Accio Destiny

"A plan?" Ron Weasley asked. "Don't we just wing it half the time?"

"What a true Ron moment," muttered Hermione.

"What?"

"Oh, never mind. And what are you talking about; of course we used plans in the past! In first year we- er, well, we had a plan originally. Second year, well, we did experiment with a N.E.W.T. level potion-"

"Hermione," Ron said wisely (almost annoyingly so in Hermione's opinion, Ron could see), "our plans never work out. Why not just go with the flow?"

Hermione's eye twitched a bit. Uh oh, thought Ron. He knew, probably better than anyone, that Hermione Granger disliked two things in life: injustice, cruelty, malice, etc. ...And people winning, thus making her lose. It took a full year for her to accept that when he used his special strategy with the aid of his ever-loyal queen and bishops, her king might as well have surrendered. Now the fact that Ron knew better their adventures and heroic events since day one at Hogwarts...well, might as well have Neville helping her with potions.

"I still think we should have some starting point," Hermione said stiffly.

Ron grinned and decided to play along.

"Okay...hmmm... We know that Harry's sick and that someone not-so-nice in this castle is causing it." Ron proceeded to pace around the hall dramatically. "You know, all of these years that scum Malfoy has-"

"-Been innocent."

"Sure, sure. But you know, anyone could strike at anytime; Draco could've been laying low for a few years, only to strike with something like this!"

"Ron, dear," Hermione started impatiently, "Malfoy has done a few things in the past to, well, impair our mission, but honestly, do you think any of the things he did qualifies as 'sinister genius'. Anything that clearly was the work of a dark wizard in a quest to dominate the world?"

"Well, Hermione, d-dear," Ron stuttered- "dear" was not a word he found light, especially concerning Hermione. "People can change!"

"People can change for the better as well!"

"Well, I don't see that bastard Malfoy skipping in some fields, do you?"

"Ron, please, don't be so bellicose, for goodness' sake!"

"And don't use words I don't bloody understand!"

Ron and Hermione glared at each other silently for a moment. Hermione then sighed and looked at Ron wearily.

"I don't think all this arguing is going to help Harry much. You're right, Ron, we do need to help him, and for all we know, Malfoy could be involved. Let's both just...calm ourselves, alright?"

"Yeah, yeah..." Ron tried not to look as low as he felt.

I don't want to feel calm, Ron thought miserably. Why can't she just see that I don't mean to cause trouble, it's just- aw, dammit who knows? I don't want to see someone sneak out under our noses and leave Harry to--to-be- well, it could- no, no no! Staying calm, how has it ever helped?

But Ron nodded to Hermione's suggestion anyway.

"Okay," Hermione said, "We know that something is tampering with Harry's health, that the pepper-up potion inflamed when it touched his lips. You suspect Malfoy, as you have for the past, oh, four years. I suppose it could be true, and it does give a starting point, all the same..."

"You know, you really shouldn't discuss plots against other students in the hallway. Idiot Gryffindors, you really don't have any practical intelligence, do you?" a voice from the hall said, making Ron and Hermione's heads turn.

Oh shit, were in for it now, thought Ron.

"Malfoy?" Hermione gasped.

"Professor Snape will no doubt be interested in what I've discovered," Malfoy smiled slyly.

"You're not telling nobody, got it?" Ron growled at Malfoy.

"And why should I recoil from your, ahem, 'intimidating' threats?"

"I'll tell you why," Ron's face now had crimson blotches. "Because if you do tell I'll feckin'-"

"Ron!" Hermione cried out.

"I'd listen to your beaver girlfriend, Weasel."

Hermione scowled.

"Be quiet, Malfoy, and I'm not his girlfriend."

Oh. Gee thanks, Hermione, Ron thought.

Hermione spoke again.

"You know, Malfoy, I'd find it very suspicious that you were lurking around the Gryffindor common room, jumping about once you hear that Harry Potter is in a weakened state." Hermione said quietly.

