𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 (OC x OC)

[004] Chapter 20 - the albatross

"swept into the rescue."

Makayla

I wake up at two in the morning two months later to Dobby jumping on my bed. Once I realize it's him, I quickly grab him by the ear and drag him out of my dorm and downstairs into the common room before he wakes Jordyn and Pansy up.

"What the hell, Dobby?" I whisper as we reach the bottom of the stairs.

"I'm sorry, Miss Malfoy—Dobby didn't mean to intrude!" he tries to defend himself as I glance at the clock.

"It's two in the morning!"

"Why—yes, indeed! This was the only time Dobby could get in touch with you!"

"Why the hell would you need to get in touch with me?"

"To help Makayla Malfoy with the next task!"

My expression softens. The next task is tomorrow and I still haven't figured out the riddle. Louis was originally going to help, but he and I haven't spoken since the Yule Ball. I still ponder over what he meant when he said he was jealous of Grayson. What could he be jealous of Grayson for?

Nothing is the short answer.

I sigh, asking, "What do you mean, Dobby?"

"Dobby knows that Makayla Malfoy isn't aware of what the second task is, so Dobby decided to help. Dobby brought you some Gillyweed to help you with the next task."

I roll my eyes as he mentions Gillyweed, saying, "Where the hell did you get Gillyweed?"

"This is not important!" Dobby says as he pulls Gillyweed out of nowhere, gesturing for me to take it.

The moment I take it from his hand, he snaps his fingers and disappears. At that second, Mattheo walks downstairs, rubbing his eyes.

"Have you seen Louis, Malfoy?" he asks groggily.

I hold back a scoff as I roll my eyes, "He's your friend, isn't he?"

"I mean—you told Cedric—"

"He's not here," I interrupt him coldly.

Mattheo sighs, asking in an annoyed tone, "You two aren't still fighting, are you?"

"What would make you think that?" I ask sarcastically.

"Listen—" he breaks his sentence with a sigh before continuing to talk, "do you seriously not understand what Louis meant?"

"Duh, it made no sense!"

"You sweet summer child—" he says, chuckling like it's funny.

"Are you saying that you understood it?"

"Yes, Malfoy, I am."

"That's not fair!" I exclaim. "You're an idiot!"

Mattheo rolls his eyes as he says, "Like you're any better."

"I actually am better!" I say, puffing my chest up to look proud.

"I've seen you at the 'Family Meetings,' Makayla!" he scoffs. "You look like you're lost all the time!"

"Maybe because I don't pay attention!" I point out. "I never did, because I didn't care!"

"You should care!" he bites back. "You, me, Theo, and Jordyn are getting it this year! As well as a few of the others!"

"Don't you think I know that?" I don't even realize that I'm raising my voice as I defend myself. "This has been what I've been dreading since Voldemort tried to kill me the first time! I don't want to get the—"

Louis walks down the stairs of the girls' dormitories, saying, "Get what?"

Mattheo and I look at him with matching confused expressions. Why is he up there?

Then my expression falters at the sight of Jules Lestrange walking down the stairs and standing next to him, taking his arm.

"What's going on?" she asks.

Mattheo clears his throat before saying, "Nothing."

"Is something—" Louis starts.

"It's nothing!" I snap, interrupting him.

His expression and Jules rests her chin on his shoulder, whispering in his ear, "I'm going back to the room."

He nods as she returns upstairs. My eyes linger on where she used to be, confused.

"So," Mattheo says before clearing his throat. "You're dating Jules now?"

"I mean—Yeah—?" Louis stammers.

Mattheo rolls his eyes before saying, "I'm surrounded by idiots."

I sigh and just walk upstairs, ignoring the fact that Louis is there as I walk past him. He stays behind before following after me.

"Makayla, wait—"

I ignore him as I go to open the door to my dorm.

"Makayla, please—just listen to me—"

I roll my eyes, quickly turning to face him. He's right behind me, so close that I have to look up to meet his eyes.

"Makayla, I know that you're mad at me—"

"Are you going to tell me what you meant that night at the Yule Ball?" I interrupt him.

He sighs, hesitantly saying, "No... I can't—"

"Then, goodnight, Louis," I say, turning the doorknob.

Before I can open the door, he pulls it closed, putting his hands on my shoulders. "Let me talk, Makayla!"

I roll my eyes and just stay quiet. After a few moments of silence, he exhales and lets go of my shoulders.

"I am sorry for the way I acted at the Yule Ball," he says, his voice softer than before. "But I have every right to think that Grayson is horrible for yo—"

I sigh, "Bye, Lupin."

I turn away from him and open the door as he says, "I'm sorry that I'm worrying about your heart getting broken!"

"And I'm sorry that you hate your best friend for no reason," I say as I walk into the dorm. Just before I close the door, I turn to him and say, "Goodnight, Lupin."

He's about to say something before I slam the door in his face. I'm thankful that Jordyn and Pansy are heavy sleepers and didn't wake up because of that.