A/N Remember, I'm changing some scenes in the book, or at least altering them some. :) Just re-warning everyone.
Also... this is the quickest I've been able to write a chapter. And since I just finished it (ch. 14), I figured I'll put one up here to compensate. :)
So, here you go!
"Look!" As she had been doing all week, Pansy pointed at the sign beside the doors leading into the Great all. "Drakie, look!"
The sign read:
TRIWIZARD TOURNAMENT
THE DELEGATIONS FROM BEAUXBATONS AND DURMSTRANG WILL BE ARRIVING AT 6 O'CLOCK ON FRIDAY THE 30TH OF OCTOBER. LESSONS WILL END HALF AN HOUR EARLY. STUDENTS WILL RETURN THEIR BAGS AND BOOKS TO THEIR DORMITORIES AND ASSEMBLE IN FRONT OF THE CASTLE TO GREET OUR GUESTS BEFORE THE WELCOMING FEAST.
"Yes, yes, Pansy, we have seen it every time we've left the dungeons." Draco let the girl drag him over to it so she could gush over it.
"We also have no desire to listen about the probability of Viktor Krum coming." Blaise spoke up, a small smile on his face. "We will find out tomorrow. Now lets get to Defense before he changes one of us into a beast." He gave a slight shudder and started walking up the marble staircase.
For a moment, Pansy stood still, but then she shook her head and skipped off after Blaise. "Really, a cute little monkey isn't a beast."
Nott, trying not to look pained, followed up after them with Draco just in front of him. "Let's not talk of that."
The girl flipped her hair over her shoulder, sending Nott a grin. "Theo, stop being silly. It's already in the past, no need to worry about it. Just don't attack someone when their back is turned." Ignoring the mumbling boy, Pansy kept talking to Blaise, "Monkeys are cute."
"They are still beasts. They are not human. They do not have culture. They do not have respect. They do not know how to act among company."
"Well... what about the Weasleys? They are human and have culture, but they don't have respect or know how to act in company."
Blaise sniffed, "They are animals, not beasts."
Pansy giggled and wound her arm through Blaise's before reaching back and pulling Draco forward so she could walk arm in arm with the two. "What about you, Drakie? What do you think?"
"I will have to agree with Zabini on this. They are not quite beasts, but they aren't educated enough to be considered a well-bred human."
"But they are still humans, yes?"
"Pansy, stop arguing." Zabini ordered lightly. "They are human, but not the purebloods that they should be."
They were standing in front of the Defense room, still bantering when they heard the dull thunk of Moody's stump coming up behind them.
With a gentle shove, Theodore had them in the class with the door firmly closed behind them. As they were settling in the back, the Hufflepuffs entered with the rest of the Slytherins - Greengrass, Bulstrode, and Davis. The three Slytherins sat with the others, ignoring the gabbling Hufflepuffs.
"So back on the subject -" Pansy stuck her tongue out at Blaise when he sent her a tiny frown. Focusing back on the door, she said, "Oh, look, the professor's in."
Nott slouched a little bit, but catching Blaise's eye, he was back into his 'proper' sitting position. Yet he gave a tiny flinch every time he heard the thunk until he saw Moody walking to his desk across the room.
"Today's lesson is the Imperius Curse. All of you will be put under it so you understand its power and to see if any of you," Moody turned to face them all, his magical eye roaming across the room," can resist its effect."
A blonde girl rose her hand, keeping her eyes downcast and never looking the professor head on.
"Miss Abbot."
"Um... I thought you said that -"
"Speak up, or don't speak at all."
Hannah jumped a bit, leaving the chair, but she did speak again, in a louder voice, "You said that those curses are illegal, Professor. Why would you be testing them out on us?"
"Dumbledore wants you taught what it feels like. If you'd rather learn the hard way - when someone's putting it on you so they can control you completely - fine by me. You're excused. Off you go."
