Chapter 6 – Dear Mother,

Saturday, September 2nd, 2:26 PM

- Ron's Story -

I hurried out of the Great Hall, feeling guilty. Did Hermione noticed that I was more aroused by the sight of Charisse Mabel than I was by her? Oh, Merlin, I hope not! I gulped. I can't help it! How can someone be so beautiful? I did love Hermione, I was sure I did, but…did she love me? Holding my books closer to my chest (I only had them because I wanted to go to the library, remain secluded from anyone for some time), I scurried down the corridor, and turned sharply around a corner.

I collided with something. I landed in a heap on the ground, (my butt was painfully throbbing,) and the girl in front of me was knocked down, too. "I'm so sorr-" I began, when I saw who it was. "Charisse! How nice to, erm, meet you!"

"Hello," she said.

"I'm Ron. Ron Weasley," I told her. She replied (by saying, "Hi," again), then accepted my outstretched hand. I helped her up, and together we started to collect my books.

"Um, Ron?" I looked at her; she was holding a piece of parchment. "Is this a school assignment?" she asked. I glanced over her shoulder, at the parchment in my own handwriting, which read Befuddlement Draught on top, then nodded yes.

"Ron, belladonna and nettles aren't common ingredients of this draught, and there is no such thing as a "sneezewart" that is used." I blushed, noting her long fingernails that were pointing at the middle of my work.

"Oh…" I was really embarrassed. Great way to introduce yourself to her, I thought, first knock her to the ground, then have her point out your numerous mistakes in the Potions summer work! "I, uh…I'll fix it," I stammered, reaching for the parchment. She didn't hand it back, but smiled and asked.

"So you know what the correct ingredients are, I presume?"

"Er, no, but I could look them up…"

"That would take much too long. Here, let me help you." She picked up my quill, then motioned me toward the library door. Inside, she sat at a table, and began explaining all the effects and the different ingredients of the Befuddlement Draught.

"Most common and easy way to put the effect of the Befuddlement Draught is to say that it confuses people. Some main ingredients are scurvy-grass, lovage, and a pinch of sneezewort…" As she was talking, I couldn't help staring. Not much of what she was saying registered in my brain, and I was thankful that she was writing it all down.

How could she be so striking? Was she an angel sent from the heavens? A goddess, of wisdom, beauty and everything else that was wonderful in this world? I was pulled out of my thoughts by Charisse's voice.

"Ron, are you with me?" she questioned, probably noticing the faraway look on my face.

"What? Er, yes…thanks so much for all your help Charisse." I had to get out of there. I forced a smile, and as I was grabbing for my book and quill, I thought I saw a disappointed look on her face. Probably just my imagination! I told myself. Anyway, I love Hermione! I walked out of the library, straight to the Gryffindor common room at around 3:15, remembering only when I was in front of the Fat Lady that I had no clue what the password was.

- Draco's Story -

Saturday, September 2nd, 2:43 PM

For a moment, no one moved or spoke. We just stared at each other in total silence. Then all hell broke loose; the shouting match had begun.

"What the-? What are you doing here? Get out!" Granger was holding a red and gold towel, tied tightly across her breasts, and hanging down; ending a little above her knees. Her hair was dripping, and it was slung across her left shoulder, and water was cascading down her arms, and legs, making a puddle on the floor. The tight towel accentuated her complimenting curves, and she had a nice body, now that I carefully looked.

"Oh, so this is MY fault?" I figured that backing down and apologizing would make her think that she had some power over me, so I snapped at her. "I don't know if you have these in the Muggle world, but in the Wizarding world we have LOCKS!" I yelled the last word.

"I didn't ask you to come barging in here! Now, if you please, either leave, or have the decency to turn around," she commanded in a loud voice. I chose to stay, thinking that leaving would make her think that she had in some way 'won', and I turned lazily around, while I heard her scrambling behind me, trying to get her clothes on.

"Are you done yet?" I asked, irritated. "I wanted to bathe too, you know, and I haven't got all day."

"Oh, what do you mean by that? Do you have a whole line of innocent girls to prey upon, then discard?" she asked sarcastically.

"That was the one time, and she lied to me!"

"She didn't lie; poor Charisse had no way of knowing that you were such a prejudiced brat!" I wanted to retort, but decided against it. Finally, she was dressed, and she cleaned up the bathroom, drying her hair in the process. "Does this satisfy you, your Highness?" She bowed mockingly.

I glared at her, then turned to the tub and busied myself with filling the water with various bath soaps. I could hear that Granger was still there, but I pretended not to notice as I moved to remove my pants. I heard the door open and close in a hasty manner, and I smiled inwardly.

I soaked in the water for a half an hour or so, then dried myself off with my green and silver towel. I used a spell to fix my hair, then moved to get dressed. I exited the bathroom, and, much to my surprise, I found Granger reading in front of the fire. Not looking at her, I prepared a snack for myself from the kitchen, and returned to my room, shutting the door with a loud BANG.

