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: I've been stuck on this part of the story for some time. But I think it worked out well enough, in the end. And I have to say, anything in this chapter about stars is purely the creation of my deranged mind - if I'm incorrect about ANY of it, please don't blame me - I know nothing about the stars besides what's been said in Harry Potter books, and the rough dates of Gemini, Sagittarius and Libra's birth signs (cause those are the birth signs of me, my mom, and one of my friends). This is a longer chapter, because the next chapter would have been too short if I gave the Third Task its own chapter... so I just pasted it on the end here, making next chapter the Third Task.
kraeg001: Thanks for the spoiler links. And just because Draco finds her attractive in this fic does not mean I'm planning their wedding - I've actually suspected/expected for some time that Hermione and Ron will get together very soon. The incident at the Yule Ball is probably the best DM/HG there'll be in this fic. I'd written out that April Fool's chapter, including the twins' birthday, before I ever read on JK's site that that was their birthday (the chapter was written before April 1st, this year! That's how long the Star Wars fics delayed me). When GoF said their birthday was April, I figured April Fools was the only possible date.
tigercub15: Ron. The Slyths in my fic call Ginny "Weaslette".
Simply Myself: She doesn't have to be a DM/HG shipper - even if she makes Draco murder Hermione in cold blood, in HBP, I can still work with it, without contradicting her plot :p ... it would be tragic, like the DS ending to my current Star Wars fic, but it'd still be fun to write... mwahahahahahaa!
snackfiend101: I'm not mad at them - I love them too much. And two for the price of one, I've updated both tonight.
firehottie: I'm going as fast as I can - the Third Task is writing itself well, so that does tend to help.
Lilly K: Glad you like it. And for the record, I started it years ago - the two Bah Humbug chapters were published on Christmas day, a year apart.
Lillei: This chapter's longer, to make up for last chapter. Happy?
dragonsprincess: You probably fear for the rest of the school because anyone would - those three should never be allowed to meet - it's like Akuma-sama's episode where the twins were multiplied - scary. Theo isn't fearless - if he was, he'd be a Gryffindor - he's just determined to be as annoying as possible... although, some jokes have hidden meaning - Theo might really like Draco, though I'm not sure - even I can't read that twisted boy's mind, and I'm the author who created him! I've created a monster I can't control!!
elliy2002: Glad you like it. I will always picture Moony as a Van Helsing type werewolf, because I saw Van Helsing before PoA, and that "wolf" in PoA stank big time. I think Moony should be cooler than that.
"The desire to be a politician should ban you for life from being one" -Billy Connolly
Chapter 29 - Spy Games
The red envelope flew across the Great Hall, headed for the Gryffindor table. It had become a common enough sight. "nine." Theo said, looking at it.
"You've been counting?" I asked.
"Yeah." he said brightly, "I keep track of a lot of things."
"Don't suppose you could tell me how many times Moody has said 'Constant Vigilance'?" I asked curiously.
"Eight thousand five hundred and forty two... that Luna and I have heard, anyway." Theo said brightly.
"You scare me."
"Thank you."
"YOU HORRIBLE LITTLE GIRL! HOW DARE YOU! HARRY POTTER DESERVES BETTER THAN A LITTLE HARLOT LIKE YOU! I THINK YOU ARE A PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING, YOU EVIL LITTLE TOAD!" the howler yelled at Hermione.
"Poor girl." Wednesday said, with absolutely no pity in her voice. If anything, she sounded cheerful about it, "Viktor's awfully embarrassed about it, too. Just wait until he hears about this latest one. That's the sixth one that's not even mentioned him!"
"It's a bit unfair, I agree." Theo said calmly, "But really, if they're stupid enough to believe that magazine..."
"They deserve to receive worse howlers than they send." Wednesday finished.
I snorted, and acted like I couldn't care less. I agreed with them, but I wouldn't admit it for the world.
x x x
I wandered outside, down to the lakeside near the Forest where I had met Black. I liked the location, and it was out of sight of the main castle - I wanted to get away from the constant feeling of being watched - I knew perfectly well Moody was serious when he said he was keeping his eye on me.
It was overcast and gloomy, a bit like my current mood. I sat down and watched the iron-grey lake for a while, before I heard what sounded like hooves behind me. I tensed, but didn't turn around, "What brings a young human like you down here in weather like this?" a male voice asked me.
I glanced up over my shoulder, and immediately stood and turned to face the Centaur that was standing there. He had long red hair and a rough-looking chestnut coat - he looked quite wild, but for a Centaur, that's supposed to mean he's more intelligent. "I was avoiding someone in the castle." I answered honestly.
"Why might you do that?" he asked, "It can be dangerous to hide from those who care for you."
"I guess it depends where you choose to hide." I glanced at the Forest behind him, "I probably didn't pick the safest place."
"Indeed. Some creatures in this Forest make less sound, and pose more threat, than I."
"And may I ask, why are you out here?" I asked.
"I enjoy the view of the lake, and I am a friend to some of the Merfolk who live there." he said.
I nodded, "Do you want me to leave?"
"You do not have to."
"Perhaps we could talk? I've never met a Centaur before, but from what I've read your race is more intelligent than humans."
"Are you trying to take advantage of that intelligence, by any chance?"
