Trusts And Betrayals

Chapter One

Harry took out a quill, thinking hard of what to write to Ron. He

had been looking so forward to spending the remainder of his summer

holidays with the Weasleys, but now it looked as though it would not

happen. He dunked the quill in the ink and wrote on a fresh piece of

parchment:

Ron,

I just received an odd letter from Sirius, I have to go and meet him

and we are to go into hiding for the rest of the summer. Apparently

strange things have been happening, and Dumbledore is concerned for

my safety, so we are to go into hiding until school starts. I guess

I'll see you and Hermione on the train. Can you please take care of

Hedwig for me until we get to school? I was told not to bring her.

Harry

Harry felt like such a child writing this, but Dumbledore wouldn't

be making him hide if he didn't feel it were completely necessary.

He sighed, then tied the letter to Hedwig, and sent her off to Ron.

At least he was leaving the Dursleys, and he'd be seeing Sirius, so

it wasn't all bad. His uncle Vernon had yelled at him just yesterday

for breaking the remote control that Harry strongly suspected Dudley

had sat on. This was typical though. He pulled his trunk out and

loaded it up with all of his belongings, and tucked his wand in his

pocket. Then he lugged the large trunk downstairs and walked out the

door.

When he stepped outside he saw there was a small car waiting outside

for him, with Sirius in the driver seat. He swore under his breath

at how careless Sirius was, seeing as he was being looked for by

both the Ministry of Magic, and the Muggle police. He loaded his

belongings into the trunk and sat in the passenger seat, looking at

his Godfathers smiling face.

"No trouble from your Uncle, I take it?" Sirius said with a grin.

"No, they took Dudley to an all you can eat buffet, they'll be gone

for hours, and they'll have a nice surprise when they get home and

find me gone." Harry laughed, then he went all serious. "Sirius,

aren't you taking a big risk being out in the daytime without a

disguise?"

Sirius laughed, and shifted gears. "Only you could see this Austin

mini, Harry. Dumbledore provided me with the car, and we're to go to

some house that he has set up with enchantments. Apparently there

will be a few others hiding there as well."

"Do you know who it will be?" Harry asked.

Sirius shook his head. "No, Dumbledore was very vague, I got the

impression that he didn't want to tell me, so I didn't press the

issue."

They drove for a very long time, making small talk. Sirius pulled

the car down a long dirt road, and past a hill into a heavily wooded

area. Harry saw that they were approaching a plain looking house

with a similar car parked in front of it. Sirius parked next to the

car, and Harry got out and unloaded his things, then walked to the

door with Sirius. Neither of them were expecting the sight that

greeted them inside the house.

Chapter Two

The entranceway walked onto a rather large sitting room, lavishly furnished, and the house was much larger than it had appeared from the outside. The furnishings weren't what had surprised Harry and Sirius, though.

Harry's potion's teacher, Professor Snape was there, and he had his hand wrapped around a blond woman's throat, pushing her backwards against a wall, his wand pointing between her eyes. Harry had seen this woman before, it was Draco Malfoy's mother Narcissa. The two of them didn't seem aware that Harry and Sirius had walked in, they were glaring hatefully at each other. "Do that again..." Snape was saying to her in his dangerous but quiet tone. "And you will regret it."

Sirius made a move to break it up, but Draco Malfoy stepped in between them, stopping Sirius. "Please, don't." Draco looked panicky. "Just follow me, I'll fill you in." Sirius and Harry exchanged some very confused looks as they followed Draco into a dining room, and sat down at a large table. Draco looked at them and said quietly, "He was breaking a few memory charms that my father must have placed on her. The last one must have hit a nerve, because she attacked him." Sirius looked down at the table and saw that someone had put out food. He poured Draco a cup of tea, and then himself and Harry one. "Draco, you don't seem too surprised to see us, what happened? Why are you here?"

Draco looked unlike Harry had ever seen him. His usual arrogant way was gone, instead he looked tired, and frightened. "I was at home, in my bedroom, and I heard my mother screaming, so I came downstairs to see. My father was torturing her, with the Cruciatus curse. He told her that he's tried two of the curses on her, third ones a charmer or something, then he raised his wand and told her he can't wait to be a widow. So I disarmed him, and then stunned him. My mum contacted Dumbledore, and he sent Snape." Draco looked annoyed at this, but continued. "So Snape took us here, we've been here since yesterday, and he's been trying to break these memory charms that are on her. I think he's going to turn her into a fucking vegetable if he doesn't quit it, but he claims that he's supposed to do this!"

Narcissa walked shivering into the dining room then, Snape following behind. She sat down and glared at him, but Sirius looked amused at the whole thing. "Interesting reunion. Maybe we should call up Remus?" Snape glared. "Full moon tonight, Black... He's probably out running around somewhere like a raving lunatic. It's most unfortunate that you aren't there to be his victim." Draco glared at Snape and walked out angrily, slamming a door shut.

Narcissa quietly spoke up. "Severus, could you please for once shut up? I for one have had enough of your sarcasm today, I'm sure no one else wants to hear it either." She looked over at Sirius. "Any idea when Dumbledore is going to get here? I think another minute of him and I might end up where you were for so many years!" Snape's eyes narrowed at her. "Azkaban would be too good for you, Malfoy" To Harry, He had seemed to pronounce her name sarcastically. He looked over at Sirius, confused. Sirius was sitting there thoroughly enjoying the entire scene. Snape stormed out of the room.

Sirius laughed. "I think Albus will be here in the morning, hopefully he'll tell us all what to do, and maybe he'll send Snape away, he's not very forgiving, is he Narce?"

"Not at all, and if that's his attitude, I really don't care, anyways it's late, and I need some sleep." Narcissa got up carefully, and then looked at Harry. "Umm... since there are only four bedrooms, you're going to be sharing with Draco. There's a bunk bed, it's the first room on the left." She walked down a hallway, and slammed a door as Draco had done earlier.

Harry was not pleased. "I have to share a room with Malfoy?! WHY? What the hell is going on? I was supposed to spend the last three weeks of summer with the Weasley's, and now I have to be around Malfoy?"

Sirius looked thoughtful for a minute. "I don't think any of them want to be here, but Dumbledore said he's had word of strange things going on. I'm glad we've got a minute alone though. Weird that he sent Snape to the Malfoy house, but I'm sure he's going to explain it all in the morning." He started laughing. "At least we'll have entertainment, Harry, you'd better get to bed. I'm tired, it's late. If Draco gives you any trouble, come and wake me up." Sirius walked off.

Harry got up reluctantly. He hated Draco, and he knew Draco felt the same way. He thought to himself "Oh well, it could be worse. How long is three weeks anyways?" He walked down the hall, and into the first door, to find Draco sitting quietly in the room. Draco looked up, his eyes full of anger. "That fucker! He's going to pay for it!" Harry was surprised to see Draco wanting to talk to him, but sat down to listen. "He's practically torturing her to break those charms, and talking down to her after. I want to kill him! She's been through enough with one asshole, I don't need him making things worse"

"Why is he doing it, do you know?" Harry knew that Snape was unusually cruel, but this was a surprise even to him. Since Snape had been his teacher from the start, he had always been particularly hateful to Harry, but Draco was obviously his favorite student.

