Chapter Six: Draco's plan

"What are you so cheerful about today Ginny?" Hermione asked over her plate of toast that morning in the Great Hall.

She smiled, but said nothing.

"Must be the dose Harry gave her yesterday!" Ron teased.

"I told you for the last time Ron! It was nothing romantic! I just gave her a friendly hug, like friends!" Harry exclaimed.

"For five minutes?" Ron asked raising his eyebrow.

"How do you know if it was five minutes or not?" Harry shot back.

"I watched you for five minutes, until I decided I should interrupt," Ron said. He was clearly enjoying this.

Harry swore under his breath.

"Come on, you two! Don't fight! Harry, I really don't care what kind of romance you had with Ginny. I am just happy it is not with Millicent Bulstrode or Pansy Parkinson," Hermione said thoughtfully.

"I told you--" Harry said but Ron interrupted him, "Ginny seems to be the only one who doesn't seem to be saying anything about it. Why not ask her what happened?

Ginny froze and said, "Um…I have to go now. Goodbye!"

Ron smirked and said, "Harry, I think she fancies you again…"

"You think? Maybe I should go find her and talk to her about it," Harry said.

"Maybe I should come along with you, just so there isn't any more snogging," Ron replied.

Harry looked at Ron lividly.

"Say Harry, don't you like Padma?" Hermione asked over her copy of the book 'Spells gone awry'.

"Not anymore...Ginny told me that Dean is going out with Padma," Harry responded.

"Wait, isn't Dean going out with Ginny?" Ron asked curiously.

"Yeah, I saw her yesterday before…you know…you caught us. ("Ha!" Ron exclaimed)" Harry said. "She was crying, so I asked her what happened. She told me that Dean was having secret affairs with Padma. I felt sad for her, so I hugged her. Is it that big of a deal?"

"Harry, I always thought that Dean was a nice guy, but now I realize that he is an idiotic little git. I would say bad words, but Professor McGonagall is close by, and I don't want to risk it," Ron said confidently.

"So, Weasel-face and Potty having a little chat about love life? How sweet…" a voice said softly behind them. Ron spun around and his face hardened. "What do you want Malfoy?"

Draco smiled smugly and responded, "This is strange coming from a superior Slytherin such as me, but I want to help you."

Harry and Ron raised an eyebrow. "Help us? Since when did you want to help us?" Ron asked suspiciously.

"Since I realized that this is the chance to catch two lovers passionately kissing and blackmail them. Besides, Lil Crow Bow is involved with this plan," Draco said mischievously.

"Lil Crow Bow?" Harry asked.

"Long story, Harry," Ron replied. "Ok, what is in it for us?"

"Let's just say Thomas will get what he deserves," Draco said lazily.

Then, Ron looked unsure.

"It will work out…trust me," Draco added quickly.

"Malfoy, I can never trust you, but if Crowley is involved, I am in." Ron said. "What is Crowley's role in all this anyway?"

"Oh, we'll see," Draco said. "Right then, we need to discuss this plan somewhere we won't be overheard. First, let's find Crowley."

"Wait…you call Ass Crowley Lil Crow Bow?!" Harry asked incredulously.

Ron sighed and replied, "Not me, just this little git here who calls himself Ickle Dracokins."

Harry looked at Draco surprisedly, causing Draco to smile thoughtfully.

"Oh my god, Ron! I don't trust this idiot. Since when has he helped us? I say we beat him up!" Harry said angrily.

"Harry, I can trust Crowley. Ok, here is the deal: If he gets us in trouble, we will beat him up," Ron said.

Harry looked irascible, and he gave up. Ron's deal was fair, so hushed up.

"Let's go find Crowley. I think he is in his classroom," Hermione said quickly.

The four of them made their way to the D.A.D.A room. They hurried into the room and they saw Crowley drinking a cup of coffee, reading The Daily Prophet. Crowley smiled and said, "Yes children, what may I do for you?"

"Dude, we wanted to ask you a favor," Draco said.

"Yes? What is that favor?" Crowley asked.

"We want you to help plot against this guy who is cheating on Ronster's sister"

"Can we blackmail?" Crowley asked.

"Duh…of course!" Draco said tiredly.

"Then count me in, boys!" Crowley exclaimed. "And girl," he added looking at Hermione's furious face.