A/N: this fic was started pre-OoTP so there will be discrepancies! (
Tainted Information Chapter 1
"Hermione!"
Hermione turned to see who had called for her. Ginny Weasley came dashing head long around the corner, a strand of crimson hair had escaped her braid and hung bright against her pale skin. "Wait up," she called, her voice breathless.
Ginny caught up and stood stooped over gasping for breath. Hermione wondered how long her friend had been chasing her. "Is everything alright?" she asked. The youngest Weasley was quite popular among the other Fifth years and rarely sought her out unless something was terribly wrong.
"No, not really," Ginny smiled; a brilliant flash of white teeth, "I just wanted to talk. As great as my other friends are, they're not even half-way serious about anything."
Hermione smiled, this was quite true, the Gryffindor fifth years were infamous for their love of the local gossip, and their low grades. She was glad to have the old Ginny back, the events of four years ago had taken their toll on all involved, and it had taken nearly 3 years for Ginny to recover from her encounter with Tom Riddle. "Well I've already had breakfast and there's still an hour before Arithmacy, so where do you want to go?"
The girls wandered the grounds for a while, exchanging the latest gossip, before settling beside a tree. Ginny turned so she was facing Hermione, her blue eyes were dark with intensity. "I lied when I said nothing was wrong," she confessed. "I just didn't want you to worry about me, or to tell Ron and Harry. I mean, Ron will just freak out, and Harry has enough to deal with already."
Hermione leaned closer and smiled encouragingly "Don't worry Gin, I won't tell them if you don't want me to."
Ginny smiled faintly, "Thanks." She looked down at her hands, clasped tightly in her lap. "I still have nightmares," her voice was almost inaudible, "About Tom. They're always different, but whenever I close my eyes all I can see are his eyes." She shivered. "I can't look at gray eyes anymore without feeling a shock of fear. I know it's ridiculous to still be dreaming of him, but I thought maybe there was a way to stop the dreams. I thought you might be able to help me. "The look in Ginny's eyes when she raised her head was hopeful.
Hermione's heart ached, she had not had any idea that Ginny was still having these dreams. After Voldemort had been defeated she had thought that everything was alright, now she realized she had been blind. "How long has this been happening Gin?"
"I've had them since first year, but they're different now. I was in them before, he talked to me, but now," she paused and looked thoughtful, "now I see him doing things, but he can't see me, or at least I don't think he can."
Hermione sighed; she was frustrated because she had no idea what she could do to help her friend. She pulled Ginny into a tight hug, "We'll figure this out, I promise." She whispered fiercely.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
I cannot BELIVE I agreed to this. Draco thought angrily surveying his reflection. He hadn't slept well that night and as a result his hair stood on end and he had deep green circles under his eyes. He narrowed his eyes and scowled. Hardly able to believe that he'd lost sleep thinking about Potter, Sirius had to be mad expecting him to confide in that prat.
Flinging open one of his three wardrobes he pulled out the first thing his hands touched. He dressed quickly. The black silk shirt he had chosen slid easily over his head and clung to his finely muscled torso like a second skin. The black material complemented his soft silvery hair and made his eyes look like clear gray ice. He smiled coldly at his reflection, and exited the room with a swish of his silk robes.
The Slytherin common room was empty except for Draco's mindless followers, Crabbe and Goyle. No surprise there Draco thought coldly observing them from the bottom stair. "Hurry up," He commanded "I want coffee." He exited the room swiftly, leaving Crabbe and Goyle standing with their mouths open. Draco allowed himself to smirk when he heard them hurrying to catch up.
He had always moved through his classmates with an imperious air, as if he were Hogwarts' reigning monarch. Even deprived of both sleep and caffeine as he was he commanded attention with every move. Heads turned in the great hall as he walked to his usual place at the Slytherin table. He took a cup of coffee offered to him by an admiring first year housemate and sat, his focus on the mug of coffee cupped in his hands.
When he finished his first drink he raised his eyes to scan the hall. Potter sat surrounded by the usual crown of Gryffindors, Draco's lip curled at the sight of them. He detested the entire house, yes Draco decided Sirius is completely mad. I'll just owl him and say I can't talk to Potter. Satisfied with this decision, he stood and walked out of the room by way of the Gryffindor table, glaring menacingly.
That evening after all his classes were done Draco made his way to the owlry to send his note to Sirius. His beautiful eagle owl sat apart from the school owls eyeing them disdainfully. Draco had to smile, the bird was so like the Malfoy family, beautiful and aloof with a perfect pedigree. He scribbled a note quickly, explaining to Sirius that he just couldn't talk to Harry, and that other arrangements would have to be arranged. He tied it to the owl's leg with a piece of black satin ribbon, and released her into the air.
He stood and watched her fly off into the evening sky. Other than the sickening smell of this room Draco quite enjoyed it, it was so serene. There was a rustling sound behind him and he turned to see what had disturbed the owls.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Ginny was quite surprised to see Malfoy standing at a window in the owlry, gazing out at the night sky. The early evening light illuminated his profile as he turned, and Ginny found herself gaping at him. "H. . hullo," she couldn't believe she'd just stuttered, Malfoy may look better in this light, but he wasn't that attractive.
