A Young Wizard's Journey - The Lost Tomb

Draco's Dealings

Harry didn't seem to be able to decide whether he wanted to avoid the rest of the quartet or be around them throughout the rest of the day. He'd reappear and join whatever conversation was happening, chat for a while, and then steer the conversation back towards Malfoy.

The others would lose interest and off he'd go again.

'Do you not think it's at least worth hearing him out?' asked Ginny in the evening as she, Y/N and Hermione were sat in the couple's room, idly chatting.

'We have about half a dozen times, Ginny,' said Hermione exasperatedly. 'Ron and I both saw what he did, and whilst we both agree it's dodgy, we hardly think Malfoy is a Death Eater. It's just too unlikely, he's not even of age. He's still got the trace on him.'

'You-Know-Who isn't as picky of taking followers as Dumbledore is though I imagine. I doubt he cares about his age.'

'That doesn't stop the trace,' said Y/N. 'Voldemort being out in the open or not, Malfoy will still be expelled for casting magic outside of the school.'

It was all they could do to get the conversation back off of this train. They were sick of hearing about it.

Ginny moved off before long so that they could all head off to sleep, they'd be up early for the trip to King's Cross the following morning.

Luckily, courtesy of the decreased population within the Burrow, and Y/N and Hermione's pestering, the five of them stood waiting patiently in the kitchen long before the Ministry Cars even arrived. And when they did come gliding up the drive, moving everything into them was a breeze. Eternus had already made their departure.

Fleur descended on the others to say goodbye, but Bill approached Y/N.

'I know you will,' he said, his eyes on Ron and Ginny, 'you have for years, but do me a favour and just look out for them, okay? I hate knowing that they're somewhere I can't help in all of this.'

'They're safe with me Bill, don't you worry,' said Y/N.

Mr Weasley guided the family out to the cars, once more asking Y/N to be added security, and they began the trip.

There was no cheerful Hagrid waiting for them at King's Cross Station. Instead, two grim-faced, bearded Aurors in dark muggle suits moved forward the moment the cars stopped and, flanking the party, marched them into the station without speaking. One of them, Y/N recognised, was the one who'd met them at the Ministry the previous year alongside Dawlish.

'Quick, quick, through the barrier,' said Mrs Weasley, who seemed a little flustered by this austere efficiency. 'Harry had better go first, with-'

She looked inquiringly at one of the Aurors, who nodded briefly, seized Harry's upper arm, and attempted to steer him toward the barrier between platforms nine and ten.

'I can walk, thanks,' said Harry irritably, jerking his arm out of the Auror's grip. He pushed his trolley directly at the solid barrier, ignoring his silent companion, and passed through onto the platform.

'Y/N-' began Mrs Weasley.

'No chance,' said Y/N, pushing Hermione and Ginny forward. 'And you can back off as well.' He added as the other Auror approached him.

Within seconds, the rest had passed through. Y/N and Mr Weasley followed last, cascading onto the bustling train platform.

Harry gestured for them to follow him, and Ron did so. But the couple remained.

'Prefect duty,' said Y/N when Harry looked back quizzically. 'We'll catch up with you later.'

Y/N and Hermione said a quick goodbye to the Weasley parents and were just hopping onto the train when they heard Harry behind them.