Dumbledore finally contacted Harry the day before the arranged
Hogsmeade visit. A sense of relief washed over Harry as he walked from
Divination to Dumbledore's study. He would finally get answers, not
that Malfoy hadn't been helpful. Harry knew he'd feel more at ease once
he spoke with Dumbledore. He and Ron had been trying to figure out what
Voldemort might be planning to do and what The Order might do to
prevent it. They'd come up with many theories, but still weren't quite
sure.Hermione had quit speaking with the both of them. They wanted to
hold an emergency DA meeting, but without Hermione, there wasn't
anything they could teach or tell them. And it wasn't like anyone would
really trust Harry anyway, they all still believed he was a murderer
and a traitor. Furthermore, Harry had quit trusting people as well. He
wouldn't eat his meals in The Great Hall. He didn't trust the food or
the people around him. When he was hungry he'd sneak down into the
kitchen to have Dobby fix him something. Dobby lately, had been the one
person, aside from Ron, he'd been able to trust. But even so, Harry
still wouldn't eat until he's throughly inspected the food for odd
smells and discoloring. So Harry headed to Dumbledore's, hoping for
some release from his self induced misery.
"Harry, good come in. I'm rather sorry for not being able to see you over the couple months. I hope you're not too angry with me. I just else it was in your best interest to focus on schoolwork for a change." Dumbledore stopped pacing his office, and motioned for Harry to sit down at the desk.
"How can I focus on schoolwork when my classmates are gawking at me and calling me 'murderer' and 'betrayer'?"
"I'm sorry Harry. Perhaps I should've told you sooner. I hope you can forgive me."
"Malfoy told me a lot, but refused to tell me everything. I want to know what's going on. How come he gets to know everything, and for the past two months, you've just been leaving me in the dark?" Harry asked, shortly.
"Yes, I assumed he might tell you or Miss Granger. Well, Harry what has he told you?" Dumbledore sat down at his desk, and Harry sat across from him.
"Pansy was going to poison me. You wouldn't talk to me because you were afraid of how I might react. He also speculates that Crabbe died because he was afraid of what Malfoy would do to him, because he'd threatened him before the incident." Harry replied. Dumbledore chuckled.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy sometimes has a high opinion of himself, not too unlike his father, I'm afraid. But no, Vincent Crabbe died because he could not complete his task. You could say he didn't have the intelligence that Voldemort had been hoping for. His father's a very loyal and faithful follower, he's Lucius' right hand man. When he didn't recieve what he'd sent out for, Voldemort showed no mercy. Although I do believe Draco had something to do with that. I don't think it was any more that the fact that he too did not deliver what was requested of him, and Voldemort has lost patience with underage wizards."
"What's going to happen to Malfoy? I'm sure you know he used the killing curse on Pansy."
"Yes, and I've spoken with him about it. What you should try and understand Harry, is that this year, Draco Malfoy is under a lot of stress. Unlike yourself, who has unfortunatly become accustomed to dealing with life threatening situations and changes, he has never had to deal with this sort of circumstance. He was only a year old when Voldemort was last defeated and his father had stood trial. Since then he's grown up thinking he could have whatever he wants and not have to deal with any consequences. It was how he was raised. He's now having to accept that his previous way of living was a bit skewed. Life has taken a very different turn for him, than he'd expected. He's learning to adjust. I don't condone his actions, I just merely understand them. I have discussed it with the ministry and he has been cleared of the charge. Although still a child, she was a supporter of Voldemort. She would have probably met a more gruesome end when this is all over." Dumbledore explained.
"You know most, if not all over Slytherin are supporters of Voldemort. Why are you allowing them to remain in the school and put us all in danger?"
"For two reasons, Harry. It keeps them away from Voldemort. Yes there are the occasional few who'll slip past, like Crabbe and Goyle. But it keeps a good number of his supporters out of his reach. It gives them a chance at being saved later. And also, we're getting a great deal of information from them. They're young, they like to talk. Draco has been kind enough to help us get that information."
"What've you found out? About Voldemort's plans I mean."
"Well a few of the students are to meet with death eaters in Hogsmeade, but they weren't told specifics. They all have their own theories of course. Some of the more trusted have been told to keep watch and observe the teacher's behaviors, find patterns in when they leave the classrooms and such. I've instructed the staff to mix up their schedules, as you might have noticed at dinner, they're not always there. The only information he'll have will be which class is in session at any given time."
