The Other Side of the Mirror
Year One
Chapter Four
-Halloween -
Draco mused silently during dinner. I need to find some way to get back at Potter for what he did at Flying. He had no right to laugh at me, and then what he did up in the air. He nearly knocked me off my broom! He nearly humiliated me, and I hope he gets in severe trouble for what he did. Of course, if I know the Famous Harry Potter, he'll probably weasel his way out of punishment. That's just not fair! He should be treated like the rest of us, but instead he's held up as some sort of idol. Dumbledore just adores Harry Potter and it's just not right that the rest of us get into trouble and he doesn't, or if he does, he gets out of it. Well, Potter, you don't go making enemies with Malfoys. If there's one thing I've learned from all of my father's lessons, it's never to back off when people like that make you look bad.
Draco glanced up from his steak, taking a bite, and looked over at the Gryffindor table. He smirked, looking at Potter and Weasley. I bet Potter isn't going to last much longer here, especially after that stunt he pulled with the broom! Let's see, what to do. I know, a duel. Potter would never back down on a wizard duel, especially if he was cocky enough to think he could beat me! And I bet he'd love to duel me; of course, that's if it's an actual duel. I think Filch would be pleased to find some students out of bed and if it just so happened that it was Potter and Weasley, all the better. Then they'd be out of my hair and I wouldn't have to put up with them and their snide little comments about me.
"Come on," Draco said, standing. "I want to talk to Potter."
Crabbe and Goyle nodded, standing. "Can we come back and finish?" Goyle asked.
Draco nodded. "Of course you can, I just want to do this now, before they run off to their little common room high up in their almighty tower." How come Gryffindors get to have windows and we're stuck in the dungeons? It's just not fair. Of course, as my father always says, life isn't fair, so deal with it.
Crabbe and Goyle followed Draco as he wound himself over to the Gryffindor table. The Weasley twins had just left and Draco saw his chance. "Having a last meal, Potter?" Draco asked, smirking. "When are you getting the train back to the Muggles?"
"You're a lot braver now that you're back on the ground and you've got your little friends with you," Potter said coolly.
Draco didn't let his composure drop for an instant. "I'll take you on anytime on my own," Draco said coldly, sneering down at Potter. "Tonight, if you want. Wizard's duel. Wands only - no contact." Draco smirked at the look on Potter's face, which hinted confusion. "What's the matter? Never heard of a wizard's duel before, I suppose?"
"Of course he has," Weasley said. "I'm his second, who's yours?"
Perfect. Draco thought, laughing silently. They fell for it! Draco glanced at Crabbe and Goyle, and then looked back at Potter and Weasley. "Crabbe," Draco said shortly. "Midnight all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room; that's always unlocked."
With that, Draco spun on his heels and walked away, grinning from ear to ear.
~ ~ ~
After dinner, Draco glanced around to make sure nobody was close by, and headed towards Filch, who was walking down a corridor, Mrs. Norris at his heels. Draco had told Crabbe and Goyle that he was going to the library, and they had immediately run off.
"Excuse me, Mr. Filch?" Draco called.
Filch stopped, looking back at Draco, his face expressionless. "You need something, Mr. Malfoy?" Filch asked. Filch, of course, knew who Draco's father was, and wasn't about to be nasty to Lucius' son, or he would face the consequences. Draco smirked. Those wouldn't be pleasant.
"I just wanted to notify you that I overheard Potter and his friends talking." Filch looked interested and Draco smiled. They're in for it now! "I heard them say that they wanted to go see the trophy room, but they didn't want to go when there were students around, so they were going to sneak in at midnight, tonight. I also heard that they were going to do something to the trophies."
Filch growled angrily. "Stupid kids, always trying to make me do more work, messing up everything."
"Weasley's going to be there too."
Filch sneered. "A Weasley. Good. Those twins are nothing but trouble."
"Just thought I'd let you know," Draco said and headed back to the common room, smirking all the way.
~ ~ ~
When Draco entered the common room, Crabbe and Goyle were no where to be seen, but Brandon, Terrace, and Tawny were sitting on the couches. He walked down the steps and walked over to them, sitting down on the couch next to Brandon. "Hi Draco," Terrace said.
"What are you smiling about?" Tawny asked.
Draco shrugged. "I just found a way to get Potter and Weasley expelled," he said simply.
They all looked at him wide-eyed. "Well, come on then, don't hold us in suspense! Tell us!" Brandon urged.
"I just dropped a little hint to Filch that Potter and Weasley would be in the trophy room at midnight."
"Yeah, Crabbe said something about a duel," Terrace said.
Draco nodded. "That's what I used for bait, and they fell for it! How thick can you get?" Draco said, laughing.
The others laughed too. "I suppose Potter won't be joining us for breakfast tomorrow," Tawny said, still laughing.
"It's about time!" Brandon exclaimed. "Potter always gets out of everything, so he should finally get in trouble."
The three of them nodded. "I know," Terrace said.
"Well," Draco said, standing. "I'm going to go finish my Potions essay. I'll see you tomorrow."
The three of them nodded and Draco left, heading upstairs to his room. It was empty, thankfully, and Draco took out his Potions book from his trunk. He sat down on his bed and began writing his essay on Truth Serums. They would be learning how to make them soon, and Snape wanted them to research first.
After two feet, he stopped. The assignment had been only a foot, but Draco wanted to do his best, and that meant doing extra. He just had to prove that he was the top of his class because if he didn't get the highest grades, he was done for with his father.
Draco put away his book and finished essay, and pulled on his pajamas. He slid into his bed, closing the drapes. He laid back and closed his eyes, soon falling into a deep sleep.
~ ~ ~ The next morning at breakfast, Draco sat at his seat, stunned. How come Potter and Weasley are still here? He slammed his fist down on the table, making Crabbe and Goyle both jump.
"What's the matter?" Goyle asked.
"Potter," Draco growled. "How did he manage to weasel his way out of that? I had it perfectly set up!"
"Potter's always getting out of everything," Crabbe said, munching on his toast.
