Death Threats and Christmas Correspondence
Hermione Granger was very confused (and getting more confused by the hour).
Just what was going on with the boys in this school?
Seamus clearly wasn't talking to Harry and Harry seemed more than happy with the arrangement. Meanwhile, they were both constantly fussing over Ron – like two deranged mother hens.
It had become so bad that poor Ron looked like a Niffler caught in the headlights whenever either one of them came near him; as if he expected them to go for his throat at any moment. It was actually quite funny (in a 'excuse me while I gnaw my own foot off' kind of way)
Hermione had, of course, attempted to speak to Harry about the previous day's incident, but he had refused to explain his dishevelled appearance, telling her rather curtly that "not everything in Ron's life concerns you!"
Hermione was even more confused – she hadn't even mentioned Ron!
She'd tried to talk to Seamus about it too, but the Irish boy had been positively rude, calling her a not very nice name in the process.
As for Ron…
Well, he looked happier than she had ever seen him.
Not ecstatic, jumping around, manic happy. No, more quietly content in a silly, adorable goofy-smile kind of way. As if he'd finally figured something out and now the final piece of a difficult puzzle had fallen into place.
It had really started Hermione thinking…
She had re-read Pansy's note several times. Particularly that last line. And now when she looked at Ron, Hermione couldn't help but wonder if perhaps the Slytherin girl had been right… and oh my gods she was going to have to kill Malfoy.
And quite possibly Harry and Seamus too…
Hermione didn't know what would happen once Ron finally merged back into the general populace, but she'd be watching closely.
Dumbledore had apparently decreed that Ron should take his meals in his room for the remainder of the weekend. The Headmaster knew that there would be a certain amount of curiosity regarding recent events, and Dumbledore didn't want the boy to be bothered while he was still recovering from his ordeal.
At least, that's what Ron had told her.
Personally, Hermione suspected more of the Headmaster's infamous meddling. And she wondered just how much the old wizard knew (murdering Dumbledore could prove tricky).
As a result of Ron's temporary absence from the Great Hall, meal times had turned into a bit of a farce; Seamus and Harry making quite the double act. They'd race to the table, each determined to get there first and then proceeded to make every other occupant feel decidedly queasy as they shovelled food down their throats at a barf-inducing speed. They didn't take their eyes off each other the whole time. As soon as one would bolt from the table the other would drop whatever they were holding (at lunch this had included a dish full of potatoes all over Neville) and give chase back to the common room where they'd both come to a screeching stop in front of a very wary looking Ron.
It didn't take a genius to work out that clearly neither boy wanted to leave the other alone with Ron.
Hermione found herself feeling decidedly piqued that neither one of them seemed to have a problem with her being left alone with him.
Of course, Malfoy was also conspicuous by his absence.
Hermione assumed that the Headmaster had decided that Draco too should eat in his room to avoid the scrutiny of the curious.
This gave her a rather evil idea during dinner that night.
In Hermione's defence it should be pointed out that she had had to suffer through a particularly long afternoon of nauseating boy on boy fussing, and Harry was also making singularly disgusting noises next to her as he choked down his food.
She was just beginning to think that even so it would be just too cruel, when Hermione looked up and saw Seamus initiate the most repellent abuse of chocolate pudding that she had ever had the misfortune to witness.
And no, Hermione decided that was it, she'd had enough!
So, feigning nonchalance, Hermione reached over for the tomatoes and casually remarked, "I see Malfoy isn't here again." She paused for affect and then looking pointedly at Harry and Seamus continued with, "Now, I wonder where he could possibly be?"
There was a comical moment when the two boys just looked at each other before a look of dawning horror spread rapidly across their faces.
Hermione sat back smiling triumphantly as she watched both boys falling over themselves to get to the exit (she did, however, spare a second to offer a sympathetic shrug to a chocolate pudding-covered Neville).
And then something started itching at her brain. A thought began to settle there and wouldn't go away.
Now that Hermione thought about it – where exactly was the pointy-faced bastard?
By the time Hermione dashed into the common room she was red faced and breathless.
And felt like throwing up for all sorts of reasons.
She tried to slip unnoticed into the nearest armchair, but Ron frowned at her suspiciously, before returning his attention to Harry and Seamus; the former appeared to be looking for something under the sofa and the latter had his head up the chimney (luckily, it was unseasonably clement, so the house-elves hadn't lit a fire that day).
All in all, it was probably one of the least auspicious moments for all three concerned, especially when Ron shook his head disgustedly and declared that he was going to bed and if anyone – and he meant anyone- attempted to follow him he would Avada Kedavra them on the spot and welcome life imprisonment in Azkaban as a little light relief!
