Falling Star

World Cup

There is so much noise and chaos it is hard to focus on climbing the many flights of stairs to our box seats. I know I should be excited to be at the Quidditch World Cup, sitting with the Minister of Magic no less, but, right now, it is an effort to keep my dinner down and try to forget about how far up we are. A comforting hand settles on my arm; I'm sure in an effort to steady me. I give a weak smile of thanks and meet my twin's eyes.

"Just a few more flights, Li," Draco chuckles.

I stifle my groan and keep walking. Of course I had to be afraid of heights when one of the most popular activities in the wizarding world including flying several hundred feet above the ground.

"Dahlia!"

I jump at the sudden call of my name and look around. A few flights above me, I spot the Weasleys, Harry, and Hermione. Ron is waving, while Harry, Hermione, and the rest of the Weasleys look a bit uncomfortable. Draco stiffens beside me. While I call out a friendly "hello," I can feel my cheeks begin to warm, and I cast a nervous glance to my father. Lucius Malfoy, always true picture of propriety and class, gives a polite greeting to the poor family as well. Everything seemed perfectly civil and friendly, but I knew I would receive an earful once we returned home. My stomach turns even more at the thought.

To say my father was less than thrilled about my placement in Gryffindor would be an understatement. It was downright disgraceful in his eyes. I was the first ever Malfoy to not be placed in Slytherin, and he never let me forget it. If he truly knew how friendly I was with my fellow Gryffindors...I shiver at the thought.

We finally reach our seats, and I sit down with relief. I am seated next to Draco, and our father is seated on Draco's other side. Mother isn't much of a Quidditch fan and had other business to attend to tonight. We quickly stand back up once the Minister arrives.

"Minister, it is a pleasure seeing you again," Father says, shaking the Minister's hand.

"You as well, Lucius. This must be Draco and Dahlia. My how they have grown since the last time I saw them," says the Minister.

Father nods and smiles.

"Dahlia, you are turning out to be just as pretty as your mother," Minister Fudge says, reaching out to take my hand.

"You're very kind, sir," I say, smiling brightly. I have learned to play well the part of a graceful, proper Malfoy lady after many years.

We once again take our seats.

"I also hear you are in the top of your class in Gryffindor. Your parents must be so proud," replies the Minister, looking to my father for confirmation.

Father's smile falters in a way that only I can tell it. "Very," he manages. The Minister then goes on about Draco's accomplishments, a topic my father is much more comfortable discussing.

I resist the urge to slink down in my seat. If only invisibility was a power I possessed. Sensing my discomfort, Draco nudges me.

"I bet you 10 Galleons the Irish stomp the Hungarians to the ground in this match," he whispers.

I roll my eyes, but concede to the bet. "You're on." Draco may be an obnoxious git to everyone else, but he has always looked out for me. We always had each other's backs, no matter what.

The game begins in a burst of fireworks. I am amazed at the skill of the athletes before me, and I find that I am really enjoying myself. Viktor Krum ends up catching the snitch, but Ireland still had a lead of 10 points.

"Looks like you just lost 10 Galleons, sis," Draco announces at the end of the game.

"Whatever, you wish you had a fraction of the talent Krum has," I laugh.

"Funny," replies Draco.

We continue our banter as we make our way down the endless flights of the arena. As we reach the last flight, we are startled by screaming. I can see spells being shot left and right, as well as fire in the distance.

"What's going on?" I ask fearfully.

Father ignores my question and grabs Draco and my arms roughly. We apparate away just as I see the Dark Mark appear in the sky.

A/N
Thank you so much for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the first chapter! I know some of the timeline/events/characters may not be completely accurate to the books, but I'm trying to make it work for my story. If you have any comments or suggestions, I'd love to hear them!