A/N: In view of the fact that a few readers are curious about the boy with no name. I thought I would answer a question in advance. The reference in this chapter is to "Shake and Bake". Now that you're confused, I'll let you get on with the story.

Chapter 30: The Way Of Things

It was May. Very little had happened for months except classes, homework and other boring things. But that was about to change.

"Ready?" Malcolm asked.

"He is a friend of mine," Draco pointed out.

"Really?" Dewey asked. "I didn't think he had any friends."

"He doesn't. But Father always said that, should I become aware of any danger, I should mention that he is a friend. It could prove useful."

Malcolm paused. "Was it useful?"

"Not really. Shall we get the prat?"

"I'll get into position," Dewey told them. He pulled his wand out and held it behind his back Draco and Malcolm nodded and did the same. Then they waited patiently for the three seconds it took their quarry to turn the corner and face them.

"You are blocking the corridor," Nott said without emotion.

"No. I'm not." Malcolm said with a smile. "I'm blocking you." He pulled his wand from behind his back. Dewey and Draco had taken a step to either side of Nott and displayed their wands as well.

Nott scowled at Malcolm. "What do you want?"

"It's simple. I was just thinking about last Hallowe'en. And I remembered that you were involved in a little incident."

"Then hex me and get it over with."

"No. I want you to tell me exactly what spell you cast that night. I want to make sure I punish you properly."

"Fair enough. I think your three days of mindless rambling was punishment enough for me, although I would have hoped for more."

Dewey smirked, and poked Nott with his wand just for fun. "Why would you want to punish Malcolm. If it's a good enough reason, I'll switch sides."

"He made my uncle look like an idiot."

This time Draco snorted. "But your uncle is an idiot. He has a remarkable mind and no sense of proportion. Father would make me laugh as a child by telling me his fiendishly clever plans. Even when I was in diapers I was smart enough to know how stupid they were."

"True," Nott agreed. "But we had managed to keep everything contained within a certain circle of people. Malcolm released that information to the entire world. It was a matter of family pride."

"And the spell?" Macolm asked.

"The Imperious Curse. Be happy it didn't work."

"Um, Theodore," Draco said with a hint of embarrassment. "Didn't you know that Malcolm is immune to the Imperious Curse? Alistor Moody made that obvious a couple of years ago."

"I missed hearing about that," Nott admitted.

"No problem," Malcolm said cheerfully. "It's the thought that counts."

Nott nodded. "And you revenge will be?"

"NOX," Malcolm shouted. Nott immediately fell asleep.

"You know. This isn't as much fun as I thought it would be," Dewey pointed out.

"It never is," Draco admitted. "You plan and plan and then, in an instant, it's over."

"Let's just get him placed then cast the spell," Malcolm suggested.

"The Great Hall?" Draco suggested.

"Too obvious," Malcolm pointed out. "Everybody would see him right away. We need a place that people will go, but not all at once. A place that's out of the way, and possibly a little dangerous."

Draco smiled. "You've already decided."

"And you two are going to love it."

"FINITE INCANTATUM" Malcolm called out as all three hid themselves to watch.

Theodore Nott awoke to find himself in a strange place. He was still groggy as he looked around. He appeared to be in a tower. And it was strange. There were windows running floor to ceiling but no doors. His wand was missing but it appeared they hadn't done him any physical harm. His only worry was the large bats hanging from the rafters above him.

Then he noticed the first strange thing. For as many large bats as there were, there were no dropping on the floor. In fact, the floor seemed spotless. No furniture, but no dust either. It was very unusual. Shortly, he noticed the second strange thing. A bat flew in, but it flew in upside down AND it appeared to have feathers. A moment's thought and Nott realized the horrible truth. Those weren't bats above him. They were owls. And Nott knew exactly where he was. The Owlery. Standing on the ceiling.

"This is great," Dewey admitted.

"This is wonderful," Hal said happily as he lay in bed. "Thank God that kid Dabney actually likes Nob."

Lois nuzzled his cheek. "We haven't had this much time without an interruption since Francis was born."

"It's times like these, honey, that I know that something terrible is going to happen to ruin everything."

"What can happen? Malcolm and Dewey are safe at Hogwarts. Francis is settled down with a responsible job. And Reese even has a job."

"Who knew that boy could cook? This is the first time I've actually thought about bringing him home."

"Why? What's wrong with my cooking?"

