Basil

The Great Hall had transformed in less than an hour, into the long duelling table that now crosses it. The four of them are sitting on the Slytherin side, near where Snape stands. Lockhart is spewing facts, counting down to his ‘demonstration’ duel, when Snape murmurs out “expelliarmus,” and Lockhart goes flying.

Harry can't hold in the laugh, and soon he and Draco are clutching each other's shoulders, doubled over. But then Lockhart is asking for a volunteer pair, and his eyes narrow on them.

“Potter, Malfoy!” He yells, and two sober up instantly. They pull themselves up, and Harry walks the length to the other end. He turns to face Draco, and nearly laughs again at the serious look on his face. They walk towards each other, and each step Harry has to fight the smile off his face.

They're about three feet away when Lockhart calls “Wands at the ready!”

“Scared, Potter?” Draco bites out, and Harry nearly loses it.

He manages to reply, “You wish.” Before both boys are barely holding back laughs. Snape and Lockhart don't look very impressed, but Harry’s already having the time of his life.

They walk back to the other ends, and raid their wands on Lockhart’s “one!”

At “two!” Both he and Malfoy shout their hexes.

Malloy manages “anteoclulatia” and Harry can feel the antlers growing from his head.

At the same time, Harry’s “Avifors” leaves the transfigured Malloy flapping in the air. He squawks (indignantly) and flies for Harry. Harry, Ron, and Hermione are laughing, but the rest of the room seems shocked into silence.

By the time Lockhart shouts “Stop!” Snape is already casting the counter curses to each. Harry doesn't think Snape knows how to smile, but his expression as of now is as close as he thinks he’ll ever get.

“Perhaps, a pair less likely to poke fun.” Lockhart says shakily, and it's then Harry realises why the others weren't laughing. They haven't learned those spells yet. Those are from the books Draco and Hermione bring back from the library..

“Right. How about, Goyle!” Snape finally shouts, and he clamours up. Harry swallows thickly, understanding that this is real now. He and Goyle are not friends. About as far from friends as you can get really.

They go through the motions, and the hall is dead silent as they take their places at either side. “Disarm only!” Lockhart says brightly, but Harry knows better. He knows what's about to happen.

Still, he's not prepared for the “serpenaortium” that Goyle immediately casts, nor the giant snake that erupts from his wand. The snake slides towards Harry, who's shoved aside by Lockhart.

“Alarte Ascendaré!” Lockhart calls, but the snake only flies into the air before falling down closer to Harry than before. It flares the sides of its face, and Lockhart stumbles back behind Harry. The snake hisses at him again

Harry feels Basil stiffen behind his ear then, and before he can stop her, she's jumping and expanding in mid air. The other snake startled, instantly shrinking back from the large form of Basil. Harry thinks he can almost see the beginnings of wings forming on Basil's side then, as if they've just started to grow.

Basil expands further, and screams at the snake to “leave him alone!” And before Harry knows it, Snape is calling out “vipera evanesca.”

When Snape turns his wand on Basil, Harry’s in front of her before he knows he's moved. “No!” He shouts, while Hermione, Draco, and Ron all begin climbing onto the platform as if to stop Snape physically as well. “She's mine!”

The silence that follows is deafening, as Basil slowly slithers up the back of his leg, shrinking in size as she goes. She slides into his robe pocket, and goes still. Snape is looking at him oddly, but he ignores it and walks to the edge, pulling his friends down with him. Draco and Hermione take either side, and Ron to his back. He's not sure what the show of strength here is, but he appreciates it all the same.

---

By the time they're at study hall, the whole school has learned of “Harry Potter and his Snake.” The rumours have tumbled from there, and half school now seems to think he's Slytherin’s actual heir.

The whispers surrounding him start grating on his and Basil’s nerves too much, and he stands suddenly with his stuff. The other three stare at him, but he just walks off without a word. Basil whispers an “I'm sorry” in his ear, but he shakes his head slightly. He's okay. She's okay. That's what really matters.

He's around the corner when he hears it.

