I do not own Harry Potter.
Just before boarding the Hogwarts Express, Harry pulled James aside to tell him what really happened back in Diagon Alley.
"So, where were you when you claimed to be in the back room?"
"How did you..."
"Prongs, remember?"
"Er, yeah, well, we weren't in the back room."
"Already established," said James, "So, where were you?"
"We were following Draco Malfoy," and Harry explained everything that had happened at Burgin and Borkes, and his theory that Draco Malfoy was now a Death Eater.
James considered this. "Harry, while I agree Voldemort wouldn't have any moral issue with allowing sixteen-year-olds to join, there simply isn't a point. Malfoy will be at Hogwarts; there's nothing he could do to help the cause. Voldemort didn't ask your mother and I to join until we were out of school. And Sirius' brother, Regulus, who, as far as we know, was the youngest Death Eater to date, didn't join until he was seventeen."
"But isn't it worth investigating? If Malfoy wants something fixed, and he had to threaten Borgin to get it done, it's got to be something dark or dangerous, doesn't it?" Harry insisted.
"It's definitely fishy," said James. "But when the ministry finally realized that Lucius Malfoy was a Death Eater, we raided his house. We took away everything that could be considered even remotely dangerous. And, let me tell you, there was a lot," he added.
"I think you missed something," said Harry, stubbornly.
"Maybe," James said. But having been on the team himself, he doubted it. The train whistle sounded. "Hurry up," said James, shooing his son towards the train, "There aren't any flying cars around if you miss the train."
He and Lily stood with the Weasley's and waved as they left, Molly following the train shouting at them to take care, be good, and stay safe.
James' thoughts were still on the conversation with his son. He didn't think Harry's theory could be true, but... it couldn't hurt to check, could it?
Dear Mum and Dad,
This was definitely the most interesting train ride so far. I took the invisibility cloak and snuck into Draco Malfoy's carriage and hid on the luggage rack. He wasn't out abusing his prefect powers, which is strange. He said that he might not be back at Hogwarts next year, and when asked why he said that, he said that he might have moved on 'to bigger and better things.' Malfoy says it doesn't matter what kind of education he has anymore because when 'the Dark Lord' takes over he's going to care more about the kind of service and devotion he received. He says maybe Voldemort doesn't care if he's a fully qualified wizard yet or not; that maybe the job he wants Malfoy to do isn't something he needs to be an adult for.
What do you have to say to that? This has to mean that Malfoy's become a Death Eater! Ron thinks he's showing off for Pansy Parkingson, but come on, that's a huge lie even for Malfoy.
Also, Slughorn invited me, Ginny, and Neville, and some others to lunch on the train. I think he calls it the Slug Club. Everyone there was connected to somebody famous, except Ginny. He invited her because he saw her put the bat bogey hex on Zachariah Smith and thought it was good spell work.
I'll write again soon,
Harry
Dear Harry,
Yes, Slughorn did always have a club of his favorites. As you probably figured out, I was a member, although none of the Marauders were. I know you won't much like the idea, but it really wasn't that bad. It was supposed to be an opportunity for some of the students, something like an honor's program, although based on Slughorn's favorites rather than academic achievement.
As for Malfoy, I've arranged a search of their house. It'll happen in a few days, but I'm not hopeful. I agree, the whole thing is suspicious, but even if you are right, there is nothing you can do about it without proof. And no, that is not a reason for you to go get some. Please, be careful Harry.
And keep up with your studies,
Love,
Mum and Dad
Dear Mum and Dad,
I'm taking potions this year, after all. Professor Slughorn only requires an exceeds expectations. Ron and I are borrowing old text books from the class while we wait for replacements, so don't worry about that. I even won a bottle of Felix Felicis for making the best Draught of Living Death potion.
Snape had his first lesson today. We're learning about non-verbal spell casting in his class, and none of us seem to be very good at them, except Hermione, of course. I got detention for cheek.
But you should have heard him talk about the Dark Arts. He was going on and on about how they were ever-changing, unfixed, indestructible. I was frustrated with him at first, but then Hermione said that she thought he sounded like me. That when I was talking to the DA last year I told them it wasn't really about what you learned in school, it was just you and your brains and your guts. So, now I don't know what to think.
But my first lesson with Dumbledore is on Saturday night, so Snape's detention will have to wait.
Love you both,
Harry
Dear Harry,
I don't want to hear about you getting detention for being disrespectful to a teacher again. No matter who it is or what you think about their teaching style.
He may have a point about the Dark Arts. It's important to respect them as worthy adversaries, at least. They're dangerous, and there's no sugar coating it.
Also, we're sending you a new potions book, so you won't have to keep using the old one for long.
Let us know how your meeting with Dumbledore goes.
Stay safe.
Love,
Dad and Mum