Draco's Dealings

Harry didn't seem to be able to decide whether he wanted to avoid the rest of the quartet or be around them throughout the rest of the day. He'd reappear and join whatever conversation was happening, chat for a while, and then steer the conversation back towards Malfoy.

The others would lose interest and off he'd go again.

'Do you not think it's at least worth hearing him out?' asked Ginny in the evening as she, Y/N and Hermione were sat in the couple's room, idly chatting.

'We have about half a dozen times, Ginny,' said Hermione exasperatedly. 'Ron and I both saw what he did, and whilst we both agree it's dodgy, we hardly think Malfoy is a Death Eater. It's just too unlikely, he's not even of age. He's still got the trace on him.'

'You-Know-Who isn't as picky of taking followers as Dumbledore is though I imagine. I doubt he cares about his age.'

'That doesn't stop the trace,' said Y/N. 'Voldemort being out in the open or not, Malfoy will still be expelled for casting magic outside of the school.'

It was all they could do to get the conversation back off of this train. They were sick of hearing about it.

Ginny moved off before long so that they could all head off to sleep, they'd be up early for the trip to King's Cross the following morning.

Luckily, courtesy of the decreased population within the Burrow, and Y/N and Hermione's pestering, the five of them stood waiting patiently in the kitchen long before the Ministry Cars even arrived. And when they did come gliding up the drive, moving everything into them was a breeze. Eternus had already made their departure.

Fleur descended on the others to say goodbye, but Bill approached Y/N.

'I know you will,' he said, his eyes on Ron and Ginny, 'you have for years, but do me a favour and just look out for them, okay? I hate knowing that they're somewhere I can't help in all of this.'

'They're safe with me Bill, don't you worry,' said Y/N.

Mr Weasley guided the family out to the cars, once more asking Y/N to be added security, and they began the trip.

There was no cheerful Hagrid waiting for them at King's Cross Station. Instead, two grim-faced, bearded Aurors in dark muggle suits moved forward the moment the cars stopped and, flanking the party, marched them into the station without speaking. One of them, Y/N recognised, was the one who'd met them at the Ministry the previous year alongside Dawlish.

'Quick, quick, through the barrier,' said Mrs Weasley, who seemed a little flustered by this austere efficiency. 'Harry had better go first, with-'

She looked inquiringly at one of the Aurors, who nodded briefly, seized Harry's upper arm, and attempted to steer him toward the barrier between platforms nine and ten.

'I can walk, thanks,' said Harry irritably, jerking his arm out of the Auror's grip. He pushed his trolley directly at the solid barrier, ignoring his silent companion, and passed through onto the platform.

'Y/N-' began Mrs Weasley.

'No chance,' said Y/N, pushing Hermione and Ginny forward. 'And you can back off as well.' He added as the other Auror approached him.

Within seconds, the rest had passed through. Y/N and Mr Weasley followed last, cascading onto the bustling train platform.

Harry gestured for them to follow him, and Ron did so. But the couple remained.

'Prefect duty,' said Y/N when Harry looked back quizzically. 'We'll catch up with you later.'

Y/N and Hermione said a quick goodbye to the Weasley parents and were just hopping onto the train when they heard Harry behind them.

'Mr Weasley, can I have a quick word?'

'Oh for-' began Y/N.

'Come on,' said Hermione, heaving Y/N along the train.

The two of them moved steadily along, Y/N trying to ignore all the glances he was getting from the compartments.

'I think I liked it more when they were scared of me,' he said as they passed one compartment and the occupants inside, a few Ravenclaw fifth years, began giggling.

'Let's see them do more than giggle,' said Hermione warningly, reaching for her wand.

Eventually, the two of them slipped into the compartment for the 6th-year Prefects. They were to simply wait here, whilst the new Head Boy and Girl gave the new 5th-year Prefects the run down.

Within around five minutes, the Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff Prefects arrived. Ernie greeting them in his usual pompous manner, Hannah in a cheery but quiet voice, and the two Ravenclaws with merely succinct nods.

However, the Slytherins, Pansy and Draco, never showed.

After about half an hour of loose chatter, the Head Boy and Girl arrived, gave the Prefects the run down along with their house passwords for those where it applied and then sent them off to patrol the corridors.

They were just passing a carriage about halfway down when they caught sight of a large group of Slytherins gathered inside, the missing Prefects amongst them. Malfoy glanced over as the two of them passed and locked eyes with Y/N, but looked away, very quickly.

'What do you think they're doing?' Hermione hissed once they'd passed.

'No idea, but they're nowhere near me, and that suits me, to be honest,' said Y/N.

'But to bypass his prefect duties? He loves a chance to show off. Or flaunt his rank. Why would he miss it?'