“Blood. I want blood.” He follows the sound along the wall. “They all must die. Kill. Kill. Kill! Time to kill.” He loses the sound after a few feet, but the next few corners he rounds shows nearly-headless Nick floating frozen in the air, and Ernie MacMillan petrified, with water all over the floor.

“Caught in the act, Potter!” He hears Filtch say, and he turns to explain but the man is already gone. He looks back to Ernie, and sees the same trail of spiders he noticed earlier.

Filch brings McGonagall back with him, and she drags him to Dumbledore's office. He enters the door to an empty office. He walks through the room, and finds the sorting hat.

“Bee in your bonnet, Potter?” It asks, and Harry thinks before answering.

“I was just wondering, if you put me in the right house?” He finally asks.

“Ah yes, you were particularly hard to place. That snake of yours changes things a bit. However, I think you know you do well in Slytherin. Especially with those friends of yours.”

“My friends?” He asks, confused.

“Slytherins have a talent for loyalty, and for ambition. You’ll do great things with them. Whether or not those great things are good or bad however, is yet to be decided.” The hat closes then, clearly done speaking, and Harry looks around.

On a perch, a mangled red bird is standing. As he looks at it, it bursts into flames. Harry jumps back, and he hears Basil’s hissing laugh.

“It's a Phoenix.” She whispers to him. “It will rise from its ashes, stronger than before.”

“Harry?” Dumbledore’s voice calls, and he looks up to see him standing on top of the stairs.

“Your Phoenix, sir?” Harry questions, and Dumbledore smiles.

“Ah yes, Fawkes was due for a burning day. Pity you had to see him today, he's quite magnificent otherwise.” Harry looks back to the ashes, and sees the beginnings of a baby bird head poke out. Basil slithers down, and perches off Harry's shoulder. She nods her head to the bird, and it nods back. Harry looks at Dumbledore, but he's staring curiously at Basil.

Before he or Dumbledore can say anything, Hagrid comes rushing in, yelling about Harry's innocence.

Harry still isn't sure what he did to inspire such loyalty from the man.

“Hagrid, I do not believe Harry is guilty.” Dumbledore says, and Hagrid mutters a quiet ‘Oh’ before leaving with an embarrassed nod.

“You don't think it was me?” Harry asks, and Dumbledore smiles kindly at him.

“No, Harry. I do not think it was you. But I must ask you… where did you find such a beautiful specimen?” He points to Basil then, and Harry flushes slightly.

“I, uh, I followed her voice. To a store near Diagon Alley. She said she was waiting for me.” He explains, and Dumbledore’s eyes widen in surprise.

“That is a very special thing Harry. To have a familiar is very rare these days.” He motions to Fawkes, a fond smile on his face.

“Sir, what is a familiar?” Harry asks.

“Perhaps your friend Hermione might be able to tell you more about it?” He questions and Harry notes the dismissal for what it is.

---

“Hermione,” Harry starts that night in the library, “what are familiars?” Her eyes do that thing where they brighten, and he wonders if he's accidentally started an hour long lesson.

“In mythology, they're a demon that takes the form of an animal. They tend to find a witch or wizard that their soul connects with. For example, Filch and his cat. Although I'm not really sure that's right, because Filch isn't magic.” She trails off in thought, before straightening again. “Anyways, they're said to help powerful wizards, to help their powers grow stronger and help lead them through life. They are very rare though, only a few each century are even recorded or heard of.”

Harry nods, and absently pats Basil’s head. Hermione gazes fondly at the action, before her eyes go wide.

“Oh my god!” She exclaims, and Harry looks at her wide eyed. “Basil is your familiar. I can't believe I didn't think of that before!” She gets up suddenly, and disappears behind the shelves. Harry blinks after her, then turns to look at Basil.

“Did you know?” He asks quietly.

“Well I thought you called us pet. I couldn't remember the right name. Familiar feels right though.” She says, and Harry nods slightly. It does feel right. Much better than pet.

---

Christmas comes faster than Harry expects. Draco decides to stay again this year, and they manage to start it off with a mess.

