What was that? It felt like something was proding him. Harry grumbled
and turned over. He slowly opened his eyes. A person was hovered over
him. It was Malfoy, he could tell even through his blurred vision, by
the blond hair the person had over their eyes. He reached to the table
next to the bed, and put on his glasses. Malfoy was sitting next to him
on the bed. He had his wand in one hand, obviously the offending object
used to prod, and the Daily Prophet in his other.
"What do you want?" asked Harry, mid-yawn.
"The Daily Prophet came in about ten minutes ago. The attack made front page, thought you'd like to see it." he replied and handed Harry the newspaper.
MORE ON THE ATTACK IN LONDON: "The Dark Mark most commonly associated with supporters of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named could be seen as far as Bloombury two evenings ago. In a brief statement made yesterday, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge stated that it is still unknown to the Ministry of Magic as to why the street of Grimmauld was singled out, as there were no other attacks reported.
" 'We're still investigating the cause for the brutal murdering of thirteen muggles and one witch. All we know for now is that it is in relation to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's return a few years back. We'll give details as we recieve them'
"There are theories of the attack being related to one previous in Hogsmeade, Scotland in March. An insider source who has asked not to be named has informed /i Daily Propheti that he believes that there is an underage witch and wizard, that would be of use to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named next move against The Ministry of Magic spending their holiday away from Hogwarts at one of the residence on this street. No word if it is 'The Boy Who Live' that they were after, but the probablity is high. It can be remembered that this boy, Harry Potter, was the one who, sixteen years ago, defeated-"
Harry stopped reading aloud and skimmed through the rest of it to see if there was any more information on the attack. It only said that the witch who'd been killed's name hadn't been released as of yet. He threw it aside.
"Even when it's concerning me, it's you that gets the publicity." Malfoy stated.
"You don't know that it was you they were talking about."
"You even said it yesterday, my father probably believes I'm with Granger. It had to have been me. Looks like they caught that disgusting mudblood though, good riddence."
"You don't know that either. Although I hope we find out who it was soon. The only other ones it could have been would be Mrs. Weasley, Tonks, or Ginny. And stop calling Hermione a mudblood around me."
"Well that's what she is. She's proven herself worthy of the title." Malfoy sneered in retaliation.
"You're just as bad as Cho when it comes to break ups." Harry muttered. He slapped himself mentally for saying that, least of all to Malfoy. It had sounded worse coming out of his mouth, than it had in his head.
"Cho? You mean that Ravenclaw seeker that graduated this year? Wait, you went out with her?" Malfoy snickered.
"Er.."
"Was this before or after she became a blubbering cry baby?"
"Shut up."
"And you dumped her? You're a git, Potter. She was the best looking girl I'm sure you'll have the dumb luck to be with. Stupid move."
"I...er...we never really went out, we were just kind of seeing each other. I don't want to talk about. This isn't about me anyway. You need to get over Hermione."
Malfoy was about to reply when an owl tapped on the window. Harry jumped out of bed at the site of Hedwig and Pigwidgeon. He opened the window to let the owls in. There was an envelope attached to Hedwig. He recognized it immediatly as being from Hogwarts.
Harry,
I'm sorry I did not tell you about Mr. Malfoy coming to stay with you and you family before he arrived. I have been detained. I expect you and him to show up for your hearing on the third. I've discussed the circumstances with the Minister of Magic and several other officials. The situation is in your favor for the time being. Along with this letter I've included the Headboy Badge. Please give this to Mr. Malfoy, as I am rightfully under the assumption that you both shall be returning to Hogwarts for your final year. I will explain more to you then. My best wishes go to the both of you for your hopeful success on the Apparation exams next week.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore Headmaster Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.
P.S. Your belongings should arrive shortly.
Harry folded up the piece of paper. Dumbledore had to know what'd happened at Headquarters. Why wouldn't he tell Harry, in the least, if everyone was all right? He turned back around towards Malfoy.
