A/N: Okay, here are eight pages for all of my beautiful readers who must
think that I have died. Eight. That's all I have managed to type up since
the last chapter. To anyone who may think that being a camp counselor is
easy work, think again! I miss bed! I miss real food! I miss a normal
life! Okay, complaints are done. Here is the next chapter, with the rest
to follow soon! I'm coming home on Auguest 2nd! Woo-hoo! Thanks to all
of my faithful readers!
"Tom Riddle was a fine public speaker when I first met him." Lucius Malfoy started in his testimony. "His charisma drew people in easily, made them trust him, and believe what he had to say." He paused. "So sad that it all changed before any of us could make it out. We all had families at that point, and Tom Riddle used that fact to his advantage. He threatened their lives if we did not follow his orders."
Harry sat in his seat, fuming. He absently rubbed his scar. Ever since Malfoy had entered the room, his scar had hurt to the point of bringing tears. He fought them back and continued to rub at it. Snape tapped him on the shoulder and passed him two pills. One was his dose, and the other was a painkiller. Combined, they might actually relieve some of the pain that was centered on Harry's scar. He downed the pills quickly and thanked Snape.
"Mr. Malfoy, I know that this must be very painful for you," Harry snorted at that statement, "but could you give us some specifics of the events?" Malfoy paused, as though hesitant. Harry knew through his scar that Malfoy was very, very pleased with the way things were working in his favor.
"I shall try." Malfoy settled himself in his seat and asked for a glass of water. "Tom Riddle is a master manipulator, so it is no wonder that he was able to manipulate a vulnerable boy." Harry felt eyes move over him. "If he couldn't get his way though manipulation, he found other ways. Potions and spells, for example." Harry ground his teeth. He wanted to throttle Malfoy six ways from Thursday, perhaps even twice over! How dare he say such things about Tom? Tom and Voldemort were not the same person! Harry wished he could stand up and scream it to the room, but the amount of attention he was currently receiving thanks to the "vulnerable boy" comment from Malfoy was already too much. He didn't think that he could stand anymore being added.
A loud gasp went through the room at something Malfoy had said. Harry looked up, then around. No clues there. A voice in his ear made him jump. "He mentioned what Voldemort found entertaining. Be happy you weren't paying attention." Harry nodded his thanks to Severus and looked over at Draco. The color on his friend's face was almost non-existent.
"You okay, mate?" Harry asked. Draco nodded and sank a little further in his seat. Harry had a feeling that Draco would have nightmares that night. Harry decided that h e would convince Draco to spend the night in Severus's chambers. It seemed that he always slept better there, rather than the dorm room.
"His fondness for young children was common knowledge, especially boys." Malfoy's voice broke through Harry's thoughts. He shrank back in his seat as the court room exploded into a furious mob. The judge managed to restore order in the courtroom quickly.
"Remove the prisoner for his safety!" She ordered. Harry started to his feet to protest, but Snape pulled him back down. Tom looked back at Harry as he was led out of the room. He mouthed the words "Stay safe" before he was pulled out of sight. Harry sighed and lowered his eyes. He didn't want to look at anyone. "In light of recent discoveries, I feel it my duty to assign some security for Mr. Potter until the trial is over." Several Aurors jumped to their feet, volunteering their services. "Let's have a recess until tomorrow morning, nine a.m." She pointed out two Aurors. "Mr. Potter, will you approach the bench, please?" Harry sighed and stood up. He wove his way through the people up to the judge. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to keep you away from Mr. Riddle until we figure out whether or not these allegations are true." Harry nodded and moved away.
Harry stormed out of the courtroom, barely controlling his rage at the testimony given by Lucius Malfoy. He had been honest about everything, of course. Now, thanks to Lucius Malfoy's testimony, Harry had been banned from even speaking to Tom. Aurors were assigned to Harry as bodyguards until the trial was over. The two assigned to him were now racing to catch up to the seething teenager. Draco pushed his way past them.
"Harry!" Harry whirled and stopped. Draco caught up to him. "Mate, I know you're upset, but let's wait for Professor Snape, okay/" Harry nodded and leaned against the wall as he watched Professor Snape make his way through the crowd. He reached dup with one hand and absently rubbed his scar. He stopped when he saw one of the Aurors staring at it. He scar had throbbed the whole time Malfoy had been in the room.
