that whole 12 Grimmauld Place scene ... but they needed to know Sirius was back in town, and Cat had to meet him ... and if I'd not given Draco one here, he'd have had to get an Invisibility Cloak for Christmas, and that'd have made him have to be interested in his Christmas presents, thus ruining the Bah Humbug attitude I wanted him to have. It's complicated. But, on the bright side - Draco knows shit-all about the evil plot to get Voldemort back - he knows there's something fishy going on, but his best guess is way off base, and to be honest, Harry's assumption that Karkaroff is responsible is actually closer to the mark. And as for Cat being Sirius' daughter - he has no idea she's his ... I'm even leaving it open to debate as to whether she actually is his or not, because Cat's mom only dated Sirius shortly before Cat was born. And Sirius knows he's related to Draco, and is aware that Draco probably grew up in a more Dark-Arts-infested environment than #12, so he didn't think he needed to worry.
Exodia Himself: The Ring of Amara is a magical ring found in the Buffy-verse, which will make any vampire that wears it be unkillable. I may have spelled it wrong, though.
jinjo: *grins* glad you liked it, I thought it was appropriate. I think I did write Siri a little OOC ... but think of it that he shows a different attitude (or side of his personality) to Slytherins/family.
Hrei-siesn: Thanks. And of course it was awkward - that was the point.
LenaLovely12: I'll send you more to beta when you get back ... I think I can survive without you until then.
dstrbd child: Well, I can't say what my plans are for those two ... because even I haven't decided yet. I really need to wait for JKR to tell us what happens in the sixth book before I can make up my mind properly.
Simply Myself: Well, it's the fact Draco didn't tease Harry about it before the article appeared that made me think he musta wasted the ammo. To answer your question about class averages - yes. Draco is still trying to deny it ... he's just beginning to admit defeat. What did you mean "how more Slythie can Draco get?"? There are biting seats in the second floor study in Malfoy Manor ... and in the dungeon under the Drawing Room ... and in the attic next to the photo albums ... and - you get the picture? Snape suspended Sirius by his underpants from the top goal hoop on the Quidditch pitch, for revenge for that one. It's just him. Draco doesn't know the meaning of the word "share" ... well, he does, but he doesn't care much for it.
duochang97: Well, it can't have helped Harry and Ron's case, when they do finally notice, can it. Well, think about it - those paintings are in that hall as a security measure, so that's why they can see through the cloak - and Draco's been there before, when he was four, he met his great aunt Cruella about a month before she died - he just doesn't remember it. I apologise for the crappiness of the task, this chapter, since you were looking forward to it.
Elizabeth: Yes, Draco blushed - rare event, they should make a national holiday because of it! He will need the Invisibility Cloak soon ... not sure why, but soon, which is why I gave him one - it was either there, or Christmas. I thought the hairbrush was funny, too. I'm scared now - there's really someone like my Theo out there? Oh, I'd love to meet him.
ravenbeaut: Draco/Hermione is one of my favourite ships, too ... and the one I actually think is possible. Cat's father is not recorded on any official documentation - all we have to go by is Cat's mother's word - the tapestry works from documented information, therefore Cat's father isn't recorded. As for Theo and the Invisibility Cloak - no, he can't see through it, he just made a lucky guess as to where Draco was standing. Thank you.
Sinical-Sarchasm: Draco keeps track of everything he does/sees, so it only made sense that he'd keep track of everything he stole, as well. I personally am an attention seeker, but I still don't get the concept of kleptomania - it just doesn't make sense to me. Hmm - true - the fact of the matter is, he was depressed and brought back to reality with a violent jolt, just before his third year, before the Dementors showed up. He got over it by the end of the year, and he was unaffected again. I think you're right about Dumbledore.
judi: Thank you - I'm glad you like it.
"I'm sorry - you're hair ..." "Is something wrong with my hair? Oh my god! *runs off*" "Willow was right ... worked like a charm" -BtVS
Chapter 16 - Dobby and Dragons
"Hey, Goyle." Theo said, as Crabbe and Goyle walked in.
"Wha?" Goyle asked.
"Can you try this on for me?" Theo asked, holding up the pendant.
"Sure." Goyle said. The bloody idiot.
Theo threw the pendant at Goyle, who caught it easily, and put it on, "Well, how does it feel?" Theo asked.
"Feels ok ... what's it anyway?" Goyle asked.
"It works!" Theo cheered, "And he's not turning into a Blast-Ended Skrewt."
"Why ... should I?" Goyle asked.
"You can take it off now." Theo said, grinning. Goyle returned the amulet to him.
"You, Theo, are incorrigible." I muttered.
"Thank you." Theo replied, putting the amulet on, himself. I shook my head and started folding my brand new stolen Invisibility Cloak. "Think you could shrink that and wear it ... as a ferret?" Theo asked.
"No." I said, putting the cloak into my trunk.
"Ah well ... Crabbe, you smell." Theo said. I'd not be surprised if he drives people insane with that amulet.
* * *
"Draco, guess what I heard." Theo said, skipping happily into the dorm room on Sunday evening - I was, as you should have come to expect by now, working on my Transfiguration project.
"What?" I asked.
"Guess." Theo said jumping onto his bed, landing cross-legged, and bouncing.