"Nothing," Hal said quickly while he tried to think. He turned to Lois and smiled. "I'm just curious how close his skills come to yours."

Lois eyed Hal carefully. "You want to eat out tonight?"

Hal settled himself on the bed. "For a change of pace. We could bring Nob with us. Like a family outing. I miss those."

"Fine, we'll go out to dinner. You can get Nob." A hoot was heard from outside the window. "That must be another letter from the boys at school."

Hal grinned. "Then Malcolm can go get Nob. That gives us another twenty minutes."

Lois grinned in return. "You're never satisfied. Are you?"

"Nonsense. I'm always satisfied."

The steak house was fairly crowded, but the family of four had no trouble getting a table. All of them ordered the same thing. The largest steak with all the trimmings. Lois had a coupon. And she knew they could get doggy bags.

"Nob, you could at least chew before you swallow."

"Or-e, on,"

"Swallow first before you apologize."

Nob swallowed. "Sorry, Mom."

I won't say anything, but it's obvious Mom's putting on some weight. At least it doesn't show in her face yet. I hope I'm there when she realizes it.

"Malcolm, how's school? I heard a couple of things."

"Some girl got her hands on a cursed necklace. But she's fine now,"

"And the Weasley boy? Molly wrote me that he was poisoned."

"Yeah, but it was an accident. And it happened right in front of the potions teacher. As soon as Slughorn knew what was happening, he cured Ron."

Lois nodded. "And he spent two weeks in the hospital because of?"

"Madam Pomfrey. She thinks a hangnail requires a week of bed rest."

"And how's Draco."

Malcolm smiled. "He's getting to be pretty normal. I even got him on speaking terms with Uncle Hagrid." He turned to Nob. "He expects you to get straight O's when you get to school. He doesn't want you to embarrass him."

"Right. I heard he got expelled."

Lois frowned at Nob. "It may have taken fifty years, but he proved he was innocent. Don't forget that, young man. And now he's a teacher at that very same school. He's a good role model. And how's Dabney.? You go over there a lot after school."

Nob eyed his parents carefully, then decided not to tell his mom that his dad was the one that told him to. "He's OK. That business he has with Johnny is doing pretty good."

"And he still does his school work?"

"He's a Krelboyne, Mom. He still volunteers for extra homework. And he does all the purchase orders and keeps the books."

"That's Malcolm's influence," Hal pointed out. "He managed to bring two different people from two different worlds who had exactly what it took to make the business work."

Is he complementing me or blaming me?

"Um, yeah, Dad."

Lois swallowed her piece of steak. "Have you heard anything about his mom?"

"His mom?" Hal asked. "I know she was deported. What else happened?"

Lois laughed. "It seems that someone with her name is on a list with the CIA. Some kind of terrorist group. They stopped her at the airport and forced her to go back to Argentina. Not that her attitude helped any. That woman has always been rude."

Nob smiled. "Dabney says his mom wants him to come to Argentina. At least to visit."

"I feel sorry for that kid," Hal commented.

"HAL? Don't say things like that even if it is true. I'm sure Dorene has some feeling that comes close to love for her son."

"You're probably right, Lois. So, Nob. You have all the info. Why does his mom want to stay in South America."

"Her TV show got renewed for another season."

Three forks dropped. Three voices said, "Her TV show?"

"Yeah, it's supposed to be a situation comedy. She's the step-mother or something, and each episode she goes around and insults everybody. It's called The American Witch. Dabney said she won a best actress award or something."

Who would have guessed it?

The man watched surreptitiously from his corner table. Fortunately, he had experience with muggles and blended in easily. But he watched his prey carefully. The Dark Lord might feel that a little influence was needed. In which case, a seven year old wizard would be put in the care of an old friend of the Master.

Malcolm was told to stay after class. Professor McGonagall was not in a good mood.

"Where did you disappear to over the weekend?"

I hate this. I had a perfect lie planned. On the other hand, I have a great way to tell the truth.

"I thought it might be a good idea not to be around, so I delivered my letter to my parents. And then they insisted on taking me out to dinner so we could talk."

"Really?" McGonagall was not impressed. "Would this be related to Theodore Nott in any way."

"Yes, Ma'am. But I felt I had to do something after I found out what he did to me on Hallowe'en."

Yeah. I like that look. She's considering my point of view and now she'll decide I'm right. Uh, oh. She's giving me the wrong look.

McGonagall smiled without being friendly about it. "And what did you do to Mister Nott?"

