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: Sorry last chapter was short ... it just fit to end it there. Also, sorry it's taken so long to get this chapter up, but if you look at my author page you'll see I'm working on a Star Wars fic as well as this one. I'm already working on chapter 9 of that - see how long the chapters are? Forgive me? Please? And I'm not sure how long next chapter will be, either.
ravenbeaut: Thank you.
angelkas: Yeah - cruel to poor Draco, aren't I? Talking books are always fun, I think. Twisted, as in it only resurrects its creator's dark side *kicks self to try to get out of Star Wars mode* I don't think Tom Riddle was that evil that young. I think he was just a normal wizard kid, who was badly treated by Muggles and resented it - there's just as bad in the real world, methinks.
Starre: Raven? *is confused*. Glad you liked the ending - the comparison went right over my head, though.
Hrei-siesn: *grins* glad you liked - sorry I took so long.
Bob: Sorry I took so long this time. As for last chapter - I figured at least someone would see it coming.
Devi: If your question about "copy-and-paste" was asking about the text-book-type stuff - I came up with it by myself :P ... if not, it's probably been too long for me to ask what you meant.
Daintress: He did think of Dumbledore in the list of possibilities - he said he didn't trust the man as far as he could throw him.
kraeg001: No. Dumbledore is not responsible. It's all Theo's fault, actually - he told Wednesday Draco'd like it. Wednesday stole it from Karkaroff, who stole it from the Hogwarts library when he was a student there - Dumbledore knows it was stolen, but whether or not he knows it has returned is for me to know and you not to.
duochang97: If he used that shield in a fight with Harry? Well, since we'll most likely never find out *pleading pout at JKR*, I guess it couldn't hurt to tell ya. It'd not work. As for Salazar, I like to think he wasn't an evil git - a bit machiavellian and paranoid, but not evil.
Sinical-Sarchasm: *grins* glad you liked.
Simply Myself: Either - cause either way, it's not very far. I prefer Akuma-sama's Lexicon, actually... I only wrote mine like this because it fits my plot better. I hope so too.
dstrbd child: I thought it'd be a good idea to explain the diary away for good. Of course, now that I've said that, I'll bet JKR'll find a way to bring it back - I still believe she told us Nott and Bletchley's first names in OotP purely to see if Amberdulen and I would go back and edit them (I'm joking).
LenaLovely12: I've beaten the game *counts* three times. I've got five other saves of the game going at the moment. It's a RPG-type game - there's thousands of different ways to finish it. It'll be a while yet :P
dragonsprincess: Nope, he never will *grins*. Sorry I took so long to update.
auburnbeagle: Some people review anonymously, others don't have stories to review - it's easier this way. She's bi - live with it - it's not like it's a major plot-device or anything, just background information. I will adamantly believe Blaise is female until I get proof otherwise (a translation of the book using the masculine name for him/her doesn't count - I've read that a Spanish translation called Dumbledore "Silencio" - the book is not immune to translation errors) that is just my personal opinion - nothing short of it printed in the original English version, or JKR saying it herself will convince me Blaise is male. I made up the living book thing, as far as I know.
Akuma-sama: Sorry. Y'know, I only ever read your fic when I get it to beta... my reviews I upload are written while I'm betaing it... saves time I can spend writing this, since there's not really any huge changes... are there? So :P to you to *grins*.
Elizabeth: I thought so, too. Hmmm... I'm not sure what Tom Riddle was... he never told me. It's not so much that Draco trusts Potter - more like he knows Potter's stronger than he is, much that he doesn't want to admit it.
Lolua: The book is not Salazar, it was written by him - therefore the fact the book dislikes Salazar's heir doesn't mean Salazar thinks the same thing. Salazar was a bit snarky, though - some of his attitude did get into the book. Here be Theo.
tor-and-fenris: That's your problem, isn't it?
"I came to you in friendship ... well, alright, seething hatred, but I've got useful information." -BtVS
Chapter 24 - And I Look Like I Care, Why?
Mid-January, the week before the Hogsmeade trip.
"Now, class C Dark Curses." Moody said coldly, stalking around the classroom, "How do you deal with those?"
"Protego?" Pansy asked nervously.
"Don't be stupid, girl. The Protego shielding charm only works for curses classed D and below." Moody snapped.
I smirked faintly, as Blaise raised her hand, "What about a mirror charm?"
