The war was about to begin and his love was trapped. He needed to find a way to get her and it didn't matter what house they were in, because friendship was more important than what the sorting hat said.
Okay! Before we head into this chapter. To my HP fans... PLEASE do not come for me if I messed up on anything. I have yet to read all of the books, but I am a fan of the movies and I did enjoy the first three books.
Little known fact... Pottermore has declared me a Slytherin... though I think I could be a Hufflepuff too... fits my personality
Anyway! This is the LONGEST chapter I have every written with is almost 30,000 words!
Starstruck will be updated in the next two days and i will post the updated rotation on the newest update!
ENJOY!
"Mr. Flich," Professor McGonagall said, gaining the grubby man's attention. "Can you please escort Slytherin house to the dungeons?"
Ben's eyes widened as he looked toward his girlfriend. She was standing with the other Slytherins, in shock, not knowing what was going to happen. She looked at him with wide eyes, not wanting to leave him. She was shoved by Goyle, making her almost fall as they were leaving the great hall.
"No. Mal!" Ben said as he pushed past his fellow Gryffindor classmates. He was not going to let her be locked away, when she didn't deserve it.
"Mr. Anderson!" Professor McGonagall called, but Ben kept chasing after Slytherin house.
"Ben!" Evie called as she rushed after him.
Someone wrapped their arm around his arms, just as the great hall doors closed.
"Get off me!" He screamed, making the rest of his friends surround him. "I have to get her!"
"We will," Jay said as everyone looking at them turned away. "We will get her. We have to wait until we have a chance."
"We can't leave her down there," he said as Jay let him go and he looked at his friends. "She doesn't deserve to be down there, and everyone knows that! She could die!"
"Yeah, we know, but we have to stay put," Doug said. "I don't give two shits what that old hat said, she does not deserve to be down there."
When they first arrived at Hogwarts everyone stared at the two famous kids. Harry Potter, the boy who lived and Mal, the daughter of Maleficent Fey and Haden Drakos. Everyone knew about the boy who lived and what happened to his parents, but people also knew about the baby who was born of a Gryffindor and a Slytherin. Mal's mother was a Slytherin and her father was a Gryffindor. Ben remembered the first time he had ever seen Mal.
*FLASHBACK FIRST TRAIN RIDE*
She arrived with her three best friends to platform nine and three quarters, and Ben was immediately drawn to her. He remembered her purple hair and made it a mission to find what cabin she was sitting in. He walked up and down the train, looking for the purple haired girl when he found her. She was sitting in a cabin with three other students. She had her feet propped up on the bench and she was writing in a notebook. Someone must have said something funny, because she started to laugh, making her scrunch her nose up.
"You going in?" Someone asked, making Ben look to see a boy with glasses looking at him.
"Huh?" Ben asked.
"Were you going to go in and ask if you can sit?" He asked, but Ben didn't say anything. "Because everywhere else is full and I'll ask if you don't want to." Ben took that option, because he was kind of nervous to talk to her. He nodded his head, making the boy smile and hold his hand out. "I'm Doug, by the way."
Ben smiled before shaking his hand. "I'm Ben."
Doug knocked on the cabin door, making the four teens look at the door. The boy with bleach white hair opened the door with a smile.
"Do you mind if we sit in here with you?" Doug asked. "Everywhere else is full."
He looked back at his friends who were shaking their heads and moving some of their things so they could make room. While the two boys were putting their bags on top and then helping Ben and Doug with theirs, the purple haired girl and another girl with black and blue hair were struggling to put their bags up top. Ben went over to help the purple haired girl, while Doug went to help the other girl.
"Oh! Um… thank you," she said as she looked at him in surprise.
"Not a problem at all," he said as he gave her a small smile.
They all sat down with Ben sitting next to the purple haired girl and the other girl, and Doug was sitting in between the white haired boy and the other boy with shoulder length long hair.
"So…" the boy with white hair said, breaking the silence. "What are your names?" He asked.
"I'm Ben," he said as he brushed a hand through his hair. "And this is Doug," he said before he pointed at Doug.
"I'm Carlos," the boy with the white hair said with a smile. "This is Jay," he said as he pointed to the boy with dark hair. "Evie," he said as he gestured to the girl with blue hair. "And Mal," he said before he pointed to the girl Ben had been wanting to meet.
"You're Mallory Drakos?" Doug said as he sat up in his seat. "I have heard of your parents."
"Yeah," she said as she threw her head back and groaned.
"The love that was forbidden," Doug said. "A Gryffindor and Slytherin"
"Yeah, or the love that was short lived and blown out of proportion," she said. "I don't get why people were so hung up on my parents being together. What does it matter what house you are in? The only thing that matters is the person, and my mother was a horrible one at that."
"Is she dead?" Ben asked, making her look at him weird. "Sorry. You just said 'was' and I didn't know if she passed."
"No, she's not dead," she said. "I just don't talk or see her much."
"Oh," he said. "Sorry to bring it up."
"It's fine," she said as she shook her head. "I just hope people won't be pointing the finger at me because they know my parents."
"I don't think that will happen," Doug said.
"Why?"
"Well, on my way to the platform I saw a boy walking with a really big man, and his trunk said H. Potter."
"As in Harry Potter?" She asked as she sat up. "Thank god. No offense, but I am glad to not be as known as him. He's actually famous."
Everyone knew about the boy who lived and what happened to his parents. And everyone knew who you knew who was. They never spoke his name, but Mal knew the name very well from her mother.
"What house are you wanting to be sorted into?" Ben asked, trying to change the subject.
"Well, there is Slytherin, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, and Gryffindor," Doug said. "My dad was sorted into Hufflepuff when he went to school here."
"What about your mom?"
"She's a muggle," he said, making everyone nod in understanding.
"I'm half blood too," Jay said. "My dad was in Slytherin and my mom is a muggle too."
"Cool," Doug said.
"What's so cool about being half blood?" someone said, making them turn to see three boys standing in the doorway.
One of the boys was tall and a little bit tubby, the other was shorter with a round face, and the other boy was slender and had platinum blonde hair.
"What do you want, Draco?" Mal asked as she rolled her eyes.
"Your mother asked me to check on you last week when she came over to my home," he said as he walked in and sat down next to her. "What are you doing sitting in a cabin full of mud bloods and half bloods?"
"They are my friends, Draco," she said as she pushed him away from her. "Maybe you should find some, other than these two gits."
"You're pure blood," he said. "You don't want to be sorting with the wrong likes of them, and what would your mother think if she found out?"
"I could give a damn what my mother thinks," she snapped back at him. "But, what you should be worried about is, what your father is going to think when he hears that you were picked on by a girl?"
"Wh…" before he could say anything, Mal raised her wand.
"Levicorpus," she said, making Draco flip upwind down and hang in the air.
Everyone, but his friends were laughing. He tried to get down, but Mal held her wand in place for a couple of minutes before she put him down and he left. Everyone in the cart laughed, and Evie nudged Mal's shoulder.
"Aren't you worried he's going to tell on you?" Doug asked.
"No," Jay said as he shook his head. "He likes Mal."
Ben's eyes widened in shock. Did she like him back?
"Well, he is not even my type," she said, making Ben relax. "He's a twit. But anyway. What were we talking about?"
"What houses we think we are going to get sorted into."
"Oh," she said as she scrunched her nose. "I don't know," she said. "My dad says it sorts you on the quality that we value."
"Carlos is going to be in Hufflepuff," Jay said with a bright smile on his face.
"Wha…"
"Tell me I'm wrong."
"You may have a point," he said. "My mom is a muggle, but my dad was in Hufflepuff."
They went on for about 30 minutes, and Ben found out so much more about them. Evie is muggle born, but has been friends with Mal since she was in kindergarten. When she found out that she had magical powers, she didn't know who to turn to, so she told Mal. Mal was surprised that her friend had wizarding powers, but told Evie that she had them as well and told her that she was not alone. It turns out that Evie and Mal met Jay and Carlos on a school field trip. The girls had caught them eating these weird jelly beans, but Mal knew exactly where they had gotten them.
"What about you?" Mal asked as she nudged Ben with the tip of her shoe. "What about your parents?"
"Oh," he said as he put his hands on the bench. "I'm pure blood," he said in a low tone. "And both of my parents were in Gryffindor. That's kind of it."
"Aw," she said with a smile. "We have Gryffindor."
"We don't know that," he said as he peaked up to look at her. "I could be sorted into any house. We don't know my values," he said, making her look at him in surprise and laugh. "But I can tell you that you are not a Slytherin," he said before she looked at him and smirked.
*SORTING HAT*
The new first years were all gathered in front of the grand entrance to the dinning hall, and Mal was so thankful for Draco for one. He had pointed out that Harry Potter was here, but what made her laugh was because he tried to tell Harry the same thing he told her on the train, and Harry told him almost the same thing.
"We're ready for you now," Professor McGonagall said before she turned around and the giant doors opened. They followed her inside, looking at. Everything around them. The ceiling looked like the night sky and there were candles floating around. They stopped in front of a hat right before it started to sing. They watched as the first years got sorted one by one. Jay got sorted into Gryffindor, Evie into Ravenclaw, Carlos into Hufflepuff, Doug into Ravenclaw, and Ben into Gryffindor. Mal was the only one of her group that had not been sorted yet, but she didn't mind because people were more focused on Harry Potter.
"Mallory Drakos," Professor McGonagall called.
Mal walked up and sat on the stool before the hat was placed on her head.
"Ah," the hat said. "The daughter of a Gryffindor and a Slytherin. You're stealthy and sneaky, but also courageous and wise. Such a task to place you… better be Gr…" but it stopped and didn't say anything for a couple of seconds. Ben and Jay perked up when they thought the hat was going to say Gryffindor, but quickly grew confused. "Slytherin!"
Mal's body went cold. How could she be sorted into Slytherin? She was defiant, but only against her mother. She remembered what her mother told her about the sorting hat, 'the hat does not make mistakes. Your house will guide you and help you choose your path.' She got off the stool and walked toward the Slytherin table. Ben watched as Draco pushed one of his friends off the seat he was in and pulled Mal to sit with him. She looked uncomfortable, and Ben felt bad. Maybe he would talk to her later.
Ben didn't get a chance to talk to Mal yesterday. After dinner, they had been escorted out of the dinning hall and shown to their common rooms and rooms. He was hoping that they would have classes together, and when he walked into potions, he was happy to see her sitting at a table by herself. He went over to the table, and reached for the chair just as Draco did.
"Sorry, lad," Draco said, making Mal turn to see them both standing there. "This seat is taken."
"You're right," Mal said. Draco gave Ben a 'haha' smile, thinking he won. "Ben, sit down."
Draco looked at Mal like a deer in the headlights, before Ben sat down next to her.
"You know, Draco," she said. "It shouldn't matter what house you are in or if you are a pure-blood. Ben is my friend and you can shove off, and take that broom that is so far up your butt and leave us alone."
"Now, Ms. Drakos," someone said from behind her. "Your mother would not appreciate your language."
Mal rolled her eyes as she looked up at Professor Snape. She turned in her seat and slumped in her chair, making Snape turn his attention to Draco.
"Take your seat, Malfoy," he said.
Draco turned and walked to sit with Goyle as Snape walked to the front of the class. Ben peaked at Mal and she looked upset. He nudged her with his knee, making her look at him.
"So we're friends?" He asked with a smile.
"Well, we don't have to be, if you don't want to," she said as she smirked at him.
She smiled back at her, before turning their attention to see Snape walking over to the Potter boy. Mal felt worse for him than she did for her.
Everyone was sitting in the great hall, on Halloween, and enjoying their dinner, when Mr. Quirl ran into the hall screaming in fear about a troll being in the dungeon. Ben immediately went to find Mal, and didn't want to separate from her when they were told that they were to go to their dormitories. Anyone with eyes knew that Ben liked Mal, but they weren't sure if she liked him in that same way. A couple months later, and close to Christmas break, Mal, Evie, and another girl named Jane were sitting in the squad under a tree. Jane was in Hufflepuff, and had grown quite close to Carlos, and they had spent long nights in their common room together, both of her parents were Hufflepuffs too. Ben was walking out toward the quad, with Jay, when he spotted them talking.
"Do you want to come to my house for Christmas?" Mal offered. "I mean if your parents are going to be out of town, I don't think my dad would have a problem with that."
"I don't want to impose…"
"What are we talking about?" Ben asked as he sat down next to Mal and Jay sat next to Evie.
"I am inviting Jane to my home for Christmas this year," she explained. "Her parents are going to be on holiday and are visiting her brother."
"Oh," he said. "Are you going to?"
"I…"
"She sure is," Mal said. "Evie, Jay, and Carlos are going to be there too," she said. "It's just more of a party now."
"Your dad is still cool with us coming?" Jay asked.
"Has he been for the past 5 years?" Mal asked, making him laugh. "What about you, Ben? Do you want to join in on the fun?"
"I would, but my parents would be upset," he said as she put his head to the side.
"Would you and your parents want to join?" She asked, making him look at her with wide eyes.
"Does your dad mind that you are inviting all of these people?"
"No," she said as she shook her head. "It's mainly my dad and I. The holidays are when he actually likes to have people around."
"Well if it isn't the group of random houses," they heard from behind them, making Mal roll her eyes and turn toward the voice.
"Piss off, Draco," she said. "Aren't you too busy being in Potter's business? Why are you bothering us?"
"I actually came to ask you a question?"
"And what would that be?" She asked.
"Are you going to be with your mother for Christmas?"
"Was I there for the past 7 years?" She asked.
"No."
"Then there is your answer," she said as she turned back to her friends. "Now shove off."
"Just wait until your mother hears about this," he said as he leaned down to whisper in Mal's ear.
"Avis," she said as she held her wand out toward him.
A small flock of birds started to attack him, making him run toward the school and everyone else laughed.
"So what do you say, Ben?" She asked, making him turn back toward her.
"I'll have to ask my parents," he said.
"Okay," she told him, before she gave him a smile.
*CHRISTMAS*
Ben and his parents had just arrived outside of Mal's house, and he was getting nervous. When he had written to his parents about joining one of his friends' families for Christmas they were intrigued. They had asked who they were, and when he said it was Mallory Drakos, both of his parents smiled and agreed to go. It had turned out that his parents were friends with Mal's dad when they were at Hogwarts, but they stopped communicating when her mother came into the picture. Adam knocked on the door, as Belle held a pot in her hands, and Ben held gifts in his. The door opened and Mal was standing on the other side with Evie.
"Hey!" She said with a bright smile. "Come on in." Ben's parents were shocked to see the pretty girl with purple hair. She looked just like her mother, but also had a little bit of her dad in her. "It's very nice to meet you," she said as they walked in. "I'm Mal and this is Evie."
"Hello," Evie said.
"Hello, girls," Belle said as she handed Adam the dish in her hand. "I'm Belle and this is my husband Adam."
"Hello," he said as he gave them a smile. "Now, I have to ask," he said as he looked down at Mal. "Does your dad know that it is us that are here?"
Mal shook her head and laughed. "No," she said. "When Ben wrote to me, telling me that you guys were friends, but drifted apart, I thought that it would be a good surprise for him," she said, making Adam smile. "He's in the kitchen," she told him as she pointed to the closed door that was down the hall.
Adam and Belle walked toward the door, slowly opened it, and saw Haden running around the kitchen. Adam and Belle laughed, making Haden look up and when he saw his friends, his eyes widened.
"No," He said in shock. "Adam! Belle!" He exclaimed as he put down what he was doing to rush over to them. They embraced in a group hug, making the kids smile. "What are you doing here?"
"Your daughter invited us," Belle said as they pulled apart. "It looks like our kids are friends."
Haden looked over at his daughter and smiled. Him and Mal had the type of relationship that no one could sever. He was so surprised to hear that she was placed in Slytherin, to be honest. Sure she was sneaky and a trickster, but her values were true and noble. He was sure that she was supposed to be in Gryffindor.
The evening went on and everyone was having a great time. Doug ended up coming to Mal's house for Christmas as well, and the kids were all sitting around the Christmas tree exchanging gifts. Ben had gotten each of them a gift and he was nervous for Mal to open his. He had gotten her a purple leather notebook and a charm bracelet that she could add charms to. She was actually really excited to see the charm bracelet and told him to put it on her. The parents were watching them and were so happy to see them getting along.
