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Chapter 7
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Draco's POV
'Legilmens!'
There's a rush of colour, of thoughts. I can see an empty portrait, hear it talking. Nothing of use. Something about a map, but Potter's fighting back. The talking is faint. Another flash of colour and a familiar face is staring at me, the face of a werewolf. He looks surprised - hurt and shocked, and if possible, sad. Good. Maybe Potter's killed him. It's no good. Potter's fighting back to well: the picture fades, and the words exchanged are lost.
I can hear Potter's voice: 'Protego!'
Darkness.
Oh great. I never knew that Potter knew how to fight and use Occlumency. I guess it's a tough world. I'll have to catch him while he's asleep - maybe I can deduce more then.
I look up. I'm in my dormitory in the Slytherin Common Room, completely awake and bored of the dark. I get up, toss a robe over myself (it's too cold for just pyjamas), and walk into the common room. I never did like it much but…
I kneel down by the fire place, and a face emerges.
"Draco," It sneers. "I've been waiting for a long time now."
I look down into the face of Snape, and shoot him a reproving look. "You were right. They haven't expelled me - yet." I say grudgingly. "But it's only a matter of time."
"Yes, but we must prevail for now, Draco. Have you tried searching Potter's thoughts."
"I'm not stupid!" I say contemptibly. "There was nothing of use. Remus Lupin, and a picture on the wall. But then he protected himself using a shield charm and I lost it." I kick at an armchair forcefully.
"Remus Lupin?" Says Snape, surprised. "Interesting, interesting. Never mind, Draco. Indeed, though it pains me to say it, Potter has a good mind and a vast knowledge. He is tricky, Malfoy, but we mustn't let that ruin it for us."
"So, what do I do now?"
"I believe you made an alliance with one of the ghosts here? Well. First, it would be helpful to have someone tracking those two pests Weasley and Granger" (my heart gave a pang) "and have her report back. Meanwhile, I believe the Vanishing Cabinet may still be functional. It can be used to smuggle useful things into Hogwarts. You know the Great Lord wishes both Granger, Weasley, and McGonagall dead. Well, these are my first assignments you, Draco - and good luck."
His head vanished.
Well, that had been helpful. NOT.
Killing people was much easier said than done. And it wasn't just the courage you had to muster - it was the fact that there was an awful lot of planning involved, and you always had to have a back up plan, just in case. Stressful work, killing people.
Weasley I had no problem with. And McGonagall - she was an annoyance. But Granger? Hm. Granger. What about her? There's nothing about her I'm interested in. Nothing at all. Zilch. Zero. Sweet FA. Well, maybe…
NO! For god's sake, just get on with it before the Great Lord decides to test you on how good you are at Occlumency. He'll soon find out about your crus - no! Non-existent relationship - and your doubts, I tell myself desperately. I run back into my dormitory and try to wipe my mind clean, just in case. The Great Lord will be interested to why I'm not letting hear my thoughts - but it's far better than letting him see them.
Okay, I'm tired now. Honest.
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Note from Author: And find out about what's going to happen to Harry… tomorrow! Bwahahahahah! Please R & R. Eternally grateful, SP.