The Consequence of Ambition

A Pointless Pursuit

3 months earlier.

A small pool of mist had begun to form on the train window. The solidified droplets of hot breath creating a small patch against the glass. Lana watched the patch grow wider with each sharp exhale as she let her breathe escape her lips and reside together on the window.

"Lana? What do you think?"

She broke her intense staring contest with the beads of condensation on the glass and lifted her head. One side of her black hair brimming with static from being pressed up against the window for so long. She attempted to tame it whilst looking across at where the voice had come from. Harry and Ron were sat across from her and Hermione was next to her, all three were looking at her with great intent, waiting for her answer to the question she apparently missed.

"what did you say Harry?"

"You missed the entire conversation didn't you?" Perked up Ron, still staring at her. She glanced across at Hermione and couldn't help but laugh at the annoyance painted so clearly on her face.

"Harry is under the impression that Draco Malfoy is now a Death Eater" she sighed, her frustration clearer than ever. Lana's smile widened even further at the ridiculous notion of the blonde haired daddy's boy serving the dark lord himself, she relished in the almost comedic moment for a few seconds before offering her reply, that she was sure would frustrate harry even further.

"No. He's too much of a coward"

Harry let out a sigh and dropped his head back against the seat of the carriage, his scar facing up towards the ceiling. She studied his features watching the little lines around his eyes multiply as he winced in frustration.

"See mate. He is a creepy guy we all know that, but he just doesn't have it in him to be one of you-know-who's followers. You saw how we was when Hagrid's bloody chicken kicked his arm. Acted like he was a prisoner of war for about three months afterwards, told the entire school he was lucky to still have his arm and I doubt there was even a scratch there"

"But Ron" harry's words stumbled and clumsily fell from his lips as if he was holding back an angry outburst.

"That was three years ago, people change. I mean his whole family are Death Eaters for God's sake doesn't that tell you everything you need to know?" When Ron shrugged unconvinced by Harry's rant, he shifted his gaze to Hermione and Lana who were sat opposite, his green eyes desperately appealing them to find the logic in what he was saying.

"Well? doesn't it?"

"Harry listen to me. Draco Malfoy isn't a Death Eater. Ron is right, he doesn't have it in him."

"And besides" Lana chimed in with Hermione "just because his family are Death Eaters doesn't make him one. I mean my father is a Death Eater and you don't see me with a dark mark stamped up my bloody arm do you?"

"But that's just so different. You never even knew your father Lana, it doesn't count."

"It makes no difference whether I knew him or not. His blood still runs in my veins and he is a part of me whether I like it or not, I mean I was almost put in Slytherin and those traits obviously come from him"

"Well I was almost put in Slytherin as well and-"

"Exactly. And I'm pretty sure the only mark from Voldemort that you have is on your head. Unless there is something you aren't telling us. I mean I haven't seen your arm in a while actually Harry, maybe you're a Death Eater"

"shut up Atalanta" sighed Hermione and Lana grimaced at the use of her full name, she hated when Hermione acted the mum but as usual she was tired of Lana's inability to remain serious in any situation.