SLITHER IN! → S. MALFOY

ACT II, SCENE II: LOVE ME

C H A P T E R  T W E L V E

SETH REZNOR LOVED SCORPIUS Malfoy.

He was stupid to do so.

      Very stupid.

What could he do? Malfoy was irresistible.

       And Malfoy knew it.

What could he do?

        Seth didn't mind being punched in the face continuously by none other than Scorpius Malfoy. Seth also knew that Malfoy was infuriated - hence why he didn't pick up his wand, preferring to bruise his knuckles instead.

        When blows came and went, all Seth could think of was the stormy emerald fire in the eyes of the beater, and the bittersweet taste of jealousy on his tongue. However, even though Malfoy was punching him, it was the touch that mattered - the touch of the blood capillaries burning under Reznor's pale skin and the swelling of Malfoy's bruises.

        When beating Seth Reznor, Malfoy thought nothing but the tear-stained face of a skinny little witch.

R O S E

       THE SKINNY LITTLE WITCH, however, wasn't thinking about Malfoy right this second; her thoughts were preoccupied with the way John Blackburn's hair flickered under the lights of the candles in the Great Hall.

There was something else, something much more enthralling than the specks of gold on John's hair, and right now, it was sitting right next to her on the breakfast table.

It was a letter from Mr. Potter.

Dear Mr. Potter,

She wrote, her hand visibly shaking as the owls around her pecked their cage rims and rambled on in their own, distinct manner.

I am writing to you for advice. I have found something; I rather not disclose the way I found it - the subject doesn't concern my request.

It's the Marauders Map.

I need you to help me.

I need to you help me operate it.

P.S. Please don't tell mom. Or dad.

Regards,

Rose

      Right now, sitting next to a plate of freshly fried omelette and a full cup of black coffee, ley the response.

Once done with her breakfast, Rose bid goodbye to John and Albus, recollecting the story of an unfinished assignment, and rushed out of the hall, the letter in her hand.

She didn't notice a slender figure stand up from the Slytherin table and make its way out of the Hall, too.

Dear Rose,

        What you have found will remain between you and myself. The Map is a treasure - it was, might I add, created by my father, ames Potter (Prongs), Remus Lupin (Moony), Peter Pettigrew (Wormtail), and Sirius Black (Padfoot).

        The Marauder's Map reveals all of Hogwarts. Not only does it show every classroom, every hallway, and every corner of the castle, but it also shows every inch of the grounds, as well as all the secret passages that are hidden within its walls and the location of every person in the grounds, portrayed by a dot. It is also capable of accurately identifying each person, and is not fooled by animagi, Polyjuice Potions, or invisibility cloaks; even the Hogwarts ghosts are not exempt from this.

However, it cannot show the Room of Requirement, just for your information.

Operate it with care - the map is normally disguised as a blank piece of parchment. To view the map, you must tap it with one's wand and recite, "I solemnly swear that I am up to no good."

To hide the contents of the map so the parchment appears blank again, you must again tap it and recite, "Mischief managed."

If any more information is needed, I will happily respond as soon as possible.

P.S. This will stay between us as long as you use the Map for appropriately. If I will be notified that you are abusing it's powers, your parents will be notified.

P.S.S. Burn after receiving. Just in case.

            Harry

         Rose's excitement grew with every word inked into the piece of parchment, and she was ready to crumple it up into a ball and throw it into the fire in one of the common rooms, when a figure appeared from behind her and grabbed the letter gallantly.

There was an immortal devilish smirk on Malfoy's face as he skimmed his way into the letter. Gasping in surprise and infuriation, Rose grasped the paper roughly, tearing it into two.

The empty hall echoed the sound loudly, making Malfoy's head jerk up.

"I never knew you were a thief, Granger."

        Rose's defence mechanism kicked in, and she stepped away, grabbing hold of the wand underneath her robes.

"What do you mean?"

        Malfoy flicked the letter before her gaze before folding it neatly and putting it into the inside pocket of his robe. Rose could do nothing but watch helplessly, - it was her who had stolen the Map.

"For your information," She began, her voice cracking as Malfoy's sharp jaw went rigid, "The Map's rightful owners are-"

"Almost all dead, babe."

        Rose felt her cheeks pale.

"Don't you babe me, Malfoy."

"Seen Seth?" He took a step towards her. "If you don't want the same to happen to you, love, just give me the Map."

        Rose didn't do as much as blink.

"Three."

She took a step back.

       "Two."

Rose gulped, and there was a triumphant gleam in Malfoy's eyes.

      "One."

He stretched out his pale hand, making her jump.

         "Give it to me."

"No." Rose whispered almost inaudibly.

Sighing, Malfoy took out his wand. Rose screeched, although her outburst was muffled by a quickly cast Muffliato spell. Screaming silently, she watched as Malfoy mouthed,

        "Accio, Map."

One second passed.

Two.

         Four.

The Map wasn't there.

           Malfoy's eyes turned into emerald slits, and there was a cold threat in his voice. 

"I'm tired of playing nice, Granger. Give. Me. The. Map."

To say that Rose was scared was not to say anything.

           All of a sudden, a sadistic smirk appeared on Malfoy's face.

"You have no idea how ardently I've been wishing to use some of my meaner methods on you."

        Rose's heart sank into the pits of her stomach, and, in a sudden urge to hide, she attempted to flee.

Malfoy's vice grip was on her forearm for a second, and his minty breath was in her ear.

"Thank you for providing me the opportunity, Rosie."