:ADWD:
October 31, 1994
All color had drained from his face leaving it dreadfully pale, It's usual glow replaced with nothing but a ghostly white complexion. The fear seemed to envelope his mind, leaving no room to think. Although, this wasn't the usual feeling of fright, the type when afraid of being attacked by the creature under your bed. But pure, unadulterated terror.
Said fear, was a common frenemy of his. It was always there, in infinite existence. The feeling was like a parasite, taking refuge at the back of his mind, and gnawing away at the rare sanguine enthusiasm he cherished dearly. It was despised, just as much as it was welcomed.
Draco refocused his attention on the headmaster as he began to speak with his previous instructive tone.
" Mr.Malfoy Ms.Granger I ask if you would please make your way to the second chamber" Dumbledore gestured, once again, towards the large oak door at the far side of the room, the usual optimistic smile that graced his face was replaced with frown lines that spread across the fair skin of his forehead.
" Did he just..call your name??," beside him, Theo stared with wide eyes as Blaise twisted uncomfortably in his seat.
" Apparently so..." Draco scowled furiously, his current state of fear quickly turning into a blind rage that he held behind his somber grey eyes.
" Well go on then," Blaise said airily before meeting his gaze, his soft chestnut eyes said everything, We'll talk about this later. Draco nodded his head in understanding before standing up, making his way between the Slytherin and Ravenclaw tables, and towards the second chamber.
The Dark greens and Shining Silvers of his house colors didn't seem to be getting any further from his line of sight, hence making the walk feel unbearably long. A chorus of whispers floated around in the air, gradually stopping as he passed by it's occupants before quickly starting up again.
Meaning to get to the chamber as quickly as possible, Draco kept his eyes trained on the destination ahead, bringing forth the cockiest look he could muster, determined to hide his boiling fury and weeping sorrow. He let out a relieved breath as he finally reached the professors table, his skin prickling at their derisive stares.
Pushing his way through the dark oak door and into the next chamber, he found himself in a small room. The eerie glow of crackling flames illuminated the deep crimson walls as shadows danced across the free space in wild abandon. Magical paintings of ancient places and powerful wizards were scattered across the wall, hidden in the shadow of the large book case that adorned the far left side of the chamber.
On the right side of the room, next to the brick red fireplace, stood the five eldest champions. Cedric stood regally, back straight, his eyes trained on the flowing flames, while Fleur and Elöise sat next to each other in silence, basking in the warmth that emanated from the fire. Viktor sat with a squeamish-looking Dimitar on magnificently designed wooden chairs that graced the upper right corner of the room, opposite the book case.
Draco's gaze darted around the area, observing every corner and every detail before they settled on a pair of black circular rimmed glasses and tousled coffee curls. He sneered as he watched Dumbledore's most prized possessions talk in hushed tones, as they huddled against each other on the delicate fabric of the deep grey wool carpet that was spread across the floor.
A series of footsteps echoed behind the chamber door before it burst open, revealing 7 anxious faces.Draco immediately walked to the side of the room, determined to observe in silent interest.
" Harry Potter," he watched as Bagman excitedly approached the young boy, a broad and beaming smile on his face. The other new occupants though, sported completely different looks, varying from anxious frowns to furious scowls. " Incredible..."
Draco satisfyingly watched Harry squirm in annoyance as the wizard squeezed his arm in fascination.
" For Godrics sake Ludo let go of the boy, you're frightening him.", Mcgonogall let out a huff of frustration, a scowl on her face as she walked past the head of the Department of Magical games and Sports. Draco snickered, earning himself a glare from both Harry and the old witch. Hermione, he noticed, seemed to be surprised to see him.
" Nonsense Minerva he's perfectly fine," Bagman brought his hand down on Harry's shoulder with a heavy thump, causing the young Gryffindor to wince in slight pain.
Professor McGonagall pinched her lips together in annoyance, and began to open her mouth in preparation to deliver a snarky retort before Karkaroff began to speak.
" Albus what is the meaning of this?" his low baritone voice was loud and clear as it bounced off the walls, his deep brown eyes staring pointedly at the old headmaster. Draco watched silently from the side but couldn't help but feel mildly intimidated by the Durmstrang Headmaster.
" I am at a loss just as much as you are, Igor." Dumbledore's face remained impassive, yet the forming worry lines on his forehead indicated his troubled thoughts.