"How is Mal in Slytherin?" Belle asked in a low tone.
"I was shocked too," Haden said as he looked at his daughter. "I would say that the hat was wrong, but it never is."
"Ben told us that he thought it was weird, because when she was being sorted, he thought that the hat was going to say Gryffindor, but it stopped and said Slytherin," Adam said.
"I don't know. It sounds so weird," Haden said. "Mal is so high strung and would defend anyone who deserves it. That does not sound like a Slytherin."
"Maybe the hat was wrong for once," Adam said as they looked at Mal and everyone else.
Haden pondered if the sorting hat was wrong, because he knew that his daughter was not supposed to be in Slytherin house.
Christmas break was over in a flash, everyone was back at Hogwarts, and it was almost the end of the school year. Ben, Jay, Doug, and Carlos were sitting in the quad talking, when the girls showed up.
"What are we talking about?" Mal asked as she sat in between Ben and Carlos.
"We were talking about if we wanted to try out for quidditch next year," Jay said. "I told Ben that he and I should try out next year, but he doesn't think so."
"Why not?" Mal asked.
"I don't know," he said with a shrug. "I don't know if I would be any good."
"I'm sure your dad can help you if you need it," she told him. "He and my dad were not shutting up about their time on the quidditch team when they were here. Why not give it a go?"
She had a point. What was the harm of just trying out? He had plenty of time to think of it, because tryouts are not until the next school year. He gave her a smile, before nodding his head.
"How is Draco?" Ben asked, making Mal roll her eyes. "Is he still bugging you?"
"Surprisingly no," she said. "He is too busy trying to be in Harry's business."
"Why?"
"I don't know," she said as she shrugged her shoulders. "Maybe he is bored."
"Probably," he said. "I heard that he had to do detention with Harry, Ron, and Hermione," Doug said.
"He probably deserved it. He was sneaking around the school grounds when we weren't supposed to. I was in the common room when he left and asked me if I wanted to go," Mal said. "I told him that I would rather eat nothing but the awful flavors of Bertie Bott's every flavour beans," she told them, making them laugh. "Anyway, to change the subject," she said. "What are you guys going to do for the summer?"
"Nothing much," Ben said. "Just going to be home, maybe my parents and I will go on a holiday, but as of right now nothing."
"Well, I am going to be waiting for you to get home so that I could have a good summer," Evie said, making Mal roll her eyes.
"I'm going to try to leave early," she said. "I don't want to deal with my mom more than I have to, so you won't have to wait long, E."
"Where are you going?" Ben asked. "My dad said that he's going to help your dad in your backyard this summer," Ben said, making Mal look at him. "I don't know what they are doing, but maybe we could all hangout, and if not, we can all write to each other."
"That sounds good," Mal said in excitement. "I'm going to be with my mom for a bit," she told him. "But I'm going to be coming home early."
"Doesn't your mom care that you want to be with your dad all the time?" He asked.
"Yes and no," she said as she shook her head. "She is all up the Malfoy's butts to notice, but she started bugging more since I got my letter."
"Oh," Ben said. "Well, maybe she is changing?" He questioned, trying to make light on the situation.
"Doubt it," she said. "My mom has something up her sleeve. I don't know what it is, but she is not going to get whatever she wants."
"Your mom always has something up her sleeve," Carlos said.
"I mean you're not wrong," Mal said with a laugh. "I just think it's weird because I never wrote to her and she magically knew I was sorted into Slytherin."
"Mother's intuition?" Jay asked, making Mal laugh out loud.
The friends enjoyed the rest of their semester, and by the time they knew it, they were on their way home for summer break. They found a cabin and the ride home felt shorter than when they were going to Hogwarts. They had just pulled up to the platform and everyone was gathering their things.
"You're going to write?" Ben asked as he looked at his friends, but lingered on Mal.
"Yeah," everyone said as they nodded their heads.
"I'll think about it," Mal said as she shrugged, making them laugh.
They all walked off the train, and found their parents. Mal was standing against a pillar waiting for her mom, when Belle noticed the girl waiting and walked over.
"Hello, Mal," she said as she walked up to the 11 year old.
"Hello, Mrs. Anderson," Mal said as she looked at the woman. Belle shook her head, before pulling her into a hug.
"Are you waiting for your dad?" She asked as she pulled away from Mal, and as Ben and Adam came up behind her.
"No," she said as she shook her head. "I'm waiting for my mom actually. And as per usual she is late."
"Well we will wait with…"
"That won't be necessary," a voice said coming from behind them. They turned around to see the Malfoys walking up to them. Lucius stopped in front of Adam and Draco was standing in front of Ben. "I will be taking her with me," he said as he looked up at Adam.
"Why?" Adam asked. "Her mother…"
"Her mother has asked me to take her to her," he said, cutting Adam off. "Is that a problem?"
Adam was ready to argue with him, but Mal stepped forward. "It's okay, Mr. Anderson," she said. "I know that he is telling the truth." She grabbed her trunk and walked up to Lucius, before turning and giving Ben a hug. "I will write," she said, making him smile as she pulled away. She gave him a kiss on the cheek, before turning and walking away from them. Ben didn't know what would happen this summer, but he knew that he was going to be anxiously waiting for his letter from Mal.
*YEAR TWO*
Mal was eagerly rushing through Diagon Alley, with her dad rushing behind her. She hadn't seen her friends all summer, because she stayed with her mother and went back to her dad's two weeks before they were due to leave for Hogwarts, much to her dismay. She had written to them, but she was hoping to see them at least once.
"Mally," he called, making her turn to look up at him. "I know you are excited to see your friends, but you can't just leave me in the dust like that," he said, making her laugh.
"I'm sorry, dad," she said. "I just haven't seen my friends and I'm excited."
"I know. I just said that," he said. "Let's go. We have to get your books."
Father and daughter walked into Flourish and Blotts to see a huge crowd, mainly women, surrounding the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher. Mal craned her neck up to see if she could spot one of her friends, and she spotted Evie's blue hair and was happy to see the rest of her friends with her. She smiled brightly, and Evie turned just in time to see Mal waving at them.
"Mal!" Evie yelled as she pushed through the crowd to her. When Evie got to her, she practically tackled Mal to the ground. "Oh my god! I missed you so much."
"I missed you too, E," she said as Evie looked down at her. "Can I get up now?"
Evie chuckled, before she got up and helped Mal to her feet. She fixed her robes before looking up and seeing Doug, Jay, Jane, Carlos, Ben, and Ben's parents standing there. Jay was the first to hug Mal. He had picked her up, making her yelp in surprise to see how strong he was. He had grown out his hair longer and it was almost past his shoulders. Jane, Carlos, and Jane gave her each a hug, before Ben copied Jay's actions. She was surprised to see how strong he was and looked at him in shock when he put her back on her feet.
"What?" He asked.
"When did you and Jay get strong?" She asked.
"Are you saying that we were weak before?" Jay asked as he put his elbow on Ben's shoulder and looked at the purple haired girl.
"No," she said as she shook her head. "I mean, yes, but you weren't this strong to where you could pick me up," she said.
"Well, you aren't that heavy either," Ben said, making Mal look at him with an open mouth.
"Hey," Evie said, making Mal turn to her. "I got your books. Do you want to get them signed?"
"No," Mal said as she shook her head. "He's going to be our teacher, he's self absorbed, and I bet if I ask in the middle of class he would do it," she said, making everyone laugh.
They were all walking out of the bookshop and saw Lucius and Draco bothering Harry Potter, Hermione Granger, and the Weasley's, making Mal thankful that they weren't going to bother her. They made a quick stop at Florean Fortescue's ice cream parlour, and then made their way to the train station. They said goodbye to their parents and made their way to an empty cabin, ready to start their second year at Hogwarts.
School was starting off fine, other than Draco trying to irritate Ben and Mal. They weren't dating or anything, but Draco felt territorial over Mal, making Ben furious. Sure, everyone knew they liked each other, but neither of them had come out and said it to the other. They were only twelve for goodness sake. They ignored all of the teasing, and just wanted to get on with the rest of their school year. Evie, Jane, Doug, and Carlos were waiting for the Gryffindor quidditch tryouts, and were hoping that Jay and Ben would make the team. The Slytherins were almost finishing up tryouts when Draco saw her and walked over to Mal.
"Stop," she said as she held her hand up. "What do you want?"
"I just came over because I noticed you were to cheer on our house," he told her. "Finally coming to the terms that you are a true Slytherin?"
"No," she said as she looked at him with a blank stare. "I am here to watch my friends tryout for the Gryffindor team," she said. "Why are you even here? Crabbe and Goyle would never try out and you're afraid of your hair messing up."
"I came…"
"I was asking to be polite, but I really don't care why you are here," she said as she turned away and saw the Gyffindors walking into the pitch. "Now if you would kindly piss off, they are going to start soon," she said, making him look at her with an astound look before he walked away.
"You know," Doug said. "You are the only one who knows how to shut him up," he told her. "How do you do it?"
"Years and years of practice," she said, before the Gryffindor team flew up in the air ready to start their tryouts.
They watched the tryouts and were very surprised to see how good Ben and Jay were. They were quick and slick, and they knew that they were going to make the team. After a long two hours, and a lot of cuts from the drills, Ben and Jay were two new members of the Gryffindor team. Their friends rushed down from the stadium and met them down by the exit.
"Great tryouts, mates," Harry Potter said as he walked with Ben and Jay. "So glad to have you on the team."
"Thanks," Ben and Jay said at the same time.
"I'll see you in the common room," Harry said as he walked away, passing Ben and Jay's friends. "Hello," he said with a nod, making the five wave at him as he passed.
"You guys did great!" Evie said as she bounced up and down. "Congratulations."
"Thank you," they said at the same time.
"What did Malfoy want now?" Ben asked as she walked to stand next to Mal.
She didn't think he saw Draco talking to her, but she guessed he did.
"Nothing," she said. "He was just being a pest." Ben didn't like the answer, but he knew he shouldn't push on the subject. "Do you guys want to go shower before we head to the great hall?" She asked.
"Yeah," Ben said as he grabbed his broom. "We'll meet you there."
"Okay," they said, before they all walked back toward the castle.
"You okay?" Jay asked as he and Ben were changing to meet the others.
"I'm fine," he said as he tied his shoe. "We should head down and meet the others."
Jay could tell that Ben was irritated, but he didn't want to make him more upset. They quickly grabbed their books and headed down to the great hall to study with the others. They were there for a little bit, before the mail came and dropped packages and letters in front of them, and a howler landed right in front of Mal. Everyone was staring at her, wondering what she did to deserve a howler.
"Evanesco," she said as she pointed her wand at the letter, making it disappear. "Well, that is taken care of," she said.
"Who would send you…"
"Her mother," Evie said as she shook her head. "What? Did she send you one because you aren't writing her back?"
"Something like that," Mal said with a tight smile. "She probably sent it because I am not doing her bidding too."
Everyone knew that Maleficent was a follower of the Dark Lord, and after what happened last year with Professor Quirl, everyone seemed on guard. After dinner that day, everyone was heading back to their common rooms, but stopped when they saw a large group of students crowding a hall. They walked forward and walked into a pool of water.
"Everyone to their dormitories," Professor Dumbledore said.
They didn't get a chance to look at what happened, before Crabbe and Goyle shoved Mal making her follow the rest of Slytherin house to their dormitory. Jane clung to Carlos' arm as they walked away from the group, Doug and Evie walked with the rest of the ravenclaw house, and Jay and Ben stood in their place. Ben was looking at where Mal had gone and wanted to run after her, but he knew he couldn't. Jay put a hand on his shoulder, and they both headed back to their common room. Hoping that everything was okay and that they would be able to go back to normal tomorrow.
Weeks went by and the professors were trying to keep things as normal as possible. It was the first game of quidditch, and everyone was there. Ben had lent Mal his Gryffindor scarf so she could have something to wear, and she was happy and excited when they flew onto the pitch. They were playing against the Slytherin house, and the other Slytherins were looking at her weirdly, but she honestly didn't care.
"When did Malfoy try out for the quidditch team?" Carlos asked as he pointed to the blonde boy as he took his place on the pitch.
Mal looked and saw him on a broom and noticed that each member of the Slytherin team had the same broom.
"He didn't," Mal said as she rolled her eyes. "He is probably on the team to either bother Harry or Ben," she said as the match started. "And he used daddy's money to get a place on the team."
"I'm going to guess both," Evie said.
The match went on and Harry and Draco were chasing the snitch. It was a close game and Mal was hoping that Harry would get it so she could taunt Draco later.
The game was going and Slytherin was winning 90 to 30, and Ben and Jay were going strong. They were flying around, dodging the Slytherin team as they kept the ball away from them. The game got interesting when bludger started to chase Harry around, making his friends look at the pitch in concern. Mal and her friends were not sitting that far away from them, and they heard Hagrid saying that the bludger was roge and that it was tampered with. Ron tried to stop it, but Hermione stopped him because his wand was broken and that he could hit Harry. He managed to dodge it, and then Draco started to tease him, before the snitch flew near his head. Harry flew forward and he and Draco started to chase after the snitch, flying between the pitch and wooden rafts. No one could really see them, until Draco flipped up and landed in a split on the pitch. Mal burst out in laughter, but then saw people rushing toward the pitch. Ben and Jay flew down, throwing their brooms. Mal and the rest of her friends rushed down and when they got there they saw Harry's arm looking like a noodle.
"Ew," Mal said as she turned into Ben's shoulder, covering her face so she didn't throw up. Ben took the opportunity and wrapped his arm around her waist, holding her close. She turned her head, still keeping herself close to Ben.
"Come on," Ben said as she lightly shook her with his arm. "They are taking him to the infirmary."
"MAL!" Someone yelled, making her jump in surprise.
They all turned around and saw a blonde woman in all black walking toward her.
"Oh god," she said.
"Whose that?" Doug asked.
"That's my mother," she said as she walked away from her friends and up to her mother. "What are you doing here, mom?" She asked.
"I came to see you, since you don't know how to write back to me," she said as she looked at her daughter up and down.
"Well if someone isn't writing back, don't you think that you should stop writing?" She asked.
"What are you wearing?" Maleficent asked as she pulled on the scarf on Mal's neck. "Why are you wearing Gryffindor colors?"
"I came to support my friends," she said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"You're supporting the Gryffindors and not your house?" Maleficent asked in astonishment. "What are you thinking?" She asked as she looked over at the group of kids looking at them. "You're doing this for a boy! And a Gryffindor! What…"
"No!" Mal said as she got louder. "You are not going to tell me that I should be ashamed for being friends with others outside of my house or ashamed of liking anyone out of my house," she said, making Ben's eyes widen. He wasn't sure if she was just saying it to say it or if she liked him.
"You are not going to end up…"
"With a Gryffindor?" she asked as she took a step closer to her mother. "Like you did dad?" She asked, making her mother look at her with a furious look. "You're not going to tell me what to do," she said as she got close to her mother's face. "I'm done listening to you," she said. Her friends were looking at Mal with worry. They didn't know what she was saying, because they couldn't hear her, but her mother looked mad. "Just for your information, I don't care what you threatened me with this summer," she whispered. "I don't know what you and those idiots are planning, but you better stay away from my friends."
She turned on her heels and walked toward her friends. She took Ben's hand and before storming toward the castle with her friends following behind her. She was not going to let her mother control her life. When they got back to the castle, Jay and Ben went to change before meeting the rest in the great hall. They liked spending their free time in the great hall, because they didn't know if they were allowed to go into the other's common rooms.
"Are you okay?" Ben whispered to Mal.
"Yeah," she said as she nodded her head. "I'll be fine," she told him, before she rested her head on his shoulder.
Ben felt warmth in his stomach and he smiled bright, making the rest smile too. Everyone headed to bed, but Ben stayed with Mal, because he knew she did not want to go back to her dorm. It was almost curfew when they had finally decided to head back toward their dorms. They were about to part ways, when Mal pulled on Ben's hand, making him turn and go into shock when she pressed her lips to his. When she pulled away, Ben had to blink a couple of times to realize what had just happened, before Mal started to apologize.