"Are you going to eat that?" Goyle asked, pointing to Draco's half-finished breakfast.
"No, you can have it. I suddenly lost my appetite."
Goyle pulled Draco's plate over next to his own, and began eating. Draco glared at Potter, not even paying attention as the mail arrived. He watched an owl drop a long package into Potter's hands. Potter looked surprised and was opening a note, reading it. He began talking excitedly with Weasley. I wonder what that is. Draco thought. Well, if it what I think it is, Potter is going to get into big trouble, and he'd better not get out of it! How come he gets presents and a broomstick on top of it? It's just not fair!
As breakfast concluded, Draco, not wanting Potter and Weasley to get out before him, grabbed Crabbe and Goyle and left the Great Hall. They waited on the steps that were to right of the entrance into the Great Hall. These steps, Draco knew, wound their way up to the Gryffindor common room, and Potter and Weasley would be heading this way, probably to open the little package. Sure enough, the two of them ran out of the Great Hall just then, looking excited. They skidded to a stop in front of Draco, who was flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. Draco had his arms crossed. Draco reached out quickly, snatching the package from Potter, feeling it. Exactly what I thought, a broomstick. How did he get one, and why?
Draco tossed the package back to Potter. "That's a broomstick," Draco said, feeling jealousy rise inside of him. Why does he get a broomstick and I don't? Why didn't father buy me one? "You'll be in for it this time, Potter, first-years aren't allowed them."
"It's not any old broomstick," Weasley said, looking at Draco smugly. "It's a Nimbus Two Thousand." Draco gritted his teeth in anger, and he could feel his hands clenching into fists. That's not fair! That's the broomstick I want and how come Potter gets one and my father didn't send me one! Potter didn't even do anything special! Oh, he's in for it now. Once the professors find out, he's going to be in trouble. "What did you say you've got at home, Malfoy, a Comet Two Sixty?" Weasley grinned at Potter. "Comets look flashy, but they're not in the same league as the Nimbus."
"What would you know about it, Weasley, you couldn't afford half the handle," Draco snapped, angry that a Weasley was talking to him like this. "I suppose you and your brothers have to save up twig by twig."
"Not arguing, I hope, boys?" Draco heard a squeaky voice ask.
Draco glanced down to his right and saw Professor Flitwick standing there, barely reaching Draco's elbow. "Potter's been sent a broomstick, Professor," Draco said quickly. Now he's going to get it.
"Yes, yes, that's right," Professor Flitwick said, beaming at Potter. "Professor McGonagall told me all about the special circumstances, Potter. And what model is it?"
Draco could barely contain his rage and shock, and he knew that his face had grown dark with anger. Special circumstances? Stupid prat, just because he's famous, doesn't mean he should get things that the rest of us can't have. How come he gets special treatment? It's not fair to the rest of us who actually have to work for things! He just breezes through everything! First, no punishment, and second, he gets a broomstick!
"A Nimbus Two Thousand, sir," Potter said. Draco glared at Potter, who was trying to contain silent laughter. "And it's really thanks to Malfoy here that I've got it," he added. Potter and Weasley brushed past Draco, heading to their common room, laughing.
Draco bristled with anger and confusion. What did I - oh no, not that stupid Flying Lesson incident! He got rewarded for that little stunt? Draco stomped his foot, crossing his arms. Potter is going to get it one of these day, and that time, he won't be able to worm his way out of it. When my father hears of this, Potter is going to be in for it.
~ ~ ~
Halloween came quickly, and Draco couldn't wait for the dinner feast. He knew it was going to be brilliant. Although he was still slightly angered that they hadn't even let the first-years near the pitch during Quidditch tryouts, he couldn't wait until their first match. In two weeks, their first match would be against Gryffindor. Katrina Bletchley, a fourth year, had made the spot for Keeper, but he didn't have any problem with it because she was pleasant and didn't rub it in their faces that she had made it. Instead, she was really nice and she had even helped Draco with his Transfiguration homework the previous night and for that he was eternally grateful because they were having a test next week on what they had covered, and he hadn't understood a thing until she had explained it.
That morning, the delicious smell of baking pumpkin wafted through the corridors. And the best part came later in the day, during Charms. Draco had been anxiously waiting for Professor Flitwick to teach them out to make objects fly and that day, Flitwick announced that he thought that they were ready.
Draco sat in his seat up front, barely containing his excitement. Flitwick had paired them off and Draco was with Brandon. Crabbe had been paired off with Terrace and Goyle had been paired off with Millicent Bulstrode.
"Now, don't forget that nice wrist movement we've been practicing," Flitwick said, standing on top of his pile of books. He looked around at them and they watched him, nodding. "Swish and flick, remember, swish and flick. And saying the magic words properly is very important, too - never forget Wizard Baruffio, who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself on the floor with a buffalo on his chest."
Draco nodded and looked down at his feather in front of him. "Swish and flick, right," Draco said softly. "Wingardium Leviosa!" he said with a swish and flick. Nothing happened. Brandon was having similar luck and started shaking his wand at it. "Stop, you're going to poke someone's eye out with that thing," Draco said, holding up his hand.
Brandon glared at his feather. "Ruddy feather, why won't you fly," he muttered.
"Maybe we're saying it wrong, or something." Brandon just grumbled. Draco sighed. "Well, come on then, let's try again." Draco looked back at his feather and tried once again, but the feather just sat there, unmoving.
"Looks like Granger's having no problem," Brandon muttered, nodding his head to the other side of the room. Draco looked at the rows across from them and up at the third row where Potter, Weasley, and Granger were sitting. Granger had indeed levitated her feather, and it was now floating a few feet up in the air. Draco glared. She doesn't even have pure-blood and she can do everything. It's not fair. Well, as long as she doesn't get special treatment like Potter, but it's still rather annoying. I should be able to do all this stuff, but instead, a Mudblood beats me! How am I to excel when Granger just stomps me in the dust?
"Oh, well done!" Professor Flitwick cried, clapping. "Everyone see here, Miss Granger's done it!"
