Staying Alive // D.M *On Hold*

1.0 - Twins and Ferrets

It had been a few days since Mia last talked to her brother. Everyone seemed to be very excited about the tournament and the new students. She was also busy with her readings of ancient runes and charms. She was planning to work on something big that included a combination of both classes. Between homework and her extra reading, she barely saw Lisa, and she was her dorm mate, let alone her friends and brother in different houses. 

Before breakfast today Harry had come to her, claiming that he had a conversation with Sirius a day before and it might be best if they talked about it a bit. So she managed to find some time for him in her busy schedule. It was the weekend and Mia had her things planned out. A day off wouldn't do her any harm.

"What did you talk about?" Mia asked curiously as she sat down with a book before looking at Harry with her undivided attention. They were arguably the most unattended part of the library, the muggle romance books section. No one but some muggle-borns visited the shelves and Mia would often seek refugee there when she had to spend long hours studying.

"He asked if I attended the tournament by my own will." His eyes searched around nervously before leaning in to whisper. "He thinks Igor Karkaroff is helping the Dark Lord. He used to be-"

"A death eater, I know." she cut him off. It made perfect sense for Karkaroff to put his nose into their lives. Especially with the dark mark showing up lately. "It makes sense. The Triwizard Tournament is extremely dangerous. If the Dark Lord is lucky you'll be dead by the end of it." 

"Thank you for the faith, Mia." he scoffed as Mia blew him a kiss. "How do you know anyways?" 

"I read old newspapers for information." Harry raised one of his eyebrows. This girl was absolutely mental and would read newspapers of wartime for information. They were disturbing. "Don't look at me like that! I know it's a strange hobby but it will prove useful one day, and you'll thank me for saving your ass!"

"I- Okay. And then he warned me about Barty Crouch too, but you already know about it. Did he really send his own son to Azkaban?" Mia shrugged.

"I'd send you to Azkaban too if you aligned with Voldemort." Harry flinched a little at the mention of Azkaban, probably due to his experience with the dementors. He nodded anyways. "Did he mention anything else? Maybe about the tasks." 

"Just that the people died in this tournament, shocking news." No matter how sarcastic he tried to be, Mia could see right through his exterior. She offered him a comforting smile, grabbing his hand in her own. 

"Don't worry, we'll just have to practice." she pulled out a piece of parchment with her free hand. On it was a list of the useful spells at the level of a fourth-grade student. They were easy but efficient. "I made that list the night you got selected. I've also been looking at some useful potions. There are some that straighten your stamina and provide you with all the nutrients you need to have. I gave that list to one of my friends, he'll be buying them from Hogsmeade today."

"He? Who is he?" Harry pushed his glasses up on his nose as he looked at her. She bit her lip lightly, avoiding his gaze and tapping her foot on the floor. Harry knew all the symbols, she was nervous. "Come on, Mia. Who is helping you?" 

"Malfoy," she whispered looking down at the book she settled on the table. It was an interesting book. The cover had a nice leathery look to it and the-

"Malfoy!" Harry exclaimed, making Madam Pince shush him. He lowered his voice before continuing. "Look at me, Mia." she raised her green eyes to look into his. "Do you really trust him not to buy poison instead of actual potions? No, do you trust him to buy anything at all?" 

"Yes." she was confident in her tone. The rabbit was out of the hat, there was nothing to hide now. "He is my friend, no matter what he feels for you or how much you hate him. He helps me a lot, Harry. I know you're busy with your own friends and life but you don't notice how he is always there for me."