Hidden Feelings - A Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter Nineteen

A/N Sorry that it's been so long since I've updated! I hope you all enjoy the chapter!

"What do we need dresses for?" Hermione asks, frowning at her letter.

"We need dress robes," Ron says.

"Oh, you do? I have some that you'll fit into now!" Mrs. Weasley exclaims. "Oh, I was hoping one of you would get to use them again!"

I giggle at the expression on Ron's face as his mother nearly sprints from the dining room.

"Hand-me-downs are never a good thing," he groans, rolling his eyes. "If I'm lucky it'll be too tight and she won't make me wear it."

"Oh, I've always wanted to go to that dress shop in Diagon Alley!" I say, grinning. "Will you help me pick a dress out, Mione? I don't have any fancy ones that still fit me."

"Of course!"

"What is it for, though?" Harry questions, furrowing his eyebrows at the list of supplies. "There's nothing else on here that's out of the ordinary, and it doesn't even say what the dress clothing is for."

"I don't know. It's on mine too, so it must be something for the entire school," Ginny presumes.

"What if it's a dance? Do they do that at Hogwarts?" I inquire.

"I've never heard of them doing that," Ron says with a shrug.

"Oh! The Yule Ball!" Hermione exclaims. "That must mean they're doing the Triwizard Tournament."

"The what?" Harry frowns at her.

"I have heard of that," I say, "but would they really do it now? With everything going on?"

"What even is it?" Ron pouts.

"I'm surprised you've never heard of it, Ron," Hermione laughs. "Three schools join together and someone is chosen from each school. The three go through a series of tasks and whoever wins gets a prize. They haven't had one in decades."

"Why not? That sounds cool," Harry says.

"It's very dangerous," I explain. "People have died. I would never even think about entering."

But when does not wanting to do something ever matter in this world?

••••••••••

Rain begins to sting my face like pins are falling rather than water as I step out of the carriage. I'm nearly blinded by the downpour, holding my bag above my head in an attempt to get to the castle without getting any more soaked than I need to. I feel my robes and hair sticking to my skin as I run inside, the cool air simply making me more miserable.

I take out my wand and mutter a spell, drying myself. I do the same for Ron, seeing Hermione already helping Harry, and we make our way to the Gryffindor table. I feel my stomach growling as I think about the feast.

I find myself enjoying watching the sorting. Because I had been sorted last year, it wasn't as fun; I barely paid attention because of how nervous I was.

When Dumbledore steps up to speak, I know immediately; the small, reserved smile only means that he's about to tell us something exciting.

Sure enough, he begins to explain the premise of the Triwizard Tournament. When he mentions that Beauxbatons will be arriving in October, I feel my heart sink. The thought alone of seeing the people from my school again makes my stomach hurt. I have yet to tell the others about my experience there, the reason why my mother has been so adamant on me making friends here.

"Viktor Krum will be here!" Ron whispers, his eyes wide. "He's coming to Hogwarts! Oh, he's coming to-"

"We get it, you're in love with Krum! Now, pay attention," Hermione snaps quietly. I stifle a giggle as he falls silent, his face turning red.