The girl shook her head, her face becoming a blooming shade of red. "N-no sir. I'd rather stay and learn."
Moody just huffed and pointed to Crabbe. "Up!"
The thick boy blinked once or twice, looking around him for a moment before lumbering to his feet. He shuffled his feet a little bit before Pansy nudged him forward to get him walking. He didn't stop until he was in front of Moody.
"Imperio!"
The boy turned back around, and Draco could see the boy's glazed eyes. Unable to keep it to himself, Draco shivered a tiny bit. But everyone was too busy watching Goyle perform spells that he wouldn't have been able to do on his own to focus on the blonde.
Without any consent from himself, Draco was dragged back to a different time. To when he was younger, to when everything stopped being fun and games.
"Lucius, no! You can't! He's only eight. You can't make him go through something like this at -"
"Narcissa! You will do as I say and leave!" Lucius' voice boomed around the room, making the white-blonde hair boy jump from his chair. "You! Sit!" With his father's finger pointing at him, Draco didn't have any other option but to listen.
Narcissa stood her ground another minute before looking at her son, "Are you sure you have to do it?"
"I wouldn't do it otherwise." Nodding, Narcissa squeezed her eyes shut. She took a step towards Draco, but her husband's next words made her stop. "You are making it more difficult than it needs to be. Leave."
Draco watched as tears dripped from his mother's eyes. "Mum," his high pitched voice was murmured, and for a second he didn't think she heard him. But then she looked at him, her mouth trembling. "Dad won't do anything to hurt me."
She barely shook her head, blonde hair spilling over her shoulders. More tears leaked down her cheeks, and Draco was about to spring to her when she fled the room.
"Will Mum be alright, Dad?"
"She will be. Draco," Lucius walked around his desk to kneel in front of his son. "You know I will do anything to protect you, right?"
"Yep!"
"Say it correctly, Draco."
With a sigh, Draco sat up taller and replied, "Yes, Dad."
"Good. Now be still." Draco watched wide-eyed as his father drew his wand. "Imperio."
Shaking his head, he watched as Susan Bones did some dance moves across the room. Her hands were held perfectly in place, each move done to the correct degree, each step was confidant, her eyes seemingly lifeless.
"Not a one of ya." Moody gave another swish of his wand and Bones slid to the ground holding her head. "Nott, get up here."
Taking a deep breath, the tall boy got to his feet and dragged himself in front of his professor.
Draco lay in front of his father, clutching the sides of his face, a grin in place. "Dad, I did stuff I couldn't do on my own!" He was giggling and smiling, but the look on his father's face made it all flow away.
"No, Draco. That isn't good."
"Why not?" The boy pouted, "I've always wanted to do tumbling, but you've always said no. But I got to do it this time around, and I did it right!"
"No, Draco." When the boy huffed, Lucius continued, "I was controlling you. Telling you what to do. I thought you told me, a few days ago, that you hated me telling you what to do."
Mumbling, Draco shook his head.
Lucius looked at his son in surprise, "You like taking orders?"
Still on his bum, Draco scuffed his feet against the floor. "You always say that to protect Mum and you I have to listen and do as you say. The one time I didn't listen, I got Mum sick." Tears spilled down his face. "I lied when I told you that I don't like listening."
"Ok, but when someone tells you to do something in your mind, no matter who it is or how fun it sounds, you don't do it. Do you understand me?"
Draco nodded and wiped his tears away. "Ok, I won't listen to them. I promise."
"We're going to try something else now. You remember I love you, don't you?"
"Yes, Dad."
"Good." Bending down, Lucius pressed his lips against his son's forehead. Then he got back to his feet, wand in hand. "Forgive me."
Cocking his head to the side, Draco asked, "For what?"
"Cruico."
Laughter pulled him out of his memory. In front of him was Theodore Nott standing on his - Draco's - desk and acting like a monkey.
"Ah, that got his attention!"
Draco leaned back and watched, not able to laugh along with the rest of his class. All he could think about was numbing pain.
