I own nothing. Nothing. Absolutely. Positively Nothing at all.
As the morning light softly filtered through the curtains, she gradually emerged from the depths of her sleep. With a stretch and a yawn, she blinked away the remnants of sleepiness, slowly coming to the waking world.
The soft embrace of the warm bed reluctantly released its hold as she glancing around. With each passing moment, awareness spread through her mind as she finally remembered why she was here.
I lost. It wasn't even a competition. She looked down at her fingers flexing them. She could vividly remember how it happened. The image was permanently stuck inside her brain.
The silver titan appearing coming at her with a single minded goal of killing her. It was terrifying. She had never been in such a horrifc moment and she passed out through sheer terror.
No. Not terror. Happiness. She looked down with wide eyes, her hands trembling as the memories began rushing like a tidal wave overwhelming her mind.
When the monster had gotten close to her she could feel the warmth and happiness it radiated. The emotions had overwhelmed her and she couldn't even begin to think on how to fight back.
She had in that split second had immersed herself in all the happy times she had in her life. Her mother hugging, her father bringing a doll for her, her first wand, her first grade when she came in first, her first kiss, her O.W.L.s, N.E.W.T.s...
Then it came to an abrupt end immediately vanishing and she couldn't remember a single thing that happened after.
If I had to lose I guess that's the best way. It was the best she felt in such a long time and after all the shit she went through? She needed a reminder of such good times.
Still losing isn't fun ever. I really needed that money but I guess 2nd place prize isn't much of a loss She perked up scooting to the edge of the bed hearing a commotion.
Peeking through the curtain her eyes widened seeing who it was arguing with the nursing staff.
One was a portly man with a round face and a neatly trimmed gray mustache wearing elaborate robes befitting his position as Minister for Magic, adorned with ornate accessories.
Another a short, squat woman with a toad-like appearance, complete with a broad, wearing excessively pink clothing. She could even hear her speaking in a sweet, high-pitched voice hurting her ears.
And the last one caused her to tremble as she nearly collapsed into her self.
'Sorry Penelope but I'm working for the Minister now. I can't be seen dating a repeater. You understand right? Anyway this is your fault if you had just came to school on time...'
She trembled holding a hand over her mouth to stop any noises, glaring at him through the tears. Not only had he thrown his position in her face, he had demeaned her for something she couldn't control and had the nerve to ask for understanding.
She couldn't stop the envy and jealousy seeing him all dolled up. Clearly his new 'job' paid him well enough.
Percy Weasley She glared at the tall and thin young man with red hair, freckles, and horn-rimmed glasses wearing a neat and formal attire.
Her heart trembled, the bitter feelings and thoughts rushing her seeing him.
You look like you're doing well huh? No care for little old Penelope who had to give up her schooling to help her family! She glared down tears steaming on her face. She knew he wasn't totally to blame. She never told him the state of shambles her family had become.
Still! She couldn't help how she felt as her ears perked up hearing the topic.
"Excuse me but am I hearing you are denying the Minister of Magic audience with one of his subjects?" The high pitched woman said her sweet tone carrying a undertone of menance.
The healer sighing for the fifth time nodded." Yes. That is exactly what I'm doing. The patient is going through something right now and can not be spoken to at the moment. That is final."
"Yes however chapter 3 of article 5 of Magical Britain laws states-" The pompous red head git began before being interrupted.
"This is not Britain! This is France! So please! Understand that it is not possible for you to see him!" The nurse grit her teeth in deep annoyance. She would have had them escorted out just like the past reporters but she knew doing so to a Minister would not be possible. It would also be the end of her career.
Cornelius Fudge face twisted in annoyance seeing these stubborn healers as he felt the line of his hat wondering what to do.
He needed to see the Malfoy child this second! He hadn't cared to visit the tournament but after yesterday that was impossible!
He had been bombarded by so many people on the issue when the Malfoy heir had gotten to the semi finals.
He nodded his head when he beat the Veela, thinking it was expected of one from the Malfoy line. Though he was more than surprised, considering the boy wasn't anything of note, really.
Just like most magical children.
It was the next day that had scared him witless. The monstrous patronus had stunned everyone speechless in fact. The sheer collateral damage from it just appearing showed the potential for mayhem.
Those who were well versed in magic knew the harm such a spell could cause.
A formless being with the ability to cause harm on the physical plane?
And to come from the known blood purist Malfoy heir of all people?
In fact people were scrambling wondering if this spell needed to be regulated do to the dangerous nature a sentient spell could do with such power.
Not only was it ethereal meaning it could pass through most things, it had the ability to fly!
Of course they could only hide the knowledge. They couldn't ever stop people from using the only defense from Dementors. They'd become the laughing stock of the world.
If that was all I wouldn't need to come here. I could just wait..He wiped his sweat remebering snubbing the Malfoy heir.