"Don't apologize," he said as he shook his head and smiled at her. "I um… I liked it."
Her cheeks flushed. She didn't know what came over her, but she had liked Ben for a while, but didn't know if he liked her.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said as she lightly punched his chest.
He smiled at her, before he gave her a kiss on the cheek. "I'll see you tomorrow."
They both went their separate ways, happy with the way things went today. Mal walked into the Slytherin common room playing with the scarf that was around her neck. Ben's scarf.
A couple of weeks later, Mal was sitting in the Slytherin common room drawing when she saw Draco walk in with Crabbe and Goyle. They sat down on a couch on the other side of the room, but Mal was close enough to hear them. She heard them talking about the Chamber of Secrets and the last time it was open. She had heard her mother and the Malfoy's talking about it over the summer, but didn't think anything of it. When she heard Draco saying that a muggle born was killed the last time it was open and that he hoped it was Hermione Granger next. She watched as Crabbe stood up in defense, making Draco look at him like he was crazy. A couple of minutes later they ran out of the room, leaving Draco there very confused. He threw his hands out, before turning and walking over to Mal, making her roll her eyes when she heard him clear his throat.
"What, Draco?" She asked, not looking up from her book.
"Why are you always drawing?" He asked.
"Why are you wishing death upon people?" She asked, looking up at him with a snarky look.
"Mud blood," he said, correcting her.
"She is still a person," she said.
"Whatever," he said. "Are you staying here all night?"
"No," she said as she closed her book and stood up. "I actually have plans."
"With Anderson?" He asked.
"Yes, as a matter of fact," she said. "And I am running late, so I have to go."
She didn't give him a moment to say anything, before she left and walked out of the room. She rushed to find her friends to find them all standing in front of the great hall doors.
"Happy birthday, Ben," she said as she ran up to him and hugged him.
"Thank you," he said as he wrapped his arms around her small frame.
They walked into the great hall, and sat at the same table they always sat at. There were students there, but not many. They had snacks out, a small cake with thirteen candles, and brought presents for him. He had gotten a bunch of gifts, Evie had made him an outfit, his parents had sent him a new broom, Jay had gotten him a book that he had been wanting and a box of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans, Carlos had gotten him a nice quil set, Doug had gotten him another book set he had been wanting, and Mal had gotten him a scrapbook with pictures from when he was little that Belle had sent her and pictures from their first year at Hogwarts. He loved all of his gifts and was happy that he was spending his birthday with his friends.
"We better head up," Mal said. "We have class in the morning."
Everyone gathered their things, before Mal helped Jay and Ben take Ben's things to the Gryffindor common room. Jay said the password and the door opened, and Mal waited for them to take the things out of her hand, but they never did.
"Are you coming?" Ben asked as he turned to look at her.
"Oh! I don't think I'm allowed to," she said.
"I think it's fine," he told her. "I don't think we are breaking any rules because it's not curfew yet."
She was hesitant, but followed him up the stairs and into the common room. It wasn't big like the Slytherin one, but it was cozy. The fire was going, and Harry and Ron were sitting in front of it. They looked deep in conversation, and the three didn't want to bother them. The two boys saw the trio and excused themselves before saying goodnight. Mal felt a little more comfortable knowing that they weren't bothered with her being there. They set the gifts down on a table and Jay excused himself to go and change.
"Do you want to sit?" Ben asked as he walked over to the fire.
"Um… sure," she said.
She walked over and sat next to him. The Gryffindor tower felt very cozy to her, compared to the Slytherin one. She didn't know what it was, but she didn't want to leave. Ben and Mal sat there talking until Percy came down and told Mal that it was almost curfew and that he would walk her to her dormitory. Ben gave her a kiss on the cheek, thanking her for making his birthday special. She smiled at him, before she and Percy walked out of the tower.
It was the day of the Hufflepuff versus Gryffindor quidditch match and Ben was confused when they saw Professor McGonagall walking up to them. He and Jay overheard what was going on when Mal and Evie walked up to them.
"What's going on?" Mal asked.
"Quidditch is canceled," he told her. "She told Harry and Ron to follow her and that was it, but she said we have to go back to our tower. I am assuming that it is going to have to be all houses as well," he said as he reached for Mal's hand and squeezed it.
"I hope everything is okay," Evie said as she put her elbow on Doug's shoulder.
"Me too," Mal said as she and the rest of her friends watched the two boys walk away from the quidditch pitch.
After the news of Hermione getting petrified, everyone was told that they were not allowed to leave their dormitories unless they were escorted to a class by a professor, until the perpetrator was caught. Mal was kind of upset that she was not going to be allowed to see her friends as much because of the curfew or she would see them in class, but she was appreciative that she was able to see them. The rules stayed like this for a couple of months, and the Chamber of Secrets had been open. This worried Mal, because she thought her friends would be in danger. She would send letters to her friends with her owl, hoping that they would write back, and luckily for her they did. When it was announced that the chamber was closed and the students who were petrified were better, they were all allowed to continue on with their regular schedules, the group of seven were so happy to be able to spend more than an hour together.
"Are you going to be with your mother again for the entire summer?" Carlos asked, making Evie look at Mal with a pleading look.
"No," Mal said as she shook her head. "I am not going with my mother at all. She kept me last year and she is not getting me this year," she said, making them smile. "I would like my birthday to be surrounded by the people I actually like."
"Good," Evie said as she tackled her best friend to the ground. "I wasn't going to let you leave either."
"It's weird that we have known each other for almost two years," Doug said. "We're going to be third years in a couple of months."
"I know," Jay said. "That's kind of crazy. It's like yesterday you and Ben knocked on our cabin door."
Everyone laughed as Mal leaned her head on Ben's shoulder. He didn't know what he and Mal were, or if they were anything for that matter, but he knew he would be seeing Mal a lot this summer and was happy about it too.
*YEAR THREE*
Mal and Evie were on their way to the platform when they heard their name being called. They turned to see Ben and Jay rushing toward them with their buggies.
"Hey guys," the girls said as they stopped to wait for them.
The boys said nothing other than picking up the girls and giving them a hug. Ben picked up Mal and felt a difference in her frame. She was a little more curved and… filled out more, in his opinion. Mal and her father were visiting family over the summer, so he didn't get to see her like he thought he would, other than for her birthday, so he was super excited to see her now.
"Dang," she said as he put her down. "If I didn't know better, I would say you missed me," she said with a laugh.
"You know I missed you," he said, making her cheeks flush red. "But we can talk about that later. We should head onto the platform before we miss our train."
The four teenagers rushed to get to the train and when they put their luggage in the compartments below the train, Carlos, Jane, and Doug were calling their names from a cabin. When they were all settled, they all relaxed and enjoyed the ride back to Hogwarts. On the ride, they were talking about how Sirius Black had escaped from Azkaban, and what they thought he was going to do. Once they were back at Hogwarts they got to their dormitories and met in the great hall for dinner. They were all introduced to the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, before Draco started to make fun of Harry because he fainted on the train. Mal shook her head and rolled her eyes, before she found Ben staring at her. They locked eyes, making Mal's cheeks flush red, before he winked at her. They were also told that they would house the dementors of Azkaban, until Sirius Black was caught.
Later that night everyone was in their dormitories, and Harry and his friends were trying these new candies from Honeydukes.
"Hey," Ron called over to Ben and Jay, making the boys look at him. "Want a go?" He asked as he tossed them the box.
Jay and Ben went over and each had a candy. Ben let out a low deep growl and a clicking sound, while Jay let out a hissing sound like a snake.
"Can I ask you something, Ben?" Seamus asked, making Ben look at him.
"Yeah."
"What's going on with you and that Slytherin girl Mallory?"
Ben's eyes widened, not knowing what to say.
"She's cool and everything," he said, trying to come off as if he wasn't insulting her, because he wasn't. "She's actually the coolest Slytherin and sometimes I wonder if she belongs there."
"That's what I was thinking," Ron said as he nodded his head. "When she was being sorted, I could have sworn that the hat was going to place her in Gryffindor."
"We did too," Ben and Jay said at the same time.
"But to answer your question," Ben said, making them look back at him. "I don't know. I like her and I think she likes me, but we are going to wait and see. I don't want to rush her."
"That's reasonable," Harry said. "We wish you nothing but the best."
"Thank you," Ben said as his cheeks flushed red.
Weeks had passed and things at Hogwarts were going great, especially when Mal saw Draco being carried into the infirmary in distress. After that he would be walking around trying to get attention from other girls because Mal wasn't giving him the time of day. It was now the day of the first quidditch match and Gryffindor was playing against Hufflepuff. The sky was gray and there was a horrible storm. Mal watched as her friends dodged the lightning, but Ben wasn't fast enough and it struck his broom, making him fall out of the sky. He crashed to the floor, making Mal's heart sink to her stomach, and he wasn't moving. Her and her friends rushed to the pitch and Mal slid to pull him into her arms.
"Ben?" She called as she lightly shook him. He didn't move. "Ben, come on," she called again, but this time he groaned. "Oh, thank god," she said as she wrapped her arms around his head.
Other members of the Gryffindor team came and placed him on a gurney before taking him away to the infirmary. They were walking behind him, when they heard everyone screaming behind them. They turned to see Harry Potter falling from over ten stories high. Mal's eyes shot open, worried for him and thankful that Ben fell from a little over two stories. Dumbledore shouted 'Arresto Momentum' so that Harry didn't fall.
Ben groaned and lifted his hand to rub his head, but he couldn't move because someone was already holding his hand and rubbing his head.
"I got it," he heard Mal say, making him slowly open his eyes to see her sitting next to him with his other friends. "You took quite a fall there," she said with a small chuckle. "And you're going to have quite the headache."
"Yeah, I bet," he said as he tried to sit up.
"Stay put," she told him.
Ben laid back down and let Mal lightly rub his head. He liked that she was caring for him, and wondered if it was a friendship kind of caring or because she liked him. They stayed there talking for a while and saw Harry start to wake up. They heard Ron tell him that his broom had been destroyed from the lightning or the fall, making Ben wonder if his broom had been destroyed.
"Yours is fine," Jay said, making Ben sigh in relief.
"Thank god," he said. "That's the last thing I need to worry about."
"The only thing you need to worry about is getting better," Mal said, before she kissed him on his cheek, making him smile. "We have a trip to Hogsmeade coming up."
Their trip to Hogsmeade was approaching and they were just waiting on Ben to join their group. He rushed out of the castle, handed his permission slip to Mr. Flich before jogging over to his friends.
"Are you guys ready?" He asked, making them smile and nod their heads.
Everyone started to walk, making them follow the group. They continued to walk when Ben felt someone lace their fingers through his. He looked down and saw Mal's hand in his, before she got closer and wrapped her other arm around his. This was new and Ben liked it.
When they got back, Ben and Jay were going to their dormitory when everyone was in a frantic state. They had found out that the fat lady was missing and that she was found in a different painting. She screamed in fear, telling Dumbledore that Sirius Black was in the castle. Every dormitory was told to gather in the great hall for the night and were to sleep in sleeping bags for their safety. Draco wanted Mal to sleep next to him, but Ben pulled her away from him and set her sleeping bag next to his and the rest of their friends. That night, Ben and Mal fell asleep holding hands, wishing they knew what they were to each other.
As time went on, Ben and Mal became closer and more comfortable with each other, but they had yet to officially become boyfriend and girlfriend. That was until Evie and the rest of their friends cornered them against a wall. Their friends ended up telling them that they needed to make up their minds about whether they wanted to be together, because they were not going to be spending the next four and a half years of them flirting. They honestly didn't know if that's where they were until they turned to look in each other's eyes. Ben knew he wanted to be with Mal, and Mal knew she wanted to be with Ben. So what was holding them back?
"Do you want to be my girlfriend?" Ben asked, making Mal smile and nod her head.
He smiled from ear to ear, while their friends clapped in excitement. This was another forbidden love. A love between a Gryffindor and a Slytherin.
As more time went on, both Ben and Mal seemed even more happy than they were. They didn't go around announcing to the school that they were officially a couple, especially around Draco. She could only imagine what he would tell her mother if he knew. The second trip to Hogsmeade was coming up, and everyone who was going was excited. When the time came they were all looking around in Honeydukes, enjoying all of the sweets that they were coming across. Ben and Mal walked out with hot chocolate, and stopped when they saw Draco and two of his lackeys running down the street.
"What's wrong with them?" Ben asked as he held Mal's hand again.
"I have no clue, but I bet his father would be embarrassed right now," she said, making him laugh.
After coming back from Christmas break, Ben was excited to see Mal. He was visiting his grandfather over Christmas so he and his parents did not get a chance to hang out with Mal and her dad. He walked onto the platform, looking for his girlfriend, but didn't find her so he assumed she was sitting on the train already. When he got on the train he saw Carlos walking into a cabin, and smiled knowing that Mal was in there. As quickly as he could, he rushed past his fellow classmates and stopped at the cabin Carlos went into. He saw Mal sitting inside with her feet propped up like they were when he first saw her. She looked up, saw him on the other side of the door, and got up with a bright smile.
"Hey!" She said as she opened the door and wrapped her arms around his neck.
"Hi," he said as he wrapped his arms around her waist and brought them into the cabin and closed the door. He knew that they were still keeping their relationship between them and their friends, so he didn't want there to be a chance that Draco saw them being affectionate. "I have something for you," he said, making her pull apart to look at him with a confused look. He pulled out a small box out of his pocket and gave it to her. "Since I didn't see you over the break."
She smiled at him before she sat down to open the gift. She took the top off the box and found a very beautiful locket. It had a beautiful design with an aqua background, and it was on a chain that would make the locket sit right in the middle of her sternum. She looked at him with a smile, before giving him another hug.
Half way through the semester, Mal was walking out of the Slytherin common room, when she saw Malfoy and two of his friends running in, and he was covering his face.
"Filthy mud blood," he said, making Mal stop to hear what he was saying. "How dare she do that to me. Does she know who I am?" She had presented to look for something in her bag, so she could eavesdrop on what he was saying, but couldn't help but make a comment.
"I think you make it very clear to everyone who you are," Mal mumbled to herself, but Draco had heard her.
"What was that, Mallory?" He asked as he walked up to her, making her turn around. He had dried blood on his upper lip and was looking down at her. "Did you say something?"
"I was just saying that you make it known who you are, and make it damn well known who your father is," she said as she put her bag over her shoulder.
"Wouldn't you?" He asked, but before Mal could make a remark, he spoke up. "Oh. That's right," he said. "You're not proud to be a Slytherin and do not talk to your mother," he said, making Mal roll her eyes. "I don't know what you expected. Your mother was a Slytherin. What would make you any different?"
She stood tall and glared at him. "Oh, I don't know, maybe the fact that I am not a pompous ass like you, or the fact that I don't go running to mommy and daddy whenever I get a boo-boo, or that I don't go around thinking I am the best, or thinking that only pure-bloods deserve the best," she said. "Shall I go on?"
"What has Anderson done to you?" He asked as he crossed his arms. "You were completely different the summer after our first year."
"Maybe because I was around people I couldn't stand," she said. "Did you ever think of that?"
"You should stop associating yourself with him," he said, ignoring what she had just said. "You two are so close, you could make people think you are a couple."
"What's wrong with that?" She asked with a shrug.
"He's…"
"What a gryffindor?" She said, cutting him off. "What is wrong with that? You can't say he's not pure blood, because he is," she told him, making him go silent. "You can't say anything. So, if you will excuse me. I have to go, and I bet you are going to want to write to your daddy and tell them that you have a boo-boo."
She walked out of the Slytherin dormitory to go and find her friends. She needed to get away from there. She was happy that the semester was almost over. She knew she wouldn't be able to see her friends or Ben every single day like she does at school, but she wouldn't be around the Slytherins anymore.
*YEAR FOUR*
"Mal, honey?" Belle called as she lightly shook Mal awake. "Come in, honey. You have to wake up."
Mal opened her eyes and found herself in the guest room at Ben's house. She, her friends, her dad, and Ben's parents were going to the Irish vs Bulgarian quidditch team.