Draco smirked, "Hello yourself." He raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow, "did you have a reason for being here? Or were you just looking for an empty room you could sit in while mooning about that idiot Potter?"
Ginny felt her face flush a brilliant shade of pink that clashed tremendously with her hair, "Yes, it had business here," she stated sharply, walking over to an adorable tawny owl and tying a piece of neatly rolled parchment to its leg. The owl hooted softly and then flew past Draco and into the twilight.
The pair stood staring menacingly at one another for a moment more before Ginny turned and hurried out. Now why did I just do that? She thought angrily I had every right to be there, there was no reason to run like a stupid little girl. She sighed. I hate Malfoy that smug bastard, who does he think he is? She continued on that train of thought all the way back to the common room.
Entering the room, she noticed that it was practically empty. This was strange since it was early still, but at the same time the stillness was a relief. Ginny sat in a large red armchair beside the stone fireplace, and pulled a roll of parchment out of her pocket. She had been planning to sit in the owlry and write to her favorite brother, but Malfoy's presence was too disconcerting.
She pulled out a quill and, after thinking for a moment, began to write. She had been writing Charlie every couple of weeks while at school since second year, he liked to be kept informed of happenings at Hogwarts. There wasn't really much to say, so writing the letter didn't take very long. When she finished she decided to send it in the morning. She wasn't in the mood for another dose of Malfoy charm and besides, she had homework to do.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Don climbed into his car that evening feeling deeply troubled about the events of the last 7 days. He had stayed at the Prime Minister's country home all week since Jake had refused to let him leave. Since that Sunday phone call, events had been occurring that were strange to say least. The Prime Minister's entire staff was on highest alert.
John had arrived at the Mansion Monday morning apologizing for not arriving sooner. When questioned about the blonde man with him Sunday afternoon, he said it had been an old school mate, but Don didn't believe him.
John had been acting very strangely since his arrival, it was as if his memory was gone and he was starting again at day one of his life. Don remembered an incident that had occurred at breakfast one morning, John had stood in the doorway of the kitchen and stared open mouthed at the appliances in front of him, as if he had never seen anything so amazing, in his entire existence.
Don shook his head, he had sent John home, indefinitely and was, for now, using a different assistant, but the change in John, and the image of the blonde man still haunted him.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Lucius Malfoy leaned back in his chair and glared across the polished wood table, "what do you mean it's not going to work?"
The thin man across from him cowered. "They knew something was different. They knew and they sent me home, until I feel like myself again." The man made a helpless gesture, we need a Muggle born, or some one who can blend in."
Malfoy had a short temper at the best of times, and he was definitely not at his best. He rose slowly, his face was completely blank, and his voice a deadly calm. "We will not stoop to that level; using a Muggle. If you cannot do this, then I will have to try other methods. We are done, get out of my sight." He stood at his full height, glaring darkly as this failure to the cause, scampered out of the room. "Wormtail!" he yelled. "Get in here, you worthless imbecile."
Peter Pettigrew hurried into the room, his rat like face contorted in fear. "Yes sir?"
"I want mayhem! I want the Muggles in an uproar!" Lucius' voice was loud and excited. "I need the Prime Minister dead, the President too if at all possible. I want them to destroy each other. It's what Voldemort wanted, and you're the only one who can do this." His cheeks flushed red with anger. "You'll do this." It was a statement, not a question.
Wormtail squirmed, "Yes sir, I will have it done, but it will take time. You will have to be patient." He took a deep breath "also, you must realize that simply killing the leaders will not be enough to cause upheaval. But there's always the Cito Belligero charm, but it is difficult, I don't even know where to find it."
"Ah, but I do, so you needn't concern yourself," Lucius said, a cruel smile on his face. He waved a hand dismissively and Wormtail scurried out.
Lucius sauntered over to a tall book case and scanned the titles. He selected an ancient leather bound volume and carried it back to his desk. The cover was tattered and the pages yellow with age, turning the pages slowly he scanned the pages carefully, looking for the Cito Belligero curse. He found it, about half way through the book.
The potion was indeed very complicated, but he was a talented with potions and the incantation was fairly simple. Now the ingredients, he scanned the list. Most of the things in the list would be simple to get, but there were a few that would be a challenge. He would need some help, he reached for a piece of parchment and wrote to his son.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Sirius held the rolled parchment in his hands and smiled faintly. He wasn't exactly surprised that Draco had backed on talking to Harry. Instead he chose to be proud of the fact that Draco had informed him of this choice. He pulled a chair up to his desk of well worn oak, and wrote a quick note to Draco.
Draco,
We need to talk. Meet me at the Shrieking
Shack in Hogsmeade, Sunday at noon.
~Sirius
Having finished that note he stretched his arms above his head, sighing deeply. He needed to get more sleep; this spy work was wearing at his nerves. I should take a vacation. He thought, smiling at the prospect, maybe this summer, me, Remus and Harry can go off somewhere. With a shake of his head Sirius returned to earth. For now dreaming of a vacation was the closest he would come. He needed Harry to talk to Draco, as much as he hated putting students in the action, it was necessary. He grabbed another piece of parchment and scribbled a quick note to his godson.
Harry,
All is going well here, don't want you to worry.
I'd like to see you, I have someone for you to meet.
Meet me at the shrieking shack Sunday at noon.
