𝐂𝐀𝐒𝐓𝐋𝐄𝐒 𝐂𝐑𝐔𝐌𝐁𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆 (OC x OC)

[004] Chapter 22 - how did it end?

"come one, come all, it's happening again."

Makayla

I walk into Defense Against the Dark Arts with Jordyn. Everyone is staring at me.

I don't remember a thing about the second task, I just know that I almost died. They say I woke up after they got me breathing again, but I don't even remember that part.

After class, no one says anything to me. All I get are concerned looks.

Louis still isn't talking to me. And he's still with Jules. I don't know why that bothers me so much. I shouldn't care, but I do.

Defense Against the Dark Arts is my last class of the day, so I go down to Hagrid's shack. It's currently May, so I'm planning to see if he has ripe Strawberries, yet. I do this every year because Strawberries truly are my favorite fruit—or berry—I don't really know which group they're in. Either way, I want my yearly Strawberries, so I skip to his door and knock my synchronized knock.

He opens the door and isn't surprised to see me, "Strawberries?"

"Strawberries," I say, nodding.

He can't help but chuckle as he waves me inside and walks to his fridge. I walk in and meet eyes with Harry, Hermione, and Ron. They're sitting on the couch, doing nothing.

Boring.

Hagrid hands me a basket that's full of ripe Strawberries. I smile brightly, the smile growing more when I see that Hagrid mixed them with sugar, just how I like them.

I sit next to Hermione as I start eating the strawberries. Harry clears his throat, asking, "How are you doing, Malfoy?"

The sound of my last name kind of bursts my bubble. Even though I haven't been that bothered by the misplacement of my first name for everyone but Ann, Jordyn, and Louis, I still don't enjoy the name.

I could've had any first name, but I can't choose my last name. Not even my parents can. As if they'd choose anything else if given the chance.

I shrug lightly, swallowing the bite of Strawberry that's in my mouth. "I've been fine," I say nonchalantly.

"Do you still not remember anything?" Ron asks.

I shake my head, "I only remember sinking to the bottom of the Black Lake, then waking up in the medical wing."

"So you haven't got a clue who saved you?" Hermione asks.

"The only thing that included saving someone that I remember is me saving Louis."

The room falls silent as the 'Golden Trio' just nods. I take another bite of a Strawberry as Hagrid clears his throat.

"Would you all like to help me and Fang scout in the Forbidden Forest?" he asks.

The three of them accept as I nod. "Sure, but can I keep these Strawberries here? I think Mackerel is allergic."

"Er—Of course!"

I smile, putting the Strawberries back in the fridge.

Harry gets a lantern from Hagrid before we set off.

Harry and I are walking ahead of Hagrid, Hermione, and Ron as Hagrid shouts about how one of us is going to win the tournament. I've had a headache for a few minutes now, and it's getting aggravating.

"I have a headache..." Harry murmurs, rubbing his forehead.

"Same..." I murmur back.

We round a tree and the headache intensified, causing Harry to hiss and causing me to wince in pain.

It seems to always be Harry and I who discover things like this, I swear to Merlin.

Lying against the tree is Barty Crouch.

He's dead.