He had heard what happened to Lucius and Narcissa. He had been struck first wondering what to do with his main backing gone but Dolores put him on the right track.
'You can expand your influence' She said.
'You can get away from his claws' She said.
'You can become the chess master instead of the piece' She said.
Now look where he was now! The heir of Lucius who was just a average if not slightly less than average magical was now making feats as if he was a younger Dumbledore!
Dumbledore!
He hadn't sent him any letters or mails after his parents were sent to the hospital. He hadn't visted either, stubborn in breaking away.
Everyone knew he was a friend of the Malfoys, so he knew the boy would know he was being snubbed. Everyone would know in fact but he still did it.
Sweating trying to find a way to stall he glanced around before catching sight of something not noticing said something's face turning pale.
"Clearwater! My girl I'm so proud!" He immediately pushed through changing his direction towards her.
Penelope scared silly seeing the Minister of all people adressing her immediately duck back in hoping it was a mistake.
No dice.
Opening the curtain not carring for the shouts of the healers he addressed her" You've done a excellent job in the tournament my girl! A little Flitwick in the making I see?"
Glancing up to the roof with a stiff smile she laughed blandly not that he noticed or cared." Ah thank you sir! It was always my dream to become a duelist!"
"I see. I see! Then won't you let the ministry help you in your endeavors? We can get the best around the country to help you elevate yourself!" He immediately began bringing her to his side.
Magical might was the most important power afterall.
The world was reminded of that every 50 or so years when someone like Dumbledore emerged.
Or even He who must not be named.
Penelope felt something snap in her mind as she heard that. Clenching the sheets under her, she trembled at the foolishness spouting out of his mouth.
I already tried joining the Ministry but was soundly declined 5 times even with my grades. So what the hell is he talking about?
She didn't know what to say but was saved or rather the opposite happened as Percy came in with his patented ass kissing smile in place.
"Ah sir? She already tried getting into the ministry so you don't need to ask. You should think on what position to give her." He helpfully stated winking at dumbstruck Penelope with a smile.
Penelope was stunned with indignation, bafflement, confusion, disgust and a whole other slew of things she couldn't name.
How dare this snobby wanker speak for her?! After everything he did, he thought he had a say on what she did?!
"Is that so Weatherby but why didn't you get in?" He mused aloud. Someone with such talent should easily be able to get a position. Even if she was a half blood.
"No matter! You don't need to go through those usual hiring processes! I'll get you a position right next to me and -"
Tuning out the foolishness. She wondered how to get out of this mess. She couldn't afford to offend another person and make her situation even worse!
"Ah sir? She already tried getting into the ministry so you don't need to ask. You should think on what position to give her." He helpfully stated winking at dumbstruck Penelope with a smile.
However she perked up hearing shouts of-
"Mr. Malfoy!"
"Ah please wait a minute!"
"You can't get up now!"
And there was much more shouts as they reached closer and closer to their position.
The curtains slammed to the side as the scene was shown to them. The Malfoy heir in a hospital gown his face pale not too dissimilar to her.
She froze as he looked to her making sure she was okay with a wink before peering strangely at the stunned Cornelius.
"Minister Fudge, a pleasure." He held a hand towards him with a smile successfully diverting his attention.
Smiling widly and in deep excitement Cornelius immediately took his hand shaking it firmly.
"Draco! Please call me Cornelius! You know me and your father were good friends right?! Goodness Draco you've grown so much!"
He shook his head feeling emotional seeing the young man grown.
"Hello Heir Malfoy. My name is -"
"Quiet Weatherby! This is a reunion with family!" He glared at him warning him as his mouth clamped shut. Typical Weasley sticking their heads where no one wanted them!
Perking up in happiness hearing the boy he looked back to him.
"Ah Cornelius? What are you doing here? I'm suprised you didn't visit me." The boy's tone was a tad strange but Cornelius took it as sadness.
I'm sorry child. Cornelius said internally wincing knowing he was at fault. The Malfoys were outcasted from the Black family and the Malfoy line only had 2 members left.
So it stood to reason that this brave child had no one else to rely on.
"Sorry Draco. If you're talking about today then these " He pointed at the healers being held back by Dolores. "People have no wish to see a family back together. Luckily we were able to break through."
Sighing reluctantly he glanced outside "If you mean before now? I'll have to apologize, I thought you needed time to grieve but...I know it was the wrong choice now."
Glancing at the Malfoy heir, he felt triumph seeing the sad look on his face.
Let's go in for the full swoop!
"But no matter! I will endeavor to be apart of your life again. Have no worries okay? Your minister will help you out." He patted his chest grinning at the small smile that appeared after his declaration.
Ah~ To be young and naive.
