Atlas Malfoy and how history repeats itself

Part 34

"You must be joking?" Harry grumbles as we walk down to Hogsmeade. My leg is killing me, but I need to be here for this.
"Who would want to get taught by me?" Harry adds as we walk into the Hog's head. I groan as I sit down and people file in.

"Hi," Hermione says, shakily, "We all know why we're here. We need a teacher- a proper teacher. One who will teach us to defend ourselves?"
"Why?" A ravenclaw boy interjects. Ron scoffs and I say, "Maybe because The Dark- You know who is out there? Honestly, some people..."
"So he says..."
"So Dumbledore says," I yell, standing up. Hermione sits me back down as the boy retorts, "So Dumbledore says, because he says. The point is, where is the proof? Perhaps he could tell us more about how Diggory died."
Harry stands up and says, "I'm not talking about Cedric, so if that is why you are here, you can clear off now."

There is an uncomfortable stretch of silence and I say, "I have to go, honestly, my leg is killing me. I'll see you lot round then?"
I'm drowned out by questions from everyone, and Harry says, "Facing this stuff in real life is not like school. In school, you can try again the next day. But out there, when you are a second away from death... you don't know what its like."
"You're right." Hermione says, "We don't. That is why we need your help."
A list is made, everyone signing their name in agreement. I break off after signing my name, heading back to the castle immediately.

Over the next few days, I notice Umbridge following me round more and more often. Neville finds us a place, and its perfect. The room of requirements.
"So we are doing them here?" I smile widely.
"Its known as the come and go room," Hermione laughs, "It's like Hogwarts wants us to fight back."
I nod and the first meeting comes into play. I hang round the back, trying to take advantage of my leg feeling okay. Neville nearly takes my eye out, but I'll accept that as progress.

A few weeks go by, and I can see actual progress in everyone. Nigel walks up to me and says, "How is your leg?"
He takes me by surprise and I say, "Oh? Thanks, Nigel. My leg is alright today to be fair. You are doing so well. I think your stupify is real talent. I haven't seen anyone do that so well really ever."
"Thanks!" He beams. Fred walks over and says, "Duel?"
"Go ahead."
 I walk to a clearer area, and bow down. Fred flexes his hand and I yell, "STUPIFY"
He goes flying, and stands up saying, "I let you do that."
"Sure thing." I smirk. Harry pulls me to the side and says, "I was thinking... you would tell us if you knew of any death eater plans, right?"
"If it meant I wouldn't die." I say, grimacing, "I'm heading out now. Catch you later Harry."

Christmas break is days away, and I have absolutely no motivation to go home. I might as well get Bella to try to like me. Hermione rests her hands on my shoulder and I jump. She says, "Sorry, sorry. I was wondering if you had any plans for Christmas?"
"Try not to die." I shrug, much to her horror. I add, "Honestly, Hermione, Christmas will be fine. I will be fine. Worst thing that could happen is really just a few more curses, then the break will be over."
"CURSES?" She yells. I sit her down and say, "Its a weird family I have. Anyway, look at Harry."
"I kissed Cho." He says, falling to the floor. Ron gawps as he continues, "She was crying. I mean, she does that a lot."
"Of course she does," Hermione scoffs.

I excuse myself and head to bed. The next morning, I wake up to find Hermione crying into a pillow. She sobs, but tries to clean herself up at the sight of me.
"Hermione?" I say, pulling myself out of bed and sitting on hers. She sobs, "Mr Weasley has been attacked. He is hurt. You have letters, I have letters. They are from your mum, Sirius, and Tonks.
"How do you know?" I ask, picking them up from her bedside table. She shakes her head and says, "Handwriting."
I nod and tear open the first letter. Mum's writing.
Atlas darling,
Bella has been convinced to try be civil with you over Christmas. She said as long as you try keep your hair under control, she wont be too snappy with you. I know your natural hair looks like hers, so just do that. Keep it blonde like normal.
I feel awful that I allowed her to curse you. Lucius held me back so i wouldn't get in the way. Keeping your walking stick in Draco's possession for a while felt like the right idea. I thought it would help you. The prophet still haven't mentioned the Azkaban break out, and according to Lucius, they wont be till after Christmas. The ministry are trying to keep it very hushed up.
I'll see you soon. Mien Gefallen Engel.

Mum

Sirius's letter next.
Atlas,
I hear you are staying at the Manor this christmas. I want you to know this is okay, but if you need an escape, my house is always open to you. The prophet still haven't reported on the break out of Azkaban that you told us about, and I have a feeling this is the year where things are really going to go downhill. I know this letter is short, but I only have a little while to write.

I have heard of your plan with Dumbledore's army. This is a stupid idea. Please don't get yourself killed. Please don't. I'd rather die than know you or Harry got yourself killed trying to help us adults in the Order. Be good over Christmas.
From,

Padfoot

I look up at Hermione. She is reading a book on something revision like and I say, "Hermione. I need you to talk to Harry and Ron over the break for me."
She raises her eyebrows and I say, "If I am ever in a situation where it is us against death eaters, I need to go to the death eaters. I will not fight, but I can't present myself with you in situations like that."
Hermione nods and I rip open the next letter from Tonks.
Atlas,
I've been thinking, and I want you to know that I will always answer your questions about being a Metamorphous. I never had anyone to talk to growing up, so you having me is important. I also heard about your aunt recently. It didn't occur to me that when you said Bella, you meant Bellatrix. Well, I suppose it did, but I wasn't thinking straight. You need to suck up to her. Make her think you adore her. Get on her side. You said she called you a freak. Say you realised that she was right, and you have stopped this 'nonsense' with your hair. Be her favourite person in that house. It might be just what we need.

-Tonks

Adore her.