HSWW Part 6

Hogwarts Grand Hall

A few minutes later, Draco returned through the arched doorway. He glanced over his shoulder to make sure that he and Snape were alone. "And just what exactly do we need protection from?" He said, storming into the room.

Snape looked startled from being addressed with such a straight-forward manner, especially from a student. Especially from Draco Malfoy. Using this as an excuse, the darkly clad man dodged the question, "Sir." He emphasised, scowling. Then after a moment, he decided that the boy would continue to harass him for answers, so with another warning glare he continued, "It is our duty as Professors in this school to protect students against anything that may be harmful towards them. It's only a precaution." His eyes narrowed and his voice grew profoundly colder, "Nothing more."

"So it wouldn't have anything to do with Azkaban or the Dark Lord, Sir?" Draco replied.

Severus stared blankly for a long moment, until he blinked and recomposed himself. "I don't know where you've been getting this ridiculous information, Mr. Malfoy, but I can assure you that it is in our best interest to keep the students safe--regardless of who or what is threatening Hogwarts." He paused for a moment, "Besides... what would make you believe that the Dark Lord would waste his time targeting students?"

"Oh I don't know, maybe the fact that Potter has been attacked by him God knows how many times." Draco mumbled, "And of course I believe that we're all perfectly safe." He glared a little at Snape, "Regardless of who or what is threatening Hogwarts. And I put my upmost trust in this staff because I know that they would be perfectly honest with us and they wouldn't try to hide anything from us, certainly not."

Goyle came lumbering down the hall and walked up standing behind Draco looking from him to Snape frowning slightly. "Whats going on?"

Professor Snape scowled at Draco, "I'm detecting a hint of sarcasm from you, Mr. Malfoy." He said harshly, then looked to Goyle. He seemed to be in contemplation of continuing with the new presence. After a moment, Severus decided Goyle was of no consequence. "Draco," He said, looking back to the blond, "You know that I am not obligated to share such information with you. As to why you are being so persistent is not only annoying, but also troublesome. There is very little that myself or the Hogwarts staff can do without being arrested by the Ministry with conspiracy of helping the Dark Lord. Though I can assure you, you and the other students are quite safe. Along with Mr. Potter. As long as he... doesn't go searching for trouble. As I hope you and your entourage aren't doing."

"Get back, stupid!" Pansy whispered to Goyle as she pulled him out of the Grand Hall. She gulped and gave a nervous smile to Snape, "Sorry. Wrong turn." And she dragged Goyle outside the door by his collar.

Draco shook his head as the two left the room. He turned back to Snape, "Yes well no worries because I assure you that we of all people are not dumb enough to fall into such a thing as trying to stop Voldemort." He shrugged, "Potter, I'll have to keep an eye on. Thank you Professor." Draco gave a slight nod and turned to go, "Oh, and talking to you not as a student, but as a friend, don't get yourself into anything that you can't get yourself straight back out of." Draco again nodded and walked out of the room. He met up with Pansy and Goyle outside the door. "Back to the common room." He muttered and made his way back to the Slytherin common room.

Pansy sighed as she and Goyle followed him. She turned to Goyle, "I have a feeling that he found something out." She whispered as they made they entered the common room.

Snape stared after the young Malfoy, then with a shrug to himself he made his way out of the Grand Hall and to his office.

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On to HSWW Part 7

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