It's Halloween night and the celebration feast was coming to a close. An array of pumpkin pie, cinnamon biscuits, apple cider, assorted candies and treats line the Slytherin table.
I sit alone at my table as I have for the last couple of days.
Malfoy and I haven't said a single word to each other since Ginny's blind accusations at quidditch practice. Based off the fact that Hermione has also been avoiding me in class and around the halls, I assume his delivery of the symbolic edible ring was a success.
I was still confused by the idea of my roommate fancying her. And no, this wasn't due to jealous reasons.
The members of the Malfoy family were well-renowned, proud representatives of the Slytherin house. His controversial love interest with the young woman from Gryffindor was simply unorthodox. The fact that he was boldly willing to defy such a sentiment spoke volumes.
I was honestly happy for them. If only the stubborn bloke would give me a chance to express that..
I look straight ahead at the Gryffindor table. I pick out Ron whose side I've stuck by outside of segregated household events. I was grateful to have such a loyal friend even though I was in Slytherin. He was an easy going, fun loving class clown who stabilized my troubled, brooding (as coined by Hermione) self.
Seeing that Snape was nowhere in sight, I make the executive decision to go join my mates at the other side of the Main Hall.
"Hiya Harry," Fred greets. I throw a leg over the bench and take a seat next to Ron. "Heard our sister did you in real good the other day."
"She didn't mean it, mate." George shrugs his shoulders. "She was crying about it to us yesterday. I believe she fancies you."
I feel my cheeks burn. "Odd way of showing it," I admit.
The idea of Ginny crying over the matter was oddly alleviating. At least the Gryffindor team captain showed remorse for being jealous and unnecessarily getting me in trouble with Malfoy.
"She's a tough one.. Ginny." Ron joins the conversation throwing an arm around my shoulders. "Don't let it discourage you, mate."
"I'm fine." I shake my head while awkwardly adjusting in my seat. "It's more so my roommate; thinking I'm after his girlfriend. Where is Hermione anyway?"
"The loo."
"Potter." A finger jabs my shoulder from behind making me jolt. My head swishes to the side to find Malfoy towering over me. "A word please." He tilts his head to the side before exchanging glares with the Weasleys.
I begrudgingly follow after him as we make our way toward the exit.
"I wanted to inform you that Hermione and I are together now."
"That's brilliant," I reply earnestly. "Look mate, I don't have feelings for-"
Malfoy holds a hand up silencing me. "That redheaded friend of yours explained your situation."
"Ron?"
"No, not Weasley.. well, not that Weasley. Ginny, I think her name was. She advised that she was only hazing you. I'm aware that you aren't after my girlfriend, and I don't want any tension between us."
"Brilliant," I eagerly repeat. Maybe Ginny did have some redeeming qualities. "I don't want any tension between us either."
Malfoy extends an arm as we shake hands. This was almost too easy. Everything was going brilliantly. That was, until..
The pitter patter of rampant footsteps near us from down the hall. We turn to find Professor Quirrell rushing toward the Main Hall out of breath. He bolts past us and maniacally sprints through the entrance down the aisle in distress.
Malfoy and I trail after him.
"LINDWORM IN THE DUNGEON! LINDWORM! IN THE DUNGEON! Though you ought to know.." Quirrell's face turns ghost white before collapsing to the floor, dead weight.
This commences complete chaos. Everyone surrounding us screams and shouts while frantically moving about the room. I'm the only one in the entire hall who's maintaining a stable composure simply because I have no idea what the bloody hell a lindworm is.
The students persistently run around in sheer panic as Dumbledore commands everyone perfectly still using one word. "SILENCE!"
The headmaster calmly instructs the house Prefects to direct each household to their corridors. I yank on Ron's robes from behind as everyone begins hurriedly filing out of the Main Hall.
"What's a lindworm?" I inquire reading his terrified expression. I'm hot on his trail, making sure to steer clear of the Slytherin house Prefect.
"It's a bloody hybrid; half dragon, half snake!" Ron squeamishly informs while keeping pace with the unhinged mob. Percy, the Gryffindor Prefect and eldest Weasley, promptly leads his house out of the Main Hall unaware that one Slytherin was in attendance.
"What about Hermione?!" I hiss tightly gripping Ron's arm. "She must still be in the girls bathroom! We have to warn her."
His eyes widen at the realization as we promptly turn on our heels. I almost run face first into Malfoy. I almost had forgotten that he was beside me the whole time. His fiery blue eyes connect with mine as he ever so slowly raises an index finger pushing it against his lips.
The three of us gradually fall back in the crowd of Gryffindors while silently planning our escape. Once Percy turns the corner I yank Ron and Malfoy by their robes behind a large pillar. The two lightly grimace at one another until we're confidently out of earshot.
"Just what do you think you're doing, following us?" Ron jeers.
"Accompanying you blokes," Draco informs with narrowed eyes. "I'm seeking Hermione."
Ron and I quickly glance at each other in hushed agreement. If there was anyone else in the school willing to help us protect Hermione under any circumstance; it was Malfoy.
"Well.. Carry on then," Ron reluctantly responds folding his arms.
They intensely stare each other down exchanging a wordless (most likely temporary) truce.
Malfoy peeks from behind the pillar and motions us to follow. He promptly dashes off in the direction of the bathrooms. Ron and I swap one last look of uncertainty before nodding our heads and sprinting after him.
