Casus belli

Drago let out another sigh where impatience and despair mingled. It had been 3 days now that he had been crouching in the bushes, hoping to catch sight of his target.

Or rather hoping for a miracle. What were the chances that Nott would pass by this dirt path? However, he had no other idea, so he convinced himself that he must have sought asylum with the Zabinis. That the Zabinis must have decided to take refuge in their only magically fortified home, whose location he could pinpoint. That for one reason or another, Nott would one day come out of hiding. That during the 10 years since his father had been forced to sell this refuge to the Zabinis for a pittance, another access route had not been built. And of course, that Nott would foolishly take the path instead of using a broom to fly over the devil's snare wall that protected the building.

Fortunately, aside from the uncertainty and fear of the future that twisted his insides, this waiting was not unpleasant. The old him would have fidgeted impatiently and complained at length about the lack of comfort in this remote countryside spot. But today, he felt an intense relief at being able to escape, even for a moment, the cries of pain and humiliations. Here, he could pretend that everything was normal and start behaving like the carefree teenager he no longer was.

And then, he considered himself lucky that chance had allowed him to locate one of the probable hiding places of the traitor. Before the lord of darkness decided to confiscate all their possessions to support his war effort, the goblins had forced him to submit to a mountain of paperwork and inventory.

At first, he had mainly expressed his dissatisfaction to the goblin in charge of managing his family's estate. He didn't need additional annoyance and couldn't stand this activity that constantly reminded him of his father's absence. However, very quickly, the Goblin office had become a refuge, the only place where he could let go without the fear of red eyes secretly watching him.

He had then devoted himself zealously to his task and had discovered his father's most shameful secret: their family was on the brink of ruin. To pay the fines and bribes that allowed him to avoid Azkaban, Lucius had been forced to hastily sell many of their most lucrative properties to upstarts who took advantage of the situation to bleed his family dry. In the following years, to maintain their lifestyle, prestige, and especially their political influence, his father had no choice but to gradually sell off the family's assets. While the situation had been more or less under control until recently, the master's return had turned their deficit into an abyssal hole. To please the terrible dark wizard, his father had spent lavishly. This discovery had put him in a black rage, but in the evening, returning to serve that abject being, he had to pretend nothing was wrong.

Then the days passed, each filled with new discoveries that gradually destroyed the world in which he had grown up. In the torrent of horrors he had witnessed, he began to forget what was, all in all, only a slight inconvenience compared to what he now had to endure every day. Until he received that senseless order from the lord of darkness.

An order he knew was deliberately impossible. For one reason or another, the dark lord had decided to finish him off. Why now? Heknew nothing about it. He had long resigned himself to not surviving this war. Deep down, he was eagerly awaiting this moment. At certain times, he even tried to convince himself that his disappearance would free his mother from the manipulations of the lord of darkness.

Nevertheless, his hatred was too great for him to allow himself to give up. He knew he was going to leave. But not before having the satisfaction of seeing the suffering and fear in the eyes of those who had made his life a hell. His list was long. Too long for a single life, and many names would forever remain out of his reach, but he would take as many with him as he could.

He had then set to his task with the energy of despair and remembered one of the names on his list: Aurora Zabini, Blaise's mother. This name that came up so often among those who had taken advantage of his family's downfall to get rich. So-called purists who had sacrificed nothing for the cause and had instead pounced like vultures on the old families ruined by years of war. He now understood why his father had insisted so much that he welcome these upstarts at the social gatherings and teas that his father regularly organized at the manor for the cream of wizarding society (to which the Zabinis should never have had access given the youth of their lineage and the scandalous reputation of the beautiful Aurora).

During these tedious meetings, the only child whose presence Theodore Nott seemed to tolerate by his side was Blaise Zabini. Even though he had never really wanted the friendship of this boy with the unsightly nose and dark character, he had always been extremely annoyed by the indifference shown to him by the Nott heir. But once he understood that his whims would not make the young heir yield, he lost interest. In any case, from the time he entered Hogwarts, he was too busy making the other Slytherins accept his rank in order to prove to his father that he was his worthy heir, to be concerned with the discreet Lord Nott.

Then in the second year, that pest Jenny Nott had arrived at Hogwarts and seemed determined to ruin his life. He didn't want to disappoint his father by letting that tainted blood strut around Hogwarts as if she felt no shame for her origins. Normally, Theodore should have dealt with it, but since he persisted in being indifferent to the world around him, he had to take charge. He was convinced that his father would congratulate him for this initiative. He even thought that if he reported Theodore Nott's behavior, he would finally stop ignoring him (it was annoying in the end, he was the only student in their year who didn't react to his presence). But from the summer before his third year, he prayed every night for Nott to continue ignoring him. That day, he had behaved like a baby. Worse, even if he hadn't blamed him for anything, he knew he had disappointed his father.