'Honestly, I'm just grateful I couldn't hear his voice. After the last few weeks we've had I don't think I can stomach looking at him. What?' he added tersely to a group of people who had practically pressed their noses against the compartment door as he passed, causing them to go scurrying backwards.

'You alright, love?' asked Hermione gently.

'It's just... they're looking at me like I'm a zoo animal,' said Y/N. 'Now I can see why Harry was so mad.'

Hermione stopped him in a quiet section of the train and pulled him into a hug. It wasn't anything fancy, but still, he felt himself melt at her touch. The frustration practically poured away as she held him, her head resting on his chest, and his hand in her hair.

'Okay, yeah, maybe it was getting to me a bit,' he said as they broke apart.

'They're just excited. You're like a celebrity now,' said Hermione consolingly. 'You stood up to the Ministry, and Voldemort. The things they were scared of you for before, they now want to see. Before you were this power-crazed maniac. Now, you're on our side. Dumbledore's protégé.'

Y/N got an odd feeling at those last two words. Revulsion? It was as though he'd eaten something horrible. But he shook his head, it'd just be because of how he was feeling in general... right?

The two of them finished the tour of the train just after lunch, catching sight of Harry, Ron, Luna, and Neville in one of the final compartments. They rounded off their search and then doubled back, dropping into the seats alongside Luna.

'Good afternoon!' said Y/N brightly as they entered.

'Hiya Y/N! Hermione!' said Neville brightly.

'Hello,' said Luna, in her usual dreamy voice. 'How was your summer?'

An image of Emmeline's face flashed across his eyes.

'Quiet,' said Y/N. 'Not a lot going on, kept my head down, especially with all that Prophet nonsense.'

'Daddy quite liked it,' said Luna. 'He was thinking of trying to interview you. "My interview with the Phoenix". It's a working title.'

'Ugh,' said Y/N. 'I'll talk to him for you but god I'm beginning to hate that name.'

'How'd the Prefect stuff go?' asked Harry.

'Usual drivel,' said Hermione. 'What?' she added when everyone stared at her.

'Did you just call the Head Boy and Girl speech drivel?' asked Y/N in amazement.

'Oh well I mean come on!' scoffed Hermione. 'It was nothing on last year's little song and dance number. They just walked in, told us to "do our duty" and called it a day.'

'I mean, you're not wrong,' said Y/N, 'but still, to hear it from you...'

'How was Malfoy behaving?' asked Harry.

'He wasn't,' said Y/N. 'Wasn't there at all. Just sitting in a compartment with all of his Slytherin cronies. Pansy too.'

'That's not like him though,' said Ron. 'He normally can't wait to flaunt some form of power over the first years.'

Y/N shrugged.

'Just telling you what I know. He didn't show up, we saw him just sitting in a compartment. Not much-'

But he was cut off, as the compartment door slid open and a terrified looking third year appeared.

'I am to deliver these to Neville Longbottom, Harry P-Potter, and Y/N L/N,' she stammered over herself on the last two names and turned scarlet as the boys reached out to take them, charging away almost the moment they had.

They'd each been given a scroll of parchment tied with a violet ribbon.

The three of them opened them:

'Y/N,

I would be delighted if you would join me for a bite of lunch in compartment C.

Sincerely,

Professor H. E. F. Slughorn'

'Pass,' said Y/N at once, pocketing the invitation. 'Prefect duties.'

'You're just sitting here!' said Harry indignantly.

'What are they?' asked Ron.

'Invitations to have lunch with Slughorn, the new teacher,' said Harry.

'Suppose we'll have to go, won't we?' asked Neville.

'We will,' said Harry, glaring at Y/N.

'Giving the Professor my best,' said Y/N. 'I'll catch him around the school I dare say, I have other duties to attend to.'

'But what does he want me for?' asked Neville nervously.

'Because you're a talented wizard, Neville,' said Y/N.

'Listen,' said Harry, turning to Neville, 'let's go under the Invisibility Cloak, then we might get a good look at Malfoy on the way, see what he's up to.'

The two of them departed.

'Surprised you're not getting jealous, mate,' said Y/N, leaning back with a sigh, and staring at Ron. 'He's got a new boyfriend now.'

'Well for one, shut up,' said Ron, 'and for two, he does seem a bit obsessed. How long do you reckon this is going to go on for?'

'You know what he's like,' said Hermione. 'Once the idea is there, he won't lose it. Until he has concrete evidence, either way, he'll keep suspecting Malfoy.'

'Why do you not want to go, anyway?' Ron asked Y/N.

'Well, I did only just get off my feet, and I don't feel like walking most of the way back up the train.'

Ron seemed content with this answer and turned back to speak to Luna about an article they'd apparently been discussing before the Prefects had arrived. But from the sad smile Hermione gave him, he knew that she understood the real reason.

