The rest of the day passed slowly, as I wondered what was going to happen to Harry. At dinner, I got my answer as Harry, the entire student body watching him in fear, entered the great hall, and sat down for dinner in between Ron and Hermione. And finally I could let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
"Well, I guess Dumbledore thought he was innocent." Anthony said as we watched him sit down.
"So it seems." Lisa added.
"Thank god." I said, turning to the pair. "After dinner, go to the common room without me, I need to talk to Harry."
Both Anthony and Lisa nodded, so after dinner I raced after Harry, finally tracking him down in an empty corridor, along with Ron, and Hermione.
"What happened with Dumbledore?" I asked nervously, and Harry gave me a small smile.
"He doesn't think it's me." Harry replied, I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.
"Thank goodness."
"I know." Harry continued. "I really thought I was a goner, but Dumbledore...well, he still believes me."
"And that the only person who matters." Hermione interjected. "As long as Dumbledore believes you Harry, you won't be expelled."
Harry nodded. "Guys...do you think I should have told Dumbledore about the voices? About...everything?" He asked suddenly, and we all shared nervous glances.
"Why do you ask?" I replied.
"Because, when I talked to him, he asked if their was anything I wanted to tell him. I said no but..."
"You're unsure if you made the right call?" Ron asked, and Harry nodded.
"Yeah."
We were all silent for a moment as we pondered Harry's question, before finally Hermione spoke.
"I think's it's wise not to tell Dumbledore about the voices." Hermione surmised. "Seeing as no one else can hear them, I doubt he could do anything. And with our plan to..." Hermione stopped as the trio all turned to me, fidgeting nervously.
"Oh merlin." I muttered.
"Sorry Sarah, it's just...I really don't think you want to know what where up too." Harry finally said, and I sighed.
"Whatever Harry, like I've told you, just be careful. You too." I said motioning to both Ron and Harry. "Are still on thin ice with the school." I reminded them.
"We know." Ron assured me.
"Very well." I replied looking between the three of them wearily. "Anyways I best get back to my common room, wouldn't want anyone to think we're up to something."
Harry gave a disheartened chuckle. "I think it's to late for that Sarah, at least for me."
I sighed. "Unfortunately, I think you're right...well, good night. I'll see you three in the morning." And with that I turned around and strode off, relieved that Harry was still around, yet also wondering what on earth those three were up to.
The attack on Nick and Justin had turned what had been a quiet nervousness around the school, into a typhoon on fear. Interestingly it wasn't Justin's fate that worried the school, but Nick's What kind of monster could effect a ghost like that?
Given the circumstances, it wasn't a surprise that booking seats on the Hogwarts express to go home for the holidays was busier than usual.
"I don't know about you guys." Sandra said to her year mates as she made her way over to the notice board in the entry hall, and found the form reserving your seats. "But I am getting out of here while I can."
"People are really crazy about finding good seats." Lisa said in an amused tone while watching the queue with me and Anthony.
"It really doesn't matter in the scheme of things." Anthony added. "I mean, there will be more than enough seats for everybody."
"Well, almost everybody." Lisa replied, giving me a look of pity.
"Guys, it's fine." I assured them for what felt like the twentieth. "Besides it's not just me, Harry, Hermione, the Weasley's and the prefects are all staying."
"And Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle." Lisa added sarcastically. "Surely you must be thrilled to have them as company."
I chuckled. "Oh definitely. Didn't you know, Crabbe and Goyle are amazing company."
Lisa laughed, while Anthony stroked his chin. "Still, it makes you think."
"About what?" I asked.
"Why Malfoy is staying." Anthony began. "We know Crabbe and Goyle just do whatever Malfoy say, but why is Malfoy himself staying. I mean, his mum dotes on him if those packages he get's from home are any indication. So why is he staying at Hogwarts for Christmas? It's odd."
We all thought in silence for a moment, before the queue finally finished. Anthony and Lisa went over and marked there seats on the train.
"Well, we got stuck in the front, right next to the Locomotive. But we are in." Anthony said.
"Good, then let's go get some lunch."
The three of us departed the common room and made our way down towards the Great Hall. On the way we ran into multiple groups of student's that scurried away from us... away for me. Even after proving I wasn't a Parselmouth many still thought I could be in league with Harry. That I was working for him, gathering intel on unsuspecting targets.
Every time they did, it made my blood boil.
"Idiots." I said as we passed a group of first years, all of whom ran in the other direction as we passed.
"Indeed, still, it's better than how the school's treating Harry." Lisa said, and I nodded.
"Oh I know, have either of you heard what Fred and George have been doing?"
"No." Anthony replied, and I chucked.
"They've been..."
"Make way for the Heir of Slytherin, seriously evil wizard coming through…"
"Well that." I replied motioning towards the parade coming towards us.
In front of us, Fred and George Weasley were marching down the hall, yelling for all to make way for the Heir of Slytherin. Behind the pair was Harry, flanked by Ron and Hermione. As they marched, the crowd indeed parted, and I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Amazing." I said as the pair noticed us, and walked over. "Hey guys."
"Hey servant to the heir, Sarah." George replied. "Want to join the parade?" George asked, motioning behind them to Harry, who had an amused look on his face.
