Chapter 26 – Deja Vu

Dear Mrs. Malfoy,

Hello, I hope you remember me. Tell me what is Draco up to. Yes, I noticed he is up to something. Please, please tell me. I need to know. What is Draco doing that you needed Prof. Snape to make an Unbreakable Vow? Yes, I know about that as well. I will not rest until I find out. Maybe, I can find a way out of it. Is he really a… you know what?

I'm sorry, this letter sounds really rude but I'm really mad, concerned, sad, confused about everything. Please help me out.

Love, Natalie.

I just reached home. I should have written this letter to Mrs. Malfoy a long time ago. Going to his mom, made me feel like I was going behind his back. But desperate times call for desperate measures. I am still deciding if I should barge into Prof. Snape's office when the new term begins.

I tied the letter to Butterscotch's leg and said, "Don't come back without a reply and I mean it. If you come back without a reply I will disown you. I swear."

He hooted angrily and took off.

"You better take my words seriously, you insolent bird!"


"Mom has Butterscotch come back?" I asked in the morning.

She looked at me strangely, "Wouldn't he come back to your room directly?"

"Ideally yes! But this bird just does what he wants to." I mumbled.

My mother shook her head and gave me breakfast. "So, what do you plan on doing today?"

"I'm going to finish my homework. I want to be done before Christmas which means I have just two days."

"Okay, fine. Looks like you're on a mission."

The word mission reminded of Draco, "Mom, have you spoken to Mrs. Malfoy recently? Like run into her or something?"

"No, honey. I know you're really worried for Draco. Maybe they are just keeping up appearances."

"Mom, do you think there's a possibility that Draco may have joined…"

She fidgeted with a glass, "I don't think so. I don't think Narcissa will let Draco do anything that will put him in danger."

I think she has. "When is Andy getting here?"

"He should here anytime now."

Just then Butterscotch landed in front of me. I was delighted! "Great! You're back. And you brought a reply. Good boy!" I gave him some fruit.

I opened the letter with excitement. Come on, Mrs. Malfoy, gimme me some information.

Dear Natalie,

You know too much already. Don't get yourself involved in all this. Stay away from Draco, dear. You don't have to know what is happening with him. Stay out of trouble.

Happy holidays, Narcissa Malfoy.

I know too much. I know too much? I know too less. This is crazy. I know nothing. I let out a shout.

"What's the matter?" Mom looked concerned.

"Nothing. I'm going to take the rest of my breakfast to my room." I took my breakfast and left before she could stop me.


No one is helping me. Draco is supposed to help me. Mrs. Malfoy is supposed to tell me something useful. The map is supposed to help me. The map turned out to be the most useless thing. I took out the map from the trunk. I can't use magic out of school. I can't even ask someone open the map for me. I looked at the old parchment. Why the hell was I seeing if Crabbe or Goyle' names on the map when I saw some little girl on the very spot?

I remembered something Harry told me at the end of third year. His conversation with Lupin. He told me, he saw Pettigrew's name on the map though Pettigrew was said to be dead. He couldn't see Pettigrew physically though. Pettigrew was in his mouse form. When Harry told Lupin that the map is broken because it showed Pettigrew on it, Lupin told him that the map never lies.

"The map doesn't lie. The map doesn't lie! Of course the map doesn't lie!" I exclaimed. "It is actually Crabbe or Goyle there. But how?" I thought for a few minutes. "Oh my God! OH my God! How could I have been so stupid! Of course, Polyjuice potion! Prof. Slughorn made a cauldron full of the potion. Draco must have nicked some of it. At least I know something. I'll have to be really alert when I get back."

Just then an owl I didn't recognise came through my window. He perched on my bedpost and held his leg out for me to take the letter.

"Boy, you are a no nonsense kind of an owl, aren't you!" I said while I took the letter out. The owl hooted and left before I could even say thank you.

Natalie,

Hi, it's Hermione. Cormac asked me out. We're going to meet up in Diagon Alley decide what to do next. I was hoping you'd come too. Bring Harry along with you, it could be like a double date. We're meeting up on Boxing Day. Let me know if you will come along. I would really like it if you come. Please!

Happy Holidays,

Hermione.

I went to the hall and called H.

"Hello."

"Hello, Mrs. Granger?"

"Yes, this is me. Who is this?"

"Mrs. Granger, this is Natalie here.

"Oh hello, how are you dear?"

"I'm fine. How are you?"

"I'm good, dear. Shall I call Hermione?"

"Yes. And Happy Holidays, Mrs. Granger."

"Same to you, honey. I'll get Hermione."

I waited for a few minutes. "Nat, hey."

"You could have just called me, you know."

"Ya. I keep forgetting. So, what's up?"

"I got your owl. Going on a date with McLaggen? What's going on?"

"He's actually not that bad. When we met, he was boasting about his family, as usual. After a little while, I just could not take it and I was like 'dude, I don't care about what your family does, will you tell me about you.' He was stunned for a moment. Then he talked about himself and I told him a little about me. It was a fun night."

