𝖘𝖎𝖗𝖊𝖓 - d. malfoy

XIV - breakfast and breakups

By the time Monday morning came around, the tension between Draco and Arabella had reached a fever pitch. Every time they tried to speak privately, one of their friends conveniently had something that needed their attention, dragging them away to their mutual dismay.

Arabella found herself seated diagonally across from Draco at breakfast, sneaking glimpses at him every so often as she held a conversation with her dormmates.

Owls came sweeping through the room, delivering letters and a copy of the Daily Prophet to almost every student. Conversation increased at all the tables as their occupants read the front cover of this issue of the newspaper.

"Ministry seeks educational reform, Dolores Umbridge appointed first-ever 'High Inquisitor'" Arabella read aloud to her friends, indignation growing with every word.

Skimming the article, she continued, "the Ministry of Magic passed new legislation giving itself an unprecedented level of control... the Inquisitor will have powers to inspect her fellow educators and make sure that they are coming up to scratch..."

"How is this legal?" Arabella looked up in a state of disbelief, "Is there NO regulation on the Ministry? She can practically do whatever she wants!"

She turned back to the paper. "Oh here's your Dad, Draco, hopefully he has something to say about the idiocy of this reform."

"'I feel much easier in my mind now that I know that Dumbledore is being subjected to fair and objective evaluation,' said Mr. Lucius Malfoy, 'Many of us with our children's best interests at heart have been concerned about some of Dumbledore's eccentric decisions in the last few years and will be glad to know that the Ministry is keeping an eye on the situation.'"

Arabella focused her gaze on Draco, who had a light blush on his cheeks. "What the hell? I didn't realize your father was such a bootlicker!"

Gasps rang out from her surrounding peers. "Bella!" Pansy stared at her in shock.

What? I'm right! Although... I guess I was a little harsh.

As she opened her mouth to begrudgingly apologize, Draco sneered at her, eyes gleaming with cruelty. "Watch your tongue Amour," he spat. "Dumbledore is an old fool, my father was only telling the truth."

"The truth?"

"Yes, the truth. If your father were smart he would say the same but I guess he hasn't been doing much talking lately has he?"

Gasps once again sounded. "Draco! Way too far, mate." Blaise spoke up.

Arabella's gaze hardened and her face twisted in anger.

"Fuck. You." She stood with a clatter, silverware flying across the table as she slammed her hand down. "If you ever try to talk to me again, I will rip off your dick and shove it so far down your throat that your lungs give out from the lack of oxygen."

With that, Arabella left, head held high as she sauntered away, the picture of confidence and being unbothered.

As soon as she was out of sight, her head fell and her shoulder slumped, her lip wobbling as she fought the tears that threatened to spill.

Arabella eventually found a hidden alcove covered by a tapestry and sunk down to the floor behind it. Sitting with her head in her hands, Arabella berated herself for getting so emotional. What was wrong with her? Since her parents death she was prone to outbursts, composure faltering every so often.

After sitting for a while, Arabella rose and took a deep breath, composing herself as she prepared to face the day. She strode out from behind her makeshift hiding spot, the picture of confidence.

She could deal with her emotions later.

Word Count: 678

a/n: draco's been a little too nice so far, so here's the draco we all know and love: a little bit of an asshole. Don't worry, they'll make up soon enough, but for now... let's enjoy the angry sexual tension. Anyways, thank you so much for reading! Please let me know what you though, every comment means so much. If you enjoyed this chapter, please leave a vote!

-Until next time, Sorcha