"I don't know, but I intend to find out." Draco seemed to suddenly remember who he was talking to. "Anyways, Potter. I get the top bunk." Draco climbed into the top bed, and Harry went and washed up in the bathroom, then went to the bottom bunk to attempt to sleep what turned out to be a very restless sleep.

Chapter Three

Harry woke up earlier than usual, and got up to see that Draco was still asleep. He quietly got dressed, and left the room to see if Sirius was up yet. He walked out to the sitting room, where he saw that Snape was standing and talking to Dumbledore and Sirius. "Good! Dumbledore is here!" He thought. He quietly stepped back behind the wall to listen in.

"Three weeks? I can't believe you expect me to stay here for three weeks... And with HER!" Snape was practically yelling, Harry had never heard him this mad before, and he'd seen Snape mad too many times to list. "Severus, I'm sure it's no picnic for Narcissa either. I wouldn't have you do this if I felt anyone else would be more suitable. I assume you are breaking the charms on her?" Harry didn't hear a reply, but he suddenly felt a sharp poke in his back. He turned and saw Draco behind him, smirking. Harry put his finger to his lips and then pointed to the sitting room. Draco nodded and they continued to listed in.

Sirius finally spoke. "Sir? You still haven't explained why Harry and I are here." Harry held his breath. This was what he had wanted to hear.

"I have had word that the a few of the Death Eaters were going to get Harry. They had found a new member who has betrayed our cause, and they now know where to find him with his Muggle relatives. I needed to move him quickly." Harry felt sick. It had to have been someone who knew him, but who? Sirius must have been thinking the same way. "Who would do that? And who is your source?"

"My source is very reliable, but I can not reveal them to you. They are to remain a secret, but they don't know who betrayed Harry. Harry is really going to have to watch his back this year. I have already alerted most of the faculty." Harry suddenly felt very insecure about Draco standing there hearing all of this. Draco always seemed to want to see Harry in trouble. Last year in the Tri-Wizard Tournament was a perfect example. "And as for Draco and his mother, they're both going to be under protection at Hogwart's too"

Harry was very disappointed that he was unable to see the expression that must have been on Snape's face. "WHAT?! You did NOT give her a job did you?" Harry turned to look at Draco, who was fuming. Draco burst into the room with Harry reluctantly following behind. He stepped up to Snape and glared at him. "What the hell is your problem with my mother?"

Dumbledore had obviously had enough. "Can we all please calm down? Harry, Draco, I trust that the two of you heard most or all of the conversation? Neither of you will be able to go on Hogsmead visits this year, and I have some rules for all of you while you are staying here. Where is your mother Draco?"

Snape sneered. "Possibly sleeping in? Or maybe staring in the mirror, forgetting that anyone else is here, that's very likely."

Narcissa walked in then, looking much better than yesterday. Color had returned to her face, and her long blond hair was slightly damp. Harry thought she kind of looked like Fleur Delacour. She walked over to Snape and said with careful sarcasm, "I am so very sorry, but I had decided to take a shower this morning." Harry looked over at Sirius, who was trying desperately not to laugh. Dumbledore wasn't so amused. "Could we all please sit down, and not bicker? I have to be somewhere soon, and would really like to get this done." Everyone found a seat quickly, but Dumbledore remained standing.

"As I was saying, Narcissa - you are welcome to work at Hogwarts, as Professor Flitwick retired this year, I am offering you the charms position." Dumbledore shot Snape a look before he could argue. "We will have a few new staff members this year, and an old one returning. Now, while you are all staying here, I will warn you, you are protected from being seen by witches and wizards alike, but Muggles hunt in these woods frequently, so I must insist that you only use magic indoors, and not to roam around outside. It is now fox hunting season." He looked pointedly at Narcissa, then continued. "Also, no one is to know where you have all been, or who with. As far as anyone is concerned, Professor Snape was not here. And you two..." He looked from Harry to Draco. "Neither of you are to tell that you saw each other at all. Severus will know what to do for everyone getting to King's Cross. Harry, Remus Lupin will come to get you that day to bring you there, Sirius can't for obvious reasons. It will be highly secured there. Am I forgetting anything?"

Harry thought for a moment. "Sir? My school supplies, how will I get those?"

"Molly Weasley has been allowed to withdraw from your Gringotts account. She will pick up your supplies, and they will be waiting for you in your dorm. Draco, your supplies will be there too. If that is all, I must go." Dumbledore walked to the front door, and disappeared.

Snape then turned to Narcissa, smiling cruelly. "So... the memory charm..." Narcissa paled, but nodded and followed him out of the room.

Sirius looked at Draco and Harry. "Let's see about breakfast, ok?" They quietly went to the dining room again.

Chapter Four

The next several days were pretty routine. Draco and Harry were developing almost what could be called a friendship, Draco was nowhere near as obnoxious as he usually was - he still had his moments though. Harry wasn't sure if Draco was only being nice because there was nothing really else to do, or if Draco had genuinely changed. Draco was clearly irritated with Snape, constantly complaining about him, or even going as far as to tell Snape off. Most of the days Draco and Harry would entertain themselves in a large games room that had chess, cards, and a giant snooker table. Sirius would join them, but most of the time he would sit and read books off the shelves along the wall, or do a crossword puzzle, while Snape worked at breaking one more memory charm on Narcissa in the root cellar.

They had been there for two weeks now, and Harry was sitting down to dinner with Draco and Sirius when Snape walked in helping Narcissa, who was obviously hurt. He sat her down and walked in the kitchen, then reappeared with a cup of what looked like tea and snapped at her. "Here. Drink it." He walked to the other end of the table and sat down scowling. Draco just glared at him, and Sirius spoke up. "Draco? Could you please take your mother to her room? I need a word with Snape. Harry, could you please excuse us?" Snape was glowering at Sirius, but didn't say a word. Draco nodded and helped Narcissa up, and Harry followed them out of the room. As they went around the corner, Draco quietly said to Harry "I know you have an invisibility cloak, would you..." Nodded back towards the dining room. Harry nodded and went to get the cloak.

As he came back to the dining room, concealed by the cloak, he heard Sirius angrily telling Snape off. "... realize that you were asked to do this by Dumbledore, but seriously! You are using too harsh of measures..." Snape then interrupted in a cold voice. "Those charms were placed on her by he husband using dark magic, the only way to break them would be to use dark magic too. I broke the last one anyways, so she is through with it now." Harry could see the shock and disgust on Sirius's face. "So basically you had to torture her, is that it? If that was the only way, did you have to seem to enjoy it so much? She was just nearly killed by her own husband, and she has been co-operating with you. What's your problem? I thought you two were friends years ago?" Snape turned red with anger and spat out. "Not that it's any of your business, but I've seen her do this before. She runs off on him, last time because she thought he was cheating, I believe... and then stupidly goes back. So it gets a bit old, and the threat of her going back again and telling Lucius that I was here helping puts me in danger."

