Just like Brothers

Chapter 21

After a weeklong of last minute assignments and tests along with a trip to Hogsmeade, Holiday break had arrived.

Harry was finally relaxed, he had picked out gifts for all his friends with the exception of Draco (he had an idea what to get him but he had to wait to go shopping in muggle stores) and was ready for Christmas.

Hermione and Ron were both leaving for Holiday so Harry no longer felt guilty about not staying at Hogwarts, after all, if he stayed at Hogwarts, he would be the only 3rd year left behind.

"I can't believe you have to spend Christmas with the Dursley's, mate." Ron shot the raven-headed boy a sympathetic glance.

Harry nodded, feeling bad that he had lied once again.

"You know, Good thing Dumbledore is sending you back this year, after what we overhead in Hogsmeade about Black still being in the area. It's best that you aren't at Hogwarts alone." Hermione stated.

Ron shook his head in disagreement, "But Hermione, if Harry is at School he has people protecting him. He's going to be all by himself at the Dursley's."

"Do you really think Dumbledore didn't have wards put around Harry's aunt's and uncle's? Honestly Ronald. At least Black won't know where he is." Hermione tutted.

"Stop, you two! Whatever happens, I'll be fine, your bickering is giving me a headache," Harry groaned.

The trio decided to visit Hagrid before setting off for break. To their shock he was a blubbering mess when they arrived.

"Hagrid, what's wrong?" Hermione asked with concerned eyes.

"It's Buckbeak," Hagrid sobbed, "they've sentenced him to death."

"What! How can they do that?" Ron asked.

"I...I had to file an incident report to the Ministry and the verdict came out today." Hagrid blew his nose.

"I bet it was Malfoy's fault, he probably made his father pull some strings in the ministry." Hermione was brimming with fury.

"No, no Hermione. It wasn't Draco's fault, it was all my own." Hagrid cried.

"Draco? Since when do you call Malfoy by his first name Hagrid?" Ron squinted his eyes.

"Never mind that," Harry said, "what are we going to do?" He asked the Half-Giant.

"I don't think we can do anything," Hagrid blubbered, "Poor, Beaky, this is all my fault."

With spirits low, the trio left Hagrid. As soon as the door closed behind them, Hermione turned onto Ron.

"You...you arse!" She yelled, whacking him over the head.

"Argh, Hermione, have you gone mad!" Ron swatted her arm away.

"This is all your fault and you know it! Don't try to play dumb with me Ronald Weasley!"

Harry was immensely confused.

"What happened?" He asked 

"Why don't you tell him, Ronald?" Hermione spat.

Ron's face was now the color of his hair, making his freckles more prominent.

"Well, I...I uh." Ron started.

"Go on, get on with it." Hermione shoved him.

"I pushed Malfoy into Buckbeak," Ron huffed.

Harry stared.

"You did what?" He asked, his voice scarily level.

"I'm sorry, he deserved it!" Ron cried indignantly.

"How, Ron? How did Malfoy deserve it?" Harry questioned.

"Because he's a git!" Ron said as if it was obvious.

"He didn't do anything to you!" Harry shot back.

"Why are you defending him? What happened to you this summer because you are not my best mate." Ron squinted.

"What happened to me? What happened to you! The Ron I knew would never intentionally injure someone with no probable cause." Harry was now shouting.

"Come on Harry, we're going to miss the train." Hermione grabbed Harry's arm and pulled him away, leaving Ron watching them, anger dancing in his eyes.

>•<

      
"That blasted cat has chewed a hole through my sock!" Blaise Zabini grumbled as he threw clothing into his trunk. "Are you coming to the Christmas Ball this year Draco?" He asked, looking over at the blond as he packed his bag, "you know, my mother hasn't heard from your parents in a while, she wanted to make sure you lot were doing well." Draco finally turned to face the tan boy, he was met with a curious expression and raised eyebrows.

"Yes, we're doing fine. As of the Ball, I probably won't be able to make it." Draco said through gritted teeth.

"Alright mate, just checking. But I swear, if you leave me alone with Pansy again, I will jinx you." Blaise warned.

"C'mon Blaise, she isn't that bad, just a bit much, that's all, she means well." Draco said, absent mindlessly stroking the fur of his cat. Blaise rolled his eyes,"Whatever you say."

"Let's go, we're going to miss the train." Draco sighed, shrinking his trunk and sticking it in his pocket, he packed Lilious in his cage and the pair were on their way.

The boys exited the dungeons and started for the train station.

They passed a red Ron Weasley who shoved Draco as they walked by.

"Aye! Weaslebee! What was that for?" Blaise shouted after the boy.

"Sod off, Deatheaters." The Ginger responded.

"Weasley!" Draco called causing the Gryffindor to turn. "Don't you dare speak to me or my friends that way."

"What're you going to do about it?" Ron sneered. "Run along and tell you precious father about it."

Ron had taken several steps towards the pair and was now just infront of the two.

"What'd you say?" Draco's tone was seeping in venom.

"I said, go tell your father about this." Ron repeated.

Blaise stepped forward but Draco held out his arm, signaling the boy to stop.

"You are so dense, you know that Weasley? Maybe if you were as good as your brothers you wouldn't have to compete for attention." Draco said and turned around.

Hearing Ron draw his wand, the blond spun back around and shot a countering spell.

The ginger flung back and slammed into the wall.

Blaise and Draco gave him one last look before continuing their walk to the station.

>•<

The train ride was awkward for the golden trio.

Harry and Hermione were refusing to speak to Ron but he sat with them nevertheless.

Ginny, Fred and George also joined the trio's compartment.

For the majority of the ride, the 5 of them played exploding snap while Ron sulkily looked out the window.

When the trolley came by, the teens pooled their remaining coins to buy a headboard of treats which littered the compartment by the time they arrived at Kings Cross Station.

"Happy Christmas!" Hermione squealed as she pulled Harry into a hug, "make sure to write!"

He waved as she ran off to greet her parents.

After assuring the Weasleys that he had a ride and a place to stay, they left as well.

When the crowd thinned to the point where there was barely anyone left, Harry set off on his search for Draco who was supposed to meet him before they met up with Snape in a muggle pub down the block.

"Potter! Over here!" Harry spun around to see Draco waving him over. He jogged over.

"How was the train ride?" Harry asked as they began walking towards the gateway.

"Fine." Draco said dismissively. "You?"

"Fine." Harry responded.

The boys walked in silence to the quaint, empty muggle pub where Snape was already waiting. They both took the mans outstretched arms and disapperated away.