The Flip of a Coin

Chapter 1

Harry Potter lay awake in his dorm, on the first night of his sixth year at Hogwarts, listening to his friends snoring in the beds around him. He frowned, putting his arms behind his head, worrying about his godfather and ex-professor, wondering what their mission had been tonight. He sighed deeply, wishing he could ask Professor Dumbledore, but knowing that it was impossible, as it would mean owning up to eavesdropping on private conversation between the Headmaster and Professor Snape. He thought back to the previous day, which, as usual, had looked like a promising start to the year, and obviously wasn't going to be.

***

"Harry! Over here!"

He looked round, seeing Hermione smiling at him, waving him over.

"We've already found a compartment!"

He smiled back at her, and waved to Sirius, who had 'escorted' him to King's Cross, before hopping into the compartment Hermione had called from, finding her sitting with Ron Weasley. It was a great weight lifted off his heart finding the two chatting amiably, as they had dated briefly over the summer, (according to Ron anyway), and hadn't been speaking after their break-up.

"Hey Herm, hey Ron," he said with another wide smile. "Ready to go?"

Ron laughed at something Hermione had said before turning to Harry.

"Oh, Harry! Finally got here, mate? Come and sit down!"

"OK! Only just arrived on time though. Sirius kept fussing!"

He took a seat next to Hermione, and looked out to the black dog waiting on the platform, waving as the train pulled out of the station, until it was lost from view.

"Potter."

Harry stayed looking away, knowing that tone of voice far too well, and unwilling to see the smirk that always accompanied it.

"What do you want, Malfoy?" he spat, throwing a quick glance to Hermione, who shrugged, muttering something under her breath.

"Shut up, mudblood," he hissed, "I heard that."

She narrowed her eyes. "You were supposed to."

He glared back, continuing to talk to Harry.

"Well, Potter? Have you heard? I guess not, you'd probably be welcoming me like an old friend if you had."

Harry turned swiftly, his voice icy. "What did you say, Malfoy? You will never be a friend. Get lost and find your stupid evil minions."

"Oh really?" Malfoy laughed. "You honestly haven't heard. How sad. Dumbledore's favourite little Gryffindor hasn't been told. Of course, Father told me ages ago. I could tell you though..." He trailed off, smirking again. He put his hand out to Harry. "It's time to pick the winning side, Potter. We're going to win and you're going to help us. Don't turn me down again."

Hermione suddenly saw that Harry was almost reaching for him, and grabbed his wand arm, pulling him back to his seat.

"Sorry Malfoy. Can't your little ego take rejection? He said no once. He'll say it again. Get lost!"

He smirked. "Ah yes, little Mudblood Granger, always trying to be a hero, eh? Thought that was his job. And I didn't hear him say no..." He turned to Harry, smiling angelically.

"Let me know when you can get away, Harry," he whispered, before storming out.