ORDER ONLY: A run-in with Draco Malfoy

[alt_hermione]

The other day I ran into Draco and I think maybe you should know about it. I almost didn't tell but then I thought that you all would want to know. I don't think he wants to hurt me or anything first of all!

But Harry was at the Quidditch meeting and so he didn't have me with him so Draco cornered me and he wanted to know how I used his wand. And he tried to make me do a spell with his wand again, but I refused, because I don't think that even "he told me so" would be a good enough defense, and he was rather sore about it. At first I thought he was trying to get me into trouble, but that doesn't make any sense, and so I don't know if he was, I think maybe he was curious. Like that time when they made me prick myself. 

And he seemed surprised when I didn't want to use his wand, like he thought I would say something else, but I don't know what he expected, because of course I don't want to get in that trouble again, I mean after what happened last time, and I don't know how they track it but surely someone would know if I used his wand, wouldn't they?

Comments

[alt_poppy]

I must leave it to Arthur or Bill Weasley to explain how the Ministry traces wand use, dear, but I am afraid you are quite right that it would be quickly known if you were to use a registered wand belonging to anyone else (let alone to young Mr Malfoy).

At all costs, you must hold to that line. I regret that there will likely be both awkwardness and danger to you in doing so, but the danger of using someone else's wand to do magic must outweigh whatever trouble might result from your refusal to do so.


I'd like to wring that lad's neck for putting you in such a position. Perhaps you could return to the Hospital Wing whilst Mr Marvolo attends Quidditch practices if you cannot attend him there? Minerva? This incident is a reminder of the serious dangers posed by lodging Miss Granger in that House and leaving her vulnerable to its denizens.

[alt_hermione]

I don't think he knew that it could get me in trouble, really, Madam Pomfrey. I mean, I think that he knew that I'd be in trouble to have used a wand, but I don't think that he thought about how people just seem to know things about Mudbloods and so on.

Since Dean came to Hogwarts I've been thinking about this. Dean doesn't act the way everybody else does at Hogwarts, and I think maybe it's because he was a Mudblood like me and Terry and Dennis, or even worse because he had to stay in the camps. And so, he knows that there are more things in the world than just Hogwarts, and he knows what he can get away with, but Draco Malfoy and Harry Marvolo and the other children don't, and sometimes they forget that they can get us in trouble.

Except sometimes they do want to get us in trouble, but I don't think that Draco did.

[alt_arthur]

You are very wise to tell us about this, Hermione. Please do continue to bring up anything that you think might have an impact on your personal safety, so that we may be aware and move to protect you if necessary. Your hunch was correct: you would indeed be in mortal danger if you are ever caught again using someone else's wand, and no, I'm sure that 'he told me to do it' would butter no cauldron cakes with the Ministry whatsoever. Frankly, since it would be considered a second offence, the penalty would be even more severe than last time. The ultimate penalty, in fact. Don't let it come to that, my dear.

[alt_sirius]

Malfoy's still harping on your using his wand last year? Is that it?

Well, Poppy's right, kiddo. You can't risk accepting and using a wand, even under duress. I'm not sure what would happen if he simply forced it into your hand, though, and then accused you of stealing it. That's a worry for which I've no palatable solution.

I guess I'm more concerned that Draco's still on about something from three months ago, for which Hermione has already suffered more than enough. Minerva, is there any way to call him off without making it seem like you're protecting Hermione?

[alt_mcgonagall]

I do not believe so, Sirius, although perhaps I might call Marvolo and Malfoy both into my office and request to know how they have been using their servants. I have been given to understand that I ought to be supervising their behaviour; perhaps I could hint at it?

[alt_sirius]

Supervise how, Minerva?

[alt_mcgonagall]

There was some concern that they are too young to properly discipline and maintain their servants.

The Lord Protector requested me to observe Marvolo in particular, to ensure that he is neither too harsh nor too lenient. Apparently he has shown some signs of vacillating between the two. Of course, I shall attempt to guide him into leniency, but I must be careful about it; one must not raise suspicions.

[alt_sirius]

Well, sounds as if you've got an opening to Harry, at least. And I suppose if Voldemort himself tells you to school Harry, Malfoy can hardly complain if you extend that instruction to his brat.