Chapter 22: Malfoy: "Stay Away From Me!"

Chapter 22: Malfoy: "Stay Away From Me!"

Leon led the way, navigating the flow of students pushing off the train. Harry and Ron followed close behind.

"Well, if it isn't the famous Harry Potter! What's that rubbish you're wearing? What, your parents didn't even leave you enough money for proper robes?"

"And you're already mixing with the red-haired Weasleys? Potter, I'd be careful who I make friends with, if I were you. I can help you there."

The mocking, drawling voice was unmistakable. Leon sighed and rubbed his temples. Young Malfoy, right on cue, and his lines were just as predictable as his arrival.

Unfortunately, the platform was a cacophony of excited first-years. Harry only vaguely heard someone call his name. Mr. Shelby, who was standing in front of him and was slightly taller, blocked his view completely.

Leon glanced at Malfoy's arrogant, sneering face and couldn't be bothered with a war of words. He simply drew his wand.

"Stupefy."

Malfoy's eyes rolled back in his head, his legs buckled, and he collapsed in an undignified heap on the platform. His two lackeys, Crabbe and Goyle, moved to help him but were immediately dropped by two more silent spells from Leon. The three of them were piled together, unconscious.

To dare call the Peaky Blinders' suit 'rubbish'... If they weren't at Hogwarts, Leon would have considered taking an arm to be a generous warning.

He gave the three idiots on the ground a cold glance. This would have to do. For now.

"Did someone call my name?" Harry asked, trying to peer around Leon's shoulder.

Leon shook his head. "You misheard. Just some dog barking."

Behind them, Ron, who had heard Malfoy's words and seen Leon's reaction, was as quiet as a mouse. He swallowed hard, his perception of the polite, elegant, and even humorous Leon Shelby shifting once again.

Still, a part of him thought, That was bloody cool...

The entire incident had taken less than a second, as casual as stepping on an insect. Leon didn't even break his stride.

"Firs'-years! Firs'-years over here! Mind yer step! Harry, Shelby, good to see yeh!"

A familiar, booming voice called out. They looked up to see Hagrid grinning and winking at them from beneath a lantern.

Harry waved excitedly. Leon gave a polite nod in return. Only Ron, who hadn't been greeted by name, looked back nervously at Malfoy's unconscious form.

After a short walk with Hagrid, Leon saw Hogwarts for the first time. The narrow path opened up onto a vast, black lake. On the far side, perched on a mountaintop, was a magnificent castle, its many turrets and windows glittering under the stars.

They boarded a small fleet of boats, which glided across the glass-like surface of the lake to a cliff face. Passing through a dark, ivy-hidden tunnel, the boats arrived at an underground harbour. They disembarked onto the stone dock, followed Hagrid up a flight of steps, and finally gathered in front of a giant oak door.

"Everyone here?" Hagrid boomed, turning to count the crowd. A few drops of cold sweat appeared on his forehead. "How can we be three short...?"

He counted again, then pulled out his list, finally realizing the missing students were Malfoy and his two lackeys.

Hagrid knocked heavily on the castle door. It swung open at once, revealing a tall, severe-looking witch in emerald-green robes.

"Professor McGonagall, here are the firs'-years," Hagrid said quickly. "But I'm missin' three. I've got to go back and find 'em. If you could just take these ones..."

"Not to worry, Hagrid," Professor McGonagall said calmly. "They likely just fell behind. The path is perfectly safe." She reassured him and then led the new students into the magnificent Great Hall.

The Hall was already full, the older students sitting at four long tables, all staring at the new arrivals. At the front, a simple stool held a tattered, pointed wizard's hat. Leon knew this was the Sorting Ceremony.

Professor McGonagall gave a brief explanation, and the ceremony began. The Sorting Hat sang its song to a silent hall, followed by a burst of applause. Professor McGonagall then began to call out names from her parchment scroll.

The Sorting proceeded just as Leon remembered. Hermione, Ron, and finally Harry were all sorted into Gryffindor, Harry's name causing a predictable stir throughout the hall.

"Malfoy, Draco!" Professor McGonagall called.

No one moved. Everyone looked around, but there was no response. McGonagall, realizing he must be one of the missing three, prepared to move on. "Very well. Perks, Sally-Anne..."

"Malfoy's here!" Hagrid's voice boomed, interrupting her. The entire hall turned. Hagrid was dragging Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle in by the collars of their robes.

He marched to the front, unceremoniously dumped Malfoy onto the stool, and jammed the Hat onto his head.

"SLYTHERIN!" the Hat shouted almost instantly.

Malfoy shot a hateful glare at Hagrid, stood up, and stalked over to the Slytherin table.

His two goons were sorted just as quickly and sat down beside him, still looking terrified. They hadn't even seen who attacked them.

"Don't worry, I remember that bastard's face," Malfoy whispered to them. "Anyone hanging around with Potter and a Weasley has to be some stupid Gryffindor. I'll tell my father. My father will make him pay. We'll just avoid him for now. Once my father's letter arrives, then we'll get our revenge."

As he plotted, Malfoy scanned the Gryffindor table, searching for that hateful black suit.

At the front, the ceremony was nearly over. Professor McGonagagll called the last name.

"Shelby, Leon!"

Malfoy, having found no sign of him at the Gryffindor table, glanced back to the front just in time to see the bastard in the black suit walking up to the stool. He watched as Leon placed the Hat on his head.

Almost instantly, the Hat made its decision.

"AZKA—" The Hat paused, as if correcting itself. "No, SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherin table erupted in polite applause, but Malfoy's face had gone chalk-white.

He watched, horrified, as the villain in the suit walked towards his table, a pleasant smile on his face. Malfoy gave an involuntary shiver.

His plan to "avoid him for now" was in tatters. How could he avoid him when they were in the same House?

As Leon drew closer, a single, frantic thought screamed in Malfoy's head: Stay away from me!