"Sounds nice. I'll meet you guys up. I can't speak for Harry though. I'll ask him and let you know."

"Okay! I hope he agrees." She hesitated, "Don't tell Ron."

"It shouldn't matter to you if he knows or not. But for you, I will try not to let Ron know."

"Thanks. I've to go now. We'll talk later."

We said our goodbyes and hung up.

I woke up to my mother exclaiming, "Merry Christmas" in my ears.


"Merry Christmas, Mom." I hugged her.

When I went down, I saw my family sit near the Christmas tree waiting to exchange gifts. Mike, Will and Andy were here as well. I got gifts ranging from dresses, books, jewellery, special quills, etc. I sent Draco a picture of us when were little kids. I realised have to use all the weapons in my arsenal to get him to tell me everything. I know, using emotionally ways are bad but I've got no other way. After breakfast with my family, I got ready to visit the Burrow.

"Come back before lunch." My mom ordered right before I left.

"Yes, mom."

I flooed over to Ron's home.

"Hello, dear. Merry Christmas!"

"Hello Mrs. Weasley. Merry Christmas to you too!" We hugged each other. I wished the others when they came down to the kitchen. Finally, Harry and Ron came down as well.

"Merry Christmas, Ron"

He just grunted at me.

"What's wrong with him?!" I asked Harry.

"Lavender sent him a necklace as a gift." He snickered. "It said 'My Sweetheart'."

I laughed, "You're kidding." He shook his head. "Merry Christmas, Harry." I hugged him.

"Merry Christmas!" He looked around and when he was assured that no one was looking at us, he quickly pecked me on my lips.

"Did you like the robe I sent you?" I asked. It's difficult when I have to pick clothes for someone else.

"It was horrible. Why would you give him something in blue? It horribly clashes with his eyes." I turned to see that Ginny had come down as well.

"I like it." Harry said quickly. "I don't have anything in blue."

"I know that. That's why I bought you blue. You have dark green and black robes. Blue's my favourite colour." I said.

"Well, I think it's bad."

"No one asked for your opinion."

"She's just messing with you, Nat. Calm down." Harry tried to calm me.

"Anyways, I was hoping you'd wear them tonight for my grandparents' party. This time we are going together. You look really handsome in formal robes."

"I'll come over to your place at about seven."

"Okay. I've something to ask you." Ginny was still listening to our conversation. "I'm sorry, why are you listening to our conversation?"

She grimaced and walked away.

"Do you have to be rude her all the time?" Harry whispered.

"She was rude to me first."

"I know, but you're my girlfriend and she's just a friend. I can stop you from doing wrong things, not her. Besides, I am staying at her home." Harry said.

"Fine. I'll behave."

He kissed me on my forehead, "Shall we go for a walk?" I nodded.

"I need to ask you something, actually two things."

He smiled, "Go on."

"Will you be interested in going out on a double date tomorrow? You have an option, if you don't want to go, it's fine."

"Whom are we going on a double date with?"

"H and Mclaggen."

"What?"

"They wanted to go out but I think H got a little nervous, so she wants us to come along."

"I don't know. You know, Ron may not like it."

"He will not like it but just to keep him happy we can't make our other friend unhappy."

"You said, I had an option."

"Yes, you do. But if you don't want to go because of Ron then I'm not allowing it. Ron is happy with Lavender now it's H's turn to find happiness."

"Ron's not happy. He realises now that their relationship consists only of snogging."

"Right! Took him long enough."

"Cut him some slack. He's not bad." Harry said.

"I know, he's not bad. He's a good guy. But he gets really annoying at times. Maybe I'm being biased towards my girlfriend but she deserves it."

"Fine, I'll come with you tomorrow. What's the other thing you wanted to ask me?"

"Do you like Ginny?" I looked at the ground. Saying it loud was embarrassing.

"What? Why would you say something like that?" He placed a finger under my chin and gently lifted my face so I would look at him.

"I've seen the way you look at her sometimes. This is like déjà vu, Harry. I can't deal with the same things again. You have to be honest with me. If you like her more than you're supposed to, then be honest and tell me."

"I've no idea what makes you think that way. Things are different this time. I love you."

"I love you too." I guess, I should let it go for now.

He hugged me and kissed me.

"But if you ever hurt me again, I'll get you before Voldemort does." I warned him.

He laughed and kissed me.


Where the hell is this guy? He said he'd come over at seven. I asked my family to go ahead. I don't like this. Maybe something happened. Maybe there's been an attack or something. I should go and check. I flooed over to Ron's house all worried wondering if something happened to Harry.

"What the hell are you doing?" I asked when I spotted Harry on the sofa stuffing his mouth with cake.

"I'm really sorry. I was going to come over in a short while." Harry said.

"What happened?"

"I was coming over when Ron decided he wanted to change his clothes so he asked me to wait for him."

"Harry, how's this dress?" Ginny asked while coming down the stairs.

"So, Ron's changing ah?"

"I can explain."

