Harry and the others in his small dorm were busy trying to learn the spell Hermoine had found tucked away in the restricted section. The tiny book looked like an address book and while researching a spell had opened the larger book only to have the smaller one fall out in her lap. After opening it she had discovered several spells and potions for a variety of things. Such as the spell for the dark mark in the sky that the Death-eaters used to announce to the world that another innocent was dead. In fact Hermoine was able to change the formulation of the spell so that anything could be displayed.
Hermoine usually weary of anything that had dark magic connected with it had asked Madam Prince about the book who knew nothing about it. Even the authors name was omitted. When Hermoine finally let it be known the night at the three broom sticks that there may be a way to get rid of the dark mark on Draco and Severus Snape, Draco lost no time in readying the potion. It took two months to brew the potion and another two weeks to stand corked in a vial for potency. Draco had already started and with Slughorn and Snape's assistance would have enough to remove both of the men's Marks with some left over hopefully.
Christmas was fast approaching and Harry had yet to do his Christmas shopping. One of the perks about being a student professor was that he could come and go as he pleased as long as Minerva McGonagall was informed of his whereabouts. Ron informed him that morning when he asked that he couldn't make it as he had to do some work on some of the school brooms. Part of his job as a student professor. After Ron left the Common room Draco came in and sat on the couch and Harry watched him pick up yesterdays copy of the 'Daily Prophet'.
"Draco I was going Christmas shopping today if you'd like to come along," Harry said settling back into the armchair by the fire. "I didn't know if you had finished yours or not"
Harry thought at first Draco didn't hear him as he didn't move at first but only continued to read. Maybe Draco was ignoring him. "I'd like that Harry thanks. Mother got almost everything on my list the other day but there are a few last minute items I would like to get personally" Draco said just as Harry was going to say 'never mind.'
"Good maybe a bit of breakfast and we can get going then eh?" Harry asked.
Draco nodded and they went down and had breakfast and came back to their common room to pick up some things and they took the floo straight to Gringots.
The first person Harry saw when he came out of the fireplace was Bill Weasley looking his old self and with a slight tan. "Hi there Harry!" He said holding out his hand.
"Hi Bill, how was your honeymoon?" Harry asked
"Oh Harry you wouldn't believe it. We had a blast. There's this cozy little pirate built town where the streets are a maze. Both muggle and wizards live there but the muggles have no clue about the wizards. The streets are cobbled and the shops, lets just say that I don't have to shop for Christmas." Bill said and Harry saw that Bill looked like he wanted to say more but glancing over Harry's shoulder spying Draco his voice died.
"Sounds like you and Fleur had a wonderful time Bill" Draco said.
"Yes, yes we did. How are you Draco?" Bill asked evenly.
"Not good at all. Seems Potter is behind on HIS Christmas shopping" Draco said smiling uncertainly. "He asked me to tag along so I could do mine as well."
Harry chuckled "Well yes it's been tough getting out lately and Hogsmeade has just been rebuilt. I don't know how much we will find there or here either with some of the shops missing in Diagon Alley as well." Harry said.
"Did you two need something here or were you just using the floo system?" Bill asked all business now.
"Oh well, erm, I need to get in my vault" Harry stammered.