Professor Snape finally caught up to them. "Are you both alright?" He asked. Harry nodded while he rubbed his scar, and Draco smiled. "Good." He looked at the Aurors and sighed. "Gentlemen." He said to the Aurors before turning and starting towards the Floo station. "You both have Transfiguration this afternoon, correct?"
"Yes, sir." Draco answered.
"Make sure that your head of house knows of our two guests." Severus said. Harry and Draco nodded. They nearly bumped into their professor when the man stopped suddenly. Harry peeked around his teacher. Press. He sighed heavily. When would he be left alone?
"Let's go the other way, Professor. I don't think I can deal with them today, sir." Snape eyed him before nodding.
"All right. This way." Severus herded the two boys in the opposite direction. Harry and Draco turned the corner. Harry's hands flew to his forehead in pain as he bounced off of someone. Harry's wand appeared in his hand as he stumbled back.
"Well, well. If it isn't Harry Potter!" Lucius Malfoy said in an over polite voice that grated on Harry's nerves.
"Lucius." Professor Snape said as he turned the corner, wand already in hand. He eyed Malfoy, looking for a threat.
"Severus, good to see you." Harry could almost hear Severus roll his eyes.
Harry's vision faded from the dusty read it had gained from contact with Malfoy. He saw Draco next to him with his wand out. The Aurors looked completely confused with the whole situation. Malfoy's gaze shifted from Harry to Draco.
"Hello, son. How is school going?" Draco backed up to stand next to Severus, his face showing nothing but complete disgust for the man in front of him.
"I'm not your son." Malfoy's face twisted in fury. Harry clutched his wand a little tighter.
"You will return to me." He said. The Aurors finally stepped forward.
"Gentlemen, I'm not sure what his going on between the two of you, but we should return Mr. Potter to school." Lucius Malfoy nodded and moved away. Harry waited until he was around the corner before allowing himself to drop to the ground. Snape stepped forward and knelt next to Harry.
"Are you alright?" Harry nodded and took a deep breath. He pulled himself to his feet and leaned against the wall.
"As long as Madame Pomfrey doesn't see me." Harry mumbled. Snape gave him a small grin.
"Well then, we'll have to make sure that we smuggle you past her." Snape started forward, motioning the two boys to follow him. "Tomorrow is our turn in court, boys. Do not worry until then." Both Harry and Draco followed. Snape motioned them through the Floo. Draco went first, and was there in time to see Harry stumble out of the fireplace and fall to his knees. He got back to his feet and started brushing himself off.
"I cannot wait until I learn to Apparate." He mumbled while Snape stepped out; the two bodyguards came just behind him. Snape handed each of them their backpack.
"Get to class, the two of you. Remember your Potions essay." Harry and Draco nodded and left, the two bodyguards trailing behind them. Harry rolled his eyes at Draco. Draco checked behind them, smiled and drabbed Harry's hand. Draco broke out into a run, pulling Harry along with him.
"Draco, stop!" Draco turned another corner. "What was that all about?" Harry demanded as Draco finally decided to stop. Draco laughed again and shook his head.
"Ever wonder how I ever got any peace from Crabbe and Goyle?" Harry nodded, knowing that Draco had complained in the past about his old shadows. "Well that was how I did it. It worked well when the stairways changed." Harry only smiled. "Come on, let's get to Transfiguration." Draco and Harry made their way through the halls to the Transfiguration classroom. Professor McGonagall was waiting for them.
"Mr. Potter, Draco." She said, motioning them to chairs. "You're both early, and Professor Snape fire-called me about some bodyguards of yours, Mr. Potter, but I don't see them." Harry sighed, ready to justify his actions to his teacher, if possible, or face the consequences.
'I'm afraid that it's my fault, Professor." Draco spoke up from next to Harry. "I pulled Harry along. I used to do it to Crabbe and Goyle, when they followed me around." McGonagall pursed her lips.
"Ten points from Gryffindor, Mr. Draco, for being rude to guests of Hogwarts. I expect no repetition of this behavior in the future, understood?" Draco nodded and looked at Harry apologetically. "Why don't you prepare for class? It will be starting shortly." Harry and Draco pulled out their notes and books. They were talking when the bodyguards finally found the classroom.