Sirius looked even more disgusted at him at this comment, but before he could say anything, Snape's left arm jerked back as if in pain. At first, Harry wondered if Sirius had cursed him, Snape jumped out of his chair. "I'll be back later." He walked quickly out of the room, and Harry heard the front door slam shut. Sirius sat shaking his head, then went off to bed. Harry went back to his and Draco's room, to tell Draco what he had heard. He left out the fact that Snape left, though. Harry strongly suspected that Snape was Dumbledore's 'reliable source', and didn't want to go against Dumbledore.

Draco was surprised to hear that his mother had been friends with Snape, he had only known that his father had known him. "Well... I guess that they would have been in the same year, my dad is two years older then her and Snape, but I didn't know they were friends. That's weird. I really want to know what the memories were, that my dad blocked!" Draco began pacing around the room. "At least they're done now, but if he gives her a hard time at the school I will let him have it!"

They sat up talking a while longer, then they both went to bed. Harry tried desperately to sleep, but couldn't. He kept wondering if Snape had actually gone to Voldemort, and if he would turn them all in. He seemed to hate all of them, with the exception of Draco, who he still seemed to like somewhat. Harry watched the lightning flicker outside, and decided to get a drink of water. He put the cloak back on, in case Snape returned while he was up - he didn't feel like being harassed at this hour. He went through the dark halls of the house, occasionally lit up by more lightning, and walked towards the kitchen when he heard the front door open, and Snape walked in, soaking wet and looking paler than ever, with his shoulder length black hair soaked and sticking to his head.

"Lumos" Narcissa had stood up from the dark living room, with her wand pointing a dull light at Snape. Snape winced in pain, as if the light had hurt his eyes. She had obviously been sitting there waiting. She got up quickly and went to help him in. "What the hell happened to you? Where did you go?"

"I had been summoned, so I am sure you know where I've been." He spoke in a sharp tone still, but she seemed to be ignoring it. She helped him remove his cloak, and he looked like he was in serious pain. He stared at her for a moment, and then lightly took her left hand and brought it up to look at it, then dropped it angrily and stormed off towards the bedrooms, leaving her standing there gaping at him. She then walked back to her room, Harry followed, and waited for her door to close before opening his so she wouldn't hear it. He sat there on his bed, after removing the invisibility cloak, thinking about how strange the whole scene had been. He decided to fill Draco in on it all in the morning. He wished he had Ron or Hermione there to talk to. 'One more week' He told himself as he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Five

Harry awoke the next morning and decided against telling Draco about what he had seen, since he wasn't very sure if it were important, and the fact that he'd have to explain where Snape must have gone too. He also had wondered if Snape had been tortured. He went to the dining room to sit to breakfast, and found Sirius there alone, reading the Daily Prophet. Sirius was looking a lot better since Harry had first met him, especially over the last couple weeks. Harry figured that Sirius eating square meals instead of rats may have attributed to this, his face was fuller, and he was keeping his thick black hair short, instead of the tangled mess it had been. "Mornin' Harry." Harry smiled and grabbed some toast. "Good morning, where is everyone?"

"Well, Draco and Narcissa I believe are in the games room, and who really cares where Snape is?" Sirius chuckled. "Actually, he was in here earlier, he looked a bit sick. So did you sleep ok? The storm last night was pretty bad." Harry nodded. "I slept fine. Sirius? Do you have any idea who might have told them where I was? It must have been someone I know, don't you think?"

Sirius frowned. "Well, I haven't the slightest idea, Harry. You're really going to have to be careful this year. Don't go to Hogsmeade, and if you go on the grounds, be sure that you're with your friends, like Ron and Hermione." Harry nodded. "And there will be plenty of staff there watching out for you, I'm sure." Sirius winked at Harry, and Draco and Narcissa walked in and sat down.

"Who'd have thought Muggle games would be so fun?" Narcissa was smiling. "Draco just taught me snooker." Just then they heard a loud bang outside, everyone got really quiet, except Narcissa, who let out a small scream. Sirius leapt to his feet and looked out the window. "Just a hunter, looks like he got a nice pelt!" Narcissa looked sickened. Snape came into the dining room, Sirius was right, he did look ill. He glared at Narcissa. "Have you no sense at all in your simple little mind? Screaming while we're all hiding here?"

Sirius walked over to Snape, and spoke to him in a very challenging tone. "Have you no sense, talking to a woman like that? The gunshot frightened her, I'm sure that Dumbledore had enough sense to soundproof the place, so what's your problem? You want an argument with someone?" The two of them stood there glaring at each other hatefully, and Harry looked over at Draco, who looked ready to kill. Narcissa was trembling, and looking down at the floor. "Come on Mum, let's go... anywhere else." Draco led her out of the room. Harry could not wait to get to school and out of this house, which suddenly seemed way too small.

The next few days went rather quickly, though. Whatever Snape's problem was, he seemed to keep it to himself. They hardly saw him, most of the time he would shut himself up in a different room from everyone else to read, and when he was in the room Narcissa would walk out quietly. Finally it was the night before they were to go to school. They were all sitting in the games room, Sirius was losing a chess game to Harry, and Draco and Narcissa were sitting down quietly talking. Snape came in to tell them what they were to do.

"Lupin will be here first thing in the morning for you..." He said to Harry with obvious disgust at the mention of Remus Lupin. "And Draco will go straight to Platform Nine and Three Quarters by a Portkey, to avoid any problems." He then looked at Narcissa and said quietly. "You have to leave with me, now. Dumbledore wants to see you before the students arrive, so that he can instruct you on your duties."

Narcissa stood up and walked over. "I am NOT letting Draco go by himself. If Lucius is looking for me, he'll be looking for Draco too. Forget it." She stood there glaring at him.

"Draco will be fine, there are going to be Aurors all over the place in disguise, and out. Lucius would have to be really stupid..." He smiled cruelly, as if he were going to say something mean, then decided against it. "They all know to look out for him... and for Potter."

Draco walked over to his mother. "Mum, I'll be fine, lets go get your things." They left the room, and Snape went off, possibly to get his stuff, leaving Harry alone with Sirius. "I won't be far from the school either, Harry. If you need to get a hold of me... remember to use a different owl every time. I'll wait with you until Remus gets here, I want to see both you and Draco off safely. Snape gave me the Portkey for Draco earlier."

Narcissa and Draco came back into the room then with Narcissa's bags. She hugged Draco and told him she'd see him the next day, and said goodbye to Sirius and Harry, then walked out with Snape, then Draco and Harry went off to sleep. Harry wanted an early night, he could not wait to see Ron and Hermione again.

