Chapter 6

'Welcome to the second task. Last night something of importance was stolen from each of our champions. A treasure of sorts.' Dumbledore began, announcing the second task of the Tri-Wizard Tournament.

I glanced about ignoring most of Dumbledore's speech and contemplated everything that has been happening. I'm still reminding myself that this is still my first year and man…. It's been on hell of year. I was hoping that I would be staying at Hogwarts until graduation and not get moved again.

'What's the matter with him?' Seamus asks breaking my train of thought

'I don't know I can't see him.' Dean remarks next to me

I look around and find that the contestants have already dived into the water. Suddenly I see Harry flying into the air like a dolphin before submerging again. We all begin to cheer in excitement.

After about ten minutes I see a head come out of the water and find that it's Fleur Delacour. I couldn't believe she was already done.

Over the loud speaker, Dumbledore states, 'The Beauxbatons champion Miss Delacour had unfortunately been forced to retire. She will take no further part in this task.'

I wonder what happened, and glanced around finding that everyone had the same thoughts. I paced nervously not sure what to do when you couldn't see what was happening underwater.

'Look!' Dean states excitedly pointing at faces emerging from the water.

The crowd was cheering loudly as Cedric and Cho emerged, followed by Viktor and Hermione. Some were even chanting, 'Krum, Krum, Krum', loudly as all four were pulled out of the water and handed robes to dry off in.

'Come on Harry!' Seamus states nervously

We weren't waiting long, when finally, two heads emerged from the Black Lake. It was Ron and a girl I recognized as coming from Beauxbatons. Where's Harry though?

'Harry!' Dumbledore shouts, just as Harry propelled himself onto the deck from the water.

We all scramble closer to find out what happened. Harry was wet but alive with Ron sitting next to him equally as wet. Hermione was talking to him as the judges were deliberating amongst themselves about Harry's fate.

'Attention! Attention!' Dumbledore shouts stopping the conversations, 'The winner is, Mr. Diggory! For showing unique command of the bubblehead shark.'

Cheers erupted and students from Hogwarts were thrilled that Cedric got into first place.

'The way I see it, Mr. Potter would have finished first had it not been for his determination to rescue not only Mr. Weasly but the others as well. We've agreed to award him second place! For outstanding moral fiber.'

More cheering erupted and we all followed the crowd back into the boats that would take up back to the shores by the castle.

'Blimey even when you go wrong it turns out right.' Ron remarked glancing sideways at Harry

'Well done 'moral fiber.' George remarks

I smile in amusement at them but glance over curious as, Barty Crouch comes over to talk to Harry privately. I follow in line with everyone else and head back to the castle while pretending to care about S.P.E.W. which was Hermione's current obsession. However, I liked Hermione so I end up supporting her in any way I can, seeing as not many want to get involved…. Not that I blame them. Tonight would be all about celebrating Hogwarts victory.

…

'Can I join you?' a voice interrupted me.

Looking up I smile to find Dean standing next to me, 'sure.'

I was currently reading one of the Chapters for Transfigurations in a window nook at one of the top levels of the Gryffindor common room. He smiled and sat across me glancing out the window.

'I don't think I've really asked before but how are you liking for first year at Hogwarts?' Dean remarks glancing at me curiously.

'I love it. Much better than the other two schools I've gone to. Plus, it's a perk to be here while the Tri-Wizard Tournament is currently underway.' I grin back

'Can I ask why you've gone to other schools? I can't imagine that you were kicked out.' Dean teases, flashing a grin at me.

'No I wasn't kicked out. I had to change schools because of my parent's job. They both work for the Magical Congress of the United States of American, in the Intelligent Agency. Which I've been told is a cross between and Auror and a regular government worker.' I state with a smile waiting for the more obvious question to arise.

'Magical Congress of the United States of America?' Dean repeats confused.

'It's a fancy name for the United States' version of the Ministry of Magic. Instead of a Minister we call it a President. Quite like a No-Maj governmental structure of course. But, back to what you originally asked me. I have had to move schools because my parents work involves moving to places. So, I was at Ilvermorny for my first and second year and then my third year I was in Africa at Uagadou.' I reply

He was taking a moment to collect his thoughts, allowing me to really study him. He was tall and I noticed when he concentrated his eyebrows knotted up. After the Yule Ball we've been slowly getting to know each other better and it would be a lie if I didn't say I didn't like him. Sweet and attractive, what's there not to like.