"Here, this is yours." he tossed the badge over to him.
"Headboy... and expelled. Brilliant, just shows that the old man's really off his rocker." mocked Malfoy.
"Dumbledore says that he's talked with Fudge and a few others about our situation and not expect to be expelled." Harry replied. He sat down at the desk in the room and began writing Ron a letter. Malfoy picked up the letter from Dumbledore, to read it for himself.
"He's been detained? That's all he ever says. That's all he said when he never showed up in March. If we're part of the Order then we should at least know what's going on."
"You're forgetting that you're not a part of the Order. You were just helping us. Even so, I'm sure he has a reason to not tell us." Harry commented as he thought about what to write.
Ron,
I heard about what happened at HQ. I hope this letter finds you. I'm staying at L.C. with twitchy the ferret. Have you heard from Hermione or Krum? Is everyone all right?
Sincerely,
Harry
He folded the paper and tied it to Pigwidgeon instructing him to deliver it to Ron. The owl twittered and flipped through the air then out the window. He and Malfoy went downstairs, and after deciding that the Leaky Cauldron wasn't the best idea for breakfast, headed out into Diagon Ally. The shops were just opening their doors. Harry mentioned he had to stop by Gringotts first, so they headed in the direction of the Wizard Bank. The Goblin at the front desk took Harry's key from him and lead them to the vault. Malfoy wore an expression of sheer amazement when the vault door was open.
"Who'd you have to rob to get all this?" he asked.
"My parent's left it for me. Unlike you, I choose not to go flaunting my wealth. Well previous wealth, in your case." remarked Harry as he began to go through and take a few handfuls.
"What's that supposed to mean, Potter?" Malfoy's eyed narrowed on him.
"Well I don't expect your father is going to be giving you the Malfoy fortune now that he's disowned you."
"I don't need my father's money. I have my own vault that he can't touch."
"What do you keep in it? Random knuts you find along the corridors of the school?"
"I happen to be very good at making my own money, bets especially. I've won quite a few galleons off Weasel's Quidditch skills if I recall correctly." Malfoy snapped back.
"Yeah too bad none of them have been from Slytherin winning anything, eh?" Harry replied as the Goblin shut the vault door. Malfoy scowled at him.
"I've also made a small fortune when it came to screwing the mudblood."
"Watch your mouth, Malfoy. I'm not in the mood."
Harry waited in the cart while Malfoy got his own money out, then they left Gringotts and went down to another pub called the Dragon's Tail. Harry wished Malfoy would go do his own shopping, but he seemed to be hanging around just to annoy him. They got something to eat and sat down at a table. Half way through his breakfast though, Harry saw someone he wished he hadn't and grabbed Malfoy. They went out the back of the pub and Harry made his way forward to see if she was gone.
"What the hell is this all about?"
"Rita Skeeter. She just walked in. You don't want her to see us, do you? It'll be all over the front page of tomorrow's iDaily Prophet/i. 'The-Boy-Who-Lived dining with the son of one of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's biggest supporters. Friends or Plot?' Your father will know exactly where we are." Harry explained. When the coast was clear, they made their way into the large crowd that had gathered in the street. They took cover in a clothing store.
"May I help you?" the tailor asked.
"Um yeah." Harry replied, looking out the window making sure Rita wasn't around.
"What exactly are you looking for?"
"Um, new school robes." answered Harry, still distracted.
"Will that be the two of you then?"
"Yeah sure." Malfoy replied. The tailor took their measurements and asked them which house they were in. He was a bit taken back upon hearing that one of them was in Gryffindor while the other was Slytherin. He went to the back and brought out the material. When he was finished he asked them to look them over. The bell on the door clanged and two men entered the shop. Upon seeing them, Malfoy pulled Harry into one of the changing booths.
"Who are you hiding from?" Harry asked and peaked out through the curtain. Malfoy pulled him back quickly.
"Kingsley and Pettigrew." Upon hearing Peter Pettigrew's name, Harry stuck his head out of the curtain again. Malfoy pulled him back, roughly and held him away from the curtain.