~Sirius
Sirius looked over the note he had just written with a critical eye. Doubtless Ron and Hermione would read it, and they were certain to feel disappointed about being left out of this meeting. If it weren't for Draco and Ron's mutual loathing he would like to have them along, but he needed Harry and Draco to form an alliance, and he could only imagine what the young Weasley boy's opinion of that would be.
Draco's owl sat in the corner of the room watching the strange man with guarded eyes. His master had never sent him on such a mission, and he never waited for a reply. After all Malfoy birds, like their masters, waited on no one.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Flying had always been Harry's favorite part of Quidditch. The thrill of soaring through the air, wind whipping at his hair, was so exhilarating that it pushed all troubles from his mind. Being Captain of the Gryffindor team he spent most practices flying above his teammates looking for ways to improve their game. Some days they released the snitch, but today he was working on team strategy.
Harry smiled down at the team below him. Ron and Seamus were beaters, Alicia, Katie and Angelina, were still the team chasers, and Ginny was Oliver's replacement as keeper. The team was well organized and Harry thought they had a good chance of winning the cup this season. The second match of the season was against the Slytherins, who had managed to weasel their way out of facing Gryffindor in the first match of the season. Instead the Gryffindors had faced Hufflepuff, and beat them 250 to 30.
Harry smiled at the memory; the team had been elated by the win. The partying had lasted well into the night and McGonagall had been forced to send them all to bed at around two in the morning. He hoped they would continue the trend, but he was expecting a hard match against Slytherin. Draco had put together an excellent side for his house this season, But Harry knew that he was still the better seeker, so as long as Slytherin didn't out score them too badly everything would go well.
Harry's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a large brown owl. It flew straight towards him on his broom and Harry decided it would be better to be on the ground when the owl reached him. He pointed his broomstick downwards and landed gracefully. The owl, seeming annoyed by having to chase Harry stayed only long enough for his to remove the parchment before flying to the owlry for food.
Harry unrolled the parchment and read its contents. Good he thought Sirius is in town. Hmm . Wonder what he wants to tell me. Harry shrugged off his questions, shoved the parchment in his pocket and kicked off into the air. This would have to wait until after practice, the Slytherin match was only 3 weeks away.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Almost a week had passed since Draco had sent his note to Sirius, but it was still largely on his mind. The rest of the student body was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade trip. He would go, maybe pick up a new book, and of course replenish his liquor supply, but he wasn't nearly as excited as everyone else. Draco rose smoothly from the chair he had been brooding in to pour himself another drink. It was Friday; therefore, as was becoming tradition for him, he planned to drink until he forgot everything that was wrong in his life, until he couldn't hear his fathers voice in his ear and therefore, until he passed out.
As a token of appreciation to him, their amazing Quidditch captain, his house mates had given him the one single bedroom not occupied by a prefect. He scanned the stone walls hung with elegant tapestries depicting various aspects of life at school, there were no windows in the room and the overall atmosphere was gloomy. He stopped his scrutiny at the doorway, there was a distinct tapping noise coming from it, and when he rose and opened the heavy oak door a harried owl swooped through and landed on his bed.
Draco untied the roll of parchment and tossed it on the table to read later. He slipped a small cracker to the owl. The beautiful bird, a gift from his father, nibbled gently on his ear before making her graceful exit through the still open door. He closed it behind her and returned to his chair, and his drink.
The parchment sitting on the table beside him called to his curiosity and he unrolled it. The bold scrawl of Sirius Black jumped out at him. "We need to talk do we?" he shrugged, "not as if I have anything to say. He probably just wants to lecture me." He swirled his drink thoughtfully, "wonder if Potter will be there." A long slow sip of vodka brought his mind back to the problem at hand. The décor in his room definitely needed something. He would just have to do something about it this weekend. Maybe mother could be persuaded to take him shopping over Christmas.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
A week later, at the other end of the castle, Ginny Weasley woke with a smile. Today was a Hogsmeade day. She loved the small, All-Wizarding town, and today she, Hermione and Ron were going without Harry. As much as she had once thought she loved the boy hero, Ginny found that she had more fun with both her brother and Hermione when Harry wasn't a part of the group.
She rose from her bed with a bounce and moved to the wardrobe to dress. On weekends, since there were no classes, students wore mostly Muggle clothing under their robes. She selected a pair of comfy jeans and a tight blue shirt that accented her eyes and pulled them on. With a quick charm she smoothed hr sleep-mussed hair and practically skipped out of the room.
She continued to float on her good mood throughout the morning and entertained her brother and his friends with stupid jokes all the way down to Hogsmeade. Harry left the group almost as soon as they entered the village; he came with them to grab a butterbeer, but then made his way to the Shrieking Shack. Ginny watched him walk away and was pleasantly surprised that she wasn't disappointed when he disappeared from view. She didn't know when it had happened, but gradually her crush on Harry had faded, and now it seemed to be completely gone.
Ron insisted that they go to Honeydukes so he could stock up. Ginny laughed and made a mental note not to eat anything he offered her for a while. He was getting to be almost as bad as the twins as far as playing pranks on her went. The three of them bought their candy and wandered back into the street.
"Think Harry'll come find us when he's done with Sirius?" Ron asked. Ginny smiled at her brother, knowing how much he wanted to see Sirius.
