Chapter Ten- First Impressions
A few days passed and suddenly it was two days before the masque. Excitement continued to spread through Hogwarts. Even the Hogwarts teachers, well some, got caught up in the spirit of Halloween. Peeves who loved to wander the halls and harass students began to sing a song about Snape-
"Snape becomes purple like a grape,
When he looks at Potter,
'Potter you have dentention,' he says
Potter says 'Snape's an old rotter…."
Peeves took to the halls in between classes singing it down the hallways, doing loopty- loops the whole way, and by the end of the day, Snape looked murderous and took to agonizing Harry more in potions than he already did, and he forbade all the students he came into contact with that if he heard anyone singing the song, they would have detention with him for a month, and 100 points would be taken from the house they were in.
Soon the amusement faded with this, and things got back to normal. The bloody-baron heard of the defilement of the Head of Slytherin house, and for the thousandth time he threatened Peeves.
Malfoy spent each day trying not to think of Ginny. It was hard not to peer at the Gryffindor table during meals, seeing Thomas with his arm around Ginny and her laughing at every little thing he says. The only thing amusing about it was the deadly look that was on the elder Weasley's face each time he saw Dean and his sister together.
'Looks like I'm not the only one who wants to murder Thomas,' Malfoy thought.
He brought his attention to Geoff who was entertaining a slew of Slytherin first year girls with a bit of muggle magic tricks. After the brief demonstration, he turned to Malfoy who had a look of humor but disgust at the same time.
"Doing that rubbish again?" Malfoy commented.
"For some reason, its seems to get me lots of attention, not that I need it," Geoff bragged, "Even though you can't stand the muggles, I find a bit of their mumbo jumbo quite exhilarating. Taking Muggle Studies has done wonders in the female department."
Malfoy rolled his eyes. "Well this looks interesting," he said bringing his attention suddenly to Longbottom who approached the Slytherin table with caution. Neville's face had the look of fright but he tried to cover it by looking down at the floor. He slowly approached Goyle who was currently having an arm wrestling contest with Crabbe.
"Lost your way Longbottom," Malfoy called out.
Crabbe and Goyle immediately ceased all activity and looked over at the approaching Gryffindor. Neville stood wavering in front of the Slytherin's resolved to get the task at hand over with.
"Er…Goyle, um remember we have our session tonight at 6:30. Don't forget this time, or I'll be… (Neville swallowed at this) forced to tell Professor Sprout." He sighed and began to retreat back to the Gryffindor table.
"Longbottom," Goyle said quickly, "if I find you over here again or you say something like that to me again, I'll….I'll…" he stopped suddenly. Neville had drawn his wand out at the threat and pointed it at Goyle's throat.
"Y- You'll do what," Neville said, "I'm not afraid to use this. I maybe a bit absent minded at times, but I know a lot of curses. Just be there at 6:30." He looked with alarm at Geoff and Malfoy who had both stood up and drawn their wands out at Neville. Half of the Great Hall stared at the trio. Harry and the rest of the members of the former D.A. had their wands pulled out and on the table, ready to assume battle.
Suddenly Professor McGonagall walked over to the table.
"What is this, idle threats being made to each other! A disgrace to both houses! Longbottom, you should know better, although your grandmother would disagree. Tsk-tsk two wands pointed at you…..well let's see here. You, and you." She said pointing at Geoff, and Malfoy, "you will have detention with me tomorrow. Meet me at 7:00, my office. Longbottom, I dare say you will be in detention already having to tutor him." She gave Goyle a look and then marched away leading Neville over to the Gryffindor's.
The Great Hall resumed speaking, those whose attention was occupied by the display before and resumed talking about the impending masquerade ball.
Neville sat down at the table and looked at his friends with relief.
"Neville, what were you thinking trying to corner Goyle like that," Hermione immediately said.
"Lay off him Hermione, he's the hero of the hour. Imagine, being able to get away without a detention. I guess tutoring Goyle is a detention in itself," Ron said patting Neville on the back.
"Thanks guys," Neville said, and helped himself to food.
Down the table a ways, Ginny was deep in conversation with her friends and Dean.
"So Naomi, I've been hearing this costume of your is sure to be….hot?" Dean flirted with her. Naomi grinned and looked over at Ginny with raised eyebrows.
"You can look all you want, but make sure your attention is on your woman come Saturday night," Naomi teased.
"Oh, I've already seen Ginny's costume," Dean said matter of factly, "but I hear your costume is very wicked."
Ginny watched the exchange of dialogue. There were so many underlying implications; she knew she had to stop Dean from ruining their sham of a relationship. She lightly pinched Dean on his thigh under the table.
"Ow….what was that for pumpkin," Dean said lying through his teeth.
"Just wanted to make sure you were aware that you are still with me," she whispered, "I could cut the sexual tension between you and Naomi with a knife. Remember the plan."
Dean's features softened. "I'm sorry Gin, its just hard sometimes having to pretend with you but feeling something for someone else," he admitted throwing a grin to Naomi.
Ginny looked over at Malfoy, 'If you only knew Dean, if you only knew….' She thought to herself.