"All the Blast-Ended Skrewts have died?" I asked hopefully.
"Alas, no." Theo said, still bouncing.
"What, then?"
"Guess."
I sighed, exasperated, "How many guesses do I have?"
"Two more."
"Snape has announced his undying love for Longbottom, and the wedding's on Tuesday?" I asked sarcastically.
"Ew, no." Theo replied, grimacing, but still bouncing.
I thought for a minute, more to try to think of something even more outrageous and unlikely, "Hagrid got another dragon?" I asked finally.
"Close." Theo answered.
"What the fu-" I started, but he interrupted me.
"There are dragons on the Hogwarts grounds."
"What? How? Why? Where? When?" I asked, stunned.
"Dragons. Brought in from Romania. For the first Tri-Wizard task. Out in a paddock near the Forest. A couple of nights ago." Theo answered.
"Bloody hell." I muttered, then after thinking for a second, "How'd you know about them?"
"Nes told me." Theo said, grinning.
"How'd she know?"
"Karkaroff told her ... well, she said he told Krum, but she 'happened' to overhear him." Theo said, shrugging.
"Oh. Krum knows?" I asked.
"Yep."
"Does Delacour know?"
"I reckon so - Nes also overheard Karkaroff tell Krum that Maxime saw the dragons."
"Does Diggory know?"
"I doubt it."
After a second, I then asked, "Does Potter know?"
Theo snorted, "Not likely. Gryffindors are generally oblivious to all but the most obvious things."
"These are DRAGONS we're talking about." I reminded him.
"Yeah, but they're well hidden." Theo said, shrugging, "You'd need to know where to look to find them."
I thought for a minute, "Any clue what breed they were?"
"Yep, Karkaroff was very thorough in his report to Krum ... and Nes never misses a detail. There was a Fireball, a Welsh Green, a Short-Snout, and a Horntail."
"Oh, I bloody hope Potter gets the Horntail." I said maliciously.
* * *
On Tuesday, classes ended early to allow the whole school to go out to wherever the task was supposed to be, to watch them try to get themselves killed, "I'm not going." I muttered.
"Like hell, yes you are." Pansy replied, trying to drag me out of the Great Hall with the rest of the school, towards the grounds - I was trying at least as hard to head out of the Great Hall down to the dungeons.
"No I'm not - I don't give a shit about the Tournament, and I can use the extra time to work on my Transfiguration homework."
"You've already way ahead of the class on that." Pansy snapped, "You don't need to work on that subject again till after Christmas!"
"That's your opinion." I growled, trying to shake her off my arm.
"Look, just come with us and watch Potter get attacked by some dangerous creature or other - it should be fun." Pansy whined.
I sighed, "It's no fun if there's going to be 'safety precautions' taken." I muttered.
"You never know, no safety precautions are infallible." Pansy noted.
"I guess ..." I said, giving up all hope of getting any work done that afternoon.
"Yay. Good boy." she said, patting my head as if I was a puppy.
"Don't ... touch ... the hair." I snarled.
Pansy giggled as if what I'd just said was a really funny joke.
* * *
We were sitting in stands, around a large arena. I was doing my level best to look bored as all hell ... Pansy was doing her level best to make me not be bored. I was ignoring her.
Then several wizards walked into the arena - one was levitating what was clearly a nest of eggs, while the rest of them were levitating a dragon. It was the first time I'd ever seen a fully-grown dragon ... and it was gorgeous - it was a silvery-blue colour, with fine ridges down its back, and small horns on its forehead - it was also clearly asleep - possibly stunned. Then, once both the nest and the dragon were in place, the wizards, as one, cast the Enervate spell on the dragon, and ran away from it, to stand around the edge of the arena. The dragon blinked, roared as if to ask what they'd woken it for, then moved over to sniff the nest - it gave a funny look to what looked like a smaller golden egg in the nest, then almost shrugged, and curled around the nest defensively, it's brilliant blue eyes scanning the audience suspiciously.
Pansy was frowning, "What sort of dragon is that, anyway?" she asked.
"A Swedish Short-Snout." I answered, finally deigning to speak to her.
"It's gorgeous. Do you think they'd let us pet it?" Pansy asked.
"That is a stupid question, Pansy. Of course not." I said coldly.
Then Cedric Diggory walked out onto the arena, and I ceased to pay attention ... I vaguely noticed that he transfigured a stone into a dog, as a distraction, and got badly burned as a result. But I didn't particularly care.
After that, the second dragon was brought out - the Welsh Green. Unlike the description I'd read of it, it wasn't quite grass-green ... it was a nicer - slightly darker - shade of green than that. It was a little bigger, and its horns were more pronounced that the Short-Snout's, but it had no ridges down its back ... when it was woken up, its behaviour was no less suspicious of us than the Short-Snout had been, and it gave the handlers a look that gave me the feeling it was thinking 'you're really pushing it'.
Then Fleur Delacour walked out to face it, and I again stopped paying attention. She cast an entrancement spell to put it to sleep, but then it snored and her clothes caught fire ... she didn't get hurt, though.
The next dragon was the Chinese Fireball. It was quite spectacular looking (have you guessed yet that as long as I don't have to go too near them, I like dragons?). It was about the same size as the Welsh Green, but it was bright red, with a crest of golden horns around its face. Its eyes also glowed a sort of golden colour, when it woke up ... and it was looking at the audience as if it was thinking 'later on, you're lunch'.
