The Forgotten Potter; DM

XL. The Tasks

A/N: Writing in italics is Theo's notes, regular font is for the actual scene and dialogue.

[3364 Words]

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September 9th, 1994
Task #13: Longest without insulting the other

Theo set down his quill on his book which remained open on the Slytherin table in the Great Hall. They had just thought of a new task for the two, and as the pale boy shared a smirk with Blaise, both boys silently agreed neither Ivy or Draco would last longer than five minutes.

Davina's watchful brown eyes glanced between the two competitors who stayed unusually quiet and refused to look at anyone, focusing on their breakfast.

"Are you planning on remaining silent all day?"

They both gave her mere glances but said nothing.

An idea popped into Daphne's head and she smirked, "Hey, Draco. Ivy looks really pretty today, don't you agree?" Draco looked at the blonde in bewilderment before his grey eyes darted to Ivy's. Blaise snickered. "And, I mean, you do have to agree."

Draco grit his teeth in annoyance, "Sure."

A small, amused expression appeared on Ivy's face- a twinkle in her green eyes, a tug at her lips. She stared forward at Draco. "You should tell me that. Tell me, properly."

All their friends looked amused and expectantly at Draco who rolled his eyes before blankly staring at Ivy. Meeting her eyes, he paused for a second then looked her up and down as best he could.

"Ivy... you look... beautiful. Today."

A satisfied grin appeared on the girl in front of him, adding to his annoyance.

"Aww, thank you, Draco. You're so sweet."

Blaise had laughed, "You must really mean that. Daph only said pretty, beautiful was your own word."

"I was thinking that, too!" The blonde agreed with him.

"Shut up, Zabini," Draco mumbled. "Hate this."

"Um, Ivy," Davina spoke up. "Is there something you want to say to Draco?"

This seemed to surprise them all as Davina hadn't really been as involved.

Ivy slowly shrugged, "No, I don't think so."

It was Theo's turn to instigate, "Are you sure, Princess? I think Draco- as a reward for his kindness- deserves a nice compliment back. Go on."

Ivy lifted her chin and stared at Draco who was beginning to look amused.

"Draco... I can not think of a compliment for you."

He jerked his head as an act of offence, "You can't think- Really, Potter?"

"Oh, forgive me," Ivy was quick to frown at him, "Thinking is something our minds do but you would clearly be unfamiliar with the sensation since you lack a brain-" Ivy abruptly gasped, face dropping in realisation. "Shit!"

Laughter filled their table as Theo called out,

"Winner: Draco!"