Author's Note: I'm so sorry for not publishing. For those who kept my grandma in their prayers, thank you so much. She unfortunately passed away last Sunday and my heart wasn't in it to update, but I mustered enough motivation to write this little tidbit for you all. I'll update a proper chapter next week. Thank you so much for waiting.

Chapter 12: The Rise of an Old Foe and The Bet

"Tell me, Severus, why have to seen fit to adopt the boy who slew your master?" Quirinus Quirrell, Professor of Defense Against the Dark Arts, walked around Severus, the voice of an old foe spoke from the unknown.

Severus was frightened. The Dark Lord, slain on the night of Halloween, was speaking to him once more. Severus immediately tightened his Occlumency shields to prevent the Dark Lord from entering his mind.

"Rise."

Severus's leg was numb from being in the same position for so long. He ignored the sharp pains from his leg and stared into the eyes of Quirrell. "Where is my master?" Severus asked as his lip curled in disgust at the man in front of him. Quirrell sneered right back. "Do as he says, servent." With trembling hands, Quirrell unwrapped the purple turban on his head and turned around, his back facing Severus

Underneath the turban mortified Severus. Instead of the pale smooth of the back of a head, another head etched onto Quirrell's head stared right back at him. It's Pigeon Blood eyes boring into his Onyx ones.

"A pleasure to see one of my most loyal. I believe that we were to discuss," the Dark Lord paused, "certain actions you have done during my absence. Sit on your couch. I would hate to bore you while you stand." With a quick lick to his lips, Severus moved to sit on his couch.

The lights in Severus' quarters dimmed as the Dark Lord, known as Lord Voldemort, began to talk in a low charismatic tone, through the back of Quirrell's head.

E&H E

"Albus, what shall we do? The Potter boy must prove his worth soon. Not to mention you and I have Tom where we want him." Gellert spoke as he stared out the window in Albus' office. Albus sighed and rubbed his tired London Blue Topaz eyes. Albus felt arms encircle him as Gellert placed his head on his shoulder.

"All will be well. We need to make sure we get the Potter boy to face Tom, and we can then rid ourselves of the boy. Do not fret, Albus, once more: All will be well." Albus sighed and interlaced his hands with Gellert.

"Yes, love. All will be well."

E&H E

Harry found himself bent over a book in the library with Draco across from him. Exams were drawing near, and as if that alone wasn't enough, Hermione was pressuring everyone to study, even Cedric! Harry knew that all of his friends were secretly getting annoyed with Hermione's antics, but never spoke in fear of making the girl cry.

Ron was a funny addition to their dysfunctional friend group. The redhead always managed to keep Draco on his toes and make the others laugh. Ron was an excellent chess player that managed to save Harry's dignity whenever Draco forced him to play. That must be another reason why Draco doesn't like Ron as much. Harry stared at Hermione and Ron, who were on the table across from him and Draco, who were heatedly discussing something over a parchment of paper. It must be either Potions or Charms. I'm betting Potions seeing how Ron is waving his arms around like a frantic goose. Best not to tell him that. Harry looked at the bookshelves where Neville and Cedric were talking about something as well. Neville seemed very interested, leading Harry to believe that the topic of discussion was Herbology. Neville always had quite the green thumb. He'll do great on the Herbology exam.

"Harry, come look at this Charms text. I don't get the etymology behind the charm for this one." Harry sighed and put down his Potions book and went to help Draco, with a question Harry knew that Draco knew the answer too. Draco most likely asked Harry to get his attention. What a spoiled, attention-seeking git. He's lucky that he's my best friend. Otherwise, I'd kick him.

E&H E

Draco noticed how pale his best friend would be each time they entered Professor Quirrell's classroom. Harry was not looking well, especially today. Harry looked delirious and was sweating. He also was gasping for small sections of air. Draco pitied him. He wished to take Harry out of the classroom so that his friend could feel better, but alas, it was one of the most important lessons that they would need to know for the upcoming exam week. Draco knew that Harry would most likely gut him for making him miss such an important topic. Draco sighed underneath the sleeve that was covering his mouth.