"Of course, if the heir will have me." I replied, having to hold back a laugh. The twins then turned to Harry.
"Heir Harry." Fred asked, turning around to face him. "You loyal twin sister, and her servants, are asking permission to join the parade."
"Permission granted." Harry replied, as we passed the twin into the group of Gryffindor's
"What the heck is this?" Anthony asked, clearly confused.
"The heir's court." Fred replied, while leading us towards the great hall. "All of you are loyal servants of heir, Harry."
"Yeah." George added. "Where just making sure the route is clear, so you all can plan in peace."
"Oh god." Lisa said, as we began to follow behind the twins.
"Sorry." Harry said, rubbing the back of his neck. "But at least those two make it fun that everyone's treating me like a monster."
Anthony and Lisa nodded, both looking uncertain of the whole situation. While I moved to the side of Harry.
"Only a couple more day's and most of these idiots are out of here." I told Harry in a quiet voice, motioning to the onlookers.
"I know. Personally, I can't wait..."
"Make way!" George shouted again in front of us. "The heir requires breathing space..."
"Fred, George!" Percy shouted. Rushing over to us, his face serious "It is not a laughing matter,"
"Oh, get out of the way, Percy," Fred said. "Harry's in a hurry."
"Yeah, he's off to the Chamber of Secrets for a cup of tea with his fanged servant," George added, barely able to contain his laughter.
Percy stormed off in a fury, while Fred turned to Harry. "So my heir, who is your next target?" He asked, loud enough for the entire corridor to hear.
"Not us I hope." George added as we entered the great hall. "Though I doubt you'd be able to get through my protections." As he held out a large clove of garlic. Harry could only chuckle. While Ginny, whom was already been sitting down for lunch, recoiled.
"Oh, don't," She said, as we split off from the mostly Gryffindor group, and started towards our table.
"Well that was...something." Anthony said as we sat down. "Amusing, but, are you sure that's wise?"
"In all honesty, I don't really care. I mean, the school already thinks it's Harry. What's the harm in having some fun with it?"
"I guess...just, be careful. You know how people can be around here." Anthony advised.
I nodded. "I'll try."
As we ate, Fred and George continued to make loud remarks from the Gryffindor table, much to my amusement. Still others didn't find it funny. Percy told the twin multiple times to stop, while Ginny got so worked up over the whole issue that she left before finishing her meal. But the person who seemed most bothered by Fred and George's joking around...
Was Draco.
"Look at Malfoy." Lisa pointed out, causing me to turn to the Slytherin table.
Sure enough Draco did not look happy. Every time Fred and George spoke his frown deepened. Soon enough he, like Ginny, got up and left.
"What do you think's up with him? I mean, wouldn't he be happy people think Harry's the heir?" Lisa asked.
"Maybe." Anthony replied. "Or maybe he finds it offensive that the heir to his house, would be his worst enemy."
"Hmm." I thought as we watched Draco leave the room. "Maybe."
The final day of term finally arrived, and with it brought a massive snow storm that covered the entire castle if feet of thick, white, snow. Like last year, I watched as my house mates packed their bags, and prepared to spend Christmas with their families and loved ones.
Even if I was used to it, it still stung.
"Books?"
"Check."
"Robes."
"Check."
"Wand."
"Check."
"Well then that should be everything Anthony." I said, watching as my housemates slowly left the common room. "If theirs anything you leave behind, I'll make sure to get it to you."
"Thanks Sarah." Anthony replied, closing his trunk. "Now remember, if their is anything you need at all, write me, I'm sure my parents can..."
"Don't worry about me Anthony." I interjected, placing both hands on his shoulders, and looking him straight in the eyes. "I'll be fine."
Anthony sighed. "I know you say that but...well, a giant monster is roaming the castle and you'll be here alone with only a couple of Prefect's to keep you company." Anthony said, gritting his teeth. "I just wish I could..."
"There you two are!" Lisa interjected, as she, Padma, and Mandy all walked down from the dorms together. "You ready?" She asked Anthony.
"Hopefully." Anthony replied, as the two turned to me. "Well Sarah, we both hope you have a Happy Christmas."
"We really do." Lisa added, and I could tell that despite me saying I'd be fine, they still didn't believe me."
"Guys...it's not your fault me and Harry stay at Hogwarts for the holidays." I assured them.
Lisa frowned worriedly. "Sarah..."
"It's fine." I said, as Mandy and Padma exited the common room. "Now both of you go, enjoy Christmas with your families."
The two gave me one last sad look, then nodded. I walked with them to the common room exit as Lisa engulfed me in a hug. Then, with one final nod, the two left. Around twenty minutes later, I watched from the windows of Ravenclaw tower as the Hogwarts express pulled away from the station in Hogsmeade. Leaving me without my two best friends for two weeks.
"Well their gone." Penelope said, coming up behind me and placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.
"They are." I replied taking one last glance out the window. Then turning around, and finding my seat. "Well, I guess it's just me, you, and five other Prefects."
"So it would seem." Penelope replied, as she walked over towards me, took out a hand mirror, and started applying makeup.
"You going somewhere?" I asked, and Penelope chuckled.
"What, can't a girl look good?" She replied, not looking away from her reflection.
