A/N: Thanks to EVERYBODY that has reviewed this ficcie so far! I really appreciate it, and I'm also looking forward to more reviews this chapter! (Hint, hint).
Disclaimer: See previous chapter(s).
Malfoy In the Iron Mask
Chapter 5
I woke up to the sound of shrill laughter- the kind that makes you want to wince and cover your ears. "That's like, so funny!!!" I groaned as she laughed again and sat up, rubbing my eyes.
"Bitch," I mumbled as I grabbed fresh clothes and headed to the shower.
A quarter of an hour later, I was wide awake. I didn't even bother with a drying charm for my hair, leaving it wet and heading to the common room. To my utter dismay, Harry, Hermione, Ron and "the bitch" whose name I don't care to remember were still there. Hermione seemed relieved to see me, "Ginny!" I managed a weak smile.
"Oh!" the bitch tore her eyes off my brother for a second, looking at me, "I hope we didn't wake you!" Yeah right. She didn't even try to sound sincere. Hermione was paying distinct attention to the pattern on the rug and Harry rolled his eyes.
"No they didn't," I managed to say nonchalantly. Her eyes flashed and her lip curled. Oh I'm real scared. I smiled as I tried to picture her doing anything and was vaguely reminded of a teddy bear assassin.
"What's so funny?" she asked, venom lacing her voice.
I smirked; I just didn't realize that today was Halloween, that's all." Harry guffawed and Hermione clapped a hand to her mouth to keep from laughing. Cheesy, yes, but effective.
She set her jaw and turned to Ron, "You are sure that's you're sister? I don't understand how you are related. I mean, you're so nice and good looking..." she trailed off, but the damage was done.
Ron didn't say anything, but he looked at his younger sister, warning her not to loose her temper. He wasn't blind; he knew very well that his younger sister was pretty. Harry had agreed even though he said he would never date her because it'd be awkward. Dean Thomas had agreed with Harry. Fred and George had told him that even Oliver Wood thought she was pretty. He hadn't been too happy about all of that, but she is his younger sister.
The look in my brother's eyes told me to ignore what "the bitch" had said. Saying something would only make things worse. He was right, and I knew it. But still... Shaking my head, I headed for the portrait. On a last minute decision, I turned back, "Hermione?"
The girl in question looked back at me, "Yeah, Gin?"
"Uh," I thought of something to release my friend from this torture, "Hagrid asked me to feed his...er...pets while he's gone on business for Dumbledore, but for the life of me, I can't remember what gets what. Would you mind helping me?" I hoped my lie wasn't too obvious.
"Sure," she said, jumping up almost too quickly.
Once the portrait door was closed behind us, she turned to me, "Oh Merlin, Ginny. Thank you!!!"
Laughing, I replied, "No problem, 'Mione. But I guess we better go...er...check on Hagrid's pets!" We laughed all the way down the stairs.
My stomach growled and I realized I hadn't eaten breakfast yet. "Hermione, did you eat yet?"
"No I didn't, and I know you haven't either. To the kitchens!" she said, leading the way, practically frolicking in her humorous haste.
In just a few minutes, we were sitting in the kitchens. A house elf came up to us and bowed, "What can Wheezy get for misses?"
We were about halfway through our breakfasts when the portrait swung open. The house elves' eyes grew wide with fear. I could only guess who it was, not bothering to turn around. "Well if it isn't the Mudblood and the Dirty Weaselette."
Yep, I was right. Draco Malfoy, the Bastard Slytherin, the Black Snake, Ferret and also the Bloody Git. Whichever you prefer. I didn't as much as look at him. He spoke again, "What's this horseshit I've been hearing about your weak brother actually having a girlfriend?"
I couldn't resist, so smirking, I said, "Jealous?"
He snorted as if he was disgusted. Hermione swallowed her eggs and nodded behind Malfoy, "See for yourself."
Malfoy but his hands behind his back and turned. Harry, Ron, and Charlene-that was her name!-had just come in. Malfoy gazed, unmoving, at the trio.
Charlene stopped laughing when she saw Malfoy. Recognition flashed through her eyes. Ron glared at him and Harry was pointedly staring into the distance at a blank stone wall. "Malfoy," Ron spat out.
Charlene recovered her voice, "Darien? Darien Malfoy?"
Voldemort could have attacked and none of us would have moved. Ron was looking from Charlene to Malfoy, Harry was looking at Charlene bewildered, and Malfoy was tense. Only Crabbe and Goyle remained, er, normal. They were seeing who had bigger biceps.
