An Unexpected Situation

Alex turned to Harry. "Can I borrow that cloak of yours for a few days?"

Harry turned and nodded. "But I don't see how you can follow him. Keeping up with Malfoy will be a task."

"Perhaps this will help."

Harry turned and couldn't believe what he saw. Professor Dumbledore was standing behind his desk holding a piece of old parchment. Harry knew immediately what it was, but still couldn't believe it.

"Where did you get that?" he asked.

"I remember Barty Crouch mentioning your map of the school. I found this in his belongings and I assumed that this had to be it."

He handed the map to Harry, who in turn handed it to Alex. He unrolled it and saw nothing but a blank page.

"Not to offend you, Harry, but how is this going to help me?"

Harry took out his wand and pointed it at the middle of the page. "I solemnly swear I am up to no good." As soon as he finished, lines appeared and the map formed. Alex's eyes went very wide.

"I hope you will use the map wisely," said Dumbledore, "Because after you leave, I have a strange feeling that I will forget anything like that would ever be in your possession." Alex looked at him and saw a smile and a sparkle in his eye.

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The next day started normally. Harry and Hermione were up early and went down for breakfast. Ron, Ginny and Alex soon joined them and they ate in silence. Neville and Luna came by a few minutes later. Neville kissed Ginny before he sat down next to her.

"Happy birthday," he said, making her blush. As they discussed what they would do with the rest of the day, several owls flew into the Hall. As mail was being dropped here and there, Alex picked up the latest edition of the Daily Prophet. He read for a minute then his eyes opened wide.

"Oh my God!" he said. "Harry, you're not going to believe this!"

Harry took the paper from Alex and began to read.

MINISTRY FOILS ATTACK, TWO CAPTURED

The Ministry of Magic announced this morning that an attempted attack by You-Know-Who's followers last night was foiled.

"Thanks to information we received from Albus Dumbledore and other sources," said Arthur Weasley, "We managed to prevent an attack on Muggles and Wizards alike. Two men were captured as a result of this raid."

The first man was revealed to be Lucius Malfoy, long suspected of siding with the Dark Lord. He has not revealed anything to the Ministry, causing them to file a request for the use of Veritaserum.

There was a shock when the second man was revealed to be Peter Pettigrew. Long thought killed by Sirius Black fourteen years ago, Pettigrew revealed in a signed confession that he faked his own death and killed thirteen Muggles with a single curse. He also revealed that he is an unregistered Animagus, that he revealed the location of James and Lily Potter to You-Know-Who 15 years ago (sending them to their deaths), and that he killed Cedric Diggory during the Triwizard Tournament last year on You-Know-Who's order. It is said that he will receive a life sentence and is being held in an undisclosed location while awaiting trial.

It was also announced that Sirius Black, on the run since his escape from Azkaban, has been cleared of all charges and crimes by the Ministry.

As Harry finished reading, a huge smile came across his face. Finally, the truth was known and Sirius was free. He reached over and hugged Hermione, not giving a damn who was watching.

"I feel like it's my birthday," joked Harry as he and Hermione got themselves together, oblivious to the stares from everyone at the table. "This is the best news we've had in a long time."

"I think we should have a party tonight," said Ginny happily, "For my birthday and to celebrate Sirius' freedom." The rest of the group immediately agreed.

"Well, it looks like the news is not good for everyone," said Alex. Harry turned to where Alex was looking. Draco Malfoy was quickly walking out of the Great Hall.

"Time to go to work," said Alex. He gave Luna a quick peck on the cheek then walked out of the Great Hall.

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They didn't see Alex again until late in the day. Most went to the Quidditch pitch to see the match between Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff. It was an absolute slaughter as Ravenclaw won 180 to 20. It meant that Ravenclaw had a 20 point lead in the standings and would face Gryffindor in the finals in May.

As Harry and the rest entered the Common Room, they saw Alex going over the Marauder's Map. He wiped the map and rolled it up.

