XXXXX Reserve, Greece, 4/3/1993
Harry was waiting for two old friends to join him for another collection trip. Unfortunately, Jennifer couldn't make it this year due to having a much larger quota to fill. Sanjay had agreed to help, and Harry had no trouble convincing Newt to come along, provided he got to document the hatchlings for the next edition of his book.
Harry was currently seated at his picnic table, letting his lunch digest as he watched the portkey arrival point. They were supposed to arrive any minute now, and he was thrilled to see them both after such a long time, particularly Newt, who he hadn't seen since January of the previous year.
Harry had set up his tent earlier this morning and then gone into the island's interior to lead the smaller basilisks into the pens. This year he had deemed a fourth basilisk large enough to harvest venom and brought the young female along with the three he usually collected from.
He had also scouted the island and found that the large male he had brought here from South America had taken up residence a short distance away from Emerald's cave.
He had only seen the male from afar but from his observations, the male seemed to be settling in nicely, and just like Emerald, it seemed that he preferred solitude as to the communal lifestyle the smaller adult basilisks lived.
Harry felt quite pleased to be back on the island, the island was one of the most peaceful places he visited to collect venom, and basilisks were quite companionable creatures.
Harry was pulled back to the present as his two former mentors appeared a few hundred yards down the beach. They both were dressed d in jeans and a tee shirt and looked to be in good spirits.
"Afternoon," Gentlemen," Harry beamed as they arrived at his campsite.
"Harry, my boy, I've heard the most curious tale about you," Newt said by way of greeting.
"Is it the one where he stole a basilisk from Peru?" Sanjay asked as he, too, shook Harry's hand.
"That would be the one," Newt agreed.
"I did not steal the basilisk," Harry protested.
"Then why is there a photo of you on a wanted poster at the Peruvian ministry?" Sanjay asked, a smirk playing on his lips.
"I simply visited a warehouse, and the basilisk stowed away in my suitcase without my knowledge," Harry explained.
"Wouldn't be the first time that has happened to you, would it?" Newt mused, looking like he was fighting a smile.
"No, the first time happened on this very island, in fact," Sanjay agreed.
"I remember. That was one hell of a surprise when I got home," Harry muttered.
"It's a wonder the Greeks even let you come back here," Newt chuckled.
"I imagine that's why he stole the basilisk in Peru. It was a bribe, wasn't it?" Sanjay said, giving Harry a knowing look.
"They kept the poor thing locked in a cage and blindfolded it twenty-four-seven," Harry defended, though he didn't dispute Sanjay's words.
"How big was it?" Sanjay asked with undisguised interest.
"I was in a bit of a rush and never got a chance to get its measurements but I would put it at forty-three feet," Harry said, feeling pleased when both of them gave him incredulous looks.
"You mean to tell me that a forty-foot serpent stowed away in your suitcase?" Sanjay exclaimed, his voice betraying his astonishment.
"Well, actually it was one of Newt's suitcases," Harry smirked.
"So that's where it went! I've been looking everywhere for that case," Newt exclaimed, shooting Harry a look of annoyance.
"Harry's turning into quite the master thief. Remind me to keep a close eye on my money pouch," Sanjay joked.
"Why? You never bring money with you on these trips anyway," Harry snorted.
"Snakes rarely want coin for their venom," Sanjay shrugged.
"No, but apothecaries want it for fresh collection vials," Harry pointed out.
"So where are we starting first?" Newt asked, looking amused at their back and forth.
"The smaller ones. We have four to milk this time. Sapphire is large enough that we can milk her," Harry said as he began leading them towards the pens.
"Excellent," Sanjay agreed.
"Yes, I figure it will take us most of the afternoon, and then we can go catch our dinner," Harry agreed.
"Where is the new one?" Sanjay asked as they neared the pens.
"He has taken up a section of beach near Emerald," Harry explained.
"Have you chosen a name for him yet?" Newt asked with interest.
"No, but I was thinking of calling him Beryl," Harry mused.
"As in the gemstone?" Sanjay asked.
"Exactly," Harry agreed.
"Makes sense. We've named all of the others after gems," Sanjay agreed.
"Oh, before I forget, this is for you, Newt," Harry said as he pulled a simple silver ring from his pocket and offered it to the older man.
"What is this?" Newt asked with interest as he studied the ring.
