263Chapter 13: Dates and Dead Rats
Chapter 13
Dates and Dead Rats
As the week passed, Harry and Draco noticed that news of their relationship seemed to diminish only slightly. They still received looks and whispered, but Harry at least wasn't being ostracized from Gryffindor Tower like he was when the news came out.
On Saturday morning, Harry packed his Invisibility Cloak in his bag, slipped the Marauder's Map into his pocket, and went down to breakfast with everyone else. He decided that he wanted to go to Hogsmeade, not only to see if Ron and him are okay, but also to spend the day with Draco. Hermione kept shooting suspicious looks down the table at him, but he avoided her eye and was careful to let her see him walking back up the marble staircase in the entrance hall as everyone else proceeded to the front doors. He did however, smiled and winked at Draco.
Harry hurried up to the third floor, slipping the Marauder's map out of his pocket as he went. Crouching behind the one-eyed witch, he smoothed it out. A tiny dot was moving in his direction. Harry squinted at it. The minuscule writing next to it read Neville Longbottom.
"Dissendium!" Harry quickly muttered as he pulled out his wand and shoved his bag into the statue. He climbed into the passage as well, and waited as he heard Neville walk by the statue. He pulled out the map again and watched as Neville's dot walked away from the one-eyed statue. He waited ten minutes, just staring at the map and making sure no one was coming near him, before going down the secret passage.
When he reached Honeydukes, Harry made sure the coast was clear before entering the shop proper from the basement. The sweets shop was crowded as ever, and Harry quickly blended into the crowd as he made his way towards the doorway. He prodded Ron in the back when he saw him.
"It's me," Harry said.
"What kept you?" Ron asked.
"Had to wait till the coast was clear," Harry said. They set of up the High Street. They went to the post office and Ron pretended to be checking the price of an owl to Bill in Egypt so that Harry could have a good look around. The owls sat hooting softly down at him, at least three hundred of them; from Great Grays right down to tiny little Scops owls, which were so small they could have sat in the palm of Harry's hand.
Then they visited Zonko's, which was so packed with students Harry and Ron could barely take a step without bumping into someone. There were jokes and tricks to fulfill even Fred's and George's wildest dreams; Harry needed to buy some for himself. They left Zonko's with their money bags considerably lighter than they had been on entering, but their pockets bulging with Hiccup Sweets, Frog Spawn Soap, and a Nose-Biting Teacup apiece.
The day was fine and breezy, and neither of them felt like saying indoors, so they walked past the Three Broomsticks and climbed a slop to visit the Shrieking Shack, the most haunted dwelling in Britain. It stood a little way above the rest of the village, and even in daylight was slightly creepy, with its boarded windows and dank overgrown garden.
"Even the Hogwarts ghosts avoid it," Ron said as they leaned on the fence, looking up at it. "I asked Nearly Headless Nick …he says he's heard a very rough crowd lives here. No one can get in. Fred and George tried, obviously, but all the entrances are sealed shut. …"
"There you are," a voice said behind them. They turned around to see Draco standing with Blaise. "We were looking all over for you Harry."
"Draco!" Harry said, looking slightly flustered as a smile crept on his face. He automatically walked towards Draco and hugged the Slytherin as Ron stood still. "Where were you?" he asked.
"Three Broomsticks," Draco said.
"We were waiting for you," Blaise said. He looked at Ron and waved. "Hi Weasley."
"Umm hi," Ron said. "Harry…" he said uncertainly, looking at his friend.
Harry looked around and blushed. "Oh, umm sorry Ron, do you mind if Draco and I spend some time together?"
"No, no, no, no," Ron said quickly.
"Don't worry Ronald," Blaise smirked as he walked towards the redhead. "I'll spend the day with you. Have you been to Zonko's yet? There are some things I want to buy to use on some Slytherins I know."
"Wait, what?" Ron said confused, looking at Blaise. "You mean not all of you stick up for the gits?"