"Are you alright, Mr. Potter?" One Auror asked, eyeing Draco as though he were a danger to all of wizarding society.
"Fine, Draco and I were just, er, playing tag. That's all." Draco snorted, but the Aurors seemed to accept Harry's word that he was fine. They both moved to the back of the classroom, so they would be out of the way of the professor. Harry proceeded to ignore them and readied himself for class. The door opened and the rest of the class started coming in. Hermione froze in the doorway, seeing the Aurors right away. She frowned and crept over to Harry and Draco and took her seat.
"Something's happened." She stated. "What?" she asked. Harry sighed.
"Lucius Malfoy gave his testimony today." Harry told her, toying with his quill. "Now, I'm not even allowed to speak to Tom, much less see him." Hermione gave him a sympathetic look. "The judge ordered two bodyguards to follow me around now." Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed.
"You probably know more spells than they do." She muttered, motioning towards the Aurors with one hand while digging into her bag with the other. She made a small noise of triumph when she found her parchment, and then proceeded to dig again, obviously searching for something else. "That's so stupid!" She commented, slamming her ink down on the desk, causing Draco to dodge flying ink.
"They'll realize that later." Harry said. "Professor McGonagall looks ready to start." Harry ignored everything else and took detailed notes as a way to forget his frustration with everyone else making decisions as to what was best for him. The only people he considered responsible for that were the people he gave permission to, namely Tom, Matthew, Professor Snape, and Professor Dumbledore. Hermione and Draco passed notes with Harry, making jokes about the intelligence of the prosecution. After class, it was easier to ignore the Aurors, as the rest of the school had already heard about them, and they seemed to want to ignore them, too. Dinner in the Great Hall was almost normal, with Hermione and Draco plotting a prank against Crabbe and Goyle.
"I think we should do it tomorrow morning, before you and Harry leave for court." Hermione said. "No one would suspect three Gryffindors of needing to be up before they absolutely have to." She took a sip of her juice. "No suspicion then." She waited for Draco's response.
"Good idea." Harry piped up, startling Draco into dropping his fork. "Jumpy, mate?"
"Stop doing that!" Draco demanded. "You're quiet forever and then you come out of nowhere." Draco said. He stopped and thought about Hermione's suggestions. "How will we get the potion into their food?" Harry paused a minute, thinking hard about Draco's question.
"Dobby." Harry answered. "We can ask Dobby. I think that he would be more than happy to help, considering who the victims are." Draco smiled and nodded.
"Good idea." Draco said, returning to his meal.
"No, great idea!" Hermione burst out. "Dobby is loyal to the both of you. Wild horses couldn't drag your names out of him." Harry grimaced at that idea, but nodded in agreement. Dobby wouldn't give up their names at all. He looked up at the Head Table and saw Professor Snape talking with the Headmaster, Remus and Hagrid were there, engrossed in some kind of conversation about something, probably something dangerous. No one would suspect the trio currently plotting an embarrassing situation to two Slytherin students whose combined intelligence was not enough to fill a standard potions vial.
Harry and Draco spent the evening in the library with Hermione to avoid the questions about what had happened with Ron. The other students had a hard time accepting Harry's need for privacy more often than not. Harry and Draco bickered over their Potions assignment and whether or not Snape wished for them to include their own private studies in their Hogwarts essay. Harry did so anyway, ignoring Hermione's sarcastic comments about how Weasley stupidity" was spreading.
"Didn't know it was contagious." Draco commented, looking through his Potions reference for an ingredient that Harry was almost sure did not exist after 1823. Draco, being his usual self, was trying to prove Harry wrong.
"No, you both have your own little shares." Hermione commented idly, flipping through her Ancient Runes text with a fury. Draco glared at her before going back to his work. Harry put the finishing touches on his own work before answering Hermione's comment.
"Perhaps you do too." Harry said, eyeing her frustration." Hermione shot him a glare before gathering up her things and stalking off. Harry turned and looked at Draco. "What did I say?"
"Don't know, mate. But I'm going to find out." Draco jumped up and went after Hermione. He found her storming down the hall, hands clenched in fury. "Hermione, what is it?" he asked, maneuvering himself in front of her, effectively blocking her way.