"She can." I replied, still wondering why Penelope was applying so much mascara. "Still, I was just wondering if you were...preparing for someone."
Penelope paused, then gave me a curious look. "Why do you ask?"
"Just a hunch." I replied, remembering the time I'd caught her reading a note from...someone.
"Hmm." Penelope replied, returning to her makeup. While I shrugged, and began reading a book about Charm's..
After around twenty minutes, Penelope put away her makeup, and stood. "I'm going to do a sweep of the castle."
"Really?" I asked. "Looking like that?"
"It's called being professional Sarah." Penelope replied, though she didn't look me in the eyes. Finally, I decided to let it go.
"Well, good luck then, and be careful." I told her, Penelope gave me a warm smile, before marching off, leaving the common room all to my self.
I took a quick glance around the room, and noticed the library totally full, and no other students around. I quickly smiled, closed the book on Charms, before walking over to the library.
"Let's see Gr...Here we are." I told myself, finding yet another book on Grindelwald. Finding a cozy corner, and reading to myself until I fell asleep.
With Christmas break finally arriving, a silence descended upon the castle. Which, given how the student body had been treating me and Harry, wasn't necessarily unwelcome. The only noise to be heard in the common room was of Penelope and the other Prefects quietly talking. All the while the weather kept getting colder and colder...
"I still don't understand why we don't have a fireplace." I told Penelope one day, covering myself in a thick blanket.
"Oh we did." Penelope replied, a grin on her face.
"Really?" I asked. "What happened to it?"
"It was destroyed when a fourth year named Reuben Moss tried to hatch a dragon from it." Penelope replied, and I tilted my head.
"Really?"
"Yeah, blew the whole thing up, around the turn of the century. The wards of Hogwarts have never allowed anyone to rebuild it."
I simply facepalmed. "How have I never heard of this?"
"The story's not told in any book...in fact those of us who do know try and keep it hush, hush."
I raised an eyebrow. "Why?"
"Because how would it look if everyone knew that Ravenclaw, the house that's supposed to the based on wit and learning, doesn't have a fire place because it was blown up by a student."
After a second I realized how embarrassing that sounded. "Oh."
Penelope shrugged. "Yeah."
Still, outside of obscure conversation's with Penelope, nothing much happened in Ravenclaw tower. So most of the time I made my way down into the castle, looking for Harry. Sometimes I'd find him, and we'd play wizards chest, or talk over dinner. Other times he'd be held up in Gryffindor tower with Hermione and the Weasley's, so I'd have to entertain myself. Usually by holding myself in the library.
Still, being alone was better than having a bunch of idiots gawking at you.
Finally Christmas Day arrived, and I was gently awoken by Penelope.
"Sarah, get up." She told me, as I slowly opened my eyes.
"What is it?" I asked, still half asleep.
"It's Christmas." Penelope gently reminded me and, after taking a moment to process, I jolted upwards.
"You're right."
Around my bed was a pile of presents. I fondly thought back to last year, remembering the joy of opening presents. While Penelope smiled.
"Well, let me be the first to wish you a Happy Christmas." Penelope told me, holding out a package. And I looked at the prefect in shock.
"You got me something?"
"Of course, I mean, after all the rubbish you and your brother are going through, I thought it was only fair to get you something."
Penelope then handed me the package, which was a simple box in dark blue wrapping paper. I glanced back and forth between the girl, and the box.
"Thank you." I finally said, and Penelope smiled.
"Go on, open it." She urged, I nodded, and finally tore into the package, before finally pulling out a dark blue, hand mirror.
"A hand mirror?" I asked, and she nodded.
"Do you like it?"
"I mean, of course, but...I've never really needed one."
"Oh I know." Penelope replied, waving off my concern. "But you will." She finished in a confident voice.
"Really?" I asked, looking at the mirror uncertainly. "I mean, it's not that I don't appreciate it, but, I've never used an ounce of makeup in my life."
Penelope just started at me for a moment, seemingly pondering her response, before finally speaking. "Sarah, how old are you?"
"Twelve."
"And your birthday is at the end of July?"
"Yeah." I replied, still unsure where this was going.
"So you'll be thirteen."
"Obviously." I replied, still confused.
"Listen Sarah, you're coming to the age where things like makeup, and doing your hair, is going to start mattering to you..."
"I don't think that's..."
"Trust me." Penelope interjected, leaning down and looking me straight in the eyes. "When some cute guys comes up and asks you to Hogsmeade, it will matter. Not to mention when all the girls in your dorm are using it..."
"I don't know..." I replied, still uncertain with what she was saying. I mean, me, dating? The thought had never even crossed my mind.
"Oh you will, trust me." Penelope said, standing straight, and looking at her watch. "Now I best get going, I promised to meet someone. Like I said, Happy Christmas."
And with that, Penelope turned and marched out of the dorm, leaving me alone with my presents.
"Well that was...interesting." I told myself, giving the mirror one last uncertain look, before placing it on my dresser. then turning to the other stack of presents I still had to open. But before I could get to them, their was a knocking at my window...and I turned to see Uric wanting it. I quickly opened the window and let him in. He hooted happily and dropped a toothpick on my lap.
"What the?" I asked, picking it up, and saw a note...
Can you and your brother stay at that school of yours for the summer too?