Draco looked slightly offended but Blaise just laughed. "Of course not, there are several Slytherins who needs a good prank. Like Flint. Did you hear that he broke up with his boyfriend and now acting like a total ass to everyone? He needs to be brought down a peg or two. Now…"
"I think we should leave them alone," Draco chuckled as they looked at the surprised, if satisfied look on Ron's face as the two talked about Slytherins who are gits. "Come on, are you hungry? I know a very corny shop all student couples need to visit."
They walked down the hill and back onto the main street. Harry wondered where Draco was bringing him as they walked down the street. "If you and I don't like it," Draco said as they passed by shops, going into a side street, "we'll just head towards the Three Broomsticks if you want. But I heard a lot of the older Slytherins talking about this place. …Here it is—oh…"
Harry looked at where Draco had brought them and something flipped in his stomach as he looked at the tea shop. The first thing that came to Harry's mind was pink and tack. The walls were painted pink, a huge window next to the pink door that showed couples sitting close together. Everything seemed to be decorated with frills or bows.
"This is… something," Harry said, looking at Draco. Both boys had a look of utter grimace.
"Well… hopefully the drinks are good," Draco said. Harry nodded in agreement and they hesitantly walked into the shop, Harry now noticing the sign that read Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop.
They sat down at the last remaining table, which was situated in the steamy window. Cho Chang, the Ravenclaw Quidditch Seeker, was witting about a foot and a half away with the very handsome Cedric Diggory. They were holding hands. The sight made Harry feel uncomfortable, particularly when, looking around the tea shop, he saw that it was full of nothing but straight couples, all of them holding hands.
"What can I get you, m'dears?" Madam Puddifoot, a very stout woman with a shiny black bun, said squeezing between their table and Cedric Diggory's with great difficulty.
"Two coffees," Draco ordered. He turned to Harry and looked around. "To be honest, this probably isn't one of my best ideas. But it is better than being stuck with the squibs and Parkinson."
"Is she bothering you?" Harry asked.
"You wouldn't believe it," Draco said. "I am just so mad at her right now. I'm sorry but when we kissed, that girl had the nerve to photograph it! And worst of all she… she sent it to my father!"
"What?" Harry said, shocked. "That… that bitch!" He might have said that word a bit too loud as several couples turned to glare at him. Cedric and Cho looked over at him and Cedric said, "Harry, that's not a nice thing to say about a girl." Cho giggled softly while nodding.
"Well, the girl we are talking about is one Diggory," Draco explained. "She dared to photograph mine and Harry's first kiss."
The two Seekers gave them a look of understanding before returning to their own business.
"What are we going to do?" Harry asked.
"I don't know," Draco said. "Father hasn't contacted me at all since then. I know he will be furious, he might even try to do something drastic."
"Like what?"
"I don't know… have the hippogriff killed just to spite me? I've been sending daily letters to him not to do it, to just drop the charges," Draco said. "I even suggested just having the creature removed from Hogwarts grounds."
"Really?" Harry asked, impressed.
"Yes," Draco said. "I even mailed the Minister a few times asking him to just stop it and focus on the dementors. I've seen the way they affected you…"
"I didn't think you would do all of that for me," Harry admitted.
"Harry… I would do so much more for you," Draco said, taking his hand. "If only you'll let me."
"After hearing what you said… I think I will," Harry smiled. Draco returned it and they relaxed into their seats. They heard a chuckle and Harry turned to see Cedric giving the young Seeker and wink and a thumbs-up.
When their coffee had arrived, Cho Chang and Cedric Diggory started kissing over their sugar bowl. Harry wished they wouldn't, it was too gross and weird seeing two Quidditch players he played against kissing. He felt his face growing hot and tried staring out the window, but it was so steamed up he could not see the street outside.
"This place is umm…" Harry said.
"Frilly," Draco said, taking a sip of his coffee. He grimaced slightly but continued to drink. Harry did the same and grimaced like Draco. He wondered what they were doing, two thirteen year olds sitting in a place like this drinking coffee of all things. They both looked up at each other's faces. When they saw the similar grimaces, their lips parted and both laughed.