Suddenly a loud explosion filled the room and Draco burst out laughing, seeing that Finnigan, a Gryffindor first-year, had blown up his feather and his face was now black and his hair stood on end. The rest of the Slytherins joined in Draco's laughter.
"Hey Finnigan, we better not let you near any firecrackers, huh? You'd probably blow us all up!" a Slytherin yelled. The rest of the Slytherins howled with laughter.
Draco watched as Finnigan ducked his head, clearly embarrassed. Draco felt slightly bad for him, but he had to admit, it was funny.
"He looks pretty funny," Crabbe said, laughing.
"His face is all black!" Goyle said, laughing.
Draco snickered. "It is."
The Gryffindors just glared.
~ ~ ~
After Transfiguration, they headed into the Great Hall for the Halloween Feast. Even Draco had to admit that the decorations were impressive. A thousand live bats fluttered from the walls and ceiling while a thousand more swooped over the tables in low black clouds, making the candles in the pumpkins stutter. The fest appeared suddenly on the golden plates and they began eating.
Draco was helping himself to a second-helping of mashed potatoes when the huge doors of the Great Hall slammed open and Professor Quirrell came sprinting in, his turban askew and terror all over his face. The spoon that was in Draco's hand dropped to the table, his hand motionless. He watched with wide-eyes and an open mouth as Quirrell ran down the center aisle.
"Troll! Troll in the dungeons! Thought you ought to know." Then he collapsed onto the floor in a dead faint.
The Great Hall went up in an uproar. Draco jumped up, screaming. A troll! What if it comes here? He thought frantically. He stumbled off of the bench, trying to get into the swarm of students that were rushing for the door. Screams and yells filled the hall.
"SILENCE!" Dumbledore yelled above the din.
Everyone stopped dead in their tracks, looking at Dumbledore, their eyes wide and faces full of fear. Draco swallowed, fear gripping him in the chest.
"Prefects, lead your Houses back to the dormitories. Professors, follow me to the dungeons," Dumbledore said.
"Slytherins, follow me! First-years this way!" Adrien Lanart called. Draco could hear the other prefects calling their houses to them. The mass of students began moving slowly.
As they walked down the stairs to their common room, Draco looked at Brandon. "How could a troll get in?" Draco asked.
"Don't ask me; I thought trolls were supposed to be stupid," Brandon said.
"But the troll is in the dungeons," Goyle said.
"Goyle, we're in the dungeons!" Draco cried. This sent the rest of the first-years yelling and scrambling again, this time up the stairs.
"STOP!" Adrien yelled and the first-years froze. They looked back at him, terror on their faces. "We don't have to worry about the troll; as long as you stick with me, we'll be fine! Now please, follow me back to the common room. The professors are taking care of it. Just stay calm." When the first-years began moving down the steps, slowly, Adrien let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. Now come along." He turned and they followed him down the stairs, through the large arched corridor to the end and into their common room.
All the students were talking nervously to each other, glancing around, as if they were expecting the troll to come barging in at any second. Finally, they heard the stone slide and Professor Snape came into their common room. He was limping slightly, but his face was as cold as always, betraying no evidence of pain. The Slytherins looked at him, waiting for him to speak. "The troll is taken care of. You can go to your beds now. There's nothing to worry about." With a swirl of his cloak, he was gone and the common room regained the previous high noise level.
"I wonder how they managed it?" Draco said thoughtfully.
Brandon shrugged. "Who knows?"
"Maybe they wrestled it," Crabbe said.
Draco and Brandon both looked at him. "You can't wrestle a troll, Crabbe," Draco said, rolling his eyes. "It'd step on you first."
Crabbe just shrugged. "Just a thought."
~ ~ ~
As they entered November, the incident with the troll flew from their minds as they focused on the very exciting event that was coming up: the first Quidditch match of the season.
During the morning of the Quidditch match, the Great Hall was filled with excited voices chattering. "Did you know, I heard that Potter made the Quidditch team!" Terrace exclaimed.
"What?" Draco said, his face darkening. "Potter? Are you sure?"
Terrace nodded. "I overheard the professors talking about it last night when I was heading back from the library. They said that they were keeping it a secret until the first match, something about the captain of the Gryffindor team wanting to use surprise as a secret weapon, or something like that."
"I don't believe this. Potter made his house team?" Draco growled. "First- years weren't even allowed to try out! That's not right. Just because he's famous doesn't give him the right to special privileges."
"Exactly," Tawny agreed.
"I don't think we have anything to worry about." Draco looked at Marcus Flint, who had been listening. "Even if Potter managed to weasel his way onto the team, he's just a first-year and he doesn't know the first thing about Quidditch. He'll probably make a fool of himself," Marcus said, laughing.
Draco smiled and then laughed. "You're probably right," Draco said. "I bet he won't even stay on his broom for more than two seconds with those Bludgers coming towards him!"
"I thought he flew well in the lesson," Crabbe said.
Draco looked at him. "That was in a lesson, and he was only a few feet from the ground. He's going to be hundreds of feet above the ground during the match and with the Bludgers trying to knock him off of his broom? Hah, he won't last." But Draco wasn't so sure. He had seen Potter fly and he grudgingly admitted that Potter wasn't all that bad. Still, a match was completely different from a lesson.
~ ~ ~
After breakfast, the students bundled up in their cloaks, scarves, and gloves, and headed out to the Quidditch pitch. Draco stood up near the ledge that was in the front of the student stands, looking around the empty pitch. The players would be coming out soon. Draco leaned his arms on the ledge, his green and silver banner in his hands. He smiled. We'll beat Gryffindor for sure. We smashed them last year, according to Marcus, so this match shouldn't be any different. I can't wait to see the look on the Gryffindors' faces when we beat them. Even if they have Potter. That still doesn't make any sense, though. How did he manage to weasel his way onto the team? I didn't even get a chance to try out. In my opinion, he's getting too many special privileges and it's not fair to the rest of us.