"My wife enchanted it. It will make it so that you can understand parseltongue," Harry explained as the three of them arrived in front of the pens.
"That is extraordinary," Newt said in an awe-filled voice that was barely above a whisper.
"Well, these snakes understand English pretty well, so you should have no problem communicating with them," Harry said as Newt continued to stare at the ring in wonder.
"It won't help you much with non-magical snakes," Sanjay warned.
"Or a selma," Harry added.
"After seeing your last encounter with a selma, I have no intention of going near one... well, not one that is conscious, anyway," Newt assured him.
"That makes two of us," Harry snorted.
After this, they put an end to their chit-chat, and each entered a pen to begin the process of harvesting venom from the four smaller basilisks.
Thankfully this was a rather easy process as usual, and they managed to finish the collections within a few hours, which gave them plenty of time to catch their dinner and prepare to milk the two larger snakes in the coming days.
XXXXX Reserve, Greek Islands, 4/5/1993, 09:35
Today was the day they were planning on extracting venom from the male, and all three of them were a bit nervous. Harry knew that this snake had quite a few bad experiences with wizards as it had been held in captivity for decades.
Harry decided to make contact by himself as he and the snake were already somewhat familiar with one another, which he hoped would help make things go smoothly.
When he approached the section of the beach, Beryl immediately turned his great head in Harry's direction bringing him to a stop about fifty feet away where the snake was coiled up, basking in the morning sun.
§Speaker, it is wonderful for you to visit me§, the snake hissed before Slytherin forward.
§How are you settling in?§ Harry asked as the snake got closer.
§This place is very comfortable, and food is bountiful§, Beryl replied.
§Have you tried catching fish?§ Harry asked with interest.
§Oh yes, that is the best way for one my size to hunt§, Beryl agreed.
§I came to check your health and possibly barter for some of your venom§, Harry said as he looked the snake in the eye.
§Barter?§ The snake asked in confusion.
§I will give you something you want if you allow me to collect your venom§, Harry explained.
§So you would give me more of those sheep for my venom?§, Beryl asked, the top of his tail flicking excitedly.
§I would§, Harry agreed.
§Then we have a deal§, Beryl hissed.
§I will have to bring a couple of my friends to assist me§, Harry added.
§As long as they do not try and cover my eyes, I will not harm them§, Beryl promised.
§You have my word that no one will attempt to blindfold you§, Harry promised.
§Are they speakers like you?§ Beryl asked with interest.
§One of them is is. The other can understand serpents but cannot speak your language§, Harry explained as he shot green sparks into the air to signal for Newt and Sanjay to join him.
It didn't take long for the other two magizoologists to arrive on Beryl's section of the beach, and they quickly began the process of milking the extremely large basilisk"s four venom glands, well he and Sanjay did most of the extracting while Newt got Beryl's measurements and fawned over the massive snake.
The male yielded an insane amount of venom, just over four gallons which was quite a feat as he was significantly smaller than Emerald, and she had yielded a similar amount of venom the day before.
Once they had finished the extraction, Newt removed his trunk from his pocket and levitated three large sheep to repay Beryl for donating his venom.
The three wizards left as Beryl began devouring one of the sheep, and the other two ran off toward the jungle, bleating in terror.
"That went smoother than I thought," Newt admitted as they walked back to their campsite, levitating the crate with collected venom stored safely inside of it.
"He remembered me rescuing him. I think that helped," Harry admitted.
"I do believe that is the first time that I have worked with a basilisk that large that wasn't sedated," Newt mused.
"Harry started doing extractions like that with the big one a few years back," Sanjay chuckled.
"I was trying to build some trust with her, and putting her to sleep in order to take her venom was counterproductive to that goal," Harry admitted.
"I think they should call you the basilisk whisperer," Newt smirked.
"Sanjay can speak to them, too," Harry pointed out.
"Yes, but I have always had the best results with non-magical snakes, particularly cobras," Sanjay shrugged.
"I have only worked with those a few times myself," Harry mused.
"My point is that you seemed to have an affinity with basilisks," Sanjay said.
"And yet I'm the only one out of the three of us to have ever been bitten by one," Harry smirked.
"Impossible," Newt muttered, giving Harry a sceptical look.
"I was bitten by a basilisk when I was twelve," Harry said as he gestured to the circular scar on his right arm.