"I'm sorry," she said as she sat up and rubbed her eyes. "Did I oversleep?"
"No," Belle said as she shook her head. "I just thought you might want to eat before we go."
Mal's stomach grumbled, making her and Belle laugh.
"That may be a good idea," she said as she threw the blanket off of her. "I am just going to brush my teeth first."
"Okay, I'm going to wake up everyone else," Belle said as she walked over to the bed Evie was sleeping in.
Mal walked over to the bathroom and closed the door behind her. She looked at herself in the mirror and smiled. She was reminiscing on the time she spent with her friends and the kiss Ben gave her last night. It was late and everyone was asleep. Mal was just about to turn the light off, when she heard a knock on the door. She slowly walked over, trying not to wake up Evie, and saw Ben standing on the other side. She asked what he was doing, but he responded by giving her a kiss on her lips. She smiled up at him, before he gave her another small kiss and walked back to his room. They had decided to not hide their relationship anymore, and just be happy being a couple.
"Mal? Are you almost done?" Evie said from the other side of the door, making her break out of his thoughts.
Mal quickly opened the door to let Evie in so that they could get ready for the day. After breakfast, they all gathered in a close group before Haden raised his wand.
"Apparate," he said and the group appeared in front of a portkey that would take them to the match.
They were making their way to their seats when Mal heard someone yelling her name. She turned around and saw her mother walking up to her. Haden walked up behind his daughter, while Ben took her hand.
"There you are," she said. "I have been trying to reach you all summer."
"Like I said before, mom. If someone doesn't write back, you should take the hint," Mal said.
"Don't talk to me in that disrespectful tone," Maleficent said as she took a step toward her daughter. "You better…"
"Better what?" Haden asked as he stepped up in front of Mal. "What are you going to do, Maleficent?"
Maleficent looked at her ex-husband, not knowing what to say. She was intimidating to many people, but she was never intimidating to him. She had tried and tried, but never was able to. They stood there staring at each other with nothing being said, until she looked past him, and at Mal.
"Come along, Mal," she said. "You're coming with me. We will sit with the Malfoys."
"No I'm not," she said as she half hid behind Ben's shoulder and squeezed his hands. "I'm staying with my friends."
"You belong with our kind," she hissed through her teeth. "Now come!"
"No!" Mal said as she stood her ground. "Do you not think I knew what you and the Malfoys were trying to do that summer you kept me from dad?" She asked. "Do you think I am stupid?"
Maleficent didn't say anything, making everyone else around the pair grow confused, especially Haden.
"What are you talking about, Mally?" Haden asked as he turned to look at his daughter.
"Oh, just that mom was threatening me," she said. "That if I didn't start acting like a true Slytherin that my friends were going to pay the price, that if I didn't stop coming around my friends that they would pay, and others," she said as she walked to stand next to her dad. "I told her that it didn't matter what house I was in, because if my friends made me happy that's all that should matter, but she went on saying that I was an embarrassment."
"You're the embarrassment," Hades said as he pointed at Maleficent. "How could you tell her that? She is the most noble person I know. She would defend anyone until her final breath, but you are so blinded by your 'beliefs' that you put everything else before your child," he said. "Stay the bloody hell away from her." He turned leaving Maleficent behind, lightly pushing Mal so she was in front of him. "You're not going over there ever again," he told her, making her look up at him with an appreciative smile.
"Thank you, daddy," she said, before Ben laced his fingers with hers again.
After the game, they were all enjoying the fun they were having with each other, when screaming made them jump.
"Go," Adam said as he looked at Belle and the kids. "Go! Now!" He yelled before Belle and Doug grabbed Jane, Jay and Carlos grabbed Evie, and Ben grabbed Mal.
Everything was going up in flames and everyone was running. Ben held on tight to Mal, making sure that she didn't get hurt. They were running, trying to get back to the portkey when Mal tripped, making Ben fall with her.
"Are you okay?" He asked as he looked down at her and cupped her head.
She nodded her head, but looked up at the sky in horror. The sky was gray and gloomy, and she saw a green light flash. Ben looked up and looked at the sky with wide eyes. He looked back at Mal who was in shock. He picked her up in his arms and started to run toward the portkey .
"Mal! Ben!" They heard as Ben ran closer to the portkey.
Belle sighed in relief as she watched her son and Mal make it safe. Haden and Adam were not that far behind, and Haden looked to see at his daughter who was still in shock.
"Are you okay, Mally?" He asked as he walked up to her.
She was still looking up at the sky, making him turn to look at what she was looking at.
"Dad, that's his mark," she said as she walked up to him. "Do you…"
"I don't know, Mally," he said as he held her close. "But you don't have to worry about it."
"But… I'm a Slytherin," she said, making everyone look at her with worried eyes. "If he's… ba…."
"Don't worry about it," Haden said as he pulled Mal close to him.
"How am I not supposed to be worried?"
When they had gotten to school, everyone was gathered in the great hall, ready to hear this year's introductions. They were told that this year Hogwarts would host the Triwizards Tournament and be the home of the students of Durmstrang and the ladies of Beauxbatons Academy. Jay looked disappointed that we would not be able to participate due to the age restrictions, but Ben just shook his head at his friend.
The next day, a bunch of students were gathered in the great hall to see who would put their name in the cup.
"Jay, don't even think about it," Mal said as she leaned against Ben's legs. "You really think that you would be able to do this with an aging potion?"
"Well…"
"Bottoms up!" They heard the Weasley twins say, making them turn to see the boys drinking out of viles.
They hopped over the line, very happy that they were able to sneak around Dumbledore's age ring. They put their names in the goblet and before they could celebrate further, a flame hit them, pushing them out of the ring and aging them to look about 80 years old. Mal looked up at Jay with a haha smile, making him stuff the vile into his pocket, just as Viktor Krum put his name in the goblet. Everyone's eyes were on him, knowing that he would be one of the future champions.
"You think he's cute?" Ben asked as he leaned down to whisper in Mal's ear, making her laugh.
"No," she said as she shook her head. "I like the bookworm type," she said, making him laugh, before he kissed the top of her head.
Later that night everyone was gathered in the great hall, ready to hear who were going to be this year's champions. Mal was sitting next to Evie and Ben and Doug were sitting behind them. One my one the champions were chosen starting with Fleur Delacour, followed by Viktor Krum, and ending at Cedric Diggory. Everyone cheered on the champions, but people's attention were drawn back to the goblet when another name popped out of the cup. Harry Potter's name was drawn from the cup, making everyone look at the boy. People started to get angry, saying that he cheated and was not of age. Mal felt sorry for him. Sure she wished he would get more attention than she would when they first had gotten here, but she now wished that he could catch a break.
A couple of months later, everyone was heading toward the arena to watch the first challenge. It was intense too. Mal was thankful that Ben and Jay weren't able to put their name in the goblet, because she would not be able to handle the stress of her friend and boyfriend fighting a dragon. Once Harry won his challenge, all the Gryffindors were going to celebrate in their dormitory. Ben and Jay asked their friends to join and they were hesitant at first, but were told that other people from other houses would be there as well. They ended up going, and sat against the window almost the entire time. Mal was particularly watching this other Gryffindor girl named Audrey flirt with Ben. She saw him deny her, but the sight still made her blood boil. She left the party, with Evie and the others following her. It wasn't until the next day that Mal found out that Ben went looking for her until late into the night. He kept looking the next morning and found her reading in the library and asked her where she went last night.
"I'm sorry for leaving," she asked as she closed her book to look up at him. "I just didn't like watching Audrey flirt with you."
"Did you not see me turn her down?" He asked as he sat down and took her hand into his.
"I did," she said as she put her head on his shoulder. "But I still didn't like how forward she was."
"Mal," he said, making her look at him. "We have been together for almost a year," he said. "I would never do anything to hurt you," he told her, making her smile. "I never told you this, but I kinda fell for you the moment I saw you."
"In the cabin?" She asked.
"More like on the platform," he told her. "I saw you putting your stuff away, and I was actually looking for you on the train after that."
"You went looking for me?" She asked with a soft smile.
"Yeah," he said as he brushed a piece of her hair out of her face. "I know that it sounds…" he started, but was quickly cut off when Mal pressed his lips to his.
"I love you," she whispered as she placed her head against his.
"I love you too," he told her, before he gave her another small kiss.
More months passed and everyone was scurrying around trying to find dates for the Yule Ball. Ben was in the great hall with Carlos, Jay, and Doug, waiting for Mal and the rest of the girls to get there, when Audrey walked up to him.
"Hello, Ben," she said sweetly, making him turn around to see her standing behind him.
"Oh," he said in surprise. "Hello, Audrey. Did you need something?"
Neither had noticed that Mal had walked into the great hall, and stopped to watch the interaction.
"No… well, maybe," she said before she chuckled to herself.
Ben was confused. "Well, what did you need?"
She started to sway herself back and forth, acting very girly. "In invitation to the Yule Ball?" She asked, looking hopeful.
Ben looked at her with wide eyes, not knowing how to respond. He had yet to ask Mal to the Yule Ball, but he thought that it was inevitable they would go together because they were dating. Mal was watching, not from that far away, hoping that Ben didn't see her when she walked in.
"I'm sorry, Audrey," he said, making her look at him with her big brown puppy dog eyes. "I am already going with someone."
"Oh," she said. "I see. If you don't mind me asking, who?"
"I am going with Mallory Drakos," he said with a raised eyebrow.
"The purple haired Slytherin girl?" She asked in a small state of shock.
"Yes?" He said in confusion. "Is that a problem?"
"Well, I would have just assumed that you were going to ask someone from your house," she said. "I didn't even know you had any interest in her."
Carlos, Jay, and Doug were now looking at her like she was crazy. How could she not realize that they had been close since their first day at Hogwarts.
"Well," he said as he turned around to face her and saw Mal sitting not that far away. "Mal and I have been friends for over 4 years," he said as he stood up and started to walk over to where she was. "And two," he said as he held his hand out for Mal to take. "She is also my girlfriend," he said as he smiled down at her, making her smile back up at him.
Mal didn't notice that he had seen her, but she was happy with the way he handled Audrey, even though he did it in an embarrassing way. Audrey quickly rushed out of the great hall, trying to ignore the snickering coming from her fellow classmates.
"You could have told her a little more nicely," Mal said, making Mal look down at her.
"I did but she went on about how I should be going with someone from the Gryffindor house," he said.
"I see," she said. "So, when did you ask me, because I don't remember receiving an invitation?" She asked jokingly.
Ben laughed and threw his head back, before looking back at Mal. "Will you do me the greatest honor of going to the Yule Ball with me?" He asked.
She chuckled, before she nodded her head. "Yes, I will go to the Yule ball with you."
Draco looked at the couple with disgust, because he was going to ask Mal to the Yule Ball. He had written to her mother, telling her that he was going to ask her, and she wrote back telling him that she was more than happy to see them together. She had told him that they would make a powerful couple, and that they could do so much for their world together. That was until he found out that Anderson and Mal were officially a couple. He had not noticed them much this year, but he had assumed that she had finally taken his advice and stopped talking to him. That was until he saw them kissing in the library the day after the first challenge. He had still written to her mother after seeing them kiss, and was hoping that they could finally be together just like their parents always wanted them to be.
The Yule Ball came fast and Mal was in the Hufflepuff Dormitory with Evie and Jane getting ready. Evie had just finished Mal's hair and was getting nervous about embarrassing herself.
"Calm down," Evie said as she took Mal's hand to stop her from pacing. "You're going to wear a hold in the floor."
"I'm sorry," Mal said as she started to bite on her thumb nail. "I'm just getting nervous. What if I do something stupid and fall?"
"You won't," Evie said. "Stop stressing and change," she said as she held up Mal's dress.
It was a long satin orchid colored dress with a spaghetti strap that you could tie at the shoulder. It had a long slit along her leg. She quickly changed, tied the straps, and put on her strappy heels. By the time she was done so were Evie and Jane. They walked down to the great hall and say Ben, Jay, Doug, Carols, and Jay's date Lonnie waiting for them. Jay shoved Ben's shoulder, making him look toward the stairs as she started to walk down.
"Wow," he whispered to himself, before he walked up to Mal. "You look…" he said with a stutter. "Just… wow."
"At a loss for words?" She asked with a laugh.
"More or less," he said as he took her hand and placed a kiss on it.
She noticed that he was wearing a suite but he did not have a robe on.
"Where is your robe?" She asked as he looped her arm though his.
"Jay ripped a hole through it," he told her, making her look at Jay with a confused look.
"How…"
"Its better not to ask," Ben said as he walked her into the great hall.
The ball was great, and Mal and Ben were having a wonderful time. They got to know Lonnie, who was apart of Gryffindor. She had class with Jay and was a friend of Audrey's. With the knowledge of that, Audrey sat with them and joined their group. Her eyes were glued to Ben almost the entire time, but he didn't pay any attention because he was giving Mal his full attention. By the end of the night, everyone was almost out of the great hall, and Ben was walking Mal toward her dormitory. As they walked he found out that the Slytherin common room was under the black lake. She had asked him if he wanted to come in, but someone answered for him.
"You know we are not allowed to let others into our common room," Draco said, making Mal throw her head back and groan. "Not to mention let them know where it is."
"Shove off, Draco," Mal said as she turned to look at him. "What is he going to do? Ruffle your hair when you are asleep?"
"Anderson is not allowed in our common room," he said as he looked past her and to Ben. "He…"
"I have been in the Gryffindor and Hufflepuff common room," Mal said as she put she hands on her hips. "Was it some unspoken rule saying we can't, because I never heard of it."
"It's implied," Draco said as he took a step toward her. "Why else do you think we have these security passwords?"
"Don't blow your top, Malfoy," Ben said as he walked up to Mal and wrapped his arm around her waist. "I was just walking Mal. I was not going in," he said, making her look up at him with a soft smile. "I'll see you tomorrow," he told her, before he gave her a sweet kiss on her lips.
"I'll see you tomorrow," she said, before Ben walked away and headed toward his dormitory.
"Your mother would be sickened," Draco said as he followed Mal into their common room.
"Well, isn't it good that I don't care what she thinks now isn't it?" She said, before she left him in the common room speechless.
It was the day of the final challenge and everyone was gathered around a maze, waiting to see who the Triwizard Champion would be. Harry, Cedric, Viktor, and Fluer entered the maze, before the entrances closed behind them. It didn't take long before the first flare went up into the air, letting everyone know that someone needed to be picked up. Another flare went up, meaning that there were only two more champions in the maze. Fluer and Viktor were brought out of the maze, letting everyone know that Harry and Cedric were the last two remaining. It felt like ages before Harry and Cedric landed in the middle of the aren, making everyone cheer in celebration. Harry was gripping onto Cedric and his shoulders were shaking. Fluer screamed, making the arena go quiet, and everyone heard Harry's sobs.
"What happened?" Mal asked as everyone made their way down to see what had happened.
"He's back!" Harry cried as he clung to Dumbledore's arms. "He's back! Voldemort's back!" Everyone around gasps in horror. "Cedric, he asked me to bring his body back. I couldn't leave him, not there!" He cried.
Mal clenched into Ben's hand in fear. He pulled her close, not knowing that she needed that more than anything right now. Harry was dragged off by Professor Moody, while everyone else was being told to head back to the castle.
"Come on," Ben said as he tightened his hold on Mal. "Let's go."
Mal stayed in the Gryffindor common room with her friends and Ben for the rest of the night. With Percy not being the head boy anymore, and with everything that happened today, the last thing anyone was thinking about was a curfew or who was not in their own common room. It seemed like the entire Gryffindor house was in the common room, and Mal woke up in a sweat. She sprang up and started to breathe heavily, before she turned her head to make sure she didn't wake up Ben or Evie.
"Are you alright?" Someone asked, making her turn to see Harry sitting by the window. She sighed and nodded her head. She was worried about what Harry had said, and didn't know if it was true. "Are you sure?" He asked. "You are sweaty."
She carefully got up and walked over to the window. "Do you mind if I ask you something?" She asked.
"Go right ahead," he said as he held his hand out for her to sit down.
"He's back?" She asked as she pulled her knees to her chest. "He's really back?"