"Welcome to Hogwarts' first Quidditch match of the season!" the announcer called as the players flew out from down below. Draco recognized the voice as the boy that always hung out with the Weasley twins. Great, a Gryffindor announcer. This will be fair. Cheers erupted in the stands. "Today's match: Slytherin versus Gryffindor!" The Slytherins yelled loudly, waving their banners, as were the Gryffindors. "Madame Hooch steps out on the pitch to begin the game." Draco watched as the players formed a circle, hovering above Madame Hooch. The Gryffindor team faced the Slytherin team. The two Seekers, Terence Higgs and Potter, hovered above the players. Madame Hooch opened the chest, releasing the Bludgers and the golden Snitch. "The Bludgers erupt, followed by the golden Snitch! Remember, the golden Snitch is worth 150 points. Whichever Seeker catches the Snitch, ends the game." Draco could see that Madame Hooch was giving them a talk, but then she reached down into the trunk and pulled out the Quaffle. Draco grinned, waiting in anticipation. Crabbe and Goyle were yelling loudly on either side of him. Madame Hooch threw the Quaffle up into the air. "The Quaffle is released and the game begins! And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor - what an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive, too -"
"JORDAN!" Draco heard Professor McGonagall say.
"Sorry, Professor," the Gryffindor announcer said. Draco rolled his eyes. Pathetic. "And she's really belting along up there, a neat pass to Alicia Spinnet, a good find of Oliver Wood's, last year only a reserve - back to Johnson and - no, the Slytherins have taken the Quaffle."
"Yes!" Draco yelled, watching as Marcus flew towards their goal.
"Slytherin Captain Marcus Flint gains the Quaffle and off he goes - Flint flying like an eagle up there - he's going to sc - no, stopped by an excellent move by Gryffindor Keeper Wood and the Gryffindors take the Quaffle - that's Chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor there, nice dive around Flint, off up the field and - OUCH - that must have hurt, hit in the back of the head by a Bludger."
The Slytherins howled with laughter and cheers as Slytherin took possession of the Quaffle. Adrian sped towards their goal, the Quaffle tucked under his arm.
"That's Adrian Pucey speeding off towards the goal posts, but he's blocked by a second Bludger - sent his way by Fred or George Weasley, can't tell which - nice play by the Gryffindor Beater, anyway, and Johnson back in possession of the Quaffle, a clear field ahead and off she goes - she's really flying - dodges a speeding Bludger - the goal posts are ahead - come on, now, Angelina - Keeper Bletchley dives - misses - GRYFFINDOR SCORES!"
"BOO!" Draco yelled as the Slytherins moaned loudly.
Draco watched as Potter did a stupid victory dance, looping around on his broom. Draco rolled his eyes. It was just one goal. Don't get your hopes up. Draco turned his attention back to the game. He watched as one of the Weasleys hit a Bludger toward Marcus, who ducked and sped towards their goal. Marcus heaved the Quaffle towards the hoop, but the Gryffindor Keeper blocked it.
The Slytherins howled with laughter when Marcus took one of the Beater's bats and hit a Bludger towards the Keeper, knocking him to the ground.
"GRYFFINDOR SCORES!"
The Slytherins' laughter quickly turned to groans but Adrian had the Quaffle now.
"Slytherin in possession. Chaser Pucey ducks two Bludgers and Chaser Bell, and speeds towards the - wait a moment - was that the Snitch?"
Draco watched as Potter and Terence hurtled towards the ground, neck and neck. Then he glanced up as Marcus stood up on his broomstick and jumped over one of the Weasleys. He took the Quaffle and scored.
The Slytherins cheered loudly and Draco turned his attention back to the Seekers, where the announcer's attention obviously was, since he had grown quiet. Suddenly, Marcus flew in front of Potter, deliberately blocking him. The Slytherins were laughing as Potter spun off course.
The Gryffindors, however, were booing loudly and yelling.
"So - after that obvious and disgusting bit of cheating -"
"Jordan!" Professor McGonagall growled.
"I mean, after that open and revolting foul -" "Jordan, I'm warning you -"
"All right, all right. Flint nearly kills the Gryffindor Seeker, which could happen to anyone, I'm sure, so a penalty to Gryffindor, taken by Spinnet, who puts it away, no trouble, and we continue play, Gryffindor still in possession."
Draco watched as Marcus and Adrian placed themselves on either side of one of the Gryffindor Chasers and sent her flying behind one of the cloth hangings on the towers. The Slytherins cheered as Adrian had the Quaffle and was now speeding towards their goal. He passed it to Marcus.
"Slytherin in possession - Flint with the Quaffle - passes Spinnet - passes Bell - Slytherins score - oh no . . ."
The Slytherins cheered loudly. They were now tied with Gryffindor. Draco heard gasps around him. "Look!" someone cried. Draco looked up and his eyes went wide as he watched Potter bucking around on his broomstick. The Slytherins began laughing.
"Slip!" Crabbe yelled.
Draco let a small smile creep across his face. He laughed. It would serve him right if he fell. Then he'd realize that he doesn't belong up there and that he shouldn't be on the team until the rest of us get a chance.
Draco glanced as Marcus scored several times, but everyone was too busy watching as Potter tried to hold onto his broomstick. Draco looked back at Potter. Suddenly, his broomstick bucked and Potter flew off. Now he was only holding on by one hand, his broomstick still waving around in the air. Nice little show, Potter.
Then his broomstick went still and Draco watched as Potter swung himself back onto his broomstick and sped towards the ground. Near the ground, he tumbled off of his broomstick and stood up. His hands flew to his stomach and he looked like he was going to be sick. The crowds went silent and Draco watched intently. Suddenly Potter coughed and something landed in his hands.
"Harry Potter has caught the golden Snitch! Gryffindor wins!" the announcer yelled.
"No!" Draco yelled, putting his face in his hands. I don't believe it! We lost! And all because of Potter!