"Why would I? The only advantage I would seek in it is some decent conversation."
"I believe you." he said, nodding his head in a pass-for-a-bow, "My name is Magorian."
"My name is Draco Malfoy." I replied, bowing properly.
"Most humans claim superiority over our kind." Magorian said as I sat down on a tree stump nearby.
"Most humans are idiots." I answered, "I know when someone's better than me. I also hate it when someone isn't, but thinks they are."
Magorian nodded.
"I told you I've read about Centaurs ... from what I read, I always wanted to meet one ... your race sounded so philosophical and wise ... something most humans gave up as a boring idea a long time ago."
Magorian raised an eyebrow, "And you do not find such things boring?"
"On the contrary, I find such things very interesting."
"You seek wisdom, then?"
"Yes. I would rather seek wisdom than power ... but human society doesn't really think of that as a good thing, most times."
"So you conceal your true goals?"
"Sort of. I need to gain some power, otherwise I won't survive for long ... but other than that, yes."
He nodded sagely, but didn't respond to that. I looked out over the lake, for a moment, before he spoke again, "I have some advice for you, young Draco."
"Yes?" I asked.
"The stars say there will be trouble soon. You should be watchful." he explained.
"How do you know there will be trouble?" I asked.
"Mars rises with Leo."
"Hmm... Mars signifies war and discord. Leo is rising in June, overhead late July." I said quietly, "All hell's gonna break loose in June."
The Centaur gave me an odd look, "You are more knowledgeable of the stars than most of your kind."
"I read a lot." I said flatly, "And Astronomy is one of my favourite subjects. I don't believe in Astrology, but I know the meanings."
"Astrology is merely a human belief that their lives are significant enough for the stars to tell. Only the most major events can truly be seen in the stars." Magorian said.
I nodded, "Is my interpretation correct?"
"As far as I can tell, you are close." he said, pawing the ground with a front hoof, "Although, there is uncertainty. I believe it will go unnoticed initially."
"Thank you for the warning." I said calmly.
My mind was working overtime. Cat had said something about the third task being 'interesting', hadn't she? She had also implied that harm would come to Cedric Diggory, if he entered it. Now all hell was planning to break loose in June. I don't believe in coincidences. I think this means that all hell is breaking loose specifically on the third task. Fun.
"You are welcome." he replied, "It is refreshing to meet a human who is not so conceited as most."
I laughed, "Oh, I'm conceited all right. Just to other humans, is all. I know your species is better than me, though."
He smiled faintly, "All right, then. It is refreshing to meet a human who does not suffer from delusions of grandeur."
x x x
The minute I stepped into the castle, again, I was apprehended by a ginger cat. Crookshanks. "What do you want, ginger?" I asked. I wasn't about to use his real name, because that would indicate I knew whose he was. I had called him ginger the first time I met him, and he didn't seem to mind.
Crookshanks meowed, pawed the hem of my robes, then turned and trotted away with his tail in the air. When I failed to follow him, he stopped and meowed more persistently. I shrugged and followed him.
The cat led me to the library. As it was a weekend, there was no one there... well, no one except the library's permanent resident, Hermione Granger. Crookshanks trotted over to his mistress, and meowed.
"Good boy, Crookshanks." Hermione cooed, scratching the cat behind the ears, "You'll have your favourite fish-flavour treats, as soon as I get back to the tower."
Crookshanks purred and rubbed himself against her leg, before trotting off again with his tail in the air.
"You sent the cat to find me?" I asked, stunned.
"Easier than trying to catch you when you're with your friends. All that would achieve is insults and possibly hexes." she answered, smiling.
"So what do you want?" I asked, walking over to where she sat, and sitting at the opposite side of the table.
"I'm investigating something." she said, turning a page in the book she was reading.
"And you want my help?" I asked, smirking.
"Basically, yes." she said, nodding.
"You realise I've got my own investigation going?" I asked, "Not to mention my plans for world-domination. And of course, there's exams coming up."
"World domination?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
I shrugged, "Nothing special... it involves Dementors, and a monopoly on the chocolate industry." I waved off her stunned look, "Don't worry, it's a long way away." honestly, I had no such plan... but it sounded good.
"You sneaky evil little..." she said, stunned.
"Oh, relax. I was joking." I said, sniggering.
She gave me an evaluating look, "Magical methods of spying. Got any good ones?"
"Spy balls. Astral projection. Hear me charms. Invisibility cloaks. Crookshanks."
"Woah, slow down." she said. She was trying to scribble the list down as fast as she could write. She blinked, "Wait a second! Crookshanks does not spy on people!" she snapped, "Scabbers, on the other hand." she muttered under her voice.
"What was that about Weasley's rat?" I asked.
"It turned out to be evil." she said, shrugging.
"Figured." I muttered.
She gave me a curious look, then asked, "Any more ways to spy on people?"
"Well you're asking the right person." I noted, "Stealth potions. Divination. Eye-spy curse - not pretty, I might add. More illegally, Imperius can be used to get the victim to gather information. On that note: Polyjuice potion."
"Polyjuice is not illegal! I checked!" she snapped.
I sniggered, "But it also involves a harmless-looking person spying on unsuspecting people." I noted.
She shrugged innocently, "I didn't think those two looked harmless."