"Potter off playing hero again?" A nasty voice sneered. It was Malfoy. "Or did he just come to his senses finally and dump the lot of you?"
Ginny was appalled, she had heard Malfoy was a bastard, but she'd never seen him this vicious. Nor had she ever seen Ron this angry. Hermione had an arm wrapped around his elbow and a hand gripping the back of his robes in a desperate attempt to restrain him.
"Letting a filthy Mudblood tramp control you Weasel?" Draco crawled, a self satisfied smirk on his thin lips. "I thought even you were stronger than that."
Draco's sneer was too much for Ginny to take. With an angry growl she launched herself at him. The impact of her hands on his chest knocked them both to the ground.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Harry arrived in Hogsmeade with the rest of his classmates, but separated from the soon after. He bought a bottle of butter beer and then walked towards the shrieking shack for his meeting with Sirius. Ron and Hermione had been disappointed when Harry had told them Sirius only wanted to see him this time, but he could tell Ginny was elated. Lately he had noticed she looked a little like she had in first year. Lost, vulnerable and confused, almost like she didn't know which way was up. He was glad for her sake that Ron and Hermione would be with her today; he had a feeling that she needed them more than even she knew.
Harry reached the Shack, no Sirius, oh well I must be early. He thought settling on the steps. There was an interesting view from these steps, all off Hogsmeade lay spread out just slightly below him, he could see every one wandering in and out of shops, but he was separated from the action by distance. Seeing a pair of red heads and a girl with bushy brown hair exiting Honey Dukes Harry smiled. Good, Ginny's still with them. He didn't know why, but he felt a tension lessen, a tension that he hadn't known existed.
He continued to watch the threesome, it was fun to observe from a distance, her could tell by the body language that Ron was upset about something and Hermione was trying to calm him down. He saw a blonde head, Malfoy he thought with distaste. The boy seemed to be by himself, a rare occurrence, but obviously still as mean as ever, even without the backup.
Harry could see Hermione grab Ron's cloak, holding him back, keeping him from jumping Malfoy. In the next five seconds so many things happened that Harry wasn't sure what he really saw. Ginny jumped Draco and they fell to the ground. Several Slytherins seeing their leader at the bottom of a fight ran forward to help him. Hermione lost her grip on Ron and he jumped at Draco enraged. Crabbe grabbed Ron by the back of the shirt, hauling him off Draco, all around them Slytherins fought with Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs who had come to aid Ginny. Harry was on the verge of running down to help his friends when he heard a voice behind him.
"You're a bit early Harry," Sirius said, smiling at his godson. "What is it that's got you so captivated down there?" He looked down at the street below them. "What happened down there?" There was a hint of laughter in his voice as he looked down at the fighting crowd, teachers had come out and were separating their brawling students.
Harry smiled, "Malfoy" he said. For most people that would have been explanation enough, but Sirius still looked confused so Harry continued. "He said something that got Ron, Ginny and Hermione pretty worked up, and Ginny jumped him." Harry laughed at the memory. "It was all right until Malfoy's buddies came out to aid him. Then Ron got in on it, and well . . ." He gestured to the crowd and shrugged. "I think you can guess the rest"
Sirius laughed again, a deep hearty sound that resonated in Harry's ears. "I take it your still not getting along with Malfoy."
Harry gave him a look that clearly said 'and your first clue was?', earning another round of laughter. "Are you about done?" he asked, looking slightly put off. "I thought there was something important we needed to discuss. Possibly someone I had to meet?"
Sirius sobered enough to look at his godson without cracking up. "Yes there was someone I wanted you to meet. But I have a feeling he won't show up, so why don't we go get a butter beer?" He turned and walked off down the hill, expecting Harry to follow.
Sitting on the steps, watching his Godfather stride off towards Hogsmeade, Harry shook his head; Sirius was getting weirder by the year. He laughed quietly to himself, the cancelled meeting practically forgotten, Harry stood and followed his godfather down the hill.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
"Potter off playing hero again?" Draco sneered at Weasley and the two girls with him. The angry red flush of anger his words inspired gave him a perverse thrill. He narrowed his eyes and his face contorted into an expression of intense loathing. " Or did he just come to his senses finally and dump the lot of you?"
Draco felt intense pleasure when he saw Granger grad hold of Weasley to keep him back. "Letting a filthy Mudblood tramp control you Weasel?" He shook his head in mock disappointment. "I thought even you were stronger than that." He smirked and was ready to push past them when suddenly he found himself flat out on his back, the Weasley girl, the one who had made that ridiculous valentine for Potter years before, sitting on top of him, pounding him with her fists. He lay there, too stunned to move for several moments, and then once he had regained his senses he sustained several blows while trying to grab hold of her wrists, to pin her arms together.
Draco felt a shock of cold from the ring he wore on the middle finger of his right hand. Oh no. he thought desperately trying to separate himself form the young Weasley, not this. not now. He let go of her wrists in a last effort to get out from under her, "Get off of me." He commanded, just before the world faded to gray.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
A/N: Cito Belligero is a curse I invented for this story. It's a curse that causes civil unrest among Muggles; they will fight w/ every one they see, and it spreads like a virus.
Tainted Information Chapter 1
"Hermione!"