Year One
Chapter Four
-Halloween -
Draco mused silently during dinner. I need to find some way to get back at Potter for what he did at Flying. He had no right to laugh at me, and then what he did up in the air. He nearly knocked me off my broom! He nearly humiliated me, and I hope he gets in severe trouble for what he did. Of course, if I know the Famous Harry Potter, he'll probably weasel his way out of punishment. That's just not fair! He should be treated like the rest of us, but instead he's held up as some sort of idol. Dumbledore just adores Harry Potter and it's just not right that the rest of us get into trouble and he doesn't, or if he does, he gets out of it. Well, Potter, you don't go making enemies with Malfoys. If there's one thing I've learned from all of my father's lessons, it's never to back off when people like that make you look bad.
Draco glanced up from his steak, taking a bite, and looked over at the Gryffindor table. He smirked, looking at Potter and Weasley. I bet Potter isn't going to last much longer here, especially after that stunt he pulled with the broom! Let's see, what to do. I know, a duel. Potter would never back down on a wizard duel, especially if he was cocky enough to think he could beat me! And I bet he'd love to duel me; of course, that's if it's an actual duel. I think Filch would be pleased to find some students out of bed and if it just so happened that it was Potter and Weasley, all the better. Then they'd be out of my hair and I wouldn't have to put up with them and their snide little comments about me.
"Come on," Draco said, standing. "I want to talk to Potter."
Crabbe and Goyle nodded, standing. "Can we come back and finish?" Goyle asked.
Draco nodded. "Of course you can, I just want to do this now, before they run off to their little common room high up in their almighty tower." How come Gryffindors get to have windows and we're stuck in the dungeons? It's just not fair. Of course, as my father always says, life isn't fair, so deal with it.
Crabbe and Goyle followed Draco as he wound himself over to the Gryffindor table. The Weasley twins had just left and Draco saw his chance. "Having a last meal, Potter?" Draco asked, smirking. "When are you getting the train back to the Muggles?"
"You're a lot braver now that you're back on the ground and you've got your little friends with you," Potter said coolly.
Draco didn't let his composure drop for an instant. "I'll take you on anytime on my own," Draco said coldly, sneering down at Potter. "Tonight, if you want. Wizard's duel. Wands only - no contact." Draco smirked at the look on Potter's face, which hinted confusion. "What's the matter? Never heard of a wizard's duel before, I suppose?"
"Of course he has," Weasley said. "I'm his second, who's yours?"
Perfect. Draco thought, laughing silently. They fell for it! Draco glanced at Crabbe and Goyle, and then looked back at Potter and Weasley. "Crabbe," Draco said shortly. "Midnight all right? We'll meet you in the trophy room; that's always unlocked."
With that, Draco spun on his heels and walked away, grinning from ear to ear.
~ ~ ~
After dinner, Draco glanced around to make sure nobody was close by, and headed towards Filch, who was walking down a corridor, Mrs. Norris at his heels. Draco had told Crabbe and Goyle that he was going to the library, and they had immediately run off.
"Excuse me, Mr. Filch?" Draco called.
Filch stopped, looking back at Draco, his face expressionless. "You need something, Mr. Malfoy?" Filch asked. Filch, of course, knew who Draco's father was, and wasn't about to be nasty to Lucius' son, or he would face the consequences. Draco smirked. Those wouldn't be pleasant.
"I just wanted to notify you that I overheard Potter and his friends talking." Filch looked interested and Draco smiled. They're in for it now! "I heard them say that they wanted to go see the trophy room, but they didn't want to go when there were students around, so they were going to sneak in at midnight, tonight. I also heard that they were going to do something to the trophies."
Filch growled angrily. "Stupid kids, always trying to make me do more work, messing up everything."
"Weasley's going to be there too."
Filch sneered. "A Weasley. Good. Those twins are nothing but trouble."
"Just thought I'd let you know," Draco said and headed back to the common room, smirking all the way.
~ ~ ~
When Draco entered the common room, Crabbe and Goyle were no where to be seen, but Brandon, Terrace, and Tawny were sitting on the couches. He walked down the steps and walked over to them, sitting down on the couch next to Brandon. "Hi Draco," Terrace said.
"What are you smiling about?" Tawny asked.
Draco shrugged. "I just found a way to get Potter and Weasley expelled," he said simply.
They all looked at him wide-eyed. "Well, come on then, don't hold us in suspense! Tell us!" Brandon urged.
"I just dropped a little hint to Filch that Potter and Weasley would be in the trophy room at midnight."
"Yeah, Crabbe said something about a duel," Terrace said.
Draco nodded. "That's what I used for bait, and they fell for it! How thick can you get?" Draco said, laughing.
The others laughed too. "I suppose Potter won't be joining us for breakfast tomorrow," Tawny said, still laughing.
"It's about time!" Brandon exclaimed. "Potter always gets out of everything, so he should finally get in trouble."
The three of them nodded. "I know," Terrace said.
"Well," Draco said, standing. "I'm going to go finish my Potions essay. I'll see you tomorrow."
The three of them nodded and Draco left, heading upstairs to his room. It was empty, thankfully, and Draco took out his Potions book from his trunk. He sat down on his bed and began writing his essay on Truth Serums. They would be learning how to make them soon, and Snape wanted them to research first.
After two feet, he stopped. The assignment had been only a foot, but Draco wanted to do his best, and that meant doing extra. He just had to prove that he was the top of his class because if he didn't get the highest grades, he was done for with his father.
Draco put away his book and finished essay, and pulled on his pajamas. He slid into his bed, closing the drapes. He laid back and closed his eyes, soon falling into a deep sleep.
~ ~ ~ The next morning at breakfast, Draco sat at his seat, stunned. How come Potter and Weasley are still here? He slammed his fist down on the table, making Crabbe and Goyle both jump.
"What's the matter?" Goyle asked.
"Potter," Draco growled. "How did he manage to weasel his way out of that? I had it perfectly set up!"
"Potter's always getting out of everything," Crabbe said, munching on his toast.
"Are you going to eat that?" Goyle asked, pointing to Draco's half-finished breakfast.