"Cut it out!" he told him, harshly. They listened in on the conversation between the two Death Eaters as they were fitted for clothes.
"No one was there. The house was empty." Kingsley stated.
"The Lord wishes that Lucius give up on his personal agenda and focus more on the plan ahead." Pettigrew whispered.
"Fool! His agenda is a part of the plan, have you not been paying attention. His son is important. We can't move on with the plan until he is found." Kingsley whispered back.
"Well he's stated to me that he needs Lucius for another operation. When you see him next, let him know. Finding the boy will be easy once he's back in school. I'll go get him myself if the need be."
"The boy's been expelled. Him and that Potter kid. Inside source from the Ministry. They attacked a group of muggles. They're due at a hearing tomorrow. Lucius plans on confronting him then. Tell the Lord that. I'll be seeing you soon." Kinsley told Pettigrew, as they were finished being fitted and sown. Harry heard the clang of the bell again. The curtain was pulled open.
"I wondered where you two had gotten to." the tailor smiled. Malfoy realizing what the scene might look like, quickly let go of Harry and sneered at the tailor as he walked past him. They paid for their clothes then started walking back towards the Leaky Cauldren, with as much space between them as possible so no one else got the wrong idea, but close enough so they could still talk.
"Why does he need you?" Harry asked.
"How should I know?"
"Well did you ever question why he marked you a year earlier than usual?"
"No, I figured it was because of my father's loyalty."
"I'm starting to think there was more to it than that."
"Really? I mean because from that conversation I would have never guessed." replied Malfoy, his words dripping with sarcasm.
They walked into the Leaky Cauldren and for once that afternoon Harry saw someone he actually wanted to see. His heart jumped. Sitting at the table drinking a Butterbeer was Hermione with Viktor Krum at her side. She noticed Harry and Malfoy come in and jumped up from her seat.
"Oh, Harry! What are you doing here? I thought you'd still be at the Dursley's! Have you heard from Ron or anyone? We got to Grimmauld's place and there were Ministry Officials everywhere. Apparently Lucius had just missed us." she stated to Harry, ignoring Malfoy's presence completly.
"They tried sending me to a hospital for the mentally ill. I have another court hearing at the Ministry tomorrow."
"Harry, you didn't use magic again did you?"
"I had to. Doesn't matter though, I don't have to see them again. I sent Ron an owl this morning. I had Pigwidgeon. I'm glad to see your safe." he smiled. She hugged him tight.
"Hi." she said flatly to Malfoy as she took her seat next to Krum.
"Hello to you too." he replied and sat down next to Harry.
"Oh, I just recieved my letter for Dumbledore! I'm Head girl. I wonder who made it as Head Boy." she redirected to Harry.
"I did." Malfoy replied. Noticing the look of disappoint that swept across her faced, he smirked.
"Good for you." she responded, wiping the half smile off his face.
"Yeah isn't it. Looks like you'll be spending time with me again."
"Only as much as required." she moved her chair so that she didn't have to look at him.
"How vas your birthday, Harry? Hermione tells me it vas just the other day." Krum asked. Harry was slightly shocked to see that Krum had learned how to say her name properly. But if Ron was right and they were seeing something of each other, he'd better have it right, in Harry's opinion.
"Aside from Malfoy showing up on my doorstep, it wasn't too bad. Thank you for the chocolate frogs. They taste a lot better in Belgium than they do here."
"Do you think he has something to do with your relatives finally snapping?" Hermione asked.
"Why is that every time something happens you lot point the finger at me?"
"Because you're a Malfoy. Driving people to do insane things seems to come with the territory." she shot back, still not looking at him.
"Oh just admit it, you're just irate cause I won't take you back." he sneered. She scoffed.