Draco, obviously by now, was not paying attention to class at all. No, he could ask Hermione for notes later. She takes brilliant notes and could care a little less if I steal, I mean, borrow them later in the common room to copy. Draco, instead, focused his attention on Harry and the clock that was right next to Professor Quirrell, on the professor's desk. Oh, do cease your stuttering, you poor excuse of a teacher, and finish the bloody lesson. My best friend is dying over here, and all you're stuttering about is vampires. For the love of Merlin, we've heard this plenty of times before to the point I could speak the same lecture in my sleep. Dismiss us now!

Draco knew he was scowling and that Harry and Hermione would disapprove. But Draco could hardly care less. Harry needed a break, and that break was dismissal from class. Draco looked at Harry once more and saw Harry wipe sweat from his forehead.

Suddenly, Professor Quirrell spoke, "A-alright. It-it's time for y-you all t-to go to y-your next c-class." Hurry up, you absolute sloth! "Have a g-good day."

With a jump, Draco immediately grabbed his stuff, Harry, and Harry's stuff too. He didn't care to say a farewell to the non-stop stuttering Professor.

When Draco determined that he and Harry were far enough from the classroom, he stopped and faced Harry, who was already looking much better than before.

"Geez, Draco. I know you're concerned, but it doesn't mean you can yank me out of class as if there's a fire." Draco weakly chuckled, shaking his head as Harry laughed in reply. "Besides, we left poor Hermione behind. I'm sure she's fuming right now at us leaving without her." Draco winced. He knew very well how vicious the Ravenclaw is. The last time Hermione had been left behind, Draco's ears, specifically his left one was sore for three days.

"DRACO LUCIUS MALFOY! HOW DARE YOU LEAVE ME BEHIND FOR THE SEVENTH TIME!" Harry instantly burst into laughter. It was a sound that Draco smile weakly and face the fuming Ravenclaw. Instead of yelling, Hermione grabbed Draco's right ear and pinched it.

"OW OW OW! HERMIONE MY EAR!" "THIS IS WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU LEAVE ME!" Hermione released Draco's ear and pouted. "No fair, if you're going to drag Harry out of class, drag me out too. I find myself being lonely, you know? It's rude to leave a woman behind. As a pure-blood, I thought you would know that, Draco." Draco groaned to the ceiling of the hall they were in. "Yes, Hermione. I know. Now please bothering me about that, and can we go to Herbology now?" Hermione sighed and rolled her eyes. "Boys. I swear." With a swish of her robes, Hermione led the way to the Herbology greenhouses, not caring if Harry and Draco were following. Draco and Harry shared a look before running to catch up to Hermione.

E&H E

"Checkmate." "You damn Weasley. You must've cheated somewhere!" "Oh, Draco, for the love of Merlin, Ron wasn't cheating for the last time!" Cedric found himself amused by his spot in the Great Hall, where it was post-dinner. Ron had brought out his chessboard and challenged Draco. To say, the very least, it was a tied game with Ron now winning.

"One more game, Weasley!" Ron just sighed and nodded. "Alright, Malfoy. If I win, you have to say: "Ron Weasley is the Wizard's Chestplayer in all of Britain." Draco raised an eyebrow and replied, "Alright, but if I win, you do the same with me, except it's my name. Got it?" Ron's eyes narrowed and held out his hand. "Deal?" "Deal."

Cedric was fully interested to see how this would end. He looked around and saw that it wasn't him. Harry, Hermione, and Neville stopped what they were discussing, and so did the other Gryffindors. For the first time in Hogwarts History, the Gryffindor table was quiet and filled with tension. Everyone's eyes moved each time the boys took their turn.

Cedric turned his eyes to Seamus, who was taking bets on who would win. Both Ron and Draco are equally good though. Perhaps it may be a tie in the end?

After all of the tension and wait, Draco and Ron both stared at the board. "I can't believe it..." Ron started. "No, it can't..." Draco continued. Cedric took a look at the board and let out a breath of air.

"It's a stalemate." Cedric laughed and shook his head. I should have made a bet, I could've gained a load of money had I did. Oh well.

"Alright, I'm heading off to sleep. Catch you all later!" Harry turned to look at Cedric. "Alright. See you there. Gotta nurse Ron and Draco's ego before I can go. See you in a bit."

Cedric left laughing as he headed back to the Sett.