The Master of Death

Chapter29: Happenings

About half an hour later Harry found himself back in the dorm in the Gryffindor tower. He was walking down the stairs leading to the common room, hoping that no one would ask about the purplish bruise beneath his jaw or his dishevelled state. It wasn't the only bruise, but the only one that was currently visible since it wasn't covered by Death who was curled around Harry's neck in his snake form. The being writhed slowly, smooth scales sliding against Harry's skin and he flicked his tongue out then and now to scent the air.

"Harry!" As soon as he had entered the common room, Hermione already rushed towards him.

"Where have you been all night? We looked all over for you," she said eagerly, but before Harry could reply she already waved him off. "It doesn't matter anyways-" she stopped mid-sentence; her attention seemingly caught by something behind Harry. "Ron! Look who finally showed up," she said over his shoulder.

When Harry turned his head, he was indeed faced with the sleep-deprived Gryffindor. Ron's head resembled a red bird's nest and he ruffled through it with a yawn. "Where've you been mate?" he asked just like Hermione had earlier. Then he blinked at Harry and his gaze fell onto the hickey on his neck. His eyes widened.

"It's not important right now, Ron," Hermione said dismissively, seemingly not aware of Ron's discovery. "Show him the letter!"

Ron's eyes lingered on the bruise for a moment till he noticed that Harry was looking at him. "Yeah, the letter," he said. "But I need some food first, besides, we can't miss the article," he added with a meaningful look at Hermione.

"Right," Hermione said. "Let's go. Ron can explain it to you on the way."

And indeed. While they went down to the Great Hall to get to breakfast, Ron told Harry all about the letter he'd apparently received last night.

"...I can't believe that Percy sent me that," Ron ranted angrily. "Here-" he rummaged in his bag and pulled out a wrinkly piece of parchment- "I wanted to rip it into pieces, but Hermione told me to keep it, to show it to you first." He handed Harry the letter and continued with his rant. "Dolores Umbridge, a delightful woman..." Ron said as if to imitate Percy, while Harry smoothed out the wrinkles of the parchment. "Yeah Right. Just like Malfoy is a joy to be around. All-important he thinks he is since he's working for the ministry. That slimy..."

A faint memory surfaced in Harry's mind. He recalled that Ron had once received a letter from Percy and as soon as he read the first lines, he remembered what it had been about.

Dear Ron,

I have only just heard (from no less a person than the Minister for Magic himself, who has it from your new teacher, Professor Umbridge) that you have become a Hogwarts prefect.

I was most pleasantly surprised when I heard this news and must firstly offer my congratulations. I must admit that I have always been afraid that you would take what we might call the "Fred and George" route, rather than following in my footsteps, so you can imagine my feelings on hearing you have stopped flouting authority and have decided to shoulder some real responsibility.

But I want to give you more than congratulations, Ron, I want to give you some advice, which is why I am sending this at night rather than by the usual morning post. Hopefully, you will be able to read this away from prying eyes and avoid awkward questions.

From something the Minister let slip when telling me you are now a Prefect, I gather that you are still seeing a lot of Harry Potter. I must tell you, Ron, that nothing could put you in danger of losing your badge more than continued fraternisation with that boy. Yes, I am sure you are surprised to hear this - no doubt you will say that Potter has always been Dumbledore's favourite - but I feel bound to tell you that Dumbledore may not be in charge at Hogwarts much longer and the people who count have a very different - and probably more accurate - view of Potter's behaviour. I shall say no more here, but if you look at the Daily Prophet tomorrow you will get a good idea of the way the wind is blowing - and see if you can spot yours truly!