'Wow it must be difficult to keep changing places and having to make friends all over again. Do you think you'll be here longer or no?' Dean remarked

'Yes, it can be rough but you learn quickly to take things in strides. I dunno, my parents won't say much but they told me that they wish me to finish my schooling in one place, but… if an assignment called them. They usually like me to be in the same place at them.' I comment dryly.

It defiantly hurt trying to keep changing and never having a close friend around. I was starting to get resentful of their job and how they had to keep me around. During Christmas break I confronted them. Told them I wanted to stay at Hogwarts and hated the fact that they kept making me change and that it wasn't fair.

It was a more than typical Christmas. Instead of our home in Ohio it was some fancy hotel, just like all the other times and Christmas was never the same when they started to take assignments that required them to move.

'Eva?' Dean's voice finally pushing the memories away

'Huh? Sorry, I kinda zoned out for a moment.' I reply sheepishly

'That's okay. I said I was glad that you came here and I got to meet you.' Dean remarks hurriedly before glancing out the window.

'Aw. Thanks Dean and me too. I hope I get to finish here at Hogwarts.' I remark leaning my head against the wall

We sat in silence but soon picked up another conversation that we forgot all about my parents and their job. Much to my surprise he walked with me to dinner and we continued to chat at dinner with the rest of our house where we all tried to guess what the next and final task would be for the tournament.

'Maybe they'll have it in the Forbidden Forest?' Seamus states before stuffing more chicken in his mouth

'I doubt that seeing as it's forbidden.' Hermione remarks rolling her eyes at Seamus

'Well whatever they do, I'm sure we won't be able to guess it.' I retort.

We were debating this same question all throughout dinner and from a glance at Harry I'm sure we weren't helping him keep up his confidence.

'We should get going. Don't want to be late for Double Potions.' Hermione remarked, waiting for us to follow her.

Groans echoed as we all grabbed our things and followed Hermione down into the Dungeons where the Potion classrooms were held, along with Slytherin's Dormitory. Squinting to adjust my eyes to the darkness of the classroom I found that I was an odd pair out and the only available seat was next to Draco.

'Sorry Eva.' Harry remarks when he realized where I was going to have to sit

'It's okay. It's just double Potions right.' I remark sarcastically.

Adjusting my bag, I watch as the rest of the Gryffindor's give me sorry looks as I make my way to the back of the classroom. I wasn't worried, Draco and I were on somewhat friendly terms when it was just us. Every Sunday we met at our spot in the library and since then he doesn't hurl insults at me like he does to everyone else in Gryffindor.

He smirks in recognition when he realizes that I'll be his partner but doesn't say anything even when I sit down next to him. I start pulling out my work as Snape begins the lecture and I focus on writing down word for word what he states.

'Got stuck with me huh?' Draco whispers into my ear when Snape begins to lecture Hermione for speaking out without being asked

'I guess so. Who would have thought.' I whisper back

We spent the rest of the lecture in silence, both focused on what Snape was lecturing and getting it down on paper in time. While it sounds like a drawl Snape goes very fast and my notes are all over the place trying to keep up.

'All right. You have the directions so get started. You have one hour.' Snape states going to his desk

'Right then.' I remark glancing down at my notes, a little lost

'You weren't kidding when you said Potion's is your toughest class.' Draco remarks with a smirk, 'I'll get the ingredients you get the rest ready.'

Not waiting for a response, he leaves and I start shoving my stuff away. Grabbing our cauldron and supplies. God help me. I was not prepared at all and I was banking on Draco's confidence to help us get a good grade. If only Hermione heard these thoughts…. She would die in shock!

'All right Edwards. Cut this.' Draco handled me a beetle and I followed directions

Meanwhile he began pouring ingredients into the pot and then directing me to dump the chopped beetle in. I had to say, we were a good team. Between both of our notes and Draco natural abilities in Potions we worked quietly and I put up no fights arguing with having him in charge.

'I'm rather surprised you're not down my throat.' Draco remarks quietly

'Why?'

'Never expected a Gryffindor to allow a Slytherin…. Especially me take charge.' He responds while continuing to stir the potion

'Well I think we can both agree that I'm not like most Gryffindor's. Plus, you're a natural at Potions. Why would I take charge when I had no idea where to start.'

We stop talking when Snape heads our way to test our batch to determine whether we failed or not. I keep my mouth shut and let Draco do the talking praying we did it right.

'A perfect batch.' Snape drawled glancing at the two of us, 'You may clean up and leave.'