"You won't take me back? Please, Malfoy. Don't even start this. Oh and let me introduce you to my new boyfriend, you two have met." she retorted and put her arm around Krum's. Malfoy scowled at the pair of them then got up from the table and went upstairs to his room. Harry sighed and rejoined in the conversation with Hermione and Krum about her vacation in Bulgaria.
"What do you want?" asked Harry, mid-yawn.
"The Daily Prophet came in about ten minutes ago. The attack made front page, thought you'd like to see it." he replied and handed Harry the newspaper.
MORE ON THE ATTACK IN LONDON: "The Dark Mark most commonly associated with supporters of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named could be seen as far as Bloombury two evenings ago. In a brief statement made yesterday, Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge stated that it is still unknown to the Ministry of Magic as to why the street of Grimmauld was singled out, as there were no other attacks reported.
" 'We're still investigating the cause for the brutal murdering of thirteen muggles and one witch. All we know for now is that it is in relation to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's return a few years back. We'll give details as we recieve them'
"There are theories of the attack being related to one previous in Hogsmeade, Scotland in March. An insider source who has asked not to be named has informed /i Daily Propheti that he believes that there is an underage witch and wizard, that would be of use to He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named next move against The Ministry of Magic spending their holiday away from Hogwarts at one of the residence on this street. No word if it is 'The Boy Who Live' that they were after, but the probablity is high. It can be remembered that this boy, Harry Potter, was the one who, sixteen years ago, defeated-"
Harry stopped reading aloud and skimmed through the rest of it to see if there was any more information on the attack. It only said that the witch who'd been killed's name hadn't been released as of yet. He threw it aside.
"Even when it's concerning me, it's you that gets the publicity." Malfoy stated.
"You don't know that it was you they were talking about."
"You even said it yesterday, my father probably believes I'm with Granger. It had to have been me. Looks like they caught that disgusting mudblood though, good riddence."
"You don't know that either. Although I hope we find out who it was soon. The only other ones it could have been would be Mrs. Weasley, Tonks, or Ginny. And stop calling Hermione a mudblood around me."
"Well that's what she is. She's proven herself worthy of the title." Malfoy sneered in retaliation.
"You're just as bad as Cho when it comes to break ups." Harry muttered. He slapped himself mentally for saying that, least of all to Malfoy. It had sounded worse coming out of his mouth, than it had in his head.
"Cho? You mean that Ravenclaw seeker that graduated this year? Wait, you went out with her?" Malfoy snickered.
"Er.."
"Was this before or after she became a blubbering cry baby?"
"Shut up."
"And you dumped her? You're a git, Potter. She was the best looking girl I'm sure you'll have the dumb luck to be with. Stupid move."
"I...er...we never really went out, we were just kind of seeing each other. I don't want to talk about. This isn't about me anyway. You need to get over Hermione."
Malfoy was about to reply when an owl tapped on the window. Harry jumped out of bed at the site of Hedwig and Pigwidgeon. He opened the window to let the owls in. There was an envelope attached to Hedwig. He recognized it immediatly as being from Hogwarts.
Harry,
I'm sorry I did not tell you about Mr. Malfoy coming to stay with you and you family before he arrived. I have been detained. I expect you and him to show up for your hearing on the third. I've discussed the circumstances with the Minister of Magic and several other officials. The situation is in your favor for the time being. Along with this letter I've included the Headboy Badge. Please give this to Mr. Malfoy, as I am rightfully under the assumption that you both shall be returning to Hogwarts for your final year. I will explain more to you then. My best wishes go to the both of you for your hopeful success on the Apparation exams next week.
Sincerely,
Albus Dumbledore Headmaster Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry.
P.S. Your belongings should arrive shortly.
Harry folded up the piece of paper. Dumbledore had to know what'd happened at Headquarters. Why wouldn't he tell Harry, in the least, if everyone was all right? He turned back around towards Malfoy.
"Here, this is yours." he tossed the badge over to him.
"Headboy... and expelled. Brilliant, just shows that the old man's really off his rocker." mocked Malfoy.