Slughorn collected trophy students. Prized identities. And "Dumbledore's protégé, The Rising Phoenix" would be a wonderful addition for him. Y/N was already sick of the students fawning over him. He hardly wanted a teacher doing it too.

He would be unable to escape once term started, he knew that, especially if he performed well in Slughorn's classes. And following what Dumbledore had said to him over the summer, he hardly wanted to separate himself from the man.

But as of right now at least, he just wanted to stay put.

Neville and Harry did not return for a long time. Luna asked about the potentiality of the return of the D.A. and whilst Y/N said he would be happy to teach her more spells, he didn't think the D.A. would be returning. A good few of their members had left now, or, as far as Y/N was concerned, were no longer welcome. And the rest didn't need to prepare for OWLs.

Ron also shot some questions at them in regard to Lavender once Luna had vanished behind her magazine.

'She just keeps asking me to things, like if I want to go on the first Hogsmeade trip with her. And I can't tell if it's a date or... what!'

'Do you want it to be a date?' asked Y/N.

'I don't know, that's the thing. I mean, she's a friend, a good friend. And I guess she's pretty, but... I don't know...'

'Give it some thought,' said Hermione soothingly. 'Just mull it over tonight, through this trip and so on. Worst case, when the time comes, just go as friends, and then if you feel something, ask her out again.'

'Or just the next time she asks, say "Yes, but only if it's a date",' said Y/N. 'You need to be sure whether you want it to be a date first.'

As the sun drifted down past the window and began bathing the outside in an orange glow, the four of them stood and changed into their school robes. Around 10 minutes later, Neville re-entered the compartment.

'Hiya!' he said, a bit breathlessly as he pulled down his trunk and extracted his robes.

'No Harry?' asked Y/N, readjusting his collar.

'He put on his Invisibility Cloak and said he'd catch up to us,' said Neville.

Y/N sighed.

'As long as he doesn't get himself caught. He should appear soon.'

But Harry did not re-appear. Neville told them all about the lunch and its other attendees.

Blaise Zabini, Cormac McLaggen, Marcus Belby, and Ginny.

Apparently Ginny had slipped her way in for using a bat-bogey hex on Zacharias Smith. Y/N made a mental note to congratulate her later.

Slughorn had gone around the compartment, weaselling life stories out of everyone. He'd seemed particularly perturbed that Y/N hadn't been able to attend, and even more so when Ginny had mentioned a chunk of her spellcasting capabilities were because of his training. But Y/N did not care. He'd enjoyed his relaxing trip over too much.

'Then he rounded off that bit with a dramatic retelling of Harry's family. He didn't look particularly happy about it. And asked him about the Ministry and finding the Prophecy. Slid your name in too,' said Neville.

'Our new teacher is obsessed with me, and I haven't even met him yet,' said Y/N grimly. 'Joy.'

'Don't think he's the only one who wants to ask about the Ministry either,' said Ron, nodding towards the door.

A couple of frightened looking fourth years were trying, very poorly, to hide themselves from view around the door frame. The moment Y/N looked over, he heard one let out a small squeal, even through the closed door and they darted away.

He did his best to shrug it off, but he knew this hadn't been the first time it had happened since he and Hermione had re-entered the carriage.

'Then he just kind of went on about all the old famous people he's taught or helped,' said Neville. 'Gwenog Jones for one apparently.'

Y/N shrugged.

'Doubt he taught her how to fly, just pointed her in the right direction. He can't claim credit for that, the same way he can't claim credit for what we did. He just wants to act like he can.'

A short while later, the door slid open, revealing a courageous-looking 5th-year Ravenclaw. He nodded to all of them and then without so much as a hello.

'So, what did actually happen at the Ministry?'

'I'm sorry, who are you?' asked Y/N.

'Steven,' said the boy.

'Alright Steven, listen up, because I'm only going to say this once,' said Y/N, getting to his feet. 'What happened at the Ministry was the kind of thing it's not fun to repeat over and over. And funnily enough, no one gave a damn about the graveyard, so why do they care about this? So before I do to you what I did to a dozen of Voldemort's finest, why don't you go back to your carriage, sit down, and shut up?'

Steven froze for half a second, the look of confidence draining from his face to be replaced by one of slight alarm. However, whether out of defiance or fear he did not move.

'Perhaps he didn't spell it out to you clearly enough,' said Ron, also getting to his feet. 'Piss off.'

This seemed to shake the boy out of whatever trance he'd drifted off into and he hurried off.

'The entire year is going to be like this isn't it?' said Hermione glumly.