"Then how are you still among the land of the living?" Sanjay questioned, his voice sounding a little weak.
"You know the old myth that the tears of a phoenix can heal anything?" Harry asked.
"You don't mean to say that pheonix tears really will save you from basilisk venom?" Newt asked, sounding disbelieving.
"I do," Harry nodded.
"That would explain why they are so receptive to you. You carry some of their magic inside of you," Sanjay said with a far-off look in his eye.
"I suppose, but it doesn't hurt that they are calmer than most other species of magical snakes," Harry mused.
"Most of the time, but you don't want to see one angry," Newt warned.
"I already have," Harry smirked as he gestured to the scar on his arm.
Peverell Beach House, 4/9/1993, 15:38
Harry was pleased to see the weather was quite nice this year. The water was still a bit too chilly to swim in, but the kids were enjoying the sun and sand nonetheless.
Harry had returned home two days ago, having wrapped up things at the reserve. As much venom as Tgey collected, he doubted the Greeks would be requesting another extraction anytime soon. The price per ounce was rapidly falling, though luckily, he got paid a flat rate.
The day after they had extracted venom from Beryl, they collected shes skins and gave all the snakes a thorough health check.
On their last day there, they had visited the two hatchlings, who were even more excited to see them than the first time he had visited their swamp. They were very curious to learn about Citrine and how their nestmate was doing.
On their final day there, all three magizoologists searched themselves and their belongings for stowaways so as to avoid a repeat of the last time.
Currently, Harry was relaxing in a lounger while the twins, little Harry and Hannah Abbott, flew overhead. The Greengrass girls and Susan were lounging in sun chairs closer to the water watching the flyers over their heads, and young Edgar was talking excitedly with his father about a prank the Marauders had pulled during his school days.
Bellatrix had gone to talk with Narcissa at Malfoy Manor though he expected her to return accompanied by the Malfoys shortly.
"I still don't understand why you would move from here to Leeds," Tonks said, pulling him from his observations.
Harry turned to see his niece seated beside him in a lounger that he was pretty sure she had just conjured.
"Tonks, you snuck up on me," Harry chuckled as he glanced over at her.
"And yet I failed my stealth exams last year and had to retake them last week," Tonks smirked.
"From all of the stories Minerva has told me, you can be really sneaky when you put your mind to it," Harry shrugged.
"You've been following me on my assignments for the order," Tonks said, giving him an exasperated look.
"I have. I don't trust those bloody vampires," Harry said, giving her an unrepentant smile.
"I didn't even know you were there until Daciana smelled you during our last meeting," Tonks admitted.
"That's what I was going for, but I never accounted for how strong their sense of smell was," Harry said as he watched Hannah Abbott chasing after his younger self in a game of aerial tag.
"I want to tell you off for not treating me like an adult, but you being there helped me out a lot," Tonks said, giving him a grateful smile.
"Sirius was upset that Albus volunteered you. He filled me in on your assignment, and I offered to shadow you," Harry elaborated.
"Yeah, I am not that happy about the assignment myself," Tonks said as she pulled a set of sunglasses over her eyes.
"So, how are those meetings coming along?" Harry questioned.
"Pretty well, Albus made them a very tempting offer," Tonks said.
"That's good. If you could take the vampires out of the equation, that would be a tremendous help," Harry mused.
"That's the only reason I agreed to do it," Tonks sighed.
"Does your mother know what you've been getting up to?" Harry asked, pretty sure he already knew the answer.
"No, and please do not tell her," Tonks almost begged.
"No worries, as deeply as you're involved, she's liable to kill the messenger," Harry snorted.
"Thanks, Uncle Harry," Tonks beamed as they heard a door close up at the house.
"Speaking of your mother. It appears the Black sisters have arrived," Harry said as he spotted three women making their way across the beach, with Draco bringing up the rear.
"I hope she's not going to go on and on about how much she's missed me while I've been way at the academy," Tonks muttered as the three women made a beeline for them.
"I wouldn't hold my breath," Harry smirked.
"What are you two plotting?" Bellatrix asked as she conjured herself a lounge on the other side of Harry's.
"Pulling a prank on Sirius," Harry beamed as he got up and helped guide his very pregnant wife into her chair.
"Good, his life has been too peaceful lately," Bellatrix said, giving him a grateful smile.