"Dumbledore says that he's talked with Fudge and a few others about our situation and not expect to be expelled." Harry replied. He sat down at the desk in the room and began writing Ron a letter. Malfoy picked up the letter from Dumbledore, to read it for himself.
"He's been detained? That's all he ever says. That's all he said when he never showed up in March. If we're part of the Order then we should at least know what's going on."
"You're forgetting that you're not a part of the Order. You were just helping us. Even so, I'm sure he has a reason to not tell us." Harry commented as he thought about what to write.
Ron,
I heard about what happened at HQ. I hope this letter finds you. I'm staying at L.C. with twitchy the ferret. Have you heard from Hermione or Krum? Is everyone all right?
Sincerely,
Harry
He folded the paper and tied it to Pigwidgeon instructing him to deliver it to Ron. The owl twittered and flipped through the air then out the window. He and Malfoy went downstairs, and after deciding that the Leaky Cauldron wasn't the best idea for breakfast, headed out into Diagon Ally. The shops were just opening their doors. Harry mentioned he had to stop by Gringotts first, so they headed in the direction of the Wizard Bank. The Goblin at the front desk took Harry's key from him and lead them to the vault. Malfoy wore an expression of sheer amazement when the vault door was open.
"Who'd you have to rob to get all this?" he asked.
"My parent's left it for me. Unlike you, I choose not to go flaunting my wealth. Well previous wealth, in your case." remarked Harry as he began to go through and take a few handfuls.
"What's that supposed to mean, Potter?" Malfoy's eyed narrowed on him.
"Well I don't expect your father is going to be giving you the Malfoy fortune now that he's disowned you."
"I don't need my father's money. I have my own vault that he can't touch."
"What do you keep in it? Random knuts you find along the corridors of the school?"
"I happen to be very good at making my own money, bets especially. I've won quite a few galleons off Weasel's Quidditch skills if I recall correctly." Malfoy snapped back.
"Yeah too bad none of them have been from Slytherin winning anything, eh?" Harry replied as the Goblin shut the vault door. Malfoy scowled at him.
"I've also made a small fortune when it came to screwing the mudblood."
"Watch your mouth, Malfoy. I'm not in the mood."
Harry waited in the cart while Malfoy got his own money out, then they left Gringotts and went down to another pub called the Dragon's Tail. Harry wished Malfoy would go do his own shopping, but he seemed to be hanging around just to annoy him. They got something to eat and sat down at a table. Half way through his breakfast though, Harry saw someone he wished he hadn't and grabbed Malfoy. They went out the back of the pub and Harry made his way forward to see if she was gone.
"What the hell is this all about?"
"Rita Skeeter. She just walked in. You don't want her to see us, do you? It'll be all over the front page of tomorrow's iDaily Prophet/i. 'The-Boy-Who-Lived dining with the son of one of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named's biggest supporters. Friends or Plot?' Your father will know exactly where we are." Harry explained. When the coast was clear, they made their way into the large crowd that had gathered in the street. They took cover in a clothing store.
"May I help you?" the tailor asked.
"Um yeah." Harry replied, looking out the window making sure Rita wasn't around.
"What exactly are you looking for?"
"Um, new school robes." answered Harry, still distracted.
"Will that be the two of you then?"
"Yeah sure." Malfoy replied. The tailor took their measurements and asked them which house they were in. He was a bit taken back upon hearing that one of them was in Gryffindor while the other was Slytherin. He went to the back and brought out the material. When he was finished he asked them to look them over. The bell on the door clanged and two men entered the shop. Upon seeing them, Malfoy pulled Harry into one of the changing booths.
"Who are you hiding from?" Harry asked and peaked out through the curtain. Malfoy pulled him back quickly.
"Kingsley and Pettigrew." Upon hearing Peter Pettigrew's name, Harry stuck his head out of the curtain again. Malfoy pulled him back, roughly and held him away from the curtain.
"Cut it out!" he told him, harshly. They listened in on the conversation between the two Death Eaters as they were fitted for clothes.