They ignored the looks from others as they smiled at each other. "Three Broomsticks?" Harry asked.
"Three Broomsticks," Draco nodded. They both got up and Draco paid Madam Puddifoot before both left, arm in arm. They quickly made their way to the Three Broomsticks and got into a comfortable booth. Harry offered to get butterbeer, and got up to get two bottles.
As he walked back he smiled at Draco and said, "This is better," as he sat down and gave Draco his bottle.
"Loads," Draco agreed. "Remind me never again to go in there."
"Yup," Harry said. They both took a sip of their butterbeer and looked at each other. "So, what were we talking about back there?"
"Parkinson," Draco said.
"Right," Harry frowned. "Do you think she is going to be a problem?"
"Most likely," Draco said. "The girl went and gave the photo to my father, who might have thrust our relationship in your dad's face."
"Why would he do that?" Harry asked.
"To get one over your dad of course," Draco said. "You should hear how much he complains about your dad. The hero Auror who survived the Dark Lord's attack, no wonder the Minister ask him for advice now and then. My father hates that."
"He wants the Minister for himself," Harry guessed. Draco nodded. "But that isn't possible with my dad being there. Him knowing about us… it could be a distraction."
"Yes," Draco nodded, both boys frowning. "But knowing your dad, there might be a chance that he'll accept us."
"Maybe," Harry said. "But first… he needs to know about me being gay. How about your mum? How will she react?"
"My mother?" Draco scoffed. "She'll agree with my father. Always does."
"Ohh…" Harry said. He thought of something to say, and looked at Draco. "You know, I've just got a bunch of things from Zonko's.
"And?"
"Well… let's say if Parkinson is going to be such a pain," Harry began. "I can always, you know, give you some of the jokes to pull on Parkinson."
Draco looked at Harry for a moment and a smirk appeared before he laughed. "Harry Potter, you devilish boy! I love it!"
Harry blushed and bit his lip. Draco leaned over and kissed Harry's cheek. "Who know you had such a rule-breaking attitude?"
"Have you met my dad?" Harry said despite his blush. Draco laughed, Harry joining in shortly. Their moods lightened, their conversations moved towards more common-place topics, both boys talking about which House will win the Quidditch Cup, and who will be in the World Cup during the summer.
James Potter burst into his office, outraged, excited, shameful, and a collection of conflicting emotions that smashed against each other, using his body as the warzone as he twitched and walked agitated. He could feel a cold sweat, and his mind was in pain, as if he was about to collapse or break down at any moment. "Our son, gay!" He yelled. "GAY!"
He looked at the wall and noticed that his father's and mother's portraits were empty. Relieved and angry at the same time, James ran to his desk to the picture of Lily. "Lily, our Harry, our baby is gay! This is—This is"—he tried to say amazing, or something positive, but instead—"awful! Terrible Lily! Harry can't be gay, he just can't!"
His looked up and his eyes fell upon the empty portraits, mocking him with their silence. His eyes narrowed, all his conflicting emotions burning into rage. "Isn't that right? Isn't it father? Mother? After all, that is what you two said when—" he caught himself and shook his head, the uncharacteristic rage leaving him. "Never mind, it doesn't matter."
James fell into his chair and stared at his picture of Lily sadly. He missed his wife every day, but today he felt absolutely depressed without her. "Lily," he said his voice low and dripping with sadness and exhaustion, "what are we going to do? Our baby is gay, and I don't know what to do. … He can get in so much trouble. … I need your help Lily, I really do."
He looked down at his desk and sighed. He opened a drawer and pulled out a piece of parchment. Placing it on the desk he did nothing but stare at it, his mind spiraling as two opposite strong ideas fought. His hand hovered towards his quill and, with great effort, dipped it into the ink. He brought it out and let it hover over the bottle as he tried and think of his words carefully. One idea won and he finally brought the quill to the parchment.