"No, you can have it. I suddenly lost my appetite."
Goyle pulled Draco's plate over next to his own, and began eating. Draco glared at Potter, not even paying attention as the mail arrived. He watched an owl drop a long package into Potter's hands. Potter looked surprised and was opening a note, reading it. He began talking excitedly with Weasley. I wonder what that is. Draco thought. Well, if it what I think it is, Potter is going to get into big trouble, and he'd better not get out of it! How come he gets presents and a broomstick on top of it? It's just not fair!
As breakfast concluded, Draco, not wanting Potter and Weasley to get out before him, grabbed Crabbe and Goyle and left the Great Hall. They waited on the steps that were to right of the entrance into the Great Hall. These steps, Draco knew, wound their way up to the Gryffindor common room, and Potter and Weasley would be heading this way, probably to open the little package. Sure enough, the two of them ran out of the Great Hall just then, looking excited. They skidded to a stop in front of Draco, who was flanked by Crabbe and Goyle. Draco had his arms crossed. Draco reached out quickly, snatching the package from Potter, feeling it. Exactly what I thought, a broomstick. How did he get one, and why?
Draco tossed the package back to Potter. "That's a broomstick," Draco said, feeling jealousy rise inside of him. Why does he get a broomstick and I don't? Why didn't father buy me one? "You'll be in for it this time, Potter, first-years aren't allowed them."
"It's not any old broomstick," Weasley said, looking at Draco smugly. "It's a Nimbus Two Thousand." Draco gritted his teeth in anger, and he could feel his hands clenching into fists. That's not fair! That's the broomstick I want and how come Potter gets one and my father didn't send me one! Potter didn't even do anything special! Oh, he's in for it now. Once the professors find out, he's going to be in trouble. "What did you say you've got at home, Malfoy, a Comet Two Sixty?" Weasley grinned at Potter. "Comets look flashy, but they're not in the same league as the Nimbus."
"What would you know about it, Weasley, you couldn't afford half the handle," Draco snapped, angry that a Weasley was talking to him like this. "I suppose you and your brothers have to save up twig by twig."
"Not arguing, I hope, boys?" Draco heard a squeaky voice ask.
Draco glanced down to his right and saw Professor Flitwick standing there, barely reaching Draco's elbow. "Potter's been sent a broomstick, Professor," Draco said quickly. Now he's going to get it.
"Yes, yes, that's right," Professor Flitwick said, beaming at Potter. "Professor McGonagall told me all about the special circumstances, Potter. And what model is it?"
Draco could barely contain his rage and shock, and he knew that his face had grown dark with anger. Special circumstances? Stupid prat, just because he's famous, doesn't mean he should get things that the rest of us can't have. How come he gets special treatment? It's not fair to the rest of us who actually have to work for things! He just breezes through everything! First, no punishment, and second, he gets a broomstick!
"A Nimbus Two Thousand, sir," Potter said. Draco glared at Potter, who was trying to contain silent laughter. "And it's really thanks to Malfoy here that I've got it," he added. Potter and Weasley brushed past Draco, heading to their common room, laughing.
Draco bristled with anger and confusion. What did I - oh no, not that stupid Flying Lesson incident! He got rewarded for that little stunt? Draco stomped his foot, crossing his arms. Potter is going to get it one of these day, and that time, he won't be able to worm his way out of it. When my father hears of this, Potter is going to be in for it.
~ ~ ~
Halloween came quickly, and Draco couldn't wait for the dinner feast. He knew it was going to be brilliant. Although he was still slightly angered that they hadn't even let the first-years near the pitch during Quidditch tryouts, he couldn't wait until their first match. In two weeks, their first match would be against Gryffindor. Katrina Bletchley, a fourth year, had made the spot for Keeper, but he didn't have any problem with it because she was pleasant and didn't rub it in their faces that she had made it. Instead, she was really nice and she had even helped Draco with his Transfiguration homework the previous night and for that he was eternally grateful because they were having a test next week on what they had covered, and he hadn't understood a thing until she had explained it.
That morning, the delicious smell of baking pumpkin wafted through the corridors. And the best part came later in the day, during Charms. Draco had been anxiously waiting for Professor Flitwick to teach them out to make objects fly and that day, Flitwick announced that he thought that they were ready.
Draco sat in his seat up front, barely containing his excitement. Flitwick had paired them off and Draco was with Brandon. Crabbe had been paired off with Terrace and Goyle had been paired off with Millicent Bulstrode.
"Now, don't forget that nice wrist movement we've been practicing," Flitwick said, standing on top of his pile of books. He looked around at them and they watched him, nodding. "Swish and flick, remember, swish and flick. And saying the magic words properly is very important, too - never forget Wizard Baruffio, who said 's' instead of 'f' and found himself on the floor with a buffalo on his chest."
Draco nodded and looked down at his feather in front of him. "Swish and flick, right," Draco said softly. "Wingardium Leviosa!" he said with a swish and flick. Nothing happened. Brandon was having similar luck and started shaking his wand at it. "Stop, you're going to poke someone's eye out with that thing," Draco said, holding up his hand.
Brandon glared at his feather. "Ruddy feather, why won't you fly," he muttered.
"Maybe we're saying it wrong, or something." Brandon just grumbled. Draco sighed. "Well, come on then, let's try again." Draco looked back at his feather and tried once again, but the feather just sat there, unmoving.
"Looks like Granger's having no problem," Brandon muttered, nodding his head to the other side of the room. Draco looked at the rows across from them and up at the third row where Potter, Weasley, and Granger were sitting. Granger had indeed levitated her feather, and it was now floating a few feet up in the air. Draco glared. She doesn't even have pure-blood and she can do everything. It's not fair. Well, as long as she doesn't get special treatment like Potter, but it's still rather annoying. I should be able to do all this stuff, but instead, a Mudblood beats me! How am I to excel when Granger just stomps me in the dust?
"Oh, well done!" Professor Flitwick cried, clapping. "Everyone see here, Miss Granger's done it!"
