The Hospital Wing and the Astronomy Tower, the Sequel

"Draco had decided to go back to the Slytherin common room that night, rather than the hospital wing. The common room had been deserted when he arrived; on account of everyone else was eating supper.

He sat down in a chair, as though waiting for someone, although he didn't actually expect to see someone in particular.

It wasn't much of a surprise to him when Blaise entered the common room, although she seemed surprised to see him.

"What are you doing here?" she asked.

"Well it is the Slytherin common room and I am a Slytherin student," said Draco. "I think I have every right to be here."

"You should be in the hospital wing," said Blaise. "Madam Pomfrey's frantic."

"Is she?" said Draco. "Usually she has to kick me out of there."

"You idiot," said Blaise.

Draco raised his eyebrow. "Well, that was out of nowhere," he said.

"You and Ginny had a fight," said Blaise. "You're such an idiot."

"I'm not an idiot," said Draco. "And how do you know about what happened with Ginny?"

"Because you aren't in the hospital wing, which may lead some people to believe you're out somewhere with Ginny," said Blaise. "But if you're neither in the hospital wing, nor with Ginny, then obviously you're alone, and that'd be because you don't want to see Ginny right now."

"Yeah, all right," said Draco. "But how does that make me an idiot?"

"I went through so much trouble to get you two back together," said Blaise. "And now you've botched it up again."

"The only person you care about in this situation is yourself," said Draco. "You're hard work, all ruined. You don't care that Ginny never wants to see me again, nor do you care that I don't really give a damn about Ginny because she's so difficult."

"That's a bit rich coming from you, Draco," said Blaise. "You're the difficult one."

"But I have my reasons for being the way I am," said Draco. "She, on the other hand, doesn't."

"You're getting nothing for your birthday," said Blaise. "Nothing at all."

"Now you're just being cruel," said Draco.

"Unless you fix everything, I'm giving you nothing," said Blaise. "And I doubt you can fix anything at all."

"What's there to fix?" said Draco. "A little broken heart? That's nothing."

"So you'll apologize to Ginny first thing tomorrow?" said Blaise.

"No," said Draco. "I have until November, why would I do it tomorrow?"

Blaise crossed her arms over her chest. "Draco, you're being difficult," she said.

"I was born that way," said Draco. "I can't help it."

Blaise pulled out her wand and pointed it at Draco.

"Don't you point your wand at me," said Draco. "I'll do it some time next week."

"Why next week?" Blaise asked.

"It'll be more fun that way," said Draco.

"Fine, next week," said Blaise. "But you'd better do it."

"Don't worry, I will," said Draco.

***

Ginny woke up at half past seven on Wednesday morning with one thing on her mind: Draco. She'd skipped supper the previous night because she'd been crying over him, and for the most pointless of reasons.

She rolled out of bed and got herself ready for the day.

At quarter to eight, she trudged down to the Great Hall, where she ran into Rachel Bell.

"Ginny," said Rachel. "How are things at the rumor mill?"

"Get lost," Ginny snapped, slumping into a seat at the table.

Much to Ginny's annoyance, Rachel sat down beside her.

"Have you seen Colin lately?" said Rachel. "I haven't seen him since last night. He said he was meeting someone in the Astronomy Tower, but he never got back."

"No, I haven't seen him," Ginny lied.

"I'm starting to get worried," said Rachel. "And he didn't even say who he was meeting."

There was a long pause in which Ginny tried to eat her breakfast in peace.

"You don't suppose they're still there?" Rachel said suddenly. "Colin and the girl he was meeting. You don't think they're still in the Astronomy Tower?"

"I doubt it," Ginny said glumly. "But I've actually got one of those rumor story things."

"Have you?" said Rachel.

"But I'll need a day or two to get my proof," said Ginny. "Otherwise I'd tell you, but seeing as I don't have my proof, I couldn't possibly."

"Ooh, it must be good," said Rachel. "Come on, give me a hint."

"No," said Ginny.

"Oh look, there's Malfoy," said Rachel. "And that horrible Blaise Zabini."

Ginny groaned at the sound of Draco's name.

"What's wrong with you?" Rachel asked.

"I'm going to get to Charms early," said Ginny, standing up. "See you later."

