justab00knerd

[justab00knerd]

Awww they are so cute 🥰

Tired from practice 🫣

[justab00knerd]

THIS

[justab00knerd]

𝓦𝓱𝔂 𝓜𝓮?

⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆ Chapter One: Where the Heck Am I?!?!?⋆༺𓆩☠︎︎𓆪༻⋆

Yuri 23:11:

Come on stop being a killjoy, it’s the weekend y/n!! We should hang out and go to a party or something!

You 23:12:

Not today Yuri! I want to finish my homework and then take a well deserved rest aka im passing out after this.

Mina 23:12:

At least watch Hunter x Hunter so we can talk about it. Please~

You 23:13:

No way! You already talked about it to me more than enough times, not only that you insist that this Hisoka guy is supposed to be hot like please he’s A CLOWN! FYI I searched up his picture, and what do you even see in him????

Mina 23:13:

Oh come on y/n dont be like that! Hisoka is so fuckin’ hot and omg you have to see him in the greed island arc!!! Like OMGGGGG

Yuri 23:15:

Oh shut up Mina! Hisoka is SOOOO much more handsome in the York New arc!

You 23:17:

NONONONONO BOTH OF YOU SHUT UP!!!!! I am NOT watching that stupid cartoon show! Im tired I have other things to do and i dont need to listen to both of you rave about how “hot” this Hisoka person is. BC NEWSFLASH HE ISNT

You 23:18:

Anyways just finished my last homework, so if you don’t mind imma pass out now I have a long day tmr so if you text just know im ignoring y’all >:(

I let out a sigh as I let my phone drop out to the desk. A sharp pain pierced my head. An audible groan left my mouth. 

Well, I suppose if I’m going to go to sleep, I might as well do it in bed.

Planting my hands on the top of my desk, I push myself into a standing position. Before moving away, I slightly stretch out my back, hearing a small crack here and there I let out another sigh before moving. At least I tried to, the moment I stood a sharp pain hit me like a wave. Black dots danced my vision as a groan involuntarily ripped itself out of my throat. A step. A step was all it took for my vision to go black and I fell to the floor with a loud thud.

⋆༺𓆩🗡𓆪༻⋆

A throbbing ache woke me from my slumber. Unlike before it didn’t come from my head, but more so lower down my body. 

Damn it, why is my lower back killin’ me?

A bright light made up the majority of my vision. Causing me to squint for more than I care for. I found myself in an unfamiliar room, in unfamiliar clothes, and with an unfamiliar bag. As I let out a yelp as I look down at myself. 

“Okay, this isn’t funny. Who the hell changed my clothes?!? ANd where the heck am I?!?!?” I was met with silence. Utter silence. Letting out an exasperated sigh, I looked through the messenger bag that laid by my side. Inside was some food, water, a first aid kit, and what looked like throwing knives. 

You know? Like the type of knives you would see ninjas use? Yeah, those were in my bag too. 

I picked one up for examination, and low and behold they were real. 

Maybe I could use this for darts or something?

I let out a snort at the thought. Before coming here, anytime I was free, me and my friends would go to this bar. The bar had this late night deal that if anyone who could hit the center of the darts board would get unlimited drinks on them. Unknowingly, I had an above average aim. My friends abused this power and always begged me to get them free drinks. 

I let out a sigh. Oh, how I wished that.

A small ding echoed in the room, before the walls opened up what looks to be a tunnel. As I spun towards the door, something hit the chair I once sat in. Looking down, I found a sheathed katana. With further inspection, I was able to come to the conclusion that it was a real life katana. Not like the wooden ones I had used at the dojo my grandparents ran, but like the real thing. I swing my bag around before clutching on to the katana like my life depended on it. If it was given to me then that would mean that I would need it.

I didn’t know where I was, or how the hell I even got there but I was sure of one thing. 

I was getting home. No matter what.

⋆༺𓆩🗡𓆪༻⋆

A shiver went down my spine as I entered the tunnel. Looking around, all I could find were hundreds upon hundreds of people. People who looked at me like fresh meat. 

”Hello miss. You are number 406. Please wear this badge on your chest at all times please.” I perk up looking around me to see who was speaking to me. Tilting my head down, I found a cute little bean shaped man in a lime green color.

Weird. But okay, I guess? 

I bow slightly as I take the badge with the number “406” written in bold. I mumble a quick ‘Thank you’ before pinning it to my jacket. A jacket that I was grateful for because if it weren’t for the jacket I was sure I would be dying of hypothermia by now.

“Hi there! You must be new here, I’m Tonpa!” I flinch at the new voice and spin around to find a stubby little man in a blue shirt. He was smiling at me in this welcoming way, but nothing about him seemed, well… welcoming. 

There was something off about him. Something that screamed at me not to trust him. It was like a gut feeling, ya’know? The type of feeling when you feel like you’re being watched and yet can’t find anyone looking at you. 

“H-hi?” I answer in a meek voice. 

“Want a drink? We can toast to our new friendship!” I take a big gulp. Alarms in my head screamed STRANGER DANGER. And who was I to ignore them? Especially when my gut feels have always been quite accurate. 

“No thank you.” I say curtly before quickly walking away from the man. Although, even that was short lived.

“Hi!” It was a high pitched voice, not enough to be a female’s but enough to be identified as a child’s. My head snaps towards the voice to find a young boy clad in green. Two others followed close behind him, a brunette that was tall and lanky and the other being a young blond that could be misidentified as a girl.

“He-hello there…” I say awkwardly. The boy in green had this big grin on his face. The one that could compare to the brightness of the sun. He couldn’t be older than my younger siblings who were 12. “M-may I help you?”

I was met with silence, and the child only continued grinning up at me with stars in his eyes.