"It works on some of them, but not all." Moody growled.
I slowly raised my hand, "What about a Shadow Shield?" I asked.
"Those are illegal."
"Even in self-defence? If someone throws a strangulation hex at you, are you not allowed to use something strong enough to block it?" I asked, knowing that Blaise's mirror charms wouldn't work on a strangulation hex.
Moody gave me a pointed look, "It's still illegal - although, if you could cast a Shadow Shield, you could probably keep the Dementors at bay, anyway. When you get sent to Azkaban!"
I shivered slightly - the book had said the Shadow Shield worked on a similar principle to Patronus. Lucky for me, the only Dark Arts detectors in this castle are set to Unforgivables only. And I know those three already - I don't need to practice them.
"And if someone throws a strangulation hex at you ... you DUCK!" Moody snapped.
"Rubber duck!" Theo shouted loudly. He was ignored - he's been doing that every time Moody says the word 'duck' ... or whenever anyone else says it either, for that matter. Although I did notice Moody's normal eye twitch again, and he's got a vein on his forehead that's pulsing horribly - maybe he should go to the Hospital Wing and get some anti-stress potions (of course, I would never encourage such behaviour in Theo's victims, lest I become one of them).
I raised my hand again, "Why is a Shadow Sheild illegal? I read about it in one of the school's textbooks, and it sounds like it's purely defensive."
"This school does not have textbooks on the Dark Arts!" Moody snapped.
"I said I read about it ... I never said I read how to use it - I read that it existed and what it did." I said coldly. That actually wasn't a lie, if you paid attention to it.
Moody glared at me, "It is illegal because it is Dark Magic. Simple as that."
"That makes no sense." I said simply.
"We've had this debate before, Malfoy." Moody said, almost tiredly.
"But there are healing spells that are Dark Magic, and don't have serious negative side-effects. Why are they illegal?" I asked.
"Well, if you want to heal someone's slit throat, and get it yourself, be my guest, Malfoy." Moody snapped, "Because those are the not-so-serious side-effects you were referring to."
"And the book I read said the side-effects only lasted for a second, rather than being permanent." I growled.
"The book you read is most likely illegal." Moody snarled, "Now, we are not going to have this debate again!"
"Why not? Are you afraid someone'll pick holes in the 'all Dark Arts are evil' theory?" I snapped angrily, standing up, not caring that I was arguing with the teacher who'd turned me into a ferret. Partly because I was fairly sure I could change back next time - not one hundred percent certain, but I'd been practicing growing fur, my teeth, and claws, and returning to normal again without ill-effects or my wand. I wasn't afraid of Moody anymore.
"Sit down, Malfoy. Unless you want your Potions professor to be given a donation of certain key ingredients in a Youthful Looks potion." Moody snarled.
I blinked a few times, and it took me about fifteen seconds to figure out what he was threatening. Then I squeaked, and sat down immediately. Pansy looked both bemused and revolted, Theo had a half disgusted half horrified expression on her face, and the other three girls were giggling cruelly - Crabbe and Goyle didn't get it. I should enlighten you - one of the main ingredients in a Youthful Looks potion is a certain part of a ferret's anatomy that I would rather not think about losing.
I don't care what the Ravenclaw girls say - this man is a genuine nut-case, whoever he is.
* * *
As we walked down to Hogsmeade that weekend, Wednesday caught up with Theo, Pansy, and myself, "Hey, Krapperoff said we're allowed to go down to Hogsmeade as well. Well, all except Viktor, he's practicing."
"Oh gods help us!" Pansy whined - probably because Wednesday was within ten feet of her - she's as scared of the girl as I am.
"'Krapperoff'?" Theo asked, amused.
"Practicing?" I asked - all at the same time.
Wednesday gave Pansy a mock-innocent look, then said, "Yes, Krapperoff - it's what we call him behind his back. And Viktor's practicing for the second task - he's figured out what it is, and - we're not telling you because we don't want Diggory to know."
"I think - if Loony's reliable - that he already knows." Theo said, shrugging.
"'Loony'?" Pansy asked, confused.
"Luna. It's what everyone calls her - I think she actually likes being called by that nickname. It's better than some of the things Peeves calls her." Theo explained.
"Peeves insults everyone." I growled.
"Yes, he is very insulting and rude to all." Theo agreed, nodding, "But he doesn't pick on anyone in particular - he gives out his insults to everyone, equally and fairly ... except Filch, but that's not picking on, that's war."