Dear Sirius and Remus
He stopped. Putting the quill in the ink bottle he stared at the page, lost of words. He didn't know how long he stared at the page, but with a sigh of defeat he said, "What am I doing?" and opened a separate drawer. Instead of crumpling up the page, he just dropped it into the drawer and closed it.
He put the quill and ink bottle away and stood up from the desk, needing to see Snuffles.
Ron and Blaise made their way immediately towards Zonko's. Draco and Harry just left for wherever it was that they were heading, and the two waited an awkward silent five minutes before heading down the hill. Ron looked at Blaise and kept his thoughts to himself. How was he supposed to talk to the Slytherin!? Why is he even hanging out with Zabini? He's a Slytherin!
Ron opened his mouth to say something, but Blaise beat him to it, "Is this weird? Us hanging out?" he asked.
"What you mean?" Ron asked, trying to act as if he didn't notice the weirdness.
Blaise chuckled and said, "Isn't it obvious Weasley—Ron, I'm a Slytherin and you're a Gryffindor. We're supposed to be at each other's throats."
"Yeah well…." Ron said, trying not to seem awkward or standoffish. "You're not like other Slytherins…are you?"
Blaise looked at Ron. Ron felt as if he had said something horrible, but Blaise just laughed. "Come on, let's go to Zonko's."
They did and as soon as they walked inside, Ron started to feel more at ease. The shop was still crowded and Ron's shoulders loosened as he and Blaise went deep into the shop. "So I've been thinking of getting back at Flint and Parkinson," Blaise began.
"Why?"
"Well I don't know if Draco told Harry this already, but Parkinson did something very bad," Blaise began as they walked down an aisle, Blaise looking at rows upon rows of pranks.
"What did she do?" Ron asked.
"When Harry and Draco kissed, she took a picture of both of them," Blaise said.
"She didn't!"
Blaise nodded," Draco was angry when he found out. He yelled at the girl, but the other Slytherins went to her aid. So, this is more to show what happens when you mess with my friends."
"Friends?" Ron asked as Blaise took down a box. "What you mean friends?"
"Harry of course," Blaise chuckled, "as well as Draco. Come on, don't you want to get revenge against the Slytherins for pulling a stunt like that?"
"Well, yeah," Ron said.
"Then hold these Weasley," Blaise said as he gave Ron small boxes to hold.
Ron looked around and pointed, "You can never do wrong with Dungbombs," he said.
"That's more like it," Blaise smiled as he got a couple of packages of Dungbombs. Ron looked at Blaise for a bit before sharing a similar smile, the small influence from the twins coming out in him.
The two boys walked around the shop, Blaise taking any prank, joke, or object that caught his interest. Ron nodded and listened to Blaise as he talked about the pranks, filling in his opinion and what he knew from the twins' expertise. When they gathered more than they can carry, Blaise brought Ron towards the end of the shop and paid for everything. Afterwards, the two walked out, they looked around Hogsmeade a bit, wondering where to go next.
"You know, you can talk to me," Blaise said. "If Harry can befriend me, I'm sure you can."
"Just don't know what to talk 'bout," Ron mumbled. Blaise still heard him and nodded. "Alright," he said, "how about the Quidditch Cup? Who you think is going to win?"
"The Irish of course," Ron scoffed. "Have you read about their match against the Spanish? Beat them in two hours!"
"Yeah, but I think the Bulgarians have a chance. Have you seen their Seeker?" Blaise asked. "He's amazing on a broom."
"He is," Ron said begrudgingly, nodding. "He's one of the best Seekers I've ever known."
"Exactly! And he's so fast, and have complete control of his broomstick. There's no way Bulgaria's going to lose with him!" Blaise said.
"The Irish is still going to give him a fight," Ron said.
"True," Blaise smirked. "But a fight that they'll lose. Guys like the Bulgarian Seeker… they get what they want. And if he wants to win, then he'll win."