They need a distraction for Lockhart while they sneak into the teachers area, and somehow Harry ends up volunteering to do it.

So, he's knocking on Lockharts door, and offering to help answer fan mail, which sounds worse than trying to reach the Philosopher’s Stone. Of course, he ends up spending three hours instead of one, listening to Lockhart go on and on about his accomplishments. Honestly, Harry's not even sure he can believe a word the man says, and by the time he's done his hand is numb.

He's walking past Moaning Myrtle’s bathroom, when he hears the sound of wailing. He looks down to see a trickle of water streaming out the door, slowly building until it’s passing him. He pushes open the door, and walks into the flooded bathroom.

All the faucets are on except one, and Myrtle is sitting between the row of stalls, moaning. Or wailing. Harry's not sure what the difference is. Either way she’s upset.

“Myrtle,” he says, and she jumps, “are you okay?”

“Are you here to throw another book at me?” She bites out, and Harry blinks at her.

“Why would I throw a book at you Myrtle?”

“Don't ask me! I was just minding my own business, sitting in my U-Bend, when someone throws a book on my head!” She's crying again and Harry doesn't really know what to do.

“Uh, are- are you okay?” He asks, and Myrtle stops crying to look up at him.

“No.” She says, and promptly starts crying again.

“Do you know who did it?” Harry asks, but she shakes her head. She points to the ground, and Harry notes a waterlogged black book lying there.

He picks it up, and looks for Myrtle, but she's flying back into her toilet so he leaves quickly, turning off the faucets as he goes.

---

“I don't like it!” Hermione shouts at him, and he and Draco wince at the shrillness of it, she lowers her voice. “Disappearing into a book? That's not natural magic and I can't find any books on it!”

Harry's beginning to regret telling her about Tom Riddle, and the idea that Hagrid might be behind it all.

He's taken to carrying the book with him at all times, afraid Hermione is right, and the book is dangerous.

But right now, it's sitting at his desk while he follows Hermione through the library aisles. She's still going on about the dangers of magic (funny, because he knows she has at least ten books from the restricted section under her bed right now), but he’s tuned her out.

They walk a few more aisles before she stops and turns to them. “Neither of you have been listening.” She sighs, and Draco makes an indignant noise.

“I was listening! You were talking about Gamp’s Laws.” Hermione quirks an eyebrow, but a small smile forms as she rolls her eyes. Harry nearly groans aloud, thinking he’s about to get stuck in the middle of their weird thing again. She leads them back towards their desks.

Except, their desks are a mess. All of their books have been thrown around, and all their bags have been emptied. Harry runs to his desk, but he already knows.

“It's gone.” He whispers. “Riddle’s diary is gone.”

---

He's waiting on the pitch with Ron, when Snape comes marching up to them.

“Come with me.” He says, and they quickly exit down the stairs. They confusedly follow him towards the infirmary, and Harry's stomach twists when he sees who’s lying on the two beds.

Hermione and Draco are side by side, holding each other's hands. Hermione has one hand extended, and Draco his opposite. He and Ron rush to their sides, but can't bring themselves to touch them.

“They were found with these.” Snape holds up two mirrors. “Any ideas why?” He asks, but they shake their heads no. He nods, “we’ll leave you with them for a few moments.” He and Madam Pomfrey briskly walk out and close the doors behind them.

“Harry,” Ron says, “there's something in between their hands.” Harry looks, and a piece of paper is just sticking out from it. He reaches forwards and tries to pull it out. It rips slightly, but he's able to make out the words “enemy to spiders. The eyes will kill those who make direct eye contact, and petrify any who see a reflection.”

He reads it aloud, and is about to ask Ron what that means when he feels Basil trembling in his pocket. He pulls her out and squints at her shaking form.

“Basil? What is it, what’s wrong?” She shaking but she manages to whisper one word.

“Basilisk.” She says, and while it means nothing to Harry, he sees Ron go stiff and cold.

“Pipes.” Ron whispers, and Harry looks at him oddly. “A basilisk is a giant snake. It's supposed to be myth. But you've been hearing it through the walls. The pipes Harry!” He sounds a bit hysteric, so Harry just nods.