"Nobody told you?"

"He's been missing for three days."

Malcolm smiled. "He's in the Owlery."

Yes. This is a good day.

Dewey smiled as Malcolm walked outside.

"No more detentions?"

"Plenty. But it was worth it. How's Nott doing?"

"I think he has a permanent fear of heights." Dewey paused. "And of us."

"I can live with that. I'd hate to have to watch my back all the time. Why are you out here?"

"I can't decide whether to visit the Giant Squid or go to Quidditch practice."

Malcolm frowned. "I thought Slytherin had played all their games."

"Yeah."

"Then why are they practicing."

"They're not. But Gryffindor is. All they have to do is win big and they get the cup. They probably will. Ron's back on the team."

Theodore Nott was in a good mood. He was asked to deliver a message to Draco Malfoy. It was a simple message that, hopefully, had a sinister meaning. He waited until they were conveniently alone in the common room.

"Draco, I was asked to tell you that your cousin Norbert is doing fine. As are you."

Draco smiled at the news. "Then that means there is nothing to worry about."

"It is good news, then?"

"And I have better news for you, Theo." Draco grinned, knowing Nott did not like that form of his name. "You're also doing fine because you're minding your own business. Isn't that wonderful." Draco turned to leave the common room, then paused. "And, Theo. I'll let you know if I need to send a return message."

Nott was not amused. Word gets around, and he knew Malfoy was playing a dangerous game. One other thing he did know was that the message was not supposed to be reassuring. He would not wait for a reply. He would write his own message.

The text was simple. Malfoy expressed surprise, then anger. He stormed away as though he had been insulted. Nott thought it best not to add his own opinion. He would let the reader draw his own conclusions.

"Myrtle?"

"I was hoping you would come back. I like talking to you." She paused. "And I was hoping you wouldn't need to."

"Thanks. I do appreciate the thought. But it's hard for me to do anything these days. Everyone is watching me."

"What happened?"

"Everything. I've been trying to pretend, hoping things would work out. But they suspect. He suspects. Even now, he's watching me. He wants to make me do things for him. Things that will hurt people."

Myrtle watched helplessly as Draco grabbed the rim of the sink, tears running down his face.

"Your friends? Can't they help?"

"Help? They've already done as much as they could. And their lives are at risk, too." He looked down in the sink. "You wished I were dead, once. Maybe that's the answer. Maybe I can solve the problem that way."

Myrtle, startled by what she was hearing, floated above the cubicle she was in. "Don't," she called to him softly. "Tell me what's wrong . . . I CAN help you . . ."

"NO ONE can help me," Draco said through his tears. His mind was racing. Thinking about all his plots and plans that seemed about to unravel. "I can't do it . . . I can't . . . It won't work . . . and unless I do it soon." Draco's body shook. "He says he'll kill me."

He looked up, and saw someone's reflection in the mirror. It was Potter. Draco wheeled around, drawing his wand, and shouted a hex. With the tears still in his eyes, he swore he never even came close.

Potter cast a spell at him, and Draco raised his wand to block it. He tried another hex but missed Potter again. Potter's curse missed him, but barely..

Draco was desperate. He could vaguely hear Myrtle shouting. Everything seemed to be going in slow motion. He had to do it. There was no choice. It was the only way he could stop that Gryffindor. He raised his wand and started to shout out "Crucio." But he never finished. As the sudden pain swept him into unconsciousness, his last thought was, "I never win."

Malcolm's first reaction was that he was glad the ghost appeared just as he was leaving the cubicle and not earlier. He then pointed out that this was a boy's bathroom.

"It was horrible," Moaning Myrtle told him in return. Malcolm listened intently. Ten minutes later, Myrtle was in the next bathroom repeating her story and Malcolm was in the infirmary.

"No one is permitted to see him," Madam Pomfrey insisted.

"But I'm family."

"No one. He's resting, now." Madam Pomfrey looked at the worried boy in front of her. "Malcolm, he'll make a full recovery. It was his luck that Professor Snape was close by and heard his screams. Severus's quick thinking saved your cousin's life."

"Then it's all true? About Potter?"

"I'm afraid so. And Professor Snape is taking care of that matter as well. DO NOT concern yourself."

"I won't."

"I want you to promise, Malcolm. Don't do anything."

"I promise. And if I do anything, it'll only be moving to another house."