Harry froze for a moment not knowing what to say. He knew the dark lord was back, and he knew he shouldn't lie, even if it was to ease her worries. He nodded his head, making Mal bury her face into her knees.
"Can I ask you something else?" She asked as she looked up at him. He nodded his head, before she sighed. "Was anyone else here?" She asked. "Like… other than him?" Harry nodded his head, before looking out the window. "Were any of them women?" She asked.
Harry looked back at her with a confused look on her face. "I'm not sure," he said. "They were all wearing robes, with masks and hoods. But I do know Lucius Malfoy was there." She nodded her head in understanding and knew her mother was there. "Do you mind if I ask why you asked?"
"My mother," she said in a low whisper.
"Your mother?"
"She was one of his followers," she told him. "And with you saying Lucius was there, no doubt my mother was far behind."
"I did not see anyone, and I only knew Lucius was there, because Voldemort said his name," Harry said.
"I have no doubt she was there," she said as she shook her head. "I just can't believe that he is back."
Harry looked at the purple haired girl with curiosity. He had never met a Slytherin like her. Someone who looked so afraid and worried about what might happen.
"You're not like the rest of them," he said, making Mal look at him. "I mean. You're not like the others in Slytherins house," he said, making Mal lightly laugh.
"You could say that," she said. "I mean. Stereotypically, they are ambition, resourcefulness, determination, and cleverness. Ravenclaws are cleverness, wisdom, wit, intellectual ability and creativity. Hufflepuffs have a strong sense of justice, loyalty, patience, and a propensity for hard work. And Gryffindors are courageous as well as daring, they have nerve, and chivalry."
"Though sometimes we can be at a point of recklessness," he said. "We have also been noted to be short-tempered too," he told her with a small smile.
"Oh I know," she said. "My dad was sorted into Gryffindor and I have been dating Ben for over a year and have known him since our first train ride. They both have quite the temper," she said with a small chuckle.
"That's great. He seems like a really great lad," he said with a smile. "We don't talk much, other than during quidditch practice, but I do see how happy he gets when he is around you."
Mal smiled at thought. Ben made her happy too, and she would never want to mess up their relationship.
"I know I have only known the wizarding world for almost 4 years," he said, making Mal break out of her thoughts. "But I have been told about your mother and father. You do not seem to act like what I have been told your mother acts."
"I thank my dad for that," she said. "I am nothing like my mother. She's…"
"I get it," he said, cutting her off. "You don't have to explain. I can tell that you are a good person," he said, making her smile. "If I am honest. I am surprised you were sorted into Slytherin to begin with."
"You and most," she said.
"No, really," he said, making her look at him with a raised eyebrow. "When we were being sorted, everyone thought that you were to be sorted into Gryffindor, but the hat stalled and said Slytherin."
Mal frowned at the memory. She remembered her excitement when she thought that the hat was going to say Gryffindor, but her excitement quickly faded when it paused and shouted Slytherin.
"I hope you know that just because you are sorted into a house that it does not define the person that you are," he said. "Sure, it may know our "values"," he said, putting air quotes around values. "but I believe that you could have values that could get you sorted into any house. I even had doubts that I should have been sorted into Slytherin."
"You did?" She asked.
"It was during year two," he said as he nodded his head. "After the Chamber was open."
"You're a true Gryffindor," she told him, giving him a friendly smile.
"There is a difference between true and worthy," he told her. "I may be a worthy Gryffindor, but I can tell that you should have been one too," he said, making her smile softly.
*YEAR FIVE*
Summer came and went, and Ben was walking to the platform with Mal, Evie, Jay, and Carlos. They had spent almost the entire summer together, but he could tell that Mal was a little off… or she looked worried. When they were all seated in the sheets hall, Dumbledore gave his announcements, before he was interrupted by the new defense against the dark arts teacher, Professor Umbridge.
"The Ministry of Magic has always considered the education of young witches and wizards to be of vital importance…" she said, making everyone look at her with a confused look. "All though each headmaster has brought something new to this historic school," she said as she gave Dumbledore a nod. "Progress for progress's sake must be discouraged. Let us preserve what must be preserved, perfect what can be perfected, and brew practices that ought to be prohibited."
There was an awkward clap, not knowing what she was actually meaning, but some knew that she was saying that the Ministry was becoming involved in the teachings at Hogwarts.
Ben and Ben were in the common room with everyone else, when Harry walked in and the room went silent. There was an argument between Seamus and Harry, about not knowing what really happened the night that Cedric died. Ben was about to intervene, but Ron did it first. They left up the stairs, and a couple of seconds later, Ron came back looking defeated.
The next day in their defense against the dark arts class, Mal sat down next to Ben, until Professor Umbridge came in and looked down at her.
"We have a seating chart in my class," she said as she gave Mal a sweet smile. "We sit with a person from our house."
"What does it matter?" Mal asked as she leaned back in her seat.
"Because we are going to be talking about our O.W.L. preparation," she said. "You are going to be studying for those a lot, and should sit with someone from your house so you could study in your common rooms if necessary."
"I find that highly unnecessary when I have been studying with Ben for the past 4 years," Mal said as she looked up at the Professor. "Are we now not allowed to associate with other houses?"
The room was quiet as the rest of the students watched the interaction.
"Ma…"
"Pipe down, Mr. Anderson," Professor Umbridge said, making Mal swallow his words. "Detention, Ms. Drakos."
"For what?"
"DETENTION!" She exclaimed, making Mal jump in her seat. "Now, go sit with Mr. Malfoy now!"
Mal glared at her professor, before she grabbed her books and walked over to sit with Draco. He was going to say something to her, but she glared at him, making him turn his head and shut his mouth.
Later in the afternoon, and after dinner, Mal made her way over to Professor Umbridge's office. She knocked on the door.
"Come in," she heard. Mal slowly pushed the door open and walked into a room that was covered from head to toe in pick. "Come. Sit," she said as she stood up and held her hand out to the small desk in front of her own. Mal sat and did not say a word. She just wanted the detention to be done with. "I have heard that you and Mr. Anderson are a couple. Is that correct?" She asked as she walked around her desk.
"Yes," Mal answered, not understanding why she asked.
"You're a Slytherin and he is a Gryffindor," she said. "That's not a very…"
"My father was sorted into Gryffindor and my mother was sorted into Slytherin," Mal said, cutting her off.
"And look how it turned out for them," she said, making Mal go quiet. "Hm," she said in a high pitch. "Now, today you are going to be writing some lines for me."
"What am I writing? And how many?"
"I will sort myself with my own kind and just enough to stick," she said, making Mal look at her with a confused look.
"Why…"
"Write," she said in a sharp tone.
Mal rolled her eyes before she picked up the quil that was sitting on the desk. She started to write the lines, and when she had started to feel a burning on her hand. She looked down and saw that what she was writing was being magically engraved onto her hand.
"What the…"
"Keep writing," she said, cutting Mal off. "Now, you understand the reasoning for your punishment and maybe you will listen to my teachings."
After about a half an hour and the burning that continued to scorch Mal's hand, Professor Umbridge told her to stop, because she had another student coming. Mal quickly threw the pen down, before grabbing her bag and rushing toward the door.
"Remember this lesson, Ms. Drakos," Professor Umbridge said before Mal walked out of her office and toward her dormitory.
"Mal?" Ben called as he watched his girlfriend rushing down the corridor.
She didn't want to stop, because she was trying to hide her tears. She needed him and she needed to tell him what had happened, but she didn't want him to see her cry. She ran faster as she passed him, making him and the rest of her friends look at her confused. She rushed to the Slytherin common room, and threw herself onto her bed. Maybe she would tell them or Ben later, but right now, she just wanted to be alone.
Ben was sitting in his common room with his back pressed against the stone wall. He had been thinking about Mal for the past couple of hours, and didn't know why or what made her so upset. He heard Hermione telling Harry that he needed to go and talk to Dumbledore, making him look toward the trio. He remembered Harry saying at dinner that he had detention with Umbridge tonight and Ben knew Mal did too. He saw Hermione rub his hand and that's when he saw the burned looking scar on his hand. His blood started to boil, before he got up and walked toward his dormitory. He punched the wall, making him groan in pain. He clutched his fist and knew that his knuckles were going to be bruised tomorrow.
He walked into the great hall the next morning, like me was on a mission. He walked down to where Mal normally sat for meals, making her slowly look up at him. He nudged his head toward the door, before she got up and they walked out, making her hide the bandage on her hand. When they rounded the corner, so they were out of view from everyone, Ben turned around and pulled Mal's hand out holding up her bandages hand.
"What did she do?" He asked through his teeth.
She saw the bandage on his hand and looked at it with wide eyes. "I could ask you the same thing," she said as she took his hand into hers. "What happened to your hand?"
"I punched the wall yesterday, because I was mad," he answered quickly. "Your turn."
"I…" she started, but stopped when they heard an argument coming from the entrance.
They walked around to see Professor McGonagall and Professor Umbridge arguing as they started to walk up the stairs. They were arguing about Umbridge's style of disciple, and Ben pulled Mal close not caring how mad he was right now. More students came out of the great hall to watch the argument as it escalated.
"Things at Hogwarts are far worse than I feared. Cornelius will want to take immediate action," Umbridge said, before she Looked at Ben and Mal and then squinted her eyes.
Rules started to be posted on the corridor walls. Educational Decree Number One: Punished students found in possession of a spell check quill. Educational Decree Number Twenty-Five: Forbade students from broom flight, the exception being authorised Quidditch practice. Educational Decree Number Twenty-Six: Forbade boys and girls from being within six inches of each other, making Ben and Mal feel targeted with this rule. Educational Decree Number Thirty: Prohibited joke products made by Fred and George Weasley. Educational Decree Number Thirty-Seven: Boys to keep their hands outside their cloaks. Educational Decree Number Thirty-Nine: Confiscation of wands. Educational Decree Number Forty-One: Banned students from discussing "the upsetting events of last year." Educational Decree Number Forty-Six: Banned from Hogwarts all literature written by non-wizards or half-breeds. Educational Decree Number Forty-Nine: Cancelled Quidditch Matches. Educational Decree Number Eighty-One: Forbade Red Howlers. Educational Decree Number Sixty-Eight. These were only some of the rules that were placed with Umbridge being in charge.
"We're going to go too, right?" Carlos asked. "I mean, we are sign up."
"I don't think I would be welcome," Mal said as she hugged her knees.
"Why?"
"Well I am a Slytherin," she said with a shrug. "Jane, Doug, and Evie said that there were no Slytherins that went to that meeting, so I am assuming that I am not supposed to be there. I understand that you signed me up, but I doubt they would want me there. We shouldn't even be talking," she said as she started to grab her bag. "Umbridge will throw a conniption."
"Hello," Hermione said as she walked up to the group. "How are you all?"
"Um…" Mal said as she looked at everyone. "Fine. How are you?"
"I'm doing well," she said with a smile. "I just wanted to stop by and give Jay the galleons Ron had borrowed the other day," she said as she turned to see Jay giving her a weird look. "I believe he owes you 7 galleons? I asked yesterday if he had repaid you and he gave me a guilty look."
Jay looked at her with an even more confused look, as she started to rummage through her bag.
"I didn't…"
"Come on, Jay," Hermione said as she counted out 7 galleons and held her hand out for him to take them. "Take them," she said. "You'll need them," she told him as she raised her eyebrow.
He held out his hand, before she flared the galleons in and smiled at them. Jay looked at them, before looking up at her with an even weirder look.
"These are…"
"Yes, I know," she said as she lightly smacked his shoulder. "We'll let you know," she said, making Jay chuckle. "And Umbridge is walking about the grounds, so you may want to get on before she sees you."
They shook their heads in understanding, before getting up and heading off. They passed Harry and Ron on the way and they both nodded and smiled at the group, before heading toward the corridors. When they were inside, Jay quickly gave them each a galleon, before Ben quickly gave Mal a kiss and they made their way to their common rooms. Mal played with the galleon late into the night until she saw a shift in the serial number. She looked at it and smiled, excited for what was to come.
Everyone met in the room of requirements, all eager to hear and learn how from Harry. Mal was standing near the back, feeling awkward to be the only Slytherin in the room. Ben was holding her hand, trying to comfort her, but he knew how awkward she was feeling.
They met for weeks working on magic that was not taught at Hogwarts anymore. Simple spells that every young wizard should know. But with Umbridge trying to step into Dumbledore's place, nothing was being taught other than what was in the textbooks. She even started going around from classroom to classroom observing and questioning each teacher as they taught. During the meetings with the other students, Mal saw that people were looking at her. She knew they were wondering why they were there, especially Audrey. She would watch Mal like a hawk, but she tried to ignore it. Evie and Ben stayed with her every minute along with her other friends and Harry, Hermione, and Ron would come by their group to see how they were doing. To none of their surprise, Mal was really good at magic, she was even almost as good as Hermione. Even though some people still didn't know why she was there, she tried to put those thoughts at bay to be there with her friends.
Christmas came faster than anticipated and Ben and his parents were coming to Mal's for Christmas. They were all sitting in the living room, and they were talking about how school was going.
"Why haven't you written to any of us?" Belle asked as she looked at all of the kids. "We…"
"We can't do anything, Belle," Haden said as he ran his hand over his face. "If the ministry is getting involved, there is nothing we can do."
"And you are all in a secret group?"
They seven of them nodded their heads, not knowing what they would think of it.
"I want you guys to be safe," Haden said. "This seems very risky, but I…"
"We know, Haden," Ben said as he looked at his girlfriend's dad. "We have been safe and Harry is teaching us quite a lot."
"Better than what Umbridge is making you learn," Adam said. "Sure, I am glad you are all studying for your O.W.L. exams, but you all need to be learning things so you can defend yourselves after what happened last year."
"You still believe he's back?" Mal asked as she started to chew on her thumb nail.
"I do not think Harry would lie about such a thing," Adam said. "And I don't think that he would go out of his way to teach all of you these charms and spells for no reason."
"As much as I hope he is lying," Mal said as she got up and walked to look outside. "I know he's not."
When they all had gotten back to school, Professor Umbridge started adding more rules to the walls. And one stood out to all of the rest. Educational Decree Number One-Hundred and Twenty-Eight: Forbade the existence of any student organisation not approved by the High Inquisitor. She must have gotten even more suspicious about the students sneaking around. She even added Rules stating that imposed restrictions on the usage of the school library and common rooms and encouraged students to be forthcoming regarding suspicious or outlawed activities. They started to stray away from each other to not make her grow even more suspicious, but it was hard on Mal. She was the only one from her group of friends that didn't have anyone to talk to. It was normal for her when she was in her common room or when she was away from her friend, but it was hard not being able to be close to Ben. The only time she could be around him was when they met at the room of requirements.
"Ms. Drakos," Professor Umbridge called, making Mal break out of her thoughts.
She was sitting in her common room, drawing in her notebook, and looked up to see Umbridge looking down at her.
"What can I do for you, Professor?" She asked, trying to be polite.
"I see that you took my advice," she said with a prideful smile. "But I was coming to ask you why you have not signed up to be a part of my inquisitorial group?"
"Why would I do that?" she asked.
"Well, seeing as you were chosen to be a prefect, I only assumed that it would be something you would want," She said with a sweet smile. "Draco…"
"I have many things on my plate, Professor," Mal said, cutting her off. "I want to focus on my studies and my roles as a Prefect."
Umbridge gave her a small tight smile, before she walked away and left Mal to herself. She went back to her drawing, before she sighed in relief. She put her hand in her pocket, feeling for the galleon Hermione had given her. She felt the ridges, and was happy to know when the next meeting was.
As more time went on, Dumbledore's Army would meet in the room of requirements to continue their training. Though Umbridge's inquisitorial squad, which was led by Malfoy, was trying to find out where they were off all of the time. They had followed them on multiple occasions and were never able to get into the room of requirements. And luckily for Mal, Drako never was on her tail.