“All students must return to their house dormitories at once. All teachers to the second floor corridor, immediately.”

Harry and Ron take off for the second floor corridor. He's not sure if they know what they're doing, but he knows he has to understand more.

Yet, when they arrive chaos is already ensuing. Snape is accusing Lockhart of knowing where the chamber is, and the teachers are all bequeathing the task to him. It's not until McGonagall breathes “Ginny Weasley” that Harry even realises he's decided they need to help Lockhart.

They run the long way to Lockhart’s office, avoiding the rest of the teachers. When they enter to see Lockhart packing, he wishes he could say he was surprised. But he's not, not in the slightest.

The surprising part is Ron saying “imperio” before Lockhart has even fully raised his wand. Harry's not sure what exactly it does, but he recognises the numb look that overcomes Lockhart’s face- as if he's been drugged. Ron looks at Harry nervously.

“I-I'm sorry! I didn't know what else to do!” He shouts.

“Ron, I have no idea what you did, but I'm glad you did it.” He responds, and Ron nods numbly. “Is this from those books you've been reading?”

“Yes. I-it's an unforgivable curse. Illegal in the wizarding world.” He whispers nervously, but Harry does not care about that right now. He simply nods and pulls Ron after him.

“I think we need to talk to Myrtle.” Harry says, and then explains to Ron his theory about the water and her death. When they get there, an entranced Lockhart with them, Myrtle is wailing some song, and he has to clear his theory twice to get her attention. “Myrtle,” he says when she finally stops, “I need you to tell me how you died.”

“Oh!” She says excitedly. “It was dreadful. I'd hidden because Oliver Hornsby was teasing me about my glasses. I was crying, and then I heard somebody come in.”

“Who was it?” Harry asks.

“I don't know! I was distraught!” She says with a hiccup. “But they said something funny, a kind of made-up language. And I realised it was a boy speaking, so I unlocked the door to tell him to go away and… I died.”

“Just like that? How?”

“I just remember seeing a pair of great, big, yellow eyes… right over there.” She points to one of the sinks, and Harry follows to it. She floats away, but Harry hardly notices once he sees the snakes adorning the side of the faucet.

“Say something.” Basil whispers to Harry, and he immediately whispers back to her. The sink rises, and they watch in awe as it separates to show an open hole in the ground.

Ron waves his wand, and suddenly Lockhart is jumping into the hole. Harry's not sure how this spell works, but he thinks he's glad Ron is the one doing it. A groan comes from Lockhart, before he tells Ron he’s okay, and they follow quickly.

When they reach the bottom, Harry tries to ignore the bones, and then the massive snake skin. Ron directs Lockhart to stay in front of them, and again Harry is surprised by the lack of guilt he feels. He’s actually more concerned about that lack of guilt than about Lockhart himself.

They make it to a cave entrance, adorned with eight serpents. Harry speaks to it, and the eight serpent circles around to unlock the door. They enter down the ladder slowly, and Ron pushes Lockhart to the side when he sees Ginny’s body. He runs for her, and Harry almost tells him to stop, but he's running too.

When Tom shows up Harry almost isn't surprised. It's Ron who exclaims “no!” When Tom explains Ginny opened the chamber, but Harry’s already looking around wildly for the snake.

“Voldemort is my past, present, and future.” Tom continues monologuing, and draws out I Am Lord Voldemort. And then they're shouting at each other.

When Fawkes throws the hat at him, he has half a mind to set it on fire. But then Tom is speaking to the statue, and Harry is screaming at Ron “close your eyes!” He lies down next to Ginny, and Harry hopes to God it'll follow him, not Ron.

Suddenly, Fawkes is behind him, tearing out the Basilisk’s eyes. The bird takes off, and Harry's running hard away from the creature. When he finds himself stuck in one of the tubes, Basil wiggles her way free. She slithers quietly down him, until she reaches the ground. He watches with fear as she expands rapidly, and then surely there are beautiful blue wings sprouting from her body. She flaps wildly for a minute, before turning and hissing loudly. Harry hears the basilisk go racing after her, and tries to staunch the panic he feels.

