Sincerely, Yours (Draco Malfoy X Reader)

Chapter 9 ~ Potions and Prejudices

It was lunch break and Y/n was sitting in Snape's office waiting for him. She tapped her fingers, anxiously. Malfoy was also sitting beside Y/n in the other chair, very still. They had been waiting for five minutes in complete silence, not having looked in each other's direction once.

The door opened moments later and Snape greeted them in an emotionless tone, sitting down. "I've called the both of you here today, as an opportunity has arisen for accomplished students regarding the careful art of Potion making, although accomplished might just be an understatement." Y/n was intrigued and overlooked the backhanded compliment. His cold eyes looked over both of them and Y/n's shoulders dropped slightly. "There is an upcoming Potions event, competition, fair, whatever you would like to call it. The selection of the two most highly performing students. One male and one female have been requested from each of the seven schools to participate. To my utter disdain, I have selected both of you, for your year category, This is non-arguable, you will be doing it. Questions?" Snape ended abruptly.

Malfoy cleared his throat, "Will we be receiving any more information about this Potions competition?"

Snape looked unimpressed. He handed out two, identical pieces of parchment each. "You'll be delighted to be informed you'll be missing three days of your lessons at Hogwarts. I expect you to catch up on your work, and a minimum of first place from both of you. Don't disappoint. Dismissed." Snape really had a way of cutting to the chase.

Malfoy and Y/n exchanged looks and stood up, ready to leave, "Before you leave, note that the both of you will be utilizing any extra time this month for practice, starting tomorrow. Owls will be sent." Snape finished sternly, returning to his work.

After they left his office, they both stood outside taking a minute to read the pieces of parchment.

Dear Participant,

Congratulations on being selected by your respective Potions Master for the annual Wizarden Potions Championship which will take place next month. This competition will demonstrate the talents of young Witches and Wizards, around all the Seven Schools.

Note, that this is a highly competitive championship.

You will undergo a written exam and a physical exam over the course of two and a half days. You will be allowed to complete both these exams with your selected partner.

Ensure, you are at least half an hour early for transportation arrangements made by your Potions Master. Arrangements for your stay have already been made on behalf of the AWPC.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Best of luck,

AWPC

Y/n turned over to the next page.

All materials and ingredients you require will be provided. Remember to bring your wand.

The course will range from first-year to sixth-year potions. Younger years must expect a possible potion from the sixth-year curriculum to appear.

Day 1:

Written Examination - 1hr

Brewing Competition - 4 hr 30 mins

Day 2:

Speed Brewing - 1 hr (Recipe provided)

Written Report - 1 hr 30 mins

The speed and craft of your potions will ensure a greater chance of acquiring more points. The point system will be explained upon arrival.

One final letter will be sent a week before your departure in more detail.

Malfoy scoffed, "How helpful of them to outline the topics in depth."

"If we know it all, it wouldn't matter. Besides, you need to turn the page over dim-wit." Y/n rolled her eyes, as she scanned the topic list.

Malfoy sarcastically continued, "I can't wait to spend even more time with you, Mudblood."

Y/n felt a surge of annoyance too at the realization that she would have to see Malfoy all the time. The thought left a bitter taste in her mouth, and encountering him regularly within the walls of Hogwarts was less than appealing. She could not tolerate his condescending attitude and hurtful words and she could not help but feel frustrated at the prospect of having to endure his presence regularly.

Y/n sat in the cosy comfort of the Hufflepuff common room, surrounded by her friends. As she shared her plans for the upcoming month, there was one name that elicited a less-than-enthusiastic response from Jack. "Malfoy? That arrogant ass?" he scoffed, shaking his head in disapproval. "You're going to need more than just luck to deal with him."

Aura's gaze followed the conversation, "It's a very bad idea."

Y/n nodded, "It just doesn't seem like a viable option, he and I are on two completely different wavelengths."

As Jack absently traced circles on the carpet, he remarked, "There's no way anyone in their right mind would want to be with that jerk."

Y/n listened in agreement, rising to her feet. She couldn't imagine it. She glanced at the clock and saw that it was getting close to dinner time. "Shall we head down to dinner, lovely people?" she suggested, leading the way. The three of them walked down the dimly lit halls, engaged in hushed conversation.

Jack lowered his voice, "Did you hear about Fay Dunbar and Michael Connor?" he asked excitedly, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Apparently, they were caught sneaking out of the castle last week. Roaming outside in the moonlight" Aura's cheeks flushed pink as Jack regaled them with the juicy details.

As they entered the Hall, Y/n sat opposite Cedric who was very focused on finishing his meal. They were eating fish and chips. Although the food was delicious, Y/n felt the need for some diversity. The House Elves put in lots of work, and that shouldn't be underappreciated.

Y/n's mind drifted, imagining roaming the Hogwarts gardens late at night with someone. Whom she could sit with under the stars, and talk endlessly. It seemed like a foolish fantasy.

Y/n looked up from her plate and her eyes landed directly on Malfoy. He was laughing, and their eyes met briefly for a second. She turned to look back at her plate of food. She would have preferred anyone else to do the competition with. Spending hours with him didn't seem like a good idea. At the end of the day, it only made sense to work together with how they complimented one another.

"Who's caught your eye?" Cedric asked with a hint of scepticism.

"No one," Y/n replied promptly.

"Uh-huh," Cedric retorted, "It seems like you can't keep your gaze away from the Slytherin table."

Y/n looked at him carefully, "I'm just appreciating the ambience and decor, Cedric."

He raised an eyebrow, "Is there someone in Slytherin you're interested in?"

Y/n scowled, shooing him away, thinking of what Jack had said. "Oh, shove off, Cedric. I'm honestly just looking around. You keep stealing glances at the Ravenclaw Table."

"Yeah, because I need to speak with two Ravenclaws regarding our Charms Project." he grinned back, digging into his food with renewed vigour.