When he thought about it today, he told himself how pathetic he had been. He had spent his childhood listening with admiration to his father's war stories and had promised himself that when he grew up, he would complete the purification of their race. And on the day when an opportunity arose to prove himself (and in front of his father, no less), he broke down in tears. In his father's place, he would have disowned him. Instead, his father had awkwardly comforted him and assured him that whatever path he took, if he gave it his all, he was sure he would make the Malfoy name shine. He understood very well that it was a roundabout way of telling him he didn't have what it took to take his place. So it was with a completely different mindset that he approached this third year. He stopped pretending to have a confidence he never had and tried to find that.another path his father had told him about and that could make him proud of himself. And thanks to organizational feats, he managed to hardly ever meet the gaze of the Nott heir, even though they shared the same dormitory.

That is why he never noticed that Nott had changed. When Rita Skeeter's article came out and those vile rumors spread at Hogwarts, he dismissed them with a wave of his hand. If there was one person he would never suspect of harboring any inappropriate feelings, it was that cold monster Theodore Nott. Especially with a Mudblood to boot. Then a few months later, his world shattered and he was quietly told the story of Nott's incredible escape. But it was only when he saw him arrive at the Ministry with that miserable animal by his side that he understood it was all true.

He had then used his limited skills in occlumency to push his turmoil deep into his mind and faced them. Nott seemed different from the child seeking refuge in dark corners and who shivered when approached too abruptly, whom he had always known. But he was convinced that he still had no other friends than Blaise (the mudblood did not count).

After Dumbledore's death and the fall of the Hogwarts enclave, Nott had inevitably begged the Zabinis to grant him asylum. If he were in the Zabinis' place, he would have refused, but Blaise had always been a strange pureblood. It was not for nothing that those two had grown closer. For Draco, it was clear that Blaise and Theodore Nott were together, somewhere.

And what better hiding place could the Zabinis have than this old refuge built during the war against Grindelwald, which his father had bought from an old French family just before his birth in order to hide his family there? In any case, if they had hidden elsewhere, Draco would never find them. He silenced the little voice that murmured to him that this was precisely a very good reason for them to choose to hide elsewhere. Draco had then gone to the outskirts of the estate, taking advantage of the recent decision by the Dark Lord to lift the barrier that restricted magical movements within his empire, to facilitate the preparations for his mysterious new plan. Like most Death Eaters, he found this decision as stupid as it was incomprehensible, but for once, his master's madness suited him.

He was thinking about moving to try to find a shadier hiding spot when a noise was heard on the path. Immediately, he went on high alert and listened carefully. A laugh was heard. A thunderous laugh very clearly resembling the one Baise Zabini regularly let out in their dormitory, despite all the conventions and wizarding etiquette. However, his hope quickly faded as soon as it had come when the noises turned into voices. Several of them were evidently from adults. Including a woman. He mentally hit his head: what had he been expecting? Given the context, of course, Aurora Zabini would never have let her heir go out without her supervision and a solid escort. But he refused to give up. It was already a miracle that he had made it this far, and he wasn't going to give up so close to the goal.

He began to crawl in order to see them before they reached the bend that would lead them to the edge of the protection perimeter that he could not cross. Then he finally saw their small group and hope returned. They were numerous, but their dirty clothes and tired faces convinced him that he would have no trouble dealing with them. In any case, among them, only Nott represented a real threat. If he managed to take advantage of the surprise effect to ...neutralize, the victory would be his. Fortunately, Nott seemed to have lowered his guard upon seeing the entrance to their refuge. A fatal mistake against which Nott senior had sufficiently warned him during the month he had spent training him.

Draco was kneeling, his wand firmly pointed at Nott. He took a deep breath and prepared to attack:

Stupefy!

Immediately, Draco collapsed, while the four young teenagers formed a protective circle around the adults escorting them. The adults (notably Justin's mother) were painfully aware that it should have been their role to protect the younger ones, but the situation had forced them to accept this breach of morals (and Lockhart's ego).

Where are you? Show yourself or I'll set the forest on fire. Shouted Theodore Nott

Above all, don't do that. My mother spent a fortune to plant a colony of ents there. If we anger them, we'll be turned into fertilizer before we can even say Aguamenti.