" Obviouzlee zey cheated yes?" Madame Maxime inserted herself into the conversation , her heavy accent filling the room. Draco's temper flared. How dare she, I never asked to be a part of this. " Zey are children, surely four 'ogwarts champions cannot compete. C'est Impossible "
The 8 champions watched in silence as Dumbledore shook his head in uncertainty and made his way over to Harry.
" Harry, did you put your name in the Goblet?," he asked, Harry shook his head vigorously in response, his green eyes as wide as saucers.
" No professor, I swear it." Dumbledore's gaze softened and he soon trained his gaze on an otherwise silent Hermione Granger.
" Ms.Granger?" She too, shook her head.
" No sir, i didn't think it was possible, age restriction line and all..." she replied with a frown as the old wizard sighed.
" Very well then." His blue eyes then made their way to Draco. " Mr.Malfoy???"
Draco tried not to squirm under his piercing gaze, he suddenly became aware that all eyes were on him. He was used to it of course, but this situation wasn't one he particularly wanted to be in.
" Of course not, but as much as i'd love to participate..."He sneered at the accusing looks he was getting from those in the room but continued either way," it's not in my best interest to be on a team with—" he cut himself off at the dangerous look Dumbledore was giving him. Careful Draco.
" He's lying," Harry glared accusingly," he always lies."
" Be careful Mr.Potter , you're not such a saint yourself—" Draco smirked as Snape jabbed at Harry's accusation. His godfather despised the boy just as much as he did, for what reason?? He did not know.
" That's enough Severus." The headmaster cut him off firmly and the room went silent, the crackle and hiss of the glowing flames being the only noise that filled the room.
He watched Hermione warily as she stood up and walked over to a furious Harry.
" Professor, perhaps the goblet was made to think there were more schools participating than just the three current..." Draco frowned in thought, he had to admit that was a logical explanation.
Then it hit him.
" The Confundus Charm," he said aloud before he could stop himself, trying to keep a strong gaze under the confused and wary eyes that seemed to burn holes through his pale skin.
" What do you mean the—" Draco quickly cut Harry off with an arrogant scoff . For the chosen one he really is quite dense.
" Are you really that dense Potter??" he smirked at the way the boy bristled under his gaze before continuing in a matter-of-fact tone ," there's a possibility someone used the Confundus charm to bewitch the goblet into believing there are four schools, not three, participating in the tournament."
Draco looked around as the chamber's occupants took the newly found theory into consideration. His grey eyes landed on Hermione, who was wringing her hands in hesitance. He rolled his eyes, annoyed at her behavior, bloody fuckin' hell.
" That— that actually makes sense." his eyes followed her figure in dry amusement as she paced around the room. " neither you, Harry or I could've bewitched it. Seeing as we are unable to cross the age line."
He was shocked at her automatic assumption, though still caught the accusing side glance she threw him every minute or so.
" Obviously Granger, someone already of age had to have done it," he added, his voice laced with false venom. Hermione narrowed her eyes in irritation, but kept silent.
He then turned to the older champions,his ashen eyes following their subtle movements. " You lot have been awfully quiet this good eve." He pointed out rather sarcastically.
The French girl, Elöise, was the first to speak," My apologies, we find it hard to believe zat a bunch of little kids are allowed to participate in such a tournament." Her tone was light, but didn't stop the trio from bristling in anger at the implication that they were " Little ".
Dumbledore began to calmly pace back and forth in front of the fireplace, " That may very well be the case, but there's nothing we can do about it at this point."
Draco twisted his head sharply and narrowed his eyes as the evenings previous feeling of fear built up in his chest again.
" What do you mean there's nothing we can do about it??" He asked as his heart rate began to increase" There must be some way—"
Dumbledore gazed at him with an expression that resembled something akin to pity " My apologies Mr.Malfoy but the goblet's decision is and will be final"
Draco's nostrils flared in anger and his body began to heat up," My father will hear about this—"
" I'm sure he will Mr.Malfoy," he was cut off by McGonagall's exasperated tone and Harry's poorly restrained laugh.
" what's so funny Potter ?" He spat the name as if it were a curse, his boiling fury continuing to increase by the second. He did not like being taunted.
" I'm not so sure your father could save you from this one Malfoy," Harry said, a smug look on his face as Draco's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.
" At least I have a father, where's yours Potter?? Oh right..he's d—" he smiled cruelly, his ashen eyes sparkling in satisfaction and amusement as Harry pulled out his wand and pointed it at his chest, cutting his sentence off.