"Nothing. Now get out of my way." Draco was shocked to hear such a blunt statement out of her. Draco did the only thing he could think of. He folded his arms and locked his gaze onto her.
"No." She glared at him. "Sorry, I'm not the bonehead. Your glares don't work on me." She only continued staring him down. "I'm sorry, Hermione, but I'm bigger than you and I refuse to move."
"Fine. I broke up with Ron. Happy?" She started to push past him. Draco stuck out an arm and caught her.
"I'm sorry." He said sincerely. "I know that you had feelings for him." Hermione sighed and smiled a bit.
"Thank you, Draco." She stopped trying to run away and leaned against the wall.
"Want to talk?" Hermione nodded and Draco took her book bag from her an d slung it over his shoulder.
"It's just that he wouldn't change or listen to me at all!" she started. Draco walked with her, not really seeing where they were going, but instead focusing on her. She told him about Ron's feelings, and inability to talk to Harry. Draco nodded at the appropriate times, allowing only her to speak, allowing her to vent. The tow of them walked around the school for almost an hour.
He walked her to Gryffindor tower. "You should head to bed now. It's late." Hermione nodded and took her bag away from him.
"Thank you, Draco." She said. He nodded and waited until she shut the door behind her. He turned and headed back to the library. Harry was waiting for him outside the door, Draco's backpack at his feet.
"What was wrong with her?" Harry asked. Draco took up his backpack and shrugged it onto his shoulder.
"She broke up with Ron." Draco told him. "She was upset and needed to talk." Harry only nodded.
"Come on, let's get to bed." Harry said, tugging his friend along with him. Draco followed quietly, thinking about what Hermione had said. She didn't deserve to have a boyfriend who was so unpredictable. Perhaps when they were older, but not now. Not when Hermione was not sure of what her future would be within the wizarding world.
Harry fell into bed that night, ignoring the two new bodyguards who had come to replace the others. They stood silent as statues, eyes intent on the windows and doors, poised for any attack. Harry could only roll his eyes. They had even checked the bathrooms! Harry could understand having dedication to their jobs, but the teenager in him though it a bit excessive. His eyes closed of their own will and he was asleep before the lights were out.
A/N: Sorry, guys, but the next chapter will have a bit more action in it. Thanks for being patient! Sylvia
"Tom Riddle was a fine public speaker when I first met him." Lucius Malfoy started in his testimony. "His charisma drew people in easily, made them trust him, and believe what he had to say." He paused. "So sad that it all changed before any of us could make it out. We all had families at that point, and Tom Riddle used that fact to his advantage. He threatened their lives if we did not follow his orders."
Harry sat in his seat, fuming. He absently rubbed his scar. Ever since Malfoy had entered the room, his scar had hurt to the point of bringing tears. He fought them back and continued to rub at it. Snape tapped him on the shoulder and passed him two pills. One was his dose, and the other was a painkiller. Combined, they might actually relieve some of the pain that was centered on Harry's scar. He downed the pills quickly and thanked Snape.
"Mr. Malfoy, I know that this must be very painful for you," Harry snorted at that statement, "but could you give us some specifics of the events?" Malfoy paused, as though hesitant. Harry knew through his scar that Malfoy was very, very pleased with the way things were working in his favor.
"I shall try." Malfoy settled himself in his seat and asked for a glass of water. "Tom Riddle is a master manipulator, so it is no wonder that he was able to manipulate a vulnerable boy." Harry felt eyes move over him. "If he couldn't get his way though manipulation, he found other ways. Potions and spells, for example." Harry ground his teeth. He wanted to throttle Malfoy six ways from Thursday, perhaps even twice over! How dare he say such things about Tom? Tom and Voldemort were not the same person! Harry wished he could stand up and scream it to the room, but the amount of attention he was currently receiving thanks to the "vulnerable boy" comment from Malfoy was already too much. He didn't think that he could stand anymore being added.
A loud gasp went through the room at something Malfoy had said. Harry looked up, then around. No clues there. A voice in his ear made him jump. "He mentioned what Voldemort found entertaining. Be happy you weren't paying attention." Harry nodded his thanks to Severus and looked over at Draco. The color on his friend's face was almost non-existent.
