Chapter 7

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Malinda tilted her head as she looked into the mirror. She flattened the front of her dress robes and turned slightly. Dumbledore had been kind enough to purchase them and the old wizard had impressive fashion sense. Seriously, how had no one guessed his sexuality? The headmaster always looked sharp and fantastic.

"Your ass looks good, don't worry," Daphne said boredly, flipping through a magazine on her bed.

"I'm not worried," Malinda wrinkled her nose. "It's just old Slughorn hosting afterall."

"At least you got invited," Daphne muttered.

Clare snorted, "I'm glad I didn't. Slughorn is such a bore. Pretty pathetic he invites students to dinner, if you ask me."

"Of all the purebloods though, he invites Mal and Blaise?" Millicent paused in her reading to complain. "Why? My family has more money than his whore mother and- "

The bathroom door slammed open. Pansy exited, her eyes focused straight ahead and chin held high, ignoring them all. She strode through the dorm room, leaving behind a strong scent of perfume, before disappearing out and down the stairs. It had been days since the common room debacle but her fury remained. Now, more than ever, she clung to Draco and the other Slytherins.

Malinda flicked her hand in irritation and the dorm room shut.

"Blaise is invited because he's third highest in our year, filthy rich, easy on the eyes, and anyone with a brain knows he's going to climb the ministry ladder in no time. Mal is invited because she can close the bloody door without even touching her wand- she's scary good with magic." Clare told Millicent.

Daphne rolled her eyes, turning to the next page but the tension in her body was clear.

"What's really bothering you?" Malinda crossed her arms and faced her friend fully. "Daphne, I know you really don't care about being part of Slughorn's little group. So what is it? You've been snapping at me all day."

Her friend ignored her.

Clare snorted, again.

"What?" Malinda demanded. "Tell me what I did wrong this time!?"

"It's not you," Daphne said after a pause. She put the magazine down and rubbed her temples. "It's Blaise."

"What about him?"

Clare's eyes cut between the two young women. When no one broke the silence, she threw her hands up and exclaimed, "Enough! Just tell her Daphne."

"Tell me what?"

"I-" Daphne frowned and faltered.

"She bloody fancies him!" Clare announced. "Merlin, it's not a terrible thing to admit Daph."

"It is when he's the biggest flirt," Daphne bit out. "Especially when he can't stop throwing himself at Mal."

"He flirts with everyone," Malinda's arms loosened and fell. "Really? That's it? You're upset I'm going to the party with Blaise? You do realize it's not a date. We're literally just walking there together, that's it."

"He hasn't stopped talking about it," Daphne didn't bother to hide the jealousy in her voice. "He can't wait to escort you to the professor's elite party!"

"He may be academically brilliant but he's an idiot," Clare pointed out.

Malinda nodded fervently, "He is. He may make me laugh, but I'm not interested."

Daphne didn't look convinced.

"Really," Malinda insisted. "He's a friend and nothing more."

"Rumor is he's going to ask you to Hogsmead next weekend," Daphne said. "If he did, would you say yes?"

"Of course not," Malinda replied. "And now that I know you like him, I'll suggest he invites you instead."

"No!" Daphne's face paled and she scrambled from her bed. "No! You can't tell him!"

"I won't tell him but-"

Daphne grabbed her shoulders. "He mustn't know. He has a different date for every Hogsmeade trip and he never sees her again. Usually he has his tongue down someone else's throat the next day. We grew up together and I've watched him go through girls like they're nothing…." Her face sombered. "And I'm not nothing."

"No," Malinda responded seriously. "You're everything."

"You should just ask him," Millicent suggested. "If he hasn't realized it yet at this point, I don't think he ever will."

"You know I can't. The etiquette is clearly-"

"Who cares what the rules say?" Malinda interrupted. "If you like him, tell him."

"Easy for you to say," Clare shook her head. "American society may not care, but Daphne could ruin her betrothal options by breaking the rules."

"Don't you want to be in love though? Don't you want to choose who you lay next to every night? There's nothing wrong with controlling who gets between your legs for the rest of your life."

Millicent gaped at her choice of words. Clare and Daphne, used to it, merely rolled their eyes.

"It's true though!" Malinda continued. "I don't understand why you all follow rules that were created centuries ago. This is the modern age, you are strong, independent, modern witches. Act like it."