"Thank you that means a lot. Speaking of help... I overheard you talking to Penelope and I have to tell you something. " He looked at him ignoring the look that appeared on Percy's and Penelope's faces.
"Hmm? Anything you want my boy."
"You see I hope you stop trying to recruit her. She works with me after all." He smiled picking up the stunned girl's hand squeezing it before dropping it looking to Cornelius with narrowed eyes.
"And I hate it when people try to take what's mine. " He finished off childishly
"I see t-that." He gulped as he looked back and forth to the girl and boy with wide eyes.
"Is that true Ms.Clearwater? " He looked at her deeply surprised.
He didn't even have the slightest clue they even knew each other outside a professional setting let alone this...
She was about to instinctively deny before stopping. Why? She caught a glance of Percy's face.
" Yes. I am his partner. Infact we've decided it from yesterday. So I'm sorry I can't accept your offer Minister Fudge. "
She nodded to him with a apologetic smile before glancing at the smiling Malfoy heir.
She was watching and listening to the entire conversation and felt like she was watching a puppet show. With the Minister happily dancing in the strings
She had no basis for this of course. Everything seemed like a normal conversation but...
"Minister Fudge! What are you doing?!" Alan Decalour came in followed by his guards as he glared at him.
"Ah. Time to go it would seem. I'll keep in touch my boy." He placed his hat back on before going to confront the french minister followed by a silent irrate red haired.
Watching as they left she saw the Malfoy heir sitting before closing the curtains.
Looking at him she saw him looking back.
His face...it's different again? She did not know what to make of it. Perhaps different wasn't the right word. More like it shifted a bit.
Whatever it is at least he's better to look at.
"Yours, huh? I never remembered agreeing to that. " She started bringing up the topic, looking at him with a raised brow.
If she remebered correctly, her exact words were that she'd think about it however he certainly jumped the gun didn't he?
"Will you blame me for it?" He said simply looking at her.
Looking away from the eyes she sighed and shook her head. She knew he wasn't being malicious in it. In fact he saved her from making a horrible mistake so...
"Thanks I guess." She mumbled nearly silent but she knew he caught it. He seemed to be far more aware than he had any right to be.
"So have you decided as of yet? I hope you did. It took quite a bit for me to pull that out after all. " She heard him asking aloud, his voice ringing with amusement.
Flinching remembering what he was talking about, she peered at him wondering if he was only here because of it. Still she shook her head refusing to feel guilt for it.
"Well it isn't my fault you decided to use such a silly condition for the bet. I don't even understand why you did so." She immediately scolded him feeling like he was trying to make her feel bad.
Who's fault was it really? It was his idea in the first place.
Not hearing his rebuttal she looked up at him pausing seeing him look at her seriously, clearly wanting to hear a straight answer.
Looking down to avoid the intense look in his eyes she thought about exactly how she came to be cajoled by the Malfoy heir.
"Do you remember me Malfoy?" The first thing the girl did when she heard the Malfoy heir was competing was to accost him inside his training room. There was no other option.
She saw him nodding gently as if innocent. "Penelope Clearwater. "
Her eyes had widened of course. Never in 1000 years would she think Malfoy would even remember her name. Especially without hesitation.
"O-oh...I did not think you would considering what you called me back at Hogwarts. Do you remember that perchance?"
Anyone watching could see the light dim in his eyes as he nodded once with no reluctance.
"Mudblood! Don't act all coy now you sod! You were happily shouting it when I gave you detention! In fact you were so happy you made sure your daddy knew and guess what happened next, go on then?!" The girl eyes took on a mad gleam looking down at him as her hands twitched to her wand.
It didn't take much restraint to not curse him. Even though she was angry at him, she was far more scared of Azkaban. But Merlin did she want too.
Malfoy said nothing simply looking at her but she could still see the emotions in his eyes even if he didn't say anything. She just did not care!
"My parents oh so coincidentally lost their jobs! At the same time! Everywhere else they went, they were turned away for inexplicable reasons!"
"My parents smart people who excelled in school and went even further to get a better education! Even the ministry who takes in literally anyone did so because of you damn blood purist pricks!"
She heaved deeply feeling her chest rising and falling, the tears coming through quickly.
It was depressing especially knowing she caused it!
"I lost my apprenticeship and every single one for the profession I wanted turned me away! Me?! The girl who took her N.E.W.T.s a year early and still came out on top?! Does it make sense to you? You ugly fucker." She stomped up to him looking him slightly down in the face.
Now he had a face to match his soul! She thought maliciously glaring at him.
"I nearly repeated because I was going insane not knowing what has happening to my parents as they traveled the country looking for somewhere to find work! Only by Merlin's grace did I pass my Newts in exchange for my schooling!"
Smiling she felt the sinister thought bubble up in her mind and she gave it form."You know what though? Maybe they can go back to Britain now! Afterall your tosser of a father is in a coma isn't he?!" She chuckled looking at the world weary expression knowing he was burning up inside.