Happy Christmas, Aunt Petunia, and Uncle Vernon.
I let out a bitter laugh. "Happy Christmas to you to Uncle Vernon and Aunt Petunia."
I discarded the note, kept the toothpick for Anthony to examine, then turned to the pile of other presents I had got. I picked up the smallest from the pile and saw that it was from Lisa.
I picked up the package, and opened it. Inside was a set of books, The Rise and Fall of Grindelwald. Volumes 1-7. Accompanied by a note.
I figured the best Christmas Gift would be to fuel your obsession.
Happy Christmas.
I chuckled, then set the books to the side, and pulled out the next package, which was from Anthony.
I tore off the wrapping paper, and came face to face with a odd looking shelf of sorts. I raised an eyebrow, and then found the note Anthony had left.
This shelf is a self organizer. It automatically detects what books you've read, and haven't, then places them in order. I hope you like it
Happy Christmas.
I looked at the shelf, intrigued, before placing the books Lisa had given me onto it in a random order. Sure enough they magically ordered themselves, next I placed a book I'd already read, and it immediately teleported to the back of the line.
"Wow." I said, placing the shelf on my desk, then turning to the next package, which was from Morag.
Like last year she got me another book on magical creatures, this years title being The Benefits of Magical Creatures.
The next package I got was from Mandy, who got me a blue and bronze hair tie, while Padma had really gone above and beyond, and gotten the entire dorm Wand Polishing sets.
Michael and Terry each got me something Quidditch related. Michael a pair of protective Quidditch gloves he said were far better than what the school provided. While Terry a poster of the 1968-1969 Ravenclaw Quidditch team that had last won the Quidditch cup.
Continuing on with the theme of Quidditch gift, both Cho, Roger, and the rest of the team had banded together to get me a Ravenclaw Quidditch team crest. In their note, Roger had told me that every new player had gotten the same crest, and it was a tradition dating back centuries.
My final two gifts were from Hagrid, who gifted me a large chunk of hard treacle fudge. One look told me I needed to warm it up before eating. My last gift was from Mrs. Weasley, whom had once again gifted me a dark blue sweater with my initials, and a large plum cake
Once I finished reading Mrs. Weasley's card, I looked around the dorm at all the gifts, and I couldn't help but shed a couple tears. It wasn't even two years ago that I never got anything but now...
After collecting myself, I put all my gifts away, put on my Weasley sweater, and made my way to the Great Hall. In the entrance hall. Like last year the all looked amazing. Dozen's of Christmas trees lined the walls, streamers of mistletoe and holly hung overhead, and magical snow fell softly, adding to the mood.
"Sarah!" I heard Harry call as I turned to see him, Ron, and Hermione descending the stairs. "Happy Christmas." Harry called.
"Happy Christmas brother." I replied, before turning to both Ron and Hermione. "And Happy Christmas to you two as well, and Ron, thank your mother again for the kind gifts."
"I will." Ron assured me.
The four of us made our way through the open doors into the entrance hall. Like last year I decided to sit at the Gryffindor table with Harry, the Weasley's, and, this year, Hermione.
Fred, George, Percy, and Ginny were already their when we sat down. Fred and George already laughing and making jokes, Percy wondering why the two were kept looking at his Prefect badge weirdly, and Ginny simply nodding at all of Fred and George's jokes, and not saying much.
"Well well well, if it isn't our favorite little eagle." Fred said as I sat down.
"Aw, thanks Fred." I said, as I started making myself a plate.
"She is allowed to sit here of course, right Percy?" George asked, and I remembered back to last year when Percy had made a small fuss when I sat at the Gryffindor table.
"Yes." Percy replied his voice dripping with annoyance. "Like I've told you two many times, I just wanted to make sure she didn't get in any trouble." Percy finished, his tone defensive.
"If you say so Perce." Fred replied, both him and George sporting huge grins. When Percy turned away for a second, George quickly leaned in and whispered to me, Harry, Ron, and Hermione
"Look at his badge." He said, quickly.
The four of us did so, and noticed that instead of saying Prefect like it should, it said Pinhead. Hermione shot that pair a disapproving glare, Harry and Ron both chuckled under there breath, while I was somewhere in between, feeling somewhat bad for Percy, but not being able to deny that it was pretty funny.
For the next several minutes I listened as Fred and George joked around, snickering at Percy who still had no idea what was so funny. I talked with Hermione about different homework that was due at the beginning of next term, and with Harry and Ron about the upcoming Quidditch matches. Harry kept telling me that we had to beat Slytherin, whom we played towards the end of January.
Around the rooms other small groups of students also enjoyed the festivities. A group of three fourth year Hufflepuffs were playing cards, Penelope and the other Ravenclaw Prefects chatted quietly, while Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle sat at the Slytherin table. Draco loudly saying how amazing his new sweater was, much to Harry's annoyance.
"He is so annoying." Harry whispered so that only me, Ron, and Hermione could hear, motioning to Draco. Who had just laughed loudly at something Crabbe had told him.
"Don't worry mate, hopefully just a couple more hours." Ron replied, making Hermione give him a warning look to stop talking, and causing me to realize that whatever they were up to, Draco was involved...
"Never mind." Harry finally said. "So Fred, you were talking about Zonko's joke shop..."
