Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to J.K. Rowling
"Damn it, damn it all!" Fudge slammed his fist against his desk. Umbridge and Dawlish were reporting in his office, the minister looking at them.
"Any chance we could suppress what Shacklebolt said?" Fudge asked.
"No. They made sure to spread the story, there are multiple reporters involved, and a picture of captured Greyback is already circulating in the wizarding population. Suppressing it will only harm us," Umbridge replied.
Fudge sighed, leaning back into his chair. "So. Ben, Kingsley, and Gawain too. He's infiltrated a third of my auror force, not to mention the Head of them. Just seeing Kingsley like this is an affront to me."
"We could replace them," Dawlish suggested, twirling a quill in his hand.
Umbridge raised an eyebrow. "Unadvisable. You will just sink your support further. Especially when it comes to Kingsley. He's somewhat of an icon."
"She's right. I can't afford to sack aurors at this point," Fudge added.
"If I may suggest... we could forge some believable evidence against Kingsley, at least. You could take your chances with Ben and Gawain. Maybe connect them to Shacklebolt," Dawlish said.
Fudge scratched his chin. "I'll think about it. I can't have Dumbledore infiltrate the ministry this much."
"Didn't he say he'll do whatever it takes to take you down if you go against him?" Umbridge asked, frowning.
"He was bluffing. Just the fact that my blackmail about Azkaban worked shows that he won't exactly do "whatever" it takes," Fudge cackled. "In any case, test the waters, Dawlish. See if Kingsley has something that can be exploited and used against him. If you get this right, you'll be the next head."
Dawlish smiled satisfyingly. "Understood. What about Moody?"
Fudge shook his head. "He'll be gone from service soon enough. He's too much of a hero to be touched; he's off-limits. I'm losing enough support from conservatives as it is."
Five panicked people were banging against a velvet, cubic barrier that could be barely discerned from the air around it. They appeared to be shouting, though nothing was heard outside the cube. Several symbols were scattered around the barrier. Crabbe and Macnair were laughing on top of a building.
"Look at them go. Look at that will to live... Such filth, yet so strongly wanting to survive. Well, it is appropriate for animals, isn't it?" Macnair turned to Crabbe.
"Indeed. Let's collect them. Muggles can't see their plight, though there might be a magical civilian around, let's not risk anything," Crabbe reminded.
"Dementors will be very satisfied indeed..."
Theodore Nott was waiting for Draco to walk by a corner, though Harry's group was passing by first. Harry was in a foul mood, as Hermione was missing due to the full moon the night before. Realizing what Nott was doing, Harry muttered something under his breath, casting a strong tickling hex that sent Nott to the floor, nearly choking on laughter.
"That's better," Harry smirked.
"You really should just let him go... This isn't right..." Neville replied, looking at Nott.
"It's just a tickling hex, he was about to cast something worse on Draco anyway," Harry sighed.
"That was brilliant. Nott's been insufferable recently," Ron sniggered.
"Guys, keep this between us, but Sirius has told me Nott's father was the one who killed Lucius. Both of them are dead, actually. I mean, I heard Narcissa say it was "Oscar Nott" before, and not many Notts are around, so..." Harry whispered.
"No way..." Neville shuddered.
"Really? Who killed Nott Sr. then?" Ron blurted.
"Lower your voice, damn it! Want to let the whole school know?" Harry snapped, placing his finger on his lips. "Anyway... I think it was Draco's mom. She did it as revenge for Draco's father."
"That's wicked..." Ron whispered.
"I'm not so sure about that..." Neville said uncertainly. "I mean, Nott's an annoying brat, but no one should have that happen to them. That certainly explains Nott being after Draco's neck all the time."
"That being said, I wonder where Dobby is..." Harry muttered, scratching his head.
"Dobby?" Neville asked, looking at Harry.
"Isn't that the house elf that blocked our way?" Ron chuckled. "He's still bothering you?"
"He's not bothering me, Ron. He was with Malfoys, I freed him after Draco's mom came by to ask for refuge in Sirius' house."
Ron's mouth hung open. "What? Wait, you... What was Draco's mother doing there?! How did you free him?!"
"Shush, we'll talk about that later! Preferably once we are out of the hallway!" Harry cut in. "I hope you are not slacking with your animagus study."