Suddenly Nott's eyes cleared and a blush covered his neck and face as to where he was standing and doing. Draco merely raised an eyebrow until the other boy realized he could move on his own and got off the blonde's desk with a mumbled apology.
"Malfoy! Since you are not enjoying the demonstrations, you're next."
Draco rolled his shoulders before moving to stand in front of the class, hands in his pockets. Looking over his shoulder, he sent a smirk over to Pansy who giggled.
"Ah, aren't you a cheeky one." Draco looked back at Moody and found a wand pointed at his face. "We'll see how cheeky you are after this! Imperio!"
Draco felt lightheaded and his worries started to slip away. However, he was back in control seconds later, keeping his eyes down. Then he could hear Moody's voice in his head: Jump onto the desk... jump onto the desk.
He shifted his weight, wondering if he would follow the instruction or not. His mind went back to the promise he made when he was eight.
Jump onto the desk.
Still unsure, Draco kept his muscles coiled in retaliation.
Jump! NOW!
Knowing he had to do something, Draco walked forward and placed his hands on the edge of the desk. With a fluid movement, he hopped onto the table to sit comfortably with his legs neatly crossed in front of him.
Silence greeted his movements. Moody seemed surprised, his magic eye twirling around everywhere. "You are full of surprises, young Malfoy."
Feeling the curse being lifted, he finally flicked his head to the side so his bangs stopped hiding his eyes.
"You were able to follow the orders, but in your own way. Very good, Malfoy. You will be hard to control."
The words made Draco want to shudder, but he merely smirked and dropped back to his feet and went to his seat.
During Potions the next day, no one was really paying attention. The Gryffindors were more obvious and many of them had to test their concoctions before they left thirty minutes ahead of schedule. The only Gryffindor who got out of it was Neville, which was surprising. Unless McGonagall told Severus to make sure the clumsy boy didn't miss the entrance of the other schools students.
As soon as the bell rang, students were up and rushing out to get to their common rooms as soon as possible. At least that was what the Gryffindors had to do because they were up on the seventh floor.
The Slytherin's, however, all packed up with quick efficiency, not seeming to rush. They made their way inside their dorms to put their things away. Then they sat or stood around waiting for Professor Snape to come collect them.
"It's a shame we couldn't have watched Longbottom get some new boils." Nott was leaning against the wall, arms crossed in front of his willowy frame. The girls rolled their eyes while the two oafs nodded.
"It would be entertaining if it were something new." Malfoy said, looking down at his nails. "If it gave him a nose-bleed, or something else, it would be funnier than everything we've seen so far."
Blaise shook his head, "I would rather they take him out of potions. He's diminishing our time with his stupidity."
"Yes, but then class wouldn't be so amusing." Pansy stood firmly in-between Malfoy and Zabini, arms lazily hanging by her sides. "Who else blows things up - besides Finnigan - on a regular basis?"
"It helps that we toss some things that don't belong in his cauldron." Nott chuckled even as the hidden door slid open to reveal their Head of House.
"Line up. First years in front; seventh years at the end. You have ten seconds to get in position." Snape's words were barked out, his low voice cool and even. Students hurried into place. As soon as the ten seconds had passed, Snape was heading out, not caring if everyone else was ready or not.
They went up the stairs and out of the dungeons. They exited the large double doors that lead outside. They stood in the courtyard, alone for a while before Hufflepuffs joined them, shortly followed by Ravenclaws. Of course the Gryffindors came out last.
Keeping his eyes focused in front of him, Draco glared at the outside. He pulled his coat tighter around him, puffs of annoyed breath seen before him. Slowly rubbing his arms inside his coat, he tried not to be too noticeable.
Minutes went by and Draco was scowling at everything. If someone brushed against him, he sent them a quiet snarl and received a hasty apology from his fellow Slytherins.