"Oh yeah, you four will get to go to Hogsmeade next year won't you, and let me tell you Zonko's is always the first place you should visit..."
So Fred, soon joined by George, went on a long monologue about Zonko's joke shop. I debated whether to ask Harry, Ron, and Hermione more about what they were doing, but decided they clearly wouldn't tell me anything, and so just let it go. The meal continued worth everyone having a good time, well, almost everyone.
"Is she okay?" I asked Percy quietly, motioning to Ginny who had barely said a word, and was quietly on the edge of the group eating her food.
"Yeah, she's just worried by all the attacks. I've told her multiple times that everything will be okay." He answered, though by the way he avoided looking me in the eye I knew Percy was keeping something from me.
Before I could inquire any more we heard a throat clear, and we all turned to see Dumbledore had stood and was standing at his podium, and like last year was wearing a bizarre but oddly endearing red and green robe, and a hat of the same colors with multiple hanging bells.
"Ah, another Christmas has arrived, and before me I see the Christmas joy of youth." Dumbledore began, his twinkling blue eyes scanning the room. "If I may have your attention for a moment, I think the joy of music would to well the multiply the feeling."
Dumbledore then took out his wand like he did when he had us sing the Hogwarts school song. "If you would sing along, I would be most appreciative."
With that Dumbledore began to lead us through a wide Varity of Christmas Carols. Some from the Muggle world that I recognized, some from the Wizarding world that I had only heard a couple of times if any, all catchy and uplifting. Around the hall most joined in, except Draco who looked like he wanted to, but also clearly wanting to look like he didn't. Surprisingly even Crabbe and Goyle joined in, but from what I heard...
"Those two sound like walruses trying to sing." Fred whispered while nodding towards Crabbe and Goyle.
I couldn't disagree.
As we sung I also couldn't help but notice the Professor's at the head table. Professor McGonagall and Flitwick both sung along, while Hagrid continued to drink more and eggnog, which only made his booming voice louder and louder. The most interesting was Snape, who looked ready to kill someone, and I guessed the only reason he was here was because Dumbledore had made him. Finally Professor Lockhart was chatting with Professor Sprout, likely telling her some story from his adventures.
Finally Dumbledore ended the carols. And returned to sit down between McGonagall and Snape. Finally we all dug into desert of Christmas pudding.
"This is so good." I said as I finished my bowl, while Harry and Ron finished their third.
"Your right about that." Ron said, looking like he was going for a fourth bowl. But Hermione crabbed him and Harry by the collars, and pulled them up.
"It was amazing, now if you excuse us, we have to go...eat some of Hagrid's treacle fudge. It should be warmed by now." And with that Hermione led the new nervous looking Harry and Ron out of the hall.
"Yeah, we actually need to leave as well." Fred said as he and George stood.
"Yeah, Filch's office is usually least guarded on Christmas." George added in a whisper. The pair gave me a wink, then strode off. Leaving only me, Ginny, and Percy.
"Well, seeing as everyone else seems to be done." Percy said, standing and straightening to tie. "Me and the other Prefect's need to do a sweep of the castle." He explained as he began walking over towards Penelope.
"Percy." I called. He turned back. "Your...Badge."
Percy turned to it, as he noticed the joke Fred and George had played on him. His eyes widened as he quickly pulled out his wand and muttered an incantation under his breath.
"How long it been like that? When did Fred and George do that?" He asked me me, his voice filled with annoyance.
I just shrugged. "I just saw it." I lied, trying not to throw Fred and George under the bus.
"Likely story." Percy replied in a annoyed tone, before storming over to Penelope as the two walked out of the hall together.
"I wonder..." I told myself, remembering back to how Penelope had been acting. "...are those two?"
My thoughts were interrupted by Ginny standing. I turned to her, as she looked around nervously. "You okay Ginny?" I asked, and she quickly nodded.
"I'm fine." She said, not quite meeting my eyes, and quickly strode off.
"Hmm." I thought to myself realizing that clearly something was off with the girl. For a moment I wondered if I should go after her, but then decided not to. Outside of summer I had hardly talked to her, so really it wasn't my place.
With the entire table empty I stood, and made my way out of the hall. With no real destination in mind, finally my wandering brought me to the library. Outside of Madam Prince the room was totally empty. I quietly searched for a book and finally decided to stay in the Christmas mood by reading History of Christmas Themed Spells, then took a seat, and began to read.
"Potter."
I nearly fell out of my chair in surprise at my name being called, and looked up to see Draco, surprisingly only Draco, standing over me.
"Draco." I replied taking a couple breaths. "Don't sneak up on me like that."
"Sorry." Draco said. "So, what are you reading?"
I showed him the cover, and he raised an eyebrow
"History of Christmas Themed Spells? Really Potter? I thought you'd be reading something more interesting."
I raised an eyebrow. "Like what?"
Draco grinned. "Oh, I don't know, something about Grindelwald I suppose..."
"Shh..." I said looking around in worry, while Draco laughed. "It's not funny. Heck most of the school think's Harry, and by extension me, are the Heir. How do you think it would look if someone overheard I liked reading about Grindelwald?"
"Oh, calm down Potter, the only other person in here is Madam Prince. And she already knows what books you check out." Draco replied. I sighed.