"Can't see Potter fighting that one ... it's Gryffindor's colours." Pansy muttered. I ignored her.
It turned out, Viktor Krum was the champion to face the Fireball ... I paid little attention, but I can tell you that he used a Conjunctivitis curse, and the poor dragon went on a rampage and damaged a lot of its own eggs ... which, by the way, were just as bright a red as the dragon itself, with golden flecks on them, and it was such a shame to ruin them even if they were Gryffindor colours.
After that, the fourth dragon was brought out - I noticed there were more dragon-handlers with this one, and it was obvious why. It was the Hungarian Horntail. And the only champion left was Potter. The Horntail was almost twice the size of the Short-Snout, and it was jet-black with bronze horns on its head, bronze ridges down its back, and matching vicious-looking spikes on its tail. When it was woken, it sat up, spread its wings quite spectacularly, and roared at the audience, baring fangs about the length of my arm, and glaring at the audience with bright yellow eyes with an, 'oh goody, snack-time' look.
Pansy made a kind of "Meep." noise, and hid behind me, when it looked our way.
"Pans, did you not hear them saying there's dragon-proof shielding spells on these stands?" Blaise asked.
"No." Pansy muttered.
"And the charms are fire-proof, too." Milli added.
"Since when did you two know this?" I asked.
"Since we listen in to Bagman talking to people." Milli said, smirking.
Then Potter walked out into the arena. "Potter's gonna die." Pansy muttered, her eyes glittering with anticipation.
"Five Galleons says he's not." Cat muttered. It was the first time she'd spoken since we'd got out here.
"You're on." Pansy said.
"Pansy, much as I wish you were right, it's a bad idea to make bets with Cat." I muttered to her.
"Why?" Pansy asked, in a whiney voice.
"Because she's not been wrong yet." I answered.
"Too late to back out now." Cat said cheerfully, "Easy money, Pans." she said, grinning.
Potter raised his wand, and cast a spell ... at least I think he did, we couldn't hear him, and sod-all seemed to happen.
"What's he doing?" Pansy asked.
"He's just standing there waiting for the dragon to notice him and kill him." Blaise said, smirking.
"Even he's not that stupid, Blaise." I muttered.
"We can hope." Pansy noted.
"Draco's right, Pans." Cat said, "You should never underestimate your enemies."
After a few more moments of silence, during which Potter just stood there looking stupid, I heard a familiar, if faint, whooshing noise, and I looked up, "Do you girls hear that?" I asked.
"Hey!" Crabbe said, from my right. Goyle mustn't have heard me.
"I was talking to the girls, Crabbe ... I wasn't calling you a girl." I muttered, still looking up.
"I hear nothing." Pansy said, shrugging, "Except the dragon growling, that is."
"No, I hear something ... sounds like that bloody Firebolt." I said quietly.
And sure enough, I was right, "He's not allowed to do that!" Pansy shrieked as Potter caught the accursed broomstick and climbed onto it.
"Actually, he is." Cat said calmly, "He must have used a summoning spell, and that's allowed."
"Bugger that." I muttered, sitting back, folding my arms, and proceeding to sulk.
* * *
I got back to the dorms, after watching Potter practically walk over the first task ... well, fly, but still - I wasn't happy. Theo was sitting at the only desk in our room, writing something.
"What'ya doing?" I asked.
"Just got back from detention. I'm doing Defence homework." Theo answered.
"Oh, the essay on how to avoid class B dark curses?" I asked.
"Yep."
I looked over Theo's shoulder, to see what he'd written ... the entire page was filled with the words 'CONSTANT VIGILANCE' repeated over and over again ... and as I watched, Theo wrote the last line, with a flourish of his quill: 'CONSTANT BLOODY VIGILANCE'.
"You're not really going to hand that in as homework, are you?" I asked, stunned.
"Yep."
"But you just finished the detentions he gave you, last week." I noted.
"Yeah, life gets dull if I don't have a detention at least once a week ... and today was my last one scheduled till February." Theo explained.
"Have I mentioned lately - you're insane."
"Thank you."
* * *
When we got back those homework assignments (the one Theo deliberately sabotaged his version of), Moody was saying, "Adequate, most of you, a couple were pretty good, but one received top marks. One student. The only one who fully grasps the concept of what I've been trying to tell you ... CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" half the class jumped, when he shouted, Theo and I were not among those who jumped. He then walked over to stand in front of Theo. "Congratulations on the grade, Nott." he said coldly, "Oh, and you get a detention for your use of a swear-word on your homework assignment."
Theo squeaked, his jaw dropped, and he stared at Moody. "You've got to be kidding me, sir." Theo said, plaintively, "How can I get top marks, and a detention for the same homework?"
"Because I'm a vindictive arse-hole ... and you actually did seem to get the right idea, Nott." Moody answered.
"Lovely." Theo muttered, "And you're telling me off for swear-words?"
Moody glared, but didn't answer that.
* * *
That evening, while Theo was sulking in the common room, and Crabbe and Goyle were fast asleep and snoring, I was sitting up in our dormitory working on Transfiguration. I was already eight chapters ahead of everyone else, and that's not counting the advanced textbook I've read. Then, I heard a sudden snapping/cracking noise, and looked up to see what had caused it. Dobby was standing on top of my closed school truck.
