Title: Prise de Fer

Disclaimer: Not my characters, not my universe, not my livelihood. All fun and games and maybe more besides.

Author's Note: Ah, the end of the first portion. Sure, things are tame, but that's because it's only just begun. The plan for the next part is different: a story completely devoid of dialogue, with an accompanying transcription of all conversation. Think of it like reading a summary of a meeting, then being given an audio tape recorded during it. If you have strong feelings for or against this, let me know.

Thanks to all readers.

Chapter 8: Dégagement

"Have you ever actually seen the squid?"

"Good afternoon to you, too, Finnigan."

"Not that I really need see it to believe it, but I'm not seeing it, and I come by here all the time. From the way Fred and George are telling of it, you aren't passing by the lake without seeing it. You know them, but: can only be trusting them so far or you'll wake up with a beak and yellow feathers. Speaking of twisting hay…"

"As interesting as I'm sure it would be to listen to you expound on the merits of grass-weaving, don't you at all wonder why I'm here?"

"To see the squid, same as me."

"You…why are you doing this?"

"Well, I didn't have much else do, seeing as the lads already had plans, and I'm always hearing so much about this giant squid in the lake, so I says to meself…"

"Can you be serious just for a moment, Finnigan? I want to know if you're serious."

"If I weren'tn't, it's certain I could think of better things doing with my free time, rather than sitting about being slagged by you."

"I haven't insulted you yet."

"So you haven't."

"But…why?"

"Because you didn't deserve what they did to you and, so, with friends like that, who wants enemies?"

"You're serious."

"So I am."

"And nobody else can find out."

"Naturally."

""And this doesn't mean I want to…"

"Of course not. You're Malfoy."

"Right."

"Now that you mention it, why are you here?"

"Well, I suppose if that squid isn't planning on making an appearance, you'll need someone to listen to your blather."

"You're just envious of my eloquence."

"Your eloquence? Try nonsense."

"Now, nonsense, I can do."

"Ugh, wake me up when it's over."

"You best not be falling asleep on me. I might need feed you to the squid, so."

"Is that a threat, Finnigan?"

"Friendly advice."