It had been an uncomfortable evening for the three left behind.
Seamus and Harry were too scared to enter their dorm, but felt equally unable to meet the other's eye. In the end Harry had muttered something about needing to go to the library and had strode out of the common room - only to return a few minutes later to grab a startled Seamus by the elbow and drag him off with him.
Hermione sat and glowered after them - and just why hadn't they felt it necessary to drag her off too? Bastards!
An hour later, Hermione had calmed down enough to think about things a little more rationally.
At least Malfoy hadn't been there.
She didn't know how she would have handled that. Every time she thought of having to see the blond boy and Ron together, Hermione's hands would start to shake and her stomach would make like a Muggle washing machine on a spin cycle. Hermione knew it was mostly caused by dread but there was also a certain amount of curiosity. How would they react to each other? She had a feeling that the answer to that question might well provide her with the last piece of her own puzzle.
And Hermione still hadn't decided how she felt about that.
Sighing, she looked back down to the book in her hands and continued to read…
December 21st
I'm writing this on the train. Finally we're on our way home for the Christmas holidays!
I can't wait to get home - ah the bliss of having a room to myself again, even if it is only for two weeks! Oh, and not to have to listen to Draco moaning on about the injustice of having to go home while others get to stay at school!
Why would Draco even want to stay?
He's been taunting Potty and the Weasel about having to do just that, for the last couple of weeks. Constantly going on about them being so pathetic that no one wants them for Christmas!
He'd even taunted Weasley at one point with an invitation to the manor! As if!
{~~~~~~}
"So Potty, I hear your Muggle relatives have refused to have you home for Christmas." Draco smirked over at the Drippy Duo as they helped that oaf Hagrid carry a Christmas tree into the Great Hall.
The Weasel immediately dropped his end of the tree and made a move towards Draco. But Potter grabbed hold of his arm saying, "Leave it, Ron. He's not worth it."
I saw Draco bristle at that and took a step behind Vincent.
"I'm worth more than you'll ever be, Scarhead!" He spat back at Potter.
Luckily, that stupid freak Hagrid hadn't even noticed that his two little friends had let go of the tree and he'd continued into the hall oblivious of the argument, otherwise Draco would have been in big trouble for calling Potter that.
The rest of us (with the exception of Weasley) thought it was hilarious and laughed loudly.
Once again it was Weasley who tried to get to Draco. He obviously had a lot less restraint than Potter - or maybe he just couldn't bear to hear his ickle boyfriend talked about like that! Ha ha! And also ick!
Potter was now holding Weasley by the back of his robes. "Just let me at him, Harry! I'll soon wipe that smirk off his face."
Draco moved closer and raising his eyebrows said, "Promise?"
Erm… that kind of threw us all a bit.
There was a moment of awkward silence when no one really seemed to know quite how to respond. It wasn't so much what Draco had said as how he had said it…
Potter recovered first. "Oh, bugger off, Malfoy!" And he turned back to go into the Great Hall dragging the Weasel with him.
But Draco wasn't letting them get away that easily. "Oi, Weasley!"
That stopped them.
When he was sure he had their attention Draco continued with, "So I get why no one wants Pothead with them to ruin Christmas but what's your story? How can your fat mother bear not having her baby boy at home with her?"
"Right, that does it!" Weasley lunged forward before Potter could stop him and grabbed Draco by the front of his robes. Pulling Draco towards him he shouted into his face, "Listen here, Malfoy, I wouldn't expect a cold-hearted bastard like you to understand but maybe not all of us can afford to have everything the way we would want it to be - including Christmas!"
Again there was an awkward silence.
Weasley suddenly looked embarrassed at having admitted his poverty-stricken status (like it was ever a secret!).
Potter looked like he was going to cry (what a wimp!).
And Draco had gone all bright-eyed and breathless the moment Weasley had taken hold of him. He's such a flaming coward!
I couldn't help but smirk. Poor Weasel! Boy, he was really going to get it from Draco now - talk about leaving yourself wide-open. I looked expectantly at Draco.
Draco took a deep breath, licked his lips nervously (well, he was pretty close to Weasley's fists!) and started to speak.
Ha, here it comes… prepare to weep Weasel!
"You could come home with me."
What?
Weasley's mouth dropped open and there were surprised gasps from everyone.
What was Draco playing at? He must have been taking the piss, but he sounded disturbingly sincere…
Then, Draco leaned in closer and lowered his voice to barely a whisper, "I could show you how Christmas really ought to be celebrated."