Malcolm stormed off, trying to control his anger. He succeeded by taking every wrong turn he could. By the time he returned to Gryffindor, a couple of hours later, he was down to a slow burn. "Excelsior."

The Fat Lady's portrait opened to let him in. As fate would have it, the first person he saw was the last person he wanted to see. And that person noticed him.

"Malcolm."

"Harry," Malcolm said with surprising charm, "I heard about your work. Nice style. Was I the inspiration for the crisscross pattern? You know. Keep it in the family?"

"I know you're upset."

"Upset? I'm just confused. Does being the chosen one mean you're going to be the hero or the replacement?"

"I deserve that . . ."

"A witty comment?" Malcolm laughed. "I doubt it. But don't worry. I promised I wouldn't give you what you deserve. But between you and me, you can go to hell."

"That's not fair," Ron said in Harry's defense."

"Fair? What do you know of fair, Weasel? Fair is when you get YOUR way."

Malcolm turned to go to his dorm, but Hermione risked grabbing his hand. "Malcolm, it was an accident."

"I don't care, Granger. And in view of who your friends are, we're no longer on a first name basis." Malcolm drew his wand. "You want ME to have an accident?"

Hermione let go of him. Malcolm didn't wait to see anyone's reaction but ran up to his dorm room. In seconds, all of his belongings were flying into his trunk. The trunk closed, and Malcolm sat heavily upon it.

I don't care what I promised. I'm going to show them what I can do. I'm going to show them what kind of accidents I can cause.

Releasing all of his anger, Malcolm pulled out his wand and opened the door to leave his dorm.

White.

Everything was white.

This happened once before.

After what seemed only a short time, the white faded into black. It was night. Malcolm was in a cemetery. At his feet was a gravestone. In the moonlight, he read, "Basil Malfoy. Beloved Brother. Beloved Friend."

The wand dropped from Malcolm's hand. His anger faded into tears as he began crying for no reason. Even after he stopped crying, he still stood there, unable to move.

Soft footsteps came up behind him. "Somehow, I thought I'd find you here."

"I'm not in the mood to listen."

"I listened to Draco, because I trusted him. The least you could do is listen to me."

Malcolm sighed. "You're going to tell me it was an accident."

"A mistake," Ginny corrected. "Harry found out about a new spell. He tried it before he knew what it would do. He tried it out on Draco. He only meant to defend himself."

"The best defense is a good offense. Potter did a great job."

"Better than he expected."

"Am I supposed to laugh."

"No. It wasn't a joke. Harry learned a valuable lesson in all of this. One he should have learned long ago. Some things should not be rushed into. I promise. He'll be less reckless from now on."

Malcolm turned to face Ginny. "And what about Draco?"

"I don't know how this will hit him. Draco's been talking to Moaning Myrtle. I - I can't explain it, but they became friends."

"I know. Dewey's been keeping on eye on him. Draco's never been in danger before. Not like this. Where it's constantly hanging over his head."

Ginny breathed a sigh of relief. "Can I walk you back to Gryffindor."

"I want to stay here a little longer. I just can't understand why I'm here in the first place."

Ginny walked up to Malcolm and took his hand. "Isn't it obvious. He was the reason that Draco and I began to like each other. Compassion comes though shared misery. That's how we learn we need to rely on other people. The way I rely on you, and Hermione, and my brothers. And Draco."

"And Harry," Malcolm added.

"That's Draco's fault. He kept reminding me of what I saw in Harry. Malcolm, can you understand. Harry was always above me. This proves he needs help. The way Basil proved that Draco needed friends. Draco and I were friends because we were equals. And now Harry can accept help from us because . . ."

"He screwed up big time and leveled the playing field."

Ginny gave Malcolm a frown. "You're mixing my metaphors."

"I'm tired. I guess I'll walk back with you. It's too late to move out, now."

"Move out?"

"I'm asking Snape tomorrow if I can change houses."

"Malcolm."

"Ginny. I almost lost my temper tonight. If I stay in Gryffindor . . ."

Ginny sighed in understanding. "I'll miss you."

Malcolm smiled slightly. "You could come, too."

Ginny returned his smile. "I'll think about it. I have friends in Slytherin."

They walked back in silence. Ginny seemed to know that Malcolm needed to think. They were at a turning point, when Malcolm spoke.

"I've changed my mind. I'm not going back."

"Malcolm, are you going to . . ."

"The infirmary. I want to talk to Draco before I do anything."

"But it's the middle of the night."