"What are you doing here?" I asked quietly, checking to see that the Brainless Boys were still asleep before standing and walking over to the elf.
"Dobby is working at Hogwarts, now, Master Draco sir."
"Oh. And don't call me master - you're free, remember?" I said, sitting on the bed next to him.
"Yes, sir." Dobby said, nodding.
"So, you're working at Hogwarts - that explains why you're in the castle ... why are you in my room?" I asked.
"Dobby is wanting to tell Master Draco that he is here, since Master Draco was Dobby's favourite master, sir."
"Are you ever going to stop calling me that?" I asked.
"Sorry, sir." Dobby said, cringing slightly.
"Look, I don't really care what you call me. Don't cringe like that, I'm not going to hurt you." I said, exasperated.
Dobby seemed relieved, "Dobby is still getting used to not being punished, Master Draco."
"Well, I never hit you anyway ... all I ever did was tell you to iron your hands, or levitate objects to attack you ... I never hit you with my own hands." I said, tilting my head to one side, "So how is freedom treating you, anyway?"
"Now Dobby is at Hogwarts, freedom is much better, sir ... not many people is wanting free house elves, they is not." the elf said, shaking his head, "Dobby and Winky is both looking for work together, and Dobby is suggesting Hogwarts. Dobby had met Headmaster Dumbledore, and Dobby is remembering Headmaster Dumbledore is very kind, sir."
"Who's Winky?" I asked.
"Winky was Barty Crouch's house elf, sir ... but Winky was set free this summer for not staying where she was told to stay. Dobby was friends with Winky before she was freed, so Dobby is helping Winky find work, Dobby is."
"Have I ever told you I hate the way elves talk in the third person?" I asked.
"Often, sir." Dobby answered, nodding. "Headmaster Dumbledore is offering Dobby wages, yes he is."
I raised an eyebrow, and gave the elf a surprised look, "That's ... unconventional." I said, for want of a better word ... like barmy, insane, or mad-as-a-hatter.
Dobby nodded, "Dobby is getting paid one Galleon a week, and is having one day off a month!" he announced, cheerfully.
I blinked, "Well ... if you're happy with that." I said, sceptically.
"Dobby is very happy, sir. Headmaster Dumbledore tried to offer Dobby more, but Dobby wasn't wanting more, sir." the elf shuddered slightly before saying in a hushed whisper as if it was a bad thing he was talking about, "Headmaster Dumbledore offered Dobby ten Galleons a week and weekends off ..." another shudder, "But Dobby talked him down. Dobby is liking work at Hogwarts, sir. Dobby is not wanting to ask too much for it."
"I see." I said, quietly.
"Dobby is very happy to be freed, sir ... if it is allowed for Dobby to say it -" he gave me a look that effectively asked permission to continue. I nodded, "Dobby did not like Master Lucius much, sir ... Dobby especially did not like Master Lucius' cane, Dobby definitely did not." the elf shook his head so violently his ears flapped in his face.
I smirked, "I can understand that. And Theo would sympathise with the cane thing. So, does Dumbledore let you get away with things?" I asked, amused.
"Headmaster Dumbledore said Dobby can do as Dobby pleases - as long as Dobby's work gets done Dobby will get paid." the elf said, in rather a hushed tone, "But Dobby is not wanting to cause trouble, sir. No." he shook his head, "Headmaster Dumbledore also said Dobby was free to speak his mind. He said Dobby was free to call him a ... a ..." he lowered his voice to a barely audible whisper, "a barmy old codger, if Dobby wants to, sir." then in a slightly louder, and higher pitched voice than usual, he added, "But Dobby is not wanting to do that, no no no, sir. Dobby is liking Headmaster Dumbledore, yes he is, sir."
I sniggered at the barmy old codger remark, then looked at the elf, "You're bloody weird, you know that don't you?"
"Dobby knows most house elves is never wanting paid, sir. But Dobby likes it, sir."
"That's weird."
"Then Dobby guesses Dobby is weird, sir."
"Memo to me, keep you away from Granger, at all costs." Dobby gave me a confused look. "Anyway, thanks for telling me you're here." I said, shrugging.
"Dobby is glad to be of service to Master Draco sir." Dobby said, bowing.
"Yeah, whatever." I muttered, and the elf vanished with his usual whip-crack sound.
Why did I get the feeling that elf was going to hinder me, rather than help me?
Either way, I added to my notes that the suspicious house elf at the World Cup belonged to Bartemius Crouch, and was now at Hogwarts. What? You thought I'd forgotten about that?
* * *
End of chapter 16
Author's Notes: Well, I didn't feel like writing out the whole First Task thing ... so Draco just didn't pay much attention to it.