Weasley jumped back as if he'd been slapped.
"Slimy bastard! So you think my family don't know how to celebrate Christmas. Well for your information, Malfoy some people think there's more to Christmas than getting everything you want."
He turned and walked back to Potter's side. "I'd rather spend Christmas with He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named than with your rotten family!"
And the two Griffindorks walked into the hall.
I had moved to stand next to Draco and so was probably the only one who heard him whisper under his breath, "Not everything…"
Right, who was he kidding - Draco always got everything on his Christmas list and then some. Perhaps he was thinking of Weasley's head on a platter - oh well…maybe next year! Ha ha!
Gregory chose that moment to slap Draco on the back with a loud snort, "Ha! Nice going, Draco! Inviting him to the manor! Did you see his face - I think for a minute there he actually thought you were serious!"
We all laughed at that, though Draco's sounded a bit forced, probably still smarting from Weasley's words.
We all joined in on a general Potter/Weasley verbal bashing then as we headed back to the dungeons.
Draco didn't say much. I think he was a bit upset at the Weasel's parting shot - he absolutely hated anyone else having the final word. That's probably why he went off in a huff shortly afterwards, having warned each of us never to mention the incident in front of him again on pain of a most bloody and prolonged death.
Moody git!
Draco has spent the last hour pouting while glaring out the train window. I'm not sure what's put him in such a foul mood. After all, it's nearly Christmas and he's on his way home to quite possibly the wealthiest estate in the country. I do hope he's not still sulking about not being allowed to stay in school. I mean - Hogwarts or Malfoy Manor - I certainly know where I'd rather be… well, okay not right now because I'd probably have to murder Draco and that really could put a downer on Christmas.
But really, what an annoying boy!
{~~~~~~}
"Did you see them?"
I looked up surprised from my journal. Draco had turned from the window and seemed to be addressing the carriage at large. Gregory and Vincent looked their usual intelligent selves and Millicent merely shrugged at me. Clearly none of us had a clue what the boy was talking about.
"Who, Draco dear?" As always it fell to me to humour him.
"Those two!" Draco spat back, his lip curling in disgust. "Potty and the Weasel. Did you see them as we were leaving - sitting in the Great Hall playing chess? Looking all smiley and – and – happy. Bastards!"
Now, I abhor Potter and his ginger shadow as much as the next person (especially if the next person happens to be Draco!) but even I felt he was being a little unreasonable. Surely, they're allowed to play chess without the need for a constant air of melancholy? But before I could say anything further Draco had started off ranting again.
"There are no other Gryffindors staying in their dorm so they'll have it all to themselves. Won't that be cosy? I'm surprised the Mudblood didn't insist on staying to keep an eye on them."
Oh, so I wasn't the only one. "Oh, you reckon Potter fancies his little Weasel too? I've had my suspicions for a-" But my words were cut off abruptly.
"What?! You mean…?"
Draco was suddenly on his feet pacing the tiny space within the carriage. "How can they…? Potter… fancies…!"
He seemed really distraught and was brushing his hands frantically through his hair.
We all exchanged horrified looks. What was wrong with him?
Suddenly Draco stopped, looked around at us, and sat down abruptly.
There was an awkward moment when the only sound was Draco's harsh breaths. Then Millicent - bless her - quickly and loudly asked Crabbe what he hoped to get for Christmas this year and Vincent showing unusual presence of mind spent the next ten minutes detailing his rather lengthy list of demands.
Draco didn't speak for at least an hour and we all carefully pretended he wasn't there. This was rather difficult as he was very restless and twitched and sighed incessantly.
Finally, Draco let out a particularly loud breath and declared, "I'm going to kill Harry Potter."
I thought it best to agree with him at this point, so leant over and patted his knee. "Of course you are, dear."
I rolled my eyes at Millicent. I'm sure boys aren't meant to be this highly strung.
Draco seemed pleased with my response and smiled for the first time since we'd entered the carriage. Then nodding happily he went on, "There'll be loud screams, a strong smell of burning flesh and lots of blood."
Oh, bless him, his little face was glowing contentedly now and his eyes were shining brightly. See, it didn't take much to make him happy. And with a last serene sigh, Draco rested his head on my shoulder and drifted off to sleep, a happy smile still playing across his lips.
December 31st
Of course, as always we've been invited to the Malfoy's New Year's Ball.
Usually I look forward to it - a chance to dazzle everyone in my latest stunning gown, to dance with Draco and to listen to all the lovely comments about us making the perfect couple.
But this year I'm not quite so keen.