Malfoy relaxed a bit. He sneered at Charlene, "You must be mistaken. My name is Draco. Draco Malfoy. I know no Darien Malfoy nor do I know you." On that note he left, Crabbe and Goyle following dumbly.
Charlene was shell-shocked. A realization of sorts dawned upon her and the only words she could mutter were, "That bastard."
"Stupid ferret," Ron said grimly.
Charlene looked at Ron, "No, I wasn't referring to him. I was referring to Lucius Malfoy."
An awkward silence ensued. Harry broke it, "Um...okay?"
I shrugged the whole thing off and continued eating, casting a glance at Hermione. She hadn't said anything-which when Malfoy is involved is a rare thing. She looked thoughtful, but then shook her head and continued eating.
Harry, Ron, and Charlene sat down with us and ordered their breakfasts. No nasty comments came from Charlene. In fact, she was unusually quiet. I downed the last of my orange juice and stood up, "I'll see you all later," I said as I left the kitchens. I wanted to see Dray, but I'd left the Marauder's Map in my dorm.
A quick Summoning Charm was the remedy to that problem. Madame Pomfrey was in her office in the Hospital Wing and the coast was clear to Dray's 'room.' My feet carried me there faster than I'd like to admit.
The portrait door closed behind me. "You're back," a voice I recognized as Dray's said.
"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"
"Well," he stuttered, "I...just didn't think you'd come back."
I smiled at him, "Well, I did."
He nodded, "Yes...you did."
I figured out then that it is very difficult to read a person's expressions of feelings when you can only see their eyes and mouth.
I was grateful when he broke the silence, "So...what year are you in?"
"Fifth year," I replied, sitting down in the same chair that I'd sat in the day before, "and you?"
He paused a moment, "If I went here, I'd be in sixth year."
"Oh..." was all I could say, wondering yet again who this masked man was.
He motioned to my Chudley Cannons t-shirt, "You like Quidditch?" I guess the smile that broke out on my face answered his question. "Do you play?" he asked.
I nodded, "Yes, I do. Most of my brothers all do too, when they have the time."
Mention of my family seemed to spark his attention, "How many brothers do you have?"
"Six, technically."
He looked curious, "I know I'm prying, but what do you mean by technically?"
I wanted to tell him, I really did. But it was a touchy subject. I must've shown my discomfort somehow because he said, "I'm sorry. It's none of my business."
After a bit, I said, "No, its okay. Really. In fact," I paused, "it'll probably make me feel better."
He sat up, giving me his full attention. I took a deep breath, "I'm the youngest and only girl in my family. I have six older brothers: Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George, and Ron. All came through Hogwarts and were in Gryffindor. Fred and George dropped out last year-left on brooms, actually-and opened their own joke shop. They were so successful in Diagon Alley that they opened up a larger store in Hogsmeade. Ron's in his sixth year here, and is Keeper for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. I'm a chaser." I paused to take a deep breath and continued, "Bill is now a curse-breaker for Gringotts. Charlie works with Dragons in Romania-although he could have played professional Quidditch. But Percy, ah Percy. He's the most boring in my opinion. Always working-school was his first priority. He was Prefect as well as Head Boy, and graduated at the top of his class. He went to work immediately for the Ministry as Junior Assistant for Minister Fudge. In Percy's eyes, Minister Fudge is Merlin and his words are galleons. He, uh, has distanced himself from our entire family. Instead of us disowning him, per say, he disowned us. He won't even acknowledge our father when he sees him almost every day at work!" I took a few deep breaths when I was done, closing my eyes. I'd gotten myself worked up.
"I'm sorry," Dray said. I looked at him. His dark gray eyes were genuinely sincere. They grew dark as he said, "I can't exactly relate, but I'm sure it must be hard." I merely nodded in agreement, entranced by his eyes. "I have a bastard brother too," and after a moment he motioned to his mask, "and father as well."
That snapped me out of my trance, "I should be giving you sympathy, not the other way around."
He shrugged noncommittally, "Doesn't matter. My mother is very kind." He didn't say anymore on the subject and I didn't press him to.
I got to know Dray pretty well over the next few weeks, and he got to know me well too. As the teacher's piled on homework my visits became somewhat shorter, but remained just as frequent.
I didn't talk much to Harry, Ron, or even Hermione. Charlene was tolerable and she got along okay with the Trio. I didn't ask what had caused such a change and they didn't mention it.