"Wait, Ginny, I'll come with you," said Rachel.

Rachel followed Ginny out of the Great Hall, up the marble staircase, and down the Charms corridor to their classroom.

Professor Flitwick was not yet there, so the two girls had to wait outside the classroom.

After about five minutes of waiting in silence, Rachel finally spoke.

"You know, Neville Longbottom and Pansy Parkinson are very close these days," she said. "Kiera swears she saw the two of them taking a walk on the grounds, hand in hand the night before last."

Ginny bit her lip.

"They're both just as stupid as each other," Rachel continued. "They make a perfect couple."

"Er, yeah,"Â Ginny muttered.

"What is wrong with you?" asked Rachel. "You don't fancy Neville, do you?"

"Of course not," said Ginny. "But I think Colin fancies Pansy."

"Ridiculous," said Rachel. "Everyone knows Colin fancies you."

"Well, then Pansy fancies Colin," said Ginny.

"Ooh, has this got something to do with your rumor?" Rachel asked. "Come on, tell me."

Ginny shook her head. "I won't tell you until I've got my proof," she said.

Just then, a couple of Slytherin seventh years strolled by, Draco included.

Ginny tried to look away, but unfortunately, Draco saw her and smirked in an unfriendly fashion.

"Have you and Malfoy split?" Rachel asked, overcome with excitement. "Oh my Lord, have you two broken up?"

Ginny scowled childishly.

"I've never gotten to a story before Kiera," said Rachel. "Oh, this is great!"

***

The next week drifted by painfully for most of the Hogwarts students.

Harry and Ron were released from the hospital wing on Thursday, only to find they had missed a great deal in Transfiguration and Potions, which they had to make up on the weekend, rather than do something more entertaining. Luckily for them, they had Hermione there to help them.

Hermione was still worried about Ginny, and word had gotten around Hogwarts that Ginny and Draco were no longer an item. Ron, however, was extremely happy to hear this news, and he told Harry and Hermione at least twenty times a day that he knew from the start it would never last.

Ginny spent most of her free time with Rachel, who was really quite annoying. She tried to avoid Draco as much as possible, but she a part of her still wanted to see him and hear him speak.

Draco seemed to be enjoying himself, always smirking at girls, sending them into fits of non-stop giggles. And every time he saw Ginny, he made sure he didn't speak at all. The only problem Draco had was a week of detention for leaving the hospital wing. Professor Snape had promised not to assign him to anything too hard. He was also banned from tutoring for a week, which was really nothing, as he hadn't even begun tutoring yet.

Blaise was rather annoyed because Harry had very little free time, and she had to spend most of her time either with Draco, or alone. She'd decided not to talk to any of the Gryffindors until Harry was free to spend some time with her. Blaise blamed the Gryffindors for Harry's full schedule.

Colin Creevey and Pansy Parkinson had not been seen at all.

Defense Against the Dark Arts classes had not been in session, and there didn't seem to be a teacher for the subject. The first class was scheduled to take place on Wednesday morning in the second week of school.

***

On Tuesday afternoon, Ginny was sitting in History of Magic, half asleep, as Professor Binns explained the alliance of goblins with Lord Grindlewald in the war of 1902.

Kiera, who was sitting behind Ginny, raised her hand.

"Yes, Ms. MacDonald?" Professor Binns said.

"May I go to the lavatory, professor?" Kiera asked.

"Go on then," said Professor Binns. "But hurry back."

Kiera smiled at Ginny as she passed. The smile was not a friendly smile; it was more a way of communication without words. It sort of hinted something, though Ginny did not know what.

Ginny finally decided Kiera was just trying to be an annoyance, as usual.

"She's up to something," Rachel whispered to Ginny. "I just know it."

Ginny looked up.

"You should follow her," Rachel muttered.

Ginny raised her hand.

"Ms. Weatherby?" said Professor Binns, acknowledging Ginny.

"I feel sick, professor," said Ginny.

"Well don't be sick in here," said Professor Binns. "Go to the hospital wing."

Ginny stood up and left the room. She half ran down the corridor, wanting to catch up with Kiera, who had not gotten far.

"What are you up to?" she asked.

Kiera jumped slightly.