Conjuring a piece of parchment and a quill from air, I settled at my desk to write a letter to Mother.

My Dear Mother,

I assume you heard the news of what happened on my way to Hogwarts, but I assure you, I am fine. I saw Father, and Aunt Bella, too, among the group of Death Eaters, but, why, may I ask, were they so suddenly called away?

On a bit happier note, returning to this wretched school is slightly better now; I am Head Boy, and as you know, I have much power. Already, I took points from puny Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and, very happily, from numerous Gryffindors, for their annoying behavior, and just for being in my presence.

I don't know if you know, but there is a new student at Hogwarts this year, a seventh year girl named Charisse Mabel. Didn't Father meet with her father sometime last year? I seem to recall the name Mabel. She is very pretty indeed, but, unfortunately, a half-blood, and it's a good thing that I didn't get too far socialize a lot with her. I cannot think of any more news to tell, except, I do have another question. I feel, that being a spy here at Hogwarts, I have the right to know about some things.

For instance, how was Tonks captured, and did the Dark Lord really think that they would give Potter up for a mere Auror? Mother, I would really like to know, so I am awaiting your response.

Love always,

Your Dragon

I went to the Owlery immediately, and used my Eagle Owl to send it to Mother extra fast.

- Harry's Story –

Saturday, September 2nd, 3:24 PM

I could see that something was up. With Hermione and Ron, I mean. Whenever they are together, at least one of them looks uncomfortable, or anxious. I can't imagine what happened; at the end of last year they were CRAZY about each other. I sighed, then grabbed my wand and Invisibility Cloak then tiptoed over to the door.

I quietly opened it, wincing at the creak, and ran across the Common Room. I waited for a second before opening the Fat Lady, then climbed out. No one noticed I had left, and that was how I wanted it. I felt safe like this. That is, until I tripped over someone in the hallway.

- Draco's Story -

Sunday, September 3rd, 9:06 AM

Sunday was a hazy day, the sky was clouded and it was cold; at least for a September morning. I took a stroll around the grounds before heading up to breakfast, expecting my owl to return. I was eager to see what would Mother write, for I enjoyed our correspondence.

As I was finished my bacon and eggs, an owl landed, knocking my orange juice over Pansy's lap in the process. I anxiously untied the parchment wrapped around the leg of the owl, then shooed it away.

Unrolling the parchment, I was met, instead of my Mother's careful cursive, the rough handwriting of my Father. Disappointed, I read what he wrote.

Draco;

You have no reason to know of the Dark Lord's plans, and I therefore forbid your Mother from telling you ANYTHING. Do you understand? What the Dark Lord does in his pastime is no business of a mere Hogwarts student. I don't want to hear of you inquiring about such things again.

Father

Have I ever been this angry with my Father, I had no idea. I just knew that I was furious. How dare he open my letter specifically address to Mother, answer in that rude way, and forbid me of knowing my Master's plans, whom I was laboriously working for!

I grabbed the roll of parchment, and, crumpling it in my hand, stormed out of the Great Hall. I headed up to my room, half walking, half running. Oh…I was MAD!

I nearly tore the door down in my fury, but I didn't care. I stomped my way between the furniture, and threw a chair across the room. Finally, I knelt before the fireplace, and cast in the Floo Powder that was resting on the mantelpiece.

"Malfoy Manor!" I shouted, and threw in the powder, then stuck my head in the green-glowing flames.

My head was spinning, and after what seemed like hours I was staring into the all-too familiar dining room of our grand home.

"Mother?" I called out, trying to hide the anger and desperation from my voice. "Mother, are you there?"

For a while, no one answered, and finally I called to the first house-elf whose name popped into my head. "Jolna. Come here!" I heard scurrying in the kitchen, then a clatter, and a weary-looking house-elf staggered in.

"Master Draco?" she asked.

"Of course! Who did you think it was?" I snapped. "Where's Mother?" The house-elf decided to ignore my first question, and said:

"Mistress is upstairs. Shall I go fetch her?" I nodded my head vigorously, then slumped back, trying to shift my weight off my knees which were getting uncomfortable on the cold stone. A few minutes later, the house-elf reappeared, and Mother followed.

"Oh thank the gods!" I heard myself burst when I saw her.

"Draco? Whatever is the matter? Jolna said that you were very troubled." I glared at Jolna, who shied away, then answered Mother.

"Mother, I sent you an owl yesterday, and somehow Father intercepte-" Mother cut me off.

"Draco, not here! He could be listening!"

A/N: I really hope that HP fans enjoyed this chapter! I want this story to be a romance/mystery, so I'm going to start a whole side little life for Narcissa. I hope that intrigues you! And if you have any ideas, (for further chapters) suggestions (spelling, grammar, or out-of-cannon characters) or critique, I would be thrilled to hear it! Thank you for scarletheartedlioness for her great job as my beta! Please R & R!