Dysfunctional

41 - Romantic (Mis)adventures

Saturday, March 1

It was nearing eleven at night when Harry finally got to his dorm. He was still a bit shaken by the fact that Ron had been poisoned right in front of his eyes. Everyone was grateful he got the bezoar to Ron in the nick of time, but he could not imagine what would have happened if he hadn't come across it in the Prince's Potions book.

And to top it all off, Hagrid had let slip that Dumbledore had had a disagreement with Snape. He had a feeling that Sirius was right. Dumbledore knew much more than he let on and would likely not want Harry taking matters in his own hands and do something foolish.

But Ron could have likely died today and if Malfoy was behind the attack, he could not sit by and watch Malfoy targeting those who were close to him.

He knew that Malfoy was disappearing for long hours from the Marauder's Map. He had a fleeting idea to ask Sirius how that could be possible but quickly decided against it. Sirius had wheedled a promise out of Harry during the holidays that he would not meddle with Malfoy unnecessarily, even though Harry had already known he couldn't keep that promise.

He sighed as he got into his bed after pulling on his pajamas. The rest of the boys in his dorm were already asleep, not knowing that Ron had been poisoned. Harry suspected the news would have travelled throughout Hogwarts by breakfast tomorrow. He drew the curtains around himself and fell back into his bed, wondering again what Malfoy could be doing when he was not on the map.

If only he had someone who could keep an eye on Malfoy at all times, even when Harry was in class...

He quickly sat up, exhilarated by the idea. He could ask Twitchet to follow him and find out where he went!

Almost as soon as he thought of it, he deflated once he tried to think it through. Sirius would figure out if Twitchet was absent from Potter Manor. And would she even be allowed inside Hogwarts? Sure, Dobby had popped in to warn him during his second-year despite being-

Dobby! Harry grinned in the dark, feeling euphoric at his brainwave. Dobby would only be too eager to help. He would find Dobby tomorrow in the kitchens and tell him to keep an eye on Malfoy and if possible find out where he went.

Feeling his buzzing mind ease after that resolution, he fell asleep.

oOo

As he had guessed, everyone in Hogwarts had come to know that Ron had been poisoned and had endlessly asked Harry, and by extension, Hermione and Ginny, how it had happened. People did not think too much of it though - they suspected it was only an accident. He was in the Potion teacher's study when it happened after all. And he had been given the antidote immediately, so there would be no lasting harm.

Hermione finished her breakfast more quickly than usual and got up. "I'm going to the library, Harry. I'll need a few books for my Arithmancy homework."

"I'll be at the Hospital Wing," said Harry and with a nod, Hermione hurried off.

Ginny, who was sitting opposite him, followed Hermione's retreating form and smirked. "I'll bet a sickle she'll get to the Hospital Wing faster than you."

Harry sniggered. "I'm not betting against that."

"How long do you think before Ron finally comes around and realizes he fancies Hermione?" asked Neville from beside Harry, surreptitiously glancing at Lavender, who was sitting a few seats away. "It's painfully obvious. I wonder who Ron is trying to fool hanging out with Lavender."