He runs back to the front, quickly up to Ron and Ginny. Tom has the wand pointed at Ron’s neck, and Harry runs towards them, when he hears the wild warnings form Basil. He dives quickly to the ground, as the basilisk jumps from the water. He gets up and continues running, when Basil suddenly shouts “the hat!”

He grabs it on his way, surprised by the sudden heaviness of it. Looking in, he catches the glint of silver and grabs the sword sticking out of it. The basilisk is thrashing behind him, and he quickly dives around the side of the giant statue. Ridges on the side provide leverage, and he's pulling himself up them quickly when the basilisk makes its first strike. It's blindness keeps her from hitting him, but it’s so close Harry doesn't think it'll miss the next time. He scrambles up the last few feet, and pushes himself back against the wall as soon as he's up. Basil is flapping loudly around the basilisk, making it snap it's head back and forth, until Harry steps forward on the stone.

The basilisk freezes, as if zeroing in on the sound of Harry's footsteps. By the time it's head rears back, Harry has the sword angled perfectly. When it strikes, Harry manages to stick the sword straight through the top of his mouth. He doesn't realise until he's pulled back though, that a fang has embedded itself in his arm. He winces, and Basil seems to give a half squawk half hiss at him. He lowers himself slowly down the side of the statue, and pulls himself back to Ron and Ginny’s side.

He kneels by them and curses at Tom. He's still gripping the fang, when Basil slides around his shoulders.

“Stab the diary.” She whispers in his ear, and Harry automatically follows her directions. His vision begins to blur, but he manages to see Tom fill with light before disappearing.

Ginny wakes, and Ron's there to hold her. Harry lies down slowly, and he feels Basil curl up on his chest. He's about to close his eyes when he feels hot liquid on his arm. Turning his head, he sees Fawkes crying over his wound.

“Thank you.” He whispers as his vision starts to clear. He feels some of his strength seep back, and he looks to the crying form of Ginny.

“I'm sorry. I'm so sorry.” She's whispering over and over. Harry shakes his head, tries to tell her it's okay, but his throat is too thick to say anything so he just keeps shaking his head.

It takes him and Ron another five minutes before they remember Lockhart. Looking up at the same time, they look back to the entrance. Lockhart is lying still on the ground, and Harry doesn't think he's breathing.

Getting up slowly, Basil curling on his shoulders, he walks slowly to the body. Ron tells Ginny to stay, but she follows anyway. By the time Harry gets there he already knows it's true. A gash on Lockhart’s shoulder is obvious, and he's probably been dead since Harry ran past for the pipes.

Ginny’s gasp brings Harry back to the present, and he suddenly realises that she hasn't seen or even been close to death before. Ron quickly pulls Ginny back, and Harry looks around, trying to figure out how exactly they'll climb the pipes with a dead body.

Fawkes flies over, and Basil moves so he can settle on Harry's shoulder. He lets out a series of musical tones, and Harry looks to Basil for help.

“She says she’ll come back for him.” Basil whispers, and Harry nods. He turns around to find Ron hugging Ginny tight while she silently sobs. Harry feels a twinge of sympathy, but his goal is to get them out. He walks over to them.

“Hold on to her tight.” Harry says to Ron, and he nods. Fawkes grips Harry’s arm through the shirt, and Harry tightly grabs Ron’s arm. Ginny wraps her arms around Ron’s waist, and suddenly they're airborne. Fawkes’s grip stays strong, and he flies fast enough Harry barely realises they've come out of a cave on the outskirts of the grounds. Fawkes drops them in the Great Hall, and immediately turns back. He arrives with Lockhart’s body less than ten minutes later.

It doesn't take long for someone to alert a professor, and Snape comes rushing up from the side staircase. He stops in his tracks at the sight of Lockhart’s body, but quickly recovers. He moves past it to Harry. Looking up at him, Harry suddenly realises Snape is actually concerned about him.