"I guess you're right, but...how do you even know?"
"I mean it's not that hard to figure out Potter. You've checked out dozens of books on him. If you're paying attention it's pretty obvious."
My eyes widened. "Have you been spying on me?"
"Not spying...more like, observing. I mean, I'm in the library a lot too. It just so happens I sit near to G section."
"Hm...Well, don't tell anyone." I said.
"Of course not."
"What are you doing here anyways?" I asked.
"Well, seeing as Crabbe and Goyle are currently stuffing themselves with sweets in the Great Hall, and every other house of mine mate in our year is gone home for Christmas, I decided to come to the library. Same reason as you really."
I nodded. "I guess that make's sense...but why are you talking to me?"
Draco shrugged. "I'm bored. And no offence to Crabbe and Goyle, but even when they are around, they aren't really good at conversation. You are."
"Good at conversation?"
"You do more than grunt in acknowledgment when I speak." Draco added, and I chuckled.
"Well, at least the pair can sing." I replied with a laugh, and Draco shuttered.
"That are horrid." He said. "So who do you think's behind these attacks?" Draco asked.
I frowned. "No idea, but if you think it's Harry..."
"Oh merlin no." He replied rolling his eyes. "Your brother, the heir of Slytherin, please. That is a joke."
"Well, I'm glad we agree on that." I replied, and Draco started pacing.
"I mean, who in their right mind would think your brother is the heir of Slytherin? I mean he's Harry Potter, lover of mud..." Draco stopped mid word, as I shook my head.
"Draco Malfoy." I began, pointing a scolding finger right at him. "How many times do I have to tell you, never use that word around me." I told him. Draco eyes widened in surprise.
"But I didn't." He defended.
"But you were going to." I replied standing up. "And I have to be honest Draco, I have very little desire to talk to someone who thinks like that." I finished and began to walk away.
"Before you leave, let me ask you something?" Draco began, I turned to my and had to struggle not to roll my eyes.
"What?"
"You and your brother were raised by muggles, right?" He asked, and I nodded.
"We were? Why?"
"Because from what I heard, you and Harry hate them, is that true?"
"Hate is a strong word...but I would say, strongly dislike."
"Okay then. So then why do you defend those types of people?"
"Types of people? Your comparing Muggleborns to the Dursleys?" I asked, and Draco nodded.
"Yes. Muggle's, Muggleborn, they're all the same thing. They come into our world, and infect it with their ways. They have no respect for the traditions, or our ways of life. And to top it all off they expect us to welcome them as equals? Those who had no idea they were magical until eleven. Those people who would change and destroy everything? That is why they vermin Potter. Why they are Mudbloods, and deserve nothing more than dirt on my boot."
Draco finally finished ranting. He was breathing heavily, and looked so sure of himself. In all honesty I felt sorry for him. Clearly he had been told this is whole life, and believed he was right.
It was like the Dursleys, but backwards it all honesty.
After a few moments to collect myself, I finally replied. "Draco. Do you know why me and Harry hate our home life?" I asked.
Draco finally seemed to calm himself down, and shook his head. "Why?"
"Because they treat us horribly. They have a boy around our age, our cousin, who is spoiled rotten. They make him do nothing, and make us do everything. I have had to cook since I was five years old. Harry had to mow the lawn since he was the same. Do you know what mowing is Draco?"
"No."
"In the muggle word their is no spell to cut the grass. So instead we use a muggle device to cut it for us. This device is large and heavy and can be difficult to move. You have to push it across the yard to cut the lawn. They made Harry, a five year old, do this."
Draco's face had changed. Instead of, in his view, righteous anger, their was now shock.
"And how long does this take?"
"For a regular, adult, person, an hour. For a five year old child, four or five. In the scorching heat mind you."
"That's...barbaric." Draco admitted. "But it proves my point even more. Muggles forced magical children to do their work."
"Your missing my point Draco. Do you know why they did all this, why they hate us?"
"Because their filthy muggles?"
"No, because we were magical."
Draco paused at that and frowned. "What?"
"My aunt was jealous of my mother ability to use magic. So she took out her anger on us. In all honesty she feels about you, the same way you feel about Muggleborns and muggles. She loved to call us freaks. She'd call you a freak"
Draco looked at me in stunned silence. While I simply sighed.
"And despite it all, despite in all honesty me and Harry having every reason to hate muggles, and by extension Muggleborns, we don't. In fact both of us have a Muggleborn best friend..."
"Why?" Draco asked.
"Because we can see past the blind hatred our aunt had for us... In all honesty Draco, the reason Harry hates you so much is that you remind him of our cousin. You're a reminder of the blind hatred we experienced all our lives. And what you're doing, attacking Muggleborns. Hoping they die in an attack, is the same thing our Aunt, and Uncle think of us. So now do you understand? Understand that I will never think that way. Because I know how it feels to be at the receiving end."
Draco simply stared at me, shock evident on his face, before finally nodded.
"Good. One last thing, if you ever tell anyone what I told you. Or use this information against Harry in any way..."
"I won't." Draco replied, and for once he sounded sincere.
I took a deep breath. "Good, Happy Christmas Draco." I said before marching off leaving a bewildered Draco behind.