Suddenly a loud explosion filled the room and Draco burst out laughing, seeing that Finnigan, a Gryffindor first-year, had blown up his feather and his face was now black and his hair stood on end. The rest of the Slytherins joined in Draco's laughter.
"Hey Finnigan, we better not let you near any firecrackers, huh? You'd probably blow us all up!" a Slytherin yelled. The rest of the Slytherins howled with laughter.
Draco watched as Finnigan ducked his head, clearly embarrassed. Draco felt slightly bad for him, but he had to admit, it was funny.
"He looks pretty funny," Crabbe said, laughing.
"His face is all black!" Goyle said, laughing.
Draco snickered. "It is."
The Gryffindors just glared.
~ ~ ~
After Transfiguration, they headed into the Great Hall for the Halloween Feast. Even Draco had to admit that the decorations were impressive. A thousand live bats fluttered from the walls and ceiling while a thousand more swooped over the tables in low black clouds, making the candles in the pumpkins stutter. The fest appeared suddenly on the golden plates and they began eating.
Draco was helping himself to a second-helping of mashed potatoes when the huge doors of the Great Hall slammed open and Professor Quirrell came sprinting in, his turban askew and terror all over his face. The spoon that was in Draco's hand dropped to the table, his hand motionless. He watched with wide-eyes and an open mouth as Quirrell ran down the center aisle.
"Troll! Troll in the dungeons! Thought you ought to know." Then he collapsed onto the floor in a dead faint.
The Great Hall went up in an uproar. Draco jumped up, screaming. A troll! What if it comes here? He thought frantically. He stumbled off of the bench, trying to get into the swarm of students that were rushing for the door. Screams and yells filled the hall.
"SILENCE!" Dumbledore yelled above the din.
Everyone stopped dead in their tracks, looking at Dumbledore, their eyes wide and faces full of fear. Draco swallowed, fear gripping him in the chest.
"Prefects, lead your Houses back to the dormitories. Professors, follow me to the dungeons," Dumbledore said.
"Slytherins, follow me! First-years this way!" Adrien Lanart called. Draco could hear the other prefects calling their houses to them. The mass of students began moving slowly.
As they walked down the stairs to their common room, Draco looked at Brandon. "How could a troll get in?" Draco asked.
"Don't ask me; I thought trolls were supposed to be stupid," Brandon said.
"But the troll is in the dungeons," Goyle said.
"Goyle, we're in the dungeons!" Draco cried. This sent the rest of the first-years yelling and scrambling again, this time up the stairs.
"STOP!" Adrien yelled and the first-years froze. They looked back at him, terror on their faces. "We don't have to worry about the troll; as long as you stick with me, we'll be fine! Now please, follow me back to the common room. The professors are taking care of it. Just stay calm." When the first-years began moving down the steps, slowly, Adrien let out a sigh of relief. "Thank you. Now come along." He turned and they followed him down the stairs, through the large arched corridor to the end and into their common room.
All the students were talking nervously to each other, glancing around, as if they were expecting the troll to come barging in at any second. Finally, they heard the stone slide and Professor Snape came into their common room. He was limping slightly, but his face was as cold as always, betraying no evidence of pain. The Slytherins looked at him, waiting for him to speak. "The troll is taken care of. You can go to your beds now. There's nothing to worry about." With a swirl of his cloak, he was gone and the common room regained the previous high noise level.
"I wonder how they managed it?" Draco said thoughtfully.
Brandon shrugged. "Who knows?"
"Maybe they wrestled it," Crabbe said.
Draco and Brandon both looked at him. "You can't wrestle a troll, Crabbe," Draco said, rolling his eyes. "It'd step on you first."
Crabbe just shrugged. "Just a thought."
~ ~ ~
As they entered November, the incident with the troll flew from their minds as they focused on the very exciting event that was coming up: the first Quidditch match of the season.
During the morning of the Quidditch match, the Great Hall was filled with excited voices chattering. "Did you know, I heard that Potter made the Quidditch team!" Terrace exclaimed.
"What?" Draco said, his face darkening. "Potter? Are you sure?"
Terrace nodded. "I overheard the professors talking about it last night when I was heading back from the library. They said that they were keeping it a secret until the first match, something about the captain of the Gryffindor team wanting to use surprise as a secret weapon, or something like that."
"I don't believe this. Potter made his house team?" Draco growled. "First- years weren't even allowed to try out! That's not right. Just because he's famous doesn't give him the right to special privileges."
"Exactly," Tawny agreed.
"I don't think we have anything to worry about." Draco looked at Marcus Flint, who had been listening. "Even if Potter managed to weasel his way onto the team, he's just a first-year and he doesn't know the first thing about Quidditch. He'll probably make a fool of himself," Marcus said, laughing.
Draco smiled and then laughed. "You're probably right," Draco said. "I bet he won't even stay on his broom for more than two seconds with those Bludgers coming towards him!"
"I thought he flew well in the lesson," Crabbe said.
Draco looked at him. "That was in a lesson, and he was only a few feet from the ground. He's going to be hundreds of feet above the ground during the match and with the Bludgers trying to knock him off of his broom? Hah, he won't last." But Draco wasn't so sure. He had seen Potter fly and he grudgingly admitted that Potter wasn't all that bad. Still, a match was completely different from a lesson.
~ ~ ~
After breakfast, the students bundled up in their cloaks, scarves, and gloves, and headed out to the Quidditch pitch. Draco stood up near the ledge that was in the front of the student stands, looking around the empty pitch. The players would be coming out soon. Draco leaned his arms on the ledge, his green and silver banner in his hands. He smiled. We'll beat Gryffindor for sure. We smashed them last year, according to Marcus, so this match shouldn't be any different. I can't wait to see the look on the Gryffindors' faces when we beat them. Even if they have Potter. That still doesn't make any sense, though. How did he manage to weasel his way onto the team? I didn't even get a chance to try out. In my opinion, he's getting too many special privileges and it's not fair to the rest of us.