"To me, they do." I noted flatly.
She giggled, "Any more?"
"Only other one I can think of off the top of my head would be animagism." I said, shrugging.
"You would know that one pretty well, wouldn't you?" she asked, smirking.
"Oh yes." I said, nodding, "Not that I plan to try it till I'm fifteen."
"I'll remember to keep an eye out for a ferret, during fifth year." she said dryly.
"Just so long as you don't tell anyone else." I said, smirking.
"I won't."
I frowned, "Who are you spying on?"
"I'm not spying... I think someone's spying on me." she said bluntly.
"Hmmm... let me guess. Skeeter?"
"How did you-?"
"The hate-mail must be getting to you." I said quietly.
She rubbed her bandaged hands... I wasn't sure what had happened to them, but it was likely a hexed letter. "Yeah... yeah, it is."
"Word of advice... a little spell called 'redeo origo'." I said, smirking.
Hermione frowned, and thought for a minute... "Redeo origo... return to sender?"
"Exactly." I said, "It send any unwanted owls right back where they came from. Only letters you're expecting get through."
"So..." her eyes widened, "A hexed letter would hex the person who sent it?!"
I nodded.
"That's horrible..." she grinned, "Thank you. I'll look it up this afternoon."
I laughed, "For a goody-goody little Gryffindor, you can be vicious when you need to."
"I think, from you, I should take that as a compliment." she said, smiling.
"Yep."
She frowned, "While I've got you here, Malfoy... what do you know about Sirius Black? Theo said something about Scabbers faking his own death, last year."
"Yeah... I know Black thinks the rat framed him." I said quietly.
"Hmm... well he was right. The rat did frame him... and faked his own death, twice, too."
I blinked, "Interesting."
"One thing confused me. How did the Minister get the Muggles in on it? I mean, the papers said he'd talked to the Muggle Prime Minister to coordinate the search for Black." she said, confused.
"You don't know?" I asked, surprised. This girl prided herself on knowing everything.
"I don't know what?" she snapped.
"That the Muggle Prime Minister is a Squib."
"Really?!"
"Some distant relative of Weasley's... ran off to be an accountant." I shrugged, "Ended up running the Muggle country. Just goes to show anyone can be a politician."
"Fudge demonstrates that much better, I think." she retorted coldly.
I laughed, "Maybe."
"Thanks for the help. I'll look into those spying methods you told me."
"Any time." I said, smiling. I stood up and left her alone.
x x x
Exams stink. I had to spend all my free time studying. It didn't help that I spotted an obnoxious magpie flitting in and out of the common room with stolen possessions of Moody's, late in May, either. Someone should tell Theo he shouldn't be doing that until he's fifteen... I'm not going to be the one to stop him, though.
"Look at this..." Theo said, appearing in a puff of feathers, next to me in the dormitory. He handed me a cracked mirror.
"What is this?" I demanded, giving the bird-brain a wary look.
"It's a foe-glass. A mini-one. Moody's got dozens of them, he'll not miss this." Theo explained.
"Hmmm... he probably counts them every day." I noted.
"Yeah... CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" Theo chanted.
"Stop doing that." I growled.
Theo just grinned. I looked into the glass warily... as expected, it was too foggy for me to identify anything. Foe-glasses only show enemies of their holder, if the enemy is close and/or particularly hostile.
"You see anything in this?" I asked.
"Yeah... Potter's owl. She bit me when I flew up to the Owlery!" Theo answered cheerfully.
"And I thought it was just Noctowl who hated you?"
"Nah... that bird of yours is nothing compared to that vicious snowy-snitch."
I sniggered, "You are strange."
"Thanks." Theo grinned, "Hey, guess what else I saw."
"What?"
"Crouch. He was roaming the grounds, looking nutsy... ran into Potter... Potter ran away like a little girl... then Crouch scarpered. Point remains, Mr-I'm-too-sick-to-make-important-public-appearances was lurking around the Forbidden Forest."
Interesting. Puts Crouch back to the top of my suspicious-characters list. "Why would he be roaming the Forest?"
"Maybe hunting rabbits?" Theo suggested. I gave him an unimpressed look. "Mugglism... it's a TV thing. Bugs Bunny."
"Uh huh." I said flatly.
"Ok... maybe he was there for the aesthetics? It's lovely this time if year, I'm told."
"Yeah... unicorns and dark lords everywhere." I said coldly.
Theo sniggered, "Yeah... forgot about that." then after a minute, "One thing I heard Crouch mention, though..." he said quietly. I looked up at him sharply, "The Dark Lord." my eyes widened, and Theo paused for a second, "Stronger."
"Shit." I said quietly.
"My sentiments exactly." Theo agreed, "And in avian form... well." he started sniggering, in spite of the situation. I whacked him over the head for that.
x x x
"Draco... I know you hate her... but this is to hurt Potter." Milli said.
"No." I said bluntly.
"Please? It'll ruin Potter's reputation. Permanently!" she pleaded.
I looked up at her, "Ok... but I don't have to like talking to her." I growled.
"Don't worry." Milli grinned, "I've set up the meeting. Follow me."
She led me out into the grounds, "I'm going to hurt you if this screws up." I growled in warning.
"Sure you are." she said blithely. She stopped under a tree, and waved up to it.
