Midnight Swimming Chapter 17 - S, a harry potter fanfic

Chapter 17

Draco

Draco mournfully watches Hermione as she's engulfed by the flames of the Ministry's floo. Desperate to convince her to stay but with his mouth none-existent due to the oscausi she cast on him, convincing her isn't in the cards. He breathes heavily through his nose as he grabs each side of his face, trying to wrack his brain of exit strategy of his enormous fuck up that he imposed on himself. He spots Pansy out of the corner of his eye, turning to look at her. Her brows furrowed in confusion and casts a finite at him. He can feel his mouth forming, now able to speak, but nothing comes out.

"What happened?" Pansy asks with a level of worry he's seen a handful of times.

"She found the journal," Draco says in a hoarse voice.

Confusion crosses her face then realization hits her and there's a flicker of horror in her eyes, "But I thought I charmed it so only you could read it?"

Draco runs his hands through his hair, "You did! Theo wasn't able to read anything. I'm not sure."

Then he remembers what McGonagall had said weeks ago.

'They're a set.'

"My journal and hers are a set. Maybe they can recognize the other's magic? I don't know." Draco says frantically.

"Miss Parkinson . . ." A voice calls out in the distance.

They both turn their heads to see the Judge that presided over Pansy's case gesturing for her to enter a different room, where she's to enter her memories as evidence. Pansy looks back at Draco and gives him another worried glance before she shamefully walks towards the Judge. Draco spirals as his eyes are glued to the closed door Pansy and her Judge disappeared behind.

"Draco, let's go. Your trial is about to begin," Narcissa says to him, giving him a wary glance.

He hears that his mother is talking to him, but none of her words are registering. He's unable to focus on her, his mind is fixated on Hermione. The only future he was planning on disappeared into vibrant green flames, leaving him behind to sink into a darkening abyss.

"Draco," Narcissa says sternly, lightly shaking him out of his thoughts. "You need to focus, answer all of their questions honestly," his mother says, gauging if he's paying attention to her words while guiding him back to the courtroom.

Draco takes a deep breath and nods his head absentmindedly. He exhales through his mouth, looking his mother in her eyes. She gives him a small smile and gestures for him to take the chair in the center of the courtroom. He takes notice of the new Judge in the Judges chair, her jet-black hair and glasses remind him of Harry. He glances at the gallery and finds Blaise, Theo, Alaric, Ginny and Harry. Theo gives him a big gummy grin with two thumbs up while the others give worried smiles. He wants to cling to a hopeful feeling, but that feeling doesn't exist for him at this very moment, only dread and despair.

As he sits in the rigid chair Pansy was sitting in just minutes ago his mind wanders back to Hermione. Her words echo in his head, cutting him deep with regret and shame.

'I can't believe you. After everything!'

'Toying with me like I'm some fucking plaything of yours!'

He forces his eyes shut, attempting to occlude.

Why didn't I just tell her the truth?

The pounding of the gavel to start the trial sounds as if it's muffled from an indistinguible distance. He can't shake the guilt and shame weighing him down. As the Judge lays out his charges and the trial drones on, he finds himself in a deep sea of remorse, wishing he had a time turner to fix his mistake. Although Draco might be physically present in the courtroom, he is far gone mentally. Registering only a handful of words.

"Unforgivables you have casted are the Imperius Curse and Cruciatus Curse"

Draco nods to the Judge. "Those were casted under the threat of Voldemort," he says in a low hoarse voice.

"Speak up son," the Judge calls out to him.

He shakes his head and forces himself to part from his thoughts, clearing his throat.

"Those were casted under the threat of Voldemort," he states more firmly.

"And what is it that he threatened you with?" The Judge asks, peering down at him through her glasses.

Draco takes in a deep breath, "He never stated directly, however death was always implied."

The Judge nods once and continues on with his trial. Every moment that Draco sits in the accused chair feels as if it's an eternity, time slowly trudging along, each second stretching into infinity. More barely registered words are heard as the trial bleeds on.

"Confiscated wand."

His thoughts inevitably drift back to her. Each moment feels heavier than the last, dragging him deeper into despair.

"Return to Hogwarts."

"Mandatory grieving sessions."

"Notable reconciliation efforts made"

The evidence presented, the arguments made, they all blur into meaningless noise.

"Several favorable character letters on behalf of the accused."

"Minerva McGonagall, Harry Potter, Kingsley Shacklebolt."

"Courts have found Draco Malfoy not guilty."

He clings to a flash of hope that maybe, somehow, he can make things right again.

"Your wand will be returned."

"Restriction lifted."

"Acceptance and immediately transfer to Durmstrang."

Draco shakes his head again, bringing himself back to reality. The boisterous sound of the gavel pounding, concluding his trial.

Wait. What? What's happening?

Transfer to Durmstrang!?

Draco feels the pull of someone taking him out of the chair and guides him out of the courtroom. He feels as though he can't focus on a single train of thought, each entering and then leaving his head before he can fully process it. Someone lightly shakes him, tearing him out of the unregistering thoughts. He sees his mother clutching his shoulders, smiling with Theo, Blaize, Alaric, Ginny and Harry behind her. His friends beaming at him before they exchange short wary glances from Draco's lack of emotion.

Narcissa pulls Draco into an embrace, squeezing him close to her. "I'm so relieved! Let's go celebrate, darling!"

Celebrate?

He's disgusted with the idea of celebrating when the future that he was hoping for slipped through his fingers.

"What did they mean by 'acceptance and immediately transfer to Durmstang'?" Draco frantically asks his mother.

She smiles at him, "I've been owling the Headmaster at Durmstrang, discussing the possibility of transferring if your trial turns out favorably."

"Don't you think that's for me to decide?" Draco asks, his tone more curt than he intended.

Narcissa gives her son a warning glare. "I thought we were both in agreement that Hogwarts was not right for you to attend."

Draco doesn't know what to say, because they did agree on this. But that was before everything had changed.

"I've already discussed the matter with Minerva, you're to be transferred by the end of day tomorrow."

End of day tomorrow…

Draco felt as though he was being sucked into a black hole, a vortex of hopelessness and remorse to lead him into an empty void of nothingness. His mouth slightly gapes open becoming dry as the Sahara Desert as the hope he had and the vision of their future together vanished in an instant, leaving him feeling hollow inside. The guilt continuously gnawed at him from keeping the truth from her. His earth shattering reality of losing her was consuming him.

Why didn't I FUCKING just TELL her?!

"Draco…"

He turns to the familiar voice and looks at Pansy with emotionless eyes.

"Darling, what's wrong? Your trial went spectacularly. You're free. You have your wand back. You're getting out of that wretched place," Narcissa says, giving her son a worrisome questionable look.