"Expecto Patronum," Harry said as he raised his wand and cast the patronus charm. "It is an incantation, which will work only if you are concentrating, with all your might, on a single, very happy memory. When it works correctly, it conjures up a Patronus, which is a kind of anti-Dementor," he explained. "A guardian which acts as a shield between you and the Dementor." Everyone was listening to him, giving him their undivided attention. "The Patronus is a kind of positive force, a projection of the very things that the Dementor feeds upon. Your hope, your happiness, your desire to survive. But it cannot feel despair, as real humans can, so the Dementors can't hurt it. But I must warn you all, that the Charm might be too advanced for you," he said. "It was for me when Professor Lupin taught me. Many qualified wizards have difficulty with it."
Everyone got into their groups, and Mal was nervous. She didn't know if she was going to be able to conjure a patronus, and she was worried to see what everyone was going to think of her. Ben and Jay were the first of her small group to conjure one. Ben's patronus was a grizzly bear and Jay's was a scarlet macaw parrot. Audrey had rushed over to tell Ben that she was able to conjure her patronus, just for him to nod his head and give her a tight smile. As they each went around to try, each one was able to conjure theirs. Evie had conjured a cheetah, Doug conjured a brown owl, Carlos had conjured a mongrel dog, and Jane conjured a little owl. Mal didn't even want to try at this point. She was scared, because she didn't know if she was able to.
"Come on, love," Ben said as he walked closer to her. "I know you can do it. You don't have to be afraid."
She turned to him, trying not to look at the few judging faces that were watching her.
"What if I can't do it?" She whispered. "I…"
"You have so many beautiful and happy thoughts and memories," he said as he cupped the side of her face. "Let's see," he said with a smile. "What about the first time you met Evie?" He asked, making Mal smile remembering when she met her best friend. "Or the first time she told you she had magic too? Or all of the holidays with your dad? Or the first time you met Jay and Carlos? Or…"
"Or the first time I met you?" She asked as she looked up at him with her green eyes. "Or the first time we kissed? Or the first time I said I loved you?"
He chuckled, before nodding his head. "Those were nice too," he said. "Now come on. Give it a go."
She gave him a smile before taking a deep breath and raising her wand. She pushed all of her worries to the back of her head and focused on the beautiful memories she had.
"Expecto patronum," she said, before a bright gleam of light came from her wand, making everyone in turn to look in her direction.
Mal looked at the growing figure in front of her. It flew around her, before shooting up in the sky and opening its wings to show a dragon in front of her. She looked at it in shock. Everyone has heard of a patronus, but enchanted patronuses are rare. Everyone gathered around to look at the patronus, and her friends were looking at it with amazement.
"Outstanding, Mal," Harry said as he walked over and looked up at the patronus. "Brilliant."
"It's a dragon," Mal said as Hermione and Ron followed Harry.
"That is not a common patronus," Hermione said, making Mal look at her. "Having a dragon Patronus means you are a remarkable leader and firmly hold your beliefs. You are not afraid to stand up for what you know is right, no matter the consequences. You spark both fear and respect in your enemies," she explained, making everyone look at Mal with wide eyes. "The dragon Patronus is very rare, and it is also known for being extremely difficult to produce, so it must be cast by a talented witch or wizard," she said as she smiled at Mal. "Dragons are known for being powerful and assertive. These ferocious, natural fighters can fly and breathe fire, meaning the Dementor does not stand a chance."
"Just like our Mal," Evie said as she side hugged Mal, making her smile.
Mal wasn't shy to be there anymore, and she wasn't letting Audrey's stares intimidate her. She knew she was there for a reason, and that reason was to be with her friends and learn to defend them if they needed it.
Everything came crashing down when someone told Umbridge and her inquisitor squad and she blasted through the wall to find all of the students. Draco locked eyes with Mal and shook his head. They were all punished and Drako had written to Mal's mother about what had happened. That was the least of Mal's worries. Dumbledore was gone, leaving Umbridge to completely take his spot and making their lives worse than what they were. They were not allowed to do anything. Now, the only time Mal could see her friends was when they were in the great hall for meals and O.W.L. preparations. They were all sitting in the great hall taking their exams, when they heard a ruckus coming from outside. Umbridge went to investigate, and when Mal turned she locked eyes with Ben and they gave each other a confused look. Not a minute later fireworks started to blast from every direction and Fred and George Weasley flew in on their brooms as they threw more in the air. Everyone started to cheer in excitement. Fred threw a final big one down and it turned into a Chinese dragon that chased Umbridge out of the castle. Everyone followed, and Ben grabbed Mal's hand as they followed everyone. They were celebrating for finally driving Umbridge out of Hogwarts and finally being free of her tyranny. Ben cupped Mal's face, kissing her deeply, something he had been wanting to do for the last quarter of the school year.
That night, the ridge of the coin changed and Mal rushed to find Ben and her friends. They were going to help Harry and his friends, but someone pulled on Mal's hair, making her scream and her friends turned to see a blonde woman pulling her away.
"What were you thinking?" She asked as she pulled harder on Mal's hair.
"What the hell are you doing?" Ben yelled as he rushed over with the rest of her friends. "Let go of her!"
"Shut up, you stupid boy!" She yelled as she gripped onto Mal's hair harder.
"Let her go, Maleficent!" Evie yelled as she pulled Mal away from her mother. "Why are you even doing here?"
Mal was rubbing her head, from where her mother was yanking on her head, before Ben wrapped his arms around her in a protective hold.
"I'm here to make sure that Mal does not go down the same road as he stupid father," she said as she shot a glare at ben and Mal. "You are never going to be with him and you are going to listen to me."
"Or what?" Ben said as he looked at her. "What the hell are you going to do?"
"You stupid stupid boy," she teased. "The dark lord is back," she said. "I can make sure that I get what I want, and I know for a fact that I do not want you two together," she said.
"What do you have against him?" Mal asked as she looked at her mother. "What did Ben ever do to you that made you think he is bad for me?"
"He doesn't have to do anything to make me not like him," she said with a scoff. "He is just like your father. Someone weak and not worthy of Slytherin like you."
"Houses won't matter once we graduate," she said as she looked at her mother. "Do you think witches and wizards go around asking what house are you in for the first question."
"It matters!" She exclaimed. "After everything I did to get you where you are, you will do what I say!"
"What did you do to get me to where I am?" She asked as she glared at her. "What di…"
"ENOUGH!" Maleficent yelled. "You are going to be with Draco and that is final!"
"Over my dead body," Mal said as she sneered at her. "I would rather die."
Maleficent walked up to Mal, making Ben push her behind his, putting himself in front of her.
"It would be best for you to leave," he said as he looked down at her. "You are bothering my girlfriend and you need to leave."
She looked past Ben and glared at Mal. "You will regret this Mallory," she said as she pointed at Mal. "Mark my words. You will regret it."
"I doubt it," Mal said, before her mother shot up in the air leaving in a cloud of black smoke.
*YEAR SIX*
The summer came and went faster than Ben or Mal wanted it to. With everything that happened, and everyone knowing that the dark lord was back, everyone was scared. Haden and Mal had moved, but Mal didn't mind it. They had actually moved in with Ben and his family, per Adam's constant demands. Plus, it was for their own safety. Adam and Belle wanted Mal safe, and with Maleficent not knowing where they lived, they knew she would be safe in their home. Evie had moved with them, much to her parents' dismay, but she didn't want them to get hurt with the dark lord back. Haden had promised them that she would be safe and that she would see them again. Even though there were plenty of rooms in the manor, Evie and Mal insisted on sharing a room, and Evie teased Mal the entire summer with Ben being just down the hall.
They were heading to the platform so that their kids could head back to Hogwarts, even though Belle didn't want them to go back. They had all woken up in the middle of the night one night, and heard Belle yelling down stairs, telling Adam and Haden that she did not want the kids going back. It took them a couple of days, but Adam and Haden finally convinced her to let them go. After saying goodbye to their parents, Mal and Ben were going to walk onto the train, but Mal noticed Draco looked a little different. He was wearing an all black suit and he looked… so serious.
"What's wrong?" Ben asked as he squeezed her hand.
"Draco looks… different," she said, making Ben look to see him. He had to admit that he looked different, but he couldn't put his finger on it. "He looks like he is in pain."
"Maybe his dad yelled at him," Ben said, making Mal nod her head. "I'm sure he'll irritate you later. Come on."
Mal followed Ben onto the train and tried to enjoy their ride with their friends. After their welcoming dinner, everyone headed to their dormitories, and Mal noticed how Draco had not said a word to her yet. He just walked and looked around with a deadpan look on his face, and it made Mal wonder what was going on in his head. She didn't want to bother, but not knowing what his deal was made her wonder. As time passed, Draco looked like he was plotting something, and Mal wanted to know what it was.
The next day everyone was swarming the corridors, trying to get to their first class. Ben was holding tight onto Mal's hand so that he didn't lose her in the crowd. They made it to potions Justus as it was about to begin, and when Ben walked in Audrey perked up and smiled brightly at him. Mal rolled her eyes, before Ben led them to a seat that was nearly in the back, because there were only four seats left. As the lesson began, Harry and Ron walked in, trying to join the class late. Professor Slughorn went on with his lesson, talking about the most powerful love potion in the world.
"Amortentia is the most powerful love potion in existence. It causes a powerful infatuation or obsession from the drinker. Amortentia is considered an incredibly dangerous potion, as one should never underestimate obsessive infatuation," Professor Slughorn said. "You recognised it, I suppose, by its distinctive mother-of-pearl sheen?"
"And the steam rising in characteristic spirals, and it's supposed to smell differently to each according to what attracts us, and I can smell freshly mown grass and new parchment and… toothpaste," she said, before she quickly turned around and walked back to her place.
Most girls in the class walked forward, trying to smell what attracts them. Even Mal took a couple of steps forward and could faintly smell the aroma. She smelt mahogany, the smell of books, chocolate chip cookies, and dark amber. It smelled like Ben, making her smile. Professor Slughorn closed the lid to the small caldron, making all of the girls take steps back and groan. Ben chuckled before he leaned down and whispered in Mal's ear.
"So, what did you smell?" He asked.
She looked up at him and smirked. "Wouldn't you like to know."
"I would," he said as he smirked back at her. "I would like to know if my girlfriend is attracted to me."
She chuckled, trying not to draw attention to them. "Yes," she said. "All of the smells reminded me of you."
He leaned down and kissed the top of her head, before they went off to continue the rest of class.
Quidditch tryouts were in the afternoon, and Ben and Jay were nervous. For what? No one knew. Mal was sitting in the bleachers with her friends, when Lonnie walked over and Audrey was behind her.
"Do you mind if we sit with you?" Lonnie asked, making everyone turn to her. "Jay asked me to come and watch."
Mal saw that Audrey was looking at her and rolled her eyes, before turning her head toward the pitch.
"Sure," Mal said as she nodded her head. "Go ahead."
She was not about to let Audrey's attitude and jealousy get to her, and Audrey was just going to have to come to terms with the fact that she was dating Ben.
Tryouts were tough this year, but Ben and Jay had done great. Anytime Ben made a great move or dodged a bludger, Audrey would scream and cheer, making everyone look at her weird. It even got to a point that Ginny was getting annoyed and told her to shut up. After tryouts, Mal, the rest of her friends, and Audrey were waiting for Jay and Ben. When they walked off of the pitch, Audrey ran over to Ben and started to bounce in excitement.
"You were amazing, Ben!" She exclaimed as she latched onto his arm.
"Um… thank you," he said as he removed his arm from her grip and walked over to Mal. He smiled down at her, before giving her a sweet kiss, making Audrey look at the pair in shock. "Hello, love," he said with a smile.
"Hello. You did great," she said as she wrapped her arm around his waist and they started to make their way back toward the castle.
"Thank you," he said. "Hopefully this year is going to be great."
"I hope so too."
This year was starting off better than anyone was anticipating. With it being their 6th year, it was nice to have a normalish school year. The only years that had felt, technically, normal to them were their first year and their third year. Well… there have been a few hiccups. A girl named Katie Bell was cursed, and the rumor was said she was cursed by a necklace. No one knew how she got a hold of the necklace, but everyone was hoping she would return back to school well. One of the things that Mal liked, but bugged her at the same time, was that Draco was not bothering her. She didn't even know why it bothered her, because she hated whenever he talked to her, but there was something about the way he was acting that made her stomach turn. He was sitting in their common room, biting his thumb nail, when Mal decided to walk over.
"Draco?" She said, making him look up at her with a cold look.
"What?" He asked.
"Can I talk to you for a moment?" She asked as she nudged her head.
He scrunched his nose, before getting up and walking toward where she nudged her head. She followed, not sure what she was going to ask, but she was hoping that it would just come out. He turned when he knew that no one was going to be listening, making her stop and look up at him.
"What?" He asked sharply.
"What is wrong with you?" She asked, making him look at her as he tilted his head. "You are… off. And not in an annoying way," she said. "What happened over summer?"
His jaw stiffened. His father had told him what he had to do, and the reason why HE had to do it. He was shocked at his and Mal's mother's plan, but was ultimately happy that Mal did not have to do the unthinkable thing he was tasked to do.
"Why do you care?" He asked, making her take a step back. "You have made your feelings and thoughts about me quite clear," he said.
"Draco, I tease you. That's what our relationship is," she said. "Yes, you annoy the hell out of me. Yes, I do not like you the way that you like me," she said, making him roll his eyes. "But that doesn't mean that I don't care that there is something off about you," she said, making him look at her with furrowed bows. "Listen, we may not have been the best of friends, but I don't want anything bad to happen to you. I don't want anything bad to happen to anyone."
He was half tempted to tell her, but he knew the consequences if he did. He knew he should tell her, but that would put her in harm's way, and he didn't want that even though they don't have the best of relationships. He tightened his jaw, before giving her a stern look.
"If you cared, you wouldn't be stupid and make the decision you do," he told her, making her look at him with a confused and shocked look. "Why don't you just do me a favor and stay out of my way and far away from me."
He walked off, but Mal felt like that was more of him warning her instead of actually telling her to leave him alone. She had this feeling in her gut that she wanted to tell him something. Something she wanted to know, but also something she could wait to know.
It was the first quidditch game, and Mal was sitting with her friends. Her face was painted red and yellow, and she was ready to cheer on her boyfriend. They flew across their heads, making the crowd scream in excitement. TheGryffindors were going strong, but the star of the game was Ron Weasley. On their way to the pitch, Ben and Jay told them how nervous he was, and how he wanted to quit before the game even started. Jay found it ridiculous that he even thought of it, but he seemed to have a better attitude before everyone headed to the pitch. The Gryffindor team had won, and everyone was ready to celebrate. Ben had dragged Mal toward the Gryffindor common room, wanting her and the rest of their friends to celebrate with him and his team. He stayed close to Mal, making sure that whenever Audrey was walking toward them he kissed her so that she would turn and walk in the other direction.
"You know," she said, making him look at her. "I would complain and say you are just kissing me to make her leave, but I kind of like it," she said with a laugh, making him laugh too.
He gave her another kiss, making them break apart when a loud cheering started to surround them. They looked over to see Lavender Brown and Ron Weasley kissing, baking them grow confused. Anyone with eyes could see that Hermione and Ron liked each other, though they never admitted their feelings. They saw Hermione run out of the room, almost bumping into Evie and Doug as they walked back inside with Jay and Lonnie. They felt bad for her, but knew that things would work out in her favor when the time was right. Evie, Jay, and Doug walked over, while Lonnie went to find Audrey, and that is when Mal saw the red lipstick on the corner of Doug's mouth.
"Doug?" Mal said with a laugh. "You have a little something… right there," she said as she pointed to the corner of her mouth, making his hand fly to cover his mouth.
"Why didn't you tell me anything?" He asked as he punched Jay in the shoulder.
"Hey. It's dark in those corridors and I thought it would be funny to see if Ben or Mal would point it out," he said, making Doug shake his head and hide a laugh.
"You git," Doug said with a laugh, making everyone else laugh too.
Christmas came and Mal and Ben were headed home, and their friends were going with them. It was weird, because Audrey was going, and she was going because they had invited Lonnie. They had just gotten off the train, and Belle was waving her hand in excitement when she saw them. Ben rushed forward, but Mal passed him and engulfed his mother in a big hug.
"You snooze you lose, Bennyboy," she said as she looked at her boyfriend and stuck her tongue out at him.