Ron scoffed and looked at Blaise, "What? You going to tell me that you're like that too?"
"Maybe," Blaise smirked. "If there's a guy that I want, he's already mine."
"Didn't get Harry," Ron said.
Blaise shrugged and looked at him. "It isn't Harry who I want Ron. Besides, I got him, we're friends."
"Oh," Ron said, a flustered look on his face. He gave Blaise a weird look as he looked around. "Well err…"
"Besides," Blaise said, continuing as if he did not see Ron's flustered, embarrassed look, "I'm sure that a guy like him must be surrounded by things he want."
"Yeah, think of it," Ron said, getting over his fluster. "Betcha he could get any girl he wants."
"Or boy," Blaise said. "A guy looking like him, could be bi."
"What?"
"Means liking both guys and girls," Blaise said. "Look at us, imagine if we were one body."
"I don't," Ron said.
"Well, imagine a guy who's like us then," Blaise chuckled, taking a small step closer to Ron. "He'll like boys like I do, and girls like you do. That could be the Bulgarian seeker. Would be better if you think of it, don't have to limit yourself."
"Still weird," Ron said with a scrunched up nose. "Why would any boy want to kiss a boy? I mean, yeah Harry and George likes it, but I don't get it."
Blaise smiled and shook his head. "Sounds like something you should ask your brother, but I'll try and answer. We just like the looks and feelings of boys rather than girls. They're too… squishy for me."
"Alright… I think," Ron said. "But how would that help Krum win?"
"Well, who knows, he might be having a bout with a girl and guy the night before and that'll keep him focus and in the mood for the match," Blaise laughed.
Ron looked at him before laughing as well. Their conversations turned towards talking about the teams' abilities as they walked down Hogsmeade, deciding to go into the Three Broomsticks. As they entered, Ron looked and saw Harry sitting down with Draco. He pointed them at Blaise, but Blaise shook his head. "Let's leave them be," he said as they walked towards an empty booth.
Ron agreed as they sat down and watched as Blaise went to get them both a drink. When Blaise returned, and gave Ron his drink. "Here you go, fresh from Madam Rosmerta," he said. Ron accepted it and looked at Blaise. There was a strange thought in his mind, for some reason, he noticed how close he and Blaise was, but he didn't mind it. He guessed to himself that it was just him and Blaise getting along. They continued to talk, Ron founding himself truly enjoying himself as they talked about the jokes they've brought in Zonko's and how Blaise planned to use it.
Ron found himself losing himself in their conversations, going from pranks back to Quidditch, to even their opinions on random people and things. He was very pleased to find out that Blaise was deeply annoyed by most of the Slytherins, and that he was secretly hoping that they would lose the House Cup. "They have no chance now that Harry has a Firebolt," Ron told Blaise after he admitted his hope. Ron didn't notice the time passing, and the next time he looked around, he noticed that it was nearly time to return to Hogwarts.
Both boys were surprised to see that time past so quickly and made their way back towards the entrance of Hogsmeade. They returned to Hogwarts together, smiling like quick friends as they entered the entrance hall. After dinner, Ron returned to Gryffindor Tower, he quickly looked for Harry. "It's weird, ya know," he began. "I thought Slytherins were all slimy prats, but Blaise seems to be alright."
"I could tell," Harry chuckled. "Draco and I saw you two in the Three Broomsticks. You two were talking like old friends."
"It's weird, it feels like I'm talking to you when talking to him," Ron shrugged. He yawned and said, "Anyways, I'm bushed."
"Right, night," Harry said. Ron nodded and changed for bed. Harry went to his bed as well, but instead of going to bed, Harry pulled out the Marauders' Map. He opened the map and began studying it, losing himself as he watched the named dots move around the castle. Professor Dumbledore was pacing around in his office, as Filch and Mrs. Norris was walking down a corridor on the fourth floor. He looked at Professor Lupin-Black's office and gasped when he saw two dots in there. There was Professor Lupin-Black's name, as well as a dot named Sirius Black. Harry figured it must have been Professor Lupin-Black's husband visiting, and blushed as he felt like he was invading something private.
