195 Changes

"So what do you think?" Draco asked seeing Remus and Sirius return, "I guess from the fact that you two didn't kill each other, we're good aren't we?"

"Yes." Remus shook his head, "But this thing we're fighting against, how can you be sure to defeat it."

"As they say in muggle terms, a good magician never reveals his secret but our old friend did." Draco said with a slight smile, "We just have to find some 'holders', destroy it and we're good."

"Easier said than done." Sirius crashed into the couch, "Just two of those werewolves gave us a bloody hard time."

"Yes, but that's because I didn't have my magic." Draco said, "I am sure you could've done a much better job too."

"Oh! Thanks for the consolation, Dear Prince." Sirius rolled his eye but suddenly turned serious, "Do you think we can get whatever magic they are using to help Moony?"

"You mean the werewolf thing?", Seeing Sirius nod Draco continued, "Sure, but there are certain chances that we might not be able to as well, so I wouldn't pin my hopes on it if I were you."

"It's okay. I am just curious." Remus said, "From what I've heard from him, the magic that allows you to transform whenever and wherever sounds too good to be true."

Draco nodded, "Well it's better to see it for yourself than for me to tell you. So are you in or out?"

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Hogwarts.

"Hermione! what were you thinking?" Harry asked with concern, "I didn't expect you to skip school and go out on dangerous adventures."

"Sigh! Don't talk about it." Hermione said shaking her head, "Professor McGonagall has been giving me enough looks of disappointment. So I hope you guys won't start doing the same as well."

"So did you find Black?" Ron asked after a while of sitting there silently, "I heard from father that he could be in loads of trouble after Drumstrang suddenly got attacked."

"Well, he's fine." Hermione said looking out of the window, "If all things go well, he should be back before school ends."

"That guy is really something." Harry said with nervous laughter, "He's probably fighting something big out there like last time and here we are stuck with the same problem for such a long time."

"Wait! Did anyone get Petrified?"

"Yes, two students during Christmas." Harry said, "It was a good thing you were away, as it least they won't blame you."

"Are they still doing it?"

Harry helplessly shrugged as Ron said with a snort, "Well most of them still believe Harry is the cause behind it because he could technically be a Slytherin heir, but I am sure if Black was here they would blame him instead. And I am sure if there were any other stronger people out there, they would blame them as well."

Hermione looked at Harry with a confused stare as if she was saying, 'When did Ron begin Symapthizing with Draco?'

Harry understanding Hermione gave out a bitter smile as he said, "Ron's been getting quite good with spells these days and he thinks someone is suspecting him to be an heir as well. So I think he's sympathizing with the strong..."

"I don't just think it, I know for sure." Ron argued, "I told you, my closet, bed, suitcase... everything had been tampered with as if someone was searching for something,"

"How did you find out about it?" Hermione asked not taking Ron too seriously.

"I have been placing some spells on my stuff so I would know who touched them." Ron said with a bit of annoyance seeing Hermione's skeptic look, "Someone special taught me the spell. And besides, I am not going to stay the same forever. I have to grow stronger as well."

"So do you know who could've done so?"

"Theodore Nott," Ron said, "He hides it well, but I know it's him."

"Theodore?" Hermione asked, "Ron, I am sure there is a misunderstanding and I mean, just because of a little rivalry between the two houses, its good to blame everything on him."

"I am not doing so because of it." Ron said, "Every time we enter the club, Theodore only pays attention to me. He won't allow others to duel with me and would only be my opponent. Though these days I am beginning to overwhelm him a little, he still annoys me. I can say for sure that he's keeping an eye on me."

"I'll talk to him." Hermione said frowning a little, not because of Theodore's actions but for the fact that Ron felt different from before. It felt like he changed completely into a new person within Christmas.

"Don't worry." Ron said, "It's not worth the time. Once I master the few spells I've been learning I'll be sure to teach him a lesson myself."

"Okay forget about this for now." Harry said as he looked at Hermione as if he wanted to confirm something, "Hagrid's been calling me, wanna come with me?"

"Sorry Harry, I have a bit of work to do." Ron said as nodded at the two of them and began walking out, "Say hello to Hagrid from me!"

"Tell me that it isn't only me." Hermione said as Harry nodded.

"It isn't only you."

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"So he's fine?" Theodore asked.

"Yes, for now at least," Pansy said remembering the scene from Drumstrang, the werewolf chasing Draco down. Pansy sighed, 'But I am not sure for how long."

"I think I should head out as well," Theodore said.

"Don't! Remember what Draco told you?" Daphne reminded, "We need to stay here and solve the goddamn thing that's been haunting us. Look, I know how you feel okay. When I saw Pansy and Hermione rush towards Draco to find him, I wanted to do the same as well. But I told myself that I need to belive him and that's what we should do as well."

"Fine! Then I am going to hunt down that Basilisk and then go after Draco." Theodore said with a resolute tone. But unknown to them, someone walked behind them.

"What Basilisk?"