The Dragon in The Ice Fortress- Draco Malfoy

4

Early Sunday morning, I'm yanked from my cozy sleep by a persistent tap on my shoulder. Groaning, I squint at the sunlight slicing through the curtains, making out whisps of platinum hair hovering just above me.

"Draco, if this isn't important, I swear I'll—" I start, but he cuts me off by pulling the covers off with a dramatic flourish.

"It's Halloween," he announces with a smirk.

I blink at him, still half-asleep. "And?"

"We should throw a party."

I roll my eyes and burrow back under the covers. "You can throw a party. I'm going back to bed."

"No way," Draco says, gripping the covers with a firm hand. "This party needs to be epic, and I need your help."

I sigh dramatically, sitting up with resignation. "Okay, fine. What makes this party so crucial?"

"We're inviting the Golden Trio. And I need your charm to get them to come."

I raise an eyebrow. "So, you want me to get convince them to come to your party, where you can pull whatever prank you've been scheming?"

Draco's grin widens, the kind that makes my heart skip a beat even though I pretend not to care. "Exactly."

"Alright, spill the details," I say, folding my arms. "What's the plan?"

He launches into his spiel about Harry Potter's ability to speak Parseltongue, which Draco believes is a sign of something sinister. 

"You really need to stop obsessing over Potter," I sigh. "Why not focus on something less... creepy?" Draco's intensity doesn't wane. "So, what's in it for me if I help you?"

He looks momentarily stumped. "You get to be part of the most exclusive Halloween party of the year."

I laugh. "That's not enough. If I'm helping you, I want a little more than just a party invite."

After some back-and-forth, we strike a deal. My reward? Draco's promise to sneak in some alcohol and to match costumes with our group—a condition that I find delightfully petty but amusing.

A few hours later, I spot Harry in the Great Hall, his unruly hair making him easy to pick out. I bounce over with a grin.

"Harry!" I call, waving him over.

He turns, his face brightening. "Thalia! What's up?"

I give him my best charming smile. "I'm inviting you to a Halloween party tonight. It's in the Slytherin common room."

Harry looks at the parchment I hand him with a raised eyebrow. "A Slytherin party? Sounds risky."

"Come on, Harry," I nudge him playfully. "It won't be as fun without you guys."

He hesitates, then chuckles. "Alright, I'll think about it."

"Fantastic! Hope to see you there!" I call as he heads back to the Gryffindor table.

Triumphant, I saunter back to the Slytherin table, plopping down next to Draco and snatching the apple from his hand.

"Drinks are on Draco tonight!" I announce with a grin.

Daphne and Pansy cheer, while Draco shoots me a mock-glare. "How did you manage that?" he asks, his skepticism clear.

"Trade secret," I say with a wink, enjoying the hint of blush on his cheeks. He rolls his eyes but can't suppress a small smile as he turns away.

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By the time the party starts, the Slytherin common room transforms into a scene from a haunted mansion. Greenlight filters through the dungeon-like windows, casting eerie shadows over the high stone walls. Cobwebs and floating jack-o'-lanterns hang from the ceiling, their sinister grins flickering in the dim light. The entire place pulses with an air of mystery and magic, perfect for a Halloween night.