Harry Potter and the Orb of Power

     Chapter 23: Malfoy's Move

    Harry had filled Hermione and Ron in about the meeting with Snape in the Owlery on the way to Care of Magical Creatures. The air was bitingly cold, and the snow pounded relentlessly on the Hogwarts grounds. November's ferocious frost slid easily into December, the snow piling higher than it usually was for this time of year. Using a warming enchantment, Hermione was able to plow a path to the Care of Magical Creatures class, where everyone waited, shivering from the cold.

    "Suppose Snape did have something to do with the attack on Hedwig, what was the purpose?" Ron asked, looking up at the swirling grey sky.

    "Well, that letter had plans for Diagon Alley, so I suppose Voldemort learned from that when and where I would be that day," Harry said, looking at Hermione, who was carefully pointing her enchantment at the snow.

    "So you reckon Snape sent the bat to attack Hedwig?" Hermione asked with a tone that clearly suggested that she didn't believe it in the first place. Ron looked at her defiantly, but didn't respond. The two were still oddly formal, and were rather keen on avoiding anymore arguments.

    "It makes sense. Snape has to follow You-Know-Who's orders, no matter if he's a spy or not," Ron said, with clear insinuation that he believed Snape was taking orders only from Voldemort.

    "But why send a vampire bat? If he really was so keen on reading the letter from Sirius, then he probably would have done it himself," Hermione said back. Ron was about to respond when Hagrid cleared his throat, mercifully sparing Harry from another bickering match between Hermione and Ron. The class was about to begin. Ron threw Hermione a look of malice and then, with prompting from Harry, paid attention to Hagrid.

    "Righ', now, yer O.W.L.'s are approachin' so it be best ter give you lot some of the creatures that'll be on the test. Now, the firs' creature I have ter show you ter prepare for the test is the demiguise," Hagrid said with a beaming smile. Harry was looking straight ahead, into the pen that usually held the various creatures, and could not see a thing.

    "Ah yes, spectacular creature, extremely wonderful," Malfoy drawled in mock enthusiasm from somewhere behind Harry. Harry didn't even turn to watch as Crabbe, Goyle, and Pansy Parkinson laughed sycophantically. Hagrid gave Malfoy a warning look and continued discussing the creature.

    "Now, you lot up front should be able ter see the demiguise," Hagrid said cheerily. Harry could not see any creature in the pen, and looked questioningly at Hagrid, who only winked back.

    "Please, I can't see a thing, perhaps you should get some glasses," Malfoy sniggered, followed closely by shrieks of laughter from Pansy. Hermione wheeled around, her face contorted with anger.

    "If you paid attention to the lessons, Malfoy, you should know why we can't see anything in there."

    "Excuse me," Malfoy drawled, and in an undertone so Hagrid couldn't hear he added, "Didn't think you Mudbloods cared so much about magical creatures. Might be because you're just as low and filthy as them." Hermione was about to say something in response when Hagrid glared at Malfoy.

    "That'll be ten points from Slytherin fer that," Hagrid bellowed furiously. "And a week's worth of detentions. That'll teach yeh fer actin' the way yeh've been actin'." Harry smiled and gave a victorious look towards Malfoy; he was finally getting what he deserved. However, a sly grin merely spread over Draco's face that quickly removed the smile from Harry's.

    "Fine. We'll just see what my father says about that," Malfoy said carelessly, and continued to talk to Pansy, disregarding Hagrid's furious stares. Hagrid quickly went into his cabin, leaving the Gryffindors whispering anxiously.

    "What's he going to do?"

    "What did Malfoy mean, what about his father?"

    "I don't like the looks of this," Ron said, casting a suspicious glance at Malfoy. Hagrid emerged from his cabin with a piece of parchment.

    "Take that ter Professor Snape, and yer ter stay there until the end of class. Then you'll come back at sunset for yer firs' detention." Hagrid was speaking in a quiet, yet forceful tone of voice as he handed the letter to Draco. Malfoy merely shrugged and trudged off back towards the castle, mumbling something about being rid of the half-breed git. Hagrid looked very distracted and was trying to keep his composure for the rest of class.

