Chapter Ten

Dates, Daemons & Draco Malfoy

Author's Note: Thank you for everyone for reviewing. I really appreciate it and I'm glad someone is reading my story. I was afraid no one read it. Please review more tell me what you think. Enjoy this chapter! Hee hee…things get exciting!

Dear Diary,

I had an unreal sleep last night. I didn't want to get up…face school…face Harry, or anyone else. I had behaved awfully last night, I realize that. But just when I thought I was slowly getting over Harry Potter, something happened; something I cannot describe. My jealousy got the better of me. I should forget Harry Potter and just concentrate…. What can I concentrate on…I have no talents. I feel completely useless and dejected.

Later

This is near lunchtime. Lavender doesn't know what to say to me, neither does Hermione. One good thing though, Padma got out of hospital.

I never felt happier. Now here was person I could pour my thoughts to.

Then the reminder of Draco Malfoy came back to haunt me, yet strangely that thought didn't seem as revolting now.

"Paddy!" I shrieked, throwing my arms around Padma.

Padma laughed, hugging me back. Then she gazed into my eyes, immediately an expression of concern crossing her face.

"Is everything alright, Parvati?"

Then I told her…all of it. It was like getting rid of a bad-taste in my mouth. I told her about Pansy, Eve, Draco Malfoy and most of all Harry Potter.

Padma was shocked about Pansy and Eve and requested me to go to Dumbledore and about Draco Malfoy…she told me to avoid him by all means.

To my surprise she seemed to understand about Harry.

Padma's eyes misted over, as we sat on the hard park-bench in the middle of the courtyard.

"That's the same way I felt about Zacharias," she murmured.

I raised my eyebrow. Padma nodded to confirm.

'It was really peculiar…all the time I kept gazing at him, trying to figure out what was happening…. I wasn't confused, or anything…it was just very strange that a person like me would be falling for Zacharias Smith!" Padma finished, wearing a dreamy expression on her face.

"Exactly!" I exclaimed.

At that moment Zacharias appeared behind Padma and presented her a bouquet of daffodils.

"I heard a certain girlfriend of mine got out of that hospital wing…" he cried, planting a kiss of Padma's cheek. To my astonishment Padma returned it and tousled Zach's snarkly blond hair. I nearly jumped to my feet. "Hiya Zacharias. Well, Paddy, I better go…." I exclaimed hurriedly. Padma and Zacharias didn't bother to reply.

I turned away and walked in the opposite direction, for the first time that day, smiling.

Then I thought releasing my energy on the Quidditch Pitch would be worth my while. I let my long, dark hair loose and soared up on my broom, enjoying the flightless feeling. Then I saw something that made jerk to a sudden stop. A blonde-haired, grey-eyed, green-robed someone.

"Malfoy!" I cried, dodging to avoid his broom pummeling me in the air.

Draco's mouth parted into a sneer. I considered that Eve could be wrong about him liking me after all. Weirdly I felt even more dejected. Can't some one like me--Neville doesn't count--even sneering Malfoy?

"What are you doing here, Patil?" Malfoy asked, running his pale, slender finger through his white-blond hair.

"I'm a Gryffindor chaser, remember?" I snapped, swooping down, just to get away from Malfoy.

"Oh, yeah," said Malfoy, following me, "you're pretty good."

"What?" I gasped, whirling around, hardly believing it.

Malfoy gazed coolly into my eyes and repeated:

"You're pretty good, Parvati." His mouth parted again, except this time…it looked like a… smile!

Then he swept away before I could say anything.

I hovered in the air, still quite stunned. "Thank you, Draco," I murmured to the silent sky around me. A bird chirped in response. I shook my head to clear it bit, but my knees seemed to shake too.

Later

I've been thinking and considering Professor McGonagall's offer, which made ages ago. The one about turning into a registered Animagus when I become of age. That's actually pretty wicked, now that I think about it. I mean, imagine turning into whatever animal you desire, any time. Very useful for eavesdropping, I am sure. But I will talk to her about it tomorrow.

Anyway, I can't stop thinking about Harry and Draco…they both are haunting my brain!

Now, I think I'll get some studying done. We have a charms test tomorrow, you know.

Yours,

Parvati

Dear Diary,

Oh gosh…ok…before I blab and all…I'll state the facts and tell you the truth… Ok, I went down to the common room to study for that Charms test, right…

I quickly made my way to my regular table, with my Charms notes tucked under my arm and Harry was sitting there! I immediately veered off course, which would have been a good option if Harry'd let me because then we'd have avoided what happened next.

