Fun Ch.11

Draco's POV

Draco Malfoy sat in the quiet of his dormitory, staring out the window at the pale October sky. The preparations for the so-called "Fun Day" were in full swing, and the castle buzzed with a forced sense of excitement. Of course, there was nothing fun about it. He knew better than anyone that the Headmistress was using this event to distract students from the looming danger outside Hogwarts' walls.

To him, it was all a charade—a pointless exercise in pretending that things were normal when nothing in this world felt normal anymore. Not with the Dark Lord's presence constantly hovering over him, pushing him toward his inevitable fate. He clenched his jaw, fingers tapping impatiently on the desk. He hated this—the waiting, the pretending.

And then there was Granger.

The more time he spent with her, the more tangled everything became. She was hiding something; he was sure of it. The way she'd reacted the night before when he mentioned her sneaking around, the way her hand had gone to her pocket like she was protecting something—it all screamed of secrets. Dark secrets that could either get her killed or pull him deeper into this mess.

Still, he was tasked with helping organize this ridiculous event, and if there was one thing Draco Malfoy knew, it was how to play the part he was given. He straightened up, pushing his chair back with a soft scrape. It was time to prepare. His role, for today, was one of a charming leader, rallying the students for a harmless day of games and laughter. It almost made him laugh.

As he walked down the winding corridors toward the Great Hall, where students were setting up booths and banners, his mind drifted back to Granger. She had looked different lately—more tired, more guarded. He couldn't shake the feeling that she was connected to something bigger than just the usual business of their little club. Something dangerous.

As he entered the Great Hall, he spotted her already there, helping a group of younger students hang colourful banners enchanted to flutter in the air like birds. Her back was turned to him, and for a brief moment, he hesitated. What would it take to push her enough to reveal her secret?

But before he could entertain the thought further, Pansy Parkinson appeared beside him, snapping him out of his reverie. "Draco," she said, linking her arm through his. "Are you actually going to help, or just stand around looking broody?"

Draco smirked, the usual facade slipping easily into place. "I'm here, aren't I? Let's get this over with."


Hermione's POV

Hermione felt a knot of tension in her stomach as she helped hang the enchanted banners in the Great Hall. The preparations for Fun Day were supposed to be a distraction for the students, an attempt to give them some semblance of normalcy amidst the chaos of the war. But all it felt like to her was another chance for things to go wrong.

Her mind was still reeling from the coded message she'd received from Harry and Ron: Separation. Locket. Danger. She had barely slept, the words playing over and over in her mind. She knew she needed to move the Horcrux, but where? How? Not to mention , she still had to plan her getaway, in order to meet up with Harry and Ron. But with Draco watching her more closely than ever, and with the Order in shambles, there was no one she could turn to for help.

She glanced over her shoulder, her eyes catching sight of him the moment he entered the hall. Draco Malfoy, strolling in with that insufferable smirk on his face, as though the world outside wasn't crumbling around them. He was infuriating, but more than that—he was dangerous. She could feel it in her bones.

As he approached, her heart raced. She quickly turned her attention back to the banners, trying to steady her breathing. She couldn't afford to let him see any sign of weakness. Not now.

"Granger," his voice drawled behind her, and she felt a familiar prickle of irritation crawl up her spine. "Looks like you're having the time of your life."

Hermione didn't turn to face him. "Some of us are actually trying to make this event enjoyable for the students."

He chuckled softly, and she could feel his presence looming just behind her. "Right. Because fun is what's on everyone's minds these days."

She tightened her grip on the banner she was holding, but before she could respond, the boisterous voice of Seamus Finnigan interrupted them. "Hermione! Oi, Malfoy! Can either of you help us with this charm? Dean keeps messing it up."

Hermione sighed with relief as Seamus and Dean stumbled over, dragging Draco into their mess. She turned her attention back to her task, but her mind wandered again to the message and the looming presence of the Horcrux in her dormitory.


Later that Day: The Fun Day

The grounds of Hogwarts were alive with a vibrant energy that almost felt real. Almost. Booths lined the courtyard, filled with students participating in various games—enchanted bowling, spell duels (supervised, of course), and even a potion-brewing contest for the more academically inclined.

Hermione found herself standing near the enchanted maze they had set up for the day, watching as students excitedly wandered in and out, laughing as they were magically spun around or temporarily transformed into animals by the tricky enchantments within.

Beside her, Neville Longbottom grinned, looking proud of the maze's success. "I think this one's the biggest hit, Hermione. Luna just got turned into a flamingo for a full five minutes."

Hermione forced a smile. "That's great, Neville." But her mind was elsewhere.

Across the courtyard, Draco was helping with the target practice booths, his usual sneer softened into something resembling politeness as he instructed the younger students on how to hit moving targets with jinxes. Every so often, his eyes would dart over to her, and she could feel the weight of his gaze even from a distance.

The tension between them had only grown since their earlier conversation, but she couldn't let it distract her. The locket was burning a hole in her thoughts. It was still in her dormitory, hidden away, but she knew it wasn't safe. She had to find a way to move it, to hide it better. But with Draco constantly watching, and her leaving soon, how?

Suddenly, a loud laugh broke through her thoughts. Fred and George Weasley had come in to set up a prank booth, complete with a series of enchanted fireworks and joke products, and the sound of exploding hats and confetti filled the air as students lined up to try their luck.

"Hermione, you've got to try this!" Ginny's voice rang out as she appeared beside her, pulling her toward the booth. "Fred and George are giving away free products for anyone who can stump them."

Hermione shook her head, smiling despite herself. "I think I'll pass."

Ginny raised an eyebrow, her playful grin turning into something more serious. "You've been tense lately. I know things are hard, but try to have some fun, okay? Even if it's just for today."

Hermione sighed, glancing around the courtyard once more. Maybe Ginny was right. Maybe she could afford to relax, just for a few hours. But then, her eyes met Draco's across the courtyard, and the brief sense of ease she felt evaporated. He was watching her again, his gaze sharp and calculating.

This wasn't over. Not by a long shot.


Draco's POV: The Evening

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows over the castle grounds, Draco stood near the exit of the enchanted maze, watching as the last of the students trickled out, laughing and chattering about their day. Fun Day had been a success, by all appearances. But Draco couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

His eyes scanned the courtyard until they landed on Granger again. She was speaking with Ginny Weasley, her face strained but trying to look casual. She was good at hiding things; he'd give her that, but not good enough.

The day had been filled with smiles and laughter, but underneath it all, Draco could feel the undercurrent of tension. Something was brewing. Something that involved Granger—and he was going to figure out what it was.

Pansy appeared beside him again, her tone light as she commented on the success of the day. But Draco barely heard her. His focus was entirely on Granger.

She was hiding something. And whatever it was, it wasn't going to stay hidden for much longer.