Your mother is crazy. Criticized Ginny, glancing nervously around.

On the contrary, it's genius. If they attack us, they risk hitting a tree and then... Théodore didn't finish his sentence, but everyone understood. They just had to focus on defense and should in no way risk casting an offensive spell or stepping off the path.

Then a movement appeared in the bushes. Something approached.

We shouldn't run across the protections rather than stay here. Suggested Ginny.

Apart from me, they will let no one through. By the time I find my mother and convince her to let you in, you will all be dead. We must face them here, replied Blaise.

Then a bald-headed man slowly emerged from the bushes. One arm holding the magically lightened body of Draco Malfoy on his shoulder, the other ostentatiously throwing two wands in front of him, as a sign of surrender.

Stay on your guard. There could be others. Shouted Theodore.

Let's see. Can't you see it's just a father and his son? shouted Justin's mother as she approached without noticing the incredulous looks from the other children. Seeing that no Avada came to strike down the reckless woman, Justin and Blaise finally put away their wands.

I hope Draco didn't hear anything, otherwise your mother is dead. Blaise said to lighten the mood.

You're crazy, he's a Death Eater. Theodore shouted while aiming at Peter and regularly glancing at the bushes, expecting at any moment to see a flood of enemies emerge from them.

Yes, but even if I hate to admit it, Drago helped us at the ministry. Justin reassured him.

But not him. Theodore Nott exasperated.

With his free hand, he pointed at the bald man.

It is Peter Petrigrow, one of the most loyal servants of the Dark Lord.

He doesn't look dangerous. Commented Ginny, who nevertheless kept her wand raised in his direction.

He is not dangerous. And he hasn't served the dark lord for a long time. Peter shouted, holding his hands in the air after leaving Drago's body with Justin's mother, assuring her that he was just under the influence of a paralysis spell.

Justin's mother wasn't sure it was that harmless, but she trusted the man's tone and her son's lack of reaction. Lockhart and the survivor's lookalike, however, kept religiously silent, staying safely behind the teenagers.

That's what the Potters believed until you sold them out, accused Theodore Nott.

How do you know about that? Peter replied, turning pale.

My father told me about it.

I had hoped that you and your father didn't share so many things. Said Peter in a somber tone.

We only shared the bare essentials. And the list of exploits of the person responsible for the return of the dark lord was part of it. Do you really expect us to believe that the dark lord's favorite decided to betray him on a whim?

Immediately, they all raised their wands and Lockhart let out a frightened sob.

Not on a whim, no. From the beginning, I have been conspiring against him and delivering information to Dumbledore.

And we see the result.

If I had really been loyal to You-Know-Who, I would have stopped you from freeing Constance. Yes, I was there that day and I watched you. Peter admitted in front of their incredulous expressions before continuing:

Or afterwards, I would have denounced Drago. If truly I am your enemy, then explain to me, why would I have taken the risk to come and speak to you?

There, he scores a point, Théo. In any case, we can't stay still like that at the best part of the path. Stun him and bring him inside the protections.

Unless he actually wants us to let him in. Replied Theodore Nott.

You're paranoid. Justin reproached him.

I agree with Theodore. Added Justin's mother to everyone's great surprise. Then she continued: We cannot risk introducing an enemy into our refuge. And certainly not without Aurora's consent. We must settle this now.

Me too, I agree. Announced Peter. Knowing the matriarch of the Zabinis, if she gets her hands on you, she won't let you take a single step outside her supervision until this war is over. Yet I need you to come back with me to England. Besides, it's fortunate that Miss Weasley is with you. She will be very useful to us in fulfilling the prophecy. As he expected, the mention of the prophecy had sparked keen interest among the purebloods.

A prophecy? What prophecy. Speak or I will make you regret what you did to Harry. Ginny growled sharply as she approached him with eyes filled with flames.

Peter lowered his hands and began to recite:

The one with the power to vanquish the Dark Lord approaches... Born to those who have thrice defied him, born as the seventh month dies... and the Dark Lord will mark him as his equal, but he will have power the Dark Lord knows not... and either must die at the hand of the other, for neither can live while the other survives...

What is that? Asked Blaise.

According to Dumbledore, the key to defeating the Dark Lord. Peter replied.

In case you hadn't noticed, Dumbledore is dead. Continued Theodore with a cynical air.

I know, I was there when it happened. Peter stated.