"Back to the point - what is the second task, anyway?" I asked.
"Find something at the bottom of the lake." Theo answered cheerfully.
"Oh, that sounds fun." I said sarcastically, "Must be freezing, this time of year ... I hope Potter drowns." I added, brightening up at that concept.
"You really do have good sources, Theodore." Wednesday said.
"Thank you." Theo said proudly.
Wednesday smiled, "So how're your Christmas presents, Draco?" she asked.
"Um ... not bad." I said defensively.
"Good, glad you've stopped hating them." she said coolly, "I assume they've been useful, yes?"
"Yes, very ... both of them." I said, giving Pansy and Theo a wary look - Pansy looked clueless, but Theo seemed to understand what we were talking about. Should I be afraid now?
"I told ya he'd like them." Theo said happily.
"You sneaky little -" I started.
"Thank you." Theo answered, grinning.
I glared for a minute, but then gave up on it. There's no way to yell at that boy without him liking it or talking his way out of it. I'm beginning to think he's a masochist, and only gets himself into trouble for his own twisted pleasure.
Theo and Wednesday went off together, while Pansy and I went to Honeydukes. "I ... I'm sorry, Draco." Pansy muttered, as soon as the other two were out of earshot.
"Huh?" I asked, surprised - I hadn't thought Pansy even knew that word, let alone would ever say it.
"I ... shouldn't have kissed you like that ... at the Yule Ball." she continued, in a low voice.
"Hmmm." was all the reply I gave.
"I know you didn't want to, and ... I thought I did, but ..." I was actually enjoying her stammering incoherently and embarrassedly - it was amusing. She sighed dramatically, "I just ... I didn't want you to think I ... I was trying to lead you on or anything."
"Mmhm."
"And ... I'm sorry for kissing you like that." Pansy finished, blushing furiously. I was smirking, now - barely avoiding sniggering. Pansy turned to face me, and glared viciously, "You're laughing at me!"
"No, I'm not!" I snapped back.
"You nearly are ... arg! I was trying to apologise to you, and you think it's some big joke!" she yelled.
"Um ... your problem with that is what, exactly?" I asked.
"Grrrrrr!" she glared at me for a moment, then threw up her hands in despair, "Damn it, I give up!" and she stormed off towards the castle.
"See how much I don't care, Pansy!" I snapped, and turned and walked in the opposite direction.
"Hey, Draco!" Theo cheered, as I got halfway to the Three Broomsticks, "Where'd Pans go?"
"Stormed off because I was laughing at her." I replied, smirking.
Theo shook his head, "I don't understand most girls ... so sensitive and ... sane." he said, shaking his head in confusion.
Just at that moment, the Terrible Trio left the Three Broomsticks, Hermione in the lead and looking ready to kill ... I actually hid behind Theo - last time I'd seen her that pissed off, she'd slapped me. "He should never have let that excuse for a human being upset him! Come on!" she shouted at the two unfortunate Gryffindors who were near enough to probably be half-deafened by her yell.
After they'd left, in the direction of Hogwarts, Theo started laughing. "What's so bloody funny?" I snapped.
"You ... you're a coward!" he laughed.
I glared at him, "I had no intention of being attacked again, and she looked dangerous." I growled.
"Sounded like she was talking about you, too." Theo noted.
I glared, "What do you mean?"
"'That excuse for a human being' ... sounds like you to me." Theo said, grinning.
My right eye twitched, "You're annoying me, Theo."
"Thank you." he said cheerfully. I hit him. After a second of sniggering, Theo said, "C'mon, let's get something to drink." and he bolted for the Three Broomsticks before I could say no. I followed him.
We were immediately accosted by Skeeter, "Hello, young mister Malfoy." she said in the same suck-up oily voice Borgin uses to talk to my father.
"Hello, Skeeter." I said warily.
"I was wondering if you could help me in my latest project." she said, guiding me to a table.
"Depends ... what's in it for me? And who're you trying to defame this time?" I asked.
"Galleons ... and Granger." Skeeter answered succinctly.
"Not interested ... I've got enough Galleons already, thanks." I made to stand up, but she grabbed my arm ... I noticed Theo sitting at the table, too, his elbows resting in the table, fingers laced together, and his chin resting on the back of his hands, the picture of idle curiosity.
