The Approaching Storm

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Chapter Eleven: Complications

The sun shinned warmed rays of light onto the field, only to be interrupted occasionally by a passing cloud or two. The warm rays mixed with the gentle breeze created a perfect spring day. Now the one thing that what top this lovely day would be if the sun's rays would reflect off a bright golden sphere known as a Snitch. At least this is what Draco thought would make a perfect day, as he scanned the sky for the golden flying object.

Today Slytherin was competing against Gryffindor. This game decided who was the Quidditch House Cup Champion. The Gryffindor team had previously beaten Ravenclaw, and Slytherin had beaten Hufflepuff. Now it was down to the two house rivals for the top prize.

Draco sat high above the stands of spectators with Potter not to far from his side, as both boys watched for the Snitch and also watching their teammates below.

Draco had taken great enjoyment in imaging the finals with Gryffindor, another chance for him to try and beat Potter at something. He imagined the Snitch shinning before them as they raced to grab the sphere. Potter riding his Firebolt and Draco riding his Excalibur, which was much faster than the outdated Firebolt. Draco visualized himself easily grabbing the snitch, leaving Potter in the dust. The crowd then would erupt into cheers and rush the field towards Draco, as he held up the golden object with pride. He then would turn back to look at Potter's defeated face as he stood alone on the field.

Draco smiled as he thought of his fantasy. The fates had to favor him eventually and he was sure today would be his day.

Harry looked over at Malfoy and snorted at his huge grin. He was sure that Malfoy had to be thinking of something truly awful to smile that big. The smile itself reeked of evilness. Harry induced it probably dealt with him in some sort of sick and twisted way. Just then Malfoy's face turned serious and he bolted off. Harry looked to see that Malfoy had seen the Snitch. He cursed himself for being distracted and took off in pursuit.

Ron watched the scene above as Malfoy headed for the Snitch and Harry was in close pursuit. Malfoy had the lead and this angered Ron to no end. He did not work so hard today to let that bloody prat win the game. He couldn't help but also glance at the stands to see whom Hermione was cheering for. Of course she was shouting Harry's name, but Ron could clearly see she was focusing on Malfoy every so often. His jealousy raised another notch against the blonde headed Slytherin.

Why did she have to notice that idiot?

He couldn't take it. He needed to do something to show up the ferret. If Malfoy won, all the girls would swoon over him, including Hermione. Ron knew deep down inside Hermione wouldn't swoon, but it did fuel his fire. He pulled out his wand and hid it under his Quidditch robes. He aimed it towards Malfoy by raising his arm slightly.

"Impedimenta," Ron said, as he smirked at his actions.

Draco's broom came to an abrupt stop, which threw him forward and off of the broom, just missing the Snitch.

Harry grabbed the Snitch at the last second, before Malfoy fell off his broom. He tried to grab hold of him as he flew by, but missed his robes by a few inches. Harry grabbed tightly to his broom handle and raced towards the falling Malfoy to try to reach him before he hit the ground.

His efforts were futile.

Draco held his hands in front of him grabbing at anything that would stop his fall, only to feel air between his fingers. Faster and faster he went as the wind rushed against his whole body. He knew Potter was trying to grab him, but in the end nothing helped ease his fall as he plummeted to the ground and hit with a sickening thud.

The crowd gasped and Ron's face turned pale. He hadn't meant for that to happen, Malfoy was just supposed to stop or slow down so Harry could catch the Snitch. This did not look good since Malfoy lay on the ground not moving. Ron began to panic and saw that Harry had landed beside Malfoy. He decided to fly down to the scene also.

Madam Hooch and Madam Pomfrey came rushing to the accident sight along with some Slytherin 'Draco' groupies and one very perturbed, Lucius Malfoy.

"Draco! Son, can you hear me?" Lucius spoke, as he kneeled down next to his son, moving his hair off of his forehead.

Draco made no movement or sound.

Lucius looked up to Madam Hooch as Professor Snape and Dumbledore had just joined the scene.

"Well, do something! My son better be ok or there will be hell to pay!" Lucius shouted at the other four adults.

"Calm down Lucius, Madam Pomfrey is checking him over now," Snape said, as he put a comforting hand on Lucius' shoulder.

