[HP|OC] Paint it red

Chapter 9: Princess Treatment

The dimly lit dungeon of Professor Snape's Potions classroom was abuzz with the usual clinking of cauldrons and the soft murmurs of students working through their assignments. The atmosphere was thick with the scent of potions ingredients and the occasional snatch of sharp, acrid fumes. Students were hard at work, their concentration broken only by the occasional snarky remark from their professor.

As the class progressed, Draco Malfoy entered with an air of casual superiority, his injured hand heavily bandaged and held carefully in front of him. The bandage was a glaring contrast to his otherwise immaculate appearance, and he wore a smug expression that only added to his already palpable aura of entitlement.

Professor Snape, standing at his desk with a dark expression, cast a sharp glance at Draco. "Mr. Malfoy, I see you've finally decided to grace us with your presence. How fortunate for you that your injury allows you to avoid participating in today's practical."

Draco offered Snape a grateful smile. "Indeed, Professor. It's quite unfortunate, but my injury prevents me from performing the more hands-on aspects of the potion-making process."

Snape's eyes narrowed, a glint of amusement flickering behind his steely gaze. "Yes, well, since you're unable to contribute in the usual manner, perhaps your classmates would be willing to assist you."

Draco's eyes sparkled with mischief as he turned towards the Gryffindor table. "Potter. Weasley."

Harry and Ron looked up from their work, their expressions a mix of disbelief and irritation. Ron's face turned an even deeper shade of red as Draco's request sank in.

"Malfoy" Harry said, his tone barely masking his annoyance, "what do you need?"

Draco's smile was as smooth as silk. "Since my hand is injured, I'm unable to cut the daisy roots or skin the Shrivelfig. I'd appreciate it if you could handle these tasks for me."

Ron's eyes flared with indignation. "You've got to be kidding me. Why should we do your work just because you're hurt?"

Draco raised an eyebrow, his tone condescending. "Well, Professor Snape has made it clear that we're all here to learn. Surely you don't mind demonstrating your commitment to education by assisting a fellow student in need?"

Snape's voice cut through the protest. "Mr. Weasley, Mr. Potter, you'll assist Mr. Malfoy. I expect nothing less than thorough compliance."

With a resentful sigh, Harry and Ron begrudgingly rose from their seats and made their way to Draco's side. Ron glared at Draco, his hands working with terse precision as he cut the daisy roots. Harry, equally displeased, began the tedious task of skinning the Shrivelfig. 

As they labored under Draco's watchful gaze, the Slytherins, including Dorian Valerius and his usual group of Pansy Parkinson, Blaise Zabini, and Theodore Nott, exchanged knowing glances and smirks. The scene was a source of amusement for them, and they relished the opportunity to poke fun at Draco's pompous attitude.

Pansy leaned in, her voice barely above a whisper but still audible enough for Draco to hear. "Looks like someone's enjoying the royal treatment."

Draco shot Pansy a sly smile, his pride evident. "It's only fair. After all, I am recovering from a rather traumatic encounter with a Hippogriff."

Theodore snickered softly. "A real princess treatment, isn't it? I suppose we should start calling you 'Her Highness'."

Dorian chuckled, his dark eyes twinkling with amusement. "Well, if the shoe fits."

Draco's smile widened, clearly enjoying the jabs from his friends. "I suppose so. One must take advantage of every opportunity."

Harry and Ron exchanged glances, their irritation only growing as the Slytherins continued their taunts. Despite their best efforts to ignore the comments, the mocking voices from the other table grated on their nerves.

Ron muttered under his breath, "He's such a git. I can't believe we're stuck doing his work."

Harry's jaw tightened as he focused on finishing the task. "It's just another part of the daily grind. We'll get through it."

Despite the sarcasm and smirking, the Gryffindors' faces betrayed their growing frustration. The combination of Draco's smug attitude and the added task of completing his work left them in no mood for pleasantries.

As the class came to an end, Draco's air of satisfaction was evident. He had managed to turn his injury into an opportunity for mockery, and his friends were more than happy to indulge him. Dorian and his fellow Slytherins watched with a mix of amusement and mild annoyance as the Gryffindors returned to their seats, their faces set in grim determination.

The tension between the houses remained as palpable as ever, with each side bristling at the other's antics. The day's events only served to fuel the rivalry, making it clear that the divide between Slytherin and Gryffindor was as deep as ever.

As Harry, Ron, and Hermione left the dungeon, their conversations were laced with the bitterness of the day's events. The incident with Draco had only added fuel to the fire, and the sense of animosity between the two houses was unmistakable.

When the evening approached, Dorian made his way through the castle, the weight of the day's events heavy on his shoulders. He knew that the rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor was far from over, and the stakes were higher than ever. The princess treatment that Draco had enjoyed was just another example of the ongoing discord that defined their school life, and Dorian couldn't help but wonder how long the tensions would continue to simmer before reaching a boiling point. 

As he passed by a window, he glanced out at the setting sun, its light casting long shadows across the grounds. The day had been filled with discord and frustration, but Dorian remained hopeful that, despite the rivalry and the ongoing challenges, there might still be a chance for understanding and resolution. Can he and that Gryffindor girl be together in these tensions?