"Then I'll grab a bed and sleep there." Malcolm looked sadly at Ginny. "He's family. We're not much to look at. We're never pleasant to be around. But . . . we always stand up for each other. I want to talk to Draco, first."

Ginny called softly as Malcolm turned away.

Malcolm turned back.

"What?"

"Give Draco my love."

"Done."

"Did you find him?" Hermione asked when Ginny returned alone.

"He went to the infirmary. He's going to stay there until he can talk to Draco."

"Draco?" Hermione asked curiously.

Ginny blushed. "I always call him that when I feel sorry for him. You can blame Malcolm for that."

"Neville said the two of you had a wonderful time at his house."

Ginny couldn't help but smirk. "We did it mostly to annoy Malcolm. We even kissed under the mistletoe because Malcolm was watching."

Hermione hugged her friend. "I'm curious. What was it like with a 'nice' Draco Malfoy."

Ginny sighed. "He was everything I hoped Harry would be. And he was the one who convinced me that Harry and I never had a future."

"What did he say to do that?"

"It wasn't what he said. It was how he acted. He didn't really like me. He was playing a role. I realized then that he was acting the way Harry would have acted if he were there. He would have only been playing a role."

"Would this be a bad time to talk about Harry?"

"Probably. You must be as tired as I am. I'm sorry I snapped at you."

"I planned on berating Harry every way possible. Only he was already doing it to himself. You made me see that. I was blaming that book. He was blaming himself."

"Are we still friends?'

"Maybe. I wanted to ask you about Harry. He's finally noticed that you're alive. I thought you might still have feelings for him."

"They died a long time ago."

"That was a quick reply."

"I've been asked that question by almost everyone I've talked to since Christmas."

Hermione had to smile. "Everyone? As in?"

"Dean. Seamus had to ask, too. Luna. Colin AND Dennis Creevey. Malcolm. Dewey. He was asking on behalf of the giant squid. Draco, of course." Ginny paused, then added quickly to cover her blunder. "Malfoy thinks it's funny that he's kissed me and Harry never even thought about it."

Hermione grinned. "I think Malfoy was wrong about that. I've been watching Harry. You should have seen his face when I told him you and Dean broke up." She smiled as she saw the mixed emotions cross Ginny's face.

"I think it's time for bed." Ginny rushed to her dorm room before Hermione could say anything else. Hermione smiled. Something good may have happened tonight after all.

"You should be in bed," Severus Snape said as he saw Malcolm approach the infirmary.

"I have to go back to Gryffindor for that."

Snape noted the anger and hurt in the boy's tone of voice.

"If you came to see Draco, you may be in luck. He is awake now, but Madam Pomfrey is giving him a final examination to make sure he will heal properly."

"Professor, can I ask you a question?"

"If you must."

"Has a student ever changed houses?"

"This school is over a thousand years old. It must have happened once or twice. Do I need to ask why."

Malcolm's voice was sure of itself. "I think I'd be better off in Slytherin."

"Thank you for stating the obvious." Severus put a fatherly hand on Malcolm's shoulder. "If you want to, I will do everything I can to bring you into my house. You are already an Honorary Slytherin. It is only a small step to make that a reality."

"You're about to say BUT."

"You are a smart boy, Malcolm. But the truth is: I was hoping you would come by so that I could ask you a favor. It concerns Potter."

Malcolm smiled maliciously. "What would you like me to do?"

Severus had to smile at the boy's enthusiasm. "Nothing like what you did to Nott. Although that was a very clever thing."

"He didn't try to hurt me, so I didn't try to hurt him. Potter's different."

Snape's gentle hand became a firm grip as his voice became firm. "Potter's punishment is in my hands. If anything happens to him it is because I did it. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir." The grin returned. "And what would you like me to do to him?"

"I'm sorry, Malcolm. I only want you to watch him."

"Watch him?"

Severus smiled in response to Malcolm's frown. "I want to know everything he does. Every person he talks to. Everything he says. I want to be able to use anything I can against him. I want to hurt him as badly as he hurt my favorite student." His voice became sinister. "And I want to do it without using any magic."

Severus and Malcolm shared malicious grins.

That is something I can relate to. It's like a parody of that old commercial. His mind's screwed up . . . And I Helped.

"I'll do everything I can, Professor. I promise."

"And I promise you, Malcolm. I will see to it that next year you and your brother will be wearing the same emblem on your robes. And no, I'm not kicking him out."

He knew I would ask that.