Over the next week, Malfoy didn't make any more attempts to be friendly. In fact, he and Harry spoke very little. Harry spent most of his time in the courtyard he had discovered on his second night. He took books from the libraries, and waited for someone to notice he was missing, suspect the Malfoys, and send an Aurora to rescue him.

Meanwhile, Narcissa had become increasingly bad tempered, and could often be heard screaming at the House Elves, breaking things, and slamming doors. Today, however, she'd been unusually quiet.

Harry still couldn't get anything but forced politeness out of Narcissa. Harry had tried snatching an owl from the conservatory, but his letters wouldn't pass through the windows (they got stuck in the air and, no matter how hard the owl tried, they couldn't be torn free). He had tried levitating himself out of the courtyard, but again, he hit an invisible glass ceiling just below the rooftop.

Today's Daily Prophet sat on the breakfast table, already open. Harry got up late, to avoid Malfoy in the kitchen. He sat down and turned the paper over to the front page, and nearly choked on his coffee when he read the headline.

Harry Potter - Saviour or Dark Lord?

Dorothy Wolf, a twelve year old Witch and her two Muggle parents were found dead in their home last night of the Killing Curse, presumed to be the work of Death Eaters. Three more Muggles vanished this week, and two are currently being treated in St Mungos after being tortured extensively. Witches and Wizards all over the country are beginning to ask the same question; Where is Harry Potter? Dubbed Saviour of the Wizarding World and known destroyer of You-Know-Who, many fans believe Potter should be more than capable of handling a few stray Death Eaters. Yet, Potter has made no move to help with the round up, and as far as we know, has had no contact with the Ministry at all. It's possible the Wolf family, not to mention many more Muggles and Muggleborns, could have been spared had Harry Potter taken immediate action. Despite You-Know-Who's death, Muggleborns are still living in fear, people are still dying and Dark Wizards are still terrifying our streets. Has Harry Potter given up on us?

Some speculate Potter has now taken his place as head of the Death Eaters. Although many people who knew and fought with Potter during the war say it's unlikely, a few have admitted that it is possible. "He did have a very short temper," an anonymous young woman who had shared classes with Potter in their years at Hogwarts, informed us. "And he was very good at Defense Against the Dark Arts, which we all know needs at least a mild understanding of the Dark Arts."

We all know Potter is a very powerful Wizard; if he chooses to take over from You-Know-Who, the results could be catastrophic.

The article went on, continuing over on the second page. There were also half a dozen animated pictures of him at his worst - shouting at people, casting angry spells and curses. Someone had taken them in the Gryffindor dorms. He imagined his anger, at the time, had been directed at his homework, but he did look awfully frightening from that angle, standing in the fireplace.

He kicked the table and swore loudly. His mug, which had been sitting dangerously close to the edge, toppled off with a resounding 'smash'. His jeans were flecked with coffee. He swore again.

"So, you found the Prophet then?" Harry recognized Malfoy's drawling voice before he saw his face. Malfoy had just entered the kitchen with a green apple in hand, and was watching Harry with sparkling eyes.

"I can see where they're coming from," he said, "you do have a horrific temper, but I'm afraid anyone who thinks you could rule the Death Eaters must be mad. You just don't have the intelligence." Harry glared at him. "Or the cunning."

"So, are you going to be the Gryffindor hero, and beg to leave to save the Muggles?"

Harry didn't need to think before answering. "No," he said simply, pushing away the paper and spelling his jeans dry.

Malfoy cocked an eyebrow. "That's not like you."

Harry bristled. "You don't know anything about me."

"I won't argue with that."

"I'm just one person. If the Ministry Aurors can't handle the Death Eaters by themselves, what am I supposed to do?"

"Of course, because the Dark Lord is nothing compared to a few amateur Death Eaters."

"It took me over a year to defeat Voldemort. And I had help. I'm no more immune to Advada Kedavra than you are."

"So you're scared?"

"You're more than welcome to let me go."

Malfoy's eyes had by now lost their spark, and his face was completely blank. "You're not leaving."

"Then shod off."

"I won't be sent from my own kitchen by you, Potter."

"Well, as far as I can tell, you have no need to be here, unless being a git to me is on your new morning schedule."

"I actually came here to tell you something."

Harry couldn't help from looking surprised, but covered it up quickly with a scowl.

"You could have gotten to the point earlier."

"But, there's no fun in that."

"Tell me and leave."

Malfoy was silent, although his face was composed. He tossed his apple and caught it.

"Mother's ill," said Malfoy finally.

"So, send her to St Mungos," said Harry incredulously.

"They won't take her."

"And what am I supposed to do?"

"Nothing," Malfoy snapped, although had the distinct impression he'd been hoping for a different answer. "I just thought I'd say, now would be the time to ask her to let you go."

Malfoy took the paper from the table and stormed out. Harry really had to see about getting a second copy delivered.

Standing up, he felt a sharp pain in his left foot. He'd trodden on a piece of broken china. His 'fuck' resounded in the tall room. Frustrated and angry, he kicked at the chair, which didn't help with the sore foot at all.

Merlin, he hated Sundays.