Go ahead bastard! Attack me! Let me pick you apart!
Rocking on the balls of her feet she looked at him wildly seeing his mouth open ready for the prejudiced virtol that would no doubt come.
However she nearly tripped on what she heard next.
"Penelope Clearwater...Born to Penelope Dagmyer and Adrian Clearwater. 12 Owls and 9 Newts. Somehow you where Headgirl in your 5th year and...am I missing anything?" He tilted his head at her smiling as she felt her heart beating rapidly.
Swallowing nervously steadying herself on the ground taking out her wand she asked. How...how did you...are you stalking me?"
It was terrifying to imagine.
The Malfoy heir looked at her before he shook his head.
"If you didn't know there's a magazine that features outstanding students from all over the world. I saw your issue before. It stayed with me considering..."
He nodded to her not explaining. She knew so.
Looking at him feeling it made sense she wiped the sweat that accumulated listening to what he said next.
"You're right of course. My father is quite a bit of a tosser isn't he? Sadly I learnt that fact long after everyone else. It's a bit hard to see someone you've grown up with be wrong." Her eyes nearly rolled back at what she heard.
Did he just agree with her that his father was a piece of shit?
"I have no wish to be a part of my father's skulduggery. My grandfather's as well for that matter. However it doesn't really absolve me from what I did in the past does it?"
Looking at him she was weary of what he was planning as she nodded at the question he posed. He was right. It didn't absolve him from anything.
Smacking his lips heaving a deep sigh he looked at her squinting as if he couldn't see.
"So I'll say it to you now. It's not much I know but sorry." He enunciated clearly looking at her.
Clenching her wand now she looked at him in disbelief. A Malfoy acknowledging they were wrong? Was the world coming to a end?
"I won't rationalize why I did it. I wasn't forced or anything like that. I wanted to do it and I did." His voice was like a whisper now.
"It won't take back anything I did. Or fix what has already happened. It would just be excuses at this point."
"So I'll just try to make it better from here on out. That's really all I can do now sorry."
Looking at him breathing out heavily, she could see it clearly took a lot out of him and she didn't even know what to think of it. What was a sorry worth now?
Why change a leaf now? Why couldn't he do it earlier? Before he messed with her?
"Sorry?" She chuckled snidely and she knew it conveyed everything she needed it to. She had lost quite a bit of vitriol after the rant and found herself strangely calm.
'Strange.' She thought looking into his eyes.
Smiling blandly the Malfoy heir swiped his wand repairing the training dummy.
Fiddling with his wand he looked at her head on." You're right my apology won't solve anything. Your parents still lost their jobs, you still lost sleep over it, nearly failed, and lost your apprenticeships."
Sighing he looked down silent for a minute under her watchful eyes.
Picking his head up he looked into her eyes and she was taken back a bit by the intensity. "With that in mind? I have a proposition for you. Either way I will help your family recover from what my father no doubt did."
Looking at him she simply waited. She really didn't know how to react to this and she was a bit embarrassed having lost her composure so easily.
"Let's make a bet."
Finally fully gaining her bearings she wiped away the tears looking at the kid like he was crazy " And why would I want anything to do with your games Malfoy?! I've been getting along fine until you came!"
She glared at him however seeing his mouth twitch no doubt remebering what she said before hand.
"You're getting along fine? I agree. The minute you step out of the country you'll get your opportunities back again. That said why do so? Why not make a name for yourself here?" He posed the question walking behind her shutting the door.
Turning with him keeping distance she snarled back."And how the fuck am I supposed to?! I just told you!-"
"Work for me." He suddenly told her not looking at her.
"??!" Was he crazy she would most certainly not-
"If I were to beat you in but a single spell at the end of this tournament I want you to work for me. If not? I will abdicate my heir status and the Malfoy line will end with me. After helping you of course."
That. That was what caught her attention and she couldn't help but ask him to explain exactly what he meant by that.
Sighing she shook her self out of the memories. From then on they had met multiple times and it was impossible to keep up the anger when you literally had to stand side to side waiting for your match ups.
It was awkward. Massively so.
Looking up at him again she nodded once unable to keep the grudge for long.
Especially when he told her they would sort out the problem right after the tournament.
She knew the boy was 12 at best when he did it. So most of her hatred was towards the elder Malfoy who clearly had nothing to do in his pathetic life. The one with the real power.
Looking away at the sudden smile that appeared she heard him say "Great. Then we should get ready soon. Tempus. It's soon time for the award ceremony. We will leave for the manor right after. When we are there we will get dressed to deal with your issue-"
Looking to see why he paused she tilted her head in confusion hearing the flaps.