"I've ruined everything," Draco says to himself.

His friends share worrisome glances with each other. Theo takes it upon himself and speaks on Draco's behalf.

"Sorry, Mrs. Malfoy, we've already claimed your boy for the night." Theo says as he wraps his arm around Draco, tightly side-hugging him. "Thank you for the birthday biscuits by the way, they were delicious," Theo quickly adds.

Draco looks to his mother, praying she won't pry and accept Theo's proclamation. Narcissa gives Theo a warm smile and nods.

"I'll send Lila over in the morning then to collect your things," Narcissa says to Draco.

He attempts to return his mother's smile and nods, "I'll see you tomorrow, mother."

She steps closer and kisses his cheek, "I'll see you tomorrow, darling."

Draco watches another one of his loved ones disappear into green flames from the Ministry's floo, but there's only a flicker of comfort in knowing that he won't lose his mother.

"Come on Draco, we have my birthday to celebrate," Theo says with a gauging tone.

"One last party before you're off to your new school," Blaise chimes in playfully.

He knew that he wasn't going to be in a celebratory mood; they all knew.

Pansy slowly comes into view and steps up to him to squeeze his hand. "If you're not in the mood for celebrating, you can definitely befriend a bottle of Firewhiskey," she says in a whispered voice.

He nods his head at Pansy's suggestions.

Drown my sorrows. That sounds perfect.

* . * . * . . . * . * . * . . . * . * . *

3rd of December 1998

The following morning he awakes to his head pounding and an awful taste in his mouth. He repeatedly blinks, trying to overcome the heaviness of his eyes, however the task is far too strenuous. As he takes in a deep breath, something falls off of his chest. He blindly grabs at the item, raising it in the air. He stares at the dark green leather journal. The horror of yesterday reclaiming its position in the forefront of his brian.

"Fuck!" Draco yells, throwing the journal across the room.

"Oi, what the fuck?" Theo says in a sleepily hoarse voice.

Draco pulls his brows together in confusion, looking over to find Theo lying face down, rubbing the back of his head, wearing what seems to be women's bra and knickers.

What the fuck?

Draco rubs his face, wishing to pry himself from this nightmare he can't seem to wake from, but no amount of rubbing will shift him into a better reality. This nightmare is his to live through. He sits up, moving his legs to hang over the edge of his bed. He tries to recall the events of anything past his trial, but comes up empty handed, realizing he blacked out.

I guess that's for the better. Who knows what the fuck I did.

He looks around and finds his room disheveled. Broken glass scattered around along with splinters of wood from his broken furniture.

Well, I guess I can deduce, that was my doing.

He exhales and rubs his face one more time before getting up from his bed. Draco tiptoes around bits of glass and steps over Theo, walking over to his wardrobe to get fresh clothes and socks. He decides he'll shower when he floos back home.

Once dressed he looks around for his wand, finding it on the stone desk, tip-toeing around the glass again he grabs his wand. He casts a cleaning charm, all of the glass forming into a pile then taking the shape of several empty Firewhiskey bottles. Theo makes a moaned sound and he turns to see Theo's bare ass thanks to the thong he's wearing.

Why the fuck is he wearing that?

Theo slowly gets up, his enlarged cock not covered by the tiny sheer fabric and greeting Draco.

"Euch," Draco rips head in any direction that's not Theo in disgust.

"Oh, yeah" Theo says in a lighthearted tone. "I forgot I played dressed up in Pansy's knickers to cheer you up."

"Please either transfigure yourself alternative clothing or get. the. fuck. out," Draco demands.

"Mmm, sounds like you're still upset. Might have to try something else then."

Draco rubs his eyes with his thumb and middle finger to sage his patience. "Theodore, please."

"Well, since you said, please."

Draco attempts to roll his eyes, however they still hold that heaviness from when he first woke up, so he decided to scowl at the wall while Theo finds alternative clothing.

Pop

Lila apparates onto Draco's bed and immediately she starts jumping. Draco turns his head and smiles at his little elf.

"Master Draco!" Lila yells with her arms wide open, jumping to cling onto him.

However, Lila's depth perception is a little off, fearing she'll crack her head open on the stone floor he flings forward to catch her. She giggles as Draco grabs her mid air and cradles her into his chest.

She gives her master a bright smile, "Sorry."

He shakes his head at her, smiling at his smallest elf, placing her back on his bed.

"Lila, I thought you were going to crack your skull on the stones," Draco chuckles.

Theo, now dressed in dark gray trousers and a white button up, plops down on Draco's bed, flinging Lila into the air. Her eyes grow wide with excitement and begins jumping on the bed again, egging Theo to launch her higher into the air.

"Sorry, Master Draco, Lila didn't mean to frighten, sides' this thing's hard to crack," Lila states, still jumping on his bed while knocking on her own head.

Draco lighty laughs as he shakes his head at Theo launching Lila in the air. Now with the small surge of adrenaline coursing through him from when he thought Lila was going to crack her cranium, he's able to take in a deep breath in an attempt to regain some strength.

"Mistress Cissa sent me to get Master Draco's things," Lila says in a sing-song voice.

Draco's face falters.

I'm leaving Hogwarts . . .

Draco never thought that he would be in the position to question whether or not he should actually leave this castle or not. He feels as though he's genuinely made strides in reconciling with his peers here. However, seeing Hermione would just add salt to his self-inflicted wound.

I'm sure she would prefer to not see my ugly mug around the castle.

"I'm going to say goodbye to everyone first," Draco says to Lila who's still jumping on the bed, as he's shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Are you going to say goodbye to Mione'?" Theo asks.

"Mione! Where is Hermione?" Lila asks with an excited shriek.

He releases a pained sigh, "I'm not sure, Lila."

"Well, let's find her!" Lila states with determination as she jumps off the bed.

"No, Lila. Please just gather my things and head back to the manor."

Lila looks at Draco with dramatically sad eyes.

"Please, don't look at me like that Lila," Draco says, returning her sad eyes.

"Okays," she says in a defeated huff, hanging her head.

"Come on, Theo."

If I get to the Great Hall early enough maybe Herm-

Granger.

He repeats her last name in his head.

G . r . a . n . g . e . r .

Maybe she will be there and I can say a proper goodbye? If she'll let me.

Or maybe I can just let her beat the shit out of me.

Theo and Draco make their way to their dedicated area in the Slytherin common room, finding Blaise and Alaric sprawled on separate tufted sofas in the middle of a conversation.

"Oi, where's Pans?" Theo asks the pair.

They look at him and shrug their shoulders.

"Draco's heading off to the Great Hall, doing his rounds of goodbyes before he leaves," Theo states.

They both nod and get up to join Draco and Theo to the Great Hall. Once they make their way to the Great Hall a gaggle of 5th and 4th year girls scurry over to them.