A beetle flew down and landed on her hand, "Draco, talk to the bug."
I raised an eyebrow, "What the hell?" I asked.
"Just talk to her!" Milli snapped.
Her? I stared at the bug, then smiled, "Ok... Ok, you want the dirt on Potter, do you?" I asked. I suddenly realised how Skeeter was spying on the Terrible Trio.
Milli handed me the bug, and walked around the tree, still listening. I considered squashing the bug in my hand... if my theory was right, it would rid everyone of a great menace... but my desire to hurt Potter got the better of that instinct.
"Tell her about second year." Milli called around the tree, "She'll love that one."
"Why don't you tell her?"
"Because your name carries more weight." Milli retorted, "This is your chance to get Potter in deep Hippogriff dung."
"Right." I growled, before turning my attention to the insect in my hand, "Ok... here goes... Potter can speak Parseltongue. There were a lot of attacks on students a couple of years ago, and most people thought Potter was behind them after they saw him lose his temper at a Duelling Club and set a snake on another boy. It was all hushed up, though." I thought for a second... what else could I say about Potter, without revealing that I knew too much? "But he's made friends with werewolves and giants, too. We think he'd do anything for a bit of attention."
When I didn't say anything more for a minute, the beetle buzzed, and took off. I watched it go, considering siccing Theo on it. But that would be cruel to Theo.
"I hope that doesn't backfire, Milli." I growled.
"So do I." she said, reappearing. Funny... she was looking up at the castle intently.
x x x
In spite of many more attempts at espionage (my spy-ball and Theo's magpie), we found nothing new until the day of the third task.
"She misquoted me." I growled.
"One word." Milli said dismissively, "Big deal."
"Attention... power... big difference." I said coldly.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Milli grumbled.
I heard raised voices from the Gryffindor table. "It's about me, isn't it?" Potter demanded. He was glaring at Weasley.
"Oh, yeah... it's always about you, Potter." I growled sulkily, watching the Terrible Trio.
"No." Weasley whined. He was lying, I could tell from here.
I rolled my eyes. Weasley was trying to keep Potter away from a copy of the Daily Prophet. Better rub his nose in it before he finds out for himself. "Hey, Potter!" I shouted, across the room. I waved my copy of the Prophet in the air, for him to see. He didn't look up. "Potter!" I snapped. I lowered my voice to a mutter, "Stupid git, pay attention to me." he looked up at me. I raised my voice again, "How's your head?" I jeered, "You feeling all right? Sure you're not going to go berserk on us?" I waved the Prophet again, to make sure he knew what I was referring to. Even a Hufflepuff would have gotten that hint.
Theo sniggered, "Yeah, he's gonna start singing 'They're Coming To Take Me Away, Ha Ha', in Parseltongue, any minute now." he said, too quietly to be heard at the Gryffindor table, but everyone who could hear him laughed at that.
Potter snatched the paper off Weasley, and began to read it. His face took on a look of disgust and horror, which made me snigger evilly.
When Potter looked up again, Theo stuck his tongue out at Potter in a poor imitation of a snake. Blaise sniggered, and mimicked Theo's snake-impersonation.
Milli and Pansy had turned to see Potter's reaction, as well. I saw Miles Bletchley, the Keeper for our Quidditch team, who was sitting a few seats down from us, also turn and pull a face at Potter, just for badness. And Michael Zabini started pointing and laughing, too.
Crabbe and Goyle saw what Theo was doing, and made a pathetic attempt to impersonate him... I think Goyle managed to injure himself in the process.
I watched Hermione leave the hall in a hurry. She had an air of purpose about her when she'd left. I informed Pansy that I had to check out one last thing for my History exam - which was in ten minutes - and left as well.
x x x
I was right, she was in the Library. "You left in a hurry." I noted, going straight for the History texts, to make what I had told Pansy not a lie. I looked up something on Goblins, and sat opposite Hermione, who was leafing excitedly through a copy of the national Animagus register.
She didn't even look up at me, to say, "You were an obnoxious prat."
"Thank you. Flattery will get you everywhere, Mudblood." I replied blithely.
She looked up at me sharply, "You were right."
"About what?"
"Animagism. I've so got her." she said cheerfully.
"A beetle, to be specific." I noted, smirking.
She raised an eyebrow, "So you were talking to her. Interesting."
"Blame Milli." I said flatly, "I wanted nothing to do with that insect's evil schemes. I've got plenty of my own evil schemes to be getting on with, as it is."
She shook her head, bemused, "Well, this saves time. If I know what to look out for. I thought she was some sort of arachnid."
"Wouldn't Weasley have screamed like a little girl, by now, if there'd been a spider hanging around?" I asked.
"I should slap you for saying that-" she growled.
"Weasley needs his girlfriend to defend him, now, does he?" I retorted, interrupting her.
She continued as if I hadn't spoken, "But you helped me figure this out, so I won't."
I sniggered, "Fine. We're going to be late for our History exam." I noted.
"I need five more minutes. You go ahead, or it'll look suspicious."