"That's fair," he said with a laugh and everyone else walked up behind him.
"Wow," Belle said as she looked at the big group of kids. "I'm so glad that we brought both cars."
"How…"
"Adam and Haden are in Diagon Alley waiting for us," she said, answering Jane's question. "Are we ready?"
"Yeah," Ben said as he laced his fingers with Mal's. "We have everything right?"
"Yep," Mal said as she patted the beaded bag around her shoulder. "All the presents are in here and we have our luggage."
"What?" Belle asked.
"Hermione Granger spelled my purse when she saw that I was juggling too much one day," Mal explained. "It comes in very handy, actually. It's my favorite bag."
Belle shook her head and laughed, before she led them toward Diagon Alley. When they got to Adam and Haden, Mal ram into her dad's arms.
"Hello, Mally," he said as he spun her around. "How is school?"
"It's fine," she said as she looked up and smiled at him.
"Is Draco leaving you alone?" He asked.
"More than anyone expected him to," Ben said as he walked up to shake Haden's hand. "To be honest, it's weird."
"What do you mean?" Belle asked.
"He's… different," Mal said. "And not in a good way. I don't know what is wrong, but he looks like he is in pain. Plus, there was this girl who was hexed and Harry thought Draco did it and then fought in the bathroom, and Draco almost died…"
Audrey rolled her eyes. Maybe Mal can't handle that, maybe Draco moved on from his little crush, and saw that she was not worth it. Audrey felt weird being with the group, because she didn't necessarily talk to them much at school. She only came because her parents were visiting her grandparents and Lonnie had invited her so she wouldn't be at school alone. Hearing Mal and Ben talk on the train made her blood boil. She didn't understand what Ben saw in her, but she was hoping that he would see differently and that he would start looking at her the way he looks at Mal right now.
"Well, don't worry about it," Haden said. "He's probably just going through some things."
"I guess," Mal said with a shrug. "I just have a feeling in my stomach…"
"And you are not going to let that feeling ruin our Christmas," Haden said as he made Mal look up at him. "Now, come on. We have to get home so we can get everyone settled."
"Okay," Mal said as she nodded her head and started to follow her dad, Belle, and Adam to the cars.
Ben laced his fingers through Mal's as they headed toward the car. He knew that she was worried about Malfoy, but he knew she was worried about him. He knew she didn't worry about him in a romantic way, but as someone who cares about him getting hurt. He brushed his thumb across her hand, making her look up at him and smile, hoping that they could have a stress free Christmas.
On Christmas morning, Ben snuck into Evie and Mal's room and slowly walked over to Mal's bed. She was curled into a ball, with her arm half covering her face and her blanket put to her neck. He smiled at the sight, before he leaned down and softly kissed the side of her face that he could see, making her stir. She peaked up at him with squinted eyes, before she threw the blanket over her head, making him laugh as she groaned.
"Benjamin," she said. "It better be noon or your mother better have breakfast ready."
"Well," he said as he threw her blanket off of her. "I am glad to let you know that my mother is getting breakfast ready and we are waiting for you to be up."
"Who is we?" She asked as she sat up and stretched her arms.
"Everyone."
"Why didn't Evie wake me up?" She asked as she looked over and saw that Evie was not in her bed.
"Probably because she does not want to deal with the crankiness of Mallory Bertha Drakos on Christmas morning."
"Woah," she said as she pointed up at him. "What's with the full name? But you have a point."
"I often do when it comes to knowing things about you," he said, giving her a cheeky smile. "Now, come on, before Audrey tries to make me sit with her at breakfast."
"I have to brush my teeth first," she said as she thumbed toward her bathroom.
"Okay. I'll wait for you here," he said as he sat on her bed and watched her walk into the bathroom. She was in there for only five minutes, before she walked out and Ben held his hand out to her. "Ready?"
She nodded her head, before they both walked downstairs to enjoy their Christmas with their friends and family.
On their way back to the train station, Ben stayed close to Mal. She was irritated with Audrey and no one could blame her. Even Lonnie was irritated with her. She had been quite forward with Ben the entire holiday, but what made matters worse was that Ben made his feelings known and she still kept going. Before they sat down in a cabin, Lonnie dragged Audrey away from the group so that they could have a peaceful ride back to school without her.
"Thank goodness for that," Evie said as she sat down and rested her head on Doug's shoulder. "Jay, please thank Lonnie for us."
"I will," he said as he nodded his head. "I was getting tired of her on the train ride here," he told everyone. "But I could only imagine what you two were feeling," he said as he pointed at Ben and Mal.
"She just wants what she wants," Mal said with a shrug. "And unfortunately that something is Ben," she said as she looked up at him, making him groan.
"Well, she wants what she can't have, because I am all yours," he said as he pulled her close to his side and kissed the top of her head.
"Good to know," she said as she snaked her arms around his waist and gave him a light squeeze.
The semester went on, things were still going good. Though Draco still looked off, and it made Mal and her friends uncomfortable. They knew Mal's history and relationship with him, but they didn't know what had changed during the summer to make his look so grim.
Katie Belle walked into the great hall, and all of her friends were so happy to have her back. Harry walked up to her, and was about to ask her a question, but she cut him off, and Mal couldn't hear what was said. She turned around at the same time Harry did, and he locked eyes with Draco.
"Mal?" Ben called, making her point to where she was looking.
He looked just as Malfoy turned and rushed out of the room, and Harry darted after him.
"Come on," Ben said as he took her hand and they walked out of the great hall to see where they were going.
They lost them for a moment, but quickly heard shouting coming from one of the bathrooms. They quickly walked over, but then heard a loud crash, making Ben pull her close in case something was going to hurt her. They heard small explosions coming from the bathroom and then a blood curdling scream. Professor Snape came out of nowhere and rushed into the bathroom, and Ben and Mal followed. They walked in and saw Harry in a panicked state, Moaning Myrtle looking down at the ground, and Draco lying in a pool of water and blood. Mal covered her mouth, before turning into Ben and him pulling her close. Ben saw Professor Snape heal Malfoy, making his whisper in Mal's ear.
"He's fine, love," he told her, making her turn to look at him.
Mal looked and sighed in relief. She knew if anything bad would happen to him, his mother would be in a panicked state. She wasn't necessarily the best mother, but she loved Draco with her entire being. She would give anything to keep him safe, and there were times when Mal was with her mother that Narcessia was kind to her, though that was because she hated Maleficent but she would never take it out on a child.
"Ms. Drakos," Professor Snape called, making Mal break out of her thoughts. "Will you and Mr. Anderson please take Malfoy to the infirmary?"
Ben did not hesitate, before he walked over and carefully helped Draco up and Mal rushed over to his other side, before Draco leaned himself against Mal and Ben.
"Come on, Draco," Mal said. "Let's go."
As they walked out of the bathroom, Draco slowly turned his head toward Mal's.
"Thank you," he said, making Mal shake her head.
"Like I said, we may not have the best of relationships, but I do not want you or anyone to be harmed," she said. "I have known you just as long as I have known Evie."
He turned his head toward Ben as they turned down a different corridor.
"Thank you, Ben," he said, making Ben look at him.
"You don't have to thank me," Ben said.
When they got to the infirmary, Ben helped Malfoy to a nearby bed, while Mal ran to get a nurse. Ben was about to follow her, but Draco grabbed his arm, making him stop and turn to look at him.
"Make sure she is safe," he said, making Ben look at him with a confused look. "Make sure she stays away from me, her mother, and my father. She doesn't deserve this, and that is why I am doing what I am doing."
Ben was about to ask what he meant, but the nurse came and got in the way. She had asked them to leave so that she could make sure he was okay, and they left, but Ben was still wondering why Draco was so worried about Mal.
More time went on, and now both Ben and Mal were worried about Draco. They had tried to talk to him, but he would avoid them and turn in a different direction. It was getting closer and closer to the end of the school year, and Mal was in her common room drawing.
"Did you hear?" She heard someone ask as they rushed in and ran toward a group of third years.
"Hear what?"
"Dumbledore is dead," he said, making the room go silent.
Mal snapped her head in their direction, and others started to surround the small group.
"He was killed on top of the astronomy tower," he added. "I don't know who, but he is dead."
"Are you sure?" Someone asked.
"That is what I heard."
Mal closed her book and rushed out of the common room. She went to find her friends, and ran into Evie and Doug on her way. Jane and Carlos were running around the castle, heading toward the Gryffindor common room, when Jay, Ben, Lonnie, and Audrey came walking around a corner. Audrey was sobbing, trying to hold onto Ben for comfort, but he was too busy trying to rush toward Mal.
"What is going on?" Mal asked as Ben pulled her into his arms. "Is it true?"
Ben nodded his head, as Mal buried her face into his chest. "Fred and George just told us," he said. "They said it was Professor Snape."
"Professor Snape?" Doug asked. "But why?"
"From what we heard from Fred and George, Draco was supposed to do it," Ben said as he tightened his hold on Mal.
She stiffened. That's why he was telling her to stay away from him and to leave him alone, but that doesn't answer why he told her her decisions were stupid. Was it because if she didn't choose to stay away from her mother and the rest of the death eaters then he wouldn't be in this mess? Or what is it more than that?
"Are you ready?" Ben asked, breaking Mal out of her thoughts.
They were going to be attending Dumbledore's funeral before heading home for the summer. Some students left immediately after Dumbledore was murdered, but that was becasue their parents wanted them away from the school. Belle had wanted them home as soon as she had heard what had happened, but Ben, Mal, and Evie said that they would be home after the funeral. It was a back and forth argument, but Belle caved and let them stay until the funeral was over.
Mal felt awkward being there. She was one of the few Slytherin students to attend, but she wanted to pay her respects to the former Professor. He had been buried at Hogwarts, in a secluded grave. Once the funeral was over, everyone was heading to the train station ready to head home. They didn't know what the summer was going to hold for them, and they didn't know how their final year of Hogwarts was going to be.
*YEAR SEVEN*
"I don't get it," Evie said as she sat at the dining room table. "How could they say I stole magic?" She asked. They had received word that there had to be proof of magical heritage to be allowed back at Hogwarts. "I have had magic since I could remember. Since I was little."
"I know, Evie dear," Belle said as she rubbed the girls back. "But you are going to stay here with Haden, Adam, and I. We are not going to let you get hurt, do you understand me?"
"I'm not going either," Mal said as she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Mal…"
"I am not going without Evie," she said as she looked at her dad.
"Love, we have to go," Ben said as he rubbed her thigh. "I don't…"
"I'm not just going to abandon my best friend!"
"Mallory," Haden said, making her look up at him. "We are not going to have them hunt you down," he said sternly. "If we don't send you or Ben, they will come looking, and then Evie will be in even more trouble. They could take her to Azkaban," he said, making a shiver go up her spin. "I know you don't want to go without her, but we have no choice right now."
She knew that he was right. Evie would be in more danger if she stayed, but that didn't mean she had to like it. By the time they were due to leave, Doug, Jane, Carlos and Jay had made it to Ben and Mal's, not wanting to leave Evie. Doug was not wanting to leave his girlfriend, but knew the continuances if he stayed. They each said their goodbyes, before heading off to the train station, hoping that their new headmaster, Snape, would not be awful.
Awful would be an understatement. Other than in class, no one was allowed to interact with anyone outside of their house, and this made Mal feel even lonelier than ever. Draco did not come back for the school year, but his lackies did, Crabbe and Goyle. They were making life hard for Mal, so whenever she was not in class or in the great hall, she would just be in her dorm room. Audrey on the other hand was loving the separation between Ben and Mal. Whenever they were in the great hall for meals, Audrey would sit so close to Ben that, almost half way through the meal, he would get up and move. Mal always shook her head and laughed at Audrey's sad face whenever Ben did that. You would have thought that with Ben and Mal being together for almost 4 years she would have stopped.
With the new way things have been run, no student wanted to be at school. People hated what was being taught, and if they wanted to learn it, they were going to be punished. Death eaters and some of the new school Professors were making school hell. The only break they had was Christmas break, which Mal and her friends were eager to be taking. When they had gotten home, Belle wrapped them each in a hug so tight that almost took their breath away.
"Where is she?" Mal asked as Belle pulled away from her.
"Mal?" Evie said as she rounded the corner fast, and stopped when she saw the state of her best friend.
Mal rushed over to Evie and the two embraced in a hug that made them both fall to the floor. Mal was crying on Evie's shoulder, but Evie knew that she was crying for more than just one reason other than missing her and her family.
"Come on, love," Ben said as he leaned down and helped both girls up. "We will tell them in a moment."
Everyone sat in the dining room, waiting to tell the four how Hogwarts has changed. Jay went first, telling them how death eaters were roaming the grounds and how easily they got punished. Doug went next, telling them how they were not allowed to sort themselves with others outside of their houses. Jane just sobbed, not wanting to tell them how horrible things were. Carlos wrapped his arms around her, trying to console her so that she would not cry anymore.
"Guys," Mal said, making her dad and Ben's parents look at her. "They are punishing us with the Cruciatus Curse."
"WHAT?!" They asked in horror.
"Have…"
"No," Ben said as they shook their heads. "None of us have been punished."
"We can't…"
"Belle, we have to let them go back," Adam said. "We don't have a choice in the matter. If they don't go back, they will be hunted down, and then Evie will be sent to Azkaban or killed."
Evie paled and shrunk in her seat. She didn't want her friends to be hurt, but she also didn't want to die.
"We are going back," Doug said as he reached for Evie's hand. "We stay out of trouble and listen. That's what we are doing."
"How are all of the other students?"
"Harry, Hermione, and Ron are not at school," Ben said. "They are out looking for things to help Harry defeat the dark lord," he said. "We don't know much, but we know that."
"Well… I don't know what is going to happen, but we hope that things will get better soon," Haden said as he ran a hand through his hair.
Christmas came and went, and everyone was back at Hogwarts. Mal had been sent to Professor Snape's office, and she did not know why. When she entered she saw Snape standing with Professor McGonagall and her mother.
"What am I doing here?" She asked as she looked at McGonagall, who had a worried look on her face, and her mother. "What are you doing here?" She asked as she lingered on her mother.
"It has come to my attention that you have not been fulfilling your duties as a follower," Professor Snape said as he walked around the desk.
"What are you talking about?" Mal asked as she looked back at her mother, who had an evil grin on her face. "What do you mean 'fulfilling my duties'?"
"Bring her," Snape said, not answering Mal's question.
She heard struggling coming from behind her, but she didn't turn to see what was happening, until she saw Audrey being pulled in by Crabbe and Goyle. She was confused and didn't know what was going on. Audrey looked scared and it looked like she had been tossed around a bit.
"What are you doing?" She asked as she walked toward them. "Leave her alone."
Maleficent stepped in front of her daughter, before she could get a hold of Audrey. "You see," she said. "Ms. Beau, here, has been very defiant and has been acting out."
"So what."
"So, to fulfill your duties to the dark lord, and to become the Slytherin you were born to be, you are going to perform the Cruciatus Curse on her."
Audrey wailed, not knowing what to do. She was afraid for her life, and no one could blame her.
"Severus," McGonagall said. "You cannot make her do that. She is almost 18. To condemn her to one of the unforgivable…"
"She will do it," Snape said.
Mal looked at Audrey, before looking back at the three adults.
"She flirts with your boyfriend," Maleficent said as she circled around her daughter. "She knows no boundaries. Come on, pumpkin. Do it."
Crabbe and Goyle threw Audrey in front of Mal, making her cry as she looked up at Mal. Mal looked up at Snape and her mother and clenched her jaw.
"Bite me," she said as she knelt down to help Audrey up.
Crabbe, Goyle, and Maleficent tried to stop her, but Snape held his hand up.
"You three are much too reckless," he said. "Leave her be. Her time will come."
"Come on, Audrey," Mal said as she wrapped her arm around her shoulder. "Let's get you out of here."
"Mal!" Maleficent yelled, making Mal look at her as she tried to hold up Audrey. "You will…"
"Piss off, mom," Mal snapped, making McGonagall snicker. "I don't have to do anything you say."
"I'll help you, dear," McGonagall said as she walked over to Mal and Audrey. When she was on the other side of Audrey she looked at Mal and gave her a fond smile. "I'm proud of you, Mallory."