Devi: Well, not die ... but be very jealous, yes indeed. I have not got a soft spot for Potter - the only way I can like the boy is when he's acting Slythish (which he actually does, quite a few times, in the real books). Um, Draco also did quote parts of that article to Harry, according to the original GoF. She lives with her mother - and no but Cat and her mom know that Sirius is her dad. No, the house elf can not sense things like that ... it's just the same reason Theo and Luna are extra perceptive - Kreacher is also insane. And no, the jinxed hairbrush just made James' hair worse than usual (yes, it is possible!) for a few days.
angelkas: Erm ... actually, that's about as romantic as I can get ... Draco's character as I write him is entirely based on myself. I don't understand romance, so I actually do have trouble writing it ... I'm surprised you think it's romantic. Of course he doesn't know ... and they were never married ... Cat's mom slept with Sirius precisely three times, before she dumped him (she had a vision about him going to Azkaban, and wanted nothing to do with someone who could deserve to go there) ... she dumped him before Cat was born. Now, whether Cat is his or not, I'm leaving open to debate.
Bob: I actually agree - I was debating not doing that whole 12 Grimmauld Place scene ... but they needed to know Sirius was back in town, and Cat had to meet him ... and if I'd not given Draco one here, he'd have had to get an Invisibility Cloak for Christmas, and that'd have made him have to be interested in his Christmas presents, thus ruining the Bah Humbug attitude I wanted him to have. It's complicated. But, on the bright side - Draco knows shit-all about the evil plot to get Voldemort back - he knows there's something fishy going on, but his best guess is way off base, and to be honest, Harry's assumption that Karkaroff is responsible is actually closer to the mark. And as for Cat being Sirius' daughter - he has no idea she's his ... I'm even leaving it open to debate as to whether she actually is his or not, because Cat's mom only dated Sirius shortly before Cat was born. And Sirius knows he's related to Draco, and is aware that Draco probably grew up in a more Dark-Arts-infested environment than #12, so he didn't think he needed to worry.
Exodia Himself: The Ring of Amara is a magical ring found in the Buffy-verse, which will make any vampire that wears it be unkillable. I may have spelled it wrong, though.
jinjo: *grins* glad you liked it, I thought it was appropriate. I think I did write Siri a little OOC ... but think of it that he shows a different attitude (or side of his personality) to Slytherins/family.
Hrei-siesn: Thanks. And of course it was awkward - that was the point.
LenaLovely12: I'll send you more to beta when you get back ... I think I can survive without you until then.
dstrbd child: Well, I can't say what my plans are for those two ... because even I haven't decided yet. I really need to wait for JKR to tell us what happens in the sixth book before I can make up my mind properly.
Simply Myself: Well, it's the fact Draco didn't tease Harry about it before the article appeared that made me think he musta wasted the ammo. To answer your question about class averages - yes. Draco is still trying to deny it ... he's just beginning to admit defeat. What did you mean "how more Slythie can Draco get?"? There are biting seats in the second floor study in Malfoy Manor ... and in the dungeon under the Drawing Room ... and in the attic next to the photo albums ... and - you get the picture? Snape suspended Sirius by his underpants from the top goal hoop on the Quidditch pitch, for revenge for that one. It's just him. Draco doesn't know the meaning of the word "share" ... well, he does, but he doesn't care much for it.
duochang97: Well, it can't have helped Harry and Ron's case, when they do finally notice, can it. Well, think about it - those paintings are in that hall as a security measure, so that's why they can see through the cloak - and Draco's been there before, when he was four, he met his great aunt Cruella about a month before she died - he just doesn't remember it. I apologise for the crappiness of the task, this chapter, since you were looking forward to it.
Elizabeth: Yes, Draco blushed - rare event, they should make a national holiday because of it! He will need the Invisibility Cloak soon ... not sure why, but soon, which is why I gave him one - it was either there, or Christmas. I thought the hairbrush was funny, too. I'm scared now - there's really someone like my Theo out there? Oh, I'd love to meet him.
ravenbeaut: Draco/Hermione is one of my favourite ships, too ... and the one I actually think is possible. Cat's father is not recorded on any official documentation - all we have to go by is Cat's mother's word - the tapestry works from documented information, therefore Cat's father isn't recorded. As for Theo and the Invisibility Cloak - no, he can't see through it, he just made a lucky guess as to where Draco was standing. Thank you.
Sinical-Sarchasm: Draco keeps track of everything he does/sees, so it only made sense that he'd keep track of everything he stole, as well. I personally am an attention seeker, but I still don't get the concept of kleptomania - it just doesn't make sense to me. Hmm - true - the fact of the matter is, he was depressed and brought back to reality with a violent jolt, just before his third year, before the Dementors showed up. He got over it by the end of the year, and he was unaffected again. I think you're right about Dumbledore.
judi: Thank you - I'm glad you like it.
"I'm sorry - you're hair ..." "Is something wrong with my hair? Oh my god! *runs off*" "Willow was right ... worked like a charm" -BtVS
Chapter 16 - Dobby and Dragons
"Hey, Goyle." Theo said, as Crabbe and Goyle walked in.
"Wha?" Goyle asked.
"Can you try this on for me?" Theo asked, holding up the pendant.
"Sure." Goyle said. The bloody idiot.
Theo threw the pendant at Goyle, who caught it easily, and put it on, "Well, how does it feel?" Theo asked.
"Feels ok ... what's it anyway?" Goyle asked.
"It works!" Theo cheered, "And he's not turning into a Blast-Ended Skrewt."
"Why ... should I?" Goyle asked.
"You can take it off now." Theo said, grinning. Goyle returned the amulet to him.
"You, Theo, are incorrigible." I muttered.