Oh what a coincidence. Théodore sneered

Théo, give him a chance. What does this gibberish mean? And how does it concern us? asked Justin.

It seems obvious to me. Harry was born at the end of July. Assuming it's a real prophecy, it announces that Harry was going to defeat the Dark Lord 11 years ago. Blaise explained.

Not exactly, she announces that Harry has a power capable of defeating the Dark Lord. Against Peter

Well, you'll have to get your crystal ball fixed. You-know-who killed Harry. Theodore bluntly threw.

No, he is not dead, just possessed by a horcrux. And you can save him.

What is a horcrux? Another one of your inventions? Theodore threatened him.

That's what the diary was, isn't it? Ginny intervened, her voice trembling.

Yes. Peter simply replied. Before his defeat against Harry, You-Know-Who had created 5. During the last year, Dumbledore and he went in search of the 4 that remained. They destroyed 3. The last one was a ring that he now constantly wears around his hand. When Dumbledore and he got close to its hiding place, they were seized by a violent urge to take it which neither of them could resist. The moment Harry put it on, it took full control. Since that day, I have stayed by the Dark Lord's side and spied on him for Dumbledore. Peter narrated, slightly embellishing the reality.

Could someone explain to me? Théodore asked.

Ginny lowered her eyes and took a deep breath.

In the second year, it was I who opened the Chamber of Secrets.

"Pardon!?" shouted Justin, turning his wand towards Ginny.

It wasn't my fault. I was possessed by You-Know-Who, because of a diary he had enchanted to contain a copy of himself. At first, he could only possess me for a few hours and I wasn't aware of anything. Then he took full control and tried to use my life energy to come out of the diary. Harry arrived in time and saved me.

"It's impossible," replied Théo. "Such a thing cannot exist. An enchantment cannot have its own will."

Théo is right. Blaise added.

Ginny didn't know what to say. After what had happened, she had tried to find answers in the library and had reached the same conclusions as them. However, she was sure of what had happened in the room.

It was not an enchantment. The journal contained a piece of the Dark Lord's soul. Peter explained.

Upon hearing this explanation, Ginny felt an intense sensation of coldness and defilement. However, she explained:

I have already heard the thing that lived in the diary whisper the word horcrux. Especially towards the end. But I never discovered what it meant. All I found was a mention in a restricted book stating that it was such dark magic that no mention would be made of it.

It's logical. If such magic exists, it's normal that the headmaster didn't leave the books describing it within the students' reach. Added Blaise.

All that is well and good, but there is an inconsistency in this story. If all this is true, how is it that Harry was possessed almost instantly? And while he was with Dumbledore? Asked Theodore.

Peter looked at Ginny with hesitation, then confessed what he thought was the truth:

To destroy the diary and free Ginny, he had to mix his blood with that of the horcrux. Since then, he regularly struggles to prevent the dark lord from possessing him. That's why there was that incident in third year. And others you are not aware of. I suppose putting on the ring was the last straw. At least, I think so. I'm not a specialist in dark magic.

I'm sorry. Ginny apologized to no one in particular.

It's not your fault. Justin offered awkwardly, lowering his wand that he had continued to point at Ginny without really knowing why.

Okay, let's say we believe you. Why are you telling us all this? How does it concern us?

Yes, what's your plan to save Harry? Justin supported him.

Justin! Sighed Théodore and Justin's mother in the same synchronized movement of weariness that made them turn towards each other.

What!? Asked Justin.

It's the tone you use just before suggesting doing something incredibly stupid, like going to save Theodore in the middle of a Death Eater meeting. Blaise explained.

Thank you for admitting that it was a mistake. Explained Theodore (whom Justin's mother was beginning to suspect of reading her thoughts)

I said it was stupid, not that it was a mistake. Blaise replied seriously.

You make me want to vomit. Drawled the lazy voice of Draco Malfoy.

Since when did you free yourself from the binding spell? Theodore asked coldly, summoning bonds around his wrists that he could not break.

For long enough to know that you are idiots. I can't believe you are still alive if you are naive enough to believe you have any chance against the Dark Lord. We have lost and Peter knows it. He just wants to steal my glory by convincing you to follow him to England where he can deliver you to the other Death Eaters and thus maintain his position as a favorite. Do you think you can trust him after he betrayed his best friends?

You don't know what you're talking about, kid. You didn't experience the first war and you don't know what happened. Against Peter, visibly uncomfortable.