"You okay, mate?" Harry asked. Draco nodded and sank a little further in his seat. Harry had a feeling that Draco would have nightmares that night. Harry decided that h e would convince Draco to spend the night in Severus's chambers. It seemed that he always slept better there, rather than the dorm room.
"His fondness for young children was common knowledge, especially boys." Malfoy's voice broke through Harry's thoughts. He shrank back in his seat as the court room exploded into a furious mob. The judge managed to restore order in the courtroom quickly.
"Remove the prisoner for his safety!" She ordered. Harry started to his feet to protest, but Snape pulled him back down. Tom looked back at Harry as he was led out of the room. He mouthed the words "Stay safe" before he was pulled out of sight. Harry sighed and lowered his eyes. He didn't want to look at anyone. "In light of recent discoveries, I feel it my duty to assign some security for Mr. Potter until the trial is over." Several Aurors jumped to their feet, volunteering their services. "Let's have a recess until tomorrow morning, nine a.m." She pointed out two Aurors. "Mr. Potter, will you approach the bench, please?" Harry sighed and stood up. He wove his way through the people up to the judge. "I'm afraid I'm going to have to keep you away from Mr. Riddle until we figure out whether or not these allegations are true." Harry nodded and moved away.
Harry stormed out of the courtroom, barely controlling his rage at the testimony given by Lucius Malfoy. He had been honest about everything, of course. Now, thanks to Lucius Malfoy's testimony, Harry had been banned from even speaking to Tom. Aurors were assigned to Harry as bodyguards until the trial was over. The two assigned to him were now racing to catch up to the seething teenager. Draco pushed his way past them.
"Harry!" Harry whirled and stopped. Draco caught up to him. "Mate, I know you're upset, but let's wait for Professor Snape, okay/" Harry nodded and leaned against the wall as he watched Professor Snape make his way through the crowd. He reached dup with one hand and absently rubbed his scar. He stopped when he saw one of the Aurors staring at it. He scar had throbbed the whole time Malfoy had been in the room.
Professor Snape finally caught up to them. "Are you both alright?" He asked. Harry nodded while he rubbed his scar, and Draco smiled. "Good." He looked at the Aurors and sighed. "Gentlemen." He said to the Aurors before turning and starting towards the Floo station. "You both have Transfiguration this afternoon, correct?"
"Yes, sir." Draco answered.
"Make sure that your head of house knows of our two guests." Severus said. Harry and Draco nodded. They nearly bumped into their professor when the man stopped suddenly. Harry peeked around his teacher. Press. He sighed heavily. When would he be left alone?
"Let's go the other way, Professor. I don't think I can deal with them today, sir." Snape eyed him before nodding.
"All right. This way." Severus herded the two boys in the opposite direction. Harry and Draco turned the corner. Harry's hands flew to his forehead in pain as he bounced off of someone. Harry's wand appeared in his hand as he stumbled back.
"Well, well. If it isn't Harry Potter!" Lucius Malfoy said in an over polite voice that grated on Harry's nerves.
"Lucius." Professor Snape said as he turned the corner, wand already in hand. He eyed Malfoy, looking for a threat.
"Severus, good to see you." Harry could almost hear Severus roll his eyes.
Harry's vision faded from the dusty read it had gained from contact with Malfoy. He saw Draco next to him with his wand out. The Aurors looked completely confused with the whole situation. Malfoy's gaze shifted from Harry to Draco.
"Hello, son. How is school going?" Draco backed up to stand next to Severus, his face showing nothing but complete disgust for the man in front of him.
"I'm not your son." Malfoy's face twisted in fury. Harry clutched his wand a little tighter.
"You will return to me." He said. The Aurors finally stepped forward.
"Gentlemen, I'm not sure what his going on between the two of you, but we should return Mr. Potter to school." Lucius Malfoy nodded and moved away. Harry waited until he was around the corner before allowing himself to drop to the ground. Snape stepped forward and knelt next to Harry.
"Are you alright?" Harry nodded and took a deep breath. He pulled himself to his feet and leaned against the wall.
"As long as Madame Pomfrey doesn't see me." Harry mumbled. Snape gave him a small grin.