Harry clutched my wrist, trying to stop me from getting away. "Parvati! Are you studying for that Charms test too?"

I didn't know what to say; I mean this did not seem like an invitation to study together. I squeezed my wrist out of grasp. "Hi Harry," I said, normally as possible.

Harry frowned. "Hey…why did you leave in the middle of dinner last night?"

"I-I-I…" I began stuttering, "didn't feel too good."

"Oh…stomach ache, hmmm?" Harry questioned.

I nodded vigorously. "Oh…yeah…that blue soup was a killer." I lied convincingly.

Harry didn't seem too convinced, though. "You know Luna asked me… not I asked her and…and…I just wanted to clear that up."

I raised my eyebrows. "Why?" I asked, just to confuse Harry, though I felt slightly better inside. Yet…why did you accept, Harry? I thought inwardly.

Harry looked nervous now. "You…well…you seemed to have a probl--"

"Problem?" I cut in blankly. "What? That is how I show my surprise!" I announced sardonically.

Harry looked taken-aback and then angry. "What's the point pretending, Parvati?"

"Pretending?" I scoffed, now angry that Harry was bugging me when normal guys would just ignore me.

"You're the one who is pretending, Harry," I accused irritably.

Harry frowned and then sighed an exasperated sort of sigh. "Par--vati…!"

"I was feeling sick that day…why do you have to keep on bringing it up? And I don't care about the Hogosmeade thing. As it appears, I have a date too."

"Why does that not surprise me?" Harry questioned, wearing that lopsided smile that melted my heart...normally.

Annoyed at his cheek, I continued. "And it happens to be with Draco Malfoy!"

With that I marched out of the room, head held high, but spirits sinking low.

So, I had done it again. Made a fool out of myself, lied and landed myself in a mess…. Except this time it wasn't exciting or adventurous…I was tired of my stupid ways, tired of covering my untidy, guilty tracks. I had broken my pact to avoid Harry and things had gone from bad to worse.

Yours,

Parvati

Dear diary,

I feel I haven't talked to Lavender and Hermione for ages. I miss them, even though it's only been 2 days--very extensive period of time to be separated from your friends when you're in crisis.

So, I managed to nab a second with them, before they left for their dates with their loving partners, Ron and Seamus(who happened to be immersed in a game of Gobstones at that moment.)

I related my troubles, and much to my surprise, Lavender looked fed-up.

"Parvati!" she chided, "when will you ever stop lying and getting into trouble, then calling upon me, or Padma or Hermione to help you cover up?"

I opened my mouth to say something, but Hermione continued.

"Come on, you know it's stupid, childish and I think for once, Parvati, you should tell some one the truth. Tell Harry you don't have a date with Draco Malfoy--(Hermione sounded disgusted) and apologize and be friends again."

I was stunned to silence.

"Please?" Lavender pleaded. I could tell she felt bad about blowing up at me.

"Hrmmh," I mumbled and turned away from them, feeling irritated, even though I knew they were absolutely right.

I could sense they were right behind, waiting for a legitimate response to emerge from my mouth.

Let them wait, I thought bitterly. They were supposed to help me, not complicate my life even further.

"Remember, Parvati, telling the truth is not easy, but sometimes there is no easy way out!" called Hermione wisely as she and Lavender finally got tired of waiting and left to tear Ron and Seamus from their Gobstones game.

There is always an easy way out. I muttered mutinously.

I was alone and bored, so I decided to wander around Hogwarts. I passed several puny first years frolicking in the halls, twirling their wands in their hands, looking so cute. I walked a bit further, arched windows, brick walls, and familiar statues. Then I came across a few second years, still short and twirling wands, but a bit more confident. Down a dark hallway-- a gaggle of third year girls were giggling over a poster of Gilliganze Kook from Cadaverous rock band. I smiled…it seemed like what Lavender and I might have done. Past a little hidden enclosure where a fourth-year girl and boy were nervously holding hands, grinning at each other. I couldn't help grinning, some how I could never picture myself like that happy with a boy that age. Fifth-years, laughing, kissing, I passed them with regret reaching its all time high. Only one more at Hogwarts…I thought sadly and then it would all be over. And me…a sixth year, alone, mascara streaked face, lower lip trembling. Crying for the end, when I should be enjoying the nearing-end.

I forced myself to walk a bit further and landed at the doorstep of Professor Minevra McGonagall's Transfiguration classroom.

Hesitantly, I twisted the knob and entered.

Professor McGonagall was busily penning a letter, looked startled to see me of all people.

"Hello," I said nervously.

Professor McGonagall gave me a quizzical look.