Mal smiled and they both left the office, holding Audrey up so she wouldn't fall. They walked Audrey to the Gryffindor common room entry way, and stopped at the large painting.
"You got her?" Mal asked Professor McGonagall.
"No, dear," she said as she tried to keep hold of Audrey. "You are going to help me take her inside, and I would like you to stay watch over her if you would."
"But I am…"
"You are welcome in the Gryffindor common room whenever you want," she said, cutting Mal off. "And if anyone gives you a hard time, you tell them to find me."
Mal gave her a fond smile, before she said the secret password and they walked up to the common room. They heard talking as they walked up the stairs, but it stopped when they got up to the top and walked inside.
"Mal?" Ben asked as he rushed over to his girlfriend.
"Grab her," she said, making Ben take Audrey into his arms. "Crabbe and Goyle roughed her up a bit, but she should be okay. Take her up to her bed and I will check on her in a moment," she said as she turned to face McGonagall, but Audrey grabbed her hand, making her turn to her.
"Thank you," she said, giving Mal an appreciative smile. "I am sorry for everything, I owe you a lot."
"You don't owe me anything," Mal said as she gave Audrey a kind smile. "Lonnie and I will be up in a bit, so just try to get some rest."
Mal didn't go back to the Slytherin common room for the remainder of the semester. She would sleep in Hermione's occupied bed, and no one gave her hell about it. She actually felt welcome by all of the Gryffindor. She had gotten looks from other Slytherins, but she paid no attention at dinners and during class. During their free time, the Gryffindor would meet in the room of requirements. They would sit there and hide away from the death eaters, until they were needed to be in class or in their common rooms.
Neville had told them all to meet in the room of requirements one day, making everyone sit in the room confused when they didn't see him. Everyone was sitting around waiting for a while, until a painting on the wall opened and Neville walked through and Harry, Hermione, and Ron were behind him, making everyone cheer. It did not take long for the students to be summoned to the great hall, making Mal rush to the Slytherin common room, so that she would be with her house and not face the looks of the death eaters.
They were standing in the great hall, listening to what Professor Snape had offered if someone came clean about knowing where Harry Potter was. No one said anything, but Harry stepped up to speak.
"It seems despite your exhaustive defensive strategies, you still have a bit of a security problem, Headmaster," Harry said, just as the doors opened and a bunch of people walked in and Mal saw her dad, Belle, Adam, and Evie walking in, making her smile brightly.
Snape and McGonagall starte dueling, before Snape leaves with the other death eaters and her mother. People started screaming in pain, holding their heads, before they heard the dark lord's voice telling them that if they surrender Harry Potter to him that they would all be spared, but if they did not the consequences would be dire. The room fell silent, making everyone look at Harry, until Pansy Parkinson spoke up and made things worse for the Slytherins.
While everyone was rushing around trying to barakade the school from Voldemort, Ben was trying to figure out how to get Mal. He was running around trying to find a way to get Mal out without letting everyone else out, but it seemed useless. He was stuck until who knows when. He didn't know if he was ever going to see her again or if she was even safe. He knew she was not one of the most liked within the Slytherin bunch, which made him worry even more. He didn't know how much time had passed, until he heard booming coming from outside. He rushed to find his parents, Haden, and his friends who were together, watching Voldemort's death eaters invade the school.
"Ben," Haden said as he looked outside. "You and the others find her, and stay safe," he said. "Come find us when you do."
Ben was confused. Until he saw the barrier started to disintegrate in front of his eyes. Everything turned into chaos in no time. They were dodging death eaters left and right as they headed toward the dungeons. Ben was leading the group, and stopped them when he heard Mal's mother's voice. She was cackling and it made their blood run cold. Audrey sprinted by, dodging the beam of light that was heading towards her, and saw Maleficent running after her.
"Stupefy!" Evie shouted as she pointed her wand and hit Maleficent in the chest.
Audrey fell to the floor and turned, before Lonnie ran over to help her up.
"Come on," she said. "We're going to find Mal."
They ran past Maleficent and Ben stamped to look at her. She was groaning, making Jay pull him so that the would be gone before she got up.
Mal was in the back of the dungeons, trying to stay out of everyone's way as they paced and yelled. There was a loud boom, making people scream, and then everyone started rushing out of the dungeons. Mal rushed out, but felt someone take her upper arm. She turned to see Draco looking down at her. He threw a cloak over her shoulders, making her look confused.
"Stay low, out of the way, and away from your mother," he told her as he put the hood over her head. She looked down to see that her body had vanished and understood that he had given her an invisibility cloak. "Ben and your friends are looking for you. Go!"
She didn't waste any time before rushing in a different direction, but turned to look back at Draco. He nodded to her, before running and grabbing Crabbe and Goyle, and taking them down a different corridor. She didn't know why he was helping her, but she was thankful that he did. Maybe he wasn't the pompous ass that she had known, maybe he had changed for the better.
Mal was running through the corridors she once knew. Everyone was in a battle, but she had no idea where Ben and her friends were. She rushed toward the great hall, staying under the cloak to not be seen, and dodging people and death eaters at every cost. She was pinned against a wall, when a red headed 13 year old Hufflepuff girl was running away from a death eater.
"Petrificus Totalus," she said as she slowly raised her wand, making the death eater fall to the floor so that the Hufflepuff girl would get away.
She turned, not knowing what happened to the death eater. She pressed herself against the wall, but felt something behind her. She jumped, making Mal lift the hood to smile and wink at her. She told the girl to shush, before she wrapped the hood around her, making the girl invisible too.
"Are you okay?" She asked.
"Yes," she said. "Thank you."
"You are welcome," Mal said with a smile. "What is your name?"
"Dizzy," she said.
"Let's get you to a safe place, Dizzy," Mal said as she pulled Dizzy close to her, and they walked away from the battle.
Ben and the rest of his friends were running around Hogwarts. They had come in contact with a multitude of death eaters, but they were lucky enough to get away. They reached the dungeons and saw all the rubble and the cell was bare.
"Where are they?" Jay asked.
"I don't know, but we have to be careful when we go back out," Ben said as he looked down a corridor. "Come on. Let's go."
They rushed into battle, trying to fight off whoever came their way. Evie was the strongest of them, and was taking no prisoner. She proved, other than Hermione, that muggle borns are just as powerful as purebloods and half bloods. They had gotten to the foyer of the school, before Ben had seen Draco running down a corridor. He sprinted after him, with his friend following him, and quickly caught up and pinned Draco to the wall.
"Where is she?" Ben asked as she held Draco by his throat. "Where is Mal!"
"What do you mean?" He asked, trying to break Ben's hold. "I got them you… I told her to find you…"
"What?" Ben asked as he let go of him. "When was this?"
"About an hour ago," he said. "I told her to avoid her mother too."
"Sorry," Ben said as he took a step back. "I just…"
"It's fine," he said as he held his hand up. "Go find her."
Ben and the rest left Draco in the corridor, to find Mal. They did not know where she was or if she was okay, but they knew that they were going to find her one way or another.
Mal had gotten Dizzy to a safe hiding spot, and was going to try to find Ben and her friends, but everyone froze when everything stopped.
"I know that many of you want to fight. Some of you may even think that to fight is wise, but this is folly. Give me Harry Potter. Do this and none shall be harmed. Give me Harry Potter, and I shall leave Hogwarts untouched. Give me Harry Potter, and you will be rewarded. You have one hour. I speak now, Harry Potter, directly to you. You have permitted your friends to die for you rather than face me yourself. I shall wait for one hour in the Forbidden Forest. If, at the end of that hour, you have not come to me, have not given yourself up, the battle recommences. This time, I shall enter the fray myself, Harry Potter, and I shall find you, and I shall punish every last man, woman, and child who has tried to conceal you from me. One hour."
The dark lord had summoned his death eaters to retreat, and that he would be waiting for Harry Potter in the woods. Mal waited for a moment to hear if the battle was still going on, but when she was sure that she didn't hear any commotion, she took Dizzy out of the hiding stop and put the cloak back over tham, before making their way to the great hall. They walked in, and Mal took the hood off her head, and saw everything around her. She let the cloak fall off her shoulders, and held Dizzy. Their fellow classmates aiding those in need, some of her classmates lying on hospital beds dead, professors comforting students, and then she saw Ben in a panicked state.
"We can't find her," he said as he looked up at Haden. "Draco…"
"Dizzy!" A red headed woman said, making Dizzy run out of her hold and over to the older woman. "You're okay. You're safe," she said as she checked her daughter over.
"I am," Dizzy said as she nodded her head. "She saved me."
"Thank you," the woman said as she pulled Mal in for a tight hug. "Thank you so much. What is your name dear?"
"I'm Mal," she said.
"Thank you so much, Mal," she said as she started to sob.
"Mal!" She heard coming from behind her.
She turned to see Ben, Evie, and Haden sprinting over to her, but Ben was in front of them. He swooped her up in his arms, and held her head in his shoulder.
"You're okay," he said as he pulled away and looked at her.
"I'm fine," she said as she nodded her head.
"Mally," Haden said as he pulled her away from Ben. "I started to think the worst when…"
"I'm fine, dad," she said. "I promise."
"Good," he said.
They didn't know how much time had passed, until people started to head outside. Ben held Mal close to him as they stood on the steps of the school, and everyone watched and Voldemort walked closer with all of his followers behind him. The grounds keeper Hagrid was with him, and he was carrying someone in his arms. Mal saw her mother walking near the Malfoys and her glare was glued to her. Voldemort announced that Harry was dead, making everyone, especially Ginny Weasley, cry. He told everyone that we were to answer to him, because Harry had lost the battle.
"You see? Harry Potter is dead! Do you understand now, deluded ones? He was nothing, ever, but a boy who relied on others to sacrifice themselves for him!" He said as he held his hands out to everyone. "And now is the time to declare yourself. Come forward and join us... or die."
Mal saw her mother's glare grow nastier as she tilted her head. She was telling Mal to come, but she shook her head and Ben tightened his hold on her.
"Draco…" Lucius said, making Mal snap her head to see Draco standing behind them. He looked like he wanted to cry. "Draco," he said again.
Mal wanted to shake her head, but heard his mother call his name.
"Draco, come," she said as she nodded her head.
He put his head down and started to walk down the steps.
"Run, Draco," Mal whispered, hoping that he heard her.
The awkward hug from Voldemort, made Draco stiffen, and anyone could see that. Once Draco walked up to his mother, they walked to the back of the group.
"I'd like to say something…" Neville said as he took a few steps forward.
"I think we'd all be fascinated to hear what you have to say," Voldemort said as he lightly chuckled.
"It doesn't matter that Harry's gone."
"Stand down Neville!" Seamus snapped.
"People die every day! Friends, family…" he said and saw the pained look on people's faces. "Yeah. We still lost Harry tonight. But he's still with us. In here," he said as he put a hand over his heart. "So's Fred, Remus, Tonks… all of them. They didn't die in vain. But YOU will. Because you're wrong!" He said, yelling at Voldemort. "Harry's heart did beat for us! For ALL of us! It's not over!" He yelled, before he pulled the sword of Gryffindor out of the sorting hat and just as Harry Potter leaped out of Hagrid's arms.
"Confringo!" He yelled before he shot a beam at Voldemort and everyone started to retreat into the castle as the battle began again.
Ben and Evie were holding onto Mal, before she turned after hearing Bellatrix's voice.
"No! No, come back! Lucius! Come back! Come back and fight!" She yelled.
Mal saw Draco and his mother walking on the bridge, and his father was running behind them. Mal was glad that he was leaving, and was hoping that this was a big step in his change for the good.
They were in the great hall, fighting whoever was coming their way. Mal had never seen Belle use magic, but she was strong. She was lost in thought after seeing her dad and Ben's parents fight, that she didn't see the beam of light coming toward her chest. She felt frozen for a moment, and saw her mother coming toward her.
"NO!" Belle yelled as she put herself in front of Mal. "You are not going to touch her!"
Haden stood behind Ben and Mal as Ben held Mal close.
"And what are you going to do, Isabelle?" Maleficent asked. "You are all…"
Belle hit Maleficent in the chest, making her stunned and confused. Maleficent threw a spell toward Belle and it was an ongoing battle between the two while Adam and the rest of their friends fought off whoever else came their way.
Belle had the upper hand, and Mal's mom was looking worried. Belle had Maleficent's back to the wall as she threw spells at her left and right.
"Expelliarmus," Belle said, making Maleficent's wand fly out of her hands. She walked up to Maleficent with fire in her eyes. "Avad…"
"No!" Mal yelled as she walked over to Belle, making her stop to see Mal. "Belle, please don't do that."
"You see," Maleficent said as she tried to stand. "My daughter. Finally…" but stopped when Mal held her wand up.
"Shut up," Mal said. "I didn't stop her because I cared about you," she said. "I stopped her, because I didn't want Belle to live with the weight of casting one of the unforgivable curses," she said. "She is too good for that, but I have something better." She said as she completely turned to her mother. "Petrificus Totalus," she said, making Maleficent hit her head against the wall and knocking her out cold. She looked at her mother, and remembered all of the happy times they had up until she was 4, not that there were that many to begin with. She stood tall and pointed her wand at her mother. "Obliviate."
Adam, Belle, Haden, Ben, Jay, Evie, Carlos, Doug, Lonnie, Jane, and Audrey watched as Mal twisted her wrist and then put her wand away. She turned toward everyone, and ran to her dad. The obliviant spell was not a common spell, but it was common knowledge. Haden hugged Mal tight, knowing what she had done, and was proud of the decisions she had made. The battle was over and Ben was holding Mal in a comforting embrace.
"What did you make your mother forget?" He asked, not knowing if she made her forget about Voldemort or the bad decisions she had made.
"Me," she said as she looked up at him. "I made her forget about me."
"Are you okay?"
She pushed herself up on her toes and kissed him. She knew that it was hard, because it was her mother, but she also knew that this was the best for everyone.
"I am fine," she told him. "Now, all we have to worry about is our futures."
He smiled down at her, before leaning down and giving her another kiss. Someone cleared their throat, making them turn to see Neville standing next to them.
"Sorry to bother you, but Professor McGonagall would like to see you in her office," he said. "Or Professor Dumbledore's old office."
They were confused at first, but thanked him, before heading toward the office. When they got there, their parents and friends were standing there, making them even more confused than they already were.
"Are we in trouble?" Mal asked as she let go of Ben's hand and wrapped them around her stomach.
"No, dear," McGonagall said as she shook her head. "Quite the opposite, actually."
"Then why are we here?" She asked.
Professor McGonagall reached for something on the desk, and when she held it up, Mal realized it was the sorting hat.
"I know you are familiar with this," she said as she walked up to Mal. "I was wondering if it was damaged in the battle, and repaired it," she explained. "And when I mended it, magically, I used an old spell that mends more than just the looks of it."
"Okay?" Mal asked, still confused.
"By doing that, I found that the hat was hexed," she said. "I do not know how long it has been hexed, but I have a pretty good idea. So, with that said, do you mind sitting down?"
Mal was even more confused at this point. What was this going to do, other than tell her what everyone else knows. If it had been hexed she would have been sorted into Hufflepuff. Mal obliged and sat down on a stool that her dad had put in the middle of the room. Professor McGonagall placed the hat on her head, and the hat came to life once again.
"Ah," he said, making Mal roll her eyes. "So we meet again. Such a noble witch. So full of courage and wisdom. Snarky and wicked in her own way, but for the good of everyone."
This was different than what it had said the last time, Mal thought.
"Willing to die for her loved ones and defend the people who had done her wrong…" he continued. "… better be… GRYFFINDOR!"
Mal sat there in shock as her family and friends cheered for her. How could she be sorted into one house and then sorted into another.
"What?" She asked as McGonagall took the hat off of her head. "How?"
"I had a hunch your first year," she said. "The hesitation during your sorting was by first indication, but I have been watching you closely and you are far different from any other Slytherin I know, other than Professor Slughorn," she said, making Mal laugh. "I know a house does not define the witch or wizard, but I think this was something you needed to know and be rewarded for. Congratulations, Mallory. Welcome to the Gryffindor house."