"Alright, alright," Daphne raised her hands in mock surrender. "Spare us your insane feminist speech and go. You're going to be late."

"Ah, you're right. See you later!" Malinda fled the room, running down the stairs as quickly as she could without falling. At the bottom, she found Blaise waiting.

"You're late," he accused.

"I know. Let's go!" Malinda didn't even bother to slow down as she ran right past him.

"Hey wait-"

"Keep up!" She shouted back but yelped as magic collided into her back. Her legs suddenly felt like molasses and she came to a slow, her body freezing. Blaise reached her side and murmured the counter spell, releasing her.

"I said wait," he pouted.

She smacked the back of his head, causing a few people to chuckle. "Don't do that to me again."

He rubbed the back of his head as he assessed her. His silver eyes were beautiful, she had to admit, but Daphne could have him. Blaise's lips pulled into a lazy smile, "You look lovely tonight."

"Appreciate it friend," Malinda made sure to say the word loudly. "You too. Now let's go!"

The smile faltered, but Blaise recovered quickly as he held out his arm. "My lady?"

Malinda examined the extended limb. She knew it was only polite to take it, but she certainly didn't want to cause any rumors, not with Daphne already on edge. Her eyes caught movement behind Blaise and she watched as Draco Malfoy sneered in their direction. He stood, roughly shaking off Pansy who let out an offended gasp. It was loud enough to catch Blaise's attention too and he turned just in time to watch Draco storm out of the common room.

Huh.

"Come on," Malinda said and walked forward, pulling the distracted Blaise with her by the arm. Once he started to move, she let go and the pair walked side by side with a polite, but familiar distance between. "We're going to be late."

They exited the common room, the dungeons greeting them. Their footsteps were quiet compared to loud, angry stomps of Draco as he turned the corner and disappeared. He hadn't taken his bag with him, so the library wasn't his destination. Malinda felt anxious suddenly, realizing where the blond was going, taking his anger with him. She frowned. His anger would grow more undoubtedly when the vanishing cabinet would fail time and time again.

A silence hung between them and it felt oddly… tense. So Malinda said, "What do you think Slughorn will talk about?"

"Most likely ask about us and our families. I think he's still trying to decide who he wants to collect."

"Do you want to be collected?"

Blaise chuckled, "If tolerating a nosey old man gets me high marks in Potions, then sure. Plus Mother thinks he may prove useful in the future. Especially if… you know, a war starts."

"Ah, yes."

"You don't speak about your parents often," Blaise noted. "What do they think of Slughorn recruiting you?"

"Haven't told them."

"Why?"

"Nothing worth sharing… yet. My parents sent me here to see how things are and report back. Right now, I'm still seeing how things are."

"Right," Blaise winked at her. "Like what you're seeing?"

Malinda stopped, her fellow Slytherin caught off guard but he also slowed. "Blaise, I really like you so I'm going to just stop you right there."

"What?"

"You're intelligent, funny, good looking-"

His lazy smile came back.

"And you're wasting it all, you idiot."

The smile instantly vanished and Blaise's face tightened. "Now listen to-"

"Why are you chasing after girls you're not even interested in?" She asked. "It's so frustrating to watch you waste time and go through them when you're ignoring the people who should really matter."

His expression changed, becoming more confused than angry. Malinda started to walk again, but he held her back. "What is that supposed to mean?"

"We're not children anymore. There's a war coming and I just think it's time to stop playing games. Take a good look around you. There are people who care about you- Not for your looks or your money, but for you. Those are the people you need to spend time with, especially right now. Before..." Malinda sighed and looked up at him. "Before it starts."

Blaise was quiet, his grey eyes calming. He reached out, his hand hovering over her cheek but just as she was ready to pull away, his hand lowered and rested on her shoulder. "Sometimes I have this weird feeling about you. We've never had a transfer student before and suddenly you show up. Then you talk like you know what's going to happen, like you're some sort of seer."

They stared at each other. Malinda held her breath, her mind spinning, trying to think of words to say.

But then Blaise laughed and his hand fell away. "If you were a seer though, you wouldn't be asking me what Slughorn is going to talk about."

Malinda relaxed, "I would also know who to bet on for every Quidditch match. I'm still mad about that last match."

