Staying Alive // D.M *On Hold*

2.5 - Something Horrible

Mia followed Harry to the clearing before the maze. The families of the champions were supposed to stay with them before they entered it. Allowing the journalists to have a few photographs, while they waved into the crowd, and laughed uncontrollably like Amos Diggory was currently doing. Mia could see how proud he was of his son as they stood together. The old man was jumping up and down in excitement. 

Mia's heart dropped at the sight. If only her parents had lived they would be just like him. Sirius and Remus had told them enough about her father for her to know that her father would be the most excited person in the world in such a situation. Her mother would stand aside, with worry and pride in her eyes. She could embrace Mia as Harry walked into the giant maze and they would wait together. Her eyes welled up at her thoughts. She could give up anything for a chance of a single hug with them. All these people didn't know how important those little things were for someone who had never had them. 

The Weasleys were there for Harry but it would never truly be enough. It would be better if Sirius and Remus could actually make it but people were horrible and because of that both of them were forced to stay home. 

"Please don't cry, Effie." Harry pulled her into a hug, smiling nervously to the crowd over her shoulder. "I know what you're thinking but I'm okay about it. I've got you, you're all I need." 

"Be careful, Harry," she whispered into his ear, hugging him tightly as if she would never see him again. A single tear rolled down her left cheek."Be brave and be careful. I love you so much, never forget that. You have me, no matter what." 

"I will," He told her, slowly letting her go on Dumbledore's request of gathering together all the champions. "I love you too," he offered a crooked grin. "I will give my cup to you when I get back. You can put it in your room." 

"Oh," Mia hit him lightly on the shoulder, smiling encouragingly. "I don't need a cup to prove I'm the best scar-head." She then pushed him towards their professor. "Go and come back, preferably alive." 

***

"She is looking at you, Mia. I guess she wants to talk." Mia's gaze fell onto the blonde woman upon following Mr.Weasley's eyes. The man gave her an encouraging pat on the shoulder, slowly pushing her toward Narcissa's seat. She had been so worried about her brother that she became blinded towards her surroundings. Susan got up with her to allow her the space for her to walk. Mia offered her a smile, making her way a few rows back to where Draco and Narcissa sat. 

"Lady Potter," a smile was playing on Narcissa's lips as she offered the younger girl a playful curtsy, Mia returned with one of her own. The next second she had her arms around the older woman. "I'm so sorry for what happened to you in the second task." she petted Mia's hair gently, almost making her feel emotional at the gesture. A warm hug was one of the things she needed right now, at the top of her daily goals right after seeing her brother come back alive. "Lucius opened a case on your behalf on the matter. The Ministry is in trouble for what they did." 

"He did?" Mia pulled back to look into Narcissa's light blue eyes. Her gaze shifted between Draco and his mother. She couldn't believe Lucius would go out of his way to do such a thing for her, without even a request. Narcissa's hand grabbed her right one, where her butterfly ring rested on her ring finger. The woman grazed the ring with his fingertips, before pulling Mia down to between Draco and her. It was the only answer she needed. An unspoken but very clear one. 'You're wearing a Malfoy ring, you are under our protection.'

"There are very uncomfortable situations surrounding you," Narcissa said, pulling something out of her purse. "I heard you were there when they found Mr.Crouch's body. Draco told me how much you liked these. Maybe they can help cheer you up." She handed Mia two sugar quills as the girl's face lightened up. She handed one of them to Draco without even looking in his direction.