"Is something wrong, Miss Patil?"

I shook my head. "No, I just wanted to say I am interested in the Animagus idea which you had," I said, gulping.

Professor McGonagall shot me one of her rare smiles and I felt as if I'd done something really special.

Professor McGonagall pushed her letter away from her and got up. "Really? That's very good, Miss Patil."

"Well, you see, I've been thinking of an animal and I can't come up--I was hoping you would be able to help me," I said, fidgeting anxiously.

Professor McGonagall wore a thoughtful expression her wrinkled face. "Hmm…you might need a daemon, then."

"A daemon?" I repeated, feeling stupid.

Professor McGonagall pursed her lips. "Miss Patil, did you read Chapters 16 and 17 on The Daemon Force?"

I bit my lip and answered, "Not yet."

She sighed, then made her way to a tall, grey cupboard in the corner. "Hmm…well, I suggest you read it tonight while you take this,"

Professor McGonagall produced a tiny green vial from within the musty cupboard. "Daemon juice," she announced. " You see a daemon is like an animal with a variety of magical powers that you observe, so that you know that it is the right animal for you."

"Oh," I murmured.

" If you read what the book says this substance will materialize into an animal you pick and you can observe the traits and characteristics to determine whether you'd want to transform into that animal."

"Wow!" I exclaimed, eyeing the green vial interestedly.

"Mind you, Miss Patil, there are rules and if you break the rules then Department of Magical Creatures will be notifying you. That is why I have to write for permission before letting you use the juice first."

"Other than that, Miss Patil, read that bit about Daemons in the textbook…"

"OK! Thank you, Professor!" I said excitedly and rushed back to the nearly empty common room to open up my Transfiguration textbook. The bit about daemons was brief, but informative.

Daemons

On the outside a daemon appears to be an ordinary animal--a dog, a cat, an owl. Within them, they are capable of magical ability to rival the witches and wizards of our time. Daemons were popular during the 1700's, where they were also known as familiars to witches. Then they were mostly cats and owls, but now there are variety of daemon species. They usually keep to themselves; sometimes they inhabit the forms of muggle pets to find a good home. A few have been killed and their juices have been obtained for Transfiguration Animagus research. Daemons are useful when it is the task of choosing an animal to transfigure into. A spell is cast upon the juice and the daemon will appear in whatever form it chooses. But from then on, the daemon is under the owners' command. The daemon will have to take the form of any animal the owner desires. For Transfiguration, it is best to observe that particular form, take notes and decide which animal you want….

I had read enough; I rubbed my eyes and slammed the book shut. It had gone on to describe the enchantment to use on the juice and various types of daemons. I couldn't believe I was so excited…about Transfiguration…one of the hardest subjects. And I usually like the easy way out. Well, let's call it night. I can hear Hermione and Lavender returning and I want it to look like I was brooding and having an awful time while they were snogging with their boyfriends.

I am so childish, just like Hermione said…

Yours youthfully,

Parvati

Dear Diary,

Greetings…today is that Hogosmeade trip. Don't worry I have no evil ploys to knock Draco Malfoy's socks off or anything, to make Harry jealous. I'm just going to spend time with Padma and probably Zacharias. I have half-a-mind to stay back at Hogwarts alone, but Padma persuaded me and she can be very persuasive when she wants to. Like me.

Hmm…anyway, I feel eerily cheerful and not grumpy, even though Harry will probably see with my twin instead of his rival and that's trouble brewing all right. You see, the Daemon project has given me something worthwhile to do and …it just feels good.

Padma met me in the Gryffindor common room, looking flushed and pretty in a turquoise chiffon skirt and white tank top. I didn't pay much attention to my appearance that day--which was quite odd for me--I just pulled on an old pleated denim skirt and leaf-green cotton blouse. I let my long black hair go wild, just gave it a quick brush down before we left. I barely applied any make up--just a quick coat of all-natural lip gloss and tinge of coca brown eye shadow.

Padma's mouth dropped when she saw me. "Parvati, you look different!" she cried.

I shrugged. "I know…I know…I don't look the best…but I don't car--"

"No! You look good!" Padma declared linking arms with me as we made our way to the Hufflepuff common room. "Thanks, Paddy," I murmured, surprised.

We walked, carefree, enjoying a few chocolate frogs along the way. Padma insisted on trying a cockroach cluster. I made a face and bought a liver lollipop instead, and it turned out to be quite good. I cajoled Padma into trying out some slinky dresses in Gilda's Gladrobes and I tried a few myself. We both looked like skinny chickens dressed up as a sleazy Worst Wear Witches, but it was fun anyway. I didn't buy anything, but I managed to enjoy myself. It seems I haven't spent time with Padma for long time. We talked, and laughed had a great time…until Zacharias Smith showed up.