Both boys' heads whipped around to face her.

"What's that supposed to mean, Granger?" Malfoy spat out, with a hint of panic in his voice.

"Well, Harry just caught your father-"

"Nothing he, or his two drippy sidekicks," Malfoy snarled, "can begin to prove, let alone make Fudge believe."

Hermione folded her arms.

"Aside from that quote, did he give you any other words of wisdom?"

Where is she going with this? Ron thought.

"What my father tells me is no concern of yours, Granger."

Draco started to walk away. Hermione stopped him.

"To be nice to Harry Potter this year? To not make such a noticeable scene of hatred as usual? Death eaters are less likely to have sons that respect the boy who turned one of the most feared wizards to near ash when he was only a year old. I see an opportunity for that plan right here."

"Are you implying you want me to help you on this little scheme of yours?"

Not a chance, Malfoy, Ron thought.

"Think of the happy publicity. 'My father always was against the Dark Lord,' you could say. Surely you've heard the whispers in the library about you and your family."

No no no, Ron thought.

Hermione took out her hand from her robes and pointed it toward Malfoy.

"Have we an accord?"

Malfoy looked at her hand for a second, then covered his hand with the sleeve of his robes, and gingerly shook Hermione's hand.

"And if I don't keep my promise?" Malfoy raised an eyebrow.

"You should've thought of that before you shook. Meet us in Moaning Myrtle's bathroom at a quarter past eight." Hermione smiled grimly.

Malfoy's mouth twitched, turned quickly and walked away.

Ron just stared at Hermione, and then once Malfoy was out of site, his stare turned into a scowl.

"Oh sure, leave me out of the entire decision! Do you have any idea what you just shook to?"

"Surely. Malfoy is on our side now."

"He could be a spy! He could sell us all out!"

"Two forces inside against in this one school? Surely Dumbledore will have to notice. Besides, somehow, I have a feeling he won't be. I think we may even be able to help him."

"Oh sure. Hermione. Everyone redeems themselves in the end. If you get hurt because of that stupid git-"

"In case you haven't noticed, Ron, it's often you that goes over the line. I assure you, I'm not walking into this blindfold!"

"I'm just worried about y-"

Ron turned his head away- he apparently had said too much. Hermione put her hand on his shoulder. Ron uttered a small reply to this gesture.

"Can we have teatime now, Hermione? It's been a long morning."

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Every time Ron tried to pick up a crumpet for consumption that teatime, he couldn't help thinking whether or not Hermione had lost her mind. Malfoy! When he revealed himself after eavesdropping on Ron and Hermione, Ron felt it was one of the worst starting points possible. Hermione found it an opportunity. Surely it must be a good idea under its dodgy exterior, Ron thought, Hermione is far beyond book-smart.

"Hermione?"

Hermione put down her teacup. "Yes?"

"This sudden hero stuff is really getting to me."

Hermione blinked, and then smiled.

"Harry made it look so easy over the years, I suppose."

Harry, Ron thought, why did she have to mention Harry?

Apparently, it wasn't such a crime, as Ron suddenly acquired an idea.

"Er- Hermione?"

"Yes?"

"Could we go on a broom ride after the so-called meeting?"

Hermione looked at him in disbelief.

"Ron, it'll definitely be after hours when we finish."

"I know."

"It'll most likely snow."

"I know," Ron repeated jubilantly, "Charlie's always saying how that the funnest time to be out there."

"Ron, first of all, 'funnest' is not a word. Secondly, you could easily catch cold. Thirdly, why do you want me there?"

Ron blushed. It'd be kind of like a date- no, bad thought, bad, he thought.

"Just- I dunno. Please?" Ron asked, using large pitiful puppy-dog eyes.

Hermione sighed.

"We'll see."

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The rest of the afternoon passed with little thought from either Ron or Hermione. Hermione was hard at work with her History of Magic homework, and Ron played a few good rounds of chess with Seamus Finnegan. At fifteen before eight, Hermione tapped Ron's shoulder.