"Have you figured out what he plans to do? I mean, what if we cancel the Hogsmeade visit. It might mess with his plans."
"As much as I would love to do that, for the safety of the students, it's too risky. He'll know we've found out. It must go on as scheduled, I'm afraid. We don't know whether or not he was testing Severus. He's been calling on him less frequently, and we're beginning to fear he might suspect the truth. This might be to prove his loyalty, and if we respond prematurly, his life may be at stake and so will our best insight into his plans. Lupin, Tonks, the Weasley brothers, and a few of our supporters from the ministry will be in Hogsmeade tomorrow, in case trouble arises."
Harry sat there for awhile, registering everything he'd just heard. His stomach sank. There was no relief. Even Dumbledore didn't know what to expect. He excused himself and headed back towards Gryffindor tower. Ron was waiting for him in the common room.
"So what's supposed to happen?" he jumped up as soon as he saw Harry coming through the portrait hole. Harry half wondered if he'd been jumping everytime anyone entered the common room. Ron's excitment faded when he saw the expression on Harry's face.
"He doesn't know. Voldemort has left Snape out of it this time. They think it might be a trap to see if he's faithful or if he's helping Dumbledore." replied Harry.
"So they're just going to leave that fifty percent chance open? we could be killed tomorrow."
"They don't have much of a choice."
"We have to tell Hermione!" Ron had seemed to forgotten all the tension and resentment that'd built up between the two of them.
"I haven't seen her since Potions."
"Me neither. She wasn't in the prefect rooms. She's probably in the library."
The library seemed empty, aside from a few second year Hufflepuffs, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil. They all looked up, and at noticing Harry, the second years left. Lavender and Parvati pushed their noses deeper in their books. Ron and Harry searched the isles of books. Dean Thomas saw them and quickly scurried to a different isle. They heard a familiar voice coming from the back. They peered through the books.
"Draco, no I can't. Not tonight. I really have to study." Hermione giggled. Malfoy kissed down her neck. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him passionatly. Ron, trying to get a better look, caused a whole cluster of books to come crashing down. Hermione and Malfoy quickly jumped apart. Hermione wlaked over to Ron and Harry.
"What are you two doing here?" she questioned the bright red Ron and stuttering Harry.
"W-We were just trying to find you."
"Just wanted a little peep show, eh Potter? Not getting enough from the female Weasley?" Malfoy stepped in with a smirk. Hermione hit him lightly. She went over and helped Ron off the floor. They all went over to a table to talk.
"Now what's going on? I mean, if you haven't noticed you two aren't my most favorite people at the moment."
"Yeah, that's because you forgot what a decent person was like." Ron retaliated, glaring at Malfoy. He didn't like the remark about his sister. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Is this important?"
"Yes." Harry and Ron said at the same time. Harry then realized there probably wasn't anything she already knew. If she'd been communicating with Malfoy, she probably knew everything he did. Ron realized this too and turned pink.
"Well."
"Nevermind."
"Well you've wasted plenty of my time, I have an essay to write, now if you'll excuse me." she huffed and got up. Malfoy got up to follow her.
"This means you too." she added, leaving him there and returning to the books. He scowled at Ron and Harry for inturrupting them previously, then left the library.
"That went well."
"We're stupid." Ron commented. They stood up and headed towards the door. Lavender and Parvti jumped in front of them.
"Is it true that Hermione is with Malfoy?" Lavender asked.
"She's been spending an aweful lot of time with him outside of those supposed tutoring sessions." Parvati added.
"How should we know?"
"Well you are her best friends. Are all three of you working for Slytherin?" Parvati smirked.
"We're not working for Slytherin, and I have a feeling that it was one of you two that started that rumor to begin with. Excuse us, we have to get to The Great Hall."
"We didn't start that rumor. We don't even believe it. It's just... it seems weird that every time something happens at this school, it has to do with you, Harry." Lavender held him back.
"I didn't ask for any of this."
"But you have to admit, it's odd. Nothing like this has ever happened in the history of Hogwarts. Then the infamous Harry Potter comes to school, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named returns, and the school is turned into a hiatus. You can't expect people not to talk. Especially when you start spending time with Gryffindor's worst enemy." Parvati pointed out.
