| Girl on Fire |

71

DRACO MALFOY

When I opened my eyes, it was so bright. I was laying on the scratchy cotton cot in the hospital wing. I surveyed the room and saw Allison, Blaise, Theo and Enzo. But no Veronica and no Mattheo. I really hope she isn't doing something stupid. But knowing Ronnie, she probably is.

"Hey, you're up." Allison said. "Hey Ali," I said. Blaise, Theo and Enzo woke up too. "Thought we lost you there for a second, mate." Enzo said. "Can't get rid of me that easily." I said. He laughed. "Well, you look like a wreck." Theo added. "Reckon I'm still better looking than you." I replied. I looked back to Allison. She was smiling and holding my hand. "How long have I been out?" I asked. "You've been in and out for 2 days." Blaise said. I nodded. "Have you all been here the whole time?" I asked. "Ali has, we just got here last night." Blaise answered. I smiled at her. "Thanks Ali." I said. She nodded. Then she realized she was still holding my hand and started to let go. I gave it a gentle squeeze and she stopped. She smiled again and kept holding on. "I'm not sure I want to know but where's Ronnie?" I asked. They all exchanged nervous glances. "She is taking care of something," Allison said. I sat up and winced from the pain in my body. "Taking care of what?" I asked. "She wouldn't say." Blaise added. I groaned. "Great, just bloody great. She's gonna kill the chosen one and get herself the dementors kiss." I said.

"Would you calm down, I'm right here. I didn't kill him."

VERONICA MALFOY

"Would you calm down, I'm right here. I didn't kill him." They all turned around and Mattheo and I walked in. Draco sat up quickly and I rushed over to hug him. "Don't ever do that again." I said quietly but firmly. He nodded. "I love you Ronnie." he whispered. "I love you too." I whispered.

"Hey guys, can we have a minute to talk?" Mattheo asked. They all nodded. "We'll go get lunch and bring some back." Allison said. Then they left. Mattheo started pacing and I sat down. "What's going on?" Draco asked. I stared at the bandages on his body. "Tell him what you did." Mattheo said. I rolled my eyes. "I did what you both would have done if it were me. I did what I had to do, ok?" I said. "Ronnie, what did you do?" Draco asked.

"I obliviated Katie Bell." I said. His face dropped and he stared at me. "Are you mad?" he exclaimed. "I didn't have a choice." I replied. "Was this your idea? She could have-" Draco started to scold Mattheo. "It wasn't his idea. It was mine and I did it on my own. I only told him after I did it. So he couldn't stop me." I said. They both let out long sighs. "Are you sure you did it right? Will it hold?" he asked. "Thank you for your faith in my magical capabilities." I said sarcastically. "We're serious Veronica." Mattheo said. I rolled my eyes and scoffed.

"So am I. Stop underestimating me. It's getting rather boring." I said. They stared at me with looks I couldn't figure out. "What about Potter?" Draco asked. "Guess." I said. "Got off with a slap on the wrist?" he asked. "Did you expect any different?" Mattheo said. "No. It's good to see Dumbledore is still the same even in his old age." he said. I chuckled to myself. I wonder if the old man has any idea.

"Veronica, I need to talk to Mattheo about- about something so can you give us some time." Draco asked. "Why?" I asked. "Ronnie, you know what it's about. Please don't make this more difficult than it already is." he said. I sighed and gave him a kiss on the forehead. "I'll be back brother." I said. Then I walked out. I knew he didn't want me there. He didn't want me there when he had to plan a murder. I suppose I should be grateful that Mattheo is helping him but still... I know he's scared.

I don't want him to be scared.

I decided to go talk to Sev. I want to know about the Half-Blood Prince. I want to know who it is.

I knocked on the door to his classroom and went inside. He was sitting at his desk and grading papers. "Veronica, to what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked. I rolled my eyes and sat down.

"I want to know about the Half-Blood Prince." I said. He looked up sharply with a blank look. "How do you-" he started. "It's you..." I started. He paused and put his quill down. "Isn't it?" I asked. He sighed and nodded. "Yes. I am the Half-Blood Prince." he said. I smirked. "Nice name, very fitting your highness." I said smugly. Now he rolled his eyes. "Is there anything else I can do for you or-" he began. "Yes. What is the spell Potter used on Draco?" I asked. "Why?" he asked. "You know why." I said. "Fine. It's a spell I created for use on enemies. The incantation is Sectumsempra. It creates lacerations and the victims usually bleed out within a few minutes. The counter curse is Vulnera Sanentur." he said. I nodded as I wrote this down in my notebook.

"Veronica, I must warn you. Using this spell, or any fatal spell for that matter comes at a cost. Just because you won that duel, doesn't mean you've won the war. Do you understand?" he asked. "Yes. Thank you Sev." I said. He tried not to smile but I saw it. Then I left.