"It's time we get to you-know-where."

"What? So early?" Ron said incredulously.

Hermione nudged him, and glanced at Seamus.

"Er- ok then. Sorry Seamus, I got to go." Ron said curtly, and he and Hermione walked off.

Seamus grinned. "You can tell me if you're doing something dirty."

Both Ron and Hermione stopped in their tracks.

"What?" Ron and Hermione said in unison.

"It's pretty obvious, guys. Harry's got a cold, so you take the time to snog the night away without him watching. Behind the statue of Beatrice the Bizarre?"

"You have the wrong idea entirely!" Hermione flushed angrily. Ron just stood, awkward and as red as a tomato. Hermione grabbed his arm angrily and proceeded to drag him out of the room.

"We're going now! Come on Ron!"

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Malfoy, on expectation, gave Ron and Hermione a less-than-warm greeting.

"Five minutes late, you hapless Gryffindors. That girl's been staring at me for far too long."

Hermione smiled weakly. "Hello Myrtle."

Moaning Myrtle looked at Hermione nastily.

"Hello cat face. What do you want with miserable, ugly, me? Nothing good I bet. Come to smear lipstick on me? If I could be-"

Moaning Myrtle burst into tears. Malfoy saw no sympathy needed.

"Charming lady, isn't she? Remind me why you chose here for Operation: Save Potter."

Myrtle stopped crying, and glared at Hermione.

"Where is Harry? Kitty? Red-top, how about you?"

Hermione looked at Ron uneasily.

"Harry's, um-"

"You see..." Ron tried to help.

"Sick. Haven't you heard? They've been proclaiming it all through the halls."

Myrtle resumed to her crying.

"You're lying! He-he's avoiding me, isn't he?"

Ron and Draco groaned in unison, then looked up and glared at each other.

"You dare ruin my melodious groan with that croaking excuse of a voice?"

"You keep that up, Malfoy, and I won't be the only one croaking..."

"Stop that you two! Oh, Myrtle, could you leave the area for a bit?"

Myrtle raised a transparent eyebrow.

"Yeah, listen to Granger. I hear the Boy Who Lived is having a therapeutic bath in the prefects' bathroom. You know, the one with the mermaid motif-"

But Malfoy needn't have said anymore. Moaning Myrtle dashed out.

"I thought I saw a pair of spectacles waiting to see me starkers the other day," Malfoy said amusedly.

"Well," Hermione coughed slightly, "thank you Malfoy. Now, onto business."

"Possible suspects?" Ron suggested.

"Chances are you'll point to all of my roommates," Malfoy said nonchalantly. "Even thought some of them think sacrificing a pig in the dorm room is their idea of a slumber party, they're all good guys."

Hermione sighed.

"Besides, we need to find out what exactly is happening to Harry. If it's something really complicated, that narrows it down to someone not a student, or at least it excludes younger or less-competent students."

"Oh, please, just say it. Excludes the total idiots."

Ron had to clench his jaw to avoid giving Malfoy the appreciation of a laugh.

"How are we gonna find out what it is?" Ron said, relaxing his jaw slowly.

Hermione looked at him in shock disbelief, as if he asked her if she needed help on her homework.

"The library! Now, Ron, I want you to look up dark curses performed by potions and other non-incantation methods. I'll look up curses in historical sense. Malfoy, I want you to-"

"Look up all the bad incantation Death Eater stuff. Flattered, but I think I have enough to do."

Ron narrowed his eyes. What's the bloody point of having him here, Ron thought.

"You must know something already. Just share that the next meeting. Next week, same time, same place; is that alright?" Hermione said exasperatedly.

"Peachy. Oh, and Granger, could you wear a nice leather catsuit for the next meeting? To get the whole 'secret mission' look."

And Draco Malfoy walked off.

Ron glared at him as he walked away, then looked at Hermione and sighed.

"Extra research..." Ron said glumly.

"We need to start somewhere," Hermione said firmly.