'Hopefully, Steven there spreads the word,' said Y/N, dropping back down and feeling the anger drain from his body. 'I'm not becoming anyone's little story-telling animal. Had enough of that last year.'

Finally, the train began to slow, but still, there was no sign of Harry.

'Keep an eye out for him, would you?' Ron asked as Hermione and Y/N gathered themselves to shepherd the first years.

The two nodded and made their way out onto the platform.

It was a quiet night, chilly and brisk but quiet. The two hopped onto their usual positions alongside some boxes and began calling.

'First years down to our right! All first years to Hagrid please!'

'Wotcher Y/N, Hermione,' came a sad voice.

'Tonks!' called Hermione.

Tonks did not look well. The two times she'd visited the Burrow whilst the couple had been staying, they'd missed her. She'd appeared in the dead of night and been long gone by the time anyone was due to wake. But Y/N could now see why.

Her hair was just a default straw brown. The usual smile and light in her face had gone, and there were dark circles under her eyes. It would appear Remus' absence was affecting her harder than Y/N had thought.

'Good to see you both,' she said, still in that same sad voice. 'Shame I missed you over the summer.'

'You could have woken us,' said Y/N, in between shouts guiding the first years. 'Would have been nice to catch up'.

Tonks merely shrugged.

'What are you doing here anyway?' asked Hermione.

'Increased guard presence around Hogsmeade, figured I'd take today's shift. See you all back in through the gates.'

'How many of you are there?' asked Y/N.

'Four total,' said Tonks. 'Proudfoot, Savage, and Dawlish. Two on the other side and one down the far end. We've left that end to Hagrid, not much that can slow him down.'

'Umbridge learnt that lesson last year,' said Y/N, beaming at the Groundskeeper and returning his jovial wave.

'You'll want to get a move on, coaches will be leaving soon,' said Tonks.

Hermione dropped down, but Y/N stayed in his slightly elevated position, scanning the crowd.

'Looking for Harry?' asked Hermione.

'Yeah, but I can't see him, or feel the cloak. I can see Malfoy though; he seems happy about something.'

'What's he done?' asked Tonks, her face suddenly alert.

'We think Harry went to spy on Malfoy during the trip over but he never came back, I haven't seen him-'

'I'll find him,' said Tonks at once, moving towards the train. 'You two get up to the castle.'

Y/N paused for half a second and Hermione tugged at his arm.

'Come on, leave it to Tonks, we need to go.'

Y/N gave the train and Tonks' retreating back one last fleeting look, then nodded.

At the very least, poor mood or not, Y/N knew that Tonks was reliable in all situations. If he was still on the train, she'd find him.

The two of them made their way over to the carriages and found Ron waiting outside of one, the great Skeletal black Thestrals stomping and making small sounds as they waited patiently.

'Any sign?' asked Ron, as the three of them climbed in alongside Neville and Luna, closed the door, and with a lurch, began forward.

'No,' said Hermione, 'but we've told Tonks, she was here as added security. She's gone looking.'

'We've barely been back for 10 minutes and he's already getting himself in trouble,' said Ron. 'We really did learn from you, didn't we?' he added to Y/N.

'You cheeky shit,' smirked Y/N.

The trip up to the castle was as slow and steady as ever. As they trundled along, Hermione's head resting on Y/N's shoulder. He turned his eyes to the window, glancing out across the blackened sky and trying not to think about where Harry was.

Finally, the carriages came to a halt, and the five of them dropped out, making their way up towards the stone steps that lead into Hogwarts Castle.

The warmth that swept through them all as they entered sent shivers down Y/N's spine. There was something relieving about just being back here. Even if it did mean he would be subjected to whispers and strange looks. Just being back within the confines of the castle brought with them an odd peace.

Filch was standing here in the entrance hall, scanning each student as they went past with a dark detector, evidently to make sure that none of them smuggled anything in.

As they approached, they watched as Filch took a shrivelled head from Crabbe and dropped it into a nearby tray.

'Charming,' muttered Y/N.

Once they'd been cleared, they made their way into the Great Hall and after a farewell to Luna, drifted towards the Gryffindor table where they dropped down, Ron next to Lavender and Parvati, whilst Y/N next to Ginny and Dean, as Hermione sat on the other side of him.

'Where's Harry?' asked Ginny once they'd all sat.

'That is a very good question,' said Y/N.

Lavender raised her eyebrows at this and immediately leant in towards Ron, no doubt interrogating him. Ginny gave Y/N a look that was clearly asking if it was anything serious. All Y/N could do was shrug. He didn't want to say anymore around Lavender or Dean.

Slowly, the Great Hall filled up, Y/N glanced over towards the Slytherin table to see Malfoy dramatically recounting something to raucous laughter from the table. It looked like something to do with his face.

