Cedric's Sister

Ch 5

Harry's p.o.v

I was on my way to enjoy my walk in the woods, until I saw Malfoy and his goons heading straight at me. This can't be good. He stood just a few feet away from me, throwing hard at me the Daily Profit.

"Don't you think you have done enough already!" He hollered at me.

"What is it, Malfoy?" I was getting annoyed with everyone getting angry at me.

"Have a look. Apparently you're doing the tournament just to mess around with Penelope?!" That surprised me.

"What? No!" I opted up the more wrinkled paper and read what Skeeter reported. It seems she has a weird theory about Penny and I. But people should know that this woman is mad and over dramatic.

"I would never use Penny like that!" I told them. Then it got me thinking. "And why do you care?"

I felt an urge to protect her. Ever since last year, I've noticed that the Slytherin prince has been trying to get close to her. And I don't like it.

"That's none of your business!" He growled.

"It is when it has to do with my best friend!" He stood his ground and continued to give me a nasty glare. If looks could kill.

"Just keep her away from your dramatic events. She doesn't need more of it." The last part sounded more concerning. What is that supposed to mean?

He started to turn and walk away, but I followed. Not wanting to let this go just yet.

"Why are you interested in what happens with her?"

"Shut up." He tried to speed up, but I still caught up.

"It's true though. You're always paying attention to what happens to her. You've also been spending some time with her. Even if I dislike it, I can't help but wonder why her? Why Penelope? If you're planning to hurt her-" He stopped and faced me, looking very irritated.

"You really don't know do you?" I was still for a moment. Was I supposed to know something? He started to chuckle more to himself, smirking.

"You claim you're best friends when You know nothing about her. I bet you had never even heard of her brother's name until now."

Again, I was quiet. Unfortunately, he was right. Merlin, I hate it! So he knows about her brother before me?

"Some friend you are. Ha!" He started and walked away.

I'm so confused. I thought I knew Penny so well after all this time. How could Malfoy know more about her than I do? Something isn't right.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

During my free time, I went by the late with Neville. He was examining some magical plants he had found in the water. Footsteps were coming close. I put the book down to have a peak at who was coming, only to find it being Ron with Hermione and Penny.

Penny looked unhappy and was being dragged by Ron. Is she unhappy with what Skeeter said? I got up to get closer to her.

Ron lightly pushed Penny towards me. She gave a shy smile.

"Hi, Harry," she politely said.

"Hi... is everything alright?" I asked her. I even held her hand in mine, hoping it could help. I think it did.

"Yes, but Ron wanted me to tell you.... That Seamus told him.... that Dean was told..... by Parvati, that Hagrid was looking for you." She tried to explain. But I was upset that Ron was making her do this and it sounded too complicated.

"Is that right? Well...." I forgot everything already. "What?"

Penny looked sad and uncertain on what to do. She let go of my hand to get back to Ron. After a moment of whispering, she came back to me.

"Okay. Dean was told by Parvati-" Mione cut her off, getting annoyed.

"For Merlin sake! Hagrid is looking for you, Harry." I looked at Ron, who refused to look at me and stare at the trees instead. So I concentrated on putting my attention on Penny instead.

"Well, you can tell Ron-" again Mione cut in.

"She's not an owl!" She howled at me and pulled Penny away. Leaving me again.