    "Now," Hagrid said, his voice still shaking with anger. Something about the comment about Malfoy's father had thrown Hagrid. Hagrid must know what Malfoy's father is doing here, Harry thought. He looked back at Hagrid, who was staring intently at the pen. "Can you lot tell me the properties of the demiguise?" Hermione's hand went instinctively into the air.

    "The demiguise is a creature that, when threatened, can render itself invisible," Hermione said.

    "Right yeh are, Hermione, ten points ter Gryffindor. The demiguise is dead useful ter wizards ‘cause of this, can anyone tell me why? Harry?" Harry was thrown by this question, he didn't exactly know why Hagrid was picking on him to know this. He cast his mind around a bit, and finally came up with an answer. Of course, Harry thought.

    "Tha's the trick," Hagrid responded. "Now, this one here is a bit shy, so be still like," Hagrid said, opening the gate to the pen. The class held its breath as Hagrid slowly made his way into the pen. They could see snow being tossed around by some invisible creature; Parvati gave a small gasp when the footsteps drew away from Hagrid. Hagrid stood still for a moment, and then suddenly, Harry could see it.        

    At first, Harry thought he saw an ape, but when it was finally clear, Harry gasped with everyone else. The demiguise was indeed ape-like in appearance, but it was more graceful and inherently more beautiful. It was covered by long, silver fur that looked as soft as silk, and it had large, black eyes that barely peeped through the silvery hair. It gave off an aura of peacefulness, a kind nature that Harry found soothing. It shuffled towards Hagrid, and Hagrid started to pet the demiguise over the head. The class clapped, and the demiguise looked up and its eyes disappeared behind the hair of the creature.

    "Don't surprise it," Hagrid warned. "If it's afraid, it'll disappear." Hagrid slowly lured the demiguise towards the fencing of the pen, and the class started to pet the demiguise.

    "Good lesson," Hermione said brightly to Harry, who was grinning from ear to ear. Hermione usually disapproved of Hagrid's teaching methods, so her pleasure in the class was a very good sign. The class seemed to be enjoying itself when they heard shouting from behind them.

    "You there, Professor Hagrid!" the voice called, and the class turned to see Lucius Malfoy and Professor Snape approaching the class, with Draco following closely behind them with sly smirk that was an instantaneous warning to Harry that something was up. What's more, the demiguise, who sensed a threat, shuffled away from the pen and to the back, fading from view. Harry glared at the three of them as they approached.

    "Yes, Mr. Malfoy?" Hagrid asked politely, yet coldly.

    "I have no intention of second guessing a professor of your standard," Lucius began, sneering at the last phrase that he uttered. "But I must question your discipline of my son, Draco."

    "Question it all yeh want, Mr. Malfoy, Draco was disruptin' the class and insultin' Hermione here," Hagrid responded, his voice still trembling. "The things he said in this class, he deserves what he got."

    "Perhaps we could talk?" Snape asked, his eyes glaring meaningfully at Hagrid, who did not look pleased at all. The bell rang for classes to end, and Harry dropped his school bag on purpose in the attempt to hear the rest of the conversation. Hermione and Ron bent down to help him, while Malfoy looked up at Hagrid.

    "I was righ', Professor Snape, and as a professor as well I can hand out detentions as I see fit," Hagrid said, his voice rising quickly. Hagrid was never good at controlling his temper, and he was close to blowing his top. Harry knew Hagrid was being insulted by this threat on his authority.

    "Very well, I will have to speak to Professor Dumbledore on this matter," Lucius said in his slippery voice, turning to leave.

    "What matter?" Hagrid bellowed back, unable to keep his voice in check any longer.

    "You're favoritism towards Gryffindor, of course. Such an unbiased way of teaching a class is not healthy for the students," Lucius sneered. "Come Draco. Severus, if you could show me the way?" The three of them walked away, with Snape sending a severe glare at Hagrid before sweeping off. The snow whirled around them, the temperature became even colder indeed. Hagrid stalked off into the cabin without so much as a word to any of them.

*****

    "Favoritism? How can he even question favoritism when he's with Snape the whole time?" Ron asked incredulously as the three of them ate their dinner. Snow was falling from the enchanted ceiling of the Great Hall and was strong enough that it only just missed accumulating on the tables.