"Besides, I value my exam grade over your petty vengeance." I retorted, turning to leave. I left my book sitting open on the table, which earned me a vicious glare from Madam Pince.
x x x
End of chapter 29
Author's Notes: I've been stuck on this part of the story for some time. But I think it worked out well enough, in the end. And I have to say, anything in this chapter about stars is purely the creation of my deranged mind - if I'm incorrect about ANY of it, please don't blame me - I know nothing about the stars besides what's been said in Harry Potter books, and the rough dates of Gemini, Sagittarius and Libra's birth signs (cause those are the birth signs of me, my mom, and one of my friends). This is a longer chapter, because the next chapter would have been too short if I gave the Third Task its own chapter... so I just pasted it on the end here, making next chapter the Third Task.
kraeg001: Thanks for the spoiler links. And just because Draco finds her attractive in this fic does not mean I'm planning their wedding - I've actually suspected/expected for some time that Hermione and Ron will get together very soon. The incident at the Yule Ball is probably the best DM/HG there'll be in this fic. I'd written out that April Fool's chapter, including the twins' birthday, before I ever read on JK's site that that was their birthday (the chapter was written before April 1st, this year! That's how long the Star Wars fics delayed me). When GoF said their birthday was April, I figured April Fools was the only possible date.
tigercub15: Ron. The Slyths in my fic call Ginny "Weaslette".
Simply Myself: She doesn't have to be a DM/HG shipper - even if she makes Draco murder Hermione in cold blood, in HBP, I can still work with it, without contradicting her plot :p ... it would be tragic, like the DS ending to my current Star Wars fic, but it'd still be fun to write... mwahahahahahaa!
snackfiend101: I'm not mad at them - I love them too much. And two for the price of one, I've updated both tonight.
firehottie: I'm going as fast as I can - the Third Task is writing itself well, so that does tend to help.
Lilly K: Glad you like it. And for the record, I started it years ago - the two Bah Humbug chapters were published on Christmas day, a year apart.
Lillei: This chapter's longer, to make up for last chapter. Happy?
dragonsprincess: You probably fear for the rest of the school because anyone would - those three should never be allowed to meet - it's like Akuma-sama's episode where the twins were multiplied - scary. Theo isn't fearless - if he was, he'd be a Gryffindor - he's just determined to be as annoying as possible... although, some jokes have hidden meaning - Theo might really like Draco, though I'm not sure - even I can't read that twisted boy's mind, and I'm the author who created him! I've created a monster I can't control!!
elliy2002: Glad you like it. I will always picture Moony as a Van Helsing type werewolf, because I saw Van Helsing before PoA, and that "wolf" in PoA stank big time. I think Moony should be cooler than that.
"The desire to be a politician should ban you for life from being one" -Billy Connolly
Chapter 29 - Spy Games
The red envelope flew across the Great Hall, headed for the Gryffindor table. It had become a common enough sight. "nine." Theo said, looking at it.
"You've been counting?" I asked.
"Yeah." he said brightly, "I keep track of a lot of things."
"Don't suppose you could tell me how many times Moody has said 'Constant Vigilance'?" I asked curiously.
"Eight thousand five hundred and forty two... that Luna and I have heard, anyway." Theo said brightly.
"You scare me."
"Thank you."
"YOU HORRIBLE LITTLE GIRL! HOW DARE YOU! HARRY POTTER DESERVES BETTER THAN A LITTLE HARLOT LIKE YOU! I THINK YOU ARE A PATHETIC EXCUSE FOR A HUMAN BEING, YOU EVIL LITTLE TOAD!" the howler yelled at Hermione.
"Poor girl." Wednesday said, with absolutely no pity in her voice. If anything, she sounded cheerful about it, "Viktor's awfully embarrassed about it, too. Just wait until he hears about this latest one. That's the sixth one that's not even mentioned him!"
"It's a bit unfair, I agree." Theo said calmly, "But really, if they're stupid enough to believe that magazine..."
"They deserve to receive worse howlers than they send." Wednesday finished.
I snorted, and acted like I couldn't care less. I agreed with them, but I wouldn't admit it for the world.
x x x
I wandered outside, down to the lakeside near the Forest where I had met Black. I liked the location, and it was out of sight of the main castle - I wanted to get away from the constant feeling of being watched - I knew perfectly well Moody was serious when he said he was keeping his eye on me.
It was overcast and gloomy, a bit like my current mood. I sat down and watched the iron-grey lake for a while, before I heard what sounded like hooves behind me. I tensed, but didn't turn around, "What brings a young human like you down here in weather like this?" a male voice asked me.
I glanced up over my shoulder, and immediately stood and turned to face the Centaur that was standing there. He had long red hair and a rough-looking chestnut coat - he looked quite wild, but for a Centaur, that's supposed to mean he's more intelligent. "I was avoiding someone in the castle." I answered honestly.
"Why might you do that?" he asked, "It can be dangerous to hide from those who care for you."
"I guess it depends where you choose to hide." I glanced at the Forest behind him, "I probably didn't pick the safest place."
"Indeed. Some creatures in this Forest make less sound, and pose more threat, than I."
"And may I ask, why are you out here?" I asked.
"I enjoy the view of the lake, and I am a friend to some of the Merfolk who live there." he said.
I nodded, "Do you want me to leave?"
"You do not have to."
"Perhaps we could talk? I've never met a Centaur before, but from what I've read your race is more intelligent than humans."
"Are you trying to take advantage of that intelligence, by any chance?"