"He seems to be just unconscious and has a few bruised ribs, other than that he looks fine. I will take precautions to prevent any clotting to the brain," Madam Pomfrey said, as she aided the fallen boy.

Hermione had joined the group surrounding the unconscious boy and was looking very worried. Lucius looked up to see the concerned face of the young Gryffindor. He gave a withering stare and snorted in disgust, returning his attentions back to his son and ranted about an investigation to the matter.

"Attempted murder, I tell you! Someone was trying to kill my son! I want the culprit found, now!" Lucius yelled, looking towards the Gryffindors suspiciously.

Ron turned even paler at the thought of an investigation and Lucius' accusing stares.

Dumbledore tried to assure Lucius that it was an accident.

"Calm down, Mr. Malfoy, I'm sure it was just a accident. As you probably know, some of the Excalibur brooms are on recall for defects. This more than likely the case with this accident and I will assure you I will look into that matter myself," Dumbledore explained, trying to calm the irate man.

Dumbledore did give a knowing, but disapproving, glance towards Ron, who dropped his head in guilt.

"Fine, but I want a full report, and The Excalibur company will be hearing from my Wizarding Justice Advocate," Lucius snarled, as he followed Madam Pomfrey, with his son floating in between them, back to the castle.

***************

Harry sat alone by the lakeside watching the sun slip away, painting a brilliant array of colors with its departure. He thought about the day's events and how he should be happy for catching the Snitch and Gryffindor winning the Quidditch Cup, but he wasn't. That was not a good win to him and he wished things could have been different. The Gryffindors did celebrate, but it wasn't their usually celebration. There weren't as many screaming and cheering voices, just a somber "Good Job" or a "He had it coming" pat on the back.

There was no point to dwell on it, so Harry focused on another topic that truly he wondered about. As he watched the vibrant reds, purples, and oranges filter through the sky, he could only wonder if Amelia was watching this same sunset.

With a sigh, he reached into his pocket and grabbed his wand. He studied the wand, fingering the shape and feel, thinking it to be funny how a piece of wood could control such power and have such a profound effect on one's life, especially on his life. He focused and spoke a spell.

"Expecto Patronum"

A light shot from his wand as a horse appeared and galloped along the lake. Harry's protector stead, galloped atop of the water, bringing a smile to the young man's face, as he remembered why the stead was important to his heart. How he wished he could see his father again. He tilted the wand and the Patronus vanished as quickly as it was conjured.

"You know, that amazes me every time I see you conjure it," a voice said from behind Harry.

Harry smiled.

"How long have you been spying on me?" he asked the owner of the voice.

"Me, spy? I would never do something as such, Harry," the wavy haired girl said, as she took a seat beside her friend.

"Somehow I think your full of bullock, Hermione," Harry retorted, with a grin.

Hermione smiled and turned to look at her friend. How she admired him. He would never admit it, and sometimes Hermione doubted he even knew, but he was the definition of strength and courage in its purest form. His courage could bring down the whole dark side in her view. He was her foundation and strength in too many ways to count.

"Hermione, have you ever tried to conjure a Patronus?" Harry asked, as he turned his gaze upon her.

"Umm, no, not really. I tried, but the only thing that happened was that a misty cloud appeared and had no form," Hermione replied, visibly distraught by her failed attempt at the spell.

"You just haven't given it a form. Try to focus on a specific form," Harry said, as he scouted closer to his friend.

Hermione was slightly dubious about attempting to conjure a Patronus again. Especially if she didn't do it, she would be failing in front of Harry.

Harry saw her hesitation and knew her well enough to know why.

"It will be ok if you don't succeed. Not everyone can get it right the first time, but I believe in you, and I think you can do it," Harry said, encouraging his friend.

"Alright, I'll try," Hermione said, as she began to focus on the spell Harry had recently cast.

"Expecto Patronum," Hermione said, as a mist came from her wand.

The mist had no from and just floated awaiting a shape. Hermione tried to focus on a specific shape, but many different options clouded her mind.

Harry notice the difficult time she was having and tried to help.