    "One thing is for sure, Lucius Malfoy's confronting all of the Hogwarts teachers," Hermione said darkly, taking a sip of pumpkin juice from her goblet.

    "How do you figure?" Ron asked, almost as if he wanted to question any idea she came up with. He still hadn't gotten over the near argument they had earlier in the day.

    "Well, you saw him challenging Mrs. Figg when she froze Malfoy and Harry. Malfoy's father was furious. And, he reported both Hagrid and Mrs. Figg to Dumbledore, which means he's up to something," Hermione said victoriously.    

    "Well, why is he here then?" Ron challenged her yet again.

    "If I knew that, I would have said something," Hermione hissed, sipping from her goblet again.

    "Oh, something you don't know? That's really rare, isn't it?" Ron snarled. Hermione threw him a look of pure malice.

    "What is wrong with you? Why are you provoking me?" Hermione hissed, sneaking a quick glance at Harry who looked horrified at this sudden outburst. The two of them seemed to have existed quite well in their uneasy peace, and now they were sliding back into the bickering.

    "Guys, just relax, this is nothing to get worked up over," Harry said, watching Ron turn a shade of red.

    "Me? Provoking you? How about you provoking me!" Ron shouted. People started looking at the two of them; Harry saw Professor McGonagall shoot a warning look at them, clearly implying that if nothing was done, punishments would be handed out.

    "Guys, this isn't the time for this," Harry hissed, but it was to no avail. Hermione, looking quite flustered and embarrassed over the amount of attention she and Ron were getting, left the table in what looked like tears. Harry was going to follow her, but she waved her hand, and Harry sat back down, feeling worse than ever.

    "What has gotten into you?" Harry hissed, as the color drained from Ron's face, revealing a rather sickly, pale face.

    "I'm...I'm sorry, Harry," Ron said, his face screwing up in frustration. Harry looked around and saw that everyone in Gryffindor was looking at Ron and Harry.

    "Come on, let's go for a walk," Harry insisted, and, seeing the curious yet concerned look on Ginny's face, he shook his head. She looked worriedly at Ron, and then turned to chat with Neville, who was talking about some sort of magical plant his uncle had bought him in Assyria. Ron nodded weakly and got up from Gryffindor Table. The two of them walked out.

    "Where to?" Ron mumbled, looking straight ahead, not chancing a glance at Harry.

    "I don't know, why don't we just walk around a little bit," Harry said. The two of them walked through the halls silently for some time, the only sound being the echoes of their footsteps. Harry saw the Bloody Baron soar through a door up ahead, followed closely by Nearly Headless Nick and the Fat Friar, who was chatting to a ghost of a lady that Harry had never seen before. His thoughts drifted back to the sentinels, and the problem of their existence.

    Harry couldn't quite wrap his mind around the concept that they were caught between life and death. It seemed to Harry that there wasn't a place between them, and that there was either life or death. Either something was alive, or it was dead. But the ghosts too were a problem with this, as they were here, and yet not here. Harry shook his head, it was all so complicated. Harry's mind wandered back to his dreams, and the battle he witnessed during the attack of the sentinel. That dark wizard, whoever he was, uttered a spell, and the beads of green light struck the man with the flaming sword, killing him. And yet here he was at Hogwarts, not a ghost, but a physical presence. Harry watched the troupe of ghosts disappear, and felt that he needed help figuring it out. They weren't resurrected, Harry was sure of that. Harry's mind wandered to the attack on Diagon Alley, and he remembered the same beads of green light that seemingly killed the dragon in one blow. Voldemort had made the dragon into a sentinel, instead of just killing it. But the spells were different, although they were certainly similar. For the dragon, it had been "Spiritus ferae, mortis vincere", and yet for the man, it was "Spiritus viri, mortis vincere". Maybe the spell had to be adjusted for creatures and man. That sounded right to Harry, but it still didn't explain a thing about the sentinels. The spell killed them, and yet brought them back. It was as if they had died and were brought back in such a close period of time that maybe the death didn't sink in.

