THC, Challenge Round 2

Hufflepuff, DADA

Prompt: (character) Vincent Crabbe

WC: 400/400

It was a sunny afternoon in the Malfoys' sprawling garden, where a grand playground had been set up. The centrepiece was a gleaming slide, its metal surface glinting in the sunlight. Vincent stared up at it, his round face scrunched in concentration. Next to him, Gregory Goyle—his best friend and partner in all things—looked equally determined. And there, clutching his mother's hand, was little Draco, his silver-blonde hair shimmering like the slide itself.

"I want to go on the slide," he announced in his high-pitched voice.

Vincent immediately remembered his father's instructions from that morning. "You guard young Draco with your life," his father had said, his voice firm. "He's too small for his age, and it's your job to make sure he doesn't get hurt."

Vincent and Greg exchanged a serious look. It was up to them to make sure the slide was safe. Draco might want to go down, but it was their job to go first.

"I'll go first," Vincent declared, puffing out his chest a bit. "Then Greg. We'll make sure it's okay."

Draco nodded, his eyes wide and trusting.

Vincent climbed the steps to the top of the slide, each step feeling like a great responsibility. He sat down at the top and glanced over at Greg, who was right behind him. "Ready?" Vincent asked, feeling the weight of his duty.

"Ready," Greg replied with a nod.

Vincent pushed off and zoomed down the slide. The wind whipped through his hair, and his heart raced, but when he reached the bottom, he was filled with a sense of accomplishment. He had done it—he had made sure it was safe for Draco.

Greg came down next, landing with a thud beside him. The two boys looked up at Draco and gave him a thumbs-up. "It's all good, Draco!" Vincent called out.

Draco beamed and made his way up the slide, his small feet stumbling several times. When he finally slid down, landing softly in the grass, Vincent and Goyle stood on either side, ready to catch him if he fell.

"That was fun!" Draco giggled, looking at them with admiration.

Vincent grinned, a deep sense of pride swelling in his chest. He had guarded Draco, just like his father had told him to. And as the three boys ran off to find their next adventure, Vincent knew he would always be there to protect his friend.