Hermione turned to see who had called for her. Ginny Weasley came dashing head long around the corner, a strand of crimson hair had escaped her braid and hung bright against her pale skin. "Wait up," she called, her voice breathless.
Ginny caught up and stood stooped over gasping for breath. Hermione wondered how long her friend had been chasing her. "Is everything alright?" she asked. The youngest Weasley was quite popular among the other Fifth years and rarely sought her out unless something was terribly wrong.
"No, not really," Ginny smiled; a brilliant flash of white teeth, "I just wanted to talk. As great as my other friends are, they're not even half-way serious about anything."
Hermione smiled, this was quite true, the Gryffindor fifth years were infamous for their love of the local gossip, and their low grades. She was glad to have the old Ginny back, the events of four years ago had taken their toll on all involved, and it had taken nearly 3 years for Ginny to recover from her encounter with Tom Riddle. "Well I've already had breakfast and there's still an hour before Arithmacy, so where do you want to go?"
The girls wandered the grounds for a while, exchanging the latest gossip, before settling beside a tree. Ginny turned so she was facing Hermione, her blue eyes were dark with intensity. "I lied when I said nothing was wrong," she confessed. "I just didn't want you to worry about me, or to tell Ron and Harry. I mean, Ron will just freak out, and Harry has enough to deal with already."
Hermione leaned closer and smiled encouragingly "Don't worry Gin, I won't tell them if you don't want me to."
Ginny smiled faintly, "Thanks." She looked down at her hands, clasped tightly in her lap. "I still have nightmares," her voice was almost inaudible, "About Tom. They're always different, but whenever I close my eyes all I can see are his eyes." She shivered. "I can't look at gray eyes anymore without feeling a shock of fear. I know it's ridiculous to still be dreaming of him, but I thought maybe there was a way to stop the dreams. I thought you might be able to help me. "The look in Ginny's eyes when she raised her head was hopeful.
Hermione's heart ached, she had not had any idea that Ginny was still having these dreams. After Voldemort had been defeated she had thought that everything was alright, now she realized she had been blind. "How long has this been happening Gin?"
"I've had them since first year, but they're different now. I was in them before, he talked to me, but now," she paused and looked thoughtful, "now I see him doing things, but he can't see me, or at least I don't think he can."
Hermione sighed; she was frustrated because she had no idea what she could do to help her friend. She pulled Ginny into a tight hug, "We'll figure this out, I promise." She whispered fiercely.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
I cannot BELIVE I agreed to this. Draco thought angrily surveying his reflection. He hadn't slept well that night and as a result his hair stood on end and he had deep green circles under his eyes. He narrowed his eyes and scowled. Hardly able to believe that he'd lost sleep thinking about Potter, Sirius had to be mad expecting him to confide in that prat.
Flinging open one of his three wardrobes he pulled out the first thing his hands touched. He dressed quickly. The black silk shirt he had chosen slid easily over his head and clung to his finely muscled torso like a second skin. The black material complemented his soft silvery hair and made his eyes look like clear gray ice. He smiled coldly at his reflection, and exited the room with a swish of his silk robes.
The Slytherin common room was empty except for Draco's mindless followers, Crabbe and Goyle. No surprise there Draco thought coldly observing them from the bottom stair. "Hurry up," He commanded "I want coffee." He exited the room swiftly, leaving Crabbe and Goyle standing with their mouths open. Draco allowed himself to smirk when he heard them hurrying to catch up.
He had always moved through his classmates with an imperious air, as if he were Hogwarts' reigning monarch. Even deprived of both sleep and caffeine as he was he commanded attention with every move. Heads turned in the great hall as he walked to his usual place at the Slytherin table. He took a cup of coffee offered to him by an admiring first year housemate and sat, his focus on the mug of coffee cupped in his hands.
When he finished his first drink he raised his eyes to scan the hall. Potter sat surrounded by the usual crown of Gryffindors, Draco's lip curled at the sight of them. He detested the entire house, yes Draco decided Sirius is completely mad. I'll just owl him and say I can't talk to Potter. Satisfied with this decision, he stood and walked out of the room by way of the Gryffindor table, glaring menacingly.
That evening after all his classes were done Draco made his way to the owlry to send his note to Sirius. His beautiful eagle owl sat apart from the school owls eyeing them disdainfully. Draco had to smile, the bird was so like the Malfoy family, beautiful and aloof with a perfect pedigree. He scribbled a note quickly, explaining to Sirius that he just couldn't talk to Harry, and that other arrangements would have to be arranged. He tied it to the owl's leg with a piece of black satin ribbon, and released her into the air.
He stood and watched her fly off into the evening sky. Other than the sickening smell of this room Draco quite enjoyed it, it was so serene. There was a rustling sound behind him and he turned to see what had disturbed the owls.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Ginny was quite surprised to see Malfoy standing at a window in the owlry, gazing out at the night sky. The early evening light illuminated his profile as he turned, and Ginny found herself gaping at him. "H. . hullo," she couldn't believe she'd just stuttered, Malfoy may look better in this light, but he wasn't that attractive.
Draco smirked, "Hello yourself." He raised one perfectly shaped eyebrow, "did you have a reason for being here? Or were you just looking for an empty room you could sit in while mooning about that idiot Potter?"