"How was Greece?" Narcissa asked as she and Andromeda got settled into their own sun chairs.
"I doubt we'll be harvesting venom for a while. We collected almost ten gallons between six different specimens," Harry beamed.
"At thirty thousand galleons an ounce?" Tonks exclaimed.
"Not anymore. The price is steadily dropping because of our yearly collections," Harry corrected.
"Their skins are still worth a small fortune," Andromeda pointed out.
"They are, but there is a greater demand for their skins," Harry shrugged.
"Because only potioneers and goblins are interested in their venom, but basilisk clothing appeals to a lot of people," Andromeda pointed out.
"Well, enough about my work. How have you two been?" Harry asked.
"Quite well, I've been considering moving to Eales," Andi said as she cast the sunblock charm over herself.
"That's great. How are the wards over the property?" Harry asked with interest as he saw Draco take off into the air to join Harry and Hannah in their game of tag.
"Almost impenetrable. I had Bill Weasley check them out a few weeks ago," Narcissa beamed.
"That's not all she had him check out for her," Andromeda giggled.
"I have no idea what you're insinuating," Narcissa sniffed, shooting an annoyed glare at her smirking sister.
"How have you been, Cissa?"Harry asked, hoping to avoid the sisters needling at each other if he could help it.
"I have been doing very well. On top of my classes, I have also been getting things in order with Black Potion supplies. Though there really wasn't much to do. Uncle Arcturus let me run the company for years, so all I had to do was switch things over," Narcissa answered.
"Any word about Gringotts opening back up?" Tonks asked hopefully.
"No, but you can go to the Paris branch in France and access your funds," Harry suggested.
"I think things are getting worse with the goblins in Diagon Alley," Andromeda admitted.
"Why do you say that?" Bella asked curiously.
"They aren't even attempting to rebuild the bank," Andi shrugged.
"Bill told me they're about ready to lay off all of their human employees," Narcissa admitted.
"Who would want to work for those greedy little goblins anyway?" Bella muttered petulantly.
"They pay really well," Harry reasoned.
"After the attack, they have become very anti-wizard, and the minister isn't helping matters with how he is attempting to negotiate with them," Narcissa sighed.
"That doesn't surprise me much. That man has all the charm of a blunt axe," Andromeda sighed.
Harry was distracted as he spotted someone walking down the beach.
"Tonks, I think your boyfriend is here," Harry said as he recognised the red-headed teen
"Bout time. I thought he had left me for a bloody dragon," Tonks exclaimed as she scrambled out of her chair.
"My niece has absolutely no decorum," Bella muttered disapprovingly.
Harry watched as said niece ran across the beach and rugby tackled Charlie, sending both of them sprawling into the waves.
"Well, if he hasn't figured out what he's gotten himself into by now, it's on him," Harry sniggered.
"He's been good for her, though I still think they are moving too fast," Andi sighed.
"As I recall, you were already married and had a three-year-old when you were her age," Narcissa pointed out, earning herself a glare from Andromeda.
"I think that I will go start up the grill," Harry said as Andi made to retort.
"Good, but make sure you cook sausages this time," Bella said, looking over at him hopefully.
"Don't worry, Luv. I remembered to pick some up," Harry assured her as he got to his feet.
"Good, Bella's been craving those for weeks," his wife beamed.
Harry leaned down and placed a kiss on her cheek before he made his way over to where the grill was set up near the picnic tables
Once he arrived, he began to pour briquettes into the grill and then lit them with a lazy flick of his wand. Within a few minutes, the charcoal was lit and ready to cook, and he levitated the grate into place.
"Well, if it isn't Chef Peverell," Sirius exclaimed shortly after Harry had started the first run of burgers.
"I just wanted you to see how it's supposed to be done. Where the hell is Greengrass, anyway?" Harry asked.
"He and Roxanne had to make a trip to Paris," Sirius shrugged.
"And Amy?" Harry asked as he began flipping patties causing flames to flare up as the beef drippings hit the coals.
"She's still making up for the time she was out. I doubt that she'll be here today," Sirius shrugged.
"And that business with Gringotts probably made things worse," Harry mused.
"Those bloody goblins had the nerve to demand that she station a whole squadron of aurors in the bank as a concession," Sirius huffed.