"Maybe you two should mind your own business for once. Harry's trying to help. If you want to do any good, spread rumors about that." Ron stated and pulled Harry along with him past the girls and out the door.
The next morning, Harry's stomach ache hurt worse than ever. He didn't want to go to Hogsmeade, but he knew that he had to. If he didn't and something happened, he'd blame himself. He went to Ron's room and woke him up. He went back down to the common room to wait for Ron to get ready. Hermione appeared, but she didn't even look at him.
"Hermione. Are you going to Hogsmeade?" Harry asked, trying to break the silence.
"Of course. I assume you two will be staying here to protect the school, and try to play hero?"
"No, we're going. Um... do you want to meet at The Three Broomsticks?"
"Not really, I've got things to do. I need to pick up some new potion ingredients. My supply is running low."
"I don't know why you're mad at me. It was Ron who said it."
"Yeah, but you tend to take his side in these matters. I know your true feelings Harry. I know you still hate Draco, and I'm really not in the mood to hear you two talk about how he's using me."
"What if we promise to not even mention Malfoy?"
"That might be fine for you, but Ron'll bring him up in a second."
"I'll talk to him. We can't keep fighting Hermione. We need to be on the same side here. Especially today. If there's more of us together, it's less likely all of us will be hurt. Bring Malfoy too if you wish."
"He's staying here with Snape. Yeah, I'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks, just let me get my supplies first, okay?" she finally gave him. He smiled at her, which she returned. She grabbed her books that she'd left there the previous evening, and went back to her room. Ron came down and they headed out to Hogsmeade.
Nothing looked unusual. Everyone in town was going about their usual business. There were no Death Marks, anyone in trouble. Harry's nerves were on end. Every noise he heard caught his attention. He and Ron went into Honeydukes to buy Chocolate Frogs, then headed over to the Three Broomsticks. Lupin was there talking with Tonks. They smiled at Harry and Ron, but didn't stop by the table. If there were any Death Eaters about, they didn't want to make a scene or let them in on anything. Harry waved at them, then sat down with Ron.
"Have you seen anything strange?" Ron asked. Harry shook his head. He thought he saw someone he'd recognized, but it turned to be an old hag trying to sell Dragon scales on the street. They were there a half hour and there was still no sign of Hermione.
"She should be here by now." Harry looked at his watch.
"She probably stayed behind to keep Malfoy company." Ron grimaced. Harry shook his head.
"No, she needed to get some supplies. She said she'd be here. It's not like Mione to not keep her word."
They decided to head over to the Alchemist's shop. As soon as they left the The Three Broomsticks they heard a high pitched scream. It's started. Harry thought to himself.
"Let go of me!" the voice screamed.
"Hermione!" exclaimed both Harry and Ron.
"Harry, good come in. I'm rather sorry for not being able to see you over the couple months. I hope you're not too angry with me. I just else it was in your best interest to focus on schoolwork for a change." Dumbledore stopped pacing his office, and motioned for Harry to sit down at the desk.
"How can I focus on schoolwork when my classmates are gawking at me and calling me 'murderer' and 'betrayer'?"
"I'm sorry Harry. Perhaps I should've told you sooner. I hope you can forgive me."
"Malfoy told me a lot, but refused to tell me everything. I want to know what's going on. How come he gets to know everything, and for the past two months, you've just been leaving me in the dark?" Harry asked, shortly.
"Yes, I assumed he might tell you or Miss Granger. Well, Harry what has he told you?" Dumbledore sat down at his desk, and Harry sat across from him.
"Pansy was going to poison me. You wouldn't talk to me because you were afraid of how I might react. He also speculates that Crabbe died because he was afraid of what Malfoy would do to him, because he'd threatened him before the incident." Harry replied. Dumbledore chuckled.
"Yes, Mr. Malfoy sometimes has a high opinion of himself, not too unlike his father, I'm afraid. But no, Vincent Crabbe died because he could not complete his task. You could say he didn't have the intelligence that Voldemort had been hoping for. His father's a very loyal and faithful follower, he's Lucius' right hand man. When he didn't recieve what he'd sent out for, Voldemort showed no mercy. Although I do believe Draco had something to do with that. I don't think it was any more that the fact that he too did not deliver what was requested of him, and Voldemort has lost patience with underage wizards."
"What's going to happen to Malfoy? I'm sure you know he used the killing curse on Pansy."