Draco Malfoy made his way through the dungeon corridors towards the Slytherin common room, and he was deep in thought.
It was supposed to be simple. Before his first year his father had told him to become friends with the Potter siblings. Such friendship would gain the family valuable clout and political influence. And though he didn't say so, Draco knew his father also hoped to rally behind Harry for a renewed crusade against the Mudbloods. I mean how else could a baby defeat the dark lord, unless said baby was to be an even more powerful dark wizard.
Alas, it was not to be.
Harry Potter had turned into their worst fears. A lover of Mudbloods and blood traitors. On the first train ride to Hogwarts Potter had scoffed at Draco's attempts at friendship, instead turning to the disgusting blood traitor Weasleys as his friends.
After he informed his father of the horrible truth, plans changed. The Potter boy was nothing more than a copy of his parents James and Lily, whom Draco's father had said were nothing more than a blood traitor and a Mudblood. Lucius had told Draco he could treat Harry Potter however he liked...
But his sister was a different story.
Yes the girl had been the friend of a Mudblood like her brother. But she hadn't so directly insulted the Malfoy family like Harry had. When Draco had informed his father that the girl wasn't a totally lost cause he had given him the same directions. To the best of his ability befriend the girl who, though not as valuable, could still be a useful ally and tool of the Malfoy family.
So Draco had followed his fathers directions. He had been friendly to Sarah, trying to show her the flaws of her brother, and of her current friends. Draco's success had been mixed. He could talk to the girl, and she would be friendly and courteous to him. She had said she didn't want to be enemies of him, and by extension of the Malfoys as a whole. On several occasions Draco had managed to have friendly, if not lengthy exchanges with Sarah. However given that Draco had to avoid Harry to talk to her, and deal with Goldstein, another blood traitor, and the Mudblood Turpin, it hadn't been easy.
Still the relations between the two were never horrid. Draco assumed the girl would eventually see the truth about Mudbloods and blood traitors and turn to him as an ally. Heck he'd even gone as far as to buy her two presents. A Ring, and a Nimbus 2001 Broom Stick. Surely whenever she turned to him, the realization that he had bought these for her would be the final push to secure her friendship for the Malfoy family.
But everything had started the change this year. Draco no longer looked at her as a target of his father ambitions, or even as just a potential friend. Ever since he'd seen her in that book store in Diagon alley before year two he'd been...well he wasn't quite sure.
All Draco knew was that every time he was around Sarah Potter, he enjoyed it. She was charming, friendly, and unlike both Crabbe and Goyle, smart. She could easily hold her own against him in conversation, and was the best in their year at charms. And unlike his parent's, or even his fellow housemates, she never expected so much from him. To her she wasn't just Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy's son, he was just...Draco, not Malfoy, but Draco.
Did he like her?
Draco pushed this thought down deep. It did no good to dwell on whatever had gotten ahold of him. She was still a friend of Mudbloods and Blood Traitors. She was someone his parents had told him his entire life to hate, and to top it all off, her brother was someone who hated him, and he hated in return. Besides they were both only twelve.
"That's all this is, a boyhood crush, it will never happen." Draco told himself as he turned to corner and finally found Crabbe and Goyle, who seemed to be standing with one of the Weasley's
"There you are," Draco said in a inpatient tone. "Have you two been pigging out in the Great Hall all this time? I've been looking for you; I want to show you something really funny."
And right now Draco needed a good laugh at the Weasley's.
Speaking of which.
"And what're you doing down here, Weasley?" Draco asked, oh how he hated this family of blood traitors.
"You want to show a bit more respect to a school prefect!" The Weasley replied. "I don't like your attitude!"
Draco struggled not to roll his eyes as he motioned for Crabbe and Goyle to follow him.
"That Peter Weasley —"
"Percy," Crabbe corrected him.
"Whatever," Draco said, not really caring the correct name for the blood traitor was. "I've noticed him sneaking around a lot lately. And I bet I know what he's up to. He thinks he's going to catch Slytherin's heir single-handed."
Draco couldn't help but laugh at the thought. Weasley catching the heir of Slytherin, ha, he had a better chance of becoming a chaser on Hufflepuff.
Finally the trio approached the Slytherin common room entrance, and Draco thought was it Purity?
"What's the new password again?" He asked in the vain hope that Crabbe of Goyle would remember.
"Er —"
"Oh, yeah — pure-blood!" Draco remembered as the common room opened, and the trio of Slytherins entered.
The Common room was a long underwater chamber with green lamps hanging from chains. A dim greenish fireplace placed in the center of a beautiful, stone, mantelpiece.
"Wait here," Draco said motioning for Crabbe and Goyle to take a seat. "I'll go and get it my father's just sent it to me —"
Draco rushed up to his dorm and found a newspaper clipping on his nightstand. He grinned and read over it again.
INQUIRY AT THE MINISTRY OF MAGIC
Arthur Weasley, Head of the Misuse of Muggle Artifacts Office, was today fined fifty Galleons for bewitching a Muggle car.
Mr. Lucius Malfoy, a governor of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, where the enchanted car crashed earlier this year, called today for Mr. Weasley's resignation. "Weasley has brought the Ministry into disrepute," Mr. Malfoy told our reporter. "He is clearly unfit to draw up our laws and his ridiculous Muggle Protection Act should be scrapped immediately."
