blurred lines [draco x reader]

11 ౨ৎ | dittany and deceit

The next morning marked the start of the Triwizard Tournament. As usual, Hermione arrived bright and early to walk with you to breakfast. When the two of you sat down, Ron and Harry were already deep in a debate about what the first task might be.

"It's bound to be some sort of creature," Ron groaned, folding his arms.

"Not a chance. They'll switch it up from last year—it'll probably be something involving dark magic," Harry countered.

"You're both wrong," Hermione interjected. "Didn't you hear? Cedric said he was told to meet at the Quidditch field first thing after class."

"Quidditch?" Ron scoffed. "How in Merlin's name is that supposed to be a challenge?"

Harry chuckled beside him, equally skeptical.

"Obviously, it's not going to be a regular Quidditch match. Whatever the challenge is, everyone will definitely be up in the air."

Knowing the challenge would be held on the Quidditch field eased your nerves a bit. Despite your feelings toward Cedric, you couldn't stomach the idea of him getting hurt. Lost in thought, you lazily pushed your food around on your plate until the others fell silent, their attention turning toward you.

"Y/N?" Harry asked. "Are you alright? You seem a bit... distracted."

You snapped out of it, thoughts of Cedric and last night's agreement with Malfoy still swirling in your mind. Quickly, you replied, "It's nothing! Just didn't get much sleep last night."

"So, will you be coming, then?"

"Of course!" you assured him with a small smile. "I'll find you guys in the stands after class."

Herbology with Malfoy was the last class of the day. You entered the greenhouse and unlike the days prior, he casually acknowledged your presence with a slight nod. Madam Pomfrey instructed the class to pair up for extracting and processing dittany. Malfoy's usual entourage looked surprised as he approached you eagerly.

"Oh so the plan is already in motion?" you questioned with a smile. 

"Shut up. If you want to make this convincing, we need to give them something to talk about," he muttered.

You watched as he quickly flipped through the textbook, then began crushing the dried leaves with a pestle. "Well, aren't you going to help?" he snapped.

"Might be a bad time to mention this, but Herbology isn't exactly my strong suit. Beauxbatons isn't surrounded with any greenery."

"So let me get this straight, the girl who promised me three months worth of Herbology homework can't even tell the difference between gillyweed and a dittany leaf?".

"I never claimed I wouldn't be able to figure it out!" you shot back, a hint of defensiveness in your tone. "And a deal's a deal—there's no backing out now."

He rolled his eyes and continued to grind. "At least be useful and grab the salt water" he ordered.

You added fifteen drops of the solution to the leaves, watching as the potion began to take shape. Madam Pomfrey strolled by and offered you both a sweet, approving smile.

Still walking around the classroom, she announced, "Now, students, what we have created here is Essence of Dittany, a powerful remedy with curative properties. It can be used on most wounds for immediate healing."

Draco nudged you with his elbow and whispered, "Better be saving some for Cedric, he'll need it after today's challenge."

You shot him an annoyed glare, but his amusement only deepened, a sly smirk spreading across his face.

"Speaking of the challenge, we should go together," he said casually while tidying up the workstation.

"Together? So soon?"

"Why prolong this whole dating charade? Plus, Cedric is bound to notice us at least once" he replied bluntly.

"I suppose you're right... let's just make sure to sit far away from the Gryffindor stands," you chuckled, silently recalling your earlier agreement to join the trio.

"Don't have to tell me twice," he scoffed.

Madam Pomfrey dismissed the class, and a group of Slytherins lingered outside, waiting for him. "Coming, Draco?" a girl asked, her tone dripping with desperation.

"I've made other arrangements," he replied coldly while intertwining his fingers with yours.

You didn't need to look back to sense their disbelief. As the two of you headed toward the Quidditch field, a wave of regret washed over you. The weight of all those eyes on you was becoming increasingly uncomfortable.