It was nearing 6 o'clock. Everything was still, except for the students. Everything was quiet, except for the students.
Finally, a first year year screeched, "It's a dragon!"
Dennis Creevey - the one that didn't carry a camera everywhere - said in a calmer manner, but still loud and obnoxious, "Don't be stupid... it's a flying house!"
Loathe to admit the boy was right, Draco watched a carriage appear in the sky. It was pulled by huge, powder-blue palomino horses; each of the twelve were about the size of an elephant with wings that was longer than a man.
When it landed with a thud, Draco had to hold back a chortle when Neville Longbottom jumped a foot to the side, stepping on Damion Shint's foot. The Slytherin boy slowly turned his head, sneering down at the cowering Gryffindor beside him.
A boy, wearing light blue robes, jumped down from the large, house-shape carriage which had everyone's attention back to the newcomers. He worked with something at the bottom of the entryway for a few seconds before lowering steps down to the earth so everyone else could exit in a more dignified manner.
A shiny, high-heeled black shoe that seemed to be the size of a child's sled appeared on the top step, soon followed by a matching foot. In seconds, the largest woman Draco had ever seen was towering over them. Her face was handsome, the tone a light olive color. Her eyes were like black liquid. Yet her nose was beak-like, and her black hair was pulled back into a tight knob at the base of her neck. Her entire body was covered from head to foot in black satin, contrasting nicely with her skin-tone. Opals gleamed at her throat and thick fingers.
Professor Dumbledore started clapping, everyone soon joining in. A gracious smile appeared on the large woman's face as she stepped down and headed for the Hogwarts Headmaster. However, they were too far away from Draco for him to hear anything, so he placed his attention back on the carriage.
By then, students were emerging, though there were only about a dozen in total. There was a mix of boys and girl, but mostly females. They all wore the light blue robes, and some wore scarves around their throats or on top of their heads, already shivering.
They joined their Headmistress, standing behind her. After a few minutes, the Madame had lead her charges inside, many faces from the Beauxbatons showing relief.
As soon as the blue robed kids were out of sight, whispers took over again. Almost every face was turned up, people pointing at every little speck that looked like another carriage coming.
Suddenly, some eerie noise drifted towards them from the shadows that had started growing. Every second it grew louder. It was a loud sucking sound, like someone trying to pick up the last ounce of drink in their glass through a straw.
Draco sent a glance to Blaise who stood on the other side of Pansy. The dark boy's eye was twitching, his mouth turned down and pressed into a tight line.
"The lake! Look at the lake!" The voice sounded familiar, so Draco turned, trying to place a face to it. His eyes landed on a dark skinned boy pointing at the water, standing in-between the twins. Before anyone could see him looking in their direction without a sneer in place, the aristocratic boy looked towards the body of water.
Unlike the smooth surface it usually had, it was rippling and splashing around in a circular motion. Bubbles formed at the center, and after another few seconds, a whirlpool replaced the frothing water.
A long, black pole began to rise. Then rigging followed, and Harry shouted out, "It's a mast!"
The ship rose out of the whirlpool, gleaming in the moonlight. It looked like it had been drug from the bottom of an ocean. The wood carvings were old, fading, and chipping. Misty lanterns, that barely gave any light, were hung everywhere, shedding green light like a fog.
For a moment, the ship inched towards them, and then the anchor was thrown. Water splashed towards them, but the students were too far away to get wet.
People began to disembark. Most of them had similar body structures as Crabbe and Goyle had; thick and bulky. But then they walked closer and it was noticeable that what made most of the bulk were cloaks of thick fur.
The man leading the way didn't wear the brown furs as his students, but silver that matched his hair. "Dumbledore!" He called out, Blaise narrowing his eyes at the loud man. "How are you, my dear fellow, how are you?"
"Blooming, thank you, Professor Karkaroff," was Dumbledore's reply before the Durmstrang Headmaster was close enough to not yell.
