Unforeseen Outcomes

Chapter 5- Draco

It was only the first day of classes and already Hogwarts was an insufferable hellhole that Draco had to drag his feet through in the name of 'second chances'.

Potions class was a bore, and in his opinion a totally unnecessary class to be taking seeing as he already knew the material they were going over. On top of that he could feel know-it-all Granger's and grass girl's eyes staring into the back of his head, giggling about God knows what. He must say he did not expect the two to be so chummy, they're certainly not the kind of duo one would typically see around campus. Not just because they're from polar opposite houses, but because they seem like two completely different ends of a spectrum, Granger having an excuse to be an annoying-ass people pleaser because she's constantly trying to prove herself. Grass Girl on the other hand, while Draco doesn't know her very well, nor can he imagine a scenario in which he'd want to, seems to be a bitchy little sod off just for the hell of it.

Their only common ground is likely their hatred of him, not that he minds, he's not fond of anyone these days. He used to date another Slytherin girl, Pansy Parkinson, but he was fairly certain she just wanted him for his status, and that didn't bother him very much seeing as he only kept her around for a good screw when he needed it. That probably doesn't qualify as fondness. Pansy also happens to have returned to Hogwarts along with Theo and Blaise, so at least he has them to talk to during the next class; Defense Against the Dark Arts. The irony's not lost on him.

He's the last person to enter the class and stays in the back of the crowd that's gathered near the door as Professor Morrell begins her lesson.

"Now class, I know we've all had a rough year, so I thought we'd take today with a bit of fun, turning our biggest fears into silly child's play. To do this, we will be battling a small boggart in turns. Now, who remembers the proper spell to use against a boggart? Anybody?" she asks the class as a few eager hands shoot into the air. "Yes, go ahead Seamus."

"Riddikulus? " he answers with a hint of uncertainty.

"Right you are, Mr. Finnigan. Now, you've all fought a boggart in a previous class, yes? Well in that case I'll only remind you to focus on how you can make your fear seem small, funny even. And of course, speak clearly and with conviction! Everyone form a line behind Mr. Finnigan-NO PUSHING- and have your wands prepared at your sides."

Draco watched the class go into a frenzy of excitement as Morrell pulled a black tarp off the bureau containing a trapped boggart. Theo and Blaise made their way next to Draco as Seamus stepped forward toward the bureau.

"Ready Mr. Finnigan?" Morrell checks as Seamus nods his head yes. "Alright, proceed."

She thrust open the door and out sprung a black...something. It kept shifting, changing its shape until it accommodated Seamus' fear, finally taking the form of none other than Dolores Umbridge. He paled as the boggart opens it's mouth and spoke.

"Tsk tsk tsk. You should be ashamed of yourself Mr. Finnigan, participating in such unnatural activities. I wonder what your mum would think of this, she'd be disappointed I'm sure of it." she cooed in a cruel voice, masked with false concern.

"You don't know anything!" he yelled in a shaky voice, raising his wand. "Riddikulus!"

A few seconds later a small pink kitten plush replaced Umbridge, and Seamus breathed out a sigh of relief, moving to the end of the line as the next person went up for their turn.

Draco stayed back as several more students faced the boggart, their fears ranging from snakes to wolves to giant insects, until it was time for Granger to go.

He watched as she took a deep breath and stepped toward the boggart, gripping her wand at her side. The creature melted and molded trying to figure out her fear, continuing so for several long seconds, longer than anyone before her, before transforming into the limp bodies of Harry Potter and Ron Weasley.