"True. Your loss did fill my pockets though," Blaise glanced around. "Come on. We're definitely going to be late now."

They hurried along. When they arrived, the others were already seated but the food hadn't arrived yet. Blaise, ever the gentleman, pulled out her seat and ensured she was comfortable before taking the one next to her.

"Ah! Ms. Selwyn and Mr. Zabini," Slughorn beamed as they settled. "I was beginning to worry you'd forgotten."

"Apologies sir," Blaise responded politely. "Thank you again for extending an invitation."

"Been looking forward to it all week!" Malinda added.

Slughorn looked positively thrilled. His attention was lost though when he noticed an empty seat. Malinda looked around, taking note of the faces present. The Carrow twins were sitting like porcelain statues, Melinda Bobbin was speaking quietly to Marcus Belby, and Cormac McLaggen sat proudly. The last noticed her looking and had the audacity to smirk. Gross.

Malinda raised an eyebrow in return, her eyes moving away. Lastly, she found Hermoine and Harry sitting together across from herself and Blaise. Harry looked awkward and uncomfortable in his jacket. Hermoine however seemed happy enough, chatting with her best friend. Neither seemed to care about their arrival.

"Well," their host announced. All students turned to face him. Slughorn tapped his fingers on the table with a smile, "I'm quite pleased to have such young and talented students join me for dinner. Please enjoy!" With a wave of his hand, food appeared and the goblets filled.

They ate as Slughorn kept conversation going. Malinda ate slowly, trying to pay attention, but her mind was elsewhere. It was a short walk from here to the Room of Requirement and-

"So Ms. Selwyn," Slughorn said a little while later. They'd finally come to her. "Our star from across the sea-"

Blaise snorted into his napkin.

"- I'm curious how our beloved Hogwarts compares to Ilvernmorny?"

"It's wonderful," Malinda answered, a sincere smile coming to her face. "Simply magical."

"Do you intend on staying after graduation or will you go back to America?"

"I'm not sure, sir. My family is considering moving back themselves. If they do, I'd like to remain close to them."

"And what does your family do? The Selwyn name is quite old here in England, but I'm curious what their American cousins have done."

"Built a successful company actually," Malinda lied. "My father runs it with his brothers. We invest in a variety of fields, mostly funding research projects and selling the resulting products. They're interested in expanding internationally, starting here considering our family ties. Meanwhile, my mother founded a non-profit helping orphaned wizarding and muggle children."

"Impressive! Do you intend on joining the family company?"

"Perhaps. I'd like to explore my options first."

"Well, a bright mind like yours would do very well within the Ministry. No doubt your skills in potions would be put to use."

"That would be an interesting career."

"Speaking of the Ministry," Slughorn turned his attention to Cormac. "So tell me, Cormac. See much of your Uncle Tiberius these days?"

"Yes, sir. In fact, I'm meant to go hunting with him and the Minister of Magic over the holiday." Cormac replied, eager to share.

"Well, be sure to give them both my best. What about your uncle, Belby? Working on anything new?" Slughorn paused. "For those of you who don't know, Marcus' uncle invented the Wolfsbane potion."

Belby, who never even othered to look up from his plate, continued to stuff dessert into his mouth. "Dunno. He and me dad don't get on. Probably because Dad thinks potions are rubbish. Says the only potion worth having is a stiff one at the end of the day."

Malinda looked to Blaise who was highly entertained. "Don't think he'll be invited back," she murmured.

"A shame. He's fun to watch. I think he could give Crabbe and Goyle a run for their money."

Also not impressed, Slughorn moved on. "And you, Miss Granger? What is it your family does in the Muggle world?"

Hermoine set her spoon down nervously. "My parents are dentists."

So many blank stares. Malinda covered her mouth to hide her silent laughter.

Hermoine noticed though, making eye contact as she explained, "They tend to people's teeth."

"Fascinating. And is that considered a dangerous profession?"

"No. Though," she reconsidered and smiled, "A boy named Robbie Fenwick did bite my father once. Needed ten stitches."

"Was he tightening his braces? Because if so, don't blame Robbie," Malinda joked.

Eyes shifted to her and she could feel Blaise's burn into her. Hermoine's mouth opened but couldn't seem to find any words. Harry though couldn't stop himself. "You know about braces?"

"Yes." She pretended to be offended by the question.