“I'm fine, sir.” He says, and Snape scoffs at him. He reaches out a hand to turn Harry's chin back and forth, before pulling back to nod slightly. He opens his mouth, but before he can respond to Harry, footsteps reach their ears.

McGonagall, Pomfrey, and Flitwick come rushing down the stairs towards them. Snape swiftly steps back from Harry, towards Lockhart’s body. Ginny is still crying while Ron hugs her, but none of the professors even look at her. They all stare wide eyed at Lockhart’s body. Madam Pomfrey has a hand to her mouth, McGonagall looks sick, and Harry suddenly feels angry.

This ‘professor’ was a liar, and all of the other professors seemed to have known that from the beginning. Yet, here they are mourning him, a man he's pretty sure they all avoided like the plague. None of them have even looked to Ginny, who's alive and needs medical attention now. Harry's rage over this starts to rise, and he’s about to yell at them, when his eyes flick to Ron.

Suddenly, he remembers the spell Ron used, something ‘unforgivable’ he'd said. If the teachers found out just how much of a fraud Lockhart was, they might question why he went with them. Thinking quickly, Harry adopts a tone of sadness.

“He tried to push me out of the way. There was a basilisk,” gasps at that, “and before Fawkes could blind it, it came after me, and he jumped in the way. He saved my life.” Harry keeps his tone a balance between sadness and awe, and he doesn't think anyone looks twice. Except maybe Snape, but Harry has a feeling he won't say anything.

Finally, Madam Pomfrey looks away from the body, to Ginny’s sobbing form. Ron's looking at Harry, but his face is carefully neutral. When he looks at Ginny it softens a bit, and Harry feels a pang over that kind of love. But then Ginny is being taken to the infirmary, and he and Ron are led to Dumbledore’s office. Fawkes comes flying in after, the hat and the sword clutched in its talons. Harry had completely forgotten about them.

“You two broke hundreds of school rules tonight,” Dumbledore starts, “however, you also committed some amazing feats. You will be given an award for special services to the school.” They smile grimly at that, but Dumbledore’s tone is full of sadness. Harry knows what he should say, but Ron beats him to it.

“Sir, does… does Lockhart have family? How do we honour him?” Ron asks, and Dumbledore blinks at him for a moment.

“Mr. Weasley, please do not think for a moment that I do not know exactly what happened in the chamber.” He says, and Ron's eyes go wide with fear. “Not to worry my boy, everyone is allowed to make a mistake every once in a while.” Ron nods furiously, and Dumbledore smiles kindly at him. “Mr. Weasley, I would appreciate it if you would deliver this letter? It holds the release papers for Hagrid.”

Ron nods, and practically runs out of the office. Once he's gone, the tension in the room seems to rise. Harry turns back to face Dumbledore, who is staring down at the sword Harry used.

“Harry, do you know what this sword is?” Dumbledore ask, and Harry shakes his head. “This, is the sword of Godric Gryffindor. By all accounts, only a Gryffindor should be able to retrieve the sword. However, it values bravery, and I do believe you were very brave tonight.”

“Sir, I don't think I had a choice.”

“You're right, my boy, you're very right. But, you still did your best.” Dumbledore passes then to stare at him. “Is there something you want to ask?”

“When I was talking to Tom,” Harry starts nervously, “I think I recognised pieces of myself in him? And I guess I was just wondering. There's not a lot I know about… that night. And I wanted to know, sir, if it's possible that when Voldemort disappeared, not all of him disappeared?”

“Harry I think I may have underestimated you.” Dumbledore says, and Harry furrows his eyebrows. “Yes, I believe that when Voldemort tried to kill you, and the curse rebounded, a part of his power transferred to you. It might be why you can speak to snakes.”

“It's why I'm in Slytherin.” Harry says, even though he doesn't believe that, he just knows it's what Dumbledore wants to hear.

“Harry, you belong with your friends. Ms. Granger, Mr. Weasley, and even Mr. Malfoy. They are where you belong. Stay with them and all will be alright.” Harry's about to ask how Dumbledore knows this, when the door blows open, and Mr. Malfoy comes striding back in.

