Through The Fire

Year Three: Part Three

Tension mounted further with the sudden disappearance of Scabbers. Ron was completely certain that Crookshanks was to blame, but Hermione insisted that her cat was innocent. Their friends doubted the innocence of the half kneazle, but they also didn't see the point in shouting at Hermione for it.

Ron stopped speaking to Hermione entirely, unless it was to make some pointed comment about her vicious cat or his poor murdered rat.

"She doesn't even act like she's sorry," Ron grumbled, glaring at Hermione as she left the library in an angry huff. "She's always got to be right."

"It's not as if she ate your rat," Draco said impatiently. Harry have him a sharp nudge for being insensitive.

"No, it was just her bloody cat that she never even tried to restrain," Ron hissed angrily. "She lets that bloodthirsty beast do whatever it pleases, and Scabbers got killed."

"Being mean to her doesn't bring Scabbers back," Blaise said gently. "She's your friend."

"Not if she can't admit when she's wrong," Ron retorted, turning back to his homework.

Harry sighed heavily. It could be the end of Ron and Hermione's friendship. The idea was awful and Harry didn't want to lose either of them as a friend.

One night, Harry was awake in bed. The stress of looming exams, Sirius Black, and the fight between Ron and Hermione was making it difficult for Harry to relax. On a whim, he grabbed the Marauders' Map. "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good," Harry whispered, tapping the map with his wand.

He watched the elaborate map of Hogwarts spread over the parchment. There was very little movement on the parchment since it was so late. He could see that Snape was patrolling one of the corridors. Harry's gaze drifted lazily across the map, freezing on a name that was showing on the third floor.

"Peter Pettigrew?" Harry murmured. He sat up and bit his lip, looking at Draco.

Making a quick decision, Harry tiptoed to Draco's bed and quietly shook the blond's shoulder. Draco frowned a little, his eyes fluttering open. "What's wrong?" Draco asked, his voice thick with sleep.

"I saw something strange on the map," Harry whispered. "I need to go check it out. I knew that you'd be mad if I didn't at least let you know. But you can stay in bed."

"Don't be stupid, I'm coming with you," Draco said, sitting up and rubbing his eyes. Harry thought he looked adorable with his hair all ruffled. "What did you see?" Draco asked.

"Peter Pettigrew," Harry responded.

Draco froze for a moment. Then he got out of bed hastily. "Get dressed," he commanded, quickly shedding his pajamas.

For a moment, Harry was distracted by Draco's pale skin, illuminated only by the soft glow coming from Harry wand. Harry shook himself and quickly changed his own clothes.

Fully dressed, they grabbed Harry's invisibility cloak and left the dorm, silent as shadows. They crowded close together and hurried through the castle, concealed by the cloak. Emboldened by their invisibility, Draco grabbed onto Harry's hand and held on, grinning when Harry squeezed his fingers lightly in response.

The arrived at the third floor and lit their wands to get a better look at the map. The hallway was deserted aside from themselves and Peter Pettigrew. But, where was he? "I don't understand," Draco murmured. "Maybe the map made a mistake?"

"Maybe," Harry said, disappointed. He thought for a moment. "I think we should tell Moony. Right now."

"Let's go then," Draco nodded. He reached for Harry's hand again and entwined their fingers. "Lead the way."