"That's bollocks. We only got two aurors at Hogwarts, and one of them keeps trying to lure me into a broom closet," Harry scowled.
"It's not Kingsley, is it?" Sirius smirked.
"No, you wanker, I'm talking about Gloria Mayweather," Harry said, giving Sirius an incredulous look.
"I'm just messing with you. Those bloody goblins want Kingsley's team stationed in the bank lobby in case there is another attack," Sirius chuckled.
"That's the best team that the ministry has, isn't it?" Harry asked as he started transferring the cooked patties onto a platter.
"It's a toss-up between his and Proudfoot's team," Sirius agreed.
"Which makes the idea even more ridiculous," Harry muttered as he started placing fresh patties on the grill.
"I know. We might as well put up a sign telling ole' Voldy to take out our best aurors with the same weapon he used to destroy the bank with last time," Sirius agreed.
"I am glad I am not part of the ministry," Harry muttered as he spotted the Greengrass couple walking up the beach from the wardline.
"Looks like Jonathan smelled you lighting the grill all the way in France," Sirius sniggered.
"Can't really blame him. I am the grill master," Harry smirked as he began flipping the patties.
"Right," Sirius snorted.
They were joined by Jonathan a few minutes later, and Harry thought that the man looked thoroughly wrung out. That assumption was quickly confirmed when Jonathan went straight to the chiller box and grabbed himself a beer.
"Rough trip?" Sirius smirked as he watched Jonathan take a large swig before sighing appreciatively.
"It's just tedious to do a whole week's worth of transactions in a single day," Jonathan shrugged.
"I can imagine," Sirius nodded.
"Before the incident at Gringotts, I didn't even have to go to the bank. I just mailed in my bank drafts," Jonathan continued.
"And now you have to go in person," Harry nodded his understanding as he began taking cooked patties off of the grill.
Harry placed the burgers on the platter with the others and cast a warming charm on them before hovering the platter over to the picnic tables. He then began placing the sausages onto the grill, hearing them begin to sizzle as soon as they touched the hot grate.
"Exactly, every transaction has to be done in person if you are not a French citizen," Jonathan scowled.
"I visited the Paris Branch after returning from the reserve. Those goblins are bigger prats than the ones in Diagon Alley," Harry snorted.
"And their voices are so bloody grating. They sound like pigs with horribly exaggerated French accents," Jonathan exclaimed.
"So, have you straightened out that daughter of yours yet?" Harry asked, giving Jonathan a look of amusement.
"I've tried, but she's very good at eavesdropping," Jonathan said, a fond smile playing on his lips.
"Every time I turn around, she's telling Carina something little girls shouldn't know about," Harry sighed as he rolled the sausages.
"I have talked to her about not sharing everything that she hears with Carina but the girl is as stubborn as her mother," Jonathan said, giving him an apologetic look.
"Well, Carina inherited her mother's sneakiness, so I suppose that she can share some of the blame," Harry conceded.
"From what I hear, Carina also inherited her mother's temper," Sirius beamed.
"You have no idea, mate," Harry muttered.
"So I heard you took a trip to the reserve again?" Jonathan questioned.
"I did. The new basilisk is settling in quite well," Harry said as he began placing the sausages on a platter.
"The one you stole from Peru?" Sirius asked, looking as if he was fighting a laugh.
"Rescued," Harry corrected.
"The Peruvians would disagree," Jonathan chuckled.
"Which is why I am not going to South America in the foreseeable future," Harry muttered
"No, I wouldn't advise it, especially after the new batch of basilisk venom hit the market," Jonathan agreed.
"They can tell that the venom came from their snake?" Sirius asked, looking incredulously.
"Indeed they can. That snake's venom is a lot more potent than a normal basilisk. My contact in Brazil intimated that she knew where the venom came from as soon he received her shipment from the Greek ministry," Jonathan shrugged.
"Well, on that happy note, dinner is ready," Harry said as he hovered the platter over to the picnic table, making sure it was within reach of where Bellatrix usually sat.
As the three of them called everyone in for dinner, Harry's mind was still on what Jonathan had said.
He had no idea that Beryl's venom was more potent than any other basilisk, but he may have just found a use for the one-ounce vial he had saved from their recent collection trip.
By now, he had a small fortune worth of venom he'd collected over the years. He had kept one vial for himself from every species he collected from and had a vial from each basilisk on the reserve.