Chapter Six

The next morning Harry had woken very early, and dressed quickly, making sure everything was ready to go. He took out his Firebolt and looked at it closely, thinking how fun it would be to ride it again. He then loaded everything back into his trunk and lugged it out by the front door.

Remus was already there, sitting with Sirius eating breakfast. He still looked very tired, as he always did, with his dark brown hair touched by many whites looking strange against his young face. "Hello, Harry. Looking forward to getting to school?" Harry smiled. "Of course! When will we be going?" Sirius laughed. "I'd be offended, but I understand. Hopefully next summer it will be just the two of us, if we're lucky and you can get away from the Dursley's"

Draco sauntered into the dining room, muttering what might have been a 'good morning'. He sat down and ate without saying much, glancing at Remus every now and again. Draco had not been very found of him as a teacher.

Pretty soon Harry and Remus had left Sirius and Draco - Draco would need to leave later as he was going to use a Portkey, and Remus was driving the Austin Mini that Sirius had brought Harry in. "So Harry, must have been pretty eventful, spending the summer there, huh?" Remus had a slight smile on his face.

"That was way too weird. Every time I think Snape can't get any worse, he goes and proves me wrong. He was nasty to Draco's mother!" Remus smirked. "Well, I'd comment, but as they're both now my colleagues, it would be unprofessional for me to gossip about them."

Harry smiled. "YOU'RE the teacher returning?! This is GREAT! But what about..." Harry didn't know how to ask, but when Lupin left, it was because Snape had told all the Slytherins that he was a werewolf, and all the parents would be too concerned for the safety of their kids.

"Well... as Dumbledore said, the students need to learn to defend themselves against anything, so I'm a great learning experience. If any of the parents complain, Dumbledore will set them straight" Remus smiled. "So, I'll be taking the train in with you again."

They drove on for another hour, and finally reached King's Cross station, and parked and went in. Harry had never seen it so packed before. They passed a Muggle policeman who glared at them suspiciously, and there were a group of nuns standing next to the barrier, one who Harry thought had resembled Mrs. Figg. Harry looked at Remus, but he just nodded and whispered to go, so Harry ran through, followed by Remus, who then walked over and boarded the train.

"HARRY!" Harry turned and saw that Hermione and Ron were coming towards him. Hermione hugged him. "Did you hear? Remus Lupin is going to be the Defense against the Dark Arts teacher again!" Ron looked concerned. "Harry, where have you been?" Hermione shushed them though, and nodded to where Draco was walking by with Crabbe and Goyle. "Hey Potter! I see your werewolf buddy is back. Maybe soon he'll be able to afford some new robes? Look! It's Weasel and his Mudblood girlfriend, too!" They laughed loudly and got on the train.

Harry was surprised, because they had been getting along so well, but he guessed that it couldn't last. He wondered if Draco's mother would have a different attitude too. She had seemed nice, but then again, so did Draco. "I'll tell you guys everything, but not here. Maybe tonight after dinner." They got on the train and found an empty compartment. Remus must have gone to a different part of the train. Harry learned that Hermione had still gone to stay with the Weasley's, but they didn't seem to want to talk much about it. Hermione just giggled a lot. Ron was talking a mile a minute. "Did you see all of the Aurors at the station? I couldn't believe it! What was that all about? And Malfoy's dad was there, talking to him and he looked pissed!" Hermione made a noise of disgust when Ron mentioned Lucius Malfoy.

Fred and George came bouncing into their compartment. "Did you guys hear? Flitwick retired!" Hermione gasped. "No! You have to be kidding me, he was one of my favorites!"

George piped in. "Yeah, well your going to be very happy to be sitting down then. We overheard Malfoy yapping to everyone, his MOTHER is the replacement! What is that all about? I thought they were rich?"

Hermione and Ron looked stunned. Harry tried his best to look surprised too. He was thankful when the lady came by with the snack trolley, and Harry bought them all some snacks. Soon they were talking about other things. "So Percy has been promoted." Ron said between mouthfuls of food. "He's now Fudge's assistant. If you thought he was annoying before..." Hermione interrupted. "Ron! You should be proud of your brother for moving up so quickly!" Ron snorted "Yeah, well, he seems to move up too quickly. I think he's letting it all get to his big head."

Harry finally noticed Hermione's badge. "Hermione! You made Prefect! That's great!" Hermione blushed. "I was going to tell you in an owl, but Ron said that you weren't to get owls where you were, so I thought that I'd wait." He could see that she was proud though.

Fred and George showed them some of their latest creations. "These look like simple parchments, but as you write on them, they explode! I wonder, who shall be our first victim?" They looked at each other. "MALFOY!" They started to laugh hysterically, then left the compartment. Hermione just shook her head with both amusement and disgust. "Those two will get in trouble one of these days." The train was soon rolling to a stop, and they were finally at Hogwarts.

Chapter Seven

Soon they off the train and sitting at the Gryffindor table in the Great Hall, watching the first years finish getting sorted. Hermione was constantly fiddling with her Prefect badge while she talked, mostly to Ron, and Harry felt left out somewhat, it seemed that Hermione and Ron had gotten closer during the summer, while he had been in the cottage in the woods with Draco. He realized now that Draco's sudden friendship had been phoney, he had overheard Draco making snide remarks as they were getting off the train about Harry and his friends. But then, he thought, he had wondered at the time if Draco was sincere or not.

Dumbledore got up and made his greeting speech, and introduced the new staff. There was a lot of muttering and whispering at the Slytherin table at the mention of Professor Lupin, and even more whispering from all the houses when Dumbledore introduced Professor Malfoy. Draco looked irritated, and Snape just scowled at her. There was a new teacher, Professor White, who would be teaching the sixth and seventh years advanced magic. Harry was glad that he didn't have him for a teacher, he looked frightening, like an albino. His hair was bright white, but not from age, as he looked young, and his piercing eyes looked like a bright amber. He was sitting next to Professor Malfoy, who did not look too happy about it. She sat talking occasionally to Professor Lupin.

After they had all eaten, and had said their hellos to Hagrid, Harry Ron and Hermione went up to the Gryffindor Common Room, and Harry quietly told them everything that had gone on. Ron was shocked. Hermione looked worried. "Who would do that? Harry, who do you think told them where you were?" Harry had no idea. They sat a while talking about ideas of who it could be, and about Draco's situation, and Snape's odd behavior. "I'll bet you anything Snape's a Death Eater." Ron said suddenly.

"Ron, we know he was one, Harry heard him admit it last year but I think his loyalty to Dumbledore is genuine. He's just a jerk. We all know that." Hermione reached up to where her badge should be. "Oh no! I must have left my Prefect badge at the table!"

Ron smirked. "Maybe if you stopped playing with it so much that wouldn't have happened. Why don't you go get it? You're allowed."