"Yes, and I've spoken with him about it. What you should try and understand Harry, is that this year, Draco Malfoy is under a lot of stress. Unlike yourself, who has unfortunatly become accustomed to dealing with life threatening situations and changes, he has never had to deal with this sort of circumstance. He was only a year old when Voldemort was last defeated and his father had stood trial. Since then he's grown up thinking he could have whatever he wants and not have to deal with any consequences. It was how he was raised. He's now having to accept that his previous way of living was a bit skewed. Life has taken a very different turn for him, than he'd expected. He's learning to adjust. I don't condone his actions, I just merely understand them. I have discussed it with the ministry and he has been cleared of the charge. Although still a child, she was a supporter of Voldemort. She would have probably met a more gruesome end when this is all over." Dumbledore explained.
"You know most, if not all over Slytherin are supporters of Voldemort. Why are you allowing them to remain in the school and put us all in danger?"
"For two reasons, Harry. It keeps them away from Voldemort. Yes there are the occasional few who'll slip past, like Crabbe and Goyle. But it keeps a good number of his supporters out of his reach. It gives them a chance at being saved later. And also, we're getting a great deal of information from them. They're young, they like to talk. Draco has been kind enough to help us get that information."
"What've you found out? About Voldemort's plans I mean."
"Well a few of the students are to meet with death eaters in Hogsmeade, but they weren't told specifics. They all have their own theories of course. Some of the more trusted have been told to keep watch and observe the teacher's behaviors, find patterns in when they leave the classrooms and such. I've instructed the staff to mix up their schedules, as you might have noticed at dinner, they're not always there. The only information he'll have will be which class is in session at any given time."
"Have you figured out what he plans to do? I mean, what if we cancel the Hogsmeade visit. It might mess with his plans."
"As much as I would love to do that, for the safety of the students, it's too risky. He'll know we've found out. It must go on as scheduled, I'm afraid. We don't know whether or not he was testing Severus. He's been calling on him less frequently, and we're beginning to fear he might suspect the truth. This might be to prove his loyalty, and if we respond prematurly, his life may be at stake and so will our best insight into his plans. Lupin, Tonks, the Weasley brothers, and a few of our supporters from the ministry will be in Hogsmeade tomorrow, in case trouble arises."
Harry sat there for awhile, registering everything he'd just heard. His stomach sank. There was no relief. Even Dumbledore didn't know what to expect. He excused himself and headed back towards Gryffindor tower. Ron was waiting for him in the common room.
"So what's supposed to happen?" he jumped up as soon as he saw Harry coming through the portrait hole. Harry half wondered if he'd been jumping everytime anyone entered the common room. Ron's excitment faded when he saw the expression on Harry's face.
"He doesn't know. Voldemort has left Snape out of it this time. They think it might be a trap to see if he's faithful or if he's helping Dumbledore." replied Harry.
"So they're just going to leave that fifty percent chance open? we could be killed tomorrow."
"They don't have much of a choice."
"We have to tell Hermione!" Ron had seemed to forgotten all the tension and resentment that'd built up between the two of them.
"I haven't seen her since Potions."
"Me neither. She wasn't in the prefect rooms. She's probably in the library."
The library seemed empty, aside from a few second year Hufflepuffs, Lavender Brown and Parvati Patil. They all looked up, and at noticing Harry, the second years left. Lavender and Parvati pushed their noses deeper in their books. Ron and Harry searched the isles of books. Dean Thomas saw them and quickly scurried to a different isle. They heard a familiar voice coming from the back. They peered through the books.
"Draco, no I can't. Not tonight. I really have to study." Hermione giggled. Malfoy kissed down her neck. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed him passionatly. Ron, trying to get a better look, caused a whole cluster of books to come crashing down. Hermione and Malfoy quickly jumped apart. Hermione wlaked over to Ron and Harry.
"What are you two doing here?" she questioned the bright red Ron and stuttering Harry.
"W-We were just trying to find you."
"Just wanted a little peep show, eh Potter? Not getting enough from the female Weasley?" Malfoy stepped in with a smirk. Hermione hit him lightly. She went over and helped Ron off the floor. They all went over to a table to talk.
"Now what's going on? I mean, if you haven't noticed you two aren't my most favorite people at the moment."
"Yeah, that's because you forgot what a decent person was like." Ron retaliated, glaring at Malfoy. He didn't like the remark about his sister. Hermione rolled her eyes.