"Draco, are you really leaving?"

"Please stay at Hogwarts!"

"We'll miss you."

"Don't go to Durmstrang, stay here!"

"If you go, will you play quidditch for them?"

Draco's baffled that he feels admired by so many girls. "Uh, sorry girls, but I am leaving for Durmstrang. I highly doubt I'll play for their team," he says, scratching the back of his head, trying to remember what they all said.

The girls give their loud audible sounds of disappointment then bid their goodbyes. Draco looks around for a specific witch in hopes he can see her one last time before he leaves for his new school, however she's not in the Great Hall. Luna, Neville, Seamus, Dean and Padma say their goodbyes.

When Draco spots Ginny he walks over to her, "Hey, Gin."

She gives him an arrogant smile and raises her brows, "Wow, I think that's the first time you've ever called me that."

Draco smirks and simply shakes his head. His face falters giving her a more serious look, hoping she knows what he's going to say.

"I don't know where she is," Ginny says to Draco with sympathetic eyes, she steps forward and gives Draco a tight hug.

Draco hugs her back, he pulls back and she gives him a sad smile, "Pansy told me what happened, she was really broken up about it when she told Hermione her part."

Draco winces, now realizing he's dragged someone else into his nightmare, that Hermione and him aren't the only ones who are hurting from this.

"I think it'll take some time, but I do think she'll forgive you."

Draco nods, hoping, praying that Ginny's right.

Maybe if I pray hard enough, her God will hear me.

With a heavy heart and now no desire to eat breakfast from the nausea that's come out of nowhere, Draco leaves the Great Hall, waving to his Hogwarts friends. Several people shout their goodbyes to him as he exits. He walks with his head down back to the Slytherin common room.

"Mr. Malfoy," a familiar voice calls out to him.

He lifts his head to find Headmistress McGonagall a few yards away, strolling towards him.

Is she still considered my Headmistress?

"Headmistress McGonagall," he acknowledges, nodding to her.

"I'm glad I caught you before you're off to your new school," she began softly. "I wanted you to know that I've observed you over the years here at Hogwarts. While our paths have not always been easy, I am genuinely proud of the growth you've displayed within this past year along with the man you're becoming." Her smile is bright as her voice carries pride yet a tinge of sadness.

Draco forces a smile, acknowledging her compliment, however he doesn't believe he deserves her words.

She gauges him and then adds, "Whatever your future holds, I have every confidence that you'll make a difference. Hogwarts will miss you, but I am hopeful for the path that lies ahead for you."

McGonagall reaches out her hand for Draco to take, he takes it feeling the warmth of her and shakes it.

Before he pulls it back, she cups his hand with her free hand, giving him a sincere smile, "Goodbye, Draco."

He smirks at his soon to be previous Headmistress, "Goodbye, Minerva."

They both take back their hands and nod to one another before going their separate ways. As he's about to enter the common room Alaric flags him down.

Alaric lightly jogs towards Draco before the door closes on him. They're both standing on the inside of the Slytherin common room.

"I wanted to say goodbye personally, before you're off," Alaric states to him.

Draco smiles softly at his American friend. The realization of his bias of the blood superiority and disdain for American's has withered away, causing Draco to smile a little wider. Alaric pulls on the back of his neck, his facial expression indicating he's hesitant to say something. Draco looks at him, his own expression silently asking him to 'go ahead,' as they make their way further into the common room, towards their spot.

"Pans told me what happened."

He stops in his tracks, he forces his eyes shut, tilts his head back and exhales, as if he's breathing out the shame and guilt sewn into him, but no amount of exhaling will ever rid himself of what rightfully belongs to him. Draco looks back to Alaric, who's gazing at him with sympathy. They continue their walking, nearing their spot in the Slytherin common room.

"Sometimes life pulls you apart to push you back together," Alaric says to him as they both find Pansy sitting on one of the tufted sofas.

She's staring at the floor while occasionally drinking from one of the Moonshine jars, not acknowledging the boys.

"You just have to become the people who y'all are meant to be, then the universe will do its thing." Alaric finishes, still gazing at Pansy.

The idea of not being in control frustrates Draco. He's finally gotten to a place in his life where he feels he's able to control his own actions. Then the realization of still choosing the wrong decisions is why he's in his self-induced predicament in the first place.

I do need to do better. To be Better.

Not just for Hermione, but for myself.

Draco nods his head in understanding, fully absorbing his words. Alaric steps forward and pats Draco on the back before Alaric shoves his hands in his trouser pockets, glancing at Pansy one more time to then walk towards the dorms.

Once Alaric is out of sight Draco walks up to Pansy, still drinking the Moon-Juice.

"Hey, Pans," Draco says softly to get her attention.

Pansy doesn't look at him as she takes another swig of the jar in her hands. "Hey," her voice is hoarse and holding a sadness he hasn't encountered from her.

"Are you okay?"

Pansy scoffs, "Am I okay?" Shaking her head, now looking at Draco, "Are you okay?"

He takes a deep breath while rubbing his chin before he answers, "I'm holding in there."

"Right, so in other words you're falling apart."

Draco doesn't have the energy to mask anymore and definitely doesn't have the energy to lie. He simply nods to her assessment of him falling apart.

"Well, I'm heading back to the manor," Draco states to Pansy.

She nods her head once and pushes herself off the sofa, placing the drink on the table in front of her before walking over to him. Pansy opens her arms to Draco as she nears him, he wraps both of his long arms around his short friend. They hug each other tightly. Draco rests his cheek on Pansy's head.

They remain in this embrace for a long moment of silence.

"We fucked up," Pansy says without moving.

Draco forces his eyes shut, fighting like hell to not shed a tear. "I know," he whispers to her.

* . * . * . . . * . * . *

He stands by his large bedroom window looking down below, reminiscing about the day Granger and him ate in the gardens. Then the memory of them dancing in the drawing room fills his mind followed by shame. A soft knock on the door is heard, pulling his thoughts away. He turns and goes to open his door, finding his mother smiling brightly at him.

"I'm so delighted in knowing that you're safe and everything is finally over."

Draco nods at his mother, not being able to smile back at her.

"Darling what's wrong? You don't seem the least bit excited to have your freedom or your wand back..." she says, gauging her son.

"It seems as though I've managed to fail at another thing in my life," Draco scoffs at himself.

Narcissa's brows pull together in confusion. "Fail? Another? Draco, what are you talking about?"

He tilts his head back, exhaling his annoyance of himself, "I failed her."

"Failed her? Will you stop being so vague?"

"Granger. I failed Granger. Again!" Draco says as he's turning to face his mother.

Narcissa brows are still pulled together with confusion, shaking her head at him, not understanding what he's referring to.

