New Beginnings

Part 4

Draco had a simple list of classes: Potions, Charms, Transfiguration, and Defense Against the Dark Arts.  That was all. But seventh-years were already preparing for N.E.W.T.S.   Since Draco's first wand had been stolen, he was forced to buy a new one.  Which meant the difficulty level couldn't be higher. Which meant study, study, study.

Oh, brilliant, he thought. I'm turning into Granger...

By September's end, Draco felt buried under his enormous assignment load- and prefect duties. Luckily, dinner (always fantastic!) gave him some rest from the madness.

When owls came flying overhead to deliver mail, Draco watched a bird dive clumsily into the Gryffindor table.

"Errol," he heard Ginny Weasley grumble. "Miracle you're still alive, really."

Draco teased, "Who's that from, Weasley? Your boyfriend?"

"No.  And I wouldn't tell you if it was."

He recalled when he first met her at Flourish and Blotts just before second year; back then, she'd defended Harry Potter from one of Draco's taunts, and he'd joked, Oh, look, Potter. You've got yourself a girlfriend! Ironically, four years later, he'd caught Potter and Weasley holding hands while strolling around the castle.  But maybe he should quit antagonizing her.  A Weasley had met his fate recently; one of the twins. George? Fred? Draco couldn't have distinguished one from the other if his life depended on it.

Draco saw his owl, Cressida, zooming towards him with the monthly package of goodies that he always received from his parents.  He cut it open right there, rather than waiting, because they usually sent treats for Cressida, too. She enjoyed nibbling out of Draco's hand.  Then another, unfamiliar owl dropped a maroon envelope into his lap- the kind of envelope no wizard ever wanted to receive.

"Howler," he whispered.  Better get this over with...

Hands trembling, he opened the note. "DID YOU REALLY THINK YOU COULD ESCAPE FROM US, BOY?" a husky, animalistic voice screamed. "WE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE. WE'RE COMING TO KILL YOU, AND YOUR FAMILY."

"No..."

Every student's gaze was on Draco. He recognized the speaker: his uncle by marriage, Rodolphus Lestrange. He'd been the perfect match for Aunt Bella- and he was twice as insane.  Draco couldn't help feeling glad that such a couple never had any sons or daughters.  How did Rodolphus know where he was? Ask Draco's family, and they'd say he was on vacation in Australia. They wouldn't reveal his true location. Unless...  Unless he tortured them. Like he tortured Longbottom's parents. The idea churned Draco's stomach.

As the Howler disintegrated, Professor McGonagall bolted out of her chair, gesturing for Draco to follow her.  She led him towards a nearby eagle statue that guarded a staircase.

"Drooble's Best Blowing Gum," McGonagall commanded, willing the steps to rise.

Lucius had told Draco about the extravagance of Dumbledore-McGonagall's office, how deceased headmasters were immortalized within these walls.  Seeing it for himself, Draco felt absolutely wonderstruck.

I wonder how Snape kept the office when he was headmaster, he thought.

Professor McGonagall rushed to her desk and began writing at a furious pace. "I'm sending emergency owls to the Ministry and your parents," she explained. "They'll want to find a safe house where they can stay until further notice."

"What about me?" he asked.

"Hogwarts should be enough, but after last year, I won't take any chances.  I shall enlist a handful of Aurors to monitor the castle grounds for suspicious activity. Would you consider letting one serve as your bodyguard?"

Draco scoffed. "Like a nanny? No thanks-"

"Malfoy, I daresay Aurors know how to become invisible. Don't you? That would save you any embarrassment."

And this might be why the Sorting Hat didn't put me in Ravenclaw, he thought.

"Uh... Yes. You're right, Professor. Sorry. I think it's a good idea."

"Then, if you're comfortable staying here," McGonagall said, "I'll go make the arrangements. Shouldn't be gone for more than an hour or two."

Despite his restlessness, Draco agreed. He occupied himself by practicing spells, watching the sky as it blackened.

One hour. Two hours. Three hours passed before the door unlocked, and Professor McGonagall entered. Behind her stood a lanky young man with crimson hair, who readjusted his glasses; very ancient, familiar glasses.

It was none other than Percy Weasley.

"Hello, Malfoy," he said.

Draco was aghast. "You're joking. Him? Since when did you become an Auror, Weasley?"

"Passed the exam in August, I'll have you know," Percy asserted. "Like McGonagall explained to you, I'll be following you around, but you won't see me. 'Course, if you need privacy, just give me a signal and I can disappear."

"And the Slytherin common room?" Draco inquired.

"Don't fret. I'm not allowed down there. With the daily password changes, you couldn't get any safer. Came up with them myself. I'd also suggest keeping indoors, hard as that might be for you."

No sitting by the lake? No visits to Hogsmeade? No Quidditch? He already lived in a dungeon.

"I don't necessarily have to stay inside, Weasley," he said.  "Look, I'm a seventh-year; and my best subject is Potions. Couldn't I just... become somebody else when I go out?"

He saw a rare grin twist Percy's lips. "Why, you most definitely could."