"I have to go and talk to all the first years!" She was clearly upset, so Harry and Ron decided to go and get it for her.

Since they weren't Prefects, they would be out of bounds at that hour, so they both went under Harry's invisibility cloak. "Man!" Ron said. "Either we've grown, or this thing has shrunk! Pretty soon we won't be able to do this anymore!" Harry laughed. They went into the Hall, where only a couple teachers remained sitting and drinking wine. Hagrid's laugh carried through the hall from something that Dumbledore must have said. Soon they found the badge, and walked out. They were heading down a corridor when they heard arguing. They went to see what was going on, and saw Professor Snape and Professor Malfoy standing by Professor Flitwick's old office door.

"I don't recall asking for your opinions, or your help, EVER! So please quit talking to me as though I have put you out. In fact, quit talking to me at all, unless it's to do with work." She swung open the office door, but Snape grabbed her arm and roughly turned her to face him, his face was twisted with anger.

"No, you didn't ask for my help, but I was ordered to help you, therefore I had been put at risk because of you. And as I recall, the last time you left Lucius, because of his cheating I believe, which I warned you years ago would be exactly what he'd do, but no, your ego, you wouldn't believe a word against him. As far as I'm concerned you got what you deserved." She looked as though she had been slapped, and he continued. "You knew then, yet you foolishly went back the moment he sent an owl to you here, and then you told him that I was one of the ones that helped you! What the hell were you thinking even letting him know you were here to begin with?"

She shook her head as if to say no, and looked ready to cry. "I still have no clue how he knew I was here, but many of the teachers knew, one of them could have told him, he was on the board at the time. I went back because Draco was so young, and Lucius said in the owl that he'd take him from me. You think I wanted to go back, after finding someone else's disgusting red hair on my pillow?"

As awkward as the situation was, Harry couldn't help but jab Ron with his elbow jokingly at the mention of the red hair. He could tell that Ron wanted to laugh, so he stopped so they could hear more without getting caught.

"You still let him know that I had helped, and him and a bunch of others cornered me for it. I have been working hard to sustain my status with them, and you nearly blew it for me. I could have been killed, if I hadn't told them that I was only helping you to gain your trust to hand you back over."

Professor Malfoy looked at him coldly. "And you call me a self serving bitch. Said the pot to the kettle." She ripped her arm away from him and walked into her office, slamming the door. Snape stormed off, Harry knew Snape wouldn't like not having the last word.

"Damn!" Ron said quietly as they returned to the Common room. "That must have been a long three weeks!" Harry nodded. "Hard to believe they were ever friends."

"Hard to believe Snape ever had a friend!" Ron said quietly. Hermione came in asking them what took them so long, so they filled her in, and gave her the badge. "Wow, I guess this could be interesting. I wonder why Snape wants to appear friendly with Lucius if he obviously hates him?" She shrugged and went off to bed, she seemed to want to speak to Ron, but Harry guessed that he had imagined it. Ron and Harry went up to their dorm and chatted for a few hours before they finally fell asleep.

Chapter Eight

The next morning Harry woke to see that Ron had already left for the Great Hall for breakfast. He went down and sat at the Gryffindor table, where Ron and Hermione were sitting talking. Fred and George came in passing around their schedules. "Shit! Potions start in an hour with the Slytherins!" Hermione glanced at Ron, likely for his swearing, but didn't say a word. Harry wondered how bad Snape would be now, knowing he had been in a foul mood the night before. They went and gathered their things and headed for class.

Hermione saw Snape and stifled a giggle. Ron looked over and smirked and elbowed Harry. "Look! He must have finally found the shampoo. Must have spilled a potion on it or something" His usually greasy shoulder-length hair looked as though it had been washed recently. Unfortunately he heard them sniggering and walked over.

"POTTER! Would you care to enlighten the class as to what you find so amusing, that you cannot pay attention?" The smiles quickly faded from their faces when they realized Snape was in fact, in one of his moods. "No? Ten points from Gryffindor." He walked back to the front of the class. "This year you are to learn to make medicinal potions, these are crucial to pass the year, so be sure to pay attention. Today we will start on one that will stop the flow of blood to a laceration. At the end of the week we will test the potion by cutting a random student." He then smiled nastily in Harry direction. That class went relatively slowly. Draco seemed to still have some hostility towards Snape, Harry had seen him glaring at him a few times, but Snape hadn't noticed. He would occasionally pause by Draco and compliment his work.

After that class Harry and Ron had Divination. Harry hated that class, Professor Trelawney always seemed to want to predict his death. They climbed up the ladder and into the dimly lit room. Trelawney was standing by her desk, wearing one of her awful glittery robes, bright pink, which clashed crudely with her light red hair, and way too much jewelry - Silver and gold bangles up to her elbows, and silver and gold charm necklaces. The word that came to Harry's mind was 'Tacky'.

They took their seats at a table, Harry already felt the light waft of her cheap perfume getting to his head, making him drowsy.

"Good morning class. Today we will learn to use the tarot cards." She said in her melancholy voice as she passed them each a card face down. Harry picked up his and saw it was a Dementor. 'Here we go.' He though. Ron looked over and sniggered. "Ooooh..." She softly said when she saw Harry's card. "That's not good, it means you will soon have a fate worse than death..."

"Oh, this must be it then." Harry said quietly, and Ron burst into laughter.

"Now really! Harry, you should be taking your future more seriously. I'd be careful the next few days if I were you." She was obviously irritated.

After that class they met up with Hermione, who had just been in Arithmancy. They all had Charms now, and they headed for the class.

"Well, this should be interesting, wouldn't you say? I'll bet you anything she'll take more points off us than Snape did." Hermione was being unusually pessimistic, but the Malfoy's had been know to hate Muggle borns, which of course Hermione was. They walked into the classroom, and Harry noticed that there seemed to be a very surreal look to it.

"Ooooh!" Hermione exclaimed. "The windows!" Harry looked over at the four windows. Sun shined through one of them, rain gently beat against another, the other showed the Harvest moon, and the fourth one showed snow. Professor Malfoy smiled shyly as they took there seats quickly.

"As you can see, the windows have been charmed with an illusion charm. Although you can't change the weather or the time of day, you can change the appearance of objects. It comes in handy when you have unexpected visitors. This term we will work on the illusion charms, but we'll start off small." She took a sip of hot coffee from a large glass cup that was steaming out the top. She lightly blew on it, then walked to the front of Harry's desk, and tipped the cup over his head. Harry jumped to avoid being scalded, and Hermione screamed. Professor Malfoy smiled as they all began to laugh. "As you see, the cup was empty. Another illusion. I'm sorry, I thought that might be fun for you all." She smiled, and then continued. "So if you will all grab a glass from the shelf, we will see if you can make the glass appear to hold water."