"No one was there. The house was empty." Kingsley stated.
"The Lord wishes that Lucius give up on his personal agenda and focus more on the plan ahead." Pettigrew whispered.
"Fool! His agenda is a part of the plan, have you not been paying attention. His son is important. We can't move on with the plan until he is found." Kingsley whispered back.
"Well he's stated to me that he needs Lucius for another operation. When you see him next, let him know. Finding the boy will be easy once he's back in school. I'll go get him myself if the need be."
"The boy's been expelled. Him and that Potter kid. Inside source from the Ministry. They attacked a group of muggles. They're due at a hearing tomorrow. Lucius plans on confronting him then. Tell the Lord that. I'll be seeing you soon." Kinsley told Pettigrew, as they were finished being fitted and sown. Harry heard the clang of the bell again. The curtain was pulled open.
"I wondered where you two had gotten to." the tailor smiled. Malfoy realizing what the scene might look like, quickly let go of Harry and sneered at the tailor as he walked past him. They paid for their clothes then started walking back towards the Leaky Cauldren, with as much space between them as possible so no one else got the wrong idea, but close enough so they could still talk.
"Why does he need you?" Harry asked.
"How should I know?"
"Well did you ever question why he marked you a year earlier than usual?"
"No, I figured it was because of my father's loyalty."
"I'm starting to think there was more to it than that."
"Really? I mean because from that conversation I would have never guessed." replied Malfoy, his words dripping with sarcasm.
They walked into the Leaky Cauldren and for once that afternoon Harry saw someone he actually wanted to see. His heart jumped. Sitting at the table drinking a Butterbeer was Hermione with Viktor Krum at her side. She noticed Harry and Malfoy come in and jumped up from her seat.
"Oh, Harry! What are you doing here? I thought you'd still be at the Dursley's! Have you heard from Ron or anyone? We got to Grimmauld's place and there were Ministry Officials everywhere. Apparently Lucius had just missed us." she stated to Harry, ignoring Malfoy's presence completly.
"They tried sending me to a hospital for the mentally ill. I have another court hearing at the Ministry tomorrow."
"Harry, you didn't use magic again did you?"
"I had to. Doesn't matter though, I don't have to see them again. I sent Ron an owl this morning. I had Pigwidgeon. I'm glad to see your safe." he smiled. She hugged him tight.
"Hi." she said flatly to Malfoy as she took her seat next to Krum.
"Hello to you too." he replied and sat down next to Harry.
"Oh, I just recieved my letter for Dumbledore! I'm Head girl. I wonder who made it as Head Boy." she redirected to Harry.
"I did." Malfoy replied. Noticing the look of disappoint that swept across her faced, he smirked.
"Good for you." she responded, wiping the half smile off his face.
"Yeah isn't it. Looks like you'll be spending time with me again."
"Only as much as required." she moved her chair so that she didn't have to look at him.
"How vas your birthday, Harry? Hermione tells me it vas just the other day." Krum asked. Harry was slightly shocked to see that Krum had learned how to say her name properly. But if Ron was right and they were seeing something of each other, he'd better have it right, in Harry's opinion.
"Aside from Malfoy showing up on my doorstep, it wasn't too bad. Thank you for the chocolate frogs. They taste a lot better in Belgium than they do here."
"Do you think he has something to do with your relatives finally snapping?" Hermione asked.
"Why is that every time something happens you lot point the finger at me?"
"Because you're a Malfoy. Driving people to do insane things seems to come with the territory." she shot back, still not looking at him.
"Oh just admit it, you're just irate cause I won't take you back." he sneered. She scoffed.
"You won't take me back? Please, Malfoy. Don't even start this. Oh and let me introduce you to my new boyfriend, you two have met." she retorted and put her arm around Krum's. Malfoy scowled at the pair of them then got up from the table and went upstairs to his room. Harry sighed and rejoined in the conversation with Hermione and Krum about her vacation in Bulgaria.