"Hermione, focus. Pick one shape you want it to turn into," Harry said, as he sat behind her and grabbed onto her wand, grasping it around her hands. He closed his eyes and focused, trying to help her.

As soon as Harry took hold of Hermione's wand with her, one image appeared in her mind, it was fuzzy at first, but for a brief moment Hermione saw it clearly.

A Phoenix.

The misty, shapeless, fog glowed a bright gold as it turned into the firebird, but only for a brief moment. As soon as it appeared Hermione and Harry opened their eyes to see the creation. Then it faded back into a misty shape, but still held a shape of the bird for moment before it disappeared completely.

Hermione was in complete awe at her conjured Patronus. Even though it didn't last long, it still held a shape, and it was a remarkable shape at that.

Harry had the same shocked expression on his face, one question in both of their minds.

Had they both just called upon the most powerful Patronus known? How?

Hermione turned to look Harry.

"Harry, did you conjure the Phoenix?" she asked, with a confused expression.

"Not just me, it was both of us. I saw it clearly for a brief second. The image appeared in my head out of nowhere," he said, still in shock.

"The same thing happened to me also. This is strange, very strange. Maybe we should do some research into this situation," Hermione said, still wondering how they could have conjured the bird. She couldn't conjure a rabbit before, but now she could a Phoenix. This made no sense to her.

"That would probably be a good idea. I know one thing though, however it happened, it only occurred by us conjuring it together," Harry said, as he turned to look at Hermione.

Hermione nodded in agreement, as she stood up.

"We should head back. I still have to pack for the race. Maybe we can do some research in Sweden. They have one of the largest libraries in the world," Hermione explained, as she stood.

Harry joined her and they began to walk back to the castle.

All the while a black caped man watched the unsuspecting couple from the privacy of the trees, with a sadistic smirk on his face.

"How interesting," Lucius Malfoy said, as he eyed the pair. He turned towards the castle with a swish of his long cape and walked to have a word with his son.

*************

Ron walked down the hallway. He was trying to find Harry and Hermione. He was getting bored without his friends, not to mention Dumbledore's little talk with him still tied his stomach in knots. How that man knows the things that he does is unfathomable. Just the knowing look he can give makes you want to hide in a corner and admit all the bad deeds you had ever committed. Needles to say, Ron explained the whole situation to the Head Master and got off with just a warning. He thanked his lucky stars for that.

Maybe Harry and Hermione will want to go get a snack from the kitchen. I'm starved! Ron thought, as his stomach made his presence known with a loud growl.

As he drew near to the corner of the hallway near the hospital ward, he heard two male voices, one of them he knew all to well.

Malfoy! Ron thought, with a disgusted look.

He quietly approached the voices and stood inconspicuously behind a medical curtain, listening to the conversation.

"Really, Draco, I would have expected better from you. Ms. Parkinson's letter to her father was rather disturbing, and can you imagine my embarrassment when he approached me about the matter. A Muggleborn. I did not raise you to make so lowly of relations, now did I?" Lucius Malfoy said, as his voice became more and more threatening.

Draco sat on the hospital bed, ignoring the painful throbbing from his head wound and the stabbing pressure from his bruised ribs, as he looked to his father and took in every word intently.

"Your mother may think somewhat fondly of the girl, but by no means do I? I don't care if she saved the whole Malfoy bloodline, she is still a disgrace to the Wizarding world," Lucius continued with heated venom in his voice.

"Not to mention her and the Potter boy have a strange and powerful bond. Did you know they conjured a Phoenix together? They are powerful, I will give them that, but they are a massive threat, and I do not approve of you associating with her. If you actually did care," Lucius cringed as he spoke the word, "about the foolish girl, you wouldn't want to draw anymore attention to her than necessary, now would you?" Lucius asked, as he gave an evil glare to his son.

Draco's face drew into a scowl, and he looked away from his farther harshly and huffed.

"I have never said I cared about her," Draco said, as he returned his stare back to his father.

I knew it! To think I actually felt guilty for that slimy ferret getting hurt. Ron thought, with an angry scowl. He's just using her, that bastard! Balling his fists as he thought about the little prick ahead of him.