Ginny felt her face flush a brilliant shade of pink that clashed tremendously with her hair, "Yes, it had business here," she stated sharply, walking over to an adorable tawny owl and tying a piece of neatly rolled parchment to its leg. The owl hooted softly and then flew past Draco and into the twilight.
The pair stood staring menacingly at one another for a moment more before Ginny turned and hurried out. Now why did I just do that? She thought angrily I had every right to be there, there was no reason to run like a stupid little girl. She sighed. I hate Malfoy that smug bastard, who does he think he is? She continued on that train of thought all the way back to the common room.
Entering the room, she noticed that it was practically empty. This was strange since it was early still, but at the same time the stillness was a relief. Ginny sat in a large red armchair beside the stone fireplace, and pulled a roll of parchment out of her pocket. She had been planning to sit in the owlry and write to her favorite brother, but Malfoy's presence was too disconcerting.
She pulled out a quill and, after thinking for a moment, began to write. She had been writing Charlie every couple of weeks while at school since second year, he liked to be kept informed of happenings at Hogwarts. There wasn't really much to say, so writing the letter didn't take very long. When she finished she decided to send it in the morning. She wasn't in the mood for another dose of Malfoy charm and besides, she had homework to do.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Don climbed into his car that evening feeling deeply troubled about the events of the last 7 days. He had stayed at the Prime Minister's country home all week since Jake had refused to let him leave. Since that Sunday phone call, events had been occurring that were strange to say least. The Prime Minister's entire staff was on highest alert.
John had arrived at the Mansion Monday morning apologizing for not arriving sooner. When questioned about the blonde man with him Sunday afternoon, he said it had been an old school mate, but Don didn't believe him.
John had been acting very strangely since his arrival, it was as if his memory was gone and he was starting again at day one of his life. Don remembered an incident that had occurred at breakfast one morning, John had stood in the doorway of the kitchen and stared open mouthed at the appliances in front of him, as if he had never seen anything so amazing, in his entire existence.
Don shook his head, he had sent John home, indefinitely and was, for now, using a different assistant, but the change in John, and the image of the blonde man still haunted him.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Lucius Malfoy leaned back in his chair and glared across the polished wood table, "what do you mean it's not going to work?"
The thin man across from him cowered. "They knew something was different. They knew and they sent me home, until I feel like myself again." The man made a helpless gesture, we need a Muggle born, or some one who can blend in."
Malfoy had a short temper at the best of times, and he was definitely not at his best. He rose slowly, his face was completely blank, and his voice a deadly calm. "We will not stoop to that level; using a Muggle. If you cannot do this, then I will have to try other methods. We are done, get out of my sight." He stood at his full height, glaring darkly as this failure to the cause, scampered out of the room. "Wormtail!" he yelled. "Get in here, you worthless imbecile."
Peter Pettigrew hurried into the room, his rat like face contorted in fear. "Yes sir?"
"I want mayhem! I want the Muggles in an uproar!" Lucius' voice was loud and excited. "I need the Prime Minister dead, the President too if at all possible. I want them to destroy each other. It's what Voldemort wanted, and you're the only one who can do this." His cheeks flushed red with anger. "You'll do this." It was a statement, not a question.
Wormtail squirmed, "Yes sir, I will have it done, but it will take time. You will have to be patient." He took a deep breath "also, you must realize that simply killing the leaders will not be enough to cause upheaval. But there's always the Cito Belligero charm, but it is difficult, I don't even know where to find it."
"Ah, but I do, so you needn't concern yourself," Lucius said, a cruel smile on his face. He waved a hand dismissively and Wormtail scurried out.
Lucius sauntered over to a tall book case and scanned the titles. He selected an ancient leather bound volume and carried it back to his desk. The cover was tattered and the pages yellow with age, turning the pages slowly he scanned the pages carefully, looking for the Cito Belligero curse. He found it, about half way through the book.
The potion was indeed very complicated, but he was a talented with potions and the incantation was fairly simple. Now the ingredients, he scanned the list. Most of the things in the list would be simple to get, but there were a few that would be a challenge. He would need some help, he reached for a piece of parchment and wrote to his son.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Sirius held the rolled parchment in his hands and smiled faintly. He wasn't exactly surprised that Draco had backed on talking to Harry. Instead he chose to be proud of the fact that Draco had informed him of this choice. He pulled a chair up to his desk of well worn oak, and wrote a quick note to Draco.
Draco,
We need to talk. Meet me at the Shrieking
Shack in Hogsmeade, Sunday at noon.
~Sirius
Having finished that note he stretched his arms above his head, sighing deeply. He needed to get more sleep; this spy work was wearing at his nerves. I should take a vacation. He thought, smiling at the prospect, maybe this summer, me, Remus and Harry can go off somewhere. With a shake of his head Sirius returned to earth. For now dreaming of a vacation was the closest he would come. He needed Harry to talk to Draco, as much as he hated putting students in the action, it was necessary. He grabbed another piece of parchment and scribbled a quick note to his godson.
Harry,
All is going well here, don't want you to worry.
I'd like to see you, I have someone for you to meet.
Meet me at the shrieking shack Sunday at noon.