An owl? She thought looking in confusion at the fancy lettering. She watched as he opened it scanning it before his eyes widened then narrowed.
He folded it back in place.
She was unable to help herself. "What did it say? What was it?" It was rude but she didn't feel like she owed him much in the way of politeness .
Glancing at her, he replied " An invitation to a ball hosted by the Blacks in which I'm ordered to attend as a member of House Black. I'm also to attend the ensuing family meeting." He descended into chuckles.
Her face twisting a bit she said "I don't see what's so funny. They may have been weaker in the past but..." Under the stern hand of Arcturus Black the family had slowly gained a steady balance even wild cards like Lestrange somehow being brought in.
Tapping his finger on the paper he glanced at her. "My mother and I have been labeled "Outcasts" by the Black family. Banished in all but name yet still beholden to them. Stripped of all benefits and advantages of the name but still required to carry it."
"And I would go. That is...if I cared about them even a bit."
Her eyes bulged at what he was hinting at."You're going to disobey a direct order?!"
A nod answered her.
"My mother and father have been in a medical ward for quite some time and I was able to remove them to a remote place so no one can get to them. Yet even after all that time I've never once received a letter from my so called family. None of them."
She pursed her lips seeing him look down blankly but she wondered why she didn't hear any sadness.
Maybe he's processing it differently?
Fiddling with the sheets she wondered what to say to it.
Glancing up hearing him whisper
"The nerve."
She blinked seeing him leave.
Stopping by the curtain he glanced back at her and made a rather funny face before shaking his head and leaving.
What have I gotten myself into. Wonder what mum and dad would say. She shook her head silently as she disillusioned herself not wanting to draw attention as she went to her room.
Passing by the bustling nurses she glanced inside the corridor before making a straight line to her room across the way.
Who am I kidding? I'm sure they'd be happy to see their little girl 'employed' She smiled to herself.
Her parents were of the whimsical sort and she considered herself quite normal compared to them. Not that she thought it was bad.
Pressing herself against a wall she glanced down the corridor seeing the infamous Rita Skeeter running around looking terribly frazzled.
Someone hasn't gotten their scoop. She nearly giggled charming her shoes to make no noise as she dashed in making a quick right.
Taking her time up the stairs she looked up into the eyes of the third place contestant who was descending down them the same time.
"There's a rather nasty reporter down stairs, Rita Skeeter. I wouldn't suggest it." She shook her head as she tried conveying not knowing if the translation charms were still in effect.
Evidently they were or she already knew english as her face contorted in disgust before she turned around saying "Merci beac- Thank you very much I have heard much about her."
Blinking she nodded smiling as she tried to remember her name.
Uhh Floooor? Her face contorted as she sighed. She may have been a bit hyper focused onto the Malfoy heir.
The only name that came up for her was 'The girl Malfoy beat.'
I'm not usually this mean. I swear! She tried defending herself.
"Fleur. It's Fleur." She snorted accurately pinpointing what she was thinking.
"That obvious? "She held in her sigh asking, tugging on a lock of her waist long hair.
"Oui. You're quite open non?" She smiled in sympathy.
"I try not to be. Ah see you floor." She quickly waved her face taking on a light blush knowing she messed up the name.
As she went in the room she could still hear the mumble of "British." and she nearly got offended on principle.
Glancing around she quickly jumped into the shower stripping the dueling robes off leaving her in but white panties and a bra.
Checking her self making sure there were no lingering marks she nodded with a relief.
She came out of the bathroom naked and hair soaking wet.
A dryer was also floating in the air blowing her hair as she glanced around finding her suitcase.
'Now~ What to wear? Hmm.' She was about to pick a rather modest dress before remembering her ex.
Face twisting she immediately dug in finding the black dress as she hesitated. It certainly wasn't as wild as some of things she saw but for her it definitely pushed her comfort zones a bit.
Still she dug in picking up a similar pair of underwear. Might as well go all the way.
Coming out of the bathroom she looked at the full body mirror fidgeting a bit feeling the wind on her exposed thigh from the dress slit and her shoulders being exposed.
This is okay right? Ah no it feels a bit too! She quickly charmed it a bit to get the slit a tad smaller sighing in relief.
Looking up she glanced at the top most amount of her chest showing feeling it should be ok. She had seen other ladies in the past tournament award ceremonies wearing something this revealing.
Fiddling with her hair she sat taking about 10 minutes to fix it into a nice double dutch braid running down her back.
Quickly hurrying back inside raising the dress bottom with a wingardium leviosa.
Looking in the mirror she summoned her make up kit carefully applying it.
Less is more! Less is more! She quickly restrained herself. Before putting down the eye liner.
Looking at the lip gloss she truly struggled with the colors before deciding not to deviate to much picking red.
Popping her lips knowing magical lip gloss wouldn't smudge she sighed. I don't look all that bad.