Karkoff was a slim, tall man, about the same height as Dumbledore. Except his silver hair was short and he had a goatee that just barely curled instead of a long, straight beard. And when he smiled, Draco scrunched up his nose at the sight of yellow teeth.
After what felt like forever, they headed inside to eat. Since they were closest to the entrance, the Slytherin's were in the Great Hall before anyone else.
The students from Beauxbatons were already sitting at the Ravenclaw table, their scarves still clutched around their throats and heads. They all had glum looks on their faces as they looked around, not even talking to each other.
The Ravenclaws hurried over and started filling in spots next to the blue cloaked strangers. Malfoy rolled his eyes and led the way to the Slytherin table, keeping spaces open around him and his posse.
The Gryffindors trudged in, and a few of them were pushing at each other and waving at Viktor Krum so that he could sit by them. The Hufflepuffs, however, we all wide-eyed and moved slowly past the Durmstrang students.
Krum looked around, and when he saw the Slytherin's already sitting, with spots clearly open, he headed over there. He sat next to Draco, picking up the golden cup. "Vhere are the drinks and food?" He put the glass back down and looked at the Malfoy heir for an answer.
Giving a polite smile, Draco leaned forward to block Nott's goggling eyes and answered, "They'll come when the feast begins."
Blaise, who sat in front of the two beside Pansy, corrected him lightly, "The house-elves are waiting for the signal Dumbledore gives them. It will begin shortly."
Pansy giggled, "Please excuse the boys for not introducing themselves, the blonde is Draco Malfoy, this is Blaise Zabini, the spiky black haired boy is Theodore Nott, and I'm Pansy Parkinson."
Blaise sent a frown in Pansy's direction before turning back to Krum and inclining his head. "Excuse me for being rude."
Viktor merely chuckled and waved a hand, "No vorries, it is my fault. I vas too enchanted with these instruments, and the ceiling is vonderful."
Taking a glimpse at the sky, Draco saw it was just like it had been outside right before they came inside. Dark, with small, shimmering stars just noticeable.
When Draco looked back at Krum, he and the other Durmstrang students were taking off their fur coats. When they were all peeled back, they were revealed to be wearing blood-red robes. All in all, the Durmstrangs were a small group. There couldn't have been more than twelve.
The Beauxbatons suddenly leapt to their feet, unflinching when some other students laughed. The headmistress and headmasters had entered the room and were heading to the Head Table. When Madame Maxime sat down on Dumbledore's left, her students followed suit at their respective spots.
With Karkoff at his right, Dumbledore began, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen, ghosts and - most particularly - guests. I have the great pleasure in welcoming you all to Hogwarts. I hope and trust that your stay here will be both comfortable and enjoyable."
A Beauxbaton girl who still kept her muffler wrapped tightly around her head gave a derisive laugh. The others with her all looked at Dumbledore as if he had gone a bit mad.
"The tournament will be officially opened at the end of the feast," Dumbledore continued on as if he hadn't been interrupted. "I now invite you all to eat, drink, and make yourselves at home." When he sat, food and drink took their spots on their tables.
"This is vonderful!" Krum grinned. "Back at our castle, the elves vould just carry them out on plate for us to eat."
Pansy nodded eagerly and began to talk in earnest with the Quidditch player. Nott kept trying to get past Malfoy, but Draco angled himself so it wouldn't be possible for the other boy to get much said in the conversation
At one point during the meal, two other people entered the room quietly, barely drawing any attention to themselves. Ludo Bagman was sitting on Karkoff's right, and Mr. Crouch sat to Madame Maxime's left.
Once every plate had been emptied and every stomach full, Dumbledore once again got to his feet. He stayed quiet until every eye was on him, not even a murmur of noise leaving any of the students. "The moment has come. The Triwizard Tournament is about to start. I would like to say a few words of explanation before we bring in the casket. We will take a moment just to clarify the procedure that we will be following this year. But first, let me introduce, for those who do not know them, Mr. Bartemius Crouch, Head of the department of International Magical Cooperation" - Dumbledore had to wait a few moments for the small burst of applause to die down - "and Mr. Ludo Bagman, Head of the Department of Magical Games and Sports."