"It's damn hard learning the theory, I'll tell you that. Though I'm managing. Might need your help soon, though," Ron moaned.
"Me too. Herbology and healing feel natural to learn. Transfiguration is just not it..." Neville agreed.
"Yeah, I got you. I'm already doing some mental exercises with Sirius, so I'm a little above you. Still need to gather my guts to ask Arthur for the potion, though."
"You still haven't asked him?" Ron chuckled.
"I mean, I understand. Guy's got his head full. He's been having it for months — I can't imagine working with Snape. I'd rather die," Neville shuddered.
"Yeah, I feel kind of ashamed asking him to do it. But I don't want us to become some abominations of nature if you will. So self-preservation will come out on top. Hopefully," Harry laughed.
"So... uh... when is Hermione coming?" Neville asked.
Their mostly jolly mood seemed to darken quickly.
"She's supposed to be with Rem, as usual, this time of the month. I hope she's fine, I mean, as fine as one can get..." Harry sighed.
"It's just so horrible... I really, really have to put my faith in Arthur..." Neville mumbled.
"No kidding. I'm going to permanently engorge Snape's nose if he doesn't give it his best," Ron added, looking at the window as they passed.
"Still, she should have returned by now. Maybe she decided to stay over a few more days? She's certainly good enough for teachers to allow it," Harry worried.
Harry was going to his Transfiguration class, incidentally giving a lecture on animagi. His heart nervously jumped at the notion of asking Arthur to concoct an animagus potion for them. Was it really fine to impart such responsibility to him?
He was broken out of his musings by an unexpected sight of Hermione, who rushed past him. All he could see is her pale face with puffy, dark circles under her eyes. She didn't seem to notice him.
Harry sighed in frustration. "I can't neglect my own class... I'll catch her on Ancient Runes."
Hermione avoiding sitting close to Harry during the Runes class only served the push him to talk to her further. She was buried in writing whatever the professor said; which wasn't unusual for her, but this time she was a bit too focused. After the class, he approached her as she was leaving the classroom alone.
"Hey, Miney — you can't run away from us forever..." Harry grinned but stopped himself as he caught closer sight of Hermione's face. She turned to him, half-angry, half-exhausted. Her face lost much of its natural color, and her lidded eyes were sticking out due to her pale cheeks. She looked almost as if she lost weight, like she was drained of it.
"I'm sorry, Harry," she cut him off. "I'd rather be alone now."
Very rarely, Harry was at a loss for words. Now was one of those times, of course, when he least wanted it.
"I... uh... wouldn't you feel better if you were with someone?" he stuttered.
"Not right now, Harry."
"I can help..."
"There's no way you can possibly help me," Hermione cut in.
He was getting desperate now. "Just, I'm sure I can do something..."
"Yeah, leave me alone! Just leave me alone!" Hermione yelled. They were now attracting some eyes to themselves. Noticing the unwanted attention, Hermione took Harry by his hand and dragged him to one of the closer storage cupboards. After making sure no one followed them or saw them get in, Harry blurted —
"I'm— I — we are helping you. I mean we aren't helping you, but we will. We are studying to become animagi. So we can be with you, you know, when it happens, just like —"
Harry's blabbering was interrupted by a fairly strong slap to the face from his friend. He stared at her, dumbfoundedly touching his cheek.
"You bloody idiot! I never asked you to do that!" Hermione yelled, as Harry whispered "Mufflato" in panic with his wand, which Hermione slapped away.
"To hell with your wand! What are you doing? Why are you putting yourself in danger?! So you can stay with me for one day a month?"
"Well, I just thought it would be a nice way to show you that, you know, we care," Harry cleared his throat.
"I know you care, silly... Wait.. we?"
"Oh, Ron and Neville are doing it too."
Hermione blinked a few times, opening and closing her mouth with no words coming out, before breaking into laughter.
"...Miney?"
"Of course, you two idiots would charge impulsively at the problem like that... at least, I thought Neville would be more reasonable. I guess you rubbed off him..." Hermione said.
Harry bowed a bit too swiftly, almost tripping over. "Ms. Granger, you are in the presence of the Transfiguration Meister, I will remind you."
"And now he's imitating Sirius... good Lord..." Hermione shook her head, smiling faintly.
"It is an honor to be praised by you," Harry bowed again.
"How far into the transformation are you?" Hermione whispered.
