Atelophobia - George Weasley

17 ; the swedish shortsnout

ACT ONE
scene seventeen 
THE SWEDISH SHORTSNOUT
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CASSIOPEIA MALFOY sucked in the deepest breath she could muster in a sad attempt to calm her nerves. No avail.

The announcer would be calling her name in any second. Cassie was frustrated that she had pulled the dragon with the #1 on its back. The Swedish shortsnout dragon waited just beyond the curtain, and she still held the smaller one in her hands.  I don't care what happens, I'm keeping you, little guy. Cassie thought to herself.

Bagmans words echoed in her ears. "Your task is to collect the golden egg."

Golden Egg? How in Salazars name was she going to do that?

As Bagman began to announce, Cassie moved to sit her tiny dragon down and muttered a quick spell that would keep it from going too far.

As Harry passed her, he gave her a nervous but encouraging half-smile. Cassie simply nodded back.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcoming our first champion, Cassiopeia Malfoy!"

Cassie's jaw tightened, as well as her grip on her wand. She stepped out into the enclosure.

The crowd roared, and Cassie knew the loudest cheers were coming from the group of Slytherins. However, her focus was on the large grey-blue dragon across the enclosure from her.

The poor thing was clearly riled up, irritated, and scared. Cassie knew her best bet was to remain calm. In seconds she had said the spell she created with her friends that would make her mostly flame resistant. Her skin tingled.

Let's do this thing, Cass. She thought to herself in determination. You either get the egg or die. No big deal.

The dragon had yet to notice her as she quickly slipped around the base of the rocks that lined the enclosure. That was, until she felt a rush of hot wind, saw red and orange go past her hair, and smelled her hair singeing. However, she knew that the spell was working. The flames should've burned her. Her head should be on fire. It was clear that the audience was confused as to how she had managed this.

If the situation hadn't been so dire, Cassie would've paid more attention to the Weasley Twins cheering on the fucking dragon. (and sent a vulgar hand gesture in their direction, as well).

She turned to face the dragon, peeking out from around the rock. It was closer, edging towards her. Cassie swallowed. As the beast moved near, she spotted the hint of gold behind it.

Her mind was racing with ideas, when the perfect one finally hit her. It would work, if this dragon was a female.

It moved closer, as Cassie drew her wand from her pocket.

She pointed her wand at the rock a few yards away from her, and said the spell. In an instant, an infant Swedish Shortsnout appeared. Again, if the situation hadn't been so dire Cassie would've been very impressed with her transfiguration skills. (The baby was missing a leg but oh well)

The dragon looked from her, to the baby, then back to her.

Fuck. Cassie thought.  I'm fucked.

The dragon began to come towards her faster, but in a moment of pure luck the infant cried out and the dragon changed its focus. The beast had lowered itself to check on the baby. Seizing the opportunity and the close proximity of the dragon, Cassie ran, jumped from a rock, and used the body of the dragon to flip herself to the other side. She flew through the air, and landed on the ground with perfect form.  The crowd erupted.