Malfoy must have sensed his discomfort, because he suddenly continued more confidently:

I did not authorize you to address me informally, traitor, and I know enough to form an opinion. You had the protection and trust of Dumbledore, Lord Potter, and Lord Black. And yet you chose to enter the service of the Dark Lord. And don't try to make us believe that you were working for Dumbledore all this time. The old lemony one would never have allowed you to deliver the Potters to him, and he would never have let my cousin rot in prison for so long if he knew he was innocent.

That's why I joined Dumbledore. To redeem myself. Listen, I know what I did was wrong, but you don't know what it's like to face him.

Yes, we have no idea. Spat Justin.

Justin, that's enough. Théodore ordered him.

But Théo.

Here, I am the one who knows best how difficult it is to resist him. What it can cost. Even today, I don't know why I finally decided to say no to him, and I can't blame anyone for not having found the courage to do the same. Not even a Gryffindor.

His understanding words did Peter a world of good, but they didn't seem to please Drago, who sneered:

Ah, what noble words from the great Lord Nott. I would almost shed a little tear.

Shut up, Malfoy. Blaise retorted.

After the mudblood, here is the traitor to his blood. Since we were very young, you defend him, but you never wondered why he became your friend when he pushes everyone else away?

Me too, he pushed me away. It's just that I had decided to be his friend and I didn't care what he thought. Blaise replied.

Because his father ordered him to. From the beginning, he has been manipulating you to allow his family to get closer to the chests filled with galleons of your dear mom. Tell me, did you cry when she killed your dad? Oh yes, I forgot. She got rid of him before you were born.

Remind me, which syllable should be emphasized in avada kedavra? Joked Blaise to stop himself from strangling the blond.

Before allowing him to mingle in the receptions of the crème de la crème of wizarding society, his mother had ensured that he could remain calm in all circumstances and that he would not be affected by what people might say about her. But with the blond boy, his patience was reaching its limits.

You don't understand? From the beginning, Theodore has been using you. I know the real Theodore Nott. He is a cold and ruthless monster. He only gained your friendship to manipulate you and escape his fate as a servant of You-Know-Who. He only got closer to Potter and the mudblood to convince Dumbledore of his good faith. If he were truly your friend, he would come with me to surrender to the Dark Lord in exchange for your...

Silence! Ah, damn it feels good. Can someone explain to me what he's doing here, that one? Justin said while Malfoy moved his lips in the air.

I tried to convince the lord of darkness to give me the necessary means to find you by pointing out that the heir of the Nott could provide him with the key to the fortress of Fort Nott, which is currently used as a base by the English resistance. Unfortunately, he decided to send Draco to search for you. I then followed him without much hope, using... my camouflage skills. To my great surprise, he managed to find you in record time.

And can we know why you tried to send You-Know-Who after us? Shouted Theodore.

Because I had to find you as soon as possible? You and the Dursleys. By the way, where are they? Tell me they are waiting for you inside the Zabini's refuge.

They stayed in England in the Hogwarts enclave. They probably died when You-Know-Who took over. Blaise explained in a sad voice.

No, the dark lord forced us to search for their bodies in vain for days. They must be hiding at Fort Nott with the rest of the resistance.

No one is hiding at Fort Nott. Théodore stated with certainty.

The prisoners who were questioned claim the opposite, replied Peter.

Well, they lie. The gates of Fort Nott only open for a Nott.

Why didn't we just go hide there? Blaise asked, pretending to hit his head.

Because at the time, I thought we would be safer abroad. And also because I hadn't thought that now Fort Nott was mine. He said in an emotionless voice that he adopted less and less often lately.

Théo, it was a rhetorical question, not a reproach. Blaise explained.

Well, we're not making progress. What's your plan to save Harry? Justin intervened.

Peter then rubbed his hands awkwardly.

Do you remember the prophecy?

Yes. They all answered in unison.

Peter then explained his plan to them. Once he finished, the four teenagers exchanged looks that sent shivers of fear through the adults who, until then, had not dared to intervene.

It is out of the question that you risk your life again. And certainly not with such a dubious plan. Justin's mother intervened.

Mom! shouted Justin.

No, this time, you are going to listen to me. You are my child, if something happened to you, I don't know if I could get over it.

I love you too, Mom, but you don't understand, it's important.

Oh, yes I understand very well. That's exactly why I won't let you go. She said in a furious tone, starting to grab his wrist to force him to move towards the barriers.

Justin raises his wand.

Mom, I beg you, don't make me do this. If I don't help them... If I can prevent this massacre, I must try everything.