So instead, Harry looked over at the Slytherin Dungeon and watched Draco's dot. It rested in the common room, and Harry watched as several dots moved towards Draco. A few names recognized. Marcus Flint, Crabbe, Goyle, Parkinson, the dots seemed to gang up on Draco, but a few moved away. Harry watched as Draco's dot moved towards the four that remained, and Harry could almost envision his boyfriend arguing, yelling at them for whatever fault the four have done. He watched as the dots continued to stay still, until Flint, Crabbe, and Goyle left leaving only Parkinson. Five minutes later, Parkinson's dot left quickly, with Draco returning to his original position.
Harry stopped watching Draco and continued to just roam around the map, exploring Hogwarts and its inhabitants unaware. He watched for hours upon hours, watching Sirius Black's dot disappearing through what Harry supposed was a fireplace, and all the older students turning in for the night. It was then that he saw it, a strange dot scurrying around the empty halls. His entire focus turned onto that dot as he read the name, perplexed and confused at it's existence. Peter Pettigrew was written in the same small handwriting as all names on the map.
Confused, and curious Harry got out of bed and grabbed his wand. There was no way, he could be here, Harry thought. His dad told him that Pettigrew was dead, that he was the one who betrayed them to Voldemort. He quietly left the boys' dormitory and kept the map open as he slipped out of the Gryffindor Tower. Harry's eyes stuck to the map as he made his way down from the seventh floor, hiding and avoiding the prefects and Filch as he walked down the stairs.
When he reached the fourth floor, he looked at the map again to see that Pettigrew was still there. A small surge of anxiety and anger grew in him as he started chasing the dot, remembering everything his father had told him about the man. He pulled out his wand and muttered, "Lumos!" the tip of his wand lighting up as he looked around. He glanced down at the map again and turned the corner, the dot reading Harry Potter coming closer and closer towards Peter Pettigrew. He stopped when the Pettigrew's dot stopped and started to make a beeline towards him. Harry kept his wand up and stared into the darkness, stealing himself, readying as their dots came closer. The distance between them shortened, and yet Harry still saw nothing, scared he looked down at the map and saw as the two dots overlapped each other before Pettigrew seemingly walked past him. Harry whipped around, but saw nothing. The corridors were empty, with only the occasional snore or grumble from the portraits. Harry, in utter shock, watched as the dot continued to scurry down the corridor and turn a corner.
Harry gained his senses quick enough to see that Snape was walking towards him quickly. He pointed his still lit wand at the map and whispered, "Mischief Managed." The map began to disappear as Harry said, "Nox!" and plunged the corridor into darkness.
Harry was surrounded by darkness for only a moment as a light appeared, followed by Severus Snape, holding up his wand. "Well… it seems Mr. Potter believes himself above curfew," Snape drawled as he stared down at Harry. He noticed the map and said, "What are you holding?"
"Nothing," Harry said quickly, trying to pocket it.
"Give it here Potter, now," Snape said, holding out his hand.
"It's just rubbish," Harry said.
"Now Mr. Potter," Snape repeated. Harry reluctantly gave Snape the map. Snape looked over the old parchment and pointed his wand at it. "Reveal your secrets."
As though an invisible hand were writing upon it, words appeared on the smooth surface of the map.
"Mr. Moony presents his compliments to Professor Snape, and begs him to keep his abnormally large nose out of other people's business!"
Snape froze. Harry stared, dumbstruck, at the message. But the map didn't stop there. More writing was appearing beneath the first.
"Mr. Prongs agrees with Mr. Moony, and would like to add that Professor Snape is an ugly git."
It would have been funny if the situation hadn't been so serious, Snape still standing over Harry threateningly.
"Mr. Padfoot would like to register his astonishment that an idiot like that ever became a professor."
Harry closed his eyes in horror. When he'd opened them, the map had had its last word.