'Thank you professor.' Draco states with a satisfied grin

I notice that most were still brewing or have Snape yell at them for failing to brew the potions and sending them on their way. I sighed in relief, I wouldn't mind continuing have Draco as a partner at this point. I thought as we started putting everything away and grabbing our bags, he allowed me to leave first but I hung outside the doors waiting for him.

'Did you notice all the looks we were getting?' Draco began when he noticed no one else was around

'No. I was too nervous about fucking up the assignment.' I remark with a shrug

'You have DADA next correct?' Draco began glancing at me as we started to make our way out of the dungeons

'Yeah but I have like 20 minutes before it starts since we finished fast.' I state, looking at him.

He had his normal uniform on but his blond hair was tousled today, 'Thanks by the way. I would still be in there if you weren't my partner.'

'Don't mention it. Of course, if anyone asks me, I'll say that you were the brains behind it.' Draco replies with a smirk. Typical.

'Yeah, yeah.' I remark playfully smacking his arm

'That hurt!' Draco pretends

'It did not. Hey can next week can you keep an open seat. If you don't mind, I'd like us to stay partners in Potions.' I ask nervously

'You know…. I'm not sure I heard you right.' Draco states stopping in the hallway 'Did you just ask for help from a Slytherin? My, my what would your friends think!'

'Really. Don't gloat, but yes. I am asking for your help.' I reply looking up at him, regretting asking him. He didn't need more to inflate his ego.

'I will do what I can Edwards but I can't promise anything. I do have a reputation to keep.' Draco drawls motioning me to follow him. 'Come on, we both have free time before our next class.'

'Should I even ask?'

He merely smirks and continues off down a halfway I never been down before. Shaking my head, I know this probably isn't a good idea but for some reason I follow him anyway. It was weird seeing empty hallways since most were still in their classes. We take a few turns and we land a side door. You almost don't notice it because of a statue that blocks the view of the door.

'Ladies first.' Draco states motioning me to open the door.

I eye him warily but oblige. Stepping into the room, I realized it was a storage room.

'Really Draco you bring me to a storage room?' I state a little annoyed. I turn back and glance at him as he shuts the door

'Impatient are we.' Draco begins as he brushes up against me to take the lead, 'It's more than just a broom cupboard.'

I'm officially confused. Following him a bit I realize that while it looks like a wall it turns to the right and opens to show a floor to ceiling window. A few pillows were scattered by the window and Draco dropped his bag and dropped into the pillows. He looked quite handsome in that moment, carefree and lounging. No façade nearby.

'It's nice isn't it.' Draco states breaking the silence as I settle myself against pillows across from him

'Yes.' I reply looking out the window, 'Oh, wow. You can see the Quidditch field's and Hagrid's hut.'

'Yes.' Draco drawled, observing me while I was distracted

'This is neat. Can I ask how you found it?' I question sending him a smile

'Found it in my first year. Peeves was chasing me and somehow found the door to hid into.' Draco replies with a shrug

'Nice. I am curious to why Hogwarts built this room with a window.' I remark settling back down, 'I could almost say it's like they knew that they wanted this room to be a hide out.'

'Not sure. Everyone says that Hogwarts carries a lot of secrets and it's rumored that there are more rooms like this all over the castle. A haven of sorts.' Draco responds

'Hm, fascinating.' I reply looking about as I thought about how complex this school really was and how great it made it because of it.

'Come over here. You have a better view at this angle.' Draco states motioning me to come next to him, 'I don't bite.'

I give him a wary glance as I contemplate it before finally crawling over and take a spot between the window sill and him. The sides of our bodies were touching as he pointed out the views. Wow. He was right… from this angle you could see the rest of the castle in all its beauty.

'Wow this is the better spot.' I remark

'I know.'

'Are you always such a smart mouth.' I tease glancing up at him

My smile froze. God. Every bloody time I look those eyes of his- I just freeze up. His bangs hanging, slightly covering his eyes and I was so close I could feel him breathing.

Time froze as he gave me this smile with a mischievous glint in his eye. His eyes flicked down to my lips making me instantly lick them and the motion makes him move back to my eyes.

'Well. I do try my best Edwards. After all, …how else would I get your attention.' Draco whispered as he leaned in to kiss me.

My god! Shocks went through me as our lips collided and I couldn't stop myself from returning the kiss. Hesitant at first, as I felt his hand grasp my arms pulling us closer together, continuing to kiss me.

Oh god. I just made out with Draco fucking Malfoy…. And- I liked it.