"Darling, she's not important. Yo-"

Draco's face contorts into rage, cutting off his mother. "Not important!?" He shouts at her.

Her eyes widen at her son's outburst.

"She's everything! She means everything!" Draco continues to yell at his mother through narrowed eyes.

A flash of horror flickers in her eyes, she clutches her Victorian necklace as she takes a step back. "Draco, please, tell me, you don't have feelings for that.. That-"

Draco's eyes go wide at what he thinks his mother is about to say.

"Don't you dare finish that thought!"

His mother's expression is horrified.

"I don't ever want to hear that term in this house, most importantly in front of me," Draco sternly says to his mother.

Narcissa's face contorts into a disgusted scowl. "I came to inform you about the portkey your new Headmaster sent for us to attend a meeting with him." She glares at her son. "We leave in 20 minutes," Narcissa demands before she turns and stalks down the hall.

* . * . *

Draco and Narcissa share scowls as they use the moonstone portkey that was sent to them by Durmstrang's Headmaster to arrive inside his office. They take notice that he's not currently present in his office. Draco looks around the room, admiring the sleek black marble walls and floors, the ceilings are several meters high, taking note that there aren't any windows.

How odd.

His eyes fall on the four small tapestries on the walls showcasing the four houses of Durmstrang. Soscrofa: A wild boar; its house color is gray. Ucilena: a killer whale; its color is black. Vulpelara: an arctic fox; its house color is blue. And Wolverine: a wolverine; its house color is green. Underneath them on a thin, long accent table is a small gray snake-like sculpture, the creature is erected on its tail with small wings spread out.

"Ah, welcome to Durmstrang Institute!" A voice bellows out from behind them.

They turn to find Headmaster Arkadius Petrova, he stands tall with a small smile on his face. His hair is as black as his uniform, similar to the students Draco recalls from the Triwizard Tournament days, Petrova's icy blue eyes are a stark contrast to his dark hair.

"We're beyond pleased to hear of your favorable trial judgment," Petrova says to Draco as he nods his head towards him. Petrova steps closer and gently grabs Narcissa's hand, slightly bowing and kissing her knuckles in respect. "Your mother has been quite persistent in regards to your immediate transfer. She cares a great deal for you and your education," He states, straightening his posture. "We're excited to see how well you do here. I hope you'll be able to acclimate to your new surroundings," Petrova nods his head once again.

Although his words sound as though they're meant to be genuine, Draco feels that they're not. After all, he's only going to be here for 6 months. Petrova holds out his hand expectantly, Narcissa hands him the moonstone with a small smile.

She's not to keep it? Ah, wait. She's going to be obliviated before she leaves. Secrecy and all that.

"Would you like to get sorted now or after a tour of the grounds?" Petrova asks Draco.

Right.

I'm no longer a Slytherin.

"Now is fine, Headmaster," Draco nods to his new Headmaster.

Petrova clears his throat then calls out, "Dračí!"

The stone creature glows white in the corner of the room, the snake-like creature animates hissing to life. Its gray scales turn into an opalescent color, the thinner aspects of its wings are semi translucent. The creature flaps its wings lifting off the accent table and darting over to the Headmaster in a fiercely fast blur. It hurries to coil its small snake-like body on top of Petrova's left shoulder, staring intensely at Draco with its large purple glimmering eyes. The tip of its tail consists of long wispy feathers as it waves back and forth.

"Mabieldračíhad," Petrova says to both Draco and Narcissa.

What? Is that even a word?

The creature turns its head to glance towards Petrova, he does the same and nods to the creature. In another fiercely fast blur, the Mabieldračíhad flies over and hurries to coil its body around Draco's head tightly. Draco's eyes widen, unsure of what exactly the creature is doing, he's grateful for the reflective surface of the walls. He watches as its tail lifts, the wispy feathers of the tip separating in the middle for a glowing lilac colored tendril moves in a snake like manner before softly penetrating Draco's skull. The sensation is odd, it's as if a cool shock is felt as it enters, but as the creature goes through Draco's mind it begins to grow into a lukewarm feeling. The Mabieldračíhad goes through his memories, finding who Draco is at his core. The creature hisses before and retracts its tendril to fling to the Wolverine tapestry.

Wolverine.

Draco releases a quick saddened sigh, now knowing he's been sorted into another house outside of Hogwarts. But a brief wave of contentment in knowing one thing, in a sense still connecting him to Hogwarts.

At least I get to keep my color.

"Well suited! Let me escort you around the castle. My quidditch captain, Mikhailo Milković, wanted to introduce himself to you Draco," Petrova states, guiding them out of his office, the frigid air bombarding them as they walk into the dark corridors of the castle.

Narcissa takes Draco's arm, as if to take refuge from the abrupt chill in the air and as a truce to their earlier dispute. Draco cups his mother's hand and gives her a small smile, accepting her white flag, he grabs his wand and casts a warming charm on the both of them. Narcissa smiles brightly at her son. A part of him wishes he could tell her he wants to go back to Hogwarts, but he won't knowing the trouble she's gone through to get him here.

Petrova takes them all around the castle and its grounds. The castle resides on a mountain itself, hidden behind other mountains with three lakes surrounding Durmstrang. Petrova explained that the students arrive and depart on a ship, he recalls from the Triwizard Tournament days. He also informed Draco and Narcissa how his quidditch team would be using the ship again to arrive at Hogwarts for the quidditch game they're to play in a month's time. Petrova pointed out in the distance the smaller buildings of animal reserves as well as more magical creatures that reside in the Opasnyy Forest.

Draco and Narcissa were shown the four main stories of the castle. The ground floor contains the Great Hall, the Trophy room, the Runes Classroom and the Charms classroom. The first floor has the Dark arts and Defense Against the Dark arts classroom, the History of Magic classroom and the Arithmancy classroom. The second floor consisted of the library, a few empty classrooms for studying and the common rooms for Ucilena and Soscofa.

The third floor housed the Vulpelara common room and his new house Wolverine common rooms along with the Alchemy classroom. As they pass the Wolverine common room there's a group of girls giggling as they check out Draco. The one in the middle has jet black hair along with piercing blue eyes, almost resembling Petrova, her eyes are fixated on Draco as they pass the girls. Narcissa raises her brows at her son and smirks at him. This annoys Draco, he knows what she's thinking, that he would be able to get over a certain witch, but she's wrong. Draco rolls his eyes and breathes out his irritation.

While passing by several doors Draco has asked what those lead to and Petrova dismissively waved him off and hastily changed subjects, hurrying them to the fourth floor which was the Astronomy classroom and the owlery. Draco found it odd that he dismissed him and led them away from the rooms so quickly.

What is he hiding?