"Why would I? The only advantage I would seek in it is some decent conversation."
"I believe you." he said, nodding his head in a pass-for-a-bow, "My name is Magorian."
"My name is Draco Malfoy." I replied, bowing properly.
"Most humans claim superiority over our kind." Magorian said as I sat down on a tree stump nearby.
"Most humans are idiots." I answered, "I know when someone's better than me. I also hate it when someone isn't, but thinks they are."
Magorian nodded.
"I told you I've read about Centaurs ... from what I read, I always wanted to meet one ... your race sounded so philosophical and wise ... something most humans gave up as a boring idea a long time ago."
Magorian raised an eyebrow, "And you do not find such things boring?"
"On the contrary, I find such things very interesting."
"You seek wisdom, then?"
"Yes. I would rather seek wisdom than power ... but human society doesn't really think of that as a good thing, most times."
"So you conceal your true goals?"
"Sort of. I need to gain some power, otherwise I won't survive for long ... but other than that, yes."
He nodded sagely, but didn't respond to that. I looked out over the lake, for a moment, before he spoke again, "I have some advice for you, young Draco."
"Yes?" I asked.
"The stars say there will be trouble soon. You should be watchful." he explained.
"How do you know there will be trouble?" I asked.
"Mars rises with Leo."
"Hmm... Mars signifies war and discord. Leo is rising in June, overhead late July." I said quietly, "All hell's gonna break loose in June."
The Centaur gave me an odd look, "You are more knowledgeable of the stars than most of your kind."
"I read a lot." I said flatly, "And Astronomy is one of my favourite subjects. I don't believe in Astrology, but I know the meanings."
"Astrology is merely a human belief that their lives are significant enough for the stars to tell. Only the most major events can truly be seen in the stars." Magorian said.
I nodded, "Is my interpretation correct?"
"As far as I can tell, you are close." he said, pawing the ground with a front hoof, "Although, there is uncertainty. I believe it will go unnoticed initially."
"Thank you for the warning." I said calmly.
My mind was working overtime. Cat had said something about the third task being 'interesting', hadn't she? She had also implied that harm would come to Cedric Diggory, if he entered it. Now all hell was planning to break loose in June. I don't believe in coincidences. I think this means that all hell is breaking loose specifically on the third task. Fun.
"You are welcome." he replied, "It is refreshing to meet a human who is not so conceited as most."
I laughed, "Oh, I'm conceited all right. Just to other humans, is all. I know your species is better than me, though."
He smiled faintly, "All right, then. It is refreshing to meet a human who does not suffer from delusions of grandeur."
x x x
The minute I stepped into the castle, again, I was apprehended by a ginger cat. Crookshanks. "What do you want, ginger?" I asked. I wasn't about to use his real name, because that would indicate I knew whose he was. I had called him ginger the first time I met him, and he didn't seem to mind.
Crookshanks meowed, pawed the hem of my robes, then turned and trotted away with his tail in the air. When I failed to follow him, he stopped and meowed more persistently. I shrugged and followed him.
The cat led me to the library. As it was a weekend, there was no one there... well, no one except the library's permanent resident, Hermione Granger. Crookshanks trotted over to his mistress, and meowed.
"Good boy, Crookshanks." Hermione cooed, scratching the cat behind the ears, "You'll have your favourite fish-flavour treats, as soon as I get back to the tower."
Crookshanks purred and rubbed himself against her leg, before trotting off again with his tail in the air.
"You sent the cat to find me?" I asked, stunned.
"Easier than trying to catch you when you're with your friends. All that would achieve is insults and possibly hexes." she answered, smiling.
"So what do you want?" I asked, walking over to where she sat, and sitting at the opposite side of the table.
"I'm investigating something." she said, turning a page in the book she was reading.
"And you want my help?" I asked, smirking.
"Basically, yes." she said, nodding.
"You realise I've got my own investigation going?" I asked, "Not to mention my plans for world-domination. And of course, there's exams coming up."
"World domination?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.
I shrugged, "Nothing special... it involves Dementors, and a monopoly on the chocolate industry." I waved off her stunned look, "Don't worry, it's a long way away." honestly, I had no such plan... but it sounded good.
"You sneaky evil little..." she said, stunned.
"Oh, relax. I was joking." I said, sniggering.
She gave me an evaluating look, "Magical methods of spying. Got any good ones?"
"Spy balls. Astral projection. Hear me charms. Invisibility cloaks. Crookshanks."
"Woah, slow down." she said. She was trying to scribble the list down as fast as she could write. She blinked, "Wait a second! Crookshanks does not spy on people!" she snapped, "Scabbers, on the other hand." she muttered under her voice.
"What was that about Weasley's rat?" I asked.
"It turned out to be evil." she said, shrugging.
"Figured." I muttered.
She gave me a curious look, then asked, "Any more ways to spy on people?"
"Well you're asking the right person." I noted, "Stealth potions. Divination. Eye-spy curse - not pretty, I might add. More illegally, Imperius can be used to get the victim to gather information. On that note: Polyjuice potion."
"Polyjuice is not illegal! I checked!" she snapped.
I sniggered, "But it also involves a harmless-looking person spying on unsuspecting people." I noted.
She shrugged innocently, "I didn't think those two looked harmless."
