Dear Draco,
Thank you for your letter, we're very happy that you're having fun at Hogwarts. You're correct, it might prove beneficial to attend those "Harry's ARMY" meetings. I generously accept your request for more pocket money, because you will, of course, use it to broaden your educational horizons. You will find a few thousand Galleons in the package, alongside a few expensive pieces of jewelry. Don't tell mum about this transaction, I might be in trouble if she finds out. Have fun and make us (and the Gryffindor House) proud.
Love you, Lucius
Draco sighed and eyed the gigantic package. I don't think my father understands the concept of pocket money. With a few thousand Galleons, Draco could buy a grand mansion and still have enough to live a peaceful life without ever needing to work.
"Do you need any help carrying that?" Hermione asked as she looked at the enormous package curiously.
Draco tried lifting it by himself and found that he could do it with ease. "Thank you, but there's no need, my father must have used the feather-light charm."
After a moment, Draco excused himself and, carrying the package, started a long walk to his dormitory. The first meeting of Harry's ARMY was scheduled for the evening and most of the students seemed excited. Draco himself couldn't help but feel a bit of disappointment. He wanted to be close friends with Harry, but for the last few days, the black-haired boy didn't seem to be around often. He attended classes with them, but apart from that, it was practically impossible to find him.
It's alright. I will just make the Dark Lord notice me during the meeting. I will show him that I'm worthy of being his friend.
With some optimism back, Draco noticed that he was already entering the Gryffindor common room. He eyed the moving poster of Harry again and a determined look crossed his face.
Soon, I'll be on the poster too, as the Dark Lord's best friend. And his right-hand man.
As the time of the first meeting of Harry's ARMY approached, Draco found himself looking at a huge crowd. Practically all students were gathered in front of an unused classroom that was supposed to be their meeting place. Students of all ages mingled, chatting with each other and exchanging thoughts about the boy who lived. The crowd buzzed with excitement at the prospect of studying under the guidance of the boy who defeated the Dark Lord. Some of the older students looked a bit doubtful but they were there nonetheless.
Draco tried to find some familiar faces in the crowd. He noticed his two Slytherin spies standing near him, eating what appeared to be a chocolate whale, the newest invention trying to copy the success of chocolate frogs. Draco grimaced as Crabbe and Goyle continued stuffing themselves with the giant chocolate mammal.
"Hey guys," Draco said as he walked up to the duo.
They noticed him and smiled, thankfully not trying to say anything while their mouths were still full.
Draco waited patiently for them to stop munching. "Is it any good? Or just… big?" he asked them, pointing at the half-eaten chocolate whale.
Goyle nodded energetically. "It's great! Mostly because it's so big, but also, if you put it in water, it transforms into an amazing chocolate drink, you have to try it Draco…" he said, clearly fantasizing about the taste.
"Well, I'll have to try it someday then," Draco said unimpressed. "Are you guys here for the meeting too?"
Crabbe nodded. "Everyone went here, so we decided to follow."
"How are you doing with your task? Did you find out anything interesting?" Draco asked, not really expecting anything.
"Sorry, we tried to follow Potter, but he's too difficult to find. But we did manage to follow Daphne the other day," Crabbe whispered.
Draco raised his eyebrows. "What did you find out?"
"Not much, unfortunately. She noticed we were following her and screamed at us for a bit. She's scary Draco, we don't want to spy on her anymore," Crabbe said, his cheeks a little red from embarrassment.
"It's okay guys, you tried your best. You don't have to spy on them anymore," Draco said soothingly.
"What should we do then?" Goyle asked, taking a big bite of the chocolate.
Draco thought about it for a moment. He had to come up with a suitable task for them so they wouldn't be bored. His musing was interrupted by a chilly voice which made the crowd go completely quiet.
"What exactly is happening here?"
Draco glanced to his left and found the tall figure of Severus Snape looking straight at him.
"Hello uncle," Draco said with a smile.
The Potions Professor responded with a sigh. "Well?" he asked once more, his voice impatient.
Draco motioned at the crowd. "Everyone's gathered here for the first meeting of Harry's ARMY," he said nonchalantly.
His uncle didn't show any visible emotion on his pale face but it took him a moment to respond. "Harry's… ARMY?" he repeated slowly, as if not quite believing what he was saying.
"Yes, exactly," Draco said with good humour. "Harry will be teaching us all advanced magic for a small price. But the first meeting is free, that's why everyone is here."
Snape was still frozen in his spot, his expression empty. "I…" he started, but took a few seconds to continue, "I don't have the strength for this," he finally said and swiftly turned around, walking away at uncharacteristically quick pace.
"Uncle seems a bit weird," Draco said to no one in particular after a moment.
"Please don't make us spy on him," Crabbe said, panic evident in his voice. "If Daphne is scary, he is…" the boy paused dramatically, "... scarier."
Draco shook his head. "Don't worry guys, I won't. But uncle Severus isn't scary, he is actually really nice and—"
The sound of a door opening interrupted Draco's speech. The classroom was now opened and the oldest students took a tentative step inside.
"Welcome," Harry's clearly amplified voice could be heard even in the corridor, "to the first meeting of Harry's ARMY!" he spoke confidently. "Please, come in everyone, there's plenty enough space for all of you."
With a deep breath, Draco took the first step towards the classroom.
I will prove that I'm worthy of your friendship.