They were then led to the dungeons where the Potions classroom, the dueling area, kitchen and staffroom are. As they pass through the dark kitchen, he takes stock of the lack of elves in the kitchen and pays mind to the few students prepping food.

"You have students preparing food for the school?" Draco asks.

Petrova narrows his eyes at him for a split second, a micro expression one has to truly be paying attention to one's face to notice and Draco does.

"Yes, I believe in being disciplined in many facets of a young one's life." Petrova offers an answer.

Narcissa and Draco nod at his statement.

"Let me take you to meet Mikhailo," Petrova smiles at the pair as they make their way deeper into the dungeons.

They wander through barely lit corridors before entering a vast cave with ample lighting for the quidditch players flying about the quidditch pitch in the center of the spacious chamber. Although the lighting in the cave is warm, the cavern itself doesn't give off warmth due to the damp atmosphere. Draco and Narcissa take in the gray, black, blue and green tapestry hanging from imposing stone towers for audience members. Petrova guides them down the long stone path to the quidditch pitch.

Petrova quickly takes out his wand, a movement that felt menacing to Draco, and places his wand on his throat, calling out, "Mikhailo!"

A player floating on his broom observing the players flying below turns his head in the direction of the three new spectators. Mikhailo leans into his broom flying towards them, as he abruptly stops above them the wind of his movement wooshes past them. Mikhailo dismounts his broom and bow to his Headmaster, forcing himself to think their Headmaster.

"Mikhailo," Petrova states with one arm out to him, "this is Draco and Narcissa Malfoy." Then he gestures to them.

Mikhailo's eyes look to Petrova then to them, as if asking why he is being introduced to them.

"The quidditch player I was talking to you about, he's to be placed on the team," Petrova adds.

That's quite presumptuous of you. Thinking I'm good enough for your team and then thinking I'd join without asking.

Mikhailo nods his head yes, "Ah, right Malfoy, thank you Headmaster," his eyes still on Petrova pretending to know what his Headmaster was talking about.

Petrova turns to Narcissa and Draco, "Well, Draco I will leave you with Mikhailo, and I will take you back to my office Mrs. Malfoy." He nods to Narcissa with a smile.

Right, she's to be obliviated then sent on her way.

Narcissa and Draco share sad smiles before she hugs him tightly.

"Goodbye, dear," she says to him before leaving with Petrova up the stone pathway out of the quidditch cave.

"Just so you're aware, Petrova hardly talks to the students and has a temper so a good 'yes sir' to most things out of your mouth would be best." Mikhailo states once out of ear shot of Petrova and his mother.

Draco nods as he shoves his hands in his trousers breathing in an uneasy feeling. "Thanks for the heads up."

Mikhailo looks down to Draco's rolled up sleeves, noticing his Death Eater tattoo, nodding in understanding. Draco instinctively rolls down his sleeves, shielding his evidential mark for being on the wrong side of history. Mikhailo takes notice of Draco attempting to hide his past.

Mikhailo rolls his sleeve up to display his own Death Eater mark. Draco clutches his jaw as his eyes scan the matching tattoo they share then looks up to Mikhailo and nods dismissively.

Mikhailo moves closer to Draco, "I sense your hesitation. I would like to offer that this was forced upon me. Keep your true allegiance close to your heart, not everyone here shares our ambivalence."

Draco tilts his head, thoughtfully gazing at Mikhailo with wide eyes, baffled at his ability to determine the true meaning of his hesitation.

Is he a Legilimens?

Mikhailo stands straighter and takes in a deep breath as he steps back, nodding once for his answer. With wide eyes Draco nods once for his understanding, looking at Mikhailo's stoic face and then to his broom in his hand. He notices that the broom is a few seasons behind, indicating that any and all money that could have come from Krum has dried up. Draco takes another look at Mikhailo's uniform which has seemed to dull over the years and the pattern being out of style.

"So, Malfoy," Mikhailo begins.

"Draco," Draco corrects, smirking at Mikhailo.

Mikhailo nods, "Mickey," then gestures to himself. "So, Draco, what position would you like?"

"I don't have to go through a tryout?" Draco narrows his eyes in suspicion.

Mikhailo does a dismissive wave of his hand, "We're aware of your talents. No need to waste time."

"I wouldn't go through a hazing process?" Draco asks pointedly.

He darkens his eyes and smirks at Draco, "Never said that."

Draco exhales in defeat, he should have expected that much.

"Honestly, Mikey, I'm not sure I want to play." Draco states, exhaling.

Especially if it's not for Hogwarts.

Mickey nods his understanding, "Hopefully that decision won't cost you."

Cost me?

"Petrova was under the impression you'd play for us. He doesn't do well when one deviates from his ideas." Mickey says with raised brows.

Draco lets out a huff of irritation but he doesn't change his mind. He thinks whatever punishment will be casted for him will be deserved, because he deserves punishment for the hurt he caused Granger.

Friday, 4th of December 1998

Blurred visions of being in the drawing room that hold ugly and beautiful memories of his favorite witch. He watches in horror as Hermione's hair is wrapped around his father's hand. Her white layered ballgown scrunched as she clutches onto his hand, attempting to ease the pain as he violently whips her around. His father screams in her face, "Filthy fucking Mudblood!" Lucius' fists gripping her hair tighter yanking her head back and forth. Hermione screams in both pain and panic. Draco forces himself to wake, needing the dream to end. His breaths are heavy as he slowly tries to separate himself from his demented nightmare.

As he flings himself up on his bed, looking around to find that he's in his new dorm in the Wolverine common room. He takes in the cold and unwelcoming atmosphere, recalling Lila bringing his belongings along with his new uniforms that he's to wear. He lets out an exhale to push out the nasty dream from the forefront of his mind and dress himself in his new uniform.

Looking at the silver haired boy in front of him as he peers into his mirror, he takes in the lackluster brown wool jumper and matching trousers. His belt is black and thick around his waist while his black shoes are reminiscent of combat boots. He's disgusted by the sight before him, wishing he was in his Hogwarts uniform.

He turns to grab his wand on his stone desk, as he picks up his wand he notices a certain green leather journal. Guilt and shame bombard him. He closes his eyes to push out those feelings, deciding to cling on to the spoken words of his favorable redhead, 'she'll forgive you.' Leaning into this sense of denial about things being over, about them being over, he attempts to send it back to her. But seeing how it materialized right back on his desk, mocking him, shows that he wasn't going to be able to get rid of it so easily.

Infuriated with its return he rips the words from the journal, tearing all the pages from it. Only for it to be reanimated in the same fashion as it once was: nearly untouched other than Granger's words written within. He casts numerous charms on it, but nothing seems to work, nothing will destroy this blasted fucking journal. When he realizes nothing will be done with the journal he begins to write to her, in an attempt to ease both their pain.