"Any luck with Malfoy today?" asked Harry.

"If you want to call not moving too much luck," he said, "He hasn't left his room since breakfast. He's waiting for his orders. I just know it."

"Well since he hasn't done anything yet," said Hermione, "Help us plan the party."

Alex was about to say no until he looked up and saw Luna. She had her eyes locked on him and had the look that said 'you will help us or else'. He nodded his head and dove into the thick of things, occasionally checking the map to see if Malfoy made any movement.

After an hour had passed, Hedwig flew into the room with a note for Harry. He took the note and gave her a treat before she flew away. As Harry read the note, a huge smile came across his face. He folded the note and put it in his pocket.

"Aren't you going to tell us who it's from?" asked Hermione.

"No," said Harry who was still smiling, "It's a surprise. You'll find out tonight."

Hermione shrugged and went back to her work. Soon it was time for dinner and everyone gathered in the Great Hall for an excellent meal. Evidently, Dumbledore was excited at the news this morning and decided that everyone should celebrate, because the courses were varied and tasted wonderful.

Later, everyone was groaning after eating so much. Suddenly, the doors of the Hall flew open and a figure walked inside. He dressed immaculately in black from head to toe. As soon as he turned his head, Harry smiled and jumped up. The figure walked over and stopped where Harry was standing. Hermione and Ron smiled while everyone else sat with their mouths open.

"Good to see you, Sirius," said Harry trying to be as calm as he could. Finally he couldn't help it. He reached out and hugged his godfather for all he was worth. 'At last' thought Harry to himself, 'a dream come true for me.'

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A few hours later, Harry and the others were seated around the fireplace in Gryffindor Tower. Sirius sat in front of it, telling them stories from his days at Hogwarts. Various sounds shock, disbelief and laughter echoed throughout the Common Room.

"There is no way that you got away with that!" said Ginny with a smile

"I did get away with it," replied Sirius, "And so did the rest of us. You just can't imagine what we got away with in those days."

"Oh, I can," said Harry. He was about to say more when Fred and George walked over.

"Sirius, good to see you," said Fred. "After all our years at Hogwarts, to finally meet one of the infamous Marauders."

"Really, it's an honor to us. After all, your map helped us achieve so much," said George with a wicked smile.

"You mean the map still exists?" asked Sirius.

"Yes it does," smiled Fred, "In fact, we passed it on to a close acquaintance of yours."

He looked at Harry and smiled even wider than before. Sirius was dumbfounded.

"You've got the map? It's only fitting that James' son would get his hands on it."

"Actually, I'm borrowing it for the moment," said Alex, pulling the map from his robes and handing it to Sirius.

"My God," said Sirius, "This brings back so many memories." He pulled out his new wand (first thing he bought when he got the news, he told them) and muttered the incantation. The map formed and he smiled. A single tear rolled down his cheek.

"Are you all right?" asked Harry.

"I'm fine," said Sirius, wiping his eyes. "I was just thinking of good times with old friends."

The conversations went on until Professor McGonagall came in and broke up the party. Classes were starting again in the morning and the students needed their sleep, she said. Sirius agreed and hugged Harry tightly. Before he left, he pulled Harry aside.

"I wanted to know if you still wanted to live with me, now that I'm a free man."

"Absolutely!" replied Harry.

"All right. I'll go and file the paperwork to transfer custody from your aunt and uncle."

"Thank you, Sirius. I don't want to go back there."

"I know you don't," said Sirius with a smile. He hugged Harry once more and left the Tower.

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The next two weeks came and went. Homework was still as intense as ever and more students buckled under the pressure. Hermione, Luna and Alex stayed calm in the midst of the storm, helping Harry, Ron and Neville with their studies. Ginny was doing as well as she could, even though she was horrified at the pressure she would be under next year. Study time even went on into the weekends, as Hermione insisted, but they found time to take longer breaks.