Then, finally, after a dreadfully long time, the Great Hall doors opened once again, and the steady stream of first years came piling in, led by Professor McGonagall. Though oddly enough, Hagrid had not yet retaken his position at the staff table.

The first years were all glancing around looking terrified, Y/N could have sworn they were even smaller than last years.

Professor McGonagall led them to the front and placed down a wooden stool, upon which she dropped the currently still and unmoving sorting hat. The hall waited in anticipation.

Then, the rip near the brim opened, and the hat burst into song.

For days three hundred and sixty four

I sit silently upon a shelf,

No list'ning ear nor wandering eye

Gaze upon my battered self;

Until this night when first year come

To sit upon a three legged stool,

Do my words proclaim to all

The sorting of this school;

Each September the first

It becomes my duty to place,

This child who sits with bewildered face;

My choices be four,

As the founders were numbered,

Creating this school

Whilst I still slumbered;

Gryffindor the brave

Put stock in the gallant,

Slytherin so cunning,

Valued the purest of talent;

Ravenclaw was wise,

And wanted the smartest,

While Hufflepuff the true,

desired diligent artists;

But immortal the four

Certainly were not,

So they gave me some brains

To sort out the lot

But deep within me I worry

That this separation causes strife

There are dangers outside these walls

They may well threaten your life

So know that when I sort you

I merely perform step one

It is up to you from there

To see that right is done

We must all stand together

And defeat those who oppose

It will not help anyone

If we all must come to blows

And so I tell you now

Whilst I may provide your kin

It is up to you to pick your side

And fight until you win

The applause rang throughout the Great Hall, but it was scattered, and disjointed, and it wasn't hard to figure out why.

Last year, the Sorting Hat's song had been about standing united against a greater foe.

Now, however, it seemed to almost be calling them to fight.

There wasn't much time to linger on this however, as Professor McGonagall moved over to the hat, lifted it off the stool and called the first student forwards.

'Hats taken a different turn this year, hasn't it?' asked Ron.

'Not by an awful lot, but definitely,' whispered Hermione. 'He's almost telling us to fight.'

'I imagine he gets a lot of inspiration from Dumbledore,' said Y/N, 'and obviously his top priority right now is ensuring that everyone is prepared.'

On and on the line of students dwindled, and as the last handful still stood waiting, Hagrid emerged from a door behind the staff table, sliding down to his seat and waving at the collection of Gryffindors. They waved back but tried to ignore his glancing around for Harry.

'Why's he so late?' asked Ron.

'Probably You-Know-Who in the forest,' breathed Y/N.

Finally, the last student was sorted, and Dumbledore stood.

'I have words to say to all of you, but they can wait. For now, tuck in!'

And the plates around them filled with food.

'Still no sign of him then?' asked Ginny, as the noise rose amongst the students.

'Nope,' said Y/N. 'Ran into Tonks on the platform and she said she'd look for him, can only hope she found him.'

His eyes glanced along the staff table, and he caught sight of the new Professor. Professor Slughorn.

Harry's description hadn't been far off, he certainly did have an appearance similar to a walrus, all the way down to his moustache.

'So, how was Slughorn?' he asked the red-haired girl, she scoffed.

'Honestly, he only wanted me there because he saw me hex Zacharias, little wart wouldn't leave me alone about what happened in the Ministry. Then he tried to do the same thing. Asking Harry about the prophecy and all that nonsense. Was obsessed with you as well.'

'Dare say he'll be headhunting me soon enough, flagged off going to his meal by saying we had Prefect duty.'

'Yeah, Harry mentioned,' muttered Ginny darkly. 'You were supposed to come and rescue me from there, not leave me to the wolves.'

'To be fair, how was I supposed to know you were there?' said Y/N. 'He only invited Neville and Harry. Luna, Hermione, or Ron didn't get one. He wasn't after the Ministry lot.'

'Yeah, but I was hoping you'd show up the moment he invited me along. If he wanted me for that, of course he'd want the one who'd trained most of our year.'

Y/N shrugged.

'Dunno what to tell you Gin, I wasn't interested in going.'

It wasn't until the food was due to vanish that they finally caught sight of him. Y/N spotting him first.

He saw some activity at the Hufflepuff table and glanced over, following the way they were looking, where he saw Harry, speeding along the aisle between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw, towards them. His face was covered in blood.

'Oh for the love of-' but Y/N cut himself off as Harry dropped down into the seat next to Ron.

'Where've you- blimey, what've you done to your face?' said Ron, goggling at him along with everyone else in the vicinity.

'Why, what's wrong with it?' said Harry, grabbing a spoon and squinting at his distorted reflection.

'You're covered in blood!' said Hermione.

Y/N pointed a finger at him and said, 'Tergeo.'

The dried blood vanished.