Mr. Weasley was unavailable for comment, although his wife told reporters to clear off or she'd set the family ghoul on them.
Draco laughed, then rushed back to where Crabbe and Goyle were sitting, and handed it to Crabbe.
"That'll give you a laugh," Draco assured them.
He sure as hell needed one.
Crabbe quickly read the clipping, then handed it to Goyle. As they read Draco grew impatient. Why did these two have to be so dimwitted. Why couldn't they be like...
Let it go Draco.
"Well?" Draco asked as Goyle handed the clipping back. "Don't you think it's funny?"
"Ha, ha," Goyle laughed.
"Arthur Weasley loves Muggles so much he should snap his wand in half and go and join them," Draco said hatefully. "You'd never know the Weasleys were pure-bloods, the way they behave."
How in the world did Sarah Potter find any of them likeable?
And why did Crabbe look angry. "What's up with you, Crabbe?" Draco snapped, already upset.
"Stomachache," Crabbe explained.
"Well, go up to the hospital wing and give all those Mudbloods a kick from me," Draco laughed. "You know, I'm surprised the Daily Prophet hasn't reported all these attacks yet," Draco added thoughtfully. "I suppose Dumbledore's trying to hush it all up. He'll be sacked if it doesn't stop soon. Father's always said old Dumbledore's the worst thing that's ever happened to this place. He loves Muggle-borns. A decent headmaster would never've let slime like that Creevey in."
They were slime...that's what Draco told himself. And Sarah was either confused, or slime with them...
Right?
Draco again pushed the feeling down, and started impersonating Creevey,
"'Potter, can I have your picture, Potter? Can I have your autograph? Can I lick your shoes, please, Potter?"' Draco said, while taking imaginary pictures with his hands.
He turned to look a Crabbe and Goyle, who both looked angry?
"What's the matter with you two?" Draco asked.
Both laughed, and Draco had to again remind himself, this was Crabbe and Goyle. They were slow, they took time to process.
Oh how he wish Sarah thought like him...what would she think if she heard him.
She'd be disgusted.
"Saint Harry Potter, the Mudbloods' friend," Draco continued slowly. "He's another one with no proper wizard feeling, or he wouldn't go around with that jumped up Granger Mudblood. And people think he's Slytherin's heir!"
"I wish I knew who it is, I could help them." Draco told the two.
But could he really? Could he really help the heir purge the school.
"You must have some idea who's behind it all…" Goyle asked, and Draco rolled his eyes.
"You know I haven't, Goyle, how many times do I have to tell you?" Draco snapped, already upset over Sarah. Why did these two have to be such idiots? "And Father won't tell me anything about the last time the Chamber was opened either. Of course, it was fifty years ago, so it was before his time, but he knows all about it, and he says that it was all kept quiet and it'll look suspicious if I know too much about it. But I know one thing — last time the Chamber of Secrets was opened, a Mudblood died. So I bet it's a matter of time before one of them's killed this time… I hope it's Granger,"
No he doesn't...
"D'you know if the person who opened the Chamber last time was caught?" Goyle asked, once again snapping Draco out of his internal dilemma.
"Oh, yeah… whoever it was was expelled," Draco replied. "They're probably still in Azkaban."
"Azkaban?" Crabbe asked, and Draco had to stop himself from slapping himself.
"Azkaban — the wizard prison, Goyle," Draco explained, going slow and using simple words. "Honestly, if you were any slower, you'd be going backward."
Draco shifted nervously. For the first time his inner turmoil coming to the surface.
"Father says to keep my head down and let the Heir of Slytherin get on with it. He says the school needs ridding of all the Mudblood filth, but not to get mixed up in it." Draco explained, not adding that if he did get mixed up in it he wouldn't know if he truly would help the heir.
Or would he try to stop them?
"Of course, he's got a lot on his plate at the moment. You know the Ministry of Magic raided our manor last week?" Draco admitted, looking at the concerned faces of his friends.
Well, at least if they're stupid, they're loyal.
"Yeah…" Draco admitted. "Luckily, they didn't find much. Father's got some very valuable Dark Arts stuff. But luckily, we've got our own secret chamber under the drawing-room floor..."
And what would Sarah think of that?
"Ho!" Crabbe said, as Draco looked at him in confusion. And the pair suddenly bolted up?
"Medicine for my stomach," Crabbe explained. And before Draco could say any more the pair sprinted from the common room, leaving Draco confused.
"Those two are such idiots." Draco told himself. As he sat their a mulled over everything he'd just said. And wondering why he couldn't get the disgusted look of Sarah Potter out of his head...
After my talk with Draco I had stayed in the library, and read until I finally decided to make my way to the Great Hall for Dinner. To my surprise I saw Harry and Ron running along the corridors.
"Their you are Harry." I called. But Harry cautioned me to stay away.
"Sarah, not right now." Harry said in a pleading voice, and I looked at him in confusion.
"What's wrong?" I asked, wondering if whatever they were up to had backfired...
Wait, what was that in the middle of Harry and Ron. Who were they helping?
"Wait..." I said as I came closer. "Is that...Hermione, why are you a cat?"