And I must do everything to prevent you from risking your life unnecessarily. I was your age too. I know what it's like to fight for a cause you believe in. A cause that is supposed to change the world. But if life has taught me one thing, it's that all these fights turn into a struggle to bring a new tyrant to power, even more terrible than the old one. Sooner or later, we must resign ourselves to wanting only to change the actors in the play, hoping they will keep their promise to improvise a new scenario. But you know what? Once in power, they hurry to betray their promise and then neutralize their former allies, and in the end, things only get worse. Do you really think that bringing down this dark lord will change the course of the war? That one man can have such an influence on the course of history?

Harry is my friend and if there is still a chance to save him, I must try.

The mawkishness of this reply made Drago (whom everyone had ended up forgetting) sigh, however, Justin's mother began to smile and said to him:

I am proud of you my bunny. But I will not let you go there.

I am no longer a child. I have the right to make my own choices.

Do you think that being an adult is enough to have the right to make your own choices? That it's a question of size, age, or even maturity? If that's the case, then it's proof that you are still just a child. Listen to me, I know I'm just a Muggle. No, let me continue without interrupting me, she added when her son was about to protest. For you, I don't understand anything that's going on and I don't have an informed opinion. At your age, I thought the same thing about my mother's advice. How could a simple cleaning lady...Understand anything about my problems? How could she help me get my diploma or choose my studies? If you knew how much I regret the disdain I showed towards her. How her advice turned out to be full of common sense and the number of times I almost lost everything because I refused to follow it.

It has nothing to do with it.

Yes, it has everything to do with it. My mother let me make my own choices very early because she was convinced that I would survive long enough from their consequences to learn from my mistakes. Even when she was convinced I was on the wrong path. Even when I was unbearable with her, she stayed by my side and supported me as best she could. I'm sorry, Justin, but I can't give you that freedom. If you really want to go, you'll have to prove to me that you have what it takes to have a chance of surviving.

Mom, please.

If you can't even face your mother, then you have no business on a battlefield. She shouted as she lunged at him, with the obvious intent to disarm him.

Petrificus Totalus. Shouted Justin when she was a centimeter from her wand.

I am sorry, mom. Before leaving, I will make you levitate to the edge of the protections and these two will stay with you to alert Zabini's mother. He said, pointing to Lockhart and the impostor who were delighted not to have to accompany them.

As he levitated his mother's body as delicately as possible, Nott approached him.

I know how you feel. I've been through it too. Nott said, placing a hand on his shoulder.

It has nothing to do with it. Justin pushed him away.

Indeed. If my father had looked at me like that, I would never have dared to oppose him.

What nonsense. Exclaimed Drago, pretending to vomit. He then realized that the Silencio spell had worn off.

Do we have to take that one with us? Asked Justin angrily.

That one is a thousand times better than you, mudblood. And he too has a score to settle with the scarred one. Commented Draco.

No, we can also leave him alone with your mother or kill him. Nott replied calmly.

As if that wretch had the courage necessary to kill me. Drago said with feigned confidence that failed to mask the worried glances he cast in Nott's direction.

Frankly Théo, I think I preferred it when you didn't know how to joke.

But are you blind in addition to being stupid? He's a murderer? A pure-blooded Slytherin. He'll get rid of us as soon as we're no longer useful to him. Your only chance is to let me take him away. Do you want me to tell you what he did to the house-elf who raised him? Shouted Draco towards Justin.

At these last words, Théodore paled and Justin saw him move away and adopt his somber look of great days. Justin decided he had no desire to know what had happened to his friend's nanny. Or rather, he had no desire to learn it from the mouth of Drago Malfoy. He stopped abruptly, turned around, and punched Drago Malfoy hard in the face.

Listen to me carefully, you degenerate inbred residue. In case you haven't understood, the only reason you're still alive is that we prefer to tolerate you rather than kill. So if I were you, I would make sure thatIt lasts. Théodore is my friend and whatever he did in the past won't change that. Is that clear?

I think I'm a bad influence on you. Commented Theodore with a smile.

Don't worry, if they ask me, I'll say Blaise is the culprit.

Hey, why me? exclaimed Blaise.

Because girls love bad boys. Once we spread the rumor, they will all fall for you. Justin replied immediately.

When they ask us, don't forget to tell them that it was me who punched Malfoy. Blaise added, delighted by the idea.

Boys, do you want to know why no girl has ever gone out with you? Remarked Ginny with an exasperated look.

Because they have no taste? Asked Blaise

Because you are a bunch of repulsive and misogynistic jerks.

Thank you.