'Thanks,' said Harry, feeling his now clean face. 'How's my nose looking?'

'Normal,' said Hermione anxiously. 'Why shouldn't it? Harry, what happened?'

'I'll tell you later,' said Harry curtly. And Y/N knew why. Ginny, Neville, Dean, Lavender, and Parvati were listening in; even Nearly Headless Nick, the Gryffindor ghost, had come floating along the bench to eavesdrop.

'But-' said Hermione.

'Drop it, love,' said Y/N pointedly.

Harry reached across Ron for some food, but before he could take them, they vanished, to be replaced with puddings.

'You missed the Sorting, anyway,' said Hermione.

'Hat say anything interesting?' asked Harry.

'More of the same, really, though in an odd way, advising us all to unite in the face of our enemies, you know.'

'Dumbledore mentioned Voldemort at all?'

'Not yet, but he always saves his proper speech for after the feast, doesn't he? It can't be long now.'

'Snape said Hagrid was late for the feast-'

'You've seen Snape? How come?' said Ron.

'The same reason he only just returned to the Staff Table I expect,' said Y/N, nodding to where the Potion's master had just sat down. 'Escorting Harry to the castle because he missed the carriages.'

Harry nodded towards Y/N to indicate he'd been correct.

'Hagrid was only a few minutes late,' said Hermione. 'Look, he's waving at you, Harry.'

As Harry turned to wave back, Y/N's eyes once again found Malfoy. And now he realised what he was doing. Miming the shattering of someone's nose. It didn't take much to put two and two together after Harry had asked about his own.

Y/N sighed and shook his head.

'Malfoy?' asked Harry, not turning around.

'Malfoy.'

'Did Professor Slughorn ask you the same thing as everyone else?' Hermione asked.

'To know what really happened at the Ministry?' queried Harry.

'Him and everyone else here,' sniffed Hermione. 'People were interrogating us about it on the train.'

'Almost cursed a Ravenclaw who thought he was bigger than he actually is,' muttered Y/N.

'They're all wanting to know if you really are "the Chosen One"-'

'There has been much talk on that very subject even amongst the ghosts,' interrupted Nearly Headless Nick, inclining his barely connected head toward Harry so that it wobbled dangerously on its ruff. 'I am considered something of a Potter authority; it is widely known that we are friendly. I have assured the spirit community that I will not pester you for information, however. "Harry Potter knows that he can confide in me with complete confidence," I told them. "I would rather die than betray his trust."'

'Thanks, Nick,' said Harry just as Dumbledore got to his feet at the staff table.

The talk and laughter echoing around the Hall died away almost instantly.

'The very best of evenings to you!' he said, smiling broadly, his arms opened wide as though to embrace the whole room.

'What happened to his hand?' gasped Hermione.

She was not the only one who had noticed. Dumbledore's right hand was as blackened and dead-looking as it had been when he had come to visit Y/N at Minerva's house. Whispers swept the room; Dumbledore, interpreting them correctly, merely smiled and shook his purple-and-gold sleeve over his injury.

'Nothing to worry about,' he said airily. 'Now, to our new students, welcome, to our old students, welcome back! Another year full of magical education awaits you-'

'His hand was like that when I saw him over the summer,' Harry whispered to them. 'I thought he'd have cured it by now, though, or Madam Pomfrey would've done.'

'It looks as if it's died,' said Hermione, with a nauseated expression.

'He can't cure it,' said Y/N. 'I saw it too before I went to the Burrow. Uncurable.'

The three of them looked at him as though expecting him to elaborate, but he did not, and instead continued listening to Dumbledore speak.

'-and Mr. Filch, our caretaker, has asked me to say that there is a blanket ban on any joke items bought at the shop called Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes.

'Those wishing to play for their House Quidditch teams should give their names to their Heads of House as usual. We are also looking for new Quidditch commentators, who should do likewise.' Y/N nudged Ginny pointedly and she nodded excitedly.

'We are pleased to welcome a new member of staff this year. Professor Slughorn' -Slughorn stood up, his bald head gleaming in the candlelight, his big waistcoated belly casting the table below into shadow- 'is a former colleague of mine who has agreed to resume his old post of Potions master.'

'Potions?'

'Potions?'

The word echoed all over the Hall as people wondered whether they had heard right.

'Potions?' said Ron and Hermione together, turning to stare at Harry.

'Keep listening,' said Y/N darkly.

'Professor Snape, meanwhile,' said Dumbledore, raising his voice so that it carried over all the muttering, 'will be taking over the position of Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.'

'No!' said Harry, so loudly that many heads turned in his direction and Y/N hissed at him.

Y/N knew that Harry did not like Snape, but this was hardly that big of a deal. What difference did it make who taught them? And besides, they didn't need more reason for people to stare.