"Alright, how about information." Skeeter suggested.
I sat back down, "You've got my attention. What sort of information?"
"Well, I know things about the Death Eater attack on the World Cup ... things that weren't printed ... things you might take a personal interest in." Skeeter suggested.
I yawned theatrically, for an answer.
She sighed, "All right, how about ... I give you the real dirt on Bertha Jorkins' disappearance? I've been bribed to keep it out of the papers, but I'm sure you could pull in good favours selling it to the gossip chains in Hogwarts?"
I yawned again, "You're boring me." I said, "I'm not interested in this sort of information."
Skeeter seemed to be weighing her options, then finally, "Ok, I'll give you my biggest bribed-not-to-print ammo, just so long as I get good dirt on Granger for it."
"Depends what this 'ammo' is." I said casually.
"Fudge. Material that, should it come to light, would kick him out of office. Think of the blackmail, Malfoy." Skeeter said pleadingly.
I looked at her, evaluatingly, "What sort of dirt are you looking for?"
"Something to ruin her reputation. A big secret. Something she'd be ashamed of." Skeeter prompted.
I thought about that. Oh, I knew a good secret of Granger's, but not one I'd readily tell, because it was more important for me to keep that secret than it was for her. After about a minute, I came to a conclusion that would at least benefit me, "All right, I'll tell you the dirt on Granger, if you tell me about Fudge and Jorkins, first."
Skeeter seemed wary of this, but after a while she seemed to realise this was the only way to get me to talk, "Well, Bertha Jorkins vanished on her way to Albania. But the real reason is that her memory's been damaged - literally. One of her former employers, we're not sure who - she's been around almost every department in the Ministry, she was useless enough before her memory got fried - cast a serious memory charm on her. You do know what happened to Lockhart, don't you?"
"That's very interesting information ... thanks. Now, the dirt of Fudge." I persisted. Jorkins vanished near Albania - if that's a coincidence, I'm a Mudblood's uncle.
"How about you tell me about Granger now - you've got some information, you'll get the rest when you pay for it in kind." Skeeter said, quite insistently.
"Sorry, I want to be able to blackmail Fudge before I tell you about Granger." I insisted. Theo was watching me intently, now. I don't know if he didn't think I'd tell Skeeter about Hermione, or if he realised why the information about Jorkins was interesting - either way, he didn't look bored now.
Skeeter was glaring at me, but eventually sighed, "Fine, have it your way, Malfoy. Fudge has been blackmailing Gringotts goblins, getting them to adjust their policies, so that Muggle-borns are given worse treatment, and the exchange rate with Muggle money is off-balance ... 1 Galleon for every 5 pounds Muggle money, when you trade from Muggle money to magical ... but 5 pounds for every 2 Galleons, the other way - it's basically costing half a Galleon on average, every time someone wants to exchange currency - and that money's going straight to Fudge. The goblins tried to refuse, of course, but I still don't know what Fudge did to make them do this - must be big."
"Call me a hypocrite, but even I don't like that concept." I muttered.
"Right, now you've got the information you wanted, tell me the dirt on Granger." Skeeter insisted.
"You want the dirt on Granger? Ok, then ... she's a book-obsessed Mudblood Gryffindor - in spite of my best efforts, even I have failed to find anything else to insult or blackmail her with." I said simply, smirking evilly.
"That - that's it?!" Skeeter demanded, horrified.
"Yeah, that's it." I said calmly. Theo was sniggering now.
"But - but what about her relationship with Potter? Her date at the Yule Ball? There must be a story there!" Skeeter spluttered.
"Her 'relationship' with Potter?" Theo butted in, smirking, "You must be confused, I think. They're friends, partners in crime maybe, but there's nothing more to it than that."
"He's right." I said, nodding.
Skeeter looked utterly put out, "But, but, but -"
"Yes, Draco does have a nice butt, but you're too old for him." Theo said, sniggering - I hit him.
Skeeter spluttered, "You will pay for deceiving me like this, you ... you snooty little brat!"
"Thanks for the compliment, but just try it and see how much you get sued." I said, smirking smugly.
"Bastard!" Skeeter hissed, standing up, knocking her chair onto the floor, and storming in the direction of the door.
"I know exactly who my father is, thank you very much." I called after her, "And I heard rumours yours was a rabid Quintaped!"