"Just think Dean, two days and we'll hopefully be with the people of our dreams," Ginny said back to him. She gave him a reassuring smile and went back to the conversation about guessing people's costumes.
It was the day before the masque and Malfoy was stuck in detention. McGonagall sat in her office grading papers while he and Geoff swept the floor, washed the windows, dusted, and took inventory of all the supplies used for transfiguration class.
"This is so below me," Malfoy said quietly, counting buttons in a box.
Geoff was underneath a cabinet trying to draw out a mouse which escaped below. He finally gave up and brushed off dust.
"I hope McGonagall doesn't go through this place using a white glove," Geoff said back.
"What?" Malfoy said.
"Never mind, sometimes Malfoy, I think you should've taken muggle studies. Then I can actually have an intelligent conversation with you."
"Just because I'm not a humongous geek who takes every class offered here, especially one that is about the most meaningless creatures that exist doesn't mean I need to lower myself and my family by studying muggle facts and figures."
"You have to remember, you include yourself in that figure. Your human too, you just happen to be a wizard," Geoff said, "aha, I gotcha now." He reeled with triumph and placed the small animal back into a cage with other ones. "All right, there are 32 in here."
Malfoy wiped his brow and finished tallying up the results. "That has to be it," he said. He and Geoff were both tired, dirty, not to mention hungry. After this task was completed, he planned to scrounge some food up in the kitchen.
'Nothing like having a bunch of house-elves wait on me to lift my spirits,' Malfoy thought with glee.
The two boys approached McGonagall's desk with caution. She looked up at the two approaching.
"Are you finished," she asked looking the both of them up and down at their disheveled appearance. They nodded. "Well I will have to inspect what you did, and I will count all the items on the list myself just to make sure you haven't tried to cheat your way through the process." Malfoy and Geoff both looked at each other and groaned.
Suddenly a loud booming noise sounded from somewhere in the castle.
"PEEVES," the Professor yelled, "you two will remain here until I get back." With that she scurried from the office.
Draco and Geoff wearily sat down in a couple of armchairs. Draco laid his head down onto McGonagall's desk.
Geoff examined his clothing. "I cannot wait to bathe," he said, "Do you think anyone will be in the prefect's bathroom tonight?" Malfoy sat up and smirked at his friend.
"Oh the great Geoff wants to take a girly bath ehh?" he teased, "better make sure to get all nice and clean to get ready for his admirers,"
Geoff pushed at Malfoy, but their attention was both brought to a figure that appeared in the doorway.
'I need permission to get into the restricted section again from McGonagall,' she thought. She entered the room but stopped when she saw two people-the last ones she thought she would encounter; which included someone who made her stomach do somersaults.
"Oh, I'm sorry. Have you two seen Professor McGonagall," She asked quietly.
She looked away at Geoff but kept her eyes forward. Geoff's attention immediately drew to the willowy and petite brunette that haunted his every thought. He automatically answered to Malfoy's entertainment.
"She stepped out but she'll be back. I think Peeves is out causing trouble tonight," Geoff answered.
"Oh," Daveigh said an uncomfortable silence settling in. Malfoy yawned while Geoff looked at, then away from Daveigh. She kept her eyes to the floor and tapped her foot.
"So…do you know how long she'll be gone," she finally said.
"I guess after everything's settled," Geoff said. Malfoy sat back and enjoyed the look of awkwardness on Geoff's face.
'What a sod, he can't keep his eyes off her, very smooth man, very smooth,' Malfoy thought.
"I guess I'll talk to her another time," Daveigh finally said and began to retreat from the office.
"No!" Geoff stopped. Daveigh turned around and stared at Geoff with confusion.
"I mean", he continued, "I'm sure she'll be back very soon, besides, there's enough room for the three of us in here." He looked around at a couple of empty chairs next to him. She shrugged her shoulders and sat one seat away from Geoff.
Silence ensued for a couple of more minutes. Finally, Geoff got up the courage to speak to her again.
"Your in Gryffindor, right?" he asked stupidly.
"It says so on my robes," she said pointing to the lion emblem. Malfoy held in a laugh and turned to look away. Geoff kicked him which caused Malfoy to let out the laugh he'd been holding in and instead he coughed repeatedly. Daveigh looked over at the Slytherin boy.
"Are you all right?" she asked.
Malfoy ignored her and sucked in deep breaths which helped to stop the coughing. Geoff turned his attention back to Daveigh.
"I've seen you around, you know in the library. What classes are you taking this term?"
Daveigh looked at Geoff with interest, her eyes lit up a bit but suspicion still lingered in her violet depths. Geoff realized her trust would be much more worth the earning if he tried to catch her interest in something.
"Oh, lots of things, I wish I could take everything," she giggled, "but this being my O.W.L.S. year I have to concentrate on the basics and prepare myself for the future."
"I've taken everything," Geoff bragged. Daveigh looked at him impressed. He continued, "I am in all the top O.W.L.S. courses that they offer. That way, whatever I choose, I know I'll already be certified for it."
"How is that possible? I mean, how do you have time to take all of those classes?" she said, then her mouth then formed a perfect 'oh'.