"Is this important?"
"Yes." Harry and Ron said at the same time. Harry then realized there probably wasn't anything she already knew. If she'd been communicating with Malfoy, she probably knew everything he did. Ron realized this too and turned pink.
"Well."
"Nevermind."
"Well you've wasted plenty of my time, I have an essay to write, now if you'll excuse me." she huffed and got up. Malfoy got up to follow her.
"This means you too." she added, leaving him there and returning to the books. He scowled at Ron and Harry for inturrupting them previously, then left the library.
"That went well."
"We're stupid." Ron commented. They stood up and headed towards the door. Lavender and Parvti jumped in front of them.
"Is it true that Hermione is with Malfoy?" Lavender asked.
"She's been spending an aweful lot of time with him outside of those supposed tutoring sessions." Parvati added.
"How should we know?"
"Well you are her best friends. Are all three of you working for Slytherin?" Parvati smirked.
"We're not working for Slytherin, and I have a feeling that it was one of you two that started that rumor to begin with. Excuse us, we have to get to The Great Hall."
"We didn't start that rumor. We don't even believe it. It's just... it seems weird that every time something happens at this school, it has to do with you, Harry." Lavender held him back.
"I didn't ask for any of this."
"But you have to admit, it's odd. Nothing like this has ever happened in the history of Hogwarts. Then the infamous Harry Potter comes to school, He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named returns, and the school is turned into a hiatus. You can't expect people not to talk. Especially when you start spending time with Gryffindor's worst enemy." Parvati pointed out.
"Maybe you two should mind your own business for once. Harry's trying to help. If you want to do any good, spread rumors about that." Ron stated and pulled Harry along with him past the girls and out the door.
The next morning, Harry's stomach ache hurt worse than ever. He didn't want to go to Hogsmeade, but he knew that he had to. If he didn't and something happened, he'd blame himself. He went to Ron's room and woke him up. He went back down to the common room to wait for Ron to get ready. Hermione appeared, but she didn't even look at him.
"Hermione. Are you going to Hogsmeade?" Harry asked, trying to break the silence.
"Of course. I assume you two will be staying here to protect the school, and try to play hero?"
"No, we're going. Um... do you want to meet at The Three Broomsticks?"
"Not really, I've got things to do. I need to pick up some new potion ingredients. My supply is running low."
"I don't know why you're mad at me. It was Ron who said it."
"Yeah, but you tend to take his side in these matters. I know your true feelings Harry. I know you still hate Draco, and I'm really not in the mood to hear you two talk about how he's using me."
"What if we promise to not even mention Malfoy?"
"That might be fine for you, but Ron'll bring him up in a second."
"I'll talk to him. We can't keep fighting Hermione. We need to be on the same side here. Especially today. If there's more of us together, it's less likely all of us will be hurt. Bring Malfoy too if you wish."
"He's staying here with Snape. Yeah, I'll meet you at the Three Broomsticks, just let me get my supplies first, okay?" she finally gave him. He smiled at her, which she returned. She grabbed her books that she'd left there the previous evening, and went back to her room. Ron came down and they headed out to Hogsmeade.
Nothing looked unusual. Everyone in town was going about their usual business. There were no Death Marks, anyone in trouble. Harry's nerves were on end. Every noise he heard caught his attention. He and Ron went into Honeydukes to buy Chocolate Frogs, then headed over to the Three Broomsticks. Lupin was there talking with Tonks. They smiled at Harry and Ron, but didn't stop by the table. If there were any Death Eaters about, they didn't want to make a scene or let them in on anything. Harry waved at them, then sat down with Ron.
"Have you seen anything strange?" Ron asked. Harry shook his head. He thought he saw someone he'd recognized, but it turned to be an old hag trying to sell Dragon scales on the street. They were there a half hour and there was still no sign of Hermione.
"She should be here by now." Harry looked at his watch.
"She probably stayed behind to keep Malfoy company." Ron grimaced. Harry shook his head.
"No, she needed to get some supplies. She said she'd be here. It's not like Mione to not keep her word."
They decided to head over to the Alchemist's shop. As soon as they left the The Three Broomsticks they heard a high pitched scream. It's started. Harry thought to himself.
"Let go of me!" the voice screamed.
"Hermione!" exclaimed both Harry and Ron.