Sitting on her bed her legs twitched nervously as she casted tempus seeing it was soon time. Very soon.
This is more nerve wracking than actual duels!
Getting up she decided to make her way there now. She would rather not be late. So picking up her wand she walked the corridor remebering where the hall was.
Glancing around keeping in mind reporters were out and about she made haste the tap of her heels making a echo.
Glancing at the long line she nearly sighed before perking up being signaled.
"Ms. Clearwater? Contestants are to be inside and seated to designated tables." The well dressed man said beckoning her to follow.
Doing so she glanced around taking in the beautiful area ignoring the multitude of glances feeling distinctly uncomfortable at where they landed.
These were grown adults by the way!
Elegant decor with chandeliers, high ceilings, and polished wood furnishings. The tables were adorned with crisp linen, fine china, and polished silverware.
The ambiance was sophisticated, with soft lighting and music playing in the background.
Staff members were dressed in professional attire, providing attentive service to guests already there as well.
Wait I recognize those uniforms! Is Gordon Ramsay taking care of the food for this event?! She nearly shivered at the thought.
The world renowned chef was cooking for them? She definitely was looking foward to it now.
"Here is your seat young lady." He pulled out the chair.
"Thank you sir." She said grateful sitting as he pushed it up. Glancing around she saw 3 empty seats realising exactly who they were for.
Sitting she perked up seeing the menu pop in front of her. Looking at it strangely she glanced around before taking it. French cuisine huh? No wine as well? Is this a specially made menu? I've seen others drinking some already.
"Done ordering young lady?" A server came asking gently.
"Ah?! Yes I would like Escargots à la Bourguignonne with Filet Mignon au Poivre and a Crème Brûlée to finish. Apple cider for the drink as well. Thank you." She got a bit startled at the abrupt entrance but quickly got back into it.
"Ah. A three course meal then. Great. You wouldn't believe how many people decide to order everything." She made light conversation leaving the girl giggling as she left.
Though she stopped feeling the menu pop out of her fingers. Okay they're definitely using house elves to do that. There's no other option.
"Hello Penelope." Chun Li quietly said as she took a seat smiling at her.
"Hello Chun Li. You doing alright?" She smiled back glancing at the blue dress hugging her snuggly unable to place the orgin.
"I'm fine thank you. And it's a qipao" She said amused taking a seat.
"...that predictable huh?"
"Indeed."
I need to work on that!
Making light conversation Penelope found out that Chun Li's parents where in the at another table with the crowd waiting for her.
"It's my first tournament and they came all the way from home to see it." The girl smiled happy having already ordered.
"That's beautiful." It really was. She wished she could get her parents here even if she hadn't won.
Chun Li carefully not mentioning the obvious following subject said "Look. It seems our next girl is here."
Someone is gifted She felt a tad jealous seeing all the conversation stop as the beautiful girl came down in the long sleeved blue dress, showing no cleavage though it still made it self known prominently, as the dress covered all the way up to her neck.
It also came to stop mid thigh, the stocking hiding most of her legs leaving just a tad bit of thigh showing.
I feel undressed She sighed looking at the dumbstruck stares.
"Good evening you two? A wonderful evening is it not." She smiled sitting taking the before ordering with a single glance.
"Good evening Fleur/Hello." Both Penelope and Chun li said in sync.
"Hmm it seems our first place isn't here yet?" She frowned seeing the seat empty having been anticipating his company.
And what does that mean?! Malfoy are you also consorting with the Minister's daughter?!
"Perhaps he wishes to be fashionably late? Quite the deviation from the usual." Chun li smiled poking fun at the stereotype of Brits being punctual as she saw her food appear.
"Hopefully he gets here soon. It'd be a waste if he missed-"
"Missed what?" Malfoy said sliding in his seat chuckling at the startled faces.
"Malfoy not funny!/ Not quite it Mr. Malfoy/ Nothing simple with you huh?"
Penelope, Chun Li and Fleur all said with varying emotions.
"Sorry, sorry. It's just too fun honestly and might I say you three are all even more gorgeous tonight? I've been quite blessed by Merlin to have a seat here." He looked at the menu saying quite seriously, his eyes roving it in complete and utter confusion.
Chun Li glanced at the other two reactions finding them quite interesting as she replied "Thank you. And you clean up just as well if not better. You've become quite handsome lately, " She hinted at the clear unnatural changes lightly not probing.
A sleek black suit with subtle red piping along the lapels and cuffs, adding a touch of boldness.
With gold highlights in the form of intricate embroidery and buttons, adding an elegant flair to the ensemble. The Malfoy heir was looking quite scrumptious tonight.
Even the black robe he folded and set onto his lap had only highlighted his attire.
"Mhm. Thank you. And she is right, you've become quite handsome. Very strange~." Fleur mused leaning back twirled a tiny lock of hair glancing at him up and down taking it in.
