A/N Sorry for a random pause in frequent updates, this week was a week from hell. This chapter is very short for multiple reasons. For a start I just wanted to finish the second book so I can start fresh on the third. Another reason for its lack of words is me wanting to use this as more of an author's note chapter. Personally, I love this idea and I really believe it has potential, but finding the time to write is a struggle for me at the moment. I wanted to let everyone following and enjoying this story to know that I may be gone for a while again. With a main role in a theatre performance, piles of work and personal struggles writing is a burden. And writing shouldn't be a burden. I'll be back with updates in the future for this story and my other one, but for now, apologies.
Chapter 15
And that was it. Another year gone just like that. Although he had saved her in the library, Hermione still managed to get herself petrified. Right up until Potter defeated the basilisk, Reece had been plagued with guilt. Naturally, the abnormal regret soon turned into violence that was ultimately taken out on students such as: Zacharias Smith, Terry Boot, Neville Longbottom and a couple of first years. Teasing Potter and Weasel also became more frequent, and Draco couldn't be happier with Reece's antics. Daphne, Pansy and even Blaise repeatedly asked Reece what was wrong. Unfortunately for them they always got the same answer – which was something along the lines of 'stop being so nosey' or 'it's my problem, not yours'.
The hall was packed with students for the end of year feast. Reece was one of the last to enter the room and was about to sit with Daphne and Blaise when a voice called his surname from a little further down the table.
"Lestrange." Draco shouted calmly. Pansy was squashed against his left side and the two buffoons were packed tightly on his right. Malfoy managed to de-wedge his arm that was jammed between his rib and Pansy, and then waved Reece over. Reece refrained from rolling his eyes at the image in front of him, then went and sat opposite the four beside Theodore. Nott – from what Reece had observed – seemed to be getting a lot closer to Draco and his group. There wasn't exactly a proper reason for it, but it fit nonetheless. He began filling his goblet with juice while trying to block out Pansy's flirting. Reece and Pansy were still good friends, but her constant flirting made him cringe. "Look at Potter." Draco spat suddenly.
"What's he doing now?" Reece asked, trying not to sigh as he and Theodore swivelled round in their seats to see what Malfoy was turning his nose up at. All he saw was Harry laughing with some of his friends. "Basking in all that glory." Pansy nodded in agreement as she mirrored Draco's disgruntled expression. "You know, I think most of it is made up. The only thing I could see being true is that bloody Lockhart messing up his memory." Reece rested his elbow on the table and placed his forehead in his palm. He continued to drink slowly, bored of Malfoy's constant chiding and complaining. Draco was infuriating at times.
"Look who's back as well." Nott added while cocking his head towards the door. Granger was hugging scar-head with a huge smile on her face. Reece turned again and watched her shake hands with Weasley. There was a sudden tap on a goblet and everyone quietened down.
"Can I have your attention please?" Professor McGonagall asked as Dumbledore rose from his seat.
"Before we begin the end of term feast, let us have a round of applause for Professor Sprout and Madam Pomfrey, whose mandrake juice has been successfully administered to all who had been petrified." Dumbledore paused to allow a large applause for the two women. Reece didn't want to stand out from the crowd, therefore chose not to clap along with a majority of other Slytherins. "Also, in light of recent events, as a school treat all exams have been cancelled." Dumbledore smiled as the hall erupted with cheers. Just as the noise began to die down, the doors opened and in stepped the groundskeeper, Hagrid.
"Not him." Draco groaned under his breath when the large man came into view. Reece wasn't exactly fond of the man but he did have the manners not to make a comment.
"Sorry I'm late." Hagrid announced casually as he strode towards the staff table. "The owl that delivered my release papers got all lost and confused. Some ruddy bird called Errol." Everyone watched as Hagrid spoke to the Gryffindors quietly. Reece could hear Malfoy muttering profanities under his breath, and when everyone stood to clap Draco glared at his best friend while pulling Goyle back down onto the bench.