Dumbledore once again kept his mouth closed with a smile as the louder, more enthusiastic clapping overtook the students. Bagman had raised his hand and waved it with a large grin while Crouch sat with his back straight and kept staring straight ahead.
"Crouch needs to relax a bit," Pansy muttered.
Draco shook his head, letting Blaise answer. "I see nothing wrong with how he is conducting himself."
"Yeah, it's because of the stick up his ass."
"Parkinson," Draco muttered while Krum gave a quiet chuckle.
Pansy pouted but kept quiet so they could hear what their Headmaster was saying. "Mr. Bagman and Mr. Crouch have worked tirelessly over the last few months on the arrangements for the Triwizard Tournament, and they will be joining myself, Professor Karkaroff, and Madame Maxime on the panel that will judge the champions' efforts."
There was no more talking, every eye was on Professor Dumbledore. Pansy, who looked about to say something else to Blaise, snapped her mouth closed and she was staring at the Headmaster, waiting to hear what was said next.
"The casket, then, if you please, Mr. Filch."
Every head turned to Mr. Filch who stood in a far corner. The old man glared at everyone as he approached Dumbledore carrying a huge wooden chest covered with jewels. Mrs. Norris followed close behind, meowing every now and then with her tail swishing.
"The instructions for the tasks the champions will face this year have already been examined by Mr. crouch and Mr. Bagman," Dumbledore watched as Filch carefully placed the chest on the table, "and they have made the necessary arrangements for each challenge. There will be three tasks, spaced throughout the school year, and they will test the champions in many different ways... their magical prowess - their daring - their powers of deduction - and, of course, their ability to cope with danger."
Someone coughed, and everyone gave a tiny flinch, but Dumbledore just kept on talking.
"As you know, three champions compete in the tournament, one from each of the participating schools. They will be marked on how well they perform each of the Tournament tasks and the champion with the highest total after task three will win the Triwizard Cup. The champions will be chosen by an impartial selector: the Goblet of Fire."
Dumbledore took out his wand from his sleeve and tapped the casket three times on the lid. The top opened, creaking softly. He reached into the opening, pulling out a large, roughly hewn wooden cup. It was filled to the brim with blue-white flames dancing everywhere.
"Anybody wishing to submit themselves as champion must write their name and school clearly upon a slip of parchment and drop it into the goblet. Aspiring champions have twenty-four hours in which to put their names forward. Tomorrow night, Halloween, the goblet will return the names of the three it has judged most worthy to represent their schools. The goblet will be placed in the entrance hall tonight, where it will be freely accessible to all those wishing to compete.
"To ensure that no underage student yields to temptation, I will be drawing an Age Line around the Goblet of Fire once it has been placed in the entrance hall. Nobody under the age of seventeen will be able to cross this line.
"Finally, I wish to impress upon any of you wishing to compete that this tournament is not to be entered into lightly. Once a champion has been selected by the Goblet of Fire, he or she is obliged to see the tournament through to the end. The placing of your name in the goblet constitutes a binding, magical contract. There can be no change of heart once you have become a champion. Please be very sure, therefore, that you are wholeheartedly prepared to play before you drop your name into the goblet. Now, I think it is time for bed. Good night to you all."
"Drakie, did you know that Theo's in the Hospital Wing?"
"Really? What did he do?"
"Malfoy, is that needed to be asked?" The three - Draco, Blaise, and Pansy - sat at the table, the sun not even fully risen. There was really no one else in the room except for a few students in red robes meandering about.
Draco looked over at Blaise, eyes narrowing. "Of course it does, what he does reflects us all as Slytherins."