~Sirius
Sirius looked over the note he had just written with a critical eye. Doubtless Ron and Hermione would read it, and they were certain to feel disappointed about being left out of this meeting. If it weren't for Draco and Ron's mutual loathing he would like to have them along, but he needed Harry and Draco to form an alliance, and he could only imagine what the young Weasley boy's opinion of that would be.
Draco's owl sat in the corner of the room watching the strange man with guarded eyes. His master had never sent him on such a mission, and he never waited for a reply. After all Malfoy birds, like their masters, waited on no one.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Flying had always been Harry's favorite part of Quidditch. The thrill of soaring through the air, wind whipping at his hair, was so exhilarating that it pushed all troubles from his mind. Being Captain of the Gryffindor team he spent most practices flying above his teammates looking for ways to improve their game. Some days they released the snitch, but today he was working on team strategy.
Harry smiled down at the team below him. Ron and Seamus were beaters, Alicia, Katie and Angelina, were still the team chasers, and Ginny was Oliver's replacement as keeper. The team was well organized and Harry thought they had a good chance of winning the cup this season. The second match of the season was against the Slytherins, who had managed to weasel their way out of facing Gryffindor in the first match of the season. Instead the Gryffindors had faced Hufflepuff, and beat them 250 to 30.
Harry smiled at the memory; the team had been elated by the win. The partying had lasted well into the night and McGonagall had been forced to send them all to bed at around two in the morning. He hoped they would continue the trend, but he was expecting a hard match against Slytherin. Draco had put together an excellent side for his house this season, But Harry knew that he was still the better seeker, so as long as Slytherin didn't out score them too badly everything would go well.
Harry's thoughts were interrupted by the arrival of a large brown owl. It flew straight towards him on his broom and Harry decided it would be better to be on the ground when the owl reached him. He pointed his broomstick downwards and landed gracefully. The owl, seeming annoyed by having to chase Harry stayed only long enough for his to remove the parchment before flying to the owlry for food.
Harry unrolled the parchment and read its contents. Good he thought Sirius is in town. Hmm . Wonder what he wants to tell me. Harry shrugged off his questions, shoved the parchment in his pocket and kicked off into the air. This would have to wait until after practice, the Slytherin match was only 3 weeks away.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Almost a week had passed since Draco had sent his note to Sirius, but it was still largely on his mind. The rest of the student body was excited about the upcoming Hogsmeade trip. He would go, maybe pick up a new book, and of course replenish his liquor supply, but he wasn't nearly as excited as everyone else. Draco rose smoothly from the chair he had been brooding in to pour himself another drink. It was Friday; therefore, as was becoming tradition for him, he planned to drink until he forgot everything that was wrong in his life, until he couldn't hear his fathers voice in his ear and therefore, until he passed out.
As a token of appreciation to him, their amazing Quidditch captain, his house mates had given him the one single bedroom not occupied by a prefect. He scanned the stone walls hung with elegant tapestries depicting various aspects of life at school, there were no windows in the room and the overall atmosphere was gloomy. He stopped his scrutiny at the doorway, there was a distinct tapping noise coming from it, and when he rose and opened the heavy oak door a harried owl swooped through and landed on his bed.
Draco untied the roll of parchment and tossed it on the table to read later. He slipped a small cracker to the owl. The beautiful bird, a gift from his father, nibbled gently on his ear before making her graceful exit through the still open door. He closed it behind her and returned to his chair, and his drink.
The parchment sitting on the table beside him called to his curiosity and he unrolled it. The bold scrawl of Sirius Black jumped out at him. "We need to talk do we?" he shrugged, "not as if I have anything to say. He probably just wants to lecture me." He swirled his drink thoughtfully, "wonder if Potter will be there." A long slow sip of vodka brought his mind back to the problem at hand. The décor in his room definitely needed something. He would just have to do something about it this weekend. Maybe mother could be persuaded to take him shopping over Christmas.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
A week later, at the other end of the castle, Ginny Weasley woke with a smile. Today was a Hogsmeade day. She loved the small, All-Wizarding town, and today she, Hermione and Ron were going without Harry. As much as she had once thought she loved the boy hero, Ginny found that she had more fun with both her brother and Hermione when Harry wasn't a part of the group.
She rose from her bed with a bounce and moved to the wardrobe to dress. On weekends, since there were no classes, students wore mostly Muggle clothing under their robes. She selected a pair of comfy jeans and a tight blue shirt that accented her eyes and pulled them on. With a quick charm she smoothed hr sleep-mussed hair and practically skipped out of the room.
She continued to float on her good mood throughout the morning and entertained her brother and his friends with stupid jokes all the way down to Hogsmeade. Harry left the group almost as soon as they entered the village; he came with them to grab a butterbeer, but then made his way to the Shrieking Shack. Ginny watched him walk away and was pleasantly surprised that she wasn't disappointed when he disappeared from view. She didn't know when it had happened, but gradually her crush on Harry had faded, and now it seemed to be completely gone.
Ron insisted that they go to Honeydukes so he could stock up. Ginny laughed and made a mental note not to eat anything he offered her for a while. He was getting to be almost as bad as the twins as far as playing pranks on her went. The three of them bought their candy and wandered back into the street.
"Think Harry'll come find us when he's done with Sirius?" Ron asked. Ginny smiled at her brother, knowing how much he wanted to see Sirius.