During this time, the situation with Draco Malfoy remained unchanged. He only appeared for classes and meals then went back to his dorm room and ignored everyone. Rumor soon spread that he had quit the Quidditch team. He became a total recluse. Alex still kept an eye on him (via the Marauders Map) and had almost given up.

At the end of February, it happened. Alex had just come back from the bathroom around midnight and was getting ready to go back to sleep when a nagging thought hit his head. He reached over and grabbed the map. He looked it over and his eyes grew wide - Malfoy was on the move.

Quietly sliding out of bed, he grabbed the invisibility cloak and left the room. He tiptoed down the stairs. He slipped the cloak on and opened the portrait hole. He quietly made his way down the stairs and had to stop suddenly. He almost walked right into Draco. He watched him pass then followed. Draco walked calmly towards the Entrance Hall.

Looking around sharply, he creaked one of the doors open and stepped out. Alex slid out before the door closed and watched him. He walked down the steps toward the front gates. Alex saw Draco cast a spell on himself and walked by the two Aurors. The two men didn't even move an inch as Malfoy walked towards Hogsmeade.

Alex followed after him as quietly as he could. He almost lost track of Draco when he saw him stop on the pathway. Draco took one last look around and took off his school robes. He threw them to the ground and stomped on the Hogwarts seal. He then closed his eyes... and disappeared.

Alex shook his head then slowly walked over to the robes Malfoy had discarded. He picked them up and felt a sadness go through his body. 'He's beyond all hope now. Does he even know what he's doing?' he thought as he turned and went back to the school.

Alex shut the door and took off the invisibility cloak. He turned and walked toward Dumbledore's office when a figure stepped out from a doorway. It was Professor Snape.

"Mr. Latham, why are you out of your dorm after lights out?" the Professor asked with a sneer.

"I need to see Professor Dumbledore right away, sir," replied Alex, not wanting to stop.

"The Headmaster is asleep, Latham. I suggest you go back to bed."

"This is urgent, Professor! I've been doing some work for him and was told to see him if I had any information."

"A likely story," replied Snape. "Since you're obliviously breaking the rules, I think I'll take..."

"No, Severus," came a voice from behind them. They turned and saw Dumbledore walking toward them. "Mr. Latham is indeed doing what I asked him to. You will not take any points from Gryffindor."

Snape sneered, then calmed down. "Yes, Headmaster." He turned to walk away but was stopped by Dumbledore.

"Severus, I believe that Mr. Latham's news might interest you. Am I right?"

"Yes sir. It's Malfoy."

"Malfoy? What does this have to do with him?" asked Snape. He looked at Alex and saw that he had Draco's robes in his hand. Dumbledore gestured with his hand and three of them walked into the empty Great Hall.

"He's gone. Left the school I mean. He went to be with him."

Snape looked at Dumbledore, a wild look in his eye.

"As I told you a few weeks ago, Draco Malfoy has been in contact with Voldemort. I showed you the note he had received. His actions the last few weeks have not been exactly what you would consider normal for your star pupil, Severus."

"That is true," said Snape, contemplating the Headmaster's statement. "But the Dark Lord has not mentioned anything about it. Personally, I would have tried to dissuade him from this action."

"But that does not mean you would have succeeded," said Dumbledore, "That, coupled with the fact that Draco has made his choice, does not make the situation any easier. His father being thrown in prison probably made the decision easier for him."

"There's something else, sir," said Alex. "When he walked off the school grounds, I expected him to use a Portkey. But he didn't have anything but his wand with him. And after he got past the wards, he simply disappeared."

Snape's eyes grew wide. "He Disapparated? That is not possible!"

"Not unless he was learning things we had no knowledge of," replied Dumbledore, "Lucius, as you know, has always done things his own way. And he definitely would not pass up the chance to teach his son the Dark Arts. Severus, I want you to collect Draco's things. If he did leave them here, we could find out when he has been doing."

"Right away, Headmaster." Snape rushed by Alex in a fury.