"Hey, Patil!"

We both turned, but our reactions were different. Padma's face lit up, while my mouth turned down.

Zacharias was smiling his usual surly smile, but for Padma it meant something, I suppose. "Hey, Padma I have a great surprise…!" he began eagerly.

Padma gazed at me uncertainly, then back a Zacharias. I twitched uncomfortable, feeling like a selfish twin.

Zacharias looked at me too, his face crestfallen. "Please, Patil, I promise Padma will love it."

Padma will like anything you do, I thought bitterly. I nodded, trying to keep a neutral face. I waved my hand dismissively. "Okay, go ahead," I muttered, flinging my last half-eaten chocolate frog into a nearby trashcan. I had lost my appetite.

Padma seemed hopeful, yet guilty. "Really…sorry…Parvati…I'll make it up to…it's just that Zacharias told me earlier…"

"Just go!" I snapped irritably, graciousness winning over. Then without a backward glance, arm in arm with her boyfriend, my twin abandoned me alone on a crowded Hogosmeade street.

I trudged forward, wondering why was it that everyone that was my friend (Hermione, Lavender & Padma) were always being whisked off by their boyfriends. "I thought friends were more important," I muttered mutinously. Padma's departure had put me in a very snappy mood.

I entered Three Broomsticks, a favorite hangout of Hogwarts students. Maybe I'd meet someone nice there…Ginny Weasley or Dean Thomas or someone.

Instead I bumped into the most unlikely person.

"Draco Malfoy!" I gasped, my heart beating rapidly. Draco gazed at me with those cool grey eyes of his, his pale blond hair gelled back stylishly. That reminded me of that stupid quiz Lav made take ages ago…I blushed a little.

"Hey…Patil!" he voiced his surprised, running a hand through his slicked back hair. I couldn't help smiling.

"Why are you smiling, Patil?' he questioned, eyeing me carefully.

I shrugged, still smiling. "Don't know, Malfoy. Can't I smile?" I snapped.

People filtered among, laughing and chatting. I never felt more alienated and weird as I stood in the middle of a crowded place, exchanging words with Draco Malfoy, of all people.

"Well if it's at my supremely good looks, then yeah…" Malfoy said arrogantly, jerking me back to earth.

I sniffed. "Well, if you must know, it's at your hair…" I giggled. Normally I would never say that out loud, but Malfoy had this way of bringing up with vindictive nature in me….

Draco wore an incredulous expression on his pale face. "Well…the girls like it," he muttered.

I laughed out aloud.

"Not me."

Draco frowned. "Then, why are you still speaking to me?"

"Because you're the only human being who has deserted me yet," I breathed. Then I regretted it.

Draco watched me closely. "Do you want to get out of here, Patil?"

Extraordinarily, I nodded and we exited Three Broomsticks.

The air out was cooler and the sky was darker than before I had entered Three Broomsticks. I thought I'd be nervous to be walking alone on a street with Malfoy, but really I wasn't.

"So, who deserted you?"

"Padma." I answered shortly.

"Oh, the clever twin." Draco mused.

Something twanged. "Hey!" I cried.

Draco smiled. It was a different smile. Not warm (fake) like Terry's, or half-a-smile like Seamus's, or even lopsided like Harry's.

It was cool, like ice, refreshing…yet made me feel burning heat, especially in the cheek area.

"Of course, you're smart too," he conceded, being uncharacteristically… human.

"That's sounds about right," I said haughtily. I was surprised that we were talking…about well, nothing. I had never talked about nothing before, especially to a boy. I never knew it could be so interesting.

"Hmmm…" I began, we kept walking in silence. I was quite happy, Draco wasn't speaking, but it wasn't the tense kind of not speaking.

Then we passed Harry and Luna. Harry was laughing at something flaky Luna had said. His eyes were crinkled up and they were walking hand in hand. Luna was laughing too, her dirty blonde hair falling over her face. I sucked in my breath. Draco sensed something. He glanced at me weirdly.

"Potter is not worth it, Patil," he said, following my gaze.

"How would you know!" I snapped angrily, still watching them. Harry caught my eye and froze, his expression was shock mingled with guilt mingled with anger. I wore a smug expression on my face, according to him I was telling him the truth. He thought I was on a date with Draco Malfoy. Ha Ha…it's funny how things work out.

"Seriously…forget him." Draco hissed, looking thoroughly pissed off.