"Well then, we'll have to make sure that we smuggle you past her." Snape started forward, motioning the two boys to follow him. "Tomorrow is our turn in court, boys. Do not worry until then." Both Harry and Draco followed. Snape motioned them through the Floo. Draco went first, and was there in time to see Harry stumble out of the fireplace and fall to his knees. He got back to his feet and started brushing himself off.
"I cannot wait until I learn to Apparate." He mumbled while Snape stepped out; the two bodyguards came just behind him. Snape handed each of them their backpack.
"Get to class, the two of you. Remember your Potions essay." Harry and Draco nodded and left, the two bodyguards trailing behind them. Harry rolled his eyes at Draco. Draco checked behind them, smiled and drabbed Harry's hand. Draco broke out into a run, pulling Harry along with him.
"Draco, stop!" Draco turned another corner. "What was that all about?" Harry demanded as Draco finally decided to stop. Draco laughed again and shook his head.
"Ever wonder how I ever got any peace from Crabbe and Goyle?" Harry nodded, knowing that Draco had complained in the past about his old shadows. "Well that was how I did it. It worked well when the stairways changed." Harry only smiled. "Come on, let's get to Transfiguration." Draco and Harry made their way through the halls to the Transfiguration classroom. Professor McGonagall was waiting for them.
"Mr. Potter, Draco." She said, motioning them to chairs. "You're both early, and Professor Snape fire-called me about some bodyguards of yours, Mr. Potter, but I don't see them." Harry sighed, ready to justify his actions to his teacher, if possible, or face the consequences.
'I'm afraid that it's my fault, Professor." Draco spoke up from next to Harry. "I pulled Harry along. I used to do it to Crabbe and Goyle, when they followed me around." McGonagall pursed her lips.
"Ten points from Gryffindor, Mr. Draco, for being rude to guests of Hogwarts. I expect no repetition of this behavior in the future, understood?" Draco nodded and looked at Harry apologetically. "Why don't you prepare for class? It will be starting shortly." Harry and Draco pulled out their notes and books. They were talking when the bodyguards finally found the classroom.
"Are you alright, Mr. Potter?" One Auror asked, eyeing Draco as though he were a danger to all of wizarding society.
"Fine, Draco and I were just, er, playing tag. That's all." Draco snorted, but the Aurors seemed to accept Harry's word that he was fine. They both moved to the back of the classroom, so they would be out of the way of the professor. Harry proceeded to ignore them and readied himself for class. The door opened and the rest of the class started coming in. Hermione froze in the doorway, seeing the Aurors right away. She frowned and crept over to Harry and Draco and took her seat.
"Something's happened." She stated. "What?" she asked. Harry sighed.
"Lucius Malfoy gave his testimony today." Harry told her, toying with his quill. "Now, I'm not even allowed to speak to Tom, much less see him." Hermione gave him a sympathetic look. "The judge ordered two bodyguards to follow me around now." Hermione rolled her eyes and sighed.
"You probably know more spells than they do." She muttered, motioning towards the Aurors with one hand while digging into her bag with the other. She made a small noise of triumph when she found her parchment, and then proceeded to dig again, obviously searching for something else. "That's so stupid!" She commented, slamming her ink down on the desk, causing Draco to dodge flying ink.
"They'll realize that later." Harry said. "Professor McGonagall looks ready to start." Harry ignored everything else and took detailed notes as a way to forget his frustration with everyone else making decisions as to what was best for him. The only people he considered responsible for that were the people he gave permission to, namely Tom, Matthew, Professor Snape, and Professor Dumbledore. Hermione and Draco passed notes with Harry, making jokes about the intelligence of the prosecution. After class, it was easier to ignore the Aurors, as the rest of the school had already heard about them, and they seemed to want to ignore them, too. Dinner in the Great Hall was almost normal, with Hermione and Draco plotting a prank against Crabbe and Goyle.
"I think we should do it tomorrow morning, before you and Harry leave for court." Hermione said. "No one would suspect three Gryffindors of needing to be up before they absolutely have to." She took a sip of her juice. "No suspicion then." She waited for Draco's response.
"Good idea." Harry piped up, startling Draco into dropping his fork. "Jumpy, mate?"
"Stop doing that!" Draco demanded. "You're quiet forever and then you come out of nowhere." Draco said. He stopped and thought about Hermione's suggestions. "How will we get the potion into their food?" Harry paused a minute, thinking hard about Draco's question.