"Where are you going?" Ginny questioned.

"To the toilet," said Kiera, hesitating just enough to let Ginny know she was lying.

Ginny raised her eyebrows.

"Leave me alone, Ginny," said Kiera, hurrying off, trying her best to act suspicious.

Ginny followed her.

Kiera led Ginny down to the dungeons to where Ginny knew the entrance to the Slytherin common room was.

"You're just being an idiot, aren't you?" said Ginny. "I know what you're trying to do."

"What am I trying to do?" Kiera asked.

Ginny rolled her eyes. "It won't work," she said.

"What won't?" said Kiera. "Do you think I'm meeting Malfoy somewhere?"

"Of course you aren't," said Ginny.

"I might be," said Kiera. "Actually, he told me to meet him at the entrance to Slytherin so that we could be completely alone inside his room, where no one could bother us."

"Then why don't you go to the entrance?" said Ginny.

"I will," said Kiera.

"It's down there, just to let you know," said Ginny, pointing down the corridor. "The painting of Alamar the Terrible."

"I know that," Kiera snapped, rushing off down the corridor.

"And the password's pure blood!" Ginny shouted after her. Ginny knew she shouldn't have sent Kiera to Professor Snape's personal hide out place, but she couldn't resist.

Ginny knew of this secret place because of Draco, who had also told her the password and the whereabouts of the entrance.

***

Kiera stopped in front of the portrait of Alamar the Terrible.

"Ginny, Ginny, you're so stupid," she said. "This'll be a source of many, many rumors."

"Careful who you call stupid," said a cold voice behind Kiera.

Kiera recognized the voice as Draco Malfoy's.

"And you must have a dirty mind to use the chamber behind that painting as a source of many, many rumors," Draco continued.

Kiera turned around, still in shock from hearing Draco's voice behind her.

"And that's thirty points from Gryffindor for loitering in the corridors during school hours, planning perverted expeditions to spy on the Potions master," Draco went on, "and for calling Ginny stupid."

"Why would you care if I called her stupid?" Kiera asked, just out of curiosity.

"Even if she was stupid, you'd still be more stupid," Draco replied. "It's common courtesy to not insult your classmates."

"But what does it matter to you?" said Kiera.

"It doesn't matter," said Draco. "But I think I'll have to take a further ten points away for arguing with a Prefect."

Kiera grumbled something quite incomprehensible under her breath and strutted away, farther down into the dungeons.

Draco walked in the opposite direction to the Potions laboratory, but he stopped halfway there when he spotted Ginny Weasley standing in the middle of the corridor.

"Do I have to take another thirty points from Gryffindor?" he said as he passed her.

"What are you talking about, Malfoy?" Ginny snapped, glaring at him. She hadn't heard his voice for almost a week, and was almost relieved he spoke, even if it was to take points from Gryffindor.

"Well, Weasley," said Draco, putting great emphasis on 'Weasley,' "I caught your little friend just down the corridor, out of class, much like you."

Ginny rolled her eyes.

"Give me one good reason for you being out of class if you'd like to keep your thirty points," said Draco.

"I feel sick," said Ginny. "I'm on my way to the hospital wing."

"The hospital wing's on the other side of the school," said Draco. "What class are you supposed to be in?"

"History of Magic," Ginny replied.

"Well, this isn't on your way from there to the hospital wing," said Draco. "What're you doing here, Weasley?"

Only a week ago, Ginny would have felt perfectly comfortable telling Draco the truth, but at this time, he wasn't even remotely her friend, and she feared to tell him.

"Well?" said Draco, not a hint of impatience in his voice.

"I'm taking the long way," said Ginny. "I'm simply trying to get a little exercise to walk off my stomach ache."

"You have a stomach ache?" Draco asked.

"Well, yeah," said Ginny.

Draco looked worried for a split second, but brushed it over with his cold stare.

"So if you don't mind, I'll just be going," said Ginny, just about to turn and leave.

Draco held out his hand and grabbed hold of her arm.

Ginny flinched.

"I won't take points away," said Draco.

"I didn't think you would," said Ginny. "Now let go of me."

"I can't," said Draco.

"Why not?" Ginny inquired, looking up at him.

"I wish you could read my mind," Draco said finally.

