- "It was Malfoy." -

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  Minutes later, Professor McGonagall burst into the room, "Professor! Oh, hello there Mr. Malfoy. Professor, you are needed in my office please."

  Professor Snape followed Professor McGonagall out of his office, eyeing me curiously. "Stay here," he growled at me through his teeth.

  I didn't listen. When both professors were out of sight, I followed them, staying silent as to not alert them to my presence. My cover was almost blown when Bell's friend walked right into view. Thankfully, I ducked behind a wall in time. When I was sure that she was gone, I made my way towards the Transfiguration classroom where Professor McGonagall taught. My necklace hadn't made it to the old man. "Dammit," I whispered to myself.

  There were a few students walking in the halls, but I didn't let that stop me from listening in on Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall's conversation.

  "What do you think?" Professor McGonagall asked.

  Smoothly, Professor Snape replied, "I think Miss Bell is lucky to be alive." So she survived, a rush of relief ran through me. I am not a murderer, yet. But if she survived, did that mean that, theoretically, Professor Dumbledore may have as well?

  To my surprise, Potter's voice was next, "She was cursed wasn't she?" Of course he was there. He was always in the way, the stupid git. But if Potter was there, did that mean...? I risked a glance around the corner. Yes, Weasley and Granger were there too. I cursed myself again. Granger had saw me at the Three Broomsticks when I had given Bell that necklace, did she suspect me now? "I know Katie, off the quidditch pitch," Potter continued, "she wouldn't hurt a fly." How touching, I thought. "If she was delivering that to Professor Dumbledore, she wasn't doing it knowingly." Potter knew exactly what happened, but who did he suspect?

  I knew that trying the necklace was risky, but I think I severely underestimated Potter and Granger's observation skills.

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  "Yes she was cursed," Professor McGonagall confirmed.

  "It was Malfoy," Potter told them. My heart sped up, I had been caught.

  I risked another glance around the corner and I saw Granger give him an unbelieving stare. "Harry, no way," said her angelic voice.

  "That is a very serious accusation Potter," Professor McGonagall scolded.

  Professor Snape agreed with her. "Indeed. Your evidence?" Professor Snape knew it was me. After all, I had just told him in his office. I prayed he didn't betray my family's trust.

  "I just know," Potter said.

  I let out a silent, but relieved sigh. That wouldn't convince anybody.

  "You just... know."

  "I suggest you to go back to your dormitories," Professor McGonagall cut in, "All of you."

  That was my cue to leave. I jumped back from the wall I had been casually leaning on and started to head back towards Professor Snape's classroom to avoid suspicion, but I was stopped by Granger.

  "Draco?" She ran over to me, leaving her friends behind. "Have you heard about Katie?"

  I played dumb, pretending not to know what she was talking about, "Katie... Katie who?"

  "Katie Bell. Someone slipped her a cursed necklace in the bathroom of The Three Broomsticks today, it nearly killed her."

  "Who would do such a thing?" I said with mock sympathy. She seemed to buy it. That, or she didn't want to believe that I was capable.

  "Nobody knows. I, er, I was wondering if you saw anyone talking to her. I mean, you were there when it happened."

  My heart skipped. C'mon Draco, think of a good lie. When I couldn't conjure a believable story, I just responded, "No. No I didn't see anyone."

  "Ah, well that's too bad." At that moment, Weasley grabbed her and dragged her away, giving me a dirty look as he did it. I smirked, happy at his jealous expression. That is when I saw Professor Snape slide out of the Transfiguration classroom. He spotted me before I could disappear.

  He caught up to me quicker than I thought possible and grabbed my shoulder with fury. "I thought I told you to stay in my classroom," he scolded, but that was the end of it. He just forbade me to speak of anything I may have overheard.

  We both went back into his classroom to finish our discussion. Now I knew that I needed his help more than ever.

  "Professor," I started, but he cut me off.

  "What were you thinking boy?" he berated, "Right in front of witnesses. In front of Potter. I told you to keep this a secret!"

  I shrunk into a ball, "Sorry Professor," my cowardly voice answered.

  He threw his hands hopelessly into the air, "Now what are we supposed to do that Potter is on your case?"

  "I have another plan sir," I stepped into his rampage, "but I'll need your help."