After he finds his way to the owlery to send his 5 page apology to her, he heads to the Great Hall for breakfast. Draco feels the stares from his new peers, from both the girl and the boys. The boys' are more skeptical glances as the girls' are in amusement and fascination. The black haired girl he noticed yesterday struts up to him and introduces herself to him as Katerina, giving her best flirtatious smile. But it has zero effect on Draco, if anything he finds her attempt at flirting with him desperate. He politely introduces himself and makes his way to the Great Hall.

As Draco enters he notices Mickey wave him over to sit with him. Mickey introduces Draco to Dimitri and Damon Penderguast; a set of brunette twins with light brown eyes, along with a 6th year girl named Amina Milković; Mickey's younger cousin. Mickey silently gives the impression that these individuals are the only ones to be trusted. Draco internally thanks Merlin for giving him someone to help him endure the next six months and then Mickey for extending his friendship to his trusted few.

As Draco tried to settle into his new school routine, he couldn't shake the level of apprehension he was feeling being here with each passing day. Unlike Hogwarts, where the rules and supervision were strict yet pragmatic, he felt as though he was navigating a lawless land here. The lack of oversight between students and professors alike made him uneasy. There was a dismissive attitude towards students' wellbeing. Draco witnessed on more than one occasion a student's or professor's authority perceived to be 'challenged' for the student to end up in the hospital wing, falling victim to curses and jinxes for their insolence. The blind eye everyone seemed to have to such dangerous and aberrant behavior left Draco questioning his decision to come to Durmstrang; the 'renowned institution.' Hogwarts at times had its faults, but there was a sense of care and security for everyone inside its walls. It had a keen sense of warmth and welcoming that Durmstrang undeniably lacked.

Draco began to miss these now seemingly distant treasures of a caring and welcoming ambiance. Hogwarts left an imprint on him that will last a lifetime, giving him a sense of belonging, hope, friendship, redemption and most importantly whether Draco liked to admit it or not; home.

As the week drones on, his only focus are two things, one; attempting to avoid most students and professors besides the trusted few introduced to him and two; Granger. He barely pays attention to his courses to make it through each day. He writes to her everyday in hopes to receive a potential letter from her, he'd even accept a howler from her yet nothing comes through for him. Desperate for some kind of response from her Draco begins to charm the letters as the journal was charmed to be indestructible, not giving her the option to destroy the letters, thinking that's what she was probably doing when she received them.

So he resorts to sending her howlers. No angry words written for her, just gentle reminders of his pain that he's caused and how sorry he is. With the lack of a response he reflects on his previous decision to charm the letters and hates himself for such a selfish decision, it's his shitty decisions that lead him to the exact place he is now. His last letter to her is a single howler containing five words he felt he should have told her when he had the chance.

I'm sorry,

He writes those three words he should have said out loud to her the night they made love.

I love you.

Taking out his wand, casting the charm to spell the red letter with his voice to send to Hermione. As he's to get up from the chair to leave he looks over at the journal. Knowing that a response from her isn't guaranteed but still wanting to feel her, Draco casts a reducio spell on the journal and vows to carry it with him, always..

15th of December 1998

His heart flutters as he sees his owl coming towards him, a letter trapped in its beak, hoping its contents are from a specific curly headed witch. Frantically he opens the letter to reveal that it is from a witch, just not the one who holds his heart.

Malfoy,

I fucking hate you for leaving! Granted, I did carry the team. While you've been away, we still lost our game to the fucking Gryffindors and I absolutley blame you. You shouldn't have left. We miss your stupid face, you twat. Honestly not just us, most of the school won't shut up about you. It's getting kind of annoying, really. Theo's quite jealous of your notoriety of course.

I know you're going to ask about her so I'll save you from having to write a letter.

We haven't seen much of her. She's kept to herself for the most of the time you've been gone. She stopped going to session and the hospital from what Theo's said. She's avoided all three of us like the plague, even in potions. She refuses to look at Theo or I. I'm at a loss, I don't know what to do Draco. I miss her. Ginny says to just be patient, but I just want to get past this.

So do I, Pans.

You might want to sit down for this next part, or be in a less furnitured area.

From what we have seen of her. . .

It seems like she got back together with. . . Ron.

I'm sorry, Draco.

He places his hand over his mouth in disbelief of his new haunting reality.

What have I done?

Unable to stop the intense emotions festering inside him he clutches his face, digging his nails into his own skin. His anger gradually grows.

I want Ron's head on a fucking spike.

Seeking distraction from his pained heart, he dials in on the anger and searches for Mickey. There's a small solace knowing that he'd be able to attempt to beat the shit out of Ron during the game in less than three weeks. Knowing the uniforms and brooms need an upgrade he makes a mental note of donating money for the team and much needed new equipment.

Spotting the back of Mickey's brunet head he calls out to him.

Mickey turns to the noise watching him as Draco approaches.

"I changed my mind, I want to join the quidditch team." Draco states with a hard expression.

Mickey shrugs nonchalantly, "Okay, what position?"

"Beater," Draco answers.

Because I want the excuse of beating Weaslebees cranium in with my fucking bat.

Mickey smirks and nods, "Done. We'll practice tomorrow at 4:30.

Taking note of the date Wednesday the 16th.

Wait Wednesday . . .

I haven't gone to the hospital in two weeks.

A wave of guilt crashes in.

I'll write to them and come up with another day to visit with them.

Draco releases a sigh while nodding, accepting the date and his new quidditch team member.

"I wanted to talk to you about me donating money for new equipment." Draco adds, giving Mickey a pointed look.

Mickey gives him an unsure face, "Although I agree we need new equipment I don't know how Petrova might take that."

"Take that?" Draco asks in aggravated confusion.

"Illuminating a man of what he's lacking…" he gestures with his hand and grimaces in order to help him finish his sentence; a warning. "He might take it as a slight against him. Tread carefully."

Draco nods his head slowly in understanding.

Great, now I have to work my way around playing at a man's ego. Because men aren't known to have fragile egos.

Fuck.

Draco turns, shaking his head and rolling his eyes at the idea of a man rejecting money due to his pride. He marches off to find Petrova's office. As he navigates the tall dark corridors of this new school he's having a difficult time finding Petrova's office. Draco paces the hall he knew he was in when Petrova escorted them out of his office when he first arrived.

Where the fuck is his office? I know this is the right hallway.

He catches black hair out of the corner of eye, hoping it's Petrova, but sees Katerina instead. She gives him a seductive smile, and once again the effort is lost on him.

"Draco," she says in a soft lighthearted voice.

"Katerina," he nods.

His first instinct is to walk away from her, but then he thinks that maybe she could help him find Petrova's office.