    Harry shook his head again. He was thinking in circles. Why was he so desperate for this resurrection thing to work out anyhow? It seemed like he was convincing himself that it was possible, but for what purpose? And it dawned on him, quickly and suddenly, as if a lightning bolt had struck his brain. He was so keen on resurrection because...

    "I'm sorry, Harry," Ron had said, breaking Harry's concentration.

    "For what?" Harry asked incredulously. Ron had stopped walking and was now sitting on the floor. Harry looked around and saw that they were outside the prefect's bathroom. Harry sat on the floor opposite of Ron.

    "For ruining things between the three of us," Ron said back to him. Ron's face was very grave, and Harry could tell Ron seriously believed this to be true.

    "Rubbish," Harry said with a forced smile. "You haven't ruined a thing. Things will go back to the way they were soon enough, you'll see."

    "No they won't, and you know it. Things have changed between all of us. I didn't think they did either, until I saw just how true that was." Ron now had a slight smile on his face that did not sit well with Harry at all.

    "How so?" Harry asked slowly. "All that has changed is that you and Hermione stopped being thick and realized you liked each other."

    "Don't be stupid Harry," Ron said, with that same smile. This was the same smile that Ron wore when he had accused Harry of hogging the fame back during the Triwizard Tournament. What was he hogging now that Ron could be upset about? He knows about Hermione, Harry thought as his stomach twisted into a knot.

    "Erm, I have no idea what you're talking about," Harry said with what he could only hope was a confused look on his face.

    "Harry, I'm not stupid. Maybe Hermione thinks I am, but I would hope you would see that I'm not. I may not be the smartest person in the world, but I see things and know things too."

    "I'm not saying you are!" Harry said, feeling himself grow angry. "I thought this was about what happened tonight, that's what you wanted to talk about!"

    "Of course it is!" Ron said, his facing turning red again. "Don't you see? It'll never work between the three of us again if Hermione still likes me!" Ron yelled, and his statement hit Harry like a ton of bricks.

    "What? Why?" Harry sputtered, but Ron continued.

    "You and Hermione like each other, it's so obvious! She's liked you a long time! And I bet you've liked her for a long time too! Oh, don't act dumb!" Ron yelled. Harry felt his brain working very fast but not successfully at all. For a long time? Harry had only realized this year, what was Ron talking about.

    "Ron, I don't know what you're-"

    "Of course you do! You don't see it, but I do! I always see whenever something's going wrong, she's always drawing herself closer to you! Or the way she worries about you over every little thing! The way she nags over your safety! You never see it, because you were always looking at Cho, but you know she liked you!"

    "Then why did she go out with you, then?" Harry asked, wanting very much to end this argument. Harry felt the blood rush to his face, he was beginning to be very embarrassed, and yet feeling a wave of sympathy for Ron. Ron chose to ignore this comment, and plunged headlong into what he was saying, as if he had held it in for much too long.

    "And you think I don't see the way you look at Hermione? The way you two always seem to know what each other is thinking? Or how she knows just what to get you for your birthday, or you know just what to get her for Christmas? Neither of you see it, and I do, and it always tears me up, because you get her, you understand her, and I never did, and I never will!" Ron looked on the verge of tears.

    "Ron, mate-"

    "And maybe Hermione did go out with me for a little bit, but she's always had feelings for you! Why do you think I kept it from you? So you wouldn't feel hurt, or betrayed, or left out! So now you two have a clear field, and it's easier for you two if Hermione doesn't worry about me!" Ron started walking away. Harry felt horrible inside, he didn't know what to say.

    "Ron wait! WAIT!" But Ron was running, and he turned a corner, and out of sight. Harry sank to the floor. Ron was making it so Hermione would hate him, just so he, Harry, could go out with Hermione. And yet, it couldn't happen this way, Harry refused to let this happen. Ron was willing to go through all of this for Hermione, he had to like her a lot more than he, Harry, did. Doubt raged through his mind, and of all the things Ron said, he was definitely true about one thing: things between the three of them had changed.

    "No. Things can't be ruined." Harry stood up, and ran after Ron. He wasn't going to let Ron sacrifice himself with Hermione just for Harry's sake.

