A Cat And His Wizard

Next morning Blaise had breakfast in the Great Hall and went to his classes. Macavity followed him. In one passage they met McGonagall. She suddenly stopped and said:

'Professor Zabini, I need to tell something to you. Your cat told me - I was in my cat form, you understand - he told me he thinks Professor Moody is some kind of impostor.'

Blaise looked thoughtful.

'He doesn't like Moody, I know. Impostor, you said? Thank you, I'll look into this.'

'Good morning, Professor Zabini,' McGonagall said.

'Good morning, Professor McGonagall,' Blaise said and went his way.

* * *

He arrived there - a full classroom of fourth year Slytherins and Gryffindors. He strode to the blackboard and said:

'Now, I know of your regrettable experiences in the Care of the Magical Creatures, so I decided to bring you something that is not very dangerous but at the same time not boring. A Kneazle.'

Macavity jumped to the teacher's desk. The Gryffindors smiled and whispered.

'Silence!' Blaise said and began to expound about Kneazles.

'Now, you may touch Macavity,' Blaise said at last. 'But don't be surprised if he dislikes you.'

Students came one by one and stroked Macavity. He sat absolutely calmly. Then a blonde thin boy came forth. As he stroked Macavity, the cat suddenly laid his ears back, bristled up and clicked his teeth.

'THIS DARN CAT BIT ME!' the blonde screamed.

'He never touched you, Mr. Malfoy,' Blaise said calmly. 'Twenty points from Slytherin for shouting and swearing in class. Macavity was just being himself.'

Malfoy went to his place, very disgruntled. The Gryffindors and some Slytherins smiled.

* * *

After the classes Blaise went to his rooms, sat down at his desk, took his quill, dipped it into his inkwell and wrote on a sheet of parchment:

'Kingsley Shacklebolt,

The Department of Law Enforcement,

The Ministry of Magic,

London.

Dear Kingsley,

I have doubts re bona fide of one of the teachers here, one Alastor Moody. My cat thinks he's an impostor. He is an old man with many scars, an artificial eye and an artificial leg, very wary and eccentric. He's a retired Auror. Please reply if you know him.

Your Blaise.'

Blaise went to the owlery, called one of the school owls, tied the letter to its leg and let it fly. Then he went for a walk.

* * *

Near the lake he saw Harry who was sitting on the grass and sulking.

'What is it?' Blaise asked.

'Ron thinks I've cheated the Goblet and didn't tell him I did,' Harry said. 'Now he isn't on speaking terms with me. Hermione tries to reconcile us, but to no effect. And the other Champions are so arrogant with me. Of course, they're seventeen.'

'Indeed?' Blaise said. 'Harry, I'm sure if you managed to trick the Goblet, you'd tell your best friend about it. Unfortunately, it is difficult to make someone change their mind if they're offended. As to the other Champions, it's true they are seventeen, but you are talented, I know you are, and I am sure you shall overcome them all, if you try your best.'

'Thank you.' Harry smiled.

Blaise went his way.

* * *

When he returned, he saw on his desk the school owl with a letter tied to its leg. Blaise untied the letter. The owl flew off. Blaise read:

'Blaise Zabini,

Hogwarts Castle,

Scotland.

Dear Blaise,

The man you described is indeed my old friend Alastor 'Mad-Eye' Moody. Let me know if you learn something else.

Your Kingsley.'

Blaise sighed and put the letter down.

* * *

Meanwhile Macavity was taking a stroll about the grounds and saw a very familiar tabby.

'Good evening.' He purred.

'Good evening.' She purred.

They rubbed their pink noses together and disappeared in the shrubbery side by side.