"You know what? When you're done with this, why don't you come over to my grandparents' home. I'm already very late and my granma's not going to be happy."

"Nat, wait."

"Shepherd Mansion." I threw the floo powder in the fireplace and I was pulled into this magical maze in between fireplaces. Within a few moments, I landed in the sitting room in the mansion.

"Honey, hosts are not supposed to be late." I heard Granma say while I was dusting off the ash. My grandparents receive guests in the sitting room.

"Sorry, granma." I hugged her. "Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas."

"Merry Christmas, Nattie." Grandad gave me a big bear hug.

I went into the ballroom where I wished the rest of my extended family, which took me a good thirty minutes. Then I began greeting the other guests present at the party. Most of the guests, I noticed where from the Order or people who have no known connections to the dark side. I spotted Dumbledore speaking to one of my uncles.

"Sir, I didn't expect to see you here." I said when I got near him. "Merry Christmas."

He smiled his usual bright smile, "Merry Christmas, Ms. Sherpherd. I will be leaving in some time. Let's just say that it is very difficult to say no to your grandmother."

I chuckled, "Yes, she is a force of nature."

He chuckled, "No doubt."

"Sir, your hand sure is taking a long time to heal."

"Some things take a while to heal."

"Sir, may I have a word with you? In private."

He nodded. I lead him out of the ballroom and took him to the library.

"Please, lock the door, sir. I would also prefer it if no one heard us."

He complied with my request.

"What seems to be bothering you, Natalie?"

"I'm pretty sure you are aware of it."

"I have a fair idea, yes."

"Sir, I need you to talk to Draco. He is up to something. I know it. It is something bad because Draco's mom got Prof. Snape to make a unbreakable vow to protect Draco."

"Do you know anything else?" He asked me curiously.

"He goes off to some place. I can't figure out where. He's got Crabbe and Goyle looking out for him but I'm pretty sure they have no idea what he is up to."

"Have you tried talking to him?"

"Sir, he is doing everything in his power to avoid me. He won't even look at me. Whatever it is, he needs to be protected."

"Natalie," He placed a hand on my shoulder comfortingly. "I am aware of this. And I assure you that I am trying to find a way to help but he won't tell anyone what he is up to. If we know what he is planning to do then I might be in a position it help him."

"You think I've not tried. Was Prof. Snape asking Draco his plan because you sent him?"

"Yes, he was working on my orders. I can't tell you more than that."

"Sir, please tell me that you will protect him whether you get the details of his plan or no."

"Don't worry. Prof. Snape and I will protect him."

"Thank you."

He nodded. "Shall we get back to the party now?"

"Yes, sir."

I spotted H and Harry speaking.

"H, hi! Merry Christmas!"

"Merry Christmas!" We hugged each other.

"I'm sorry, Nat. Please listen." Harry begged.

"I'm glad you could make it, Harry." H looked strangely at the both of us.

"I get it, you're mad. If I would have told you, you would have gotten angry so I fumbled and lied."

"Whatever. I don't care. You can do whatever you want."

"What's going on here?" H asked.

"He was helping Ginny pick her outfit for the party while I was waiting for him to pick me up." I complained to H.

"Look, I was ready and about to come over but she said she wouldn't take long and before I knew it, you were right there."

"Oh, so the time you passed with dear Ginny is so precious that you didn't notice it pass by." I shot back.

"I don't think this is the time to argue." H tried to stop us. "We are at a party. Why don't you say hello to my parents, Nat?"

Harry sighed in defeat, "We'll argue another time. Scrimgeour saw me in this afternoon."

"What did he want to see you for?" H asked. I stood there looking disinterested but in truth, I was very interested.

"He wants me to be the poster boy for the ministry." He explained in full detail how Scrimgeour tried to convince Harry to become some sort of a brand ambassador of the Ministry of Magic. He, first, tried to convince Harry nicely but when that wouldn't work he tried to make it sound like Harry owed the Ministry to do this. I don't really see how Harry owed the Ministry.

"But you told him you would do no such thing?" H asked.

"Of course! I don't agree with how they have handled things. Look what they did to Stan Shunpike. They know, he is not a death eater but they still chuck him in." Harry said furiously.

"Calm down." I said. "H, Harry is not coming tomorrow. It's going to be just me."

"I never said that." Harry interjected.

"Aren't you going to be playing with Ginny tomorrow?" I asked venomously.

"Nat…" He grabbed my hand. "Hermione, we'll see you in a bit." She nodded at him.

He dragged me out of the ballroom. As I didn't want to create a scene I went along with him without complaining.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"Nat, I'm genuinely sorry. You told me about your fears in the morning and if I had mentioned Ginny when I got late, I knew, you would freak out."

I sighed, "I get why you lied but I'm still pissed, so, please give me some space. We'll talk when we get to school." I turned my back on him and went back to the party.


Please read and review! Thanks for reading so far!

A guest reviewer said that I made typo error. I want to say thank you to that person because this will make me more alert! :-)

Enjoy! Neepa :-)