'But Harry, you said that Slughorn was going to be teaching Defence Against the Dark Arts!' said Hermione.

'I thought he was!'

Snape, who was sitting on Dumbledore's right, did not stand up at the mention of his name; he merely raised a hand in lazy acknowledgement of the applause from the Slytherin table, but there was definitely a look of triumph across the teacher's face.

'Well, there's one good thing,' said Harry savagely. 'Snape'll be gone by the end of the year.'

'What do you mean?' asked Ron.

'That job's jinxed. No one's lasted more than a year. Quirrell actually died doing it. Personally, I'm going to keep my fingers crossed for another death.'

'He's on our side, Harry,' said Y/N as Hermione looked shocked and reproachful. 'We've lost enough already, don't go wishing death on more of them.'

'He might just go back to teaching Potions at the end of the year,' said Ron reasonably. 'That Slughorn bloke might not want to stay long-term. Moody didn't.'

Dumbledore cleared his throat. The quartet were not the only ones who had been talking; the whole Hall had erupted in a buzz of conversation at the news that Snape had finally achieved his heart's desire. Seemingly oblivious to the sensational nature of the news he had just imparted, Dumbledore said nothing more about staff appointments but waited a few seconds to ensure that the silence was absolute before continuing.

'Now, as everybody in this Hall knows, Lord Voldemort and his followers are once more at large and gaining in strength.'

The silence seemed to tauten and strain as Dumbledore spoke.

'I cannot emphasize strongly enough how dangerous the present situation is, and how much care each of us at Hogwarts must take to ensure that we remain safe. The castle's magical fortifications have been strengthened over the summer, we are protected in new and more powerful ways, but we must still guard scrupulously against carelessness on the part of any student or member of staff. I urge you, therefore, to abide by any security restrictions that your teachers might impose upon you, however irksome you might find them. In particular, the rule that you are not to be out of bed after hours. I implore you, should you notice anything strange or suspicious within or outside the castle, to report it to a member of staff immediately. I trust you to conduct yourselves, always, with the utmost regard for your own and others' safety.'

Dumbledore's blue eyes swept over the students before he smiled once more.

'But now, your beds await, as warm and comfortable as you could possibly wish, and I know that your top priority is to be well-rested for your lessons tomorrow. Let us therefore say good night. Pip pip!'

With the usual deafening scraping noise, the benches were moved back, and the hundreds of students began to file out of the Great Hall toward their dormitories.

'First years!' called Y/N, tiredly. 'First years over here to us please!'

Slowly, the row of First years gathered in front of them and then with the usual back and forth and steady tour, Y/N and Hermione led them up to the Gryffindor Common Room, gave the password, and stepped inside.

'Should we wait for them?' asked Hermione as the last of the first years scurried away.

'Probably, come on.'

The two of them moved over to one of the armchairs by the fire, Y/N sitting down before Hermione sprawled out across his lap. But a few moments later, another figure joined them.

'You don't mind if I listen in do you?' asked Ginny. 'Already said good night to Dean so he's gone, but I'm curious.'

'You know I don't. But I'm not the one who has the story,' said Y/N.

Around twenty minutes later, and they heard the portrait hole swing up and Harry and Ron came clambering inside.

'You don't mind me listening in, do you, Harry?' Ginny asked at once. Harry shook his head and then began recounting the tale of what had happened.

From the way Harry told it:

Malfoy had begun by asking who had been invited to Slughorn's little get-together and had insulted them all as expected. He had then mentioned him not being invited and had apparently been told that Slughorn didn't like Death Eaters.

Then the conversation had jumped to Malfoy potentially not being at Hogwarts for his seventh year, having moved on to "better things".

The other Slytherins had enquired as to what this may be, referring to them only as "him", but who this represented was fairly obvious.

Malfoy had gone on to explain how his mother wanted him to finish his education, but he believed that "he" may have bigger and better uses for him.

The Slytherins had been sceptical, but Malfoy had simply said that perhaps the job he was wanted for wasn't something that you needed to be qualified for.

They had then stopped their conversation and began packing up, but Malfoy had lingered behind, checking his trunk for something. And before Harry could react, Malfoy had body-bound him. Having apparently caught sight of Harry's shoes, he had kept tabs on where he was and known they were eavesdropped on. He gloated, pulled off Harry's cloak and then stomped on his face, breaking his nose.

Tonks had found Harry on the train, and fixed his nose, before taking him most of the way back up towards the castle.

'Guessing I have you to thank for that?' he asked Y/N once he'd finished. 'Tonks mentioned your name.'

'Yeah, I said I was looking for you and she said she'd take over, let us get up to the castle,' said Y/N.

