Back to Black- Draco Malfoy

24| natural

The crisp autumn air crackled with anticipation as we made our way to the Quidditch pitch, a sea of excited voices and fluttering banners surrounding us. Draco, Theo, and Blaise flanked me, their expressions a mix of pride and mischief.

“I can’t believe we’re finally here,” Blaise said, a smirk playing at the corners of his lips. “The Triwizard Tournament. This is going to be legendary.”

Draco shot him a sidelong glance, his usual arrogance on full display. “Legendary? More like a circus. Just wait until the first task, half the competitors will be in over their heads. Especially Potter.”

I rolled my eyes, but a grin broke through. The four of us had always thrived in the chaos, and the prospect of watching our fellow students face off sent a thrill through me. We could already see the towering stands filled with students from Hogwarts, Beauxbatons, and Durmstrang, their colors vibrant against the gray sky.

“Just remember,” I said, nudging Draco playfully, “You’re supposed to cheer for Hogwarts, not just mock everyone else.”

“Where’s the fun in that?” he replied, arching an eyebrow. “Besides, it’s all about survival of the fittest, isn’t it?”

As we approached the pitch, the smell of freshly cut grass mingled with the faint scent of magic in the air. The announcer’s voice boomed overhead, welcoming everyone and stirring a wave of cheers from the crowd. I glanced at the enchanted banners fluttering overhead, their vibrant colors pulsating with excitement.

“Let’s find a good spot,” Blaise suggested, pointing toward the stands. “I want to see their faces when they realize what they’re up against.”

With a shared sense of purpose, we pushed our way through the throng of students, laughter and shouts ringing in our ears. The atmosphere was electric, charged with the thrill of competition and the weight of tradition. It felt as though the very ground beneath our feet trembled in anticipation, and I knew that whatever happened today would echo through the halls of Hogwarts for years to come.

We found a spot near the front of the stands, the perfect vantage point to witness the unfolding drama. The air buzzed with excitement, students leaning forward in their seats, eyes glinting with the promise of spectacle. I settled between Draco and Blaise, feeling the warmth of their camaraderie.

“Look at them,” Blaise murmured, gesturing toward the Beauxbatons delegation, their elegant robes fluttering as they moved. “So confident. I wonder how long that will last.”

“Confidence doesn’t win tournaments,” Draco replied, his gaze fixed on the Durmstrang students, who stood apart, exuding an aura of intensity. “They might be tough, but they’re in for a surprise.”

As the last stragglers took their seats, the announcer’s voice cut through the chatter. “Welcome, witches and wizards, to the first task of the Triwizard Tournament!” The crowd erupted into cheers, and my heart raced at the sight of the massive, enchanted clock looming above the pitch, its hands ticking down to the start.

“Let’s hope they don’t embarrass us,” Draco muttered, crossing his arms. “Especially Potter. Can you imagine the headlines?”

“Don’t underestimate him,” I countered, glancing at Draco. “He’s faced worse than this.”

Draco scoffed, but I could see the flicker of respect in his eyes. The tension mounted as the announcer detailed the task ahead—retrieve a golden egg guarded by a dragon. A collective gasp rippled through the stands, followed by a chorus of cheers and shouts. I leaned forward, caught up in the moment.

“Dragons? This is going to be brutal,” Blaise said, his excitement palpable. “I can’t wait to see who comes out on top.”

As the first champion stepped into the arena, a hush fell over the crowd. I could feel the weight of the moment pressing down on us, an unspoken bond of shared fear and exhilaration. The dragon roared to life, its scales glinting menacingly in the sunlight.