A Harry Potter Fanfic

Chapter 31

---------- Chapter 31 (Draco) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1 owl? What did she mean?

I’ve been the desperate boyfriend ever since the term ended. My parents think I may actually need help!

And all of a sudden she snaps? I swear, sometimes I don’t even understand what I see in that girl! I’m sure most other girls are much simpler than she is!

But that’s why you like her and not the other girls, a small voice in the back of my mind whispers.

Stupid small voice!

               “Mr Malfoy?” hearing my name called breaks me out of my reverie. I turn around only to find Mr. Powell, the new headmaster of Durmstrang watching me intently.

               “Sir?” I ask, snapping myself back into the present. Deidre would have to wait.

               “Help me understand something. Why is it you want to teach in Durmstrang?” Mr Powell asks curiously.

               “Why?” I repeat stupidly.

               “Yes. You’re a former Hogwarts student. Best in your class in Potions...and yet you didn’t apply to teach there,” Mr Powell explains.

And I sit there silenced. Why didn’t I apply to Hogwarts? “Sir, I’ve made so many mistakes...and people in Hogwarts seem to have long memories,” and as I say it, I know it’s true.

I can only imagine all the parents pulling their children out of the school the moment they know the likes of me would be teaching there. After all, who would want a former Death Eater to teach their children?

Mr Powell assesses me for a while before nodding his head. “I can sympathize,” he murmurs patting my shoulder paternally. “The Welcome Dinner will start in a few minutes. Join us?” he invites, walking towards the main door.

I nod my head and follow him out the door and through the unfamiliar mansion that houses Durmstrang.

***

The sorting ceremony was a lot more abrupt than I would have imagined. No such thing as a sorting hat or anything quite so peasant here. Almost all the students are from pureblood families...this would have been a school that I would have fantasised about in my younger days...before getting to know Deidre.

               “On to business. Welcome the newest member of our staff, Draco Malfoy. He will be tutoring under Professor Heathrow,” Mr Powell announces as the young boys look up at me, mixed emotions on their faces.

I nod tightly, already sensing that perhaps no matter where I run, judgement would be sure to follow.

Then, as if by some invisible signal, the students dismiss themselves, heading towards their respective rooms. The professors at the table assess me severely, nobody deeming it worth their time to come greet me.

Shrugging it off, I walk faking confidence towards my chambers. And once I’m safely behind my locked doors, I take out my parchment and quill.

Love,

I don’t understand what you mean. I’ve sent you 50 owls, I swear. I assumed you were angry and that’s why you didn’t reply any one of them. The thought of them not reaching you had never even crossed my mind. Forgive me, please.

I can understand your anger now. I would be angry too. But you have to believe me, I never intended to cut away from you.

And truth be told...I need you more now than I have ever before.

I feel depression taking me over. And even though I spend my days keeping as busy as I can, my nights are spent wishing I were with you. Believe me, my love for you is as strong as it has ever been.

When do the Hogsmeade visits begin? I need to see you.

Durmstrang isn’t the escape I hoped it had been. I still see judgement in everyone’s eyes.

I eagerly await a reply from you, love, for it may be the only thing keeping me sane at the present.

Yours forever,

D

I send my owl with the letter soaring through the sky into the arms of my beloved. I lie back in my bed and close my eyes.

I wonder what’s going on in Hogwarts castle at this instant. I’m sure the sorting would be over. Perhaps Deid smiled as she watched the first years worry so much. Perhaps she even talked to one, calmed them down. It sounded like something my love would do.

***

The sound of knocking on my window sent me jumping up, my blanket falling to the ground in my haste. I glance around me in agitation, wondering if I had merely imagined the sound.

Then I glanced outside and saw my handsome owl perched on the windowsill, a letter tied to his leg. With my heart hammering in my chest, I open my window silently and take the letter from my owl’s leg.

Malfoy,

Doesn’t make a difference.

For all I know, you’re lying about the 50 owls.

So sad Durmstrang isn’t all you hoped it would be.

Pansy is teaching in Hogwarts.

I don’t want to see you, Malfoy. Don’t come back.

Deidre

And the dull ache returns. If only she knew how much her words hurt me! Perhaps she does...