"Mr. Wormtail bids Professor Snape good day, and advises him to wash his hair, the slimeball."
Harry waited for the blow to fall.
"So…" Snape said softly. "We'll see about this. …"
He grabbed Harry's arm and dragged him down the corridor. They turned, and Snape dragged Harry towards Professor Lupin-Black's office. "Lupin!" he called out.
Professor Lupin-Black walked into his office. "You called, Severus?" he said mildly.
"I certainly did," Snape said, his face contorted with fury as he strode towards Lupin-Black's desk. "I have found Potter out of bed after curfew, and he was carrying this."
Snape placed the parchment on the desk, the words of Messrs. Moody, Wormtail, Padfoot, and Prongs were still shining. An odd, closed expression appeared on Lupin-Black's face.
"Well?" Snape said.
Lupin-Black continued to stare at the map. Harry had the impression that he was doing some very quick thinking.
"Well?" Snape said again. "This parchment is plainly full of Dark Magic. This is supposed to be your area of expertise, Lupin. Where do you imagine Potter got such a thing?"
Lupin-Black looked up and, by the merest half-glance in Harry's direction, warned him not to interrupt.
"Full of Dark Magic?" he repeated mildly. "Do you really think so, Severus? It looks to me as though it is merely a piece of parchment that insults anybody who reads it. Childish, but surely not dangerous? I imagine Harry got it from a joke shop—"
"Indeed?" Snape said. His jaw had gone rigid with anger. "You think a joke shop could supply him with such a thing? You don't think it more likely that he got it directly from the manufacturers?"
Harry didn't understand what Snape was talking about. Nor, apparently, did Lupin-Black.
"You mean, by Mr. Wormtail or one of these people?" he said. "Harry, do you know any of these men?"
"No," Harry said.
"You see, Severus?" Lupin-Black said, turning back to Snape. "It looks like a Zonko product to me. Most likely got it from one of his friends while they were off in Hogsmeade. So, how about I will take this, shall I?" He folded the map and tucked it inside his robes. "I will escort Harry back to Gryffindor Tower, Severus. Good night."
Snape gave both of them a sharp look before leaving. Harry turned to Professor Lupin-Black and said, "Professor—"
"I don't want to hear explanations," Lupin said shortly. "I happen to know that this map was confiscated by Mr. Filch many years ago. Yes, I know it's a map," he said as Harry looked amazed. "I don't want to know how it fell into your possession. However, I cannot let you have it back, Harry."
"Professor, there's something you should know about that map," Harry said. "It's supposed to show every living person in Hogwarts and where they are, but there must be something wrong with it because earlier tonight it showed someone who shouldn't be here, someone who's dead."
"Oh, really?" Lupin-Black asked. "Who?"
"Peter Pettigrew," Harry said. "But he died… twelve years ago. Dad said all they found was his finger."
Professor Lupin-Black looked at Harry, an unreadable expression on his face. He took out the map again and looked at Harry. "I believe you should head back to your dormitory Harry. It is past your bedtime."
"Yes Professor," Harry said slightly confused at Professor Lupin-Black's changed demeanor. He turned and left the office, saddened that he had to give up the Marauder's Map, but mostly curious and feeling lost at both Snape's and Lupin-Black's reactions.
The next morning, however, his confusion and curiosity all were swept away when Hermione walked towards him and Ron during breakfast. She was holding a letter in her hands and her lip was trembling. "I just thought you ought to know …Hagrid lost his case. Buckbeak is going to be executed."
"He—he sent me this," Hermione said, holding out the letter.
Harry took it. The parchment was damp, and enormous teardrops had smudged the ink so badly in places that it was very difficult to read.
Dear Hermione,
We lost. I'm allowed to bring him back to Hogwarts.
Execution date to be fixed.
Beaky has enjoyed London.
I won't forget all the help you gave us.
Hagrid
"They can't do this," Harry said. "They can't. Buckbeak isn't dangerous."
