Draco Malfoy and the Obnoxious Stone

Chapter 15

While it wasn't as much of a surprise this time when green decorations turned red, as the last-minute points took the House Cup away from Slytherin, it still stung the same. Draco took comfort in the Quidditch Cup they managed to hold onto. He wanted to make sure they didn't lose it next year.

"Are you proud of your beloved Gryffindors, now?" Blaise mocked. "I think next year we need a really pathetic first year in Slytherin. Maybe if Draco has a new pity project, he'll give up on Potter and Longbottom."

A couple of his friends tried to unsuccessfully hide their giggles. Perun Burzynski laughed so hard pumpkin juice came out of his nose, diverting the attention of most of the table. While no one was looking, Draco pinched Zabini's hand in retaliation. The boy wrenched the whole arm away with a scowl.

"Don't worry, Zabini. I pity you more than enough." He snarked.

"Isn't it ironic you lost more points trying to read than breaking curfew with Gryffindors?" Pansy joined in on torturing him.

"Ugh... I hate you all."

Most of the boys in his dorm woke early the next morning, anxious to see their exam results. They ran out half-dressed to check as soon as the prefects announced it was time, meeting equally dishevelled girls in the corridor. Draco pushed past everyone, even daring to elbow Millicent Bulstrode out of his way, followed closely by Pansy. It wasn't a big surprise to see most of the Slytherins did well, even Crabbe and Goyle showed some promise instead of barely passing. His eyes finally landed on his own name. He tied for the top spot.

"How did you get extra points in potions?" Zabini ruffled his hair, incredulous. "I bet Granger's losing her mind."

Draco was too happy to pretend Zabini's friendliness bothered him. Nothing could ruin his mood today, he thought.

"Well done, Draco. You've definitely earned the right to keep your tutoring position next year." Pansy chimed in beside him.

"What an honour." he replied sarcastically, before congratulating all his friends.

The compliments didn't end with the Slytherins. In the courtyard, he found an excited Longbottom, who looked very pleased with himself. After all, his worst fears didn't come true. He managed to pass every subject - even potions, despite his best efforts in forgetting the forgetfulness potion. Draco assured him that he'll only improve from there, since he already decided to keep an eye on Longbottom's cauldron next year. It was too late to stop him even if he wanted to, when he called over Granger, Weasley and Potter.
Draco took a bit of pleasure from Granger's frustration at his Potions and Transfiguration scores bettering hers. It was only fair, he reasoned. Since she did better in Charms and History of Magic, they were even.

Before they could circle back into discussing the Philosopher's Stone again, their conversation was cut short by Crabbe and Goyle. They were asked to find him, to tell him he was being summoned by Severus.

Draco worried all the way down to the dungeons. He thought he got away with sneaking out, since Severus didn't punish him before the end-of-year feast, but he still could be reprimanded. He knocked on the door once. Then a second time.

"Enter."

Draco stepped though. Professor Snape didn't look much more angry than usual, perhaps even less than he could expect any other day. It wasn't surprising, now that he though about it, when all the loud and difficult students would be gone in just a few hours and wouldn't return for a while.

"I was told you wanted to speak to me?"

"I did. There are a few matters I wanted to discuss."

Draco prepared himself for a scolding, which didn't come.

"The Ministry correspondent I contacted regarding a special permission to study a Time-Turner without a charm responded this morning. They do not keep any such artefacts. Each one is either completed or discarded." He enjoyed Draco's surprised expression. "However, they may be willing to issue a functional Time-Turner with a special permission, if there was good reason for it. Granted, of course, that you keep up your academic performance."

"You're serious? I could borrow one, just like that?"

It had been a while since he entertained the idea. He was so caught up in the theatrics of changing the future, that he almost forgot all about it, just like he was starting to forget he had a life to get back to.

"Not quite. It would still depend on my supervision, and a lot of effort on your part. However," he paused dramatically, "there's no reason why you wouldn't be able to continue excelling. I have to say, your nightly escapades clouded my judgement on how driven you are not only in learning the curriculum, but also pursuing your interests."

He reached into a drawer in his desk, and pulled out a familiar stack of parchments. The notes on time travel he made throughout the year were no longer in his trunk. There was only one person he showed them to, he was the only one who knew where to look for them.

"Don't blame Nott for showing me your research, he was determined to make me see your potential."

"He's a good friend." Draco didn't expect to be moved by someone stealing from him.

"You may run along now, remember to give my regards to your parents."

"I will." He was almost at the door, when he remembered something. "Oh, and Professor. I wanted to thank you for taking my note seriously, and sending for Dumbledore."

"This pains me to admit it, Draco," he said with a sigh," but I haven't seen a Slytherin so determined to act like a Gryffindor in a long time."

"It won't happen next year." Draco lied through his teeth. "I'll only focus on studying, and refuse to get swept up in Gryffindor messes ever again."