Draco has been sending me owls on a daily basis since I reached home - sometimes twice a day.
Normally I would have been thrilled that Draco finally seemed to be putting more of an effort into our relationship but given the content of the letters I really wish he hadn't bothered.
Mother of course has been a complete chore over it. If I have to endure one more coy remark or giggle I swear to Voldemort I'll pummel her to death with one of the house-elves!
{~~~~~~}
21st December, Malfoy Manor
Dear Pans
I'm so BORED!
There's nothing to do here. No one to taunt - except the bloody house-elves and they're bloody useless! Where's the angry response? The red-faced magnificence of W any normal person.
What do you think they're doing at Hogwarts right now?
Draco
22nd December, Parkinson House
Dear Draco
How can you be bored already - you've only been home a matter of hours!
Oh, and what do I think they're doing back at Hogwarts? Sleeping you prat - just like I was when your ruddy stupid owl turned up - it is 3am after all!
Pansy
22nd December, Malfoy Manor
Pansy
I have to confess to feeling a little hurt by the tone of your last letter. If you can't spare a few minutes of your time to make my life a little less awful, well then perhaps you don't deserve the name 'friend'!
It's 8am now - I'd be in the Great Hall having breakfast if my parents weren't so selfish.
Do you think that as there are so few students left then perhaps they're all sitting at the same table for the duration of the holidays?
I hate my parents!
D.
22nd December, Parkinson House
Dear Draco
I'm very sorry if my last letter upset you but it was the early hours of the morning and I wasn't exactly feeling my best.
I do think that perhaps you're being a little harsh on your parents - after all you spent the last couple of weeks taunting Potty and the Weasel about how neglected they should feel for having no one who wanted them home for Christmas. Is it really a hardship to spend time with parents who love you and actually want you home with them at Christmas time?
Oh, and I'm sure you're right about the table situation - so even more of a reason to be grateful you're home - can you imagine having to share a table with the Gryffindors? Merlin! What if you had to sit next to Potter or Weasley?
Love
Pans x
23rd December, Malfoy Manor
Parkinson
I am sorry that I have taken so long to respond to your last. Let's just say I needed some time to calm down.
Pray tell, exactly how long have you been calling Weasley 'The Weasel'? Correct me if I'm wrong but I was under the distinct impression that was my name for him and I don't remember giving you permission to use it.
In fact, Pansy, I have to say that I am rather appalled, not to say hurt, at your overall attitude.
How dare you throw my unkind words back at me!
I'm sure Weasley's parents desperately wanted to have him home with them but tragic circumstances probably prevented it. Just because the dictates of society demand that I'm cruel to his face, Pansy doesn't mean I want you reminding me of it!
And I think it particularly bad form to taunt me about the probable new seating arrangements.
Draco Malfoy
23rd December, Parkinson House
Dearest Draco
I never intended to upset you by my last letter. I was simply trying to assure you that your parents meant well, that you were better off at home than school and that I'd only been angry due to lack of sleep.
Sorry about 'The Weasel' - I didn't realise you felt that way about it. I promise from now on to always refer to him as Weasley.
I assume you were being sarcastic about the whole 'Weasley going home' thing! Or maybe you're actually right…maybe he was wanted at home but just couldn't bear to leave his boyfriend all alone at Christmas time. After all, this is the season to be with the one's we love - ha ha!
Love
Pansy
23rd December, Malfoy Manor
Never write to me again.
D.M.
24th December, Parkinson House
Draco
Oh, bugger it all, you prat! What did I do this time?
Pans
P.S. You better respond or else I'll do to you what you did to Algie!
24th December, Malfoy Manor
Pansy!
How dare you call me a prat! You're the one who implied an unhealthy relationship between Potter and my the Weasel!
D.
24th December, Parkinson House
Draco
Urgh, okay you're right - the thought of Potter and Weasley 'going at it' is quite icky!
Glad you're talking to me again!
Are you excited about tomorrow?
Love
Pans x
27th December, Malfoy Manor
Miss Parkinson
Please keep your sick fantasies to yourself.
I have sent several letters since, but I still haven't received a response.
I'm beginning to suspect that Draco might be homophobic.
Looking over his earlier letters and considering his agitated response on the train, it certainly seems that any suggestion of Potter and Weasley being 'together' makes him feel decidedly upset, if not downright ill.
So, how come he has a crush on Snape?
Boys! I'll never understand them.
Must go and get ready for the stupid Ball I suppose.
Hermione was distracted by the sound of voices coming down the stairs and closed the book quickly. Further reading would have to wait.