She walked over and grabbed a glass, and took out her wand and pointed it at the glass. "videre aqua vaframentum" The glass suddenly looked full. They all went and brought the glasses to their desks. Professor Malfoy walked around helping them.

"Look at this." She drew their attention to Neville, who's glass managed to look half full. He had a look of shock to his face, and was turning red. "Neville's almost got it, that was very good! ten points to you Neville."

They left the class after and Hermione was very quiet. Ron and Harry kept looking at her. "OK! I was wrong, it was kind of a cool class, I guess she's ok." They went off to dinner in the Great Hall, Harry and Ron were thrilled to have hear Hermione admit she had been wrong about anything.

Chapter Nine

The next few days were very routine. Defense Against the Dark Arts class were great with Professor Lupin back, and a lot pf people seemed to like Professor Malfoy teaching charms. Fred and George had a great time using the illusion charms on Hagrid's beer glass at dinner, watching him try and drink from an empty stein. Soon at the end of the week they were back in Potions class. Snape stood at the front looking at everyone maliciously.

"As I had said at the beginning of the week, we will test your potion's today to see if you managed to get it right. We'll use Longbottom's potion, and we'll cut..." Snape's eyes skimmed the room, momentarily stopping and looking straight at Harry, and Harry knew Snape was going to cut him. "Draco, come to the front."

Harry was amazed, and looked wide eyed at Ron, who shrugged. Draco, Crabbe and Goyle looked up shocked, Draco was furious. "You're not cutting me!"

"Do not question my methods unless you wish to fail the year, Mr. Malfoy." He told him in his deathly quiet voice. Draco obediently went to the front of the class, and Snape pulled out a small but very sharp looking dagger. "This should only hurt momentarily, unless Longbottom screwed up, which is very likely." He held up Draco's arm, and carefully made a small incision in his forearm. Draco winced with pain as blood trickled out, and Snape handed him a goblet that contained Neville's potion. Draco sipped from it, and then blood began to pour rapidly from the wound. Draco went white, and Snape quickly grabbed Hermione's potion, giving Draco a dose. The wound suddenly stopped bleeding and closed itself up. Draco walked shakily to his desk, muttering something that they couldn't hear, but Harry was sure he heard the words 'greasy asshole' in there.

Snape stood over Neville, glaring down at him. "You can thank your classmate for at least having enough sense to get it right. Maybe next time you could pay attention and do the assignment correctly."

Harry was glad when classes had finished for the week. There had been a notice in the Gryffindor Common Room for Quidditch tryouts, and Ron was going to go for Keeper. Harry really wanted him to get it. They practiced flying on the pitch a few times, and Ron was really good, even though his broom was second hand, it flew fairly well.

Soon it was the first Hogsmeade trip. Harry had to stay behind, and Ron and Hermione felt bad for leaving him, but Harry told them to go ahead and have a good time. He decided to go and study in the library with Neville, who also couldn't go because he had left his permission slip at home, and his Grandmother decided not to owl it to him until Christmas, to teach him not to be so forgetful.

They were sitting in the library at a table near the restricted section, when Professor Snape emerged from there, carrying a book. He went and sat down at a table nearby. Neville looked petrified, but Harry just said quietly not to worry, and to just ignore him. They were reading quietly, when Professor Malfoy walked in, followed shortly by Professor Trelawney. She caught up to Professor Malfoy just between the table that Harry and Neville sat at, and the one that Snape was at. Harry could see that Snape was trying not to appear interested in their conversation.

"Narcissa? Why not come with me to my tower for tea? I could read your palm for you." Professor Malfoy looked awkwardly around. "I'm sorry, I don't take that line of magic seriously. No thank you."

Professor Trelawney seemed not to care, and took Professor Malfoy's hand. "It looks like you've got a lot going on, Narcissa. I see that you had been having trouble at home? Are you sure you don't want to talk to someone?" She whipped her hand away, and said in a quiet voice. "My person life is none of your business. And palm reading is not magic, nor is it precise, it's called observation." She glared at Professor Trelawney, who then backed away. "Well, if you change your mind, please come on up." She walked off, and Professor Malfoy started to walk towards a bookshelf, but Snape had gotten up and walked up to her. "Interesting way of making friends, Malfoy, so I must ask, if it is imprecise, how did she hit the nail so hard on the head?"

Neville looked nervously at Harry, and Harry wondered if they would be in trouble for hearing this. But, he reasoned, this is a library for students. He shook his head at Neville, who looked ready to leave. Neville focused on his book.

Professor Malfoy then smirked at Snape, and stood in front of him. "So, you believe in that garbage? I always figured you to have more sense than that." He was looking down at her, sneering. "No, I don't believe it, I'm just wondering if you can back your theory up or not. My guess is that you can't."

She looked down at the floor, thinking for a moment, then smiled and carefully took his left hand and started tracing his palm with her finger, glaring at him challengingly. His eyes widened, but he didn't say a word. "Well, from this, I'd guess that you have had a seriously rough childhood, judging by the scars here that don't look recent at all. It would be easy to tell by the long fingers and the burns that you work with potions. But then, your argument could be that I know enough about you to make that judgement." She seemed to be holding back a laugh. "And Sybil could tell, not from reading my palms, but from actually looking at my hands, and seeing that I am lacking my ring, and that I haven't had a manicure in weeks. Unless you disagree?"

He said nothing, but shook his head. She then let go of his hand and grabbed a book of the shelf and walked out. Snape stood there for a minute with a really funny expression on his face. Harry and Neville quickly looked back at their books, not wanting Snape to know that they'd been listening to that. He went and grabbed his book of the table and left the library. Neville looked at Harry. "That was weird! I've never seen him speechless before." Harry nodded, it was certainly not like Snape to let anyone prove him wrong. Harry went back to the Common room with Neville, and sat at talked to Ron and Hermione, who had just returned from Hogsmeade, and they told Harry what they had seen.

"Lucius Malfoy was in the Three Broomsticks, and he was talking to Crabbe and Goyle... He gave them something, it looked like a letter. We hear him tell them to give it to his wife."

Harry and Neville then told them what had happened in the library. "Honestly!" Neville squeaked. "I think he fancies her! He's never that nice to anyone, for him that's nice, I mean." Harry shook his head no, but he couldn't tell Neville what he had seen over the summer, or what he and Ron overheard on the first day of school. Hermione got a case of the giggles, likely from picturing Snape liking anyone. Ron then said, "Wonder how she'd feel if she knew that he had sliced Malfoy up in potions the other day." Harry laughed. "I'm glad it wasn't me for a change. He looked ready to hurl." They soon left the Common Room to go to dinner.

Chapter Ten

After dinner they sat around the Gryffindor table talking, Fred and George were very animated about their Hogsmeade visit. They had seen Professor Trelawney going in to the Three Broomsticks as they were leaving to go back to the school, and they were very pleased to see that she had tripped on her too-high heels, and shattered her crystal ball. They all laughed over this, saying that this must be why she doesn't leave her tower much, not to keep her from 'clouding her inner eye', but to avoid people seeing what a klutz she was.