* * *
End of chapter 24
Author's Notes: Sorry last chapter was short ... it just fit to end it there. Also, sorry it's taken so long to get this chapter up, but if you look at my author page you'll see I'm working on a Star Wars fic as well as this one. I'm already working on chapter 9 of that - see how long the chapters are? Forgive me? Please? And I'm not sure how long next chapter will be, either.
ravenbeaut: Thank you.
angelkas: Yeah - cruel to poor Draco, aren't I? Talking books are always fun, I think. Twisted, as in it only resurrects its creator's dark side *kicks self to try to get out of Star Wars mode* I don't think Tom Riddle was that evil that young. I think he was just a normal wizard kid, who was badly treated by Muggles and resented it - there's just as bad in the real world, methinks.
Starre: Raven? *is confused*. Glad you liked the ending - the comparison went right over my head, though.
Hrei-siesn: *grins* glad you liked - sorry I took so long.
Bob: Sorry I took so long this time. As for last chapter - I figured at least someone would see it coming.
Devi: If your question about "copy-and-paste" was asking about the text-book-type stuff - I came up with it by myself :P ... if not, it's probably been too long for me to ask what you meant.
Daintress: He did think of Dumbledore in the list of possibilities - he said he didn't trust the man as far as he could throw him.
kraeg001: No. Dumbledore is not responsible. It's all Theo's fault, actually - he told Wednesday Draco'd like it. Wednesday stole it from Karkaroff, who stole it from the Hogwarts library when he was a student there - Dumbledore knows it was stolen, but whether or not he knows it has returned is for me to know and you not to.
duochang97: If he used that shield in a fight with Harry? Well, since we'll most likely never find out *pleading pout at JKR*, I guess it couldn't hurt to tell ya. It'd not work. As for Salazar, I like to think he wasn't an evil git - a bit machiavellian and paranoid, but not evil.
Sinical-Sarchasm: *grins* glad you liked.
Simply Myself: Either - cause either way, it's not very far. I prefer Akuma-sama's Lexicon, actually... I only wrote mine like this because it fits my plot better. I hope so too.
dstrbd child: I thought it'd be a good idea to explain the diary away for good. Of course, now that I've said that, I'll bet JKR'll find a way to bring it back - I still believe she told us Nott and Bletchley's first names in OotP purely to see if Amberdulen and I would go back and edit them (I'm joking).
LenaLovely12: I've beaten the game *counts* three times. I've got five other saves of the game going at the moment. It's a RPG-type game - there's thousands of different ways to finish it. It'll be a while yet :P
dragonsprincess: Nope, he never will *grins*. Sorry I took so long to update.
auburnbeagle: Some people review anonymously, others don't have stories to review - it's easier this way. She's bi - live with it - it's not like it's a major plot-device or anything, just background information. I will adamantly believe Blaise is female until I get proof otherwise (a translation of the book using the masculine name for him/her doesn't count - I've read that a Spanish translation called Dumbledore "Silencio" - the book is not immune to translation errors) that is just my personal opinion - nothing short of it printed in the original English version, or JKR saying it herself will convince me Blaise is male. I made up the living book thing, as far as I know.
Akuma-sama: Sorry. Y'know, I only ever read your fic when I get it to beta... my reviews I upload are written while I'm betaing it... saves time I can spend writing this, since there's not really any huge changes... are there? So :P to you to *grins*.
Elizabeth: I thought so, too. Hmmm... I'm not sure what Tom Riddle was... he never told me. It's not so much that Draco trusts Potter - more like he knows Potter's stronger than he is, much that he doesn't want to admit it.
Lolua: The book is not Salazar, it was written by him - therefore the fact the book dislikes Salazar's heir doesn't mean Salazar thinks the same thing. Salazar was a bit snarky, though - some of his attitude did get into the book. Here be Theo.
tor-and-fenris: That's your problem, isn't it?
"I came to you in friendship ... well, alright, seething hatred, but I've got useful information." -BtVS
Chapter 24 - And I Look Like I Care, Why?
Mid-January, the week before the Hogsmeade trip.
"Now, class C Dark Curses." Moody said coldly, stalking around the classroom, "How do you deal with those?"
"Protego?" Pansy asked nervously.
"Don't be stupid, girl. The Protego shielding charm only works for curses classed D and below." Moody snapped.
I smirked faintly, as Blaise raised her hand, "What about a mirror charm?"