This would take some planning but he thought he had an idea that would catch Voldemort completely by surprise.
Hogwarts Express, 4/15/1993, 14:38
Harry was seated in a compartment with Ron, Dean and Seamus for the return trip, having ditched Susan shortly after boarding the train.
They were currently laying a game of exploding snap as they burned off all of the sweets they had eaten earlier, courtesy of the snack trolley.
"I still think Greengrass is the best-looking bird in our year," Dean argued stubbornly.
"Wrong, it's obviously Brown," Seamus rebutted.
"You're both wrong. It's Parvati," Ron argued, his earns turning res at the admission.
"What do you think?" Dean asked as he glanced over toward Harry.
"I don't know, I hadn't given it much thought," Harry shrugged.
"You hang around Greengrass all the time, and you never noticed how fit she is," Dean sniggered.
"I've never really looked at her like that," Harry defended.
"What about Bones?" Seamus pressed.
"Same thing, she's like my sister," Harry said as the compartment door was thrown open.
"There you are. I've been searching this entire train looking for you," Draco scowled as he plopped down on the bench beside Harry.
"Sorry, but I couldn't listen to Susan and Daphne talking about their monthlies any longer," Harry exclaimed, getting a grimace from the other boys in the compartment.
"Tell me about it," Draco muttered.
"You're the Slytherin seeker, aren't you?" Sea mus asked, looking over at Draco.
"I am," Draco agreed.
"You were pretty good against Ravenclaw," Seamus praised.
"But not so great against Harry," Ron quipped.
"Well, he fared better than Diggory," Dean said reasonably.
"Fared better! The wanker knocked us both onto the pitch," Harry scowled.
"Yeah, that was an epic wipeout," Seamus guffawed.
"I was only intending to knock Potter out of the way," Draco shrugged.
"So what were they talking about that drove you out?" Harry questioned.
"Finch-Fletchley asked Bones out on a date next weekend, and the others were fawning over her," Draco shrugged.
"Poor bloke doesn't know what he's getting himself into with her," Harry chuckled.
"True, but it might get her off your back," Draco pointed out.
"And this has all sorts of blackmail potential," Harry grinned.
"Isn't Finch-Fletchley a vampire?" Ron asked in confusion.
"No, he's been on the potion since he was bitten. As far as I know, he's back to normal," Harry answered.
"There is a potion that will keep you from becoming a vampire?" Dean asked in surprise.
"There is, and it works as long as the person hasn't fed on human blood," Harry assured him.
"I've never heard of it," Seamus admitted.
"I only know about it because a couple of blokes on Sirius' team were bitten during a raid," Harry said.
Well, I wouldn't want to have his job," Ron muttered.
"Neither would I," Draco agreed as he opened a chocolate frog from the box on the bench beside Harry.
"Whoa, this is a Reaper card," Draco muttered as he stared at the card in awe.
Harry looked over Draco's shoulder and read the bio, already plotting on getting one of those cards for himself.
The picture showed a man in grey robes with his hood up obscuring his face. Below the picture was the bio written in golden letters underneath.
Reaper
Real name: Unknown
Age: Unknown
Species: Wizard
Status: Presumed Alive
Thought to be one of the most powerful wizards of modern times, the Reaper is particularly famous for destroying the dementors of Azkaban with a single arcane spell. He is also credited with slaying twenty giants on the morning of Valentine's Day, 1992. Little is known about the Reaper other than he is a powerful sorcerer who attacks the forces of evil in the dead of night and is believed to have killed ninety-seven death eaters to date.
"I heard that they might be making a Reaper card, but I didn't think it would be this soon," Ron muttered.
"He's getting more famous every year," Harry said with a shrug.
"Especially after that attack last Halloween," Seamus agreed.
"Dad said he killed more than fifty death eaters during that attack," Ron exclaimed.
"I heard it was closer to sixty," Draco said as he slipped the card into the pocket of his school robes.
"That's what I heard," Seamus said as he began shuffling the exploding snap cards.
"So Malfoy, who do you think is the best-looking bird in our year?" Dean asked, getting back to the conversation they were having before Draco arrived.
"I am not answering that question," Draco said flatly.
"Why not?" Seamus asked.
"Because it would just get back to her," Draco said, giving Harry a pointed look.