Harry suddenly felt a strange sensation that he was being watched. He looked over at the teacher's table and saw that Professor White, the new teacher for Advanced Magic, was staring at him with his frightful amber eyes. He dropped his gaze, and Harry thought nothing more about it, as he was used to people staring at him at times. Ron suddenly elbowed him. "Look at Goyle!" Harry saw that Goyle was striding towards the teachers table with an envelope, which he gave to Professor Malfoy, and then sat back with Crabbe, both of who were laughing. Draco was sitting quietly by himself at the end of the table, not even looking up. He had become almost reclusive since Snape had cut him in front of the class, not out causing trouble and picking on Harry and his friends. Harry then looked back at Professor Malfoy, who was reading the letter and turning very pale. She had quickly gathered her things and walked out of the Hall, shortly followed by Snape, who must have witnessed the whole thing.

"I think that was the envelope we saw Lucius Malfoy giving to Crabbe and Goyle." Hermione said quietly. "It's weird, Professor Malfoy seems so different from the other Malfoy's, what did she see in that nasty git to begin with?" Ron asked.

"Money?" Fred said quickly, at the same time George pipped in. "Power?" Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well he IS a good looking man, and maybe he can act nice if it suits him, although we've yet to see it." Ron snorted with disgust when Hermione called Malfoy good looking. "Argh, Hermione please! We just ate!"

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Their next day of classes were fairly uneventful. Defense Against the Dark Arts were becoming very difficult, as they were learning Exorcisms. Thankfully Professor Lupin was a great teacher, helping them through and trying to make it as fun as it could get. Hagrid had been showing them Ashwinders - thin, pale-grey serpents that are born from the ashes of magical fires that had burned too long. In Charms, they had moved on from the glasses of water to creating the illusion of goldfish in a bowl. Neville seemed to be gaining some confidence, now that he had some teachers who were more patient and tolerant with him. He was actually doing fairly well at some of his classes, but unfortunately, Potions was not one of them.

Neville had been trying to place his cauldron onto a fire, but knocked it over, spilling it's contents all over the lab floor. "LONGBOTTOM!" Snape yelled, startling Harry and causing him to drop too much opium in his own Calming potion, which began bubbling and hissing. "EVERYONE OUT!"

They all went out into the hallway, and Snape was fuming. Harry could see that Draco was back to being his obnoxious self, smirking and pointing at Harry with silent laughter as Snape shouted at them all.

"Potter, and Longbottom, you will each serve detentions with me for the rest of the week, and you are to stay after class and clean up the mess you created." He then looked over at Hermione. "And why didn't you try and stop Longbottom, Granger? Surely, you'd have known he was doing it incorrectly? You may join your friends in detention."

Ron looked furious. "That is so unfair, Professor! How is she supposed to work on her own potion and keep an eye on Neville's too?"

Snape walked over to Ron and stood over him. "Indeed? Well then, if this is such an injustice, you may join them as well, all week. Now everyone get to your next class, except for Potter and Longbottom, you may go after the classroom was the same as it was when you first arrived to it."

Much later, Harry and Neville rushed to Divination, which they had missed the first half of. They took their seats, and Ron leaned over and whispered to Harry in an amused tone. "Fancy that! She knew you were going to be late!" They held back their giggles as Trelawney began speaking in her melodramatic tone.

"Unfortunately, my crystal ball has been shattered, but not before I had seen that Halloween will be a night for you to all be very cautious. Since we cannot do the assignment we were going to do, I'd like you to all do your star charts for the rest of the week." Harry groaned, they had done these before, and they were ridiculous.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Finally, Friday came, the day before Halloween, and after classes Harry, Ron, Hermione and Neville went to the Potions classroom for their last detention. Snape seemed to be too pre-occupied with a potion he was working on at his desk to assign them with anything, so they sat quietly working on their homework, not daring to speak, in case he changed his mind and had them clean out used potion jars, as he had the previous day. There was a knock at the door, and Professor Trelawney walked in. Snape glanced up at her and grimaced, then went back to work chopping something.

"Professor Snape? I was wondering if you could please spare a Clarity potion for me?" she looked at the cauldron at his desk, and picked up the ladle, giving it a stir, the excessively long sleeve of her robe dangling dangerously close to its boiling contents. "What is this?"

Snape looked up and quickly grabbed her wrist, pushing it away from the ladle. "That is Lupin's Wolfsbane, and I'd appreciate it if you did not touch it, I do not want it being screwed up - here." He grabbed a small bottle off a shelf and gave it to her, then went back to what he was doing without looking up. Trelawney walked out without saying a word.

Very shortly after, Professor Malfoy walked in looking slightly nervous. "Severus, I did as you suggested and disposed of the..." She then saw the four students, and seemed to not want to finish her sentence. "I saw Sybil leaving here, I'm glad to see it's not just me that she seems to talk to."

He looked up and smirked. "She just wanted a potion, actually. She learned a long time ago that I prefer to be left alone."

"Is that your subtle way of telling me to leave?"

"No..." He looked up at her, then over at them. "They still have about fifteen minutes of detention, why don't you come back then? Actually..." He took a goblet and filled it with the Wolfsbane potion. "Would you mind taking this to Lupin? By then, I should be done, and I'll talk to you about that." She nodded and took the potion from him, leaving the classroom. Snape waited until the full fifteen minutes were up, and told them to go to their dorms.

Chapter Eleven

After Hermione went to the girls dorm, and Neville had gone to the toilet to get ready for bed, Ron told Harry very excitedly, "McGonagall pulled me aside today after transfiguration, I'm the new Keeper! I can't wait 'til our first game! I've been wanting to tell you all day, but this was my first chance."

Harry was thrilled. "This is great! I think there's going to be a practice in a few days. Hermione will be thrilled for you!"

Ron looked at Harry sheepishly. "I already told her, her and I were talking just after." Harry was hurt that Ron had told Hermione first, but he was too happy for Ron to say anything. Ron didn't seem like he wanted to sleep. "So I wonder what that was all about during detention, you know, Snape seemed a lot different with Malfoy since that first day. I wonder if she went back there?"

Harry was a bit curious too. Her opened his trunk and took out the Marauders's Map, and they took a look. "Look! She's leaving Professor Lupin's office... ok, now she's heading down to the dungeons... yea, she's gone to see Snape. That whole thing seemed strange to me, she definitely wanted to talk about something other than Trelawney." Harry agreed.

Neville walked in then, in his pajamas, and Harry carefully tucked the map back in his trunk Neville said goodnight, and they all went to bed.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

Harry got up early the next morning and went down to breakfast, where Hermione and Ron were already sat. "Harry! Sorry, we would have waited, but Ron was starving."

Ron grinned. "Well, I have to build up my strength for Quidditch."