"It works on some of them, but not all." Moody growled.
I slowly raised my hand, "What about a Shadow Shield?" I asked.
"Those are illegal."
"Even in self-defence? If someone throws a strangulation hex at you, are you not allowed to use something strong enough to block it?" I asked, knowing that Blaise's mirror charms wouldn't work on a strangulation hex.
Moody gave me a pointed look, "It's still illegal - although, if you could cast a Shadow Shield, you could probably keep the Dementors at bay, anyway. When you get sent to Azkaban!"
I shivered slightly - the book had said the Shadow Shield worked on a similar principle to Patronus. Lucky for me, the only Dark Arts detectors in this castle are set to Unforgivables only. And I know those three already - I don't need to practice them.
"And if someone throws a strangulation hex at you ... you DUCK!" Moody snapped.
"Rubber duck!" Theo shouted loudly. He was ignored - he's been doing that every time Moody says the word 'duck' ... or whenever anyone else says it either, for that matter. Although I did notice Moody's normal eye twitch again, and he's got a vein on his forehead that's pulsing horribly - maybe he should go to the Hospital Wing and get some anti-stress potions (of course, I would never encourage such behaviour in Theo's victims, lest I become one of them).
I raised my hand again, "Why is a Shadow Sheild illegal? I read about it in one of the school's textbooks, and it sounds like it's purely defensive."
"This school does not have textbooks on the Dark Arts!" Moody snapped.
"I said I read about it ... I never said I read how to use it - I read that it existed and what it did." I said coldly. That actually wasn't a lie, if you paid attention to it.
Moody glared at me, "It is illegal because it is Dark Magic. Simple as that."
"That makes no sense." I said simply.
"We've had this debate before, Malfoy." Moody said, almost tiredly.
"But there are healing spells that are Dark Magic, and don't have serious negative side-effects. Why are they illegal?" I asked.
"Well, if you want to heal someone's slit throat, and get it yourself, be my guest, Malfoy." Moody snapped, "Because those are the not-so-serious side-effects you were referring to."
"And the book I read said the side-effects only lasted for a second, rather than being permanent." I growled.
"The book you read is most likely illegal." Moody snarled, "Now, we are not going to have this debate again!"
"Why not? Are you afraid someone'll pick holes in the 'all Dark Arts are evil' theory?" I snapped angrily, standing up, not caring that I was arguing with the teacher who'd turned me into a ferret. Partly because I was fairly sure I could change back next time - not one hundred percent certain, but I'd been practicing growing fur, my teeth, and claws, and returning to normal again without ill-effects or my wand. I wasn't afraid of Moody anymore.
"Sit down, Malfoy. Unless you want your Potions professor to be given a donation of certain key ingredients in a Youthful Looks potion." Moody snarled.
I blinked a few times, and it took me about fifteen seconds to figure out what he was threatening. Then I squeaked, and sat down immediately. Pansy looked both bemused and revolted, Theo had a half disgusted half horrified expression on her face, and the other three girls were giggling cruelly - Crabbe and Goyle didn't get it. I should enlighten you - one of the main ingredients in a Youthful Looks potion is a certain part of a ferret's anatomy that I would rather not think about losing.
I don't care what the Ravenclaw girls say - this man is a genuine nut-case, whoever he is.
* * *
As we walked down to Hogsmeade that weekend, Wednesday caught up with Theo, Pansy, and myself, "Hey, Krapperoff said we're allowed to go down to Hogsmeade as well. Well, all except Viktor, he's practicing."
"Oh gods help us!" Pansy whined - probably because Wednesday was within ten feet of her - she's as scared of the girl as I am.
"'Krapperoff'?" Theo asked, amused.
"Practicing?" I asked - all at the same time.
Wednesday gave Pansy a mock-innocent look, then said, "Yes, Krapperoff - it's what we call him behind his back. And Viktor's practicing for the second task - he's figured out what it is, and - we're not telling you because we don't want Diggory to know."
"I think - if Loony's reliable - that he already knows." Theo said, shrugging.
"'Loony'?" Pansy asked, confused.
"Luna. It's what everyone calls her - I think she actually likes being called by that nickname. It's better than some of the things Peeves calls her." Theo explained.
"Peeves insults everyone." I growled.
"Yes, he is very insulting and rude to all." Theo agreed, nodding, "But he doesn't pick on anyone in particular - he gives out his insults to everyone, equally and fairly ... except Filch, but that's not picking on, that's war."