“I’m sorry about him. He was intrigued by you walking away from Tonpa and his “peace offering” of a drink.” The blonde sighed. Relief filled my body. At least, I wasn’t the only one who got cornered by that Tonpa fellow. “I’m Kurapika and that’s” he pointed to the lanky one, “Leorio.” The man called Leorio then started yelling/complaining to Kurapika about not letting him introduce himself to a “beauty.” I couldn’t help but let a smile work its way to my lips as the scene reminds me of my friends and I when we were younger. 

“And I’m Gon!” Gon spoke up. He was still smiling and my own checks started to hurt at seeing him smile. Coming to the conclusion that these three were merely children; minus Lerorio but who knows he could be a child stuck in a man’s body( ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ ), and are probably not out to kill me. I finally introduced myself.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m y/n.” I mean, it wouldn’t hurt to make a few friends. Especially in an unknown environment. You never know when you might need some people you can trust. “Is it your first time here too?” I ask, trying to not make it obvious that I had no clue where I was. 

“Yep! My dad took the Hunter’s Exam at my age so I wanted to do the same! Plus it allows you to travel basically anywhere.” He said in awe as he talked about his dad. He probably didn’t know him much from what I can tell as he goes on telling me stories of his dad. I felt… oh I don’t know, empathetic. 

When I was four years old, my parents dropped me off at my grandparent’s. They left me with nothing but the faintest of memories of them. No memorabilia. No jewelry. Nothing. The only memory I could vividly remember is when I was 10 years old ish, my parents came back to the dojo and I thought like a silly little child that they were back for me. Oh, but how wrong I was. They barely stayed an hour before leaving again. You know what they came back for? To drop off twin infants. Infants. Ever since then, I have hated them. I hated them for having me and my siblings. If they didn’t want to raise us then why have us in the first place? 

I listened to Gon talk about how he was able to participate in this “Hunter’s Exam” from going on about his Aunt Mito and Whale Island, which is named because it is the shape of the whale and not because there is an abundance of whales in the area, which I only knew because he made me guess the reason of its name. Gon then went on about how he met Kurapika and Leorio, in which Kurapika fully explained to me as he said “Gon’s exaggerating it, it’s more simple than that…” His words, not mine. 

“Ne, y/n how did you get to the Hunter’s Exam?” I froze at Gon’s question. What was I supposed to say? 

Uh, I don’t know? I just magically appeared in this elevator room thingy?

Yeah, hard pass.

I opened my mouth to make some sort of lame ass excuse but only a scream echoed in the tunnel.

[justab00knerd]

No but why do he actually look fine??? 😭😫😩

i will DEVOUR this man. HIS DIMPLE.. HIS FACE… HIS EVERYTHING

[justab00knerd]

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓸𝓷'𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻

Previous Part

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Chapter Six: You Are So Much Better Than Her✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Draco’s P.O.V.

“Good evening, Welcome to the Quinn Estate, please enjoy the festivities.” I stop short of walking as I snap my eyes to the curtsying figure before me. Auburn hair curled, shoulders bare, a faint green dress. 

Fuck. When did she get this beautiful…

I stop short of that thought as my brain catches up on the meaning behind it. 

Blood hell, when did I start noticing things of that stupid blood traitor?

I watch as she finally meets my eyes, and I can’t help but notice that she is staring. Again. My lips quirk up into a smirk as we enter the hall. I try my best not to ogle her for obvious reasons. But once inside I couldn’t help but stare at her as she greets the other pureblood families. A heat of anger coursed through me as I watched others become… entranced by her. And I couldn’t stop staring at her fiery auburn hair and how it looked like fire underneath the light. 

Soon after the older Quinn couple gave a speech, Mother and Father went to God knows where. Blaise and Theo stay close, at least when they aren’t raiding the food. 

“Draco you sure you don’t want any tarts? They are absolutely delectable.” Blaise says as he stuffs his face with another tart. 

“Sorry, but I’m not a pig like you Blaise.” I scowl. My eyes wander off around the room before settling on a certain person with reddish hair. I let myself soak up all her beauty. From the way her hair falls perfectly on her shoulders, how the dress hugs her waist and chest perfectly, not to mention how the colour of her dress brings out her majestical emerald eyes. 

“Pft! There's that pathetic Quinn, Daphne! Should we go pay our respects?” Pansy laughs as she leans into Daphne, the older Greengrass daughter. 

“Why, yes we should.” Daphne’s blue eyes gleam with mischief, and soon enough Pansy and her drag all of us towards the Ravenclaw. 

“Well, well. Look what we have here.” Pansy draws out in a sneer. 

“If it isn’t little and pathetic Quinn.” Daphne laughs as they walk over to her little hiding spot in the corner. I watch in the back as Quinn’s eyes widen in surprise. She doesn’t respond but instead she bites her lip to suppress something. A groan maybe? Or one of her smart-ass comebacks? I couldn’t care less, but biting her lip was worse than any of those options. 

“What are you up to over here, Pansy?” This time it was my turn to suppress a groan as I heard the annoying voice of the underclassman walk over to us. Catherine Quinn is quite the opposite of her older sister. Unlike my potions partner, the younger Quinn was dramatic, loud, and one could even call her a spoiled brat. Even though she goes to Beauxbatons Academy of Magic, she somehow always makes time to visit us. 

No wonder why she’s friends with Pansy, they are too alike for my taste. Quinn is so much more tolerable than she is. At least she’s easy to work with, at least when she isn’t spitting insults at me. Not to mention the way she shivered against that night I cornered her…

I mentally curse myself as I realise that I just admitted that I… enjoyed Quinn’s company. And the other thing that happened between us, which I refuse to admit or say. 

“Catherine! We were just… paying our respects to your dear sister.” Pansy laughed sinisterly. 

“Ah, yes. But my sister is such a bore! Why don’t we go somