160 Durmstrang pt.1

"You mean the one who wrote on the wall?" Daphne and Pansy who were smart quickly caught on to what Draco was talking about.

"Exactly." Draco nodded, "I know you are not like others but I will say it just in case, don't look for it. The Basilisk won't likely attack you during the night in the dorm and also make sure to go home for Christmas no matter what. Always hang out in groups and make sure to carry a mirror with you to look back at, in case you suspect someone or something following you."

"Petrification is much better than death." Theodore added from the side, "Stop staring at me... I didn't know about it till an hour ago too."

Seeing Pansy's and Daphne glare, Theodore quickly retorted.

"Should we inform the teachers then?" Pansy said, "Though I don't know about Dumbledore, Professor Snape might be able to help us."

"It might help us but it will arouse too many questions which I am not really in liberty to answer."

"How about Hermione don't you want to tell her as well?" Daphne asked.

"You explain things to her for me in case she asks but don't tell her about the basilisk." Draco said, "Though I don't think she will do anything alone but with those two idiots by her side, I am sure they will drag her into a mess. Also, do the same for every member of our club. Just tell them it's my orders."

Daphne and Pansy nodded knowing which idiots Draco was talking about.

"Do you know about the chamber of secrets too?" Pansy asked.

"I do know something about it but don't expect me to tell it to you." Draco said seriously, "Just do as I say and stay out of trouble at least till I come back."

Pansy sighed and nodded. Draco knew Pansy was upset about him keeping secrets but there were many things he couldn't share with her. Knowing there wasn't much he could do, he pulled Pansy into a tight hug.

"Don't worry too much about the basilisk." Draco said gently as he caressed her hair, "Though it's a threat, I promise you that it won't cause you any harm as long as you do as I say."

Pansy didn't say anything and just lied in his embrace like a kid.

"Also, I am really sorry but you have to understand my side of things too."

"Umm..." Pansy said in a muffled tone hiding her face in his chest. Draco knew Pansy was trying her hardest to not cry for so long, as this was probably going to be their longest separation ever since they met.

"I'll be back before you know it." Draco said patting her back softly, "And I want to see you win the quidditch cup this year, so don't let me down."

"I won't!" Pansy said in a determined tone.

Draco looked at Daphne who was looking at them with a smile on her face. Draco didn't say anything and just stretched his hands calling Daphne to join the hug as well. Daphne quickly obliged and rushed towards Draco hugging him.

"Lucky bastard!" Theodore mumbled looking at Draco holding two girls in his embrace as he walked off.

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"Take this and keep it in a secure place." Draco said handing Pansy, Daphne, and Theodore a batch of Mandrake Restorative Draught which he had prepared a very long time ago. "In case any of you get petrified it will be helpful but don't go around handing it to everyone as I don't have a lot of it."

"You're not giving it to your mistress from Gryffindor?" Theodore asked in a teasing tone.

"She will figure things out too quickly if I do with the mirrors and all." Draco shook his head, "I wouldn't worry much about her if it weren't for the two idiots... anyway keeping them a far away from these things is the best outcome of the situation. But do give her one if she falls victim to the basilisk."

They all nodded as they head out. Draco carried his suitcase with him ready to leave as his ride was already here.

"I have already kept an eye on things." Theodore whispered to Draco, "Since the only lead we have is Potter, I will watching over him for now."

"He has an invisibility cloak as well so make sure to keep an eye out." Draco said, "As far as I know, as long as Volde knows about Potter he would do anything in his power to get to him."

"What are you talking about?" Hermione came walking towards them.

"Nothing much." Draco shook his head as he stretched out his arms for a hug.

Hermione unlike before wasn't much shy as she hugged him back. But she still didn't hug him for long with Pansy and others around. "Have a safe trip!"

"You stay safe too." Draco said, "Though I would rather ask you to stay away from Potter but since you won't at least don't blindly follow him into a mess."

"Don't talk bad about them." Hermione said smiling, "Don't worry, I will keep a look around. But I did have some questions for you..."

"And you must know I won't answer them as long as it's about yesterday." Draco said looking serious, "Don't go looking for trouble and make me worry about you."

Hermione though not satisfied still nodded as she didn't want to pick a fight with Draco today.

"Stay safe and don't hang around at night and please make sure to not roam around alone." Draco said messing her bushy hair, "Consider this you repaying some favors of mine. Also, Theodore here will help you if anything goes wrong so don't hesitate to ask him for help, though not as good as me he will certainly help you."

Hermione nodded with doubts in her mind but she didn't question him.

"Take this mirror with you and don't go out without it." Draco said handing her one, "They will answer your questions if you have any."

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Leaving them with a final goodbye, Draco went towards Dumbledore's office. He was about to enter when he suddenly heard Dumbledore call out to him.

"Draco, we have been waiting for you."

Draco turned around to see Dumbledore along with two men by his side. One was the principle of Durmstrang himself, Igor Karkaroff while the other person was someone who he didn't know at all.

"It's finally great to see the genius with my own eyes." Karkaroff said with an unctuously cheerful demeanor, "Though I expected you to be a little small, but hey all those powers need a good body to handle it, right?"

"It's good to see you too, Headmaster." Draco smiled coming closer toward the tall and thin Karkaroff with a greeting. Karkaroff looked like any villain from a movie, wearing a sleek, silver fur with his weak chin which was not completely covered by his goatee, which ended with a small curl. His cold blue eyes made which made him slightly unnerving and to finish the touch he had yellow shining teeth.

Dumbledore's face twitched a little hearing Draco call the other party Headmaster but he didn't let it bother him as he continued with his usual happy expression.

"No need to call me Headmaster boy!" Igor laughed, "Call me uncle, your father and I are good friends."