"Back to the point - what is the second task, anyway?" I asked.
"Find something at the bottom of the lake." Theo answered cheerfully.
"Oh, that sounds fun." I said sarcastically, "Must be freezing, this time of year ... I hope Potter drowns." I added, brightening up at that concept.
"You really do have good sources, Theodore." Wednesday said.
"Thank you." Theo said proudly.
Wednesday smiled, "So how're your Christmas presents, Draco?" she asked.
"Um ... not bad." I said defensively.
"Good, glad you've stopped hating them." she said coolly, "I assume they've been useful, yes?"
"Yes, very ... both of them." I said, giving Pansy and Theo a wary look - Pansy looked clueless, but Theo seemed to understand what we were talking about. Should I be afraid now?
"I told ya he'd like them." Theo said happily.
"You sneaky little -" I started.
"Thank you." Theo answered, grinning.
I glared for a minute, but then gave up on it. There's no way to yell at that boy without him liking it or talking his way out of it. I'm beginning to think he's a masochist, and only gets himself into trouble for his own twisted pleasure.
Theo and Wednesday went off together, while Pansy and I went to Honeydukes. "I ... I'm sorry, Draco." Pansy muttered, as soon as the other two were out of earshot.
"Huh?" I asked, surprised - I hadn't thought Pansy even knew that word, let alone would ever say it.
"I ... shouldn't have kissed you like that ... at the Yule Ball." she continued, in a low voice.
"Hmmm." was all the reply I gave.
"I know you didn't want to, and ... I thought I did, but ..." I was actually enjoying her stammering incoherently and embarrassedly - it was amusing. She sighed dramatically, "I just ... I didn't want you to think I ... I was trying to lead you on or anything."
"Mmhm."
"And ... I'm sorry for kissing you like that." Pansy finished, blushing furiously. I was smirking, now - barely avoiding sniggering. Pansy turned to face me, and glared viciously, "You're laughing at me!"
"No, I'm not!" I snapped back.
"You nearly are ... arg! I was trying to apologise to you, and you think it's some big joke!" she yelled.
"Um ... your problem with that is what, exactly?" I asked.
"Grrrrrr!" she glared at me for a moment, then threw up her hands in despair, "Damn it, I give up!" and she stormed off towards the castle.
"See how much I don't care, Pansy!" I snapped, and turned and walked in the opposite direction.
"Hey, Draco!" Theo cheered, as I got halfway to the Three Broomsticks, "Where'd Pans go?"
"Stormed off because I was laughing at her." I replied, smirking.
Theo shook his head, "I don't understand most girls ... so sensitive and ... sane." he said, shaking his head in confusion.
Just at that moment, the Terrible Trio left the Three Broomsticks, Hermione in the lead and looking ready to kill ... I actually hid behind Theo - last time I'd seen her that pissed off, she'd slapped me. "He should never have let that excuse for a human being upset him! Come on!" she shouted at the two unfortunate Gryffindors who were near enough to probably be half-deafened by her yell.
After they'd left, in the direction of Hogwarts, Theo started laughing. "What's so bloody funny?" I snapped.
"You ... you're a coward!" he laughed.
I glared at him, "I had no intention of being attacked again, and she looked dangerous." I growled.
"Sounded like she was talking about you, too." Theo noted.
I glared, "What do you mean?"
"'That excuse for a human being' ... sounds like you to me." Theo said, grinning.
My right eye twitched, "You're annoying me, Theo."
"Thank you." he said cheerfully. I hit him. After a second of sniggering, Theo said, "C'mon, let's get something to drink." and he bolted for the Three Broomsticks before I could say no. I followed him.
We were immediately accosted by Skeeter, "Hello, young mister Malfoy." she said in the same suck-up oily voice Borgin uses to talk to my father.
"Hello, Skeeter." I said warily.
"I was wondering if you could help me in my latest project." she said, guiding me to a table.
"Depends ... what's in it for me? And who're you trying to defame this time?" I asked.
"Galleons ... and Granger." Skeeter answered succinctly.
"Not interested ... I've got enough Galleons already, thanks." I made to stand up, but she grabbed my arm ... I noticed Theo sitting at the table, too, his elbows resting in the table, fingers laced together, and his chin resting on the back of his hands, the picture of idle curiosity.