" Don't you dare talk about my father Malfoy," Harry bared his teeth as his eyes flashed dangerously. Draco felt a surge of gratitude as Snape stepped behind him, assuring safety if the situation came to blows.
" Harry, put your wand away. He's not worth it." he raised his eyebrows at the furious boy in front of him, watching as he wavered in uncertainty at his bestfriend's words.
" That's enough," the headmaster said tiredly. " we will talk of this another day."
Madame Maxime and Karkaroff both made sounds of protest, but kept their mouths shut otherwise. Draco smirked smugly as Harry put back his wand and Hermione glared at him in silent outrage.
Mr.Crouch cleared his throat and everyone turned to face him," As entertaining as this conversation has been, it's about time I get back to the ministry. We will solve this issue later." He stated Wryly as he made his way towards the dark oak door, Draco noticed the look of distaste Professor Moody threw the man's way before he disappeared into the Great hall.
" Mr.Potter, always a pleasure." Bagman addressed the Gryffindor who's face flushed in embarrassment, before walking towards the door in enthusiastic strides.
Professor Dumbledore closed his eyes and rubbed his temples in exhaustion," Well then," he began. " It's about time you made it to your common rooms yes?"
" But sir—" Harry started before quickly shutting his mouth in defeat as Snape gave him a withering look. Oh if looks could kill, thought Draco. It was amusing to watch honestly.
" He's right Children, off you go." Mcgonogall began to shoo them out of the room, the eldest champions went first, eager to escape the lingering tension. Harry reached to grab Hermione's hand but she shook her head and pulled it away.
" No, you go ahead. I'll be right behind you." He looked at her skeptically but made his way towards the door either way, looking back once more before fully exiting the room.
Draco eyed Hermione anxiously as she began to walk towards him, her brown eyes never falling from his ashen ones. He wrinkled his nose in distaste as she stopped in front of him, her eyes serious.
" Granger?? " his eyebrows rose in question.
" We're going to be on a team together," she began. It took all he had to keep himself from bursting out into exasperated laughter.
" Really ?? Merlin Granger, I hadn't known." Sarcasm laced his tone as he marveled at her annoyance. Her eyes narrowed dangerously as she attempted to ignore his mocking tone.
" If we're going to be on a team, we have to learn to be civilized with each other. I'm not dying in this tournament all because you refused to keep your mouth shut and snide remarks to yourself."
Draco made a face, expression crossed between pure irritation and slight amusement.
" It's possible," he replied, pulling out his wand and twirling it in lack of interest. Hermione looked at him, her annoyance began to build up and she didn't want to be in his presence for any longer than necessary.
" Whatever Malfoy, just don't mess this up." She turned to leave but was stopped in her tracks as Draco began to speak in a cold tone.
" Hey Granger," she turned around to glare at him and rolled her eyes as he made his way towards her, stopping a fingertips length away from where she stood. Draco watched in amusement, albeit eyes shining in cold fury, as her strong gaze wavered.
" What do you want?" She snapped in displeasure. His expression hardened as he leaned in, making sure the current quarreling professors couldn't hear any more of their conversation than necessary.
" Stay out of my way," the iciness in his own tone surprised him and he took pride in the way she stiffened and huffed furiously at his warning, before stepping around her and taking his leave.
:ADWD:
A/N
Okay so...I've re-written this chapter more than 7 times and honestly I don't think it's my best. Hopefully I'll get better at this as the story progresses. Once again, this fic is centered around Draco. In my original I switched from Hermione's POV to Draco's but I'm just going to be writing in third person omniscient bc I find it easier and it tends to make more sense to me. That way I'm not repeating events or chapters, so it won't be repetitive. Any theories??? What do you want to happen?? I do take reviews and ideas into consideration and maybe you'll see your idea pop up in the fic at some point. Plot stays the same though.
Thank you for sticking with me! I promise to try and update more frequently. I love you. Leave reviews!! They motivate me :)
Much love
~ Bella
Ok so the formatting is fucked because I had to use my phone to publish, whenever I tried posting on my laptop, pieces of the sentences were missing and it was bloody annoying so here we are using my phone...my deepest apologies, I know it must be annoying but bear with me!! I'm working on finding a fix. I wasn't able to italicize character thoughts, and that's probably the thing that pisses me off the most. I'm sorry ahh I want to cry ok, leave reviews.