“Where, is my son!” He exclaims, and Harry jumps at the fury behind it. “You are back, against the ruling of the board, and here my son still lies in petrification, and I'm not allowed to see him!”

“Lucius please.” Dumbledore raises a hand lightly. “I will take you to young Mr. Malfoy. They are creating the mandrake cure as we speak, please have patience.”

“Patience! You allowed a deranged girl to lead a snake around and petrify my son! That girl should be locked up!” He shouts.

“That girl, was under the control of Voldemort!” Harry shouts back, and Mr. Malfoy looks at him in disgust.

“Harry, is correct, Lucius. This journal,” he holds up Tom’s diary, “held a particular amount of memories from Lord Voldemort, and was able to control the girl easily. We are still investigating how she came across such a dangerous item.”

Mr. Malfoy looks angrily between the two of them, before turning and leaving the room. Harry notices Dobby standing outside the door, and Mr. Malfoy sends a kick at him as they leave.

“Sir,” Harry turns back towards the desk, “are you really still investigating?” There’s a twinkle in Dumbledore’s eyes, but he doesn't answer. Harry smiles a bit. “In that case, do you mind if I have this?” He points to the diary. Dumbledore raises his eyebrows, but nods his head once. Harry grins and takes off with it.

“Mr. Malfoy! Mr. Malfoy, wait!” Harry calls after the man. He turns with an irritated sigh, and Harry notes Dobby cowering behind him. “You forgot something.” Harry says, and hands out the diary.

“Why- you-” Mr. Malfoy cuts himself off and grabs the diary roughly. He slams it into Dobbys chest, and Harry has to fight the laugh crawling up his chest.

Open it, he mouths to Dobby. By the time the house elf has discovered the wet, slimy sock, Harry has already backed away a few feet.

“Come along Dobby.” Mr. Malfoy says, but Dobby doesn't move.

“Master has given Dobby a sock.” The elf says, and Lucius freezes. “Dobby is free!”

Mr. Malfoy turns, and Harry's wand is already out, prepared for the temper. “How dare you!” The man shouts, but Harry is casting an expelliarmus before he's even got his wand pointed. Harry smiles when Dobby plants himself in front of him, and Mr. Malfoy accepts defeat far easier than Harry thought he would.

Outside the infirmary, Harry hears shouting, and then Ms. Pomfrey is pushing Mr. Malfoy out the door, an angry finger to his chest.

“I have never in my life heard such language from an adult wizard!” She shouts at him, and while Mr. Malfoy towers over her, he looks properly afraid. She continues shouting and pushing him, until they round the corner. Harry sneaks into the hospital room, and finds a pale faced Draco and a wide eyed Hermione staring at the wall across from their beds.

“Alright then?” He says, and they both jump, turning to look at him.

“Harry!” Hermione shouts, sitting up and smiling at him. Draco gives him what could pass as a smile but is definitely more of a grimace, and then looks down at his lap.

“What was that?” He stuck a thumb over his shoulder, and Hermione’s smile dropped.

“Uh well, Draco’s father, he wasn’t too happy about-“ she started, but Draco cuts her off.

“He arrived before the de-petrification happened. He was quite angry about me holding a-“ he takes a deep breath- “a ‘mudblood’s’ hand.”

“Oh” Harry said, as the two of them seemed to deflate even more. Then deciding not to hold his thoughts in, “Well he sounds like a git, no offence.”

Draco laughed as Hermione smiled down into her lap, looking up at her quickly and then back down again.

“He’s an idiot. I’m pretty sure Hermione is already a better witch than him.” Draco says, and Hermione smiles shyly at him, but looks away just as quickly. Harry smiles, proud of the progress they've all made. For now he thinks they’ll be okay.

The train ride home is different than last year, as their compartment is suddenly crowded with the four of them, Ginny Weasley, Neville Longbottom, and, oddly enough, Theo. Harry isn’t sure how they all ended up here, but the conversation is flowing and everyone seems to be laughing and enjoying themselves, so he just decides to enjoy it until they get to London.