"Alright, how about information." Skeeter suggested.
I sat back down, "You've got my attention. What sort of information?"
"Well, I know things about the Death Eater attack on the World Cup ... things that weren't printed ... things you might take a personal interest in." Skeeter suggested.
I yawned theatrically, for an answer.
She sighed, "All right, how about ... I give you the real dirt on Bertha Jorkins' disappearance? I've been bribed to keep it out of the papers, but I'm sure you could pull in good favours selling it to the gossip chains in Hogwarts?"
I yawned again, "You're boring me." I said, "I'm not interested in this sort of information."
Skeeter seemed to be weighing her options, then finally, "Ok, I'll give you my biggest bribed-not-to-print ammo, just so long as I get good dirt on Granger for it."
"Depends what this 'ammo' is." I said casually.
"Fudge. Material that, should it come to light, would kick him out of office. Think of the blackmail, Malfoy." Skeeter said pleadingly.
I looked at her, evaluatingly, "What sort of dirt are you looking for?"
"Something to ruin her reputation. A big secret. Something she'd be ashamed of." Skeeter prompted.
I thought about that. Oh, I knew a good secret of Granger's, but not one I'd readily tell, because it was more important for me to keep that secret than it was for her. After about a minute, I came to a conclusion that would at least benefit me, "All right, I'll tell you the dirt on Granger, if you tell me about Fudge and Jorkins, first."
Skeeter seemed wary of this, but after a while she seemed to realise this was the only way to get me to talk, "Well, Bertha Jorkins vanished on her way to Albania. But the real reason is that her memory's been damaged - literally. One of her former employers, we're not sure who - she's been around almost every department in the Ministry, she was useless enough before her memory got fried - cast a serious memory charm on her. You do know what happened to Lockhart, don't you?"
"That's very interesting information ... thanks. Now, the dirt of Fudge." I persisted. Jorkins vanished near Albania - if that's a coincidence, I'm a Mudblood's uncle.
"How about you tell me about Granger now - you've got some information, you'll get the rest when you pay for it in kind." Skeeter said, quite insistently.
"Sorry, I want to be able to blackmail Fudge before I tell you about Granger." I insisted. Theo was watching me intently, now. I don't know if he didn't think I'd tell Skeeter about Hermione, or if he realised why the information about Jorkins was interesting - either way, he didn't look bored now.
Skeeter was glaring at me, but eventually sighed, "Fine, have it your way, Malfoy. Fudge has been blackmailing Gringotts goblins, getting them to adjust their policies, so that Muggle-borns are given worse treatment, and the exchange rate with Muggle money is off-balance ... 1 Galleon for every 5 pounds Muggle money, when you trade from Muggle money to magical ... but 5 pounds for every 2 Galleons, the other way - it's basically costing half a Galleon on average, every time someone wants to exchange currency - and that money's going straight to Fudge. The goblins tried to refuse, of course, but I still don't know what Fudge did to make them do this - must be big."
"Call me a hypocrite, but even I don't like that concept." I muttered.
"Right, now you've got the information you wanted, tell me the dirt on Granger." Skeeter insisted.
"You want the dirt on Granger? Ok, then ... she's a book-obsessed Mudblood Gryffindor - in spite of my best efforts, even I have failed to find anything else to insult or blackmail her with." I said simply, smirking evilly.
"That - that's it?!" Skeeter demanded, horrified.
"Yeah, that's it." I said calmly. Theo was sniggering now.
"But - but what about her relationship with Potter? Her date at the Yule Ball? There must be a story there!" Skeeter spluttered.
"Her 'relationship' with Potter?" Theo butted in, smirking, "You must be confused, I think. They're friends, partners in crime maybe, but there's nothing more to it than that."
"He's right." I said, nodding.
Skeeter looked utterly put out, "But, but, but -"
"Yes, Draco does have a nice butt, but you're too old for him." Theo said, sniggering - I hit him.
Skeeter spluttered, "You will pay for deceiving me like this, you ... you snooty little brat!"
"Thanks for the compliment, but just try it and see how much you get sued." I said, smirking smugly.
"Bastard!" Skeeter hissed, standing up, knocking her chair onto the floor, and storming in the direction of the door.
"I know exactly who my father is, thank you very much." I called after her, "And I heard rumours yours was a rabid Quintaped!"
* * *
End of chapter 24