Draco Malfoy met with Luna in the third floor drapery, where there was enough of a gather that people wouldn't see - and Luna's sprites could keep out any unwary stumblers. It was getting to be a regular thing. Draco had had a think last night, up and down the corridors.

"We need to figure out how Granger's attending so many classes." Draco Malfoy said abruptly to Luna, who looked at him with blinkered eyes. "It's unusual. And probably important."

Luna simply nodded, and Draco continued, "Besides, if we could score it - we might be able to use it."

Wearily, he stretched and looked at Luna again - "Do you think it's possible? For us to stop him?"

"Alone?" Luna asked, letting her silvery laughter permeate the draperies. "No. But that's not the point."

"What is the point, then? Jumping into danger headfirst like a bloody Gryffindor?" Draco Malfoy snapped.

"Ending the problem. Fixing the picture." Luna said, "You see, right now the picture is just a bit off plumb, at an angle." She nodded, her cork earrings bobbing. "But if we leave it like that, it'll keep on sliding, until the picture is turned ninety degrees."

Draco nodded slowly, considering the petite blonde's words.

"So, what we really need to do is untilt it. And that requires a deft hand." Luna said, smiling simply.

"What makes you think it was level in teh first place?"

"Magic's not inherently colored, not pure or muddy or anything like that." Luna said, stating it so baldly that Draco wanted to wince. Typical Ravenclaw directness.

"I know it's nonsense -" Draco said, breaking off. "Wait, you're talking about the problem... as if the Dark Lord doesn't exist."

"If he didn't exist, people would make him up, yes." Luna said calmly. Draco just stared. "As long as people believe that there are differences, and that people should be subjugated because of those differences, such monsters will be called into existence."

"But... he's the Dark Lord!" Draco sputtered.

"Made so by his followers, none more prominent than your own father, as well you know. A man can stand and proclaim himself anything - but no one will listen unless he actually has power to back himself up."

"And power is ceded by others, granted by the people willing to back him up." Draco said slowly.

"Otherwise, he'd just be a crazed madman. You saw how Sirius Black was dealt with? Taken down like a mad dog." Luna giggled tunelessly at that comment.

Love like lightning

Fire bolting through my veins

Stopping my heart,

Striking me dead -

A new life beats

Inside my heart.

Shocked out of the old

You broke my mould.

My eyes forlornly follow you,

Shadowed and hidden.

You stride in the light,

weapons gleaming

Justice streaming.

When the last light fades

Listen a bit

A song through the dark wades

From me to you.

[a/n: No, Draco does not get to stop the Dark Lord Voldemort from reincarnating. That'd be silly AND overpowered.]