"Well, we drank some elementary potions..."
"Which ones?"
"The, you know, the ones which, you know, just — I mean, what does it matter, really?"
"Which ones, Harry?"
"The ones that kind of alter your body a bit. Just a bit, really, preparation stuff."
Hermione sighed. "Of course you did. I assume Professor McGonagall doesn't know this?" she asked.
"Nope. Sirius is helping us with practical stuff."
"Figures..."
...
...
"I don't know what I'm doing. I wanted to stop you, but... I... I guess I'm kind of selfish. I kind of... want you to do this? God, what am I saying..." Hermione buried her head in her hands. Both of them were sitting on a dusty lowered shelf.
Harry rubbed her back. "Nothing wrong with wanting company on a very bad day."
"This is far from just "company on a very bad day", Harry," Hermione shot a mirthless smile at him.
""A very bad day" for us is a bit different than most. You know, fighting the Dark Lord, killing a gigantic snake that can murder you by looking at you, what's transforming into an animal compared to that?" Harry shrugged, as Hermione looked at him uncertainly.
"If it helps you feel any better, we would have done this in secret, behind your back. I just ran my mouth accidentally back there. We still would have done it."
Hermione let out a dragged-out sigh. "Can you at least tell your parents?"
"Ron's... not that close with his family. He said he will tell them after the fact. Neville already told his gran, guess what happened — she was proud of him," Harry sniggered.
"What?"
"Yeah, she apparently said "much greater" challenges lay before him than that."
"I guess that's Augusta for you..."
"You are going to tell Professor McGonagall, right?"
"I guess the cat's out of the bag now. I feel bad for lying to her anyway."
"Good."
The two leaned back against the wall, falling silent for a while.
"You caused quite a scene there," Harry started, grinning.
"Whatever. I've had my fair share of rumors already," Hermione shrugged.
"That being said, we have to be careful going out. Filch catching you rummaging through his cupboards is punishment on its own."
Hermione giggled. "Where's the invisibility cloak when you need it..."
Ron found himself opening his eyes to a very strange place. It was dark, desolate, yet perfectly smooth ground, seemingly endless. It was like being on a gigantic, gray flatland, devoid of any nature or human craft. He was laying on his back, looking at complete darkness above, arms and legs stretched. The entire space was dimly illuminated, though there were no discernible sources of light.
A strange laughter drew his attention. He turned his head to see Sirius, eyeing him with diabolical contempt.
"You are fond of this spell, aren't you?" Sirius spat.
Ron tried opening his mouth, but couldn't. All he could do is stare at Harry's godfather, whose grimace turned murderous. He tried to move, but his body wouldn't listen.
"Let's try it out. I haven't had the opportunity..." Sirius continued. "Crucio!" he yelled. And Ron screamed, he screamed like his very soul was ripped apart, and Sirius laughed.
"What the hell?! What the hell? Oh..." Ron woke to gasp for breath, clutching his own body in fear of pain that wasn't coming.
He was back at his dorms, finding Seamus, Dean, and Neville snoring peacefully, while Harry was awake, looking questioningly at his friend.
"Bad dream?" Harry asked.
"Yeah... yeah, I guess. I think," Ron muttered, squinting his eyes.
"Try to get back to sleep," Harry said, turning in his bed.
"Right..."
How could he get back to sleep after that? What in the world was that about? It didn't feel like a dream. It felt too real to be. Should he tell Harry about this...?
"How is your career doing, old friend?" Dumbledore asked, leaning back in his chair.
"You know how it is. Too old and shrewd for auror corps, too young for ministry. So they keep me as a trophy more than anything," Scrimgeour sighed. The old auror narrowed his eyes. "Naturally, you would count on that, wouldn't you."
Dumbledore chuckled. "In a way, yes."
"Fudge has certainly seen more popular days. Crouch scandal, werewolf suppression, and there are rumors of him wanting to fire Kingsley after that little media escapade... One would think, one more decent enough mishap, and he might be out of the office," Scrimgeour reflected.
"Oh, that is certainly a possibility."
"Have you convinced Amelia to your side?" Scrimgeour asked.
"Not yet, but she is willing to ally with us if we garner enough support," Dumbledore replied, looking meaningfully at the old auror.
"Hawkworth's cronies?"