"Yeah Malfoy. I'll admit you have style but...Gryffindor colors? Something I need to know about?" She paused a bit at his appearance but immediately found the pattern.
"Thank you for your compliments. You flatter me." His voice rang blandly clearly not believing but still poise and polite.
Not catching the Veela frowning deeply at that he took a sip of his Cider that appeared before saying " And Penelope? I've recently discovered a love for the colors. Did you know the sorting hat considered me for Gryfinndor once upon a time." He smiled slyly at it twirling his glass softly.
"Really? I'd have paid to see that!" She exclaimed with wide eyes. She couldn't even imagine it.
A Malfoy in Gryffindor. Would he be the first in history?
Patting her mouth with the napkin Fleur adressed Malfoy. "Feeling a tad left out here. I've heard about Hogwarts houses but.." she trailed off.
"I see. Allow me the pleasure to inform you all a bit about my school. I'm quite proud of it." He raised his voice, his eyes glancing at the multitude of eyes looking their way as the surroundings quited a bit in anticipation.
"First we have Gryffindor. Bravery in overwhelming odds, daring in the face of danger, nerve in tense situations, chivalry when you least expect it. If you ever needed someone to have your back they'd be the first ones you needed to find."
"Befitting such characteristics they were bestowed the symbol of a Lion, king of all beast and prime protector of the pack. Their house colors scarlet and gold denoting Royalty." He took a sip of wine at the silence not minding it or the camera flash.
Penelope watched him squint into the crowd as if trying to see something before shaking his head.
She didn't look because she was just as enraptured by the descriptions as 70% of the crowd who themselves didn't know much about Hogwarts.
Breathing out she heard him continue.
"Second we have Hufflepuff. Hard work, going the extra mile and always striving to improve."
"Dedication, working towards what you believe in even when faced with challenges"
"Patience, the ability to wait calmly in the face of frustration or adversity"
"Loyalty, standing by your friends, family, team, or principles, even when it's not convenient or popular."
"Fair play, treating others with respect and integrity. If Gryffindors were people you wanted to back you in a fight against the world. Hufflepuffs were ones you needed during hard and desperate times with no hope..." He quenched his throat with the liquid in his glass acting completely oblivious to the stares directed to him.
"They were bestowed the symbol of a badger a testament to their steadfast and dependable nature. Yellow represents positivity and Black represents power. Put them together and you get caution because you don't want to underestimate them."
"Ah! Word to the wise? Don't call them duffers. You'll regret it trust me. I still feel the ache from a certain red head classmate of mine." He said to the quiet laughter of the crowd.
Penelope glanced at the judges who were on the stage evidently wanting to get the show on the way but couldn't find it in them to interupt.
"Then we have Ravenclaw. Intelligence the ability to acquire and apply knowledge, solve problems, and adapt to new situations "
"Knowledge, understanding gained through experience, study, or exploration."
"Curiosity, the desire to explore, learn, and understand the world around us."
"Creativity thinking outside the box, making connections between seemingly unrelated concepts, and expressing oneself in imaginative ways."
"And finally wit. Oh wit." He shook his head as if suffering deeply.
"If I hear another sarcastic quip hidden under fake politeness I'll go crazy. If nothing else you will never find a Ravenclaw who doesn't know how to rip you apart verbally after their third year." He smiled at the giggles resounding as if remebering something before looking back up at the table.
Penelope glanced at Fleur seeing the blank eyes as she simply stared at the Malfoy heir enchanted by his...everything really.
Not that I'm too far off really! How can he make Hogwarts sound so mystifying? Like he's lived there his entire life? Like he has lived and breathed among the other houses? I can feel the love he has for it and it doesn't make sense!
"Back on topic wit. Sharpness of mind, wordplay, and the ability to perceive and articulate subtle nuances."
"Ravenclaws hmm...I know." He nodded to himself.
"If Gryffindors were the one's who got you into trouble in the first place, Ravenclaws would be the one's to make sure you knew exactly how stupid you were following a Gryffindor!" He nodded as if saying a world wide truth.
And finally Penelope could not hold back her laughter anymore as she descended into a fit of giggles.
Holding back her snorts with her hand she glanced away with red cheeks seeing the small smile adorning his face as he glanced at her.
"They were bestowed the symbol of eagle chosen for its association with wisdom, intelligence, and keen perception. Blue and Bronze are the colors they were given. "
"Blue represents the pursuit of knowledge, truth, intellectual curiosity and bronze symbolizes the importance of innovation, and problem-solving skills in the pursuit of academic excellence. "
"And most certainly not least Slytherin...ugh." He put his a hand over his head holding it.
"I'm way too damn sober to even begin on this..." He mused aloud plonking his glass down hard getting startled looks.
