Chapter 6: Prefect Woes
Ron was standing in the middle of the room he and Harry shared at 12 Grimauld Place, stunned. In his hand was an envelope. In that envelope, a prefect badge was peeping out. He took it out slowly. He glanced up at Harry. Harry's face was blank, devoid of the turmoil of emotions he was feeling inside. He went over to take a closer look, to congratulate Ron. Hermione rushed in screaming. "Me too Harry, me too". Harry turned towards her," it's Ron not me". Hermione gaped at Ron. "That's …" "unexpected" finished Fred as he and George entered the room.
Draco was in his room. The window was open; he was expecting a school owl to come with a list of the new books he would need. He stared out of the window. After some time he saw a small dot, which took the shape of a school barn owl as it got nearer. It flew in and perched on a chair. Draco got up and removed the envelope. He noticed that some solid object was in the envelope. He opened it and took out a prefect badge. Draco's eyes went wide. Why the hell am I a prefect? He slowly went downstairs. He took a quick look around. Everything seemed quite. Draco heaved a sigh of relief. So, father wasn't at home. He went to his parent bedroom. Narcissa was reading the Daily Prophet and sipping a cup of tea. "Mom, I…well" Draco showed her the badge. "Oh Draco I'm so proud!" Narcissa hugged Draco tightly. "I'll owl your father." Draco nodded and left.
Ron and Hermione had gone to the prefect's carriage. Hermione slid the door open and stepped in, but she froze on the spot. She saw the back of a platinum blonde head. "You're blocking the door, Hermione" Ron said impatiently from behind her. The platinum blonde head turned. The silver green eyes immediately narrowed on spotting the prefect badge pinned to her chest. "Well, well, what do we have here" Draco drawled. Ron's ears had turned red, always a danger sign. Hermione ignored him and sat on the bench farthest from his. They received their instructions and left to patrol the train.
Ron and Hermione found the carriage Harry was in. Ron threw himself on an empty seat, exhausted. Neville, Ginny and Luna were also there. They were chatting when they herd the door of their carriage open. There stood Draco, Crabbe and Goyle. "So, Weasley how much did your dad have to sell to buy you that badge?" Ron stood up, balling his hands into fists. Harry stood up. "Shut up Malfoy." "Careful Potter I'll report you". He smirked. Harry came towards him and whispered, "I saw your father Malfoy. I'm sure Dumbledore will do something about it." Crabbe and Goyle were listening in. To save face Draco snarled at him" You'll pay for it". They left. Draco could feel Hermione's sorrowful eyes on him.