𝐒𝐎𝐋𝐄𝐈𝐋 | 𝐃. 𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐅𝐎𝐘

𝐂𝐇𝐀𝐏𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐖𝐎: 𝐒𝐏𝐄𝐄𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐒 𝐀𝐍𝐃 𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐑𝐒

Draco Malfoy's POV

I feel nauseous.

We were eating at the Great Hall and Albus Dumbledore was right there, sitting, eating, and chatting with his fellow teachers at their very own table. I thought I could handle calming myself down, and while I very much can on the outside, I'm severely panicking on the inside. How does one kill someone and not have a conscience after doing it?

And what's the point of the Dark Lord's protection when he himself can't even defeat the Headmaster of Hogwarts?

I used a fork to poke my food because I hadn't been hungry since the train ride. I looked up from my meal for a brief moment when I saw Harry Potter and Luna Lovegood walking into the Great Hall.

"Didn't Mummy ever tell you it was rude to eavesdrop, Potter?"

My eyes glinted in satisfaction after seeing Potter's bloody nose from the kick I gave him when I found out he was the one eavesdropping in our wagon. Little shit wasn't too slick on hiding, even though he could gather information from me and my friends.

Hope you liked the stories of my friends on their luxurious vacations, Potter.

However, after giving Potter and his little group of friends a few more glances, I grew bored and turned my attention back to my already cold dinner. Making fun of the Golden Trio this year would probably be at the bottom of my list, despite the fact that I always feel a tiny bit of pride and satisfaction when I pick disputes with them. Anyway, those three nosy fools don't deserve any of my fucking attention.

"Very best of evenings to you all." I heard the headmaster greet us, the students, catching everyone's attention. "First off, let me introduce the newest member of our staff... Horace Slughorn."

Horace Slughorn. He's back. I've heard plenty of things about him from others. Although he looks like a sad man with no life, he's actually smart and knows what he's doing.

"Professor Slughorn, I'm happy to say, has agreed to resume his old post as Potions Master." The headmaster cleared his throat when the clapping stopped. "Meanwhile, the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts... will be taken by Professor Snape."

As word spread that Professor Snape had finally landed his dream job at Hogwarts, the majority of students mumbled in shock and amazement. My Slytherin classmates applauded with pride, but I remained silent, given that I already knew about it. My chin rested on my palm as I let out a sigh.

I attempted to concentrate once Professor Dumbledore began telling the tale of Tom Riddle, however, I started getting distracted when I sensed that someone was staring at me. This person has been staring at me ever since I entered the Great Hall, and it doesn't seem like that person has stopped yet.

I turned to face who it was and searched around, trying not to give away that I was seeking for someone. I looked at Professor Snape, but even though he was staring at me, I was accustomed to his stare, so I knew it wasn't him. I saw the Ravenclaw table as I gazed forward. Most of them paid attention to what Dumbledore said. The Hufflepuffs were seated at the following table.

I noticed that most Hufflepuffs focused on Professor Dumbledore, but I spotted a particular individual staring at me. A girl from Hufflepuff. And she didn't even flinch as I turned to face her again. When I turn to gaze back at them, most people wince or turn away.

Then I knew exactly who it was. That was the same girl who, had I not grasped her collar, would have slammed her face hard on the ground. The clumsy girl.

My eyebrows twitched a little in confusion when I saw her tilting her head ever so slightly, her big and curious eyes studying me. What is that girl's problem?