"I won't say a word," Harry assured him.
"Well, who did you pick?" Draco demanded.
"He wouldn't say," Seamus said.
"Then what makes you think that I'm going to tell you?" Draco asked.
"Well, I haven't really paid much attention to girls in our year," Harry defended.
"Still hung up on Pandora Lovegood, then?" Draco chortled.
"No, I was going to say Heidi Macavoy is the best-looking girl in Hogwarts," Harry said, shooting Draco a look of annoyance.
"Damn, I think I have to agree with him on that," Dean said after thinking about it for a moment.
"Same," Ron agreed.
"I was always partial to Penelope Clearwater myself," Draco admitted.
"Is that why you're always asking her for help in the library?" Harry grinned.
"She's a prefect. She's supposed to help students in need," Draco muttered, his cheeks flushing.
"She's a Ravenclaw prefect. You should be asking Markus Flint for help with your charms homework," Harry shot back.
"Plus, I think she's dating my brother," Ron admitted.
"It's always a Weasley," Draco muttered so only Harry could hear him.
"Well, we were talking about girls in our year, not the upper years," Seamus pointed out.
"Fine, then I would have to say that Susan is the best-looking girl in our year," Draco said, looking slightly embarrassed.
"Huh, I really wish I hadn't promised to keep quiet because this is bloody gold," Harry beamed.
"Your turn, Harry," Seamus said.
"I can tell you that, he fancies Abbott," Draco said, beaming when Harry's face flushed crimson.
"I really hate you sometimes, Malfoy," Harry growled.
"Yeah, I know," Draco beamed.
"Abbotts kind of fat, though," Ron said dumbly.
Harry held back the first comment that came to mind, but it seemed Draco had no such compunction.
"So was your mother but your dad seems to like her," Draco said matter-of-factly.
"Oi!" Ron exclaimed, all levity leaving his features in an instant.
Harry tried not to laugh, he really did, but Draco's delivery reminded him so much of Sirius that he cracked up despite himself, which caused Dean and Seamus to laugh as well.
Harry was actually impressed at how fast Draco reacted to Ron springing to his feet and throwing a punch at him. Draco was on his feet and caught Ron's wrist before twisting it behind the other boy's back, letting Ron's momentum carry him into the compartment wall before pinning him in place with his arm twisted behind his back.
"LET ME GO, YOU SLYTHERIN BASTARD!" Ron bellowed as he tried in vain to free himself from Draco's hold.
"Calm down, and I will," Draco said in an even tone.
"HOW DARE YOU TALK ABOUT MY MOTHER LIKE THAT, YOU SON OF A BITCH?!" Ron roared as he tried to free himself.
Before anyone else could say anything else, the compartment door was thrown open, and the Ravenclaw prefect entered the room looking furious.
"What is going on in here!?" Penelope exclaimed as she pulled Draco off of Ron.
"Weasley attacked me," Draco said as Dean and Seamus grabbed Ron by the shoulders to keep him from trying to take another shot at Draco.
"The bastard insulted my mother!" Ron growled his ears a shade of red that almost matched his hair.
"Alright, you're both coming with me," Penelope said in a tone that brokered no arguments.
Harry watched as Penelope marched a bored-looking Draco and a furious-looking Ron out of the compartment. He couldn't help but sigh in relief when the compartment door slammed shut behind them.
"I don't think Ron can take a joke," Seamus muttered, causing both boys to crack up.
"No, he's obviously never been to primary school. The kids are always saying things like that on the playground," Dean agreed.
"I don't think Ron and Draco will get on after this," Harry mused as he opened the last chocolate frog and popped it into his mouth.
"I wonder where Draco learned that restraint technique?" Dean asked after a moment.
"Professor Peverell," Harry shrugged after swallowing the last bite of chocolate.
"He's quick," Seamus mused.
"I would feel bad for Ron if he hadn't insulted Hannah, to begin with," Harry admitted.
"Want to play another round of snap?" Dean asked as she shuffled the deck of cards.
"Sure," Harry agreed.
As Harry watched Dean deal out the cards, he wondered how much trouble Draco would be in for the altercation with Ron. Weasley was the instigator and had thrown the first punch, plus Draco had only restrained him until Penelope arrived.
Either way, it was nice to know that their lessons with Professor Peverell had come in handy.