'I've tried," I said softly, wheeling around to face him. "But it's not working."

Draco bit his lip, raising his eyebrow. "Maybe I could help?"

I frowned. "I---"

But I didn't get a chance to finish. Draco had grabbed my hand and pulled me close. I was an inch away from his nose. His lips touched mine and I felt as if hot coca was being poured in my throat. It wasn't completely sweet…it was sizzling.

I came up, gasping for breath. Draco seemed proud, his slender arm was still around my waist.

"So it's true, then?" I breathed.

Draco looked confused. "That I'm a good kisser?"

I couldn't help my lips twitching. That was true too, of course.

"No, I heard that you like me?" I had been toying with the question for awhile now. It was unreal and slightly scary, now that I thought about it. I remembered Padma's warning to stay away from Draco….

Draco glanced at me with a unreadable expression on his face and answered, "well you heard right, Parvati."

Then we kissed again.

Yours,

Parvati

Dear diary,

I cannot believe what happened last night. It's unbelievable. Draco+ Parvati ?

Gosh…I kissed Draco Malfoy. No one is really happy. Lav and Hermione are very surprised; no shock would be the right word. Padma is disappointed in me and herself for leaving me with that 'creep'. Harry is not on speaking terms with me. I don't want to seem shallow or anything, but that makes me feel better! Especially now that Harry and Luna have become somewhat of a couple. The Slytherins are also quite mad with Draco, especially Pansy and Eve.

I can hardly believe it all.

Today in the morning, Draco made a Slytherin first year deliver a boquet of roses to me! It was the sweetest thing. Hmm…I wonder why the Gryffindors were so disgusted by it.

I was looking fondly at my roses when Hermione approached me. "Parvati, I just want to say…I admire you."

I was startled out of my wits; I wheeled around, wondering if I'd heard correctly.

"Uh…thanks, Herm. But why?"

Hermione raised her eyebrows. "Only you'd have the courage to start strengthening inter-house relationships. It's very courageous to date a Slytherin…especially Draco Malfoy--" at that point Hermione shuddered. "Be careful, though. Don't go overboard for the handbook," Hermione warned, and then ran a couple of meters away to join Ron.

The handbook…I had nearly forgotten. Hmm…Draco would be a good project.

Before I could get up, so I could get to Divination. Professor McGonagall hurriedly approached me. "Miss Patil," she called sternly. I twisted my head quickly, expecting the worst.

"The daemon juice is ready," Professor McGonagall informed me excitedly. "They've given you permission."

I smiled widely. "That's great, Professor!" I exclaimed, taking the emerald green vial from her.

On second thought, I think I'll skip Divination.

Later

Here it is, the spell to transform my juice to a daemon.

I hesitantly poured the thick, oozing green liquid into an ordinary bowl. I glanced at the Transfiguration textbook next to me and cried,

"Edamon Anew!"

The bowl trembled for a second and then all of sudden went still. I approached it tentatively, my palms shaking too.

I looked over at the Transfiguration textbook. Now call upon the animal you wish the daemon to transfigure into.

I glanced around the dorm. My eyes fell upon Lav's favorite band's poster. "Raven Us"(ravenous) Get it? Ha ha.

"Raven!" I shouted, excitedly. They are interesting creatures I thought.

And I already knew a perfect name for one.

I gazed at the bowl again. Nothing seemed to be happening.

Then again, the book said not to disturb the daemon spirit for seven hours…

Hmm…nothing much to say. Till Later then, I suppose.

Yours,

Parvati

Flamingo's Note: So, how was it? Things are heating up, eh? Draco/Parvati, Harry/Luna…Daemons…. I know who is going to end up with whom, but you'll just have to wait and find out! Well…you may call me predictable, but I do have a few tricks up my sleeve.

Anyway…REVIEW! Please…I've been quite disappointed this story hasn't got very many…maybe it's cause Parvati has a starring role…but still! Thanks to everyone who did, by the way. You're the greatest!

Come back for… Rumours, Revenge & Hidden Talents! It's a really long, important one. Just so you know, Parvati Patil's Diary's end is a few chapters away. I'm happy and sad at the same time. And look I've spent 123 words blabbing about nothing. Gotta go.

 Thank you for everyone for reviewing. I really appreciate it and I'm glad someone is reading my story. I was afraid no one read it. Please review more tell me what you think. Enjoy this chapter! Hee hee…things get exciting!Hmm…anyway, I feel eerily cheerful and not grumpy, even though Harry will probably see with my twin instead of his rival and that's trouble brewing all right. You see, the Daemon project has given me something worthwhile to do and …it just feels good.