"To me, they do." I noted flatly.
She giggled, "Any more?"
"Only other one I can think of off the top of my head would be animagism." I said, shrugging.
"You would know that one pretty well, wouldn't you?" she asked, smirking.
"Oh yes." I said, nodding, "Not that I plan to try it till I'm fifteen."
"I'll remember to keep an eye out for a ferret, during fifth year." she said dryly.
"Just so long as you don't tell anyone else." I said, smirking.
"I won't."
I frowned, "Who are you spying on?"
"I'm not spying... I think someone's spying on me." she said bluntly.
"Hmmm... let me guess. Skeeter?"
"How did you-?"
"The hate-mail must be getting to you." I said quietly.
She rubbed her bandaged hands... I wasn't sure what had happened to them, but it was likely a hexed letter. "Yeah... yeah, it is."
"Word of advice... a little spell called 'redeo origo'." I said, smirking.
Hermione frowned, and thought for a minute... "Redeo origo... return to sender?"
"Exactly." I said, "It send any unwanted owls right back where they came from. Only letters you're expecting get through."
"So..." her eyes widened, "A hexed letter would hex the person who sent it?!"
I nodded.
"That's horrible..." she grinned, "Thank you. I'll look it up this afternoon."
I laughed, "For a goody-goody little Gryffindor, you can be vicious when you need to."
"I think, from you, I should take that as a compliment." she said, smiling.
"Yep."
She frowned, "While I've got you here, Malfoy... what do you know about Sirius Black? Theo said something about Scabbers faking his own death, last year."
"Yeah... I know Black thinks the rat framed him." I said quietly.
"Hmm... well he was right. The rat did frame him... and faked his own death, twice, too."
I blinked, "Interesting."
"One thing confused me. How did the Minister get the Muggles in on it? I mean, the papers said he'd talked to the Muggle Prime Minister to coordinate the search for Black." she said, confused.
"You don't know?" I asked, surprised. This girl prided herself on knowing everything.
"I don't know what?" she snapped.
"That the Muggle Prime Minister is a Squib."
"Really?!"
"Some distant relative of Weasley's... ran off to be an accountant." I shrugged, "Ended up running the Muggle country. Just goes to show anyone can be a politician."
"Fudge demonstrates that much better, I think." she retorted coldly.
I laughed, "Maybe."
"Thanks for the help. I'll look into those spying methods you told me."
"Any time." I said, smiling. I stood up and left her alone.
x x x
Exams stink. I had to spend all my free time studying. It didn't help that I spotted an obnoxious magpie flitting in and out of the common room with stolen possessions of Moody's, late in May, either. Someone should tell Theo he shouldn't be doing that until he's fifteen... I'm not going to be the one to stop him, though.
"Look at this..." Theo said, appearing in a puff of feathers, next to me in the dormitory. He handed me a cracked mirror.
"What is this?" I demanded, giving the bird-brain a wary look.
"It's a foe-glass. A mini-one. Moody's got dozens of them, he'll not miss this." Theo explained.
"Hmmm... he probably counts them every day." I noted.
"Yeah... CONSTANT VIGILANCE!" Theo chanted.
"Stop doing that." I growled.
Theo just grinned. I looked into the glass warily... as expected, it was too foggy for me to identify anything. Foe-glasses only show enemies of their holder, if the enemy is close and/or particularly hostile.
"You see anything in this?" I asked.
"Yeah... Potter's owl. She bit me when I flew up to the Owlery!" Theo answered cheerfully.
"And I thought it was just Noctowl who hated you?"
"Nah... that bird of yours is nothing compared to that vicious snowy-snitch."
I sniggered, "You are strange."
"Thanks." Theo grinned, "Hey, guess what else I saw."
"What?"
"Crouch. He was roaming the grounds, looking nutsy... ran into Potter... Potter ran away like a little girl... then Crouch scarpered. Point remains, Mr-I'm-too-sick-to-make-important-public-appearances was lurking around the Forbidden Forest."
Interesting. Puts Crouch back to the top of my suspicious-characters list. "Why would he be roaming the Forest?"
"Maybe hunting rabbits?" Theo suggested. I gave him an unimpressed look. "Mugglism... it's a TV thing. Bugs Bunny."
"Uh huh." I said flatly.
"Ok... maybe he was there for the aesthetics? It's lovely this time if year, I'm told."
"Yeah... unicorns and dark lords everywhere." I said coldly.
Theo sniggered, "Yeah... forgot about that." then after a minute, "One thing I heard Crouch mention, though..." he said quietly. I looked up at him sharply, "The Dark Lord." my eyes widened, and Theo paused for a second, "Stronger."
"Shit." I said quietly.
"My sentiments exactly." Theo agreed, "And in avian form... well." he started sniggering, in spite of the situation. I whacked him over the head for that.
x x x
"Draco... I know you hate her... but this is to hurt Potter." Milli said.
"No." I said bluntly.
"Please? It'll ruin Potter's reputation. Permanently!" she pleaded.
I looked up at her, "Ok... but I don't have to like talking to her." I growled.
"Don't worry." Milli grinned, "I've set up the meeting. Follow me."
She led me out into the grounds, "I'm going to hurt you if this screws up." I growled in warning.