"Could you direct me to the Headmaster's office? I can't seem to locate it."

She tilts her head to the side and smiles brightly at him. "In regards to what?" She asks as she places her hands behind back, seeming innocent.

Why the fuck does it matter to you?

"I need to speak with him." He offers.

She continues to look at him to finish his thought.

He exhales his impatience, hoping he doesn't seem outwardly irritated. "About money."

"Oh, giving or taking?" She giggles.

"Giving . . ." He asks with furrowed brows.

"Right this way," she says, linking her arm in his leading then the opposite way he thought the office was.

As they continue on, arms linked, he's not only annoyed with her touching him, but absolutely confused because she's leading him to the fourth floor towards the Astronomy classroom.

I swear his office was on the ground floor.

She stops them and they stand in front of a stone wall as a black wooden door slowly materializes. Draco's eyes widen at the idea of the Headmaster's office being hidden. The concept of a hidden room reminds him of the room of requirement. Katerina knocks twice before opening the door.

That's a tad brazen considering his office is literally hidden.

As the door opens to reveal Petrova sitting at his desk, he looks to the pair waiting for approval to enter. He waves his hand for them to enter, but Draco is the only one who steps forward. Katerina smiles and steps back for the door to close and disappear again. Draco takes in a deep breath before turning to face his Headmaster. Petrova neatly stacks his papers before flicking his wand rapidly causing them to disappear. Draco takes notice of the lack of chairs, indicating to him that conversations aren't long enough to garner a sense of comfortability.

Petrova gestures to him to say why he's in his office.

"I wanted to donate money to the quidditch team." Draco states.

Petrova narrows his eyes at Draco, glancing him over.

"For what purpose?" Petrova asks in an annoyed tone.

Recalling what Mickey said earlier, Draco attempts to 'tread lightly.' "I noticed that the team's brooms are a few seasons behind-"

Petrova cuts him off. "I don't need your charity, boy," he states in a firm tone as he glares at Draco.

Inhaling and taking another approach to the subject, he tries to play at his ego then.

"All of Hogwarts quidditch players have the latest equipment. I would hate to one: lose because they have faster brooms and two: show up with lackluster quidditch uniforms."

"Lackluster?!"

Draco, knowing that this approach seems to be working, continues.

"My first thought when I saw the team's uniforms." Nodding his head in respect to his Headmaster.

Petrova exhales through his nose to display his flared nostrils.

In his last effort to sway him, "I'll pay for it all. All new equipment. Brooms, uniforms, whatever we need to win."

Petrova's hard expression softens into a disingenuous smile, raising his arms in a welcoming gesture. "Draco my boy, this is an excellent idea, yes? How can I reject such a generous offer?" Then Petrova's eyes darken, and adds, "I think it will be best if we create a vault to properly keep track of such an investment."

Draco, knowing what he's going to say next, watches as Petrova strides over to him.

Side hugging him, "Best if there's enough galleons for future years to come. Yes?" Petrova says, giving him a pointed look to not disagree with him.

Annoyed but unwilling to stop now, "Of course."

Petrova yells his excitement in Russian, patting Draco hard on the back. "Such a generous boy! I'm so pleased to have you here at my school."

Wanting to get away from him and this conversation Draco says, "Right, best be off to collect your galleons."

This conversation just cost me 5 times more than I originally thought.

"Yes. Yes!" Petrova cheers, his new Headmaster's voice losing its volume from behind him as he stalks off.

"Wait!" Petrova calls out.

Draco turns to see his Headmaster taking out a handkerchief and grabbing a moonstone on the accent table next to the creature that housed him. "You're allowed to apparate or floo off grounds, however one needs a portkey to return." Petrova informs, handing Draco the carefully wrapped portkey.

Of course. Secrecy and all.

Petrova smiles before sending Draco on his way. The sound of wood bending and creaking as the door slowly appears, opening it to leave. Darting down the hallway and heading to his common room in order to floo to Gringotts to create a vault with more money than it's worth.

Wednesday, 16th of December 1998

Draco hovers several meters in the air on his new broom, along with the rest of the team. They're all sporting their new crisp quidditch uniforms. No one except Mickey thanked Draco for the new equipment and uniforms. Mickey gave Draco a quick warning regarding the hazing initiation that was about to commence, and was told to "Not take it personally," before Draco was subjected to relentless never-ending drills that tested his endurance. They pushed him beyond his limits, demanding perfection while punishing any glimpse of weakness. Not only does Draco have to rewire his brain for the beater's position but to add to this arduous ordeal some of his new "teammates", mainly a twat named William, thought casting curses and jinxes for him to evade would be an excellent idea. It wasn't. It was fucking hell for him. As "practice" continued the hazing escalated with each passing moment, Draco seemed to be nearly in a state of survival. As they near what Draco thought would be the end of this Merlin-forsaken practice, the tides change when he begins to continuously evade blows of his teammates attempting to knock him off his broom. Wildly flying around as he barely dodged them, he notices the sun hanging low in the sky as Draco realizes he has found himself outside, the icy winds scratching at his cheeks.

Some team members followed William as he chased after Draco. The idea of knocking him off his broom left behind and replaced with casting curse after curse at him. Luckily Draco's skilled enough to dodge the majority, thankfully only getting hit with a few stinging jinxes. However, it's William's' final curse that changes the trajectory of his night. William casts a red curse at Draco. A curse he's cast himself and had the displeasure of witnessing his deceased aunt use on Granger. His eyes widen as he instinctively aims his broom down, plummeting to avoid the spell. As he goes to pull out his wand to cast a jinx at William, another teammate bombards him, fully knocking him off his broom. Fear seeps in as his wand is no longer in his hand and he watches as the others sit on their brooms as they begin to fade from view. He quickly mentally braces himself for the pain he's going to suffer from one; falling onto lake casted in ice and two; if he somehow breaks through the ice the sting of the frigid waters.

However, to his surprise his body doesn't crash into the ice of the lake. With how high he fell, his body weight pulls him deep into the frigid lake. The icy waters shocks his body along with lack of oxygen. Desperate for air he frantically swims towards the blurred seemingly iced over surface. But his body has been pulled so deep that the surface seems as if it's miles away from him. Draco catches a glowing creature fastly approaching him. More fear seeps in, unsure of what it is. The creature swims close, it resembles a merperson, however it's not one of the three that he's most familiar with.

It's a Murdúchann.

His eyes widen. Fear encapsulates every aspect of his existence, knowing that most of the species are trapped in the Lough Neagh Lake outside of Maighdean Hospital, while this one remains free. Draco fights like hell to swim up, to break the surface, to flee from the dangerous creature.

But the creature is alarmingly fast.

