Poisonous Snake {Draco Malfoy Fanfiction}

Chapter 10: Betrayal (Part 1)

- "I knew I would find you here." a voice said behind me. 

It was three in the morning and I couldn't sleep. I was worried sick for Harry and Cedric who would have to go through the first task the day after. I had therefore decided to go to the common room and crawl under one of the windows, so I could stare at the darkness of the lake. 

- "He's going to be fine." the voice continued. 

I turned around, it was Draco. 

- "How do you know?" I shot back, my voice trembling. 

- "Because it's Potter, he's always surviving impossible situations." Draco softly explained and got closer to me. 

- "But it's so dangerous. And... and he's only fourteen..." I trailed off, a big lump in my throat. 

A single tear rolled down on my cheek. Soon it was followed by many others and I found myself sobbing in less than thirty seconds. I turned my face away from Draco, not wanting him to see me cry. 

From our reflection in the window, I saw him coming towards me. Since I was still sitting down he was a lot taller than me and I watched him lean over. I felt two arms wrapping themselves around me and I accepted this comforting embrace, resting my head on his chest. His hand went automatically to my hair, his fingers going through them. I didn't think anything of it, I was too upset to think about what this gesture meant. 

- "Y/N... I know you and Harry are close, but... I've known him for three years already." Draco whispered to me, "I would never tell this to his face, and I'll definitely hex you if you tell him what I'm going to say, but I know what he's capable of. He's a very talented wizard. Or maybe it's just luck I don't know... But he'll be fine." he assured me. 

His words calmed me down, I wasn't sobbing anymore and the tears had almost ceased. 

- "And you're sure of it?" I asked shyly. 

- "I promise." he declared, gently. 

I lifted my head and looked up, his eyes meeting mine. I caught my breath, completely mesmerised by his grey tender gaze. It took me a few seconds before I realised how close we were, he had one hand around my waist and the other still in my hair; and we were intensely staring at each other. This was a very intimate moment. My eyes widened at this thought and my cheeks got red. 

I think Draco must have thought the same because with an award chuckle and a few coughs we broke the embrace and I got up from my seat. We were now both staring at the dark marbled ground. 

My heart was beating like mad, and I couldn't help but feel a little bit disappointed not to have his arms around me anymore. 

- "Well, erm... I should go back to bed." I mumbled. 

- "Yeah... same" Draco agreed, his hand reaching the back of his neck, "See you tomorrow."  

God it was awkward. 

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Draco had been right. 

The following day, Harry successfully passed the first task (and so had Cedric). He'd had to get a golden egg from a dragon's nest and thanks to Hermione who brilliantly reminded him to get his broom, he managed to survive. I mean, there had been at least ten minutes when he disappeared with the dragon on his tail, making me extremely nervous. I had suddenly grabbed Draco's gloved hand, before quickly letting it go, realising what I had done. 

We hadn't talked about what had happened in the common room that night. And there wasn't actually anything to say. I was upset and he had comforted me. That was it. 

At least that's what I tried to tell myself. 

I had been invited to the Gryffindor's party that night, witnessing a tipsy Ron apologising to Harry. We had all seen the clue for the second task (and it had used a lot of pain for our ears). Yet, even though this ominous egg was completely unknown to me, it still rang a bell. I just couldn't put my finger on what it was. 

Life went on, I followed classes, hung out alternately with Draco and the Slytherins and with the trio (more and more often at the library doing research on the golden egg). I had gotten pretty good at most of my classes, except History of Magic because I still had a lot to catch up and it wouldn't get in my head; however I excelled in potions, and I loved this subject. It was just like following a cooking recipe! I had even made some friendly acquaintances from Durmstrang and Beauxbatons: I was a regular Hogwarts student. 

So life was good and normal, and nothing bad had happened in a month. Until one morning when I was having breakfast at the Gryffindor table (which always got me looks from other students) Professor McGonagall made an announcement. 

- "If I could have your attention, please." she started, and all heads looked up from their plates, "Good morning students, I hope you're having a fine breakfast. I have an announcement to make this morning. As part of the Triwizard Tournament, I am very pleased to declare that the traditional Yule Ball will take place in December at Hogwarts. Each house will attend dancing classes and I expect all of you to come to the ball with a partner. You may return to your breakfast now. Thank you." Professor McGonagall finished her speech and left, leaving hundreds of confused students.

- "A ball?" Ron said, incredulous, "Who would ever like to go to a ball?" he groaned.

We exchanged a look with Hermione, who looked completely hopeless.

- "Well, I, for one, am excited about this." the boy whose name I think was Neville said, "I love dancing." he added.

This seemed to satisfy Ron, who didn't complain again.

- "I wonder if Fleur will go with me..." he said, a dreamy grin across his face.

- "Why don't you ask her, lover boy?" I teased.

He stared at me as if I had grown a horn on my head.

- "That's a bloody good idea, thanks Y/N." he thanked me, getting up and walking towards the door.

There was a moment of silence, we all looked at each other, not wanting to laugh but still with a growing grin on our faces. The Weasley twins who had overheard stepped in our conversation.

- "Is he really..." Fred started.

- "Yup." Harry replied

- "But she won't..." George continued.

- "Nope." I answered.

- "Wicked..." they both said at the same time, before following him through the gigantic door.

The day went by quickly, I didn't overthink about the ball, I wasn't worried about getting a date because I knew I would probably go with friends. What worried me, however, is the dancing class we would get with Professor Snape. I was afraid I was going to see tings I would never forget.

It was with this horrible and yet hilarious thought that I got in my dormitory room. Walking over to my bed, I noticed a letter on my pillow, it was addressed to me. I opened it and my eyes widened at the sight of its content.

Dear Miss Y/N Riddle,

It was brought to my attention that we have not properly met yet, although I am sure we have a lot of mutual interests. In light of this... let's say oversight, I am please to invite to a formal diner party in my manor. I am very glad to rectify this mistake and to allow the 'crème de la crème' of wizards to meet you as well.

We will see you on the 15th.

Best regards,

Lucius Malfoy.