"What I meant was, is it necessary to ask when it's obvious what he did? He left extremely early this morning, probably in an attempt to put his name in. I didn't follow, but he never returned."
"The goblet saw through whatever trick he tried to pull."
"You don't sound vorried." Krum walked over to them, sitting between Pansy and Draco.
"As long as no one else know what's happened, it's hardly my concern what that prat does to himself." Draco picked up a piece of toast, bringing it to his lips even as some Gryffindors walked in. "Have you already put you name in?"
"All of us have," The other Durmstrang students nodded, seating themselves in chairs nearby. "No vone from the other school's have."
Draco nodded, eyes falling on the goblet with the golden circle encompassing it. A loud laugh caused every head to turn - though there was only about twenty students, since there were no professors there.
The twins were hurrying over to Harry and Ron, a vial in their hands. "Done it," one whispered loudly enough to be heard across the hall. "Just taken it." He handed the bottle to Ron.
"What?" The younger red-headed boy looked at the vial with his eyebrows raised high.
"The Aging Potion, dung brains."
"One drop for us. We only need to be a few months older," the other twin said. "For you lot, I would take at least four."
Draco watched Harry shake his head, "No. I don't want to sign up for it. Too much attention as it is, being the boy-who-lived."
"Aww, come off it, Harry! It's the Triwizard Tournament!"
Hermione reached forward and slapped Ron's arm that was already rising the vial to his lips. "Ronald! At the very least - since there is nothing I can say to change your mind - watch to see if it even works."
He huffed, but nodded.
"Vhat are they doing?" Krum asked, leaning towards Pansy.
"Being idiots," she sniffed, "like usual."
"Ready?" One twin asked, "C'mon then - I'll go first - "
He pulled a slip of parchment out of his pocket, and the boy next to him patted his shoulder. Almost jolting back, Draco's eyes widened marginally. Lee was standing in-between the twins, a grin in place.
Taking a deep breath, the twin stepped over the line. For a moment, it seemed to work, and the other twin gave a shout and leapt to his brother's side. But then there was a loud sizzle, and both twins were thrown from the golden circle.
They landed with hard thuds, ten feet from the circle. Even as they sat up, identical beards sprouted from their chins to dangle low beneath their chins.
Pansy started giggling, Krum started chortling, and Blaise was sniggering quietly to himself. Unable to hold it back, Draco gave in to his laugh, letting it boom gleefully around the room. All the Gryffindors heads spun towards the blonde.
The twins eyes were wide, Ron's were narrowed, Harry looked confused, Hermione puzzled. Holding onto his sides, Draco was able to wheeze out when he calmed down marginally, "Finally, a look that's worse than usual. I didn't even think it was possible."
"Ha ha, bloody funny, Malfoy," Ron snapped, turning red. But Draco wasn't paying attention to him, the twins were once again smirking at him, but instead of looking away, the blonde locked his gray-blue eyes on theirs and sneered at them.
"I did warn you," Dumbledore's voice, deeply amused, had everyone looking at the elder man standing in the doorway. "I suggest you both go up to Madam Pomfrey. She is already tending to Miss Fawcett, of Ravenclaw, and Mr. Summers, of Hufflepuff, both of whom decided to age themselves up a little too. Though I must say, neither of their beards is anything like as fine as yours."
The two set off, with Lee still howling with laughter.
Minutes passed before Lawrence Vaisey and Loki Maltori strode in, smirking at the other Slytherin's before putting their names in the goblet.
Ignoring everybody else, Draco continued on with his breakfast as students began to trickle in.
Later that night, Draco froze as he heard the one name he hadn't been expecting to hear: "Harry Potter."
"Shit," he whispered, and for a moment he couldn't be bothered that Blaise had turned narrowed eyes on him.
A/N Also, this is being beta'd by AJ Freas, who is just awesome and is also writing an excellent story of Harry being sorted into Slytherin. If you guys like that kind of story, you should check it out. :) It's called Same Destination, Different Journey