"Welcome to Hogwarts' first Quidditch match of the season!" the announcer called as the players flew out from down below. Draco recognized the voice as the boy that always hung out with the Weasley twins. Great, a Gryffindor announcer. This will be fair. Cheers erupted in the stands. "Today's match: Slytherin versus Gryffindor!" The Slytherins yelled loudly, waving their banners, as were the Gryffindors. "Madame Hooch steps out on the pitch to begin the game." Draco watched as the players formed a circle, hovering above Madame Hooch. The Gryffindor team faced the Slytherin team. The two Seekers, Terence Higgs and Potter, hovered above the players. Madame Hooch opened the chest, releasing the Bludgers and the golden Snitch. "The Bludgers erupt, followed by the golden Snitch! Remember, the golden Snitch is worth 150 points. Whichever Seeker catches the Snitch, ends the game." Draco could see that Madame Hooch was giving them a talk, but then she reached down into the trunk and pulled out the Quaffle. Draco grinned, waiting in anticipation. Crabbe and Goyle were yelling loudly on either side of him. Madame Hooch threw the Quaffle up into the air. "The Quaffle is released and the game begins! And the Quaffle is taken immediately by Angelina Johnson of Gryffindor - what an excellent Chaser that girl is, and rather attractive, too -"
"JORDAN!" Draco heard Professor McGonagall say.
"Sorry, Professor," the Gryffindor announcer said. Draco rolled his eyes. Pathetic. "And she's really belting along up there, a neat pass to Alicia Spinnet, a good find of Oliver Wood's, last year only a reserve - back to Johnson and - no, the Slytherins have taken the Quaffle."
"Yes!" Draco yelled, watching as Marcus flew towards their goal.
"Slytherin Captain Marcus Flint gains the Quaffle and off he goes - Flint flying like an eagle up there - he's going to sc - no, stopped by an excellent move by Gryffindor Keeper Wood and the Gryffindors take the Quaffle - that's Chaser Katie Bell of Gryffindor there, nice dive around Flint, off up the field and - OUCH - that must have hurt, hit in the back of the head by a Bludger."
The Slytherins howled with laughter and cheers as Slytherin took possession of the Quaffle. Adrian sped towards their goal, the Quaffle tucked under his arm.
"That's Adrian Pucey speeding off towards the goal posts, but he's blocked by a second Bludger - sent his way by Fred or George Weasley, can't tell which - nice play by the Gryffindor Beater, anyway, and Johnson back in possession of the Quaffle, a clear field ahead and off she goes - she's really flying - dodges a speeding Bludger - the goal posts are ahead - come on, now, Angelina - Keeper Bletchley dives - misses - GRYFFINDOR SCORES!"
"BOO!" Draco yelled as the Slytherins moaned loudly.
Draco watched as Potter did a stupid victory dance, looping around on his broom. Draco rolled his eyes. It was just one goal. Don't get your hopes up. Draco turned his attention back to the game. He watched as one of the Weasleys hit a Bludger toward Marcus, who ducked and sped towards their goal. Marcus heaved the Quaffle towards the hoop, but the Gryffindor Keeper blocked it.
The Slytherins howled with laughter when Marcus took one of the Beater's bats and hit a Bludger towards the Keeper, knocking him to the ground.
"GRYFFINDOR SCORES!"
The Slytherins' laughter quickly turned to groans but Adrian had the Quaffle now.
"Slytherin in possession. Chaser Pucey ducks two Bludgers and Chaser Bell, and speeds towards the - wait a moment - was that the Snitch?"
Draco watched as Potter and Terence hurtled towards the ground, neck and neck. Then he glanced up as Marcus stood up on his broomstick and jumped over one of the Weasleys. He took the Quaffle and scored.
The Slytherins cheered loudly and Draco turned his attention back to the Seekers, where the announcer's attention obviously was, since he had grown quiet. Suddenly, Marcus flew in front of Potter, deliberately blocking him. The Slytherins were laughing as Potter spun off course.
The Gryffindors, however, were booing loudly and yelling.
"So - after that obvious and disgusting bit of cheating -"
"Jordan!" Professor McGonagall growled.
"I mean, after that open and revolting foul -" "Jordan, I'm warning you -"
"All right, all right. Flint nearly kills the Gryffindor Seeker, which could happen to anyone, I'm sure, so a penalty to Gryffindor, taken by Spinnet, who puts it away, no trouble, and we continue play, Gryffindor still in possession."
Draco watched as Marcus and Adrian placed themselves on either side of one of the Gryffindor Chasers and sent her flying behind one of the cloth hangings on the towers. The Slytherins cheered as Adrian had the Quaffle and was now speeding towards their goal. He passed it to Marcus.
"Slytherin in possession - Flint with the Quaffle - passes Spinnet - passes Bell - Slytherins score - oh no . . ."
The Slytherins cheered loudly. They were now tied with Gryffindor. Draco heard gasps around him. "Look!" someone cried. Draco looked up and his eyes went wide as he watched Potter bucking around on his broomstick. The Slytherins began laughing.
"Slip!" Crabbe yelled.
Draco let a small smile creep across his face. He laughed. It would serve him right if he fell. Then he'd realize that he doesn't belong up there and that he shouldn't be on the team until the rest of us get a chance.
Draco glanced as Marcus scored several times, but everyone was too busy watching as Potter tried to hold onto his broomstick. Draco looked back at Potter. Suddenly, his broomstick bucked and Potter flew off. Now he was only holding on by one hand, his broomstick still waving around in the air. Nice little show, Potter.
Then his broomstick went still and Draco watched as Potter swung himself back onto his broomstick and sped towards the ground. Near the ground, he tumbled off of his broomstick and stood up. His hands flew to his stomach and he looked like he was going to be sick. The crowds went silent and Draco watched intently. Suddenly Potter coughed and something landed in his hands.
"Harry Potter has caught the golden Snitch! Gryffindor wins!" the announcer yelled.
"No!" Draco yelled, putting his face in his hands. I don't believe it! We lost! And all because of Potter!