As it reaches Draco, it frightens him that he's ceased moving without realizing. Stopped fighting to reach the surface. Stopped from needing to breathe.

What's happening?

The creature slows its movements as it's now a foot away from him. He takes notice of the glow of its translucent skin. It's large dull black eyes scanning him up and down. That fact that the creature lacks a mouth is alarming to say the least. A glowing long tendril hair haloing around its head. Draco's still in shock of one: not being dead and two: still not needing to breathe. Then it begins to internally communicate with him as if a hundred voice he's known all his life are talking to him at once, first recognizing his mother's voice, then Hermione's, then Pansy's, his fathers, Lila's, Theo's, Blaise, Dobby, Snape, Crabbe, Goyle, Bellatrix, Harry, Minerva, Voldemort, Dumbledore; "You're not dangerous."

Uneasiness rushes in. He's never encountered magic as ancient as this before. Then out of nowhere a calm overcomes him, all previous feelings of uncertainty and danger vanish. Being submerged in the waters he felt tingles of an immense amount of magic simply being in the presence of this creature. The Murdúchann gently grabs Draco around the waist, the sensation is exhilarating yet unsettling, feeling the pulsation of such raw profound magic as it pulls him to the surface. He breaches the surface now needing to breathe. Trudging his way to the shoreline he notices the black sky along with the twinkle of trillions of stars.

How long was I down there?

Draco turns to look at the lake, the glow of the creature barely visible in the distance, its head poking out revealing its eyes glued to Draco. As if connected through thought, a whispering echo, a warning of silence. And he understands completely, this encounter is to remain a secret. Unable to find his wand to dry himself he decides he can come back tomorrow when the sun is out and hikes back to the castle.

* . * . *

"Vŭrkolak," Draco says to the giant painting of a Wolverine it howls as it opens up to him, and boisterous music escapes. He enters the common room to find all of his teammates, a few other male students and a handful of girls drinking. He spots William and rolls his eyes.

I fucking hate you.

William's eyes widen when he sees Draco, drunken smile plastered on his face, "Draco!"

Everyone turns to him and cheers as they run up to him. Slurred 'congratulations' are spewed along with hard pats on the back for enduring the hazing process and not freezing to death in the lake.

Mickey comes up to him with wide worried eyes as the crowd leaves to continue their drinking, "Where did you go?"

He furrows his brows "Where did I go?"

Mickey steps closer, "I looked for you in the lake," stating in a low voice. "You weren't in there." he adds, shaking his head. "And it's been hours. And you're still soaked . . ." he says with a confused expression glancing at his dripping uniform.

Did it shield us from others?

Recalling that the creature whispered its warning of remaining silent he occludes those memories and chooses not to tell Mickey about the encounter. Unable to come up with an answer Draco simply shrugs his shoulders.

Mickey shakes his head in disbelief and chuckles, "Well, go get dressed then we can celebrate you properly." Slapping Draco hard on the back.

Draco winces at the sting of his slap and laughs, as Dimitri and Damon make their way over.

"Yes, celebrate with us White Boy," Dimitri bellows out to Draco.

"White boy?" He questions with his brows furrowed.

"You are pale and have white hair. No?" Damon says with his thick Croatian accent, confused as to what Draco could be confused about.

Draco laughs dismissively, "Is the alcohol good?"

"Please do not insult us." Dimitri speaks with his free hand as his other is occupied with a glass of a white milky substance.

At least it's not that Moon-Juice Alaric drinks.

Draco chuckles and nods his head yes, agreeing to drink with them.

* . * . *

Once dried and dressed he makes his way out of his dorm. More cheers are shouted at Draco as soon as he's visible to the rest of the common room partiers. He smirks at the drunken bunch. He's taken off guard when Katerina saunters over to him with two drinks in her hand, both containing the milky white liquid he saw in Dimitri's hand.

"For you, handsome." She says with a flirtatious grin, her eyes glistening with lust.

He takes the drink, but doesn't give her anything in return other than a 'thank you,' before turning and walking over to Mickey and the twins to get away from her.

"To White Boy!" Damon cheers, raising his glass in the air.

"To White Boy!" Everyone shouts in unison, also raising their glasses, including Draco, to then knock back their heads to take a large swig.

The sting of the drink hits him immediately. Burning his tongue, throat and anything else that the drink came into contact with, leaving a bitter taste in his mouth. He coughs violently then the group chuckles at his reaction.

Mickey pats him on the back to aid his coughing, "Ah, yes, drink is very strong at first. But Merlin does it taste good!"

What planet do you live on?

Katerina struts by Draco and Mickey, swaying her hips in an attempt to get Draco's attention.

Internalized eye roll.

Mickey looks at him, "You're not interested?" bobbing his head in Katerina's direction.

He grimaces and shakes his head no before taking another swig of his bitter drink. He already feels the effects of the drink; a fuzziness begins to filter around his head.

* . * . *

Draco slowly opens his heavy eyes and becomes conscious of his surroundings, noticing the stone ceiling of his dorm.

How did I get in here?

Then the click of his door closing has him trying to turn his head, but the movement is harder than expected.

"You're a hard one to crack." Katerina's voice is low and sultry.

Why is she here?

He feels the bed dip and she comes into view as she straddles him. "And took three drinks for you to show any effects," says as she takes off her shirt revealing her silky lace black bra hugging her full breasts.

Draco's eyes widen.

What are you doing?

He tries to push him off of her, but his movements are strangely forced as if he has to fully concentrate on what he's doing to move his body.

Fuck, did this bitch drug me?

I need to get out of here.

Focusing his energy on pushing her off, his body finally listens to and does as he wants. She falls off the bed with a loud thud and 'oof.'

Her expression, a mixture of annoyance and confusion crosses her face, "I've never had someone fight so hard, just lay back and enjoy it."

He looks around for his wand then remembers it's either inside the lake or around it. Katerina slowly pushes herself off the ground walking back over to the bed.

I HAVE to get out of here.

What will it take to get her to leave me the fuck alone? A memory charm?

With every ounce of his existence Draco tries to muster the energy to get away from her, wishing he had his wand to cast a memory charm on her. He propels himself forward only for him to feel as if he's falling. His body slams into a familiar green tufted sofa, breaking it in several pieces from his fall, knocking the air out of him. Sounds of a shriek and gasp are heard in the distance. Draco's muscles ache as he shifts his body, trying a different position that will let him breathe.

"Draco?" Pansy and Harry shout in unison in the background.

His lungs slowly fill with air to then breathe back out as he struggles to rise to his feet. Both Pansy and Harry leap to help their friend. Draco looks at them with wide eyes then glances around the Slytherin common room.

How the fuck did I get here?

Pansy and Harry share the same expression as they look at Draco and then to each other.

Did I apparate all the way to Hogwarts?