"Alex, I know that you are thinking that you could have done more," said Dumbledore. "But in this instance, you have done everything I asked for. And for that I thank you."

Alex looked at the Headmaster with sadness. "He's beyond all hope, isn't he?"

Dumbledore pondered the question for a moment, then sighed. "I would like to think that there is hope for everyone. But in this case, there may not be."

After a few minutes, Snape reappeared. The look on his face was one of extreme anger. He had Draco's trunk in his hands and set it on the table. He flung it open and set several books on the table. None of the titles were familiar to Alex. Various tomes about Apparating, advanced hexes and one about the Unforgivable Curses were among them. Dumbledore picked one up and looked inside the cover.

"You see Alex, this is one of the reasons why Draco's father was so feared." He showed Alex the inside of the book he was holding, which gave detailed instructions on how to use the Unforgivable Curses. He glanced at the inside cover. The name "Lucius Malfoy" was clearly visible on the paper.

"My God, the man is evil."

"More than you know, Latham," said Severus in a dark tone, "The Malfoy Family has been involved in dark magic farther back than anyone can remember. The only one close to being good is Draco's mother, Narcissa."

"This confirms what I feared. Mr. Latham, go back to bed and get some rest. Professor Snape and I need to discuss what our next course of action should be."

"Yes sir. Goodnight." Alex walked back to Gryffindor tower with his head spinning... and a deep fear in his stomach.

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The next morning, the students gathered in the Great Hall. As Alex told the others what had happened last night, Dumbledore appeared and informed the students that classes for the day had been cancelled. He told them all about Draco Malfoy's sudden exit from Hogwarts and informed the Slytherin table that they were to remain in the Great Hall to be questioned by Professor Snape and himself. When he dismissed the rest of the students, the six gathered in the Gryffindor Common Room to talk.

"So what happened?" asked Ron. They sat in a circle by the fireplace and Alex told them in detail exactly what had happened. He mentioned the books found in Draco's trunk and what they contained. Ginny held tightly to Neville, shivering in fright.

"This explains a lot," said Harry. "His attitude, his actions, everything. They're interrogating the Slytherins to see if any of them are on Draco's side."

"That's probably why, but I don't think any of them did, "said Alex, "Remember what he said about Crabbe and Goyle?"

"Yeah," said Ron, "And the way the rest of the Slytherins were around him after he lost them all those points. I don't think any of them wanted to have anything to do with him."

"Dumbledore is just making sure," said Hermione.

"This could help in an unexpected way," said Luna, "I've heard that Cedric Diggory's father has been nominated by Dumbledore to become the new Minister of Magic. This evidence could put Lucius Malfoy away for a long time."

Harry's heart soared at the news. He had felt so bad for the Diggory's since the Triwizard Tournament. He felt that it was time for something good to come from this.

"Well let's finish up what little homework we have and take the rest of the day off." The statement came from Hermione. Everyone gave her a shocked look. Alex put his hand on her forehead. "Who are you and what have you done with Hermione?" he joked. She slapped his arm, then got up, laughing.

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The next three months were mostly uneventful. The interrogation of the Slytherins assured everyone that no one had sided with Draco Malfoy. Professor Ravenwillow's defense sessions were now three times a week, since it seemed the entire school had now joined. Everyone was studying like mad in preparation for their OWLs. Fred and George were working as well, as they were under pressure from their upcoming NEWTs.

In April, the announcement came that Lucius Malfoy and Peter Pettigrew had been sent to prison for life. Amos Diggory was voted in as the new Minister of Magic without a single dissenting vote. His first act was to grant custody of Harry Potter to Sirius Black.

At the start of May, Quidditch practices resumed with full fury from Ravenclaw and Gryffindor. Slytherin forfeited their match, giving Hufflepuff an automatic third place finish for the year.

A semblance of normalcy had settled over Hogwarts. Unfortunately, it didn't last long.