"Potter off playing hero again?" A nasty voice sneered. It was Malfoy. "Or did he just come to his senses finally and dump the lot of you?"
Ginny was appalled, she had heard Malfoy was a bastard, but she'd never seen him this vicious. Nor had she ever seen Ron this angry. Hermione had an arm wrapped around his elbow and a hand gripping the back of his robes in a desperate attempt to restrain him.
"Letting a filthy Mudblood tramp control you Weasel?" Draco crawled, a self satisfied smirk on his thin lips. "I thought even you were stronger than that."
Draco's sneer was too much for Ginny to take. With an angry growl she launched herself at him. The impact of her hands on his chest knocked them both to the ground.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
Harry arrived in Hogsmeade with the rest of his classmates, but separated from the soon after. He bought a bottle of butter beer and then walked towards the shrieking shack for his meeting with Sirius. Ron and Hermione had been disappointed when Harry had told them Sirius only wanted to see him this time, but he could tell Ginny was elated. Lately he had noticed she looked a little like she had in first year. Lost, vulnerable and confused, almost like she didn't know which way was up. He was glad for her sake that Ron and Hermione would be with her today; he had a feeling that she needed them more than even she knew.
Harry reached the Shack, no Sirius, oh well I must be early. He thought settling on the steps. There was an interesting view from these steps, all off Hogsmeade lay spread out just slightly below him, he could see every one wandering in and out of shops, but he was separated from the action by distance. Seeing a pair of red heads and a girl with bushy brown hair exiting Honey Dukes Harry smiled. Good, Ginny's still with them. He didn't know why, but he felt a tension lessen, a tension that he hadn't known existed.
He continued to watch the threesome, it was fun to observe from a distance, her could tell by the body language that Ron was upset about something and Hermione was trying to calm him down. He saw a blonde head, Malfoy he thought with distaste. The boy seemed to be by himself, a rare occurrence, but obviously still as mean as ever, even without the backup.
Harry could see Hermione grab Ron's cloak, holding him back, keeping him from jumping Malfoy. In the next five seconds so many things happened that Harry wasn't sure what he really saw. Ginny jumped Draco and they fell to the ground. Several Slytherins seeing their leader at the bottom of a fight ran forward to help him. Hermione lost her grip on Ron and he jumped at Draco enraged. Crabbe grabbed Ron by the back of the shirt, hauling him off Draco, all around them Slytherins fought with Gryffindors and Hufflepuffs who had come to aid Ginny. Harry was on the verge of running down to help his friends when he heard a voice behind him.
"You're a bit early Harry," Sirius said, smiling at his godson. "What is it that's got you so captivated down there?" He looked down at the street below them. "What happened down there?" There was a hint of laughter in his voice as he looked down at the fighting crowd, teachers had come out and were separating their brawling students.
Harry smiled, "Malfoy" he said. For most people that would have been explanation enough, but Sirius still looked confused so Harry continued. "He said something that got Ron, Ginny and Hermione pretty worked up, and Ginny jumped him." Harry laughed at the memory. "It was all right until Malfoy's buddies came out to aid him. Then Ron got in on it, and well . . ." He gestured to the crowd and shrugged. "I think you can guess the rest"
Sirius laughed again, a deep hearty sound that resonated in Harry's ears. "I take it your still not getting along with Malfoy."
Harry gave him a look that clearly said 'and your first clue was?', earning another round of laughter. "Are you about done?" he asked, looking slightly put off. "I thought there was something important we needed to discuss. Possibly someone I had to meet?"
Sirius sobered enough to look at his godson without cracking up. "Yes there was someone I wanted you to meet. But I have a feeling he won't show up, so why don't we go get a butter beer?" He turned and walked off down the hill, expecting Harry to follow.
Sitting on the steps, watching his Godfather stride off towards Hogsmeade, Harry shook his head; Sirius was getting weirder by the year. He laughed quietly to himself, the cancelled meeting practically forgotten, Harry stood and followed his godfather down the hill.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
"Potter off playing hero again?" Draco sneered at Weasley and the two girls with him. The angry red flush of anger his words inspired gave him a perverse thrill. He narrowed his eyes and his face contorted into an expression of intense loathing. " Or did he just come to his senses finally and dump the lot of you?"
Draco felt intense pleasure when he saw Granger grad hold of Weasley to keep him back. "Letting a filthy Mudblood tramp control you Weasel?" He shook his head in mock disappointment. "I thought even you were stronger than that." He smirked and was ready to push past them when suddenly he found himself flat out on his back, the Weasley girl, the one who had made that ridiculous valentine for Potter years before, sitting on top of him, pounding him with her fists. He lay there, too stunned to move for several moments, and then once he had regained his senses he sustained several blows while trying to grab hold of her wrists, to pin her arms together.
Draco felt a shock of cold from the ring he wore on the middle finger of his right hand. Oh no. he thought desperately trying to separate himself form the young Weasley, not this. not now. He let go of her wrists in a last effort to get out from under her, "Get off of me." He commanded, just before the world faded to gray.
~*~ ~*~ ~*~
A/N: Cito Belligero is a curse I invented for this story. It's a curse that causes civil unrest among Muggles; they will fight w/ every one they see, and it spreads like a virus.
