Swimming with Serpents

"I want information," I said, "someone who can collect the dirt and grime of this school like a hurricane, and deliver it with the subtlety of a..hiss." He liked my analogy, but he didn't let it show for long.

"You want someone to find you answers for the tournament," said Draco to himself, "how did you manage it?" He was asking how I had got my name pulled from the Goblet of Fire. I had no answers for him, but I didn't want him to know that. He could use anything against me, and twist it how he wanted.

"Without Potter's help," I said, "I will tell you that." He put his hands on his chin, thinking over what I said.

"Figured," said Draco, "You've never been that low to conspire with Potter." Suddenly the room was quiet. I let the silence build itself, before continuing.

"Helping me," I said, "is directly harming Potter. And Cedric." Draco rolled his eyes.

"Please Halfhwit," said Draco, "like I actually care about you morons and your games. No, the only reason I would ever help you, is to make this tournament interesting. Without me Idius. I don't think you have a chance." Fuck Draco Malfoy. It was too bad I was so far in his house, I could mouth off, but I would probably be killed and stuffed into a pipe.

"Then help me," I said, "and make things interesting." He looked at me, smirking as if this was exactly what he wanted.

"Fine," said Draco, "but my help doesn't come free. I won't tell you what, or when, or how, but when the time comes remember you are in my debt." He smirked further, knowing that I was now in a dangerous place. Where I owed something to Malfoy, a debt neither defined or quantified. I was having second thoughts, but it was too late.

"Now get out of my office Idius," said Malfoy, "you are stinking up the place." I stood up, and the chair immediately broke into pieces. Draco's smile made me feel dirty, as if I had made a deal I would greatly regret. I walked out and back up the stairs into the common room.

I approached the exit, but before I could get out, Fire hit my back.

I fell to the ground, immediately tasting the iron of blood. And turned suddenly for answers. Wand already slipping into my palm.

"Aim your wand at me ever again Idius," said Draco, "and Ravenclaw will have a new House ghost." He laughed, knowing I wouldn't retaliate in here. I heard the chorus of laughter from his housemates, and quickly left. I was already regretting my decision.