to be or not to be| sixth year | draco malfoy

maybe just...

"the loser."
-

I was still confused about why I felt so deeply over the scene I had just witnessed. It was just Pansy and Draco, nothing special. I resumed eating, my thoughts still whirling. I had slept a bit more last night, but it didn't seem to help ease the tension I felt.

I knew I had more important things to focus on today. Like figuring out how to get the information I needed from Slughorn. Harry had mentioned using the liquid luck potion, and that gave me an idea.

I stood with Camille and Abigail near the fireplace in the common room. Both of them eyed me with a mix of concern and curiosity.

"If I take the liquid luck, I could maybe dodge Draco's future attempts to kill me," I said quietly, unsure of how they would react.

Camille sighed, crossing her arms. "That's a good idea, but do you really want to waste your potion on that? I mean, we gave it a fifty-fifty chance of it actually happening."

I couldn't afford to take any chances. I had to be sure.

"We can't be too sure," I replied firmly, reaching into my jean pocket and pulling out the tiny vial of clear liquid. It was now or never. My hand trembled slightly as I uncorked the vial and inhaled deeply, trying to steady myself.

Abigail's gaze softened as she placed a hand on my arm. "You need to stay safe, Violet. Understand?"

I nodded at her words, but I didn't think I could afford to wait anymore. With one last look at my friends, I drank the potion in two big gulps. I slipped the empty vial back into my pocket and turned to face them.

A surge of energy and warmth flooded my veins, and a rush of happiness followed, almost too intense to handle. I smiled brightly, something I hadn't done in a week.

"How do you feel?" Abigail asked, her brow furrowed with concern.

I grinned widely, the effect of the potion now fully settling in. "I feel amazing—better than amazing!" I giggled, feeling lighter than I had in days.

"I'm going to Snape's office," I said, my voice suddenly full of determination.

"SNAPE?!" Camille and Abigail exclaimed in unison, their shock evident.

I ignored their protests and walked out of the common room, feeling like I was floating on air. I skipped down the corridor, humming a tune to myself. The world around me felt brighter, more vibrant, and even the blue sky outside seemed impossibly vivid. My curly hair bounced as I moved, and for the first time in what felt like forever, I allowed myself to simply enjoy the moment.

When I arrived at Snape's office, I knocked gently, my heart beating faster now that I had a purpose.

"Come in," Snape's monotone voice responded.

I pushed the door open and stepped inside. Snape sat at his desk, scribbling on parchment. He barely looked up when I entered, but the moment he saw me, his gaze shifted, and I could tell he was already annoyed.

"What could you possibly want, Ms. Goldhorn?" he asked, his voice cold.

I smiled sweetly, even though I wasn't feeling as playful as I looked. "I needed to speak with you about something personal... regarding Draco Malfoy."

The mention of Draco's name made Snape stop writing, his attention now fully on me.

"What is it that I need to know?" he asked, his voice now more cautious.

I took a step back, placing myself in front of one of the tables behind him. My smile faded slightly as I took a deep breath. "I know Voldemort has ordered Draco to kill me..." I said, my voice much quieter now. The words felt heavy in the room, and the air around us seemed to thicken.