During spring, the teachers suddenly lightened up on homework. It was a sunny after noon and most of the students took the rare opportunity to wander about the grounds. A few even went to Hogsmeade. That night at dinner, however, the good mood disappeared following an announcement by Headmaster Dumbledore.
The Headmaster rose from his chair and waited for silence before he spoke. It took a bit longer than usual, but eventually everyone watched Dumbledore with rapt attention. "I am most glad that everyone took the opportunity to enjoy the good weather today. From now until further notice no one is allowed to step outside Hogwarts doors." Murmurs were heard throughout the student body. Headmaster Dumbledore held up his hands for silence, "Quidditch practice, Hogsmeade trips, and all outdoor classes are cancelled until further notice." Again, students began talking. And once again, Professor Dumbledore held up his hands for silence. It took longer this time, but he got it, "The reason being is that England is preparing for the storm of the century. Nothing this fierce has been forecasted for hundreds of years. The Ministry of Magic also believes that the storm will be a prime opportunity for Lord Voldemort and his followers to attack Hogwarts and other places in the Wizarding World." An uproar went up, "SILENCE!" shouted Dumbledore. I could hear Ron chewing it was so quiet-but then again; Ron is loud when he eats. Well, he's loud all the time. "All the Professors will be on high alert, and we caution you all to do the same. I strongly discourage you all from going to the darker, less traveled places of the castle," he looked directly at me. I gasped, he knew! "The storm is expected to hit anytime in the next few days. It will hit suddenly, and no one is sure how long it will last."
As soon as dinner was over, mostly all the students returned directly to their dorms. Hermione and I were the only two Gryffindors that didn't. She went straight for the library, and I headed straight for Dray's hidden room.
-Unbeknownst to Ginny, a pair of eyes followed her as she went down twisting corridors and stairs. As soon as the girl disappeared into the hidden room, the unknown cackled with glee and rushed off to inform none other than Albus Dumbledore himself of "the visitor's" identity. The powerful wizard would be pleased to know that his assumptions were correct.-
A/N: Well, that was an unusually long chapter for me. Yay! Well, who do you all think the stranger is? (The section that is marked with -'s) Let me know in a review!!!!! PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Disclaimer: See previous chapter(s).
Malfoy In the Iron Mask
Chapter 5
I woke up to the sound of shrill laughter- the kind that makes you want to wince and cover your ears. "That's like, so funny!!!" I groaned as she laughed again and sat up, rubbing my eyes.
"Bitch," I mumbled as I grabbed fresh clothes and headed to the shower.
A quarter of an hour later, I was wide awake. I didn't even bother with a drying charm for my hair, leaving it wet and heading to the common room. To my utter dismay, Harry, Hermione, Ron and "the bitch" whose name I don't care to remember were still there. Hermione seemed relieved to see me, "Ginny!" I managed a weak smile.
"Oh!" the bitch tore her eyes off my brother for a second, looking at me, "I hope we didn't wake you!" Yeah right. She didn't even try to sound sincere. Hermione was paying distinct attention to the pattern on the rug and Harry rolled his eyes.
"No they didn't," I managed to say nonchalantly. Her eyes flashed and her lip curled. Oh I'm real scared. I smiled as I tried to picture her doing anything and was vaguely reminded of a teddy bear assassin.
"What's so funny?" she asked, venom lacing her voice.
I smirked; I just didn't realize that today was Halloween, that's all." Harry guffawed and Hermione clapped a hand to her mouth to keep from laughing. Cheesy, yes, but effective.
She set her jaw and turned to Ron, "You are sure that's you're sister? I don't understand how you are related. I mean, you're so nice and good looking..." she trailed off, but the damage was done.
Ron didn't say anything, but he looked at his younger sister, warning her not to loose her temper. He wasn't blind; he knew very well that his younger sister was pretty. Harry had agreed even though he said he would never date her because it'd be awkward. Dean Thomas had agreed with Harry. Fred and George had told him that even Oliver Wood thought she was pretty. He hadn't been too happy about all of that, but she is his younger sister.
The look in my brother's eyes told me to ignore what "the bitch" had said. Saying something would only make things worse. He was right, and I knew it. But still... Shaking my head, I headed for the portrait. On a last minute decision, I turned back, "Hermione?"
The girl in question looked back at me, "Yeah, Gin?"