"Thank you." Theo replied, putting the amulet on, himself. I shook my head and started folding my brand new stolen Invisibility Cloak. "Think you could shrink that and wear it ... as a ferret?" Theo asked.
"No." I said, putting the cloak into my trunk.
"Ah well ... Crabbe, you smell." Theo said. I'd not be surprised if he drives people insane with that amulet.
* * *
"Draco, guess what I heard." Theo said, skipping happily into the dorm room on Sunday evening - I was, as you should have come to expect by now, working on my Transfiguration project.
"What?" I asked.
"Guess." Theo said jumping onto his bed, landing cross-legged, and bouncing.
"All the Blast-Ended Skrewts have died?" I asked hopefully.
"Alas, no." Theo said, still bouncing.
"What, then?"
"Guess."
I sighed, exasperated, "How many guesses do I have?"
"Two more."
"Snape has announced his undying love for Longbottom, and the wedding's on Tuesday?" I asked sarcastically.
"Ew, no." Theo replied, grimacing, but still bouncing.
I thought for a minute, more to try to think of something even more outrageous and unlikely, "Hagrid got another dragon?" I asked finally.
"Close." Theo answered.
"What the fu-" I started, but he interrupted me.
"There are dragons on the Hogwarts grounds."
"What? How? Why? Where? When?" I asked, stunned.
"Dragons. Brought in from Romania. For the first Tri-Wizard task. Out in a paddock near the Forest. A couple of nights ago." Theo answered.
"Bloody hell." I muttered, then after thinking for a second, "How'd you know about them?"
"Nes told me." Theo said, grinning.
"How'd she know?"
"Karkaroff told her ... well, she said he told Krum, but she 'happened' to overhear him." Theo said, shrugging.
"Oh. Krum knows?" I asked.
"Yep."
"Does Delacour know?"
"I reckon so - Nes also overheard Karkaroff tell Krum that Maxime saw the dragons."
"Does Diggory know?"
"I doubt it."
After a second, I then asked, "Does Potter know?"
Theo snorted, "Not likely. Gryffindors are generally oblivious to all but the most obvious things."
"These are DRAGONS we're talking about." I reminded him.
"Yeah, but they're well hidden." Theo said, shrugging, "You'd need to know where to look to find them."
I thought for a minute, "Any clue what breed they were?"
"Yep, Karkaroff was very thorough in his report to Krum ... and Nes never misses a detail. There was a Fireball, a Welsh Green, a Short-Snout, and a Horntail."
"Oh, I bloody hope Potter gets the Horntail." I said maliciously.
* * *
On Tuesday, classes ended early to allow the whole school to go out to wherever the task was supposed to be, to watch them try to get themselves killed, "I'm not going." I muttered.
"Like hell, yes you are." Pansy replied, trying to drag me out of the Great Hall with the rest of the school, towards the grounds - I was trying at least as hard to head out of the Great Hall down to the dungeons.
"No I'm not - I don't give a shit about the Tournament, and I can use the extra time to work on my Transfiguration homework."
"You've already way ahead of the class on that." Pansy snapped, "You don't need to work on that subject again till after Christmas!"
"That's your opinion." I growled, trying to shake her off my arm.
"Look, just come with us and watch Potter get attacked by some dangerous creature or other - it should be fun." Pansy whined.
I sighed, "It's no fun if there's going to be 'safety precautions' taken." I muttered.
"You never know, no safety precautions are infallible." Pansy noted.
"I guess ..." I said, giving up all hope of getting any work done that afternoon.
"Yay. Good boy." she said, patting my head as if I was a puppy.
"Don't ... touch ... the hair." I snarled.
Pansy giggled as if what I'd just said was a really funny joke.
* * *
We were sitting in stands, around a large arena. I was doing my level best to look bored as all hell ... Pansy was doing her level best to make me not be bored. I was ignoring her.
Then several wizards walked into the arena - one was levitating what was clearly a nest of eggs, while the rest of them were levitating a dragon. It was the first time I'd ever seen a fully-grown dragon ... and it was gorgeous - it was a silvery-blue colour, with fine ridges down its back, and small horns on its forehead - it was also clearly asleep - possibly stunned. Then, once both the nest and the dragon were in place, the wizards, as one, cast the Enervate spell on the dragon, and ran away from it, to stand around the edge of the arena. The dragon blinked, roared as if to ask what they'd woken it for, then moved over to sniff the nest - it gave a funny look to what looked like a smaller golden egg in the nest, then almost shrugged, and curled around the nest defensively, it's brilliant blue eyes scanning the audience suspiciously.
Pansy was frowning, "What sort of dragon is that, anyway?" she asked.
"A Swedish Short-Snout." I answered, finally deigning to speak to her.
"It's gorgeous. Do you think they'd let us pet it?" Pansy asked.
"That is a stupid question, Pansy. Of course not." I said coldly.
Then Cedric Diggory walked out onto the arena, and I ceased to pay attention ... I vaguely noticed that he transfigured a stone into a dog, as a distraction, and got badly burned as a result. But I didn't particularly care.
After that, the second dragon was brought out - the Welsh Green. Unlike the description I'd read of it, it wasn't quite grass-green ... it was a nicer - slightly darker - shade of green than that. It was a little bigger, and its horns were more pronounced that the Short-Snout's, but it had no ridges down its back ... when it was woken up, its behaviour was no less suspicious of us than the Short-Snout had been, and it gave the handlers a look that gave me the feeling it was thinking 'you're really pushing it'.