A loud voice rudely interrupted them. "Did I hear that right, Weasley? YOU are on the Gryffindor team? That will be the easiest match this year, then. Goyle is our new beater, so you might be careful he doesn't break your cheap broomstick with a bludger." Draco stood behind them, smirking, just as Fred and George rounded the corner, and George elbowed Draco in the back, knocking him down. "Oh, I'm so sorry about that, Malfoy. Here, let me help you with that." Fred and George scrambled to pick up the quill and parchments that George had caused Draco to drop. Draco snatched his things from them, glaring, and stormed off to the Slytherin table.

Fred and George took their seats, and looked over at Ron proudly. "Think we'd let that pillock rain on your parade? Way to go, little brother!" George ruffled Ron's hair, and then Fred sniggered. "The best is yet to come, I slipped an extra parchment in with his. look!" They looked over at Draco, who was dipping his quill in his ink bottle, and he had begun to write on a parchment. BANG! The parchment blew up, sending small shards of burnt paper all over all of the Slytherin's that were sitting near him. Draco's Eagle Owl flew off in a fright.

"Happy Halloween, Malfoy!" George hollered across the Hall. Professor McGonagall strode over from the teachers table, her lips pressed firmly together and looking at them with anger. "I expect better from my Gryffindor students, Fred and George, ten points each from Gryffindor, and I shall take those parchments." She put out her hand, and they reluctantly handed them over.

Draco was standing up, brushing the charred papers off of himself and glaring over. Snape walked up and said something to Draco, who nodded and smirked over at them, then took his seat again. Snape returned to the teacher's table and sat down beside Professor Malfoy, who had been looking on but staying out of it. Professor Lupin said something to both of them, and judging by the look on Snape's face, it wasn't encouraging. Professor Malfoy looked at the two of them, and then walked over to Draco, who got up and left the Great Hall with her.

"Interesting..." Hermione said. "Unlike Draco to not retaliate, I'd watch if I were you two."

They spent the rest of the morning practicing flying, Hermione sitting and watching, occasionally yelling encouragingly to Ron. Fred and George would bash the Bludger back and forth to each other, and Harry would try and get the Quaffle past Ron, but couldn't. Soon Fred and George went back in, and Hermione asked Ron if he'd go to the library with her. Harry felt like a third wheel, so he went inside by himself.

Professor Lupin came out of his office just as Harry was walking by. "Hello, Harry. Where's Ron and Hermione?" Harry told him that they were at the library, so Professor Lupin invited him in to his office.

"I heard from Sirius, he's very nearby, he wanted me to tell you so that you didn't worry." Remus smiled at Harry. "So are you liking your classes?"

Harry grinned. "All but Potions!"

Professor Lupin laughed. "Well, Severus can certainly make an impression on people. So are you looking forward to the Halloween feast?" He clearly didn't want to discuss Snape. Harry nodded.

"Well, make sure you have a good time, and try to keep those twins in line, will you?" He was obviously referring to what had gone on in the Great Hall at breakfast. Harry left Lupin's office and went to the Common Room to wait for Hermione and Ron, so that they could go to the feast.

__ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __ __

When they later went to the Great Hall, it was getting dark, and the enchanted ceiling cast an eerie light in the room, making all of the decorations even more haunting. Jack-o-lanterns glowed, suspended in mid-air, and bats were flying from wall to wall. The table was covered with so much delicious foods, and they all dug in. "Where's Lupin?" Ron asked, looking over at the table. "Full moon, of course." Hermione rolled her eyes at him. When they were done eating, Ron's sister Ginny was talking animatedly to Harry for a while, and asked Harry if he'd take a walk outside with her. He only then had realized that Hermione and Ron had disappeared. "Okay, why not?" They left the table and went outside on the grounds. He was very curious to know why Ron and Hermione had left without him, they seemed to ditch him fairly often lately, and he had wondered if they might be mad at him for not making it to the 'Burrow over the summer.

Harry and Ginny had walked over by some rose bushes, and sat talking for about their classes and friends. They soon heard soft footsteps, and peered over to see Professor Snape, who appeared to be waiting for someone. He sat down on a bench, looking at a silver pocket watch. Harry motioned for Ginny to keep quiet, and she nodded. Professor Malfoy then came around the corner carrying two flutes of champagne, and sat beside him on the bench, handing him one, smiling. Ginny looked terrified, so Harry took her hand and whispered quietly to her to calm down.

"So... you gave it to him?" Snape smirked, sipping the champagne.

"Of coarse. Think I'd be too afraid?"

"No, of course not. I would like to see the look on his face when he finds out. Well, what goes around..." Snape drank down the champagne, and placed the flute down next to the bench, then took her left hand and ran his thumb over the top of her fingers. She drank what was left in her glass and stood up, still holding his hand. "We should get back into the Hall before anyone notices we're gone." Snape stood up, and stepped close to her, gently sweeping her hair off her shoulder with his hand. "You're right, lets go back in. I might have to go tonight..." She nodded. "That's alright, I'll still be up."

They walked off together towards the school.

Ginny looked incredulous. "Snape and Malfoy? Isn't she married? Ew! I thought they were going to start snogging right here in front of us!"

"Come on, Ginny. Let's get back inside. I'm curious to know where Ron and Hermione went." Ginny giggled, and followed Harry back into the Great Hall. Ron and Hermione were still not back. They took their seats, and Harry looked up at the enchanted ceiling, which had now gone completely dark.

An unearthly scream suddenly pierced the giant room, but it seemed to have come from out in the halls. Everyone went quiet, and they all heard it again. Dumbledore stood up. "Please everyone remain in your seats. Professor White? Severus? Please come with me. Minerva, please don't let anyone out until we return."

Everyone was whispering, Professor Malfoy and Professor McGonagall went from table to table, talking to the terrified first years. Finally Dumbledore returned, followed by Professor White and Snape, who was leading very pale faced Ron and Hermione into the Hall. They quietly sat down, and Ron had a look on his face like he wanted to tell Harry something. 'Later' he mouthed.

Dumbledore stood up. "There has been a situation, no need to panic, it is completely under control now. Prefects... I would like you to accompany everyone to your houses." They all left very confused. Hermione looked ill, and she rounded everyone up and got the first years off to bed. Then her and Ron sat with Harry and Ginny.

"Oh my god," Hermione said quietly, sitting next to Ron on a couch. "We were outside walking around, and we came back in to go to the Great Hall, and were walking by Professor Lupin's office. We heard all this thumping and howling, then he came crashing through the door! That scream was his, he was in a lot of pain I think. Then he came at us. Dumbledore, Professor White and Snape came and stunned him."

Ron was shaken up badly. "That can't be though," Harry suddenly said. "Remember, Professor Malfoy gave him the Wolfsbane?"

"That's just it, he hadn't fully changed, he was still somewhat normal, or Ron and I would be dead. Harry! We heard White say it, someone put sugar in his Wolfsbane!"