"Uh," I thought of something to release my friend from this torture, "Hagrid asked me to feed his...er...pets while he's gone on business for Dumbledore, but for the life of me, I can't remember what gets what. Would you mind helping me?" I hoped my lie wasn't too obvious.
"Sure," she said, jumping up almost too quickly.
Once the portrait door was closed behind us, she turned to me, "Oh Merlin, Ginny. Thank you!!!"
Laughing, I replied, "No problem, 'Mione. But I guess we better go...er...check on Hagrid's pets!" We laughed all the way down the stairs.
My stomach growled and I realized I hadn't eaten breakfast yet. "Hermione, did you eat yet?"
"No I didn't, and I know you haven't either. To the kitchens!" she said, leading the way, practically frolicking in her humorous haste.
In just a few minutes, we were sitting in the kitchens. A house elf came up to us and bowed, "What can Wheezy get for misses?"
We were about halfway through our breakfasts when the portrait swung open. The house elves' eyes grew wide with fear. I could only guess who it was, not bothering to turn around. "Well if it isn't the Mudblood and the Dirty Weaselette."
Yep, I was right. Draco Malfoy, the Bastard Slytherin, the Black Snake, Ferret and also the Bloody Git. Whichever you prefer. I didn't as much as look at him. He spoke again, "What's this horseshit I've been hearing about your weak brother actually having a girlfriend?"
I couldn't resist, so smirking, I said, "Jealous?"
He snorted as if he was disgusted. Hermione swallowed her eggs and nodded behind Malfoy, "See for yourself."
Malfoy but his hands behind his back and turned. Harry, Ron, and Charlene-that was her name!-had just come in. Malfoy gazed, unmoving, at the trio.
Charlene stopped laughing when she saw Malfoy. Recognition flashed through her eyes. Ron glared at him and Harry was pointedly staring into the distance at a blank stone wall. "Malfoy," Ron spat out.
Charlene recovered her voice, "Darien? Darien Malfoy?"
Voldemort could have attacked and none of us would have moved. Ron was looking from Charlene to Malfoy, Harry was looking at Charlene bewildered, and Malfoy was tense. Only Crabbe and Goyle remained, er, normal. They were seeing who had bigger biceps.
Malfoy relaxed a bit. He sneered at Charlene, "You must be mistaken. My name is Draco. Draco Malfoy. I know no Darien Malfoy nor do I know you." On that note he left, Crabbe and Goyle following dumbly.
Charlene was shell-shocked. A realization of sorts dawned upon her and the only words she could mutter were, "That bastard."
"Stupid ferret," Ron said grimly.
Charlene looked at Ron, "No, I wasn't referring to him. I was referring to Lucius Malfoy."
An awkward silence ensued. Harry broke it, "Um...okay?"
I shrugged the whole thing off and continued eating, casting a glance at Hermione. She hadn't said anything-which when Malfoy is involved is a rare thing. She looked thoughtful, but then shook her head and continued eating.
Harry, Ron, and Charlene sat down with us and ordered their breakfasts. No nasty comments came from Charlene. In fact, she was unusually quiet. I downed the last of my orange juice and stood up, "I'll see you all later," I said as I left the kitchens. I wanted to see Dray, but I'd left the Marauder's Map in my dorm.
A quick Summoning Charm was the remedy to that problem. Madame Pomfrey was in her office in the Hospital Wing and the coast was clear to Dray's 'room.' My feet carried me there faster than I'd like to admit.
The portrait door closed behind me. "You're back," a voice I recognized as Dray's said.
"Yes, why wouldn't I be?"
"Well," he stuttered, "I...just didn't think you'd come back."
I smiled at him, "Well, I did."
He nodded, "Yes...you did."
I figured out then that it is very difficult to read a person's expressions of feelings when you can only see their eyes and mouth.
I was grateful when he broke the silence, "So...what year are you in?"
"Fifth year," I replied, sitting down in the same chair that I'd sat in the day before, "and you?"
He paused a moment, "If I went here, I'd be in sixth year."
"Oh..." was all I could say, wondering yet again who this masked man was.
He motioned to my Chudley Cannons t-shirt, "You like Quidditch?" I guess the smile that broke out on my face answered his question. "Do you play?" he asked.
I nodded, "Yes, I do. Most of my brothers all do too, when they have the time."
Mention of my family seemed to spark his attention, "How many brothers do you have?"
"Six, technically."
He looked curious, "I know I'm prying, but what do you mean by technically?"