"What for?" asked Ginny. "You're beginning to really scare me, Draco."

"Er, all right." Draco took a deep breath. "Sorry."

"Is that the first time you've ever used that word?" Ginny asked.

"No," Draco replied. "I've used it many times, but I've never meant it before."

"Well, I can't forgive you just yet," said Ginny.

Draco raised his eyebrow. "You're acting like I committed some felony."

"In a way, you did," said Ginny. "Anything from the dark lord is illegal, and by giving me a dark object you lost my trust."

Draco snickered. "That's the stupidest thing I have ever heard. It's a worthless little coin; it doesn't do anything."

"How can you be so sure?" said Ginny, pulling her arm free of Draco's grasp. She stalked off down the corridor.

"Ginny," Draco called after her.

"I'm going to the hospital wing," Ginny called, without a backwards glance.

***

Harry, Ron, and Hermione waited anxiously for the arrival of their new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher.

"Sirius hasn't owled me in a long time," said Harry. "Frankly, I'm beginning to worry."

"He's working with the Aurors," said Hermione.

Harry and Ron both gave Hermione questioning looks.

"He was one of the best Aurors," Hermione said. "And ever since they found out You Know Who escaped, they've rounded up all the best Aurors to find him."

"But I still don't understand why he didn't owl me," said Harry. "That's really unlike Sirius."

"Well, even if he did owl you, it'll take quite some time to reach you," said Hermione. "Owl post has really slowed down these days."

"I wonder who the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher is," Ron wondered aloud. "I don't think any class has ever started up this late in the year before."

"Ron, it's only the second week of term," said Hermione.

"Really?" said Ron. "It feels like we've been here for months."

Just as Harry was about to say something to this, the classroom door burst open, admitting none other than Remus Lupin.

The pupils were momentarily shocked by their luck; Professor Lupin was a popular favourite when it came to previous Defense Against the Dark Arts teachers.

"Sorry I'm late," he said cheerily. "Now, things are going to be very different in Defense Against the Dark Arts this year, so let's get started right away." Professor Lupin then proceeded to tell the class of Voldemort's escape from Azkaban, warning them that there were more than a few objects flying around the wizarding world which should be treated with great caution.

"Most of these dark objects were created by the dark lord as places for him to preserve himself in," Lupin said. "That probably doesn't make much sense, and I'll try to explain it in a way you'll understand. Many years ago, when Voldemort was still at Hogwarts, he put a few curses and spells on a diary, and he was preserved in that diary until only a few years ago, when the younger Voldemort, also known as Tom Riddle was extracted from inside the diary. Only recently, Voldemort created a few more of these objects, there was a coin, a wand, and a quill. Some Aurors believe Voldemort escaped through one of these objects, but the ministry seems to find this conclusion absurd. If any of you was to come into contact with one of these objects, the result would most likely be deadly, unless you knew the proper defense."

Harry's ears pricked up with growing interest.

Ron dropped his quill, eyeing his wand with suspicion.

Professor Lupin chuckled. "Ron," he said. "I doubt very much Voldemort cursed your wand."

Ron sighed.

"But you can never be too careful," said Lupin. "See, nobody knows where the objects were stored, and they just may have been hidden in Diagon Alley, where each of you purchased your school supplies."

"I got my wand seven years ago," said Seamus. "I'm safe."

"When did you purchase your quill?" Professor Lupin inquired.

"This summer," Seamus replied. "I suppose that means I'm not safe?"

"You're just as safe or as unsafe as anyone of us here," said Lupin.

Hermione raised her hand, which was not an uncommon occurrence.

"Yes, Hermione?" said Professor Lupin.

"How does the ministry know exactly what the objects are?" Hermione asked. "They seem quite well-informed."

Professor Lupin smiled. "Lucius Malfoy," he replied. "Mr. Malfoy informed a few ministry members of Voldemort's plans on their last inspection of Azkaban. Yet, nobody knows why Mr. Malfoy said anything."

"Then how do you know he wasn't lying?" Hermione asked.

"The minister administered a dose of Veritaserum to Mr. Malfoy," Lupin replied. "And then Mr. Malfoy was questioned."

"I suppose that's proof enough," Hermione shrugged.