Penelope blinked suprised. She would have thought describing his own house would be easy.
"Ambition, the desire and drive to achieve one's goals."
"Leadership, influencing others to work towards a common goal or vision"
"Self-preservation, a drive to protect oneself from harm or danger."
"Cunning the ability to achieve one's goals through cleverness, strategic thinking, and manipulation."
"Resourcefulness, the ability to find creative and effective solutions to problems or challenges."
"Now everything you just heard? Forget it!" He told them all without hesitation.
Looking at the stunned crowd not even bothering to play coy anymore he said. "Slytherin is perhaps the only house that does not at all embody any of the supposed characteristics! They are about as subtle as the worst Gryffindor, as about snarky as the best Ravenclaw and as stubborn as any Hufflepuff! "
"If you want to aproach one please bring a set of gloves. Every single Slytherin seems to come with thorns for some reason."
"Want to talk to them? Bring a encyclopedia because for some reason they'll use the most obscure words to insult you!"
"Goodness! The house for supposedly cunning and planing is known for cunning and planning! How can you trick anyone if they already know that's what you want?! Does it make sense?!"
"You're better off trying to become a dark lord in Hufflepuff than Slytherin! At least no one will suspect you there! I swear it's like Salazar Slytherin set them up from the beginning!"
The hall shook with unruly laughter. The vivid description giving everyone a very good picture on exactly what Slytherin looked like.
"Merlin don't get me started on the House unity foolishness! House unity?! Who the hell are they uniting against to fight?! Professor Dumbledore?! Professor Mcgonagall?! The Ministry?! Can't be fellow students because they're always fighting in front of them!"
And rant he did going on and on about the so called secret intricacies of the Slytherin house.
"Can you believe it?! They have 11 year olds introduced into politics! Some hierarchy shit! Merlin I've never heard a greater crock of-"
Wow he's really pissed off! Penelope watched the perpetually stoic Malfoy blowing his lid with wide eyes. She had never even seen him come close expressing his emotions and this was just...
Wow She looked at him silently simply absorbing everything.
It was only 2 minutes later when he calmed down.
"Haaa~ Do you all see what I'm up against? Crazy kids trying to ruin other kids lives. Honestly it's just a wreck. Now imagine this stuff on a daily basis. As soon as you leave your parents this crazy stuff is shoved down your head..." He looked down sighing at the glass.
"If you don't conform, it's isolation, constant harassment and bullying even from other houses who think you are just like the others. If you do conform, say goodbye to any kind of connection you may have had to any other house..." He looked up at the silent crowd and even from here Penelope could hear the sniffles as her mind blew realising what he was doing.
"And once you burn those bridges the only people you can go to for connections and friendship are other Slytherins. The ones who messed you up in the first place. Do you understand now how it was rigged from the start for a lot of them? How people like Voldemort can just pluck them up like thrown away gold?" He immediately took control of the narrative at the complete silence.
The silence that only made the flinch running through the British section even nore prominent.
"He's gone now though." He uttered softly enhancing his voice with magic, again reminding them that the menace was gone.
"He's gone now but nothing has changed. All it takes is just one more person like him. One more who's like minded, powerful, persuasive enough to steal their future's and plunge our world into conflict again. Like Grindewald before him and Emric before him..." He saw the hard face veterans in the crowd flinch.
"I don't..." He looked down sighing as if about to say something difficult.
"I don't have the... qualifications to fix such a thing. I too had conformed. I too had bullied others, help make more bullies and..."
"I don't have the right...nor the power to fix this situation. I don't but... you do." He glanced around catching them all in the eyes somehow.
"You all are powerful people from around the globe and some not so powerful but it doesn't matter. You have the power to help. To stop the next fool who wishes to push the magical world back a century."
"They don't need much. I promise. No money, favours, donations or anything of the like." His tone was slow as he closed his eyes looking down before sighing.
"They just need your voice. They need you to be their voice. Speak where they can't. They are a prideful sort who can't admit when they need help."
"...help them. I'm the heir of the Malfoy fortune so I promise to make it worth your time...so please help them." He kept his head bowed for a minute before raising it showing the somewhat his sad eyes.
However Penelope could only see deep mischief there and she wondered how anyone else missed it.
She watched with feeling anxiety wondering what else he was going to do as he took his glass in his hands.
Slowly he raised it up before looking around.
There was silence for a minute.
'Ah.' Penople watched as the glasses rose. 2 became 4 and 4 became 8. Then 8 became 64 and the numbers raised quickly.
Feeling the effects of peer pressure the girl fumbled for her glass before raising it as well.
The Malfoy heir took a single sip and one second later everyone else followed.
Dropping her glass down feeling her heart beat quicker the girl glanced around at the many eyes looking at their table wondering what the hell she signed up for.