I wanted to tell him, I really did. But it was a touchy subject. I must've shown my discomfort somehow because he said, "I'm sorry. It's none of my business."
After a bit, I said, "No, its okay. Really. In fact," I paused, "it'll probably make me feel better."
He sat up, giving me his full attention. I took a deep breath, "I'm the youngest and only girl in my family. I have six older brothers: Bill, Charlie, Percy, Fred and George, and Ron. All came through Hogwarts and were in Gryffindor. Fred and George dropped out last year-left on brooms, actually-and opened their own joke shop. They were so successful in Diagon Alley that they opened up a larger store in Hogsmeade. Ron's in his sixth year here, and is Keeper for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. I'm a chaser." I paused to take a deep breath and continued, "Bill is now a curse-breaker for Gringotts. Charlie works with Dragons in Romania-although he could have played professional Quidditch. But Percy, ah Percy. He's the most boring in my opinion. Always working-school was his first priority. He was Prefect as well as Head Boy, and graduated at the top of his class. He went to work immediately for the Ministry as Junior Assistant for Minister Fudge. In Percy's eyes, Minister Fudge is Merlin and his words are galleons. He, uh, has distanced himself from our entire family. Instead of us disowning him, per say, he disowned us. He won't even acknowledge our father when he sees him almost every day at work!" I took a few deep breaths when I was done, closing my eyes. I'd gotten myself worked up.
"I'm sorry," Dray said. I looked at him. His dark gray eyes were genuinely sincere. They grew dark as he said, "I can't exactly relate, but I'm sure it must be hard." I merely nodded in agreement, entranced by his eyes. "I have a bastard brother too," and after a moment he motioned to his mask, "and father as well."
That snapped me out of my trance, "I should be giving you sympathy, not the other way around."
He shrugged noncommittally, "Doesn't matter. My mother is very kind." He didn't say anymore on the subject and I didn't press him to.
I got to know Dray pretty well over the next few weeks, and he got to know me well too. As the teacher's piled on homework my visits became somewhat shorter, but remained just as frequent.
I didn't talk much to Harry, Ron, or even Hermione. Charlene was tolerable and she got along okay with the Trio. I didn't ask what had caused such a change and they didn't mention it.
During spring, the teachers suddenly lightened up on homework. It was a sunny after noon and most of the students took the rare opportunity to wander about the grounds. A few even went to Hogsmeade. That night at dinner, however, the good mood disappeared following an announcement by Headmaster Dumbledore.
The Headmaster rose from his chair and waited for silence before he spoke. It took a bit longer than usual, but eventually everyone watched Dumbledore with rapt attention. "I am most glad that everyone took the opportunity to enjoy the good weather today. From now until further notice no one is allowed to step outside Hogwarts doors." Murmurs were heard throughout the student body. Headmaster Dumbledore held up his hands for silence, "Quidditch practice, Hogsmeade trips, and all outdoor classes are cancelled until further notice." Again, students began talking. And once again, Professor Dumbledore held up his hands for silence. It took longer this time, but he got it, "The reason being is that England is preparing for the storm of the century. Nothing this fierce has been forecasted for hundreds of years. The Ministry of Magic also believes that the storm will be a prime opportunity for Lord Voldemort and his followers to attack Hogwarts and other places in the Wizarding World." An uproar went up, "SILENCE!" shouted Dumbledore. I could hear Ron chewing it was so quiet-but then again; Ron is loud when he eats. Well, he's loud all the time. "All the Professors will be on high alert, and we caution you all to do the same. I strongly discourage you all from going to the darker, less traveled places of the castle," he looked directly at me. I gasped, he knew! "The storm is expected to hit anytime in the next few days. It will hit suddenly, and no one is sure how long it will last."
As soon as dinner was over, mostly all the students returned directly to their dorms. Hermione and I were the only two Gryffindors that didn't. She went straight for the library, and I headed straight for Dray's hidden room.
-Unbeknownst to Ginny, a pair of eyes followed her as she went down twisting corridors and stairs. As soon as the girl disappeared into the hidden room, the unknown cackled with glee and rushed off to inform none other than Albus Dumbledore himself of "the visitor's" identity. The powerful wizard would be pleased to know that his assumptions were correct.-
A/N: Well, that was an unusually long chapter for me. Yay! Well, who do you all think the stranger is? (The section that is marked with -'s) Let me know in a review!!!!! PLEASE PLEASE REVIEW!!!!!!!!!!!!!