"As for Ms. Parkinson," Draco said the name as if it were poison on his tongue, "she is just a jealous idiot, that I couldn't give a damn about. There is nothing going on between Granger and myself. Did it ever occur to you, that Granger being a Muggleborn, is the exact reason for my so-called 'relations' with her. Me being seen around her, on actual friendly terms, could be good for our family. It has taking a lot of unwanted heat away from the family name so far, now hasn't it? Especially from one particular situation, isn't that true father?" Draco continued in a matter of fact tone.

Lucius turned his head and made a snarling face.

"I suppose, but I still don't like it. You better make sure your little friend," Lucius said, emphasizing the word friend, "stays that, just a friend, and not get in the way of such situations, or I might be forced to take alternative methods, if you know what I mean," Lucius said, in a threatening tone.

Draco nodded is head slightly in recognition.

"I'll meet you in front of the Great Hall to leave for Sweden tomorrow. Madam Pomfrey said you should be fine to travel then. Hurry up and finish packing your things," Lucius concluded, as he stalked away.

"Damn It!" Draco said, as he stood up and pain shot through his body. He ignored it and walked back to his room.

Ron stood there and watched Draco leave. He gave a slight scowl on his face.

What to do with the evil rat, he wondered. He could just tell Hermione about the conversation he overheard, but she might want to be ignorant of the situation, yet again, and make it not to be a big deal. He was sure she would rationalize the situation in some manner.

No, Ron needed to expose the Malfoy spawn for what he truly is, scum. Sweden would be a great place to get Malfoy to show his true colors, now he just needed a plan. He walked back to the Tower, forgetting all about the rumbling in his stomach.

**************

Hermione walked toward the Prefects bathroom. She had told Harry she would meet him in a little while back in the common room. As she reached the entranceway she saw Draco heading towards her from down the hallway. His head was looking towards the ground and he was mumbling to himself.

"Do you always talk to yourself," she asked, trying to hide her giggle.

Draco nearly jumped four feet in the air when he heard her voice.

Hermione couldn't help but break into a full fledge laugh at his reaction.

"God damn it, Hermione! Scare the piss out of me next time!" Draco said, reprimanding her actions.

"Don't get in such a huff, what's got you so Doolally anyway," She asked, still snickering slightly.

Draco gave her an annoyed look, but then his eyes turned slightly remorseful.

"Nothing, I have to go pack, my father is here to take me to Sweden," Draco said, in anything but a pleasant tone.

"I take it you didn't have a nice visit with him. Want to talk about it?" Hermione asked, truly concerned.

No, it's ok. I don't care what he says anyway, he's just a bloody Wanker sometimes," Draco told her.

"Oh, you never speak badly of your father, he must of said something pretty terrible," Hermione said, as she touched Draco's arm in a concerned gesture.

Draco frowned slightly at the contact.

"He's just trying to control my life, like usual. Don't worry about it. I just need to tie up a few loose ends is all," Draco said, picturing squashing Pansy's face into oblivion.

"All right, if you say so," Hermione said, still slightly doubtful he was truly ok.

"Thanks, don't worry. Congratulations again on the Preliminaries. You did very well," Draco said, complimenting her.

"Thanks, you did great also. I still can't believe you and Harry tied. That was remarkable. As for me I think the best part of my race was the finish and seeing Ron's shocked face. I don't know if he was shocked more by me coming in first, or that I actually could fly," Hermione said, snickering as she remembered Ron's face.

"Carrot top is a bloody idiot, as for Potter and myself, we will just duel it out in Sweden," Draco said smugly.

"Be nice. By the way, I might need your help with something later, when we are in Sweden," Hermione said, looking slightly serious.

Draco remembered what his father had said about Hermione and Potter conjuring a Phoenix. He had no doubt that this is what she was referring to.

"Ok, well see you in Sweden," he said and gave her a slight smile.

"Thanks, and have a safe trip," Hermione said, as she gave him a quick smile before she continued towards the Prefect bathroom.

Draco watched her enter the walkway. A scowl grew on his handsome features as he watched her leave, looking at her retreating back darkly. He turned around quickly and walked away as he balled his fists tightly together.

Things were going to have to be dealt with sooner than he had expected.