Ron's eyes lit up.

"Can we go out for a broom ride now?"

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Hermione and Ron put on their cloaks and walked out of the castle, Ron clutching a broomstick. Hermione looked at it and blinked.

"How did you attain the broomstick?" Hermione asked.

"Er, it's Fred's. I decided to borrow it," Ron grinned guiltily.

The moon was alit with a pure white light, as if it was reflecting the snow. The crisp wind circled Ron and Hermione, gently painting their faces. Orion was in full view, with Betelgeuse shining jauntily.

"I'll admit, you picked a good night," Hermione smiled. She and Ron mounted onto the broomstick. Once Hermione had her arms securely around Ron's waist, he kicked off, with a little yelp of excitement.

"I haven't been on a broomstick in so long!" Hermione whispered happily.

"Great feeling isn't it?" Ron grinned, as they looped around Hagrid's hut.

"OI HAG-" Ron began to shout, but Hermione covered his mouth.

"We'll get caught!" Hermione whispered harshly. They flew around to the Quidditch pitch.

"Katie, Angelina and Alicia always look like they're having fun out there. I was never one for Quidditch playing, but it always seemed exciting," Hermione said, and squeezed Ron's middle playfully.

Ron smiled darkly as a blush creeped across his face.

"Hermione, I have something to confess."

Hermione looked at him with a curious look on her face.

"What would that be?"

"I..." Ron looked around, and gazed into Hermione's eyes.

"Yes?"

"I..." Closer they became.

"Yes?" Hermione said with a tiny whisper.

"I...want to try out for the Gryffindor Quidditch team. They need a Keeper, and, well, a Seeker, too. So I just thought I might, you know, have a go."

Hermione blinked. "Sure. Why not? You might be great at it. Just don't let it interfere with your studies."

What did she expect me to say? Ron thought.

"So- so you'd really think I'd be great?" Ron asked.

"You might," Hermione said cheerfully.

"Thanks. Look, I'll do the research. I know it's more important than Quidditch and even probably schoolwork-"

Hermione let out an audible gasp that Ron couldn't help grinning over.

"Ok, it's as important. The point is that Harry needs us."

"Ron Weasley, are you being responsible?" Hermione asked in mock horror.

"Shut it!"

Hermione laughed.

"Malfoy can be such a pain, can't he?"

Ron laughed hollowly. "Is Binns a bore?"

"I promise you he can help us."

"You-you really wouldn't dress in a catsuit, would you?"

"Not in this free world, I assure you."

Hermione heard a large clock chime eleven and gasped.

"I have studying to do!"

Ron gave her a look.

"Hermione, it's Christmas vacation."

"The holidays are no reason to forget about your studies, Ron. You even still have homework to do!"

"Come on! Just one night of relaxation won't kill your die-hard O.W.L study schedule, will it?"

"Of course, that includes the lost time on Christmas and New Year's and Boxing Day..."

"Hermione- get a good night's sleep and forget about it. You're the cleverest in Gryffindor; you'll be fine."

Hermione sighed.

"Maybe you're right. Besides, we'll probably get into trouble if we stay out too long. Here's some good snow to land on..."

Ron and Hermione landed safely on the ground, and walked into the castle. It was only then they realized they were freezing.

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Ron went up to his dorm room, changed into his pajamas, and curled right into bed, desperate for warmth, but trying to recollect the entire evening all the same. Dean Thomas was the first to notice Ron's arrival.

"Well, hello, mystery boy. I haven't seen you since dinner. What have you been doing all night?"

Ron smiled into his sheets.

"I just had one of the best times of my life, that's pretty much all," came from under the covers. Dean came over to Ron's bedside.

"Oh? How so? Was it with-"

"It just was a good night. Goodnight, Dean. Goodnight anyone else who's listening."

Neville squeaked from under his sheets. Ron mentally laughed. Dean just stared at Ron for a moment, but went back to his own respected bed and quickly, too, fell asleep.