Then Fleur Delacour walked out to face it, and I again stopped paying attention. She cast an entrancement spell to put it to sleep, but then it snored and her clothes caught fire ... she didn't get hurt, though.
The next dragon was the Chinese Fireball. It was quite spectacular looking (have you guessed yet that as long as I don't have to go too near them, I like dragons?). It was about the same size as the Welsh Green, but it was bright red, with a crest of golden horns around its face. Its eyes also glowed a sort of golden colour, when it woke up ... and it was looking at the audience as if it was thinking 'later on, you're lunch'.
"Can't see Potter fighting that one ... it's Gryffindor's colours." Pansy muttered. I ignored her.
It turned out, Viktor Krum was the champion to face the Fireball ... I paid little attention, but I can tell you that he used a Conjunctivitis curse, and the poor dragon went on a rampage and damaged a lot of its own eggs ... which, by the way, were just as bright a red as the dragon itself, with golden flecks on them, and it was such a shame to ruin them even if they were Gryffindor colours.
After that, the fourth dragon was brought out - I noticed there were more dragon-handlers with this one, and it was obvious why. It was the Hungarian Horntail. And the only champion left was Potter. The Horntail was almost twice the size of the Short-Snout, and it was jet-black with bronze horns on its head, bronze ridges down its back, and matching vicious-looking spikes on its tail. When it was woken, it sat up, spread its wings quite spectacularly, and roared at the audience, baring fangs about the length of my arm, and glaring at the audience with bright yellow eyes with an, 'oh goody, snack-time' look.
Pansy made a kind of "Meep." noise, and hid behind me, when it looked our way.
"Pans, did you not hear them saying there's dragon-proof shielding spells on these stands?" Blaise asked.
"No." Pansy muttered.
"And the charms are fire-proof, too." Milli added.
"Since when did you two know this?" I asked.
"Since we listen in to Bagman talking to people." Milli said, smirking.
Then Potter walked out into the arena. "Potter's gonna die." Pansy muttered, her eyes glittering with anticipation.
"Five Galleons says he's not." Cat muttered. It was the first time she'd spoken since we'd got out here.
"You're on." Pansy said.
"Pansy, much as I wish you were right, it's a bad idea to make bets with Cat." I muttered to her.
"Why?" Pansy asked, in a whiney voice.
"Because she's not been wrong yet." I answered.
"Too late to back out now." Cat said cheerfully, "Easy money, Pans." she said, grinning.
Potter raised his wand, and cast a spell ... at least I think he did, we couldn't hear him, and sod-all seemed to happen.
"What's he doing?" Pansy asked.
"He's just standing there waiting for the dragon to notice him and kill him." Blaise said, smirking.
"Even he's not that stupid, Blaise." I muttered.
"We can hope." Pansy noted.
"Draco's right, Pans." Cat said, "You should never underestimate your enemies."
After a few more moments of silence, during which Potter just stood there looking stupid, I heard a familiar, if faint, whooshing noise, and I looked up, "Do you girls hear that?" I asked.
"Hey!" Crabbe said, from my right. Goyle mustn't have heard me.
"I was talking to the girls, Crabbe ... I wasn't calling you a girl." I muttered, still looking up.
"I hear nothing." Pansy said, shrugging, "Except the dragon growling, that is."
"No, I hear something ... sounds like that bloody Firebolt." I said quietly.
And sure enough, I was right, "He's not allowed to do that!" Pansy shrieked as Potter caught the accursed broomstick and climbed onto it.
"Actually, he is." Cat said calmly, "He must have used a summoning spell, and that's allowed."
"Bugger that." I muttered, sitting back, folding my arms, and proceeding to sulk.
* * *
I got back to the dorms, after watching Potter practically walk over the first task ... well, fly, but still - I wasn't happy. Theo was sitting at the only desk in our room, writing something.
"What'ya doing?" I asked.
"Just got back from detention. I'm doing Defence homework." Theo answered.
"Oh, the essay on how to avoid class B dark curses?" I asked.
"Yep."
I looked over Theo's shoulder, to see what he'd written ... the entire page was filled with the words 'CONSTANT VIGILANCE' repeated over and over again ... and as I watched, Theo wrote the last line, with a flourish of his quill: 'CONSTANT BLOODY VIGILANCE'.
"You're not really going to hand that in as homework, are you?" I asked, stunned.
"Yep."
"But you just finished the detentions he gave you, last week." I noted.
"Yeah, life gets dull if I don't have a detention at least once a week ... and today was my last one scheduled till February." Theo explained.
"Have I mentioned lately - you're insane."
"Thank you."
* * *
When we got back those homework assignments (the one Theo deliberately sabotaged his version of), Moody was saying, "Adequate, most of you, a couple were pretty good, but one received top marks. One student. The only one who fully grasps the concept of what I've been trying to tell you ... CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" half the class jumped, when he shouted, Theo and I were not among those who jumped. He then walked over to stand in front of Theo. "Congratulations on the grade, Nott." he said coldly, "Oh, and you get a detention for your use of a swear-word on your homework assignment."