"Dobby." Harry answered. "We can ask Dobby. I think that he would be more than happy to help, considering who the victims are." Draco smiled and nodded.
"Good idea." Draco said, returning to his meal.
"No, great idea!" Hermione burst out. "Dobby is loyal to the both of you. Wild horses couldn't drag your names out of him." Harry grimaced at that idea, but nodded in agreement. Dobby wouldn't give up their names at all. He looked up at the Head Table and saw Professor Snape talking with the Headmaster, Remus and Hagrid were there, engrossed in some kind of conversation about something, probably something dangerous. No one would suspect the trio currently plotting an embarrassing situation to two Slytherin students whose combined intelligence was not enough to fill a standard potions vial.
Harry and Draco spent the evening in the library with Hermione to avoid the questions about what had happened with Ron. The other students had a hard time accepting Harry's need for privacy more often than not. Harry and Draco bickered over their Potions assignment and whether or not Snape wished for them to include their own private studies in their Hogwarts essay. Harry did so anyway, ignoring Hermione's sarcastic comments about how Weasley stupidity" was spreading.
"Didn't know it was contagious." Draco commented, looking through his Potions reference for an ingredient that Harry was almost sure did not exist after 1823. Draco, being his usual self, was trying to prove Harry wrong.
"No, you both have your own little shares." Hermione commented idly, flipping through her Ancient Runes text with a fury. Draco glared at her before going back to his work. Harry put the finishing touches on his own work before answering Hermione's comment.
"Perhaps you do too." Harry said, eyeing her frustration." Hermione shot him a glare before gathering up her things and stalking off. Harry turned and looked at Draco. "What did I say?"
"Don't know, mate. But I'm going to find out." Draco jumped up and went after Hermione. He found her storming down the hall, hands clenched in fury. "Hermione, what is it?" he asked, maneuvering himself in front of her, effectively blocking her way.
"Nothing. Now get out of my way." Draco was shocked to hear such a blunt statement out of her. Draco did the only thing he could think of. He folded his arms and locked his gaze onto her.
"No." She glared at him. "Sorry, I'm not the bonehead. Your glares don't work on me." She only continued staring him down. "I'm sorry, Hermione, but I'm bigger than you and I refuse to move."
"Fine. I broke up with Ron. Happy?" She started to push past him. Draco stuck out an arm and caught her.
"I'm sorry." He said sincerely. "I know that you had feelings for him." Hermione sighed and smiled a bit.
"Thank you, Draco." She stopped trying to run away and leaned against the wall.
"Want to talk?" Hermione nodded and Draco took her book bag from her an d slung it over his shoulder.
"It's just that he wouldn't change or listen to me at all!" she started. Draco walked with her, not really seeing where they were going, but instead focusing on her. She told him about Ron's feelings, and inability to talk to Harry. Draco nodded at the appropriate times, allowing only her to speak, allowing her to vent. The tow of them walked around the school for almost an hour.
He walked her to Gryffindor tower. "You should head to bed now. It's late." Hermione nodded and took her bag away from him.
"Thank you, Draco." She said. He nodded and waited until she shut the door behind her. He turned and headed back to the library. Harry was waiting for him outside the door, Draco's backpack at his feet.
"What was wrong with her?" Harry asked. Draco took up his backpack and shrugged it onto his shoulder.
"She broke up with Ron." Draco told him. "She was upset and needed to talk." Harry only nodded.
"Come on, let's get to bed." Harry said, tugging his friend along with him. Draco followed quietly, thinking about what Hermione had said. She didn't deserve to have a boyfriend who was so unpredictable. Perhaps when they were older, but not now. Not when Hermione was not sure of what her future would be within the wizarding world.
Harry fell into bed that night, ignoring the two new bodyguards who had come to replace the others. They stood silent as statues, eyes intent on the windows and doors, poised for any attack. Harry could only roll his eyes. They had even checked the bathrooms! Harry could understand having dedication to their jobs, but the teenager in him though it a bit excessive. His eyes closed of their own will and he was asleep before the lights were out.
A/N: Sorry, guys, but the next chapter will have a bit more action in it. Thanks for being patient! Sylvia