"Easiest deal we have made. You know how corrupted they are already, seeing how firm of a grip Lucius had on them," Dumbledore shook his head.
"To think great Dumbledore would resort to bribery..." Rufus chuckled.
The Headmaster sighed. "Indeed. Principles can be bent if the situation arises."
"I concur. These are dark times, but I trust you know where to draw the line," Scrimgeour said. He leaned back into his guest chair. "Fudge can't sack both Kingsley and me. No, I doubt he would sack either of us. So you've got yourself a deal. If you put in a good word and vouch for me as Fudge's replacement, I'll support you."
"Glad to hear that, my friend," Dumbledore smiled.
"Fudge's grip on the ministry weakens by the day. Sacking Crouch was the start of his establishment crumbling away."
"Fascinating, what one man's innocence can do..." Dumbledore scratched his chin.
"Anyway, whilst there are no tracking charms on me, I'd rather not linger long. Goodbye, old friend. I wish you luck. It was a pleasure speaking with you again," Rufus nodded.
"Likewise," Dumbledore nodded back with a glint of a smile.
"I'd like all of your attention!" Sirius raised his voice. He was standing on a dueling platform used for Remus' classes.
The class of 3rd year Slytherins and Gryffindors looked at Sirius. Some murmurs were heard, though the room fell to silence after a brief while.
"As you all know, my colleague, Remus Lupin, organized a dueling club on a voluntary and instructional basis. Meaning, you could avoid dueling anyone, so long as you wish to. I don't agree with this policy," he grinned slightly. "In my classes, unless you have a very, very good reason not to engage, you will have to pick your partner to practice hands-on experience."
Quite a few groans echoed throughout the class, a Slytherin girl raising her hand to ask a question.
"Yes?"
"Don't you think it's a bit early to force us into mandatory dueling, professor?"
"Not at all. Here, we will practice complex, but rather less severe spells. Just because I'm going to hold a class on unforgivables doesn't mean I'll allow you to use them, of course," he chuckled. Most students were still looking at him silently.
"A-Anyway, I guarantee that I will teach at around the same risk as Professor Snape's classes." Sirius coughed, blushing a bit in embarrassment. "For the purpose of demonstration, I have invited Professor Potter here to be my dueling partner."
Gasps echoed throughout the room as Harry rose to the dueling platform, a huge grin on his face.
"It's always a pleasure to help colleagues, Professor Black," Harry tried to suppress a laugh while looking at the class' faces.
Sirius nodded, though he had a glitter of a smile on him too. "Likewise. Now, let me address some of your concerns. You might wonder why I picked Professor Potter, who isn't even fourteen yet, to be my partner. I assure you, he has an excellent talent for dueling which I would like to polish further. If you don't believe me, you shall see in a moment."
"Potter dueling a Black?!" Pansy was flabbergasted. "If Sirius takes it seriously, there's no way he'll last a second!"
"I wouldn't be so sure of that," Draco whispered, looking intently at Harry.
"What? Since when are you a fan of him?!" Pansy blurted.
"Quiet down, Pansy. I want to watch," Blaise looked at her reprovingly.
"Now, I will remind you all that we are not doing harmful spells! The goal of the duel is to disarm your opponent, not to hurt them. Ron, if you'd like to lead us?"
"Naturally," Ron nodded with a smirk. "Alright, gentlemen. Ready your wands! And go!"
"Protego maxima!" Harry and Sirius yelled at the same time. Large, glistening shields formed around them, as they quickly started sending an array of jinxes and hexes at each other, most of them nonverbal magic.
"Woah... I can't even keep track of their wand movement..." A Gryffindor student uttered in awe.
As the duel went on, some of the spells were cast so quickly and aggressively that they pounced at protective enchantments around the platform.
Harry was so caught up in the joy of dancing around with his godfather that he was quite surprised to see his wand out of his hands, going straight for Sirius. He glanced at his shield, which showed a concentrated cracked hole.
"There's your main lesson for today. If spell precision is your forte, do not be afraid to exploit it. Use it to consistently target a vulnerable spot in your opponent's shields whenever possible."
Harry and Sirius met at the center of the platform, the latter giving the former his disarmed wand. Sirius leaned in to whisper. "Not bad. My shield showed some cracks. Keep it up."
"Just wait. I'll get my revenge," Harry whispered back, a smirk on his face.