    "Ron!" Harry called, but didn't get an answer. He ran for Gryffindor Tower, and saw Hermione sitting in front of the Fat Lady, tears in her eyes. Harry felt his spirits sag even lower. It looked like he was in for another awful conversation with Hermione.

    "Hermione?" Harry asked. Hermione looked up, and ran towards Harry, giving him a great big hug while letting out all of her tears. Harry was about to say something when Ron's voice echoed in his mind. She's always drawing herself closer to you, Ron had said, and it seemed like he was right. But I can't turn her away, Harry thought fiercely.

    "Why does Ron hate me?" Hermione sobbed, pulling herself away from Harry and wiping her eyes off on her sleeves.

    "He doesn't hate you, don't be stupid," Harry said. Hermione gave him a disbelieving look.

    "Rubbish, of course he does, you saw the way he acted around me! He's egging me on, like he wants me to be mad at him!" Harry would never repeat what Ron had told him - it was much too personal - but he had to say something to relieve Hermione's mind.

    "Maybe...maybe after you guys broke up, Ron thought it would be easier for you if...well...you thought he hated you. So then you'd be mad at him, and could go for someone else?" Harry said, looking down at the ground. Hermione looked down also, clearly turning this idea over in her mind. She was about to respond, when they heard voices from around the corner. It was Lucius Malfoy, but he was talking to someone else.

    "...have to be soon. She's making her move around Christmas, so maybe we'll have it then..." Harry gave Hermione a curious look, but Hermione look petrified. The both of them were out in the open, and if they entered into Gryffindor Tower, they would certainly miss out. Harry took Hermione by the hand and led her into the deepest shadow he could find, and then listened.

    "...sure it's there? We've tried asking them, but they can't answer, you know they can't..." the other voice responded. Harry couldn't tell who it was, but it sounded familiar. It sounded like a man's voice. He looked at Hermione, who mouthed "Snape?".

    "Not exactly sure, Wormtail, but they were the last to know where it was hidden. They found it, they should know where the Orb is. Earlier in the year Malagar foretold that they would be a problem, and so they have." Harry's eyes widened. Malfoy snuck Wormtail into Hogwarts, he thought savagely. His mind became filled with a single purpose. He pulled his wand out and walked out of the shadow.

    "Harry!" Hermione hissed. Harry ignored her. Harry walked around the corner and bumped into Lucius Malfoy, who looked as if he was hastily shoving something into his pocket.

    "Ah, Mr. Potter. Surprised to see you here," Lucius' voice drawled, his cold grey eyes meeting Harry's own.

    "Not as surprised as I. What are you doing here?" Harry hissed. He heard Hermione catch up, and heard her draw in a gasp.

    "It is my own business, Potter. But I think it's safe to say that it's also Headmaster Dumbledore's business why I'm here. As his favorite boy, I'm sure he told you why I'm here," Lucius sneered, his eyes now resting on Hermione, who returned his furious glare.    

    "As a matter of fact, he has," Hermione lied coldly.

    "Well then, maybe you can inform Mr. Potter here that it's not wise to interfere with the Ministry's dealing at Hogwarts. Certainly you know that, with the Minister's permission, it is my right to inspect the way Dumbledore is running this institution. Maybe, maybe you are just a bit nervous, that it is in my power to remove Professor Dumbledore if he fails to run this school to my...satisfaction?" Lucius' eyes narrowed on the both of them. "If you don't mind, I have more pressing business elsewhere." Lucius swept off back in the direction he came. Harry was about to shout something, when -

    "Don't say anything, Harry Potter." It was the voice of the mysterious witch that had been following him since the beginning of the year. "Lucius is a dangerous foe, do not cross him at such a time."

    "But..."

    "Who are you talking to, Harry?" Hermione asked, giving Harry a curious look.     

    "No one," Harry quickly lied, looking around. He saw no one in sight. "Let's go to the Common Room, and get some of the homework done." The two of them headed back to the Fat Lady, unaware that there were two pairs of eyes following them. Harry turned, and saw the mysterious witch at the end of the corridor. He saw her vanish, and then heard a rumbling from somewhere in the opposite direction. Harry shook his head and entered into the tower, not seeing the green, malevolent eyes staring out from the darkness.