Geoff smiled, and leaned forward a bit, allowing hair escape into his eyes which usually caught the attention of any girl. Daveigh though was still mesmerized by Geoff's brains.
"I know how you can do that…..a time turner. Well, I promise not to tell on any account," she said quietly. Geoff watched the way her cherry lips moved with every word.
"Oh, that's no problem, half the school knows anyway. After Granger got away with it a few years ago, the ministry has been a bit more lenient on those of us with merit. Have you taken muggle studies?"
He'd caught her by surprise. 'Imagine, I am having a decent conversation with a Slytherin, and about muggle studies for that matter! I can't wait to tell Ginny,' she thought. "Oh, I don't really need to take muggle studies, I'm a half blood."
Geoff looked at her with astonishment. "Really? Which parent is the wizard then?"
"My father, he attended Hogwarts too." Daveigh looked at the door. She started to become a little uncomfortable with his questions and staring, but tried not to let him in on how she was feeling. Malfoy sat in the chair with his head bent low. He was fast asleep.
"That's fascinating," Geoff said, "are you going to the masque tomorrow night?"
Daveigh looked at him with surprise. Butterflies started to settle into her stomach. "Y-Yes."
"Great. I will see you tomorrow night then, perhaps you'll save me a dance."
"That will be kind of hard, you know with our masks," she pointed out.
"Let's just say, I will find you," he answered the innuendo apparent.
Daveigh's heart beat very fast. 'This is not good,' she thought, 'I can't get involved with him. Just look away, look away.'
Professor McGonagall entered the room and to her surprise saw a third member in the room. "Ms. Porter," the professor said "what can I do for you?"
Daveigh looked away from Geoff's silvery blue depths and answered the woman, "I need another pass to the restricted section professor. I didn't find what I was looking for, but I am sure with another look I can limit my search."
McGonagall frowned. "This is the last time Ms. Porter, search with discretion. There are too many underlying spells and curses that are throughout the volumes. I wouldn't do this for many students, but you are among the best." She signed a slip of parchment Daveigh held out. "Well gentleman, I am worn out. I guess you may go now." She looked at the two boys.
"Excuse me, Mr. Malfoy, YOU MAY GO," she shouted. Draco woke up with a start and looked around at where he was. Geoff had an amused look on his face and the half-blood girl stared at him with contempt.
"Let's go," Draco turned to Geoff and began to head out of the room. Geoff followed behind slowly, Daveigh walking next to him. The trio reached the staircase, the Slytherin's needed to travel down the staircase, and Daveigh up to Gryffindor tower.
"Thanks," Daveigh said, "I guess I may see you tomorrow evening."
"You better believe it," Geoff answered. Malfoy stood on the landing below impatiently rolling his eyes. Daveigh turned and began walking up the moving staircases.
"Wait!" Geoff called, "What's your name?"
She turned around slowly. "Daveigh, Daveigh Porter."
"I'm Geoff Lovegood," He said proudly, "Luna's cousin."
"I know who you are," she said, "see you tomorrow." With that she continued up the stairs. Geoff kept his eyes trained on her form until his neck began to get tired from looking up the staircases.
"Ready Casanova," Malfoy threw out at him. Geoff turned to look with surprise. "Well he was a great lover of ladies, get over it. Don't ask how I know about him." Malfoy warned and continued down the marble staircase to the dungeons.
Daveigh made her way into the common room after her field trip and encounter with Geoff and Malfoy. She looked around at all of her fellow Gryffindor's who were in rare form for the evening. A large game of exploding snap was going on which included Ginny, who looked to be heavily involved in it against most of the Gryffindor boys including Harry and Ron. The female members of Gryffindor were in another corner discussing hair and makeup for tomorrow night.
"Ha ha, I win again," Ginny exclaimed after the flames finally calmed down after the last round. She laughed at the appalled look on the faces of the boys, and gave a swift kiss on Dean's cheek. She got up and made her way over to the group of giggling girls in the corner. Seeing Daveigh suddenly with a flushed look, she immediately took a detour and walked over to her friend.
"What happened," Ginny asked. Daveigh saying nothing grabbed her hand and led her up to their dorm. She quickly closed the door and locked it.
"I think I'm in love," Daveigh said.
Ginny sat down slowly unto her bed at this news. "With who?"
"Luna's cousin," Daveigh answered. She told Ginny about the encounter in McGonagall's office.
Ginny began to laugh, and didn't stop laughing for five minutes.
"What's so funny?" Daveigh said sitting down next to her friend.
"Dava, that's not love your feeling, that's desire hon," Ginny finally said, taking in short breaths. Her brown eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Desire?" Daveigh finally said with shock, "I don't desire him… Believe it or not, I think he's cute and all, but what did it for me was when he said he had taken every class that there is to offer at Hogwarts." She dreamily began to think about Geoff.
Ginny snorted and burst into laughter again. Daveigh joined her and the two spent the majority of the time laughing.
A knock then sounded outside the door, "Are you gonna let us in on the joke, or am I going to have to blow the door open," Ashley yelled through the door. Ginny and Daveigh both got up and ran to the door, laughing all the way.