"Do your worst, brat," Sirius chuckled.
"Impressive," Blaise commented, a rare look of wonder on his face.
"I can't believe it..." Pansy's mouth hung open. "I could barely follow their hands..."
Draco had a frown on his face. He looked like he was deep in thought.
Harry and Arthur were sitting in an indented arched space in the hallways, looking through the window to a beautiful day outside.
"Want to go out for some fresh air? I know you could use it, for sure," Harry asked.
"Yeah."
...
"Are you sure you're fine? After that collapse, I'm starting to doubt Snape's compassion for you." Harry wondered, looking at Arthur with concern.
"Don't worry about me, I'll be fine. I'm not doing it against my will if that's what you're wondering," Arthur chuckled. "This thing has possessed me, it's like I can't rest until I figure it out..."
Harry raised an eyebrow. "Man, I wish Flamel was still alive. He could have taken you up for a tutorship or something, seeing how insane both of you were."
Arthur nodded. "So do I. But hey, if you invent a spell that can revive the dead, be sure to send me a letter..."
"Have you been on good terms with friends? Aside from talking to your glassware."
"I've grown distant, but I'll remind you most of them are in Ravenclaw. They understand."
"I don't," Harry shrugged.
Arthur rolled his eyes. "You Gryffindors and your theatrics and parties. We are more tame people. We like seclusion and not being in the spotlight constantly."
"You mean to say you are boring?"
"Not really. I meant to say we're not clowning around."
"Real funny."
...
...
"So... I've been wondering something. You're the one to come to when it comes to potions, right?" Harry asked, turning his eyes to Arthur.
"Uh... yes? What's that dramatic look for?" Arthur snorted.
"Well, I have an interesting proposition for you. Something a man of your intellect and passion would be interested in, surely," Harry smirked.
"I'm listening."
"So, uh, what do you know about animagus potion? The... final one."
Arthur sighed. "... how far are you into your transformation? And does Minerva know?"
"I was just asking you a question!" Harry blurted.
Arthur shrugged. "I can't see any other reason you'd ask me about it in this roundabout way. Spill the beans, come on."
"Ron and Neville are still drinking the potions for their bodies. I'm on mental practices already."
"Of course, you dragged them in too. I'm guessing this is for Hermione?"
"Yup, you seem to have gotten the gist of things already. Makes it easier to explain. If anything that's what I like about Ravenclaws," Harry sighed.
"Again, what about Minerva, does she know?"
"Eh... she will, in time," Harry winked.
"Please tell me you are being supervised, at least..." Arthur frowned.
"Yes, yes, of course. Sirius is helping us."
"Right. So, you want me to make this thing for you?"
"Uh, that's the gist of it, yeah."
Arthur scratched his chin, looking into the distance. "I'll help you. But you have to make a deal with me, alright? Tell Minnie, and I'll make that potion for you."
"Is there room for some negotiation? Some wiggle room?"
"Nope."
"Damn it. Alright, let's shake on it."
"What's our next move, Remus?" Jack asked. A dozen of werewolves were assembled in one of the hideouts.
"With Greyback captured, our goals are twofold easier to achieve. First, Fudge can't execute him quickly, so all the little details about Greyback's activities will be revealed, and lashing at the werewolf population will be harder to achieve."
Most of the group nodded.
"Second, our directly opposed faction is mostly gone. This will ease our own position. Kingsley has secured vital evidence against Greyback which is now in possession of Wizengamot. There's no more evidence washing, meaning that we ourselves can approach Wizengamot with more witnesses now. I'm sure some people in our ranks have been directly attacked by Greyback and were aware enough to witness even worse deeds. Now, Kingsley's evidence that we gathered alone will be enough to secure his sentencing, but why not look good in front of the judges for the future?"
Jack smiled. "I see where you're getting at. I suppose Steven didn't die in vain."
Remus nodded, returning the smile. "Correct. We now have organized and planned resistance. Dumbledore has secured votes from Hawkworth and Scrimgeour's group. Amelia Bones and her followers will follow suit if they can be sure the law will pass. For that, we need more work. This trial and testimonies might just put us over the edge."
Some of the group smiled, whilst others had rarely hopeful expressions on their face.
