Thicker than Blood (Draco Malfoy love story)

Chapter four: Competition

Draco's POV

I walk into Professor Snape's class, grateful for the potion I got from Blaise to get rid of my hangover.

I glance around at the other students, freezing when I see the yellow-eyed girl. She obviously wasn't lucky enough to have a friend like Blaise, because she looks pale and irritated, as she keeps her head down. Mid-hangover, no doubt.

I reach into my bag and grab the extra bottle I keep on me. I read the label, smiling at the handmade picture and name. "Blaise's remedy to hangovers: no more headaches or vomiting!"

I walk over to the girl, bottle in hand, determined to get some answers.

I sit down next to her and wait for her to look up. Instead, all I get is an irritated groan. "Can't you leave me to die in peace?" She mutters, barely loud enough to hear.

I smirk at her question. "Well, I could do that. Or you could look up and let me help you."

She looks up, her face a mask of suspicion and annoyance. That changes when she sees me. I watch her blush and look down, her eyes going from a dark brownish color to a bright gold.

I hand her the bottle. she reads the label, smiling and glancing at Blaise on the other side of the room. "Does it really work, or is it just more alcohol?" She asks, popping off the top.

I chuckle. "I took some this morning. It works like a charm."

She raises an eyebrow. "Because it is?"

I roll my eyes and nod. I hear her mutter something that sounds suspiciously like "asshole", before she chugs the bottle.

I can't help smiling at her face as the taste registers. It's like lemon, Polyjuice potion, and goblin piss all mixed together. I was smart enough not to ask what was in it when I drank it.

After a minute or two, her expression becomes relaxed as it gets rid of her hangover.

She smiles at me and puts out a hand, blushing profusely. "My name's Phoenix. Phoenix Beaxlin."

I shake her hand, my trademark smirk stealing across my mouth. "Draco Malfoy."

She smiles for a second, then her face lights up like she remembered something. "Hey, I was wondering--"

Just then, Professor Snape's voice booms out from behind the class. "Hello, students. My name is Professor Snape, and I will be your potions master. If you will all open your books to page 195, we will be talking about vampires."

I turn to Phoenix, about to ask her to finish her question, when I see her face. She's sitting perfectly still, suddenly very pale. I'm afraid to so much as breathe in her direction, she looks so fragile. I lean over and whisper to her. "Are you okay?"

She doesn't answer.

"Phoenix, are you--"

"Draco Malfoy, would you care to share whatever you are saying with the class? Because it is obviously more important than my lesson, I suppose?" Snape calls out loudly.

I look back at him, not embarrassed in the least. "I think Phoenix needs to go to the nurse, Professor."

He looks at her for a second, then nods. "I think you're right."

I start to gather my stuff.

"Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, and Mrs. Granger can take her. That should be enough, I suppose." He says, smirking as if he knew what he was doing to me.

I glare at him, but I don't dare say a word. I was the one who pointed it out, I'm sitting right next to her. Why isn't he sending me with her? Why is he sending those three idiots?

The trio look surprised, but they walk over and help her up. Potter stands in front of her and picks up her stuff.

She smiles at him, albeit distractedly, her eyes glued to something in the distance that no one else can see.

I narrow my eyes. It looks like I have some competition. And that just won't do...

I continue to glare at him until they leave, a dazed Phoenix in tow.