Theo squeaked, his jaw dropped, and he stared at Moody. "You've got to be kidding me, sir." Theo said, plaintively, "How can I get top marks, and a detention for the same homework?"
"Because I'm a vindictive arse-hole ... and you actually did seem to get the right idea, Nott." Moody answered.
"Lovely." Theo muttered, "And you're telling me off for swear-words?"
Moody glared, but didn't answer that.
* * *
That evening, while Theo was sulking in the common room, and Crabbe and Goyle were fast asleep and snoring, I was sitting up in our dormitory working on Transfiguration. I was already eight chapters ahead of everyone else, and that's not counting the advanced textbook I've read. Then, I heard a sudden snapping/cracking noise, and looked up to see what had caused it. Dobby was standing on top of my closed school truck.
"What are you doing here?" I asked quietly, checking to see that the Brainless Boys were still asleep before standing and walking over to the elf.
"Dobby is working at Hogwarts, now, Master Draco sir."
"Oh. And don't call me master - you're free, remember?" I said, sitting on the bed next to him.
"Yes, sir." Dobby said, nodding.
"So, you're working at Hogwarts - that explains why you're in the castle ... why are you in my room?" I asked.
"Dobby is wanting to tell Master Draco that he is here, since Master Draco was Dobby's favourite master, sir."
"Are you ever going to stop calling me that?" I asked.
"Sorry, sir." Dobby said, cringing slightly.
"Look, I don't really care what you call me. Don't cringe like that, I'm not going to hurt you." I said, exasperated.
Dobby seemed relieved, "Dobby is still getting used to not being punished, Master Draco."
"Well, I never hit you anyway ... all I ever did was tell you to iron your hands, or levitate objects to attack you ... I never hit you with my own hands." I said, tilting my head to one side, "So how is freedom treating you, anyway?"
"Now Dobby is at Hogwarts, freedom is much better, sir ... not many people is wanting free house elves, they is not." the elf said, shaking his head, "Dobby and Winky is both looking for work together, and Dobby is suggesting Hogwarts. Dobby had met Headmaster Dumbledore, and Dobby is remembering Headmaster Dumbledore is very kind, sir."
"Who's Winky?" I asked.
"Winky was Barty Crouch's house elf, sir ... but Winky was set free this summer for not staying where she was told to stay. Dobby was friends with Winky before she was freed, so Dobby is helping Winky find work, Dobby is."
"Have I ever told you I hate the way elves talk in the third person?" I asked.
"Often, sir." Dobby answered, nodding. "Headmaster Dumbledore is offering Dobby wages, yes he is."
I raised an eyebrow, and gave the elf a surprised look, "That's ... unconventional." I said, for want of a better word ... like barmy, insane, or mad-as-a-hatter.
Dobby nodded, "Dobby is getting paid one Galleon a week, and is having one day off a month!" he announced, cheerfully.
I blinked, "Well ... if you're happy with that." I said, sceptically.
"Dobby is very happy, sir. Headmaster Dumbledore tried to offer Dobby more, but Dobby wasn't wanting more, sir." the elf shuddered slightly before saying in a hushed whisper as if it was a bad thing he was talking about, "Headmaster Dumbledore offered Dobby ten Galleons a week and weekends off ..." another shudder, "But Dobby talked him down. Dobby is liking work at Hogwarts, sir. Dobby is not wanting to ask too much for it."
"I see." I said, quietly.
"Dobby is very happy to be freed, sir ... if it is allowed for Dobby to say it -" he gave me a look that effectively asked permission to continue. I nodded, "Dobby did not like Master Lucius much, sir ... Dobby especially did not like Master Lucius' cane, Dobby definitely did not." the elf shook his head so violently his ears flapped in his face.
I smirked, "I can understand that. And Theo would sympathise with the cane thing. So, does Dumbledore let you get away with things?" I asked, amused.
"Headmaster Dumbledore said Dobby can do as Dobby pleases - as long as Dobby's work gets done Dobby will get paid." the elf said, in rather a hushed tone, "But Dobby is not wanting to cause trouble, sir. No." he shook his head, "Headmaster Dumbledore also said Dobby was free to speak his mind. He said Dobby was free to call him a ... a ..." he lowered his voice to a barely audible whisper, "a barmy old codger, if Dobby wants to, sir." then in a slightly louder, and higher pitched voice than usual, he added, "But Dobby is not wanting to do that, no no no, sir. Dobby is liking Headmaster Dumbledore, yes he is, sir."
I sniggered at the barmy old codger remark, then looked at the elf, "You're bloody weird, you know that don't you?"
"Dobby knows most house elves is never wanting paid, sir. But Dobby likes it, sir."
"That's weird."
"Then Dobby guesses Dobby is weird, sir."
"Memo to me, keep you away from Granger, at all costs." Dobby gave me a confused look. "Anyway, thanks for telling me you're here." I said, shrugging.
"Dobby is glad to be of service to Master Draco sir." Dobby said, bowing.
"Yeah, whatever." I muttered, and the elf vanished with his usual whip-crack sound.
Why did I get the feeling that elf was going to hinder me, rather than help me?
Either way, I added to my notes that the suspicious house elf at the World Cup belonged to Bartemius Crouch, and was now at Hogwarts. What? You thought I'd forgotten about that?
* * *
End of chapter 16