'Well, Malfoy was obviously just showing off for Parkinson, wasn't he?' said Ron.

'I don't know...' said Hermione.

'It does seem a bit odd,' said Ginny.

'It's a very big lie to tell if it is a lie,' said Y/N. 'And whilst it holds merit with his father being imprisoned, to claim something like that...'

'Exactly! You have to admit that he's up to something!' said Harry.

'I have to admit that he says he's up to something,' said Y/N. 'I still find it hard to believe that Voldemort wants a kid like Malfoy, I mean, a job you don't need to be qualified for? What good would that do someone like Voldemort?'

'Maybe it's just a simple repair job. From what you guys said maybe he's repairing some evil artifact or something?' suggested Ginny.

'Possible, but he can't do much here at Hogwarts,' said Hermione. 'What he was trying to repair was in Borgin and Burkes.'

'Maybe his mum will send it in the post?' said Harry.

'He said he'd have looked silly carrying it down the street,' said Hermione. 'That means it was bulky or obvious, he'd need a lot of owls and a quiet time to sneak something like that into the castle. Especially with Filch watching.'

Harry looked as though he wanted to press his case but could evidently find nothing to press on. They'd admitted it was weird and that Malfoy was most likely up to something. But what, he had no more of an idea than the rest of them.

'We ran into Hagrid on the way up by the way,' said Ron glumly. 'Was very excited about his first lesson tomorrow...'

'Ah,' said Y/N a bit lamely. 'None of you are taking it, are you?'

The other three shook their heads.

'Are you?' asked Ron.

'Of course, I am, it's basically been my thing for years, plus, it's essentially an easy O for me and a path into teaching.'

'Will you please try to explain to him-?' began Hermione.

'He'll understand, it might take him a bit, but he'll understand, he's not unreasonable.'

'And what about your outings as well?' asked Ginny. 'You need to investigate that tomb.'

'I'll make my first trip in a couple of days; I want to make the first one alone. I'll tell mum for the next few, she needs the rest. Assuming she even is resting, Dumbledore may have already put her to work. I just need to adjust to my timetable and stuff first.'

'Keep us posted on what you find, assuming you can,' said Harry. Y/N nodded.

'Dumbledore hasn't said that any of what I run into is off-limits. In fact, he's encouraged me to speak to you all about a few bits if they begin to bug me so, I'll keep you all posted. Just no Dean,' he added sternly to Ginny, who pouted but nodded.

It wasn't long before the five of them separated. Ron and Harry ascending to the boy's dorm. Ginny to the girls. And Y/N and Hermione up to their shared dorm.

It looked much as it had before, and Eternus gave a soft cry in greeting as they arrived.

'Hey,' said Y/N softly, walking forward and stroking the plumage. 'Good to see you again.'

Hermione moved over and released Crookshanks from his small wicker basket and he leapt up on to the bed, stretching and yawning before idly watching Eternus soar around the room, his tail swishing.

Y/N and Hermione changed and clambered into bed.

'It's going to be a strange year,' said Hermione as the animals settled and Y/N extinguished the lights with a wave of his hand. 'You coming and going, having lessons we don't, NEWT prep, Voldemort out and about and Harry with his lessons with Dumbledore.'

'No weirder than last year,' said Y/N. 'At least this time we can actually do something. I felt so trapped last year. Even leaving for a couple of hours almost got me expelled.'

'True, glad to see the back of that toad,' grumbled Hermione, 'but we'll manage, we always do.'

'Are you saying that to me, or yourself?' asked Y/N.

'Both, and neither. I just want us to get through this. And it feels like we've had half a dozen close calls and things haven't even started yet. I mean, Dumbledore just keeps throwing you at danger. All it takes is one slip-up, and I trust you but... can never shake those thoughts, y'know?'

'Yeah, I know,' said Y/N, thinking back on how she'd been back in their third year, crying at almost every turn. 'But we've gotten through it before, and we will again. I have Eternus, I have you, I have reasons to come back and keep fighting. And I'll be damned if I let any of Voldemort's cronies get the drop on me.'

'I know, need to stop worrying. Good night Y/N. I love you.'

'Love you too, 'Mione,' said Y/N, leaning in and planting a gentle kiss on the top of her head.

But even as he heard her breathing slow and grow heavier, sleep did not course through his body yet. Too many things plaguing him. Tonks and how she'd looked. Dumbledore and his hand. Malfoy and his supposed declaration of support from Voldemort. Already the signs of this war were being felt and they'd barely been at it for two months. Already Y/N could feel his resolve slipping.

'The tomb will help,' he thought. 'I'll get some answers or... something, in there. Find out what Snow was up to.'

And clutching on this potential thread of hope, Y/N barely managed to scrape himself to sleep.