"B-But they're muggle."

"Does Hogwarts not cover medical terms in Muggle Studies?" Malinda feigned confusion. "Plus, I believe my mother's charity has helped cover the expense for muggle children."

"W-Wow," Hermoine finally recovered. "That's great."

"Yeah," Harry muttered. "Great."

"If they move here, perhaps my mother could work with your parents to establish care for children here?" Malinda offered.

Again, she rendered the smartest witch in their year speechless.

Slughorn clapped, "Ah, what an idea! Now this is what my dinners are about! Everyone should learn a lesson from Ms. Selwyn here: Never miss an opportunity to network and-"

The door opened and Ginny Weasly slipped in. Slughorn was instantly distracted. "Miss Weasley! Come in, come in."

"Ah, so he did invite a weasel," Blaise said quietly.

Malinda punched his arm lightly. "Be nice, looks like she's had a rough night."

Despite her best attempts to hide it, the Gryffindor's eyes were red and puffy from crying. "Sorry, I'm not ordinarily late-"

"No matter. You'll be just in time for dessert. That is, if Belby leaves you any." Painfully, Slughorn began to laugh at his own joke, with no one joining him.

"Merlin, let this be over," Blaise begged.

The rest of dinner passed quickly. Thankfully Belby babbled, keeping the potions master distracted and sparing Malinda from answering any more questions. After they were dismissed, the small group of students filed out of the room. Hermoine followed Harry, but slowed, looking at Malinda.

"Need something Granger?" Blaise asked.

The brunette's mouth twisted, but she said nothing before she walked off with the other Gryffindors.

"I can't believe you made her an offer," Blaise said, shaking his head. "Bold words, even for you. Stupid even."

"Never hurts to be friendly. Might come in handy."

"You really don't understand how different things are here. If the others find out you offered your family's business with her, they'll lose it. Worse, they'll tell their parents who, need I remind you, are some of the most influential wizards and witches at the Ministry. Your family will need friends there, not enemies."

"I won't tell if you won't."

He sighed, "Somehow, I think they'll find out anyways."

Blaise turned to walk in the opposite direction of the Gryffindors, towards the dungeons. When she didn't join him, he challenged, "Somewhere to go?"

"Actually yes, wanted to grab a book before the library closes."

"I'll come with you."

"No, that's alright. I'll meet you back in the common room later."

He frowned, "You'll have to be quick. Filch will start his rounds soon."

"I know. See you!" She strode away, moving with a purpose. She came to the staircases and instead of going right to the library, she went left instead. The hallways were empty. Paintings were settling in for the night and a few even muttered as she walked by, complaining about students wondering. Malinda ignored them, her heels clicking against the stone floors in a fast, soothing rhythm.

Until she stopped, staring up at a large, empty wall. She hoped she was too late- Ideally Draco would have gone back already, not risking getting caught out of bed. Ideally he'd calmed down and left the vanishing cabinet alone. Ideally, he'd given up on the whole murder the headmaster plot.

Somehow she doubted it.

Malinda walked by the wall three times, thinking of a room to hide things. A door began to form out of nothing, morphing into something solid. She walked in and glanced over her shoulder, seeing the door fade away again.

She withdrew her wand, pointing it to her shoes and spelled them to be silent. Keeping her wand out, Malinda walked the familiar room, moving directly to the cabinet.

Draco didn't hear her, but she certainly heard him. From the loud sounds of crashing and glass breaking, he didn't sound happy.

Malinda walked around a massive wall of junk and found chaos. Draco was throwing glass bowls and plates at the ground. They smashed violently. He shouted in frustration, launching a plate into the air. His arms fell and chest heaved as he watched it fly and disappear over another giant wall of forgotten things. In the distance, it shattered. His chest heaved and he trembled with efford.

Behind him, the vanishing cabinet stood, its door open and the contents empty.

"Better hope that wasn't valuable," she said.

Draco spun in place, his hand instantly going for his wand but she disarmed him easily. With the element of surprise, he didn't stand a chance. His wand flew in the air, landing in her free hand.

Draco Malfoy was a mess. His tie lay on the floor, his shirt was crumpled with sleeves messily rolled up, his hair was in ruins and the blood drained from his face. "You."

"Yes, me," she lowered her wand. "We need to talk."