Blessed With A Curse

Chapter 16

It was the day of the first challenge, I in particular was extremely excited to watch. We'd all made bets among us all on how quick it would take for Potter to lose. None of us gave him much of a chance. The crowds roared, excitement firing from every seat, we joined in. I saw Blair a few rows to the left of us, she was sat with Neville, she seemed a little happier than the other day but it was clear as hell she was anxious. Generally she wasn't one to watch sports, I remember her being afraid for me just in a quidditch match. But now her 'friend' Cedric was competing in a murderous competition. I was conflicted with feeling sorry for her, hoping he does okay and also hoping he loses a hand or something, making him less attractive.
"Watching Blair again I see." Blaise nudged my arm taking me out of my trance. Blaise was a friend I could trust more than the others. He wasn't one to torture me for my unexplainable feelings towards the girl.
"Don't be daft." I rolled my eyes but he just laughed in response.
"She's a pretty girl, I wouldn't blame you." An attractive guy like Blaise taking an interest in her. I don't think so.
"Keep your hands and thoughts to yourself Zabini." I seethed. He laughed along, his hand placed on my shoulder.
"If you want her, take her." Yeah it's not that simple I wanted to tell him. But the murderous dragons thankfully broke our conversations. Dragons on the first challenge, they really weren't holding back. How were any of them going to stand a chance. I took a quick glance as Blaise wasn't looking. She looked petrified and she loved creatures, her fear was for Cedric and I knew it. The french girl went first, she was quick on her feet, agile when she moved managing to dodge all the attacks from the Welsh Green. Crumb was next with the Chinese fire ball, it was a beast that thing but like already thought Crumb did well. It was in his blood, he finished in a more respectable time than the girl. Annoyingly the Swedish short snout didn't take off Cedrics hand but it got close a few times, Blair couldn't even watch. Made me feel sick how she leaned it to Nevilles shoulder to hide from the horrific show. Bet he loved that. Although the thorn tail got marvously close to killing Harry, unfortunately he scraped it by. His luck clearly hadn't ran out just yet. For such a dangerous task I was surprised not to see even a finger missing, they'd have to step it up next time.

"Blaise." I called, whilst we laid in bed, the night closing in.
"What's up Malfoy." At least he wasn't asleep.
"If I tell you this you can't tell a soul." I threatened.
"Right?" He sounded confused. Sitting up from the bed, I grabbed his attention. I joined him sitting at the bottom of my bed.
"And I mean it-"
"Get to it Malfoy I won't tell anyone." He huffed.
"Well do you think I'm stupid for wanting to take Blair to the Ball."
"You've asked Pansy-" he interrupted.
"I know but Blair rejected Diggory. I don't really want her going alone." I had to trust Blaise with this. Maybe speaking about my feelings with someone else would help clarify them, hell with it, it might even make them go away.
"I can't take Pansy." He finally spoke. "I already asked someone else but I'll keep her occupied for the night whilst you see Blair." He'd do that for me? No stupid comment about liking a Gryffindor? If I had had this exact same conversation with either Crabbe or Goyle they'd have laughed right in my face. Blaise was a better friend than I originally thought.
"You aren't going to laugh at me?" I asked and he scowled at me in annoyance.
"Why is it just Slytherins that cant mix, I honestly don't care Draco, she's really sweet, she's fit-"
"Okay enough." I knew what she was I didn't need him explaining her to me. "Other people won't get it, so remember just me and you." He laughed at me and jumped straight back into bed. I knew he'd keep his word and I could go to bed easily knowing I had ticked another thing off my list. The only problem I had now is that I was realising that I did like the girl, telling Blaise only made that clear to me. What I would do with this information I didn't know. I'd pushed her away, I had planned to continue to do that but not now, I didn't see much point in fighting it any longer.

The next morning came and I felt bliss, a new spring in my step. I wrote out a letter, it made me cringe really but I kept it brief.
Here's a rose, wear it to the ball and I'll find you.
I left the name blank, I want to keep her on edge, I'll be the last person she will think it is. She could get her hopes up and think it's Cedric, or maybe she wouldn't wear it all. Wanting to be on her own and all. Strange girl. But I was putting it out there and if she doesn't then I'll know to leave it.
We all gathered in a hall, the boys on one side, girls on the other. Professor McGonagall was going to attempt to teach these half wits how to dance. To my favour my mum has already taught me, over summer we had a laugh with it, although she was strict on making sure I'd gotten it perfect. Ron was used as McGonagall's doll and it was honestly pure comedy gold. God bless anyone who was forced to go with that idiot, no wonder Blair would rather go on her own. We were all pulled to join in and I took the moment to show off what I already had. Taking Pansy by the waist, felt wrong on my levels but I put that to the side knowing I'd only have to do it once and then Blaise would take her off my hands. She wasn't a bad dancer either so we worked well together. Looking in her eyes was the most awkward part but everyone looked up to us, McGonagall praised us to. Today really was going well. Now, I could have sent the Rose and letter via owl but I didn't want her to recognise it and know it was me. Slipping away, I saw Granger, a Grifindor, she'd be able to slip her the letter.
"Granger!" I called. She looked the most delighted to see me, not. That scowl on her face was really adding to my mood.
"What do you want Malfoy." She spat. I shoved  the items in her pocket quickly making sure no one else saw.
"Give them to Blair. Do not tell her they're from me." I emphasised on the not specifically. "You got that mudblood."
"Why should I do that for you?" I could have picked someone a little less difficult. "Fine whatever."
"And don't speak of it." I reminded her. She hurried away, probably butt hurt by my comment. Oh well, the jobs done. I just hope she wears the god damn thing.