"Malfoy's dad's frightened the Committee into it," Hermione said, wiping her eyes. "You know what he's like. They're a bunch of doddery old fools, and they were scared. There'll be an appeal, though, there always is. Only I can't see any hope. …Nothing will have changed."
"Yeah it will," Ron said fiercely. "You won't have to do all the work alone this time, Hermione. I'll help."
"Oh, Ron!"
Hermione flung her arms around Ron's neck and broke down completely. Ron, looking quite terrified, patted her very awkwardly on the top of the head. Finally, Hermione drew away.
"Ron, I'm really, really, really sorry about Scabbers … ," she sobbed.
"Oh—well—he was old," Ron said, looking thoroughly relieved that she had let go of him. "And he was a bit useless. You never know, Mum and Dad might get me an owl now!"
The safety measures imposed on the students made it impossible for Harry, Ron, and Hermione to go and visit Hagrid in the evenings. On their first attempt, Draco caught them and seemed to stand a bit awkwardly as Hermione gave him a sharp look. "I heard… about the hippogriff," he said. "I've tried telling my father to drop the charges, multiple times," he spoke mostly to Hermione, but his eyes were on Harry, as if he did not want to see Ron's and Hermione's reactions. "I've even mailed the Minister a few times."
Harry looked anxiously between Draco and Hermione, dreading Hermione's reaction. The Gryffindor remained emotionless as she considered Malfoy's apology. She looked at Draco and said, "Thanks," a bit too bitterly.
Harry and Draco frowned at that, but Harry assumed that unlike him, Draco still needs to prove that he can, and did, change for the better. Draco nodded and offered a small smile. "I heard that there is an appeal. If you need any help—"
"No thank you Malfoy, we have this," Hermione said. Draco nodded again and looked at Harry. "I'll… I'll see you later Harry. Weasley, nice to see you again."
"Malfoy."
Draco left and Hermione turned towards Harry and Ron. "When did you become so friendly with Malfoy?" she half-accused.
"I'm not, but if he's dating Harry… we should at least be civil, right?" Ron said.
"I guess…"
"He's trying to change," Harry said. "He's still a bit of a prat, but he's doing his best to not be a prat… at least not to us Gryffindors. And he and Blaise told me that he never said 'mudblood' ever since I told him to stop. Instead, he's using muggleborn."
Hermione looked at Harry, her arms crossed. "I guess that's a start," she said. "But I have to see his progress myself before I even consider forgiving him."
"Alright," Harry agreed.
"Just do me one thing Harry," Hermione said, her voice and body going hostile as she seemed to remember Draco's father. "You better beat him at the Quidditch Final. I don't want another win Malfoy can hold over Hagrid."
A/N: Quicker update! Hopefully we can keep the momentum! BTW, I found a gym to go to! So not only am I whipping my mind into shape, but also my ass.
Sapphirewaterfall: Yeah, he was happy there for a second. I wonder what happened that made him all mad! And Lucius wants what Lucius wants. And what he wants is a straight son.
Seized: Thank you! I hope to see you in the future as well!
Kigen Dawn: I like it sometimes, but not in reviews. And yes, one less trouble to think about. And don't worry with James. He's in the right hands. The RIGHT hands.
Love-of-All-Anime: Yes, it is sweet. It's on level 4 on the sweetness scale.
Sasuhinas fan: You want to know what happened in the past? Me too. My guess? Remus and Sirius had a passionate night of love and nine months later their son popped out.
Jokul Frosti: Yes, I am shameless! Why would Hermione be in the hospital? And hehe deeper.
David-El: Yes! I love it that you get innuendos! Though, I was hoping to get your innuendo. And yeah, that's all they have to worry about this year! And as Draco said, his mother agrees with his father. At least, that is what Draco believes. She loves him truly, but still Lucius is very persuasive.
Littlesprout: Cursed? Interesting… explain!
Ern: Yup, trouble's a brewing!
Super MKatR: Here's next time!