The Deceit of Man

Return To Hogwarts

September first found Harry, Draco, and the twins waiting on the platform for the Hogwarts Express an hour early. They'd arrived just as the clock struck ten so they could watch and assess those that arrived to try bolster not only their ranks but their influence as well. It was here that Draco would be more knowledgeable. He had grown up in the more elite Pureblood circles and would know where everyone stood as far as magic orientation went.

Sirius and Remus had both wanted to see the quartet off but they had been unable to with their schedules. Sirius had been needed at the school for last minute for a staff meeting while Remus had the unpleasant task of forcing the Lestrange brothers into the Floo so they could take part in said meeting as well. Augusta had already said that Neville would be arriving with the Bones as she was needed for the staff meeting as well.

As they waited, the quartet spoke quietly on how things were going to go this year and how the new changes would affect the way their schedules were set up. Draco, Harry and Neville needed to meet with each of the Houses they were the Lord over and lay down the groundwork for school unity and House unity. The three of them were tired of the way that people in the Houses treated each other. People like Neville who'd been bullied by a few of the older Gryffindors or like Draco who'd bullied the younger years because it was expected of him. The trio was hoping to quell that kind of thing with the Weasley twins and their friends as support in containing the older years.

With a hiss the doors of the Hogwarts Express opened and the quartet made their way onto the train to simply secure a compartment. Their trunks went into the overhead racks and privacy charms were placed on the door before they left again. The charms would keep unwanted attention from the compartment while ensuring they had a place to sit at the same time. Draco wanted to meet with Blaise to see where the Italian stood and to keep an eye out for Pansy who was determined to become Lady Malfoy.

Sure enough, it wasn't long before Pansy's shrieking voice sounded above the rest of the noise, "DRAKIE, THERE YOU ARE!! Why haven't you responded to any of my letters this summer? Why are you standing over here with Pothead the liar and his pet Weasels?" Pansy sneered as she got closer. The twins started to reach for their wands but Draco held up a hand to stop them. This was something he not only needed to take care of himself, but something he wanted to take care of himself.

"Parkinson, consider the privilege of using my first name revoked. I have told you numerous times that I did not appreciate the atrocious form of my name you have taken to using. As such, I have tired of your voice. As for the matter of my silence this summer, I have had things to take care of this summer in which I have gotten closer with not only Lord Potter-Black but Fred and George Weasley as well. I do not appreciate the tone you have taken with me as you are not my betrothed nor my companion. You will address me in the matter as befitting my station: either Lord Malfoy or Lord Ravenclaw. If you cannot then we have nothing further to discuss."

"But Drakie, we're as good as betrothed and what do you mean that you are Lord Malfoy. Your father holds that title not you."

"I am only going to say this once more, you despicable cow. We are not and will never be together. I think you are going to need a reminder though so being the kind and benevolent Lord that I am, I'm more than willing to provide beforehand."

With a quick flick of his wand, Draco cast an acne hex on the pug like girl in front of him. That would have been funny alone seeing as Parkinson had no idea what he'd cast on her. However Draco had gone one step beyond and caused them to spell out cow on her forehead. They were horribly noticeable and Harry doubted that any amount of makeup would hide them.

Fred conjured up a mirror and flashed the reflective side at her and chuckled at her shriek. Parkinson ran off and the quartet grinned at each other. The sound of Ron's voice from their left killed all the laughter though, "That was brilliant Harry. I couldn't have done better myself. I completely forgive you for bringing the Ferret into Headquarters and then for leaving me and Hermy behind when you and the others left. Come on though, she and Ginny are saving us a compartment on the train."