"Sure you are." she said blithely. She stopped under a tree, and waved up to it.
A beetle flew down and landed on her hand, "Draco, talk to the bug."
I raised an eyebrow, "What the hell?" I asked.
"Just talk to her!" Milli snapped.
Her? I stared at the bug, then smiled, "Ok... Ok, you want the dirt on Potter, do you?" I asked. I suddenly realised how Skeeter was spying on the Terrible Trio.
Milli handed me the bug, and walked around the tree, still listening. I considered squashing the bug in my hand... if my theory was right, it would rid everyone of a great menace... but my desire to hurt Potter got the better of that instinct.
"Tell her about second year." Milli called around the tree, "She'll love that one."
"Why don't you tell her?"
"Because your name carries more weight." Milli retorted, "This is your chance to get Potter in deep Hippogriff dung."
"Right." I growled, before turning my attention to the insect in my hand, "Ok... here goes... Potter can speak Parseltongue. There were a lot of attacks on students a couple of years ago, and most people thought Potter was behind them after they saw him lose his temper at a Duelling Club and set a snake on another boy. It was all hushed up, though." I thought for a second... what else could I say about Potter, without revealing that I knew too much? "But he's made friends with werewolves and giants, too. We think he'd do anything for a bit of attention."
When I didn't say anything more for a minute, the beetle buzzed, and took off. I watched it go, considering siccing Theo on it. But that would be cruel to Theo.
"I hope that doesn't backfire, Milli." I growled.
"So do I." she said, reappearing. Funny... she was looking up at the castle intently.
x x x
In spite of many more attempts at espionage (my spy-ball and Theo's magpie), we found nothing new until the day of the third task.
"She misquoted me." I growled.
"One word." Milli said dismissively, "Big deal."
"Attention... power... big difference." I said coldly.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah." Milli grumbled.
I heard raised voices from the Gryffindor table. "It's about me, isn't it?" Potter demanded. He was glaring at Weasley.
"Oh, yeah... it's always about you, Potter." I growled sulkily, watching the Terrible Trio.
"No." Weasley whined. He was lying, I could tell from here.
I rolled my eyes. Weasley was trying to keep Potter away from a copy of the Daily Prophet. Better rub his nose in it before he finds out for himself. "Hey, Potter!" I shouted, across the room. I waved my copy of the Prophet in the air, for him to see. He didn't look up. "Potter!" I snapped. I lowered my voice to a mutter, "Stupid git, pay attention to me." he looked up at me. I raised my voice again, "How's your head?" I jeered, "You feeling all right? Sure you're not going to go berserk on us?" I waved the Prophet again, to make sure he knew what I was referring to. Even a Hufflepuff would have gotten that hint.
Theo sniggered, "Yeah, he's gonna start singing 'They're Coming To Take Me Away, Ha Ha', in Parseltongue, any minute now." he said, too quietly to be heard at the Gryffindor table, but everyone who could hear him laughed at that.
Potter snatched the paper off Weasley, and began to read it. His face took on a look of disgust and horror, which made me snigger evilly.
When Potter looked up again, Theo stuck his tongue out at Potter in a poor imitation of a snake. Blaise sniggered, and mimicked Theo's snake-impersonation.
Milli and Pansy had turned to see Potter's reaction, as well. I saw Miles Bletchley, the Keeper for our Quidditch team, who was sitting a few seats down from us, also turn and pull a face at Potter, just for badness. And Michael Zabini started pointing and laughing, too.
Crabbe and Goyle saw what Theo was doing, and made a pathetic attempt to impersonate him... I think Goyle managed to injure himself in the process.
I watched Hermione leave the hall in a hurry. She had an air of purpose about her when she'd left. I informed Pansy that I had to check out one last thing for my History exam - which was in ten minutes - and left as well.
x x x
I was right, she was in the Library. "You left in a hurry." I noted, going straight for the History texts, to make what I had told Pansy not a lie. I looked up something on Goblins, and sat opposite Hermione, who was leafing excitedly through a copy of the national Animagus register.
She didn't even look up at me, to say, "You were an obnoxious prat."
"Thank you. Flattery will get you everywhere, Mudblood." I replied blithely.
She looked up at me sharply, "You were right."
"About what?"
"Animagism. I've so got her." she said cheerfully.
"A beetle, to be specific." I noted, smirking.
She raised an eyebrow, "So you were talking to her. Interesting."
"Blame Milli." I said flatly, "I wanted nothing to do with that insect's evil schemes. I've got plenty of my own evil schemes to be getting on with, as it is."
She shook her head, bemused, "Well, this saves time. If I know what to look out for. I thought she was some sort of arachnid."
"Wouldn't Weasley have screamed like a little girl, by now, if there'd been a spider hanging around?" I asked.
"I should slap you for saying that-" she growled.
"Weasley needs his girlfriend to defend him, now, does he?" I retorted, interrupting her.
She continued as if I hadn't spoken, "But you helped me figure this out, so I won't."
I sniggered, "Fine. We're going to be late for our History exam." I noted.
"I need five more minutes. You go ahead, or it'll look suspicious."
"Besides, I value my exam grade over your petty vengeance." I retorted, turning to leave. I left my book sitting open on the table, which earned me a vicious glare from Madam Pince.
x x x
End of chapter 29