Remus continued. "Fudge is losing a lot of his conservative backing, especially after Crouch was sacked from Sirius' scandal. I really fear he might do something drastic, but then again, there's a contingency for that too — a few more scandals, and he might be ousted."
"Good. On my side, we have some of the strays from Greyback's organization joining our cause. We can't really trust them yet, or at all, but I decided to give them operations of lower responsibility. Helping centaurs grow crops for us and whatnot," Jack informed.
"That's well and good, but how are we with funds?" Remus asked.
"We're cutting it very close. Donations aren't enough despite our numbers, Dumbledore has reduced his own channels of funding, and the resources we plundered from raids on Greyback are dwindling. We'll have to end this in the next few months unless we are to run out," Jack sighed.
Remus pinched his nose. "Yeah, it seems like it. Greyback's trial is in February. Let's hope we gather enough votes for repeal until then."
"Finally, we can have some peaceful time during the winter," Neville leaned back into a seat.
"Honestly, I'm amazed you guys manage your studies and animagi training. Especially you, Harry, with your additional teaching duties..." Hermione asked.
"Teamwork and delegation, my dear friend," Harry and Ron nodded gravely.
"Your mnemonics for History of Magic are really helpful as well, don't forget," Neville smiled.
"Well, it's the least I can do, considering what you are doing..." Hermione blushed.
"I really need to thank Hagrid. He's been such a great teacher and it's clear we are his favorite students. Then again, most of the creatures he's been holding classes on we've seen in his hut..." Harry sniggered.
"Notice how he's less mental about his love for man-eating monsters?" Ron laughed, flipping a coin with a nundu etched onto it.
"But he's still somehow more on edge, you know," Harry narrowed his eyes slightly.
"Yeah, I tended to notice that too. Something's bothering him," Hermione added.
"Really? I haven't noticed much..." Ron shrugged.
"I think we should talk to him about it eventually," Neville suggested.
"I agree. Maybe we could help if he wants to talk," Hermione replied.
"I think you guys are overreacting. There's nothing wrong with Hagrid..." Ron rolled his eyes.
"Well, it doesn't exactly hurt to check, does it?" Harry flicked Ron in the head."Speaking of animals, what do you think you'll be?"
"Lion, so I can eat you if you flick me again! Anyway, I dunno. A powerful animal would be nice, though," Ron looked at the coin dreamily.
"Nope, you are not getting a nundu, that's for sure. Think of a better way to impress people." Harry cackled as Ron hit him in the shoulder.
"Hmm, I dunno. A hawk would be nice, I think," Harry pondered. "Extremely fast, elegant flyer, what else could you ask for? Let me see a lion catch a hawk..."
"I'd like to be a horse..."
Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked at Neville dumbfoundedly. Neville blushed.
"What? I always liked horses," Neville muttered defensively.
Ron snorted a bit. "Yeah it's okay, it's just that I never connected that animal with you. Under any circumstance..."
"Well, thanks a lot, Ron..." Neville blushed more intensely now.
"Hey, no judging what our dream animal is. I just hope I don't get turned into a bug..." Harry moaned.
The four friends went on laughing at peculiar animagus transformations while the fire crackled and people chattered in Gryffindor's common room.
"Fred and George are playing exploding snap. Want to join them?" Ron offered, looking in the twins' direction.
"Sure..."
"I knew he was powerful, but that display was quite impressive..." Blaise reflected on Harry and Sirius' duel.
Draco nodded. "I was thinking of asking him for a few tips, actually."
Pansy shot a look at Draco, exasperated. "What? You are gonna ask him for help? That muggle-lover?" she blurted.
"Enough of that, Pansy..." Draco sighed, looking worn out for a moment.
"Enough? What's gotten into you, Draco?!"
"I couldn't care less about that kind of thinking anymore. Look at where it got my father," Draco spat.
"But, still, to-"
"And look at where it got me," Draco pulled a part of the robes to reveal his shoulder. Seven blood-red words were carved into his skin — "traitor".
Pansy gasped. "Who... who did this to you?"
Blaise frowned. "Nott has been busy, hasn't he."
"He has. I've become the center of his obsessions. He cornered me with his cronies in our bathroom and said he had a gift to give me for Christmas. And so he wrote this."
"That's... why...?"
"We have a history, it seems. Not only that, he seems adamant to rectify it. We'll see who comes on top, I guess," Draco hissed.