Forever Home | Draco Malfoy

Chapter 4-3: The Announcement

The day had finally arrived for Desiree to return to Hogwarts to begin her fourth year. She couldn't wait to see her other friends after such a long and crazy summer. Her mother hadn't had the time to come visit her again; she did however send Desiree's trunk with all of her new school supplies in it.

"Alright come along children, it's time to go," said Mrs. Weasley, ushering the children towards Platform 9 3/4. "I expect all of you to be on your best behavior. That means you two," she said pointing to Fred and George.

"Us? But we are angels, we would never do anything that broke the rules," said Fred with a joking smile.

"I don't know why I try with you two sometimes," Mrs. Weasley said jokingly. "Now Desiree, don't become a stranger dear. It was a pleasure to have you stay with us."

Desiree smiled, "Oh I'll make sure of it, I had so much fun staying with you all. I can't thank you enough."

As the Weasley children said goodbye to their mother, Desiree boarded the Hogwarts Express. She searched all over the train for Cedric but eventually decided to sit with Draco, Pansy, and Blaise.

"Well look who it is," said Pansy as Desiree walked into the compartment.

"Pansy don't pretend like you didn't miss me," laughed Desiree.

"That's not the point right now. The point is that I was worried sick about you for a whole week after the attack at the World Cup and you didn't write to me," said Pansy.

"I'm sorry, I didn't get your letters because I wasn't staying at home," said Desiree.

"Wait why weren't you staying at home?" asked Draco.

"I was staying with the Weasley's because my parents were supposed to be traveling," said Desiree.

"Then how did you get out letters?" asked Pansy.

"When my parents heard about the attack they came back home immediately. My mom came to visit me the week after because the Ministry had been scrambling to figure out how it happened. That's when she gave me your letters," said Desiree.

"Well, at least you're alright. Now come sit down we have loads to catch up on," said Pansy.

"I knew she wouldn't be able to stay mad at Desiree," laughed Blaise.

"I'd say that was a new record though," laughed Draco.

"Wait Desiree why aren't you sitting with Cedric? Did something happen between the two of you?" asked Pansy. The second question had seemed to catch Draco's attention, for he had turned his head to the two girls.

"No nothing happened. I just can't seem to find him, I've searched the entire train," said Desiree.

"That's weird, I mean he obviously has to be on here. Maybe he was just running late when you went to look for him and that's why you couldn't find him," said Pansy.

"I'll just try to find him when we get to Hogwarts. He might even find me, who knows?" said Desiree. "Why isn't Draco sitting with Emma?"

"I think they've been fighting," said Pansy in a hushed whisper.

"Oh no, I thought they were happy," said Desiree.

"Draco told me he just feels like something's off or missing," whispered Pansy.

"Do you think they're going to break up?" asked Desiree.

"I don't know, Draco said he was going to try to work on it but I'm not sure how much longer they have," said Pansy.

"You're kidding," said Desiree as she leaned back in her seat and looked out of the window, taking in all of the information she was just told.

As the train ride continued on the four friends began talking about the things they wanted to happen in the year and things they didn't. For a second there it seemed to Desiree that things were back to how they used to be.

Once arriving to Hogwarts and getting off of the carriages, Desiree heard a familiar voice calling her.

"Desiree!" shouted Cedric.

"I'll meet you guys in the Great Hall," said Desiree, turning to Cedric. "There you are, I looked for you when I got on the train but I couldn't find you."

"I was running late, I'm sorry," said Cedric.

"It's fine you're here now," Desiree smiled. The two then walked back into Great Hall together, sharing a quick kiss before going to their tables.

"Desiree I need to ask you something," whispered Draco.

"What is is?" she asked as she turned to him.

"Do you think we can continue the Potions tutoring? I mean it really seemed to help," whispered Draco.

"If that's what you want then yeah, we can do that," she smiled to him.

"Your attention please," Professor McGonagall called out as Dumbledore walked up to his podium.

"This castle will not only be your home this year, but home to some very special guests as well. You see Hogwarts has been chosen to host the Triwizard Tournament." Dumbledore paused.

"Can you believe it? The Triwizard Tournament...here...at Hogwarts," whispered Desiree to Draco.

"And now if you'll join me in welcoming the lovely ladies of Beauxbatons Academy of Magic." said Dumbledore. Just then the doors to the Great Hall swung open, welcoming the girls dressed in bright blue to walk in. Desiree watched as nearly all of the boys watched their every step, even Draco.

"Draco," she whispered.

"What?" he asked, still not taking his eyes off of the Beauxbatons girls.

"I think you have a bit of drool," she paused, "just there," she said as she pointed to her bottom lip.

"What?" he asked as he actually felt his lip, "You are unbelievable, do you know that?"

"You were the one that fell for it," she laughed.

Dumbledore walked back up to the podium, "And now our friends from the north please meet the proud sons of Durmstrang and their headmaster Igor Karkaroff."

It was then that a group of all boys emerged into the great hall, all dressed in brown outfits. Desiree quickly saw a familiar face walk into the hall.

"Look, it's Victor Krum. I mean THE Victor Krum," said Desiree.

"I can't believe he's here," said Blaise as the feast began.

After the start of the feast Dumbledore walked back up to the podium, "Your attention please." he paused. "I'd like to say a few words. Eternal Glory, that is what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament but to do this that student must survive three tasks, three extremely dangerous tasks."

"Wow," said Blaise in awe.

Desiree knew that by the news of this that Cedric would want to enter. She couldn't explain it but she felt a flutter of worry thinking of Cedric being in the tournament.

"For this reason the Ministry has seen it fit to impose a new rule to explain all of this we have the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation, Mr. Barty Crouch." said Dumbledore.

"After due consideration, the Ministry has concluded that for their own safety, no student under the age of seventeen should be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard Tournament." said Barty Crouch.

An uproar of disapproval began to ring out in the Great Hall, Blaise among them.

"Oh come on!" he shouted.

"Blaise would you sit down. Did you honestly think that out of everyone that's actually of age the Goblet would pick a fourth year anyway," said Pansy, pulling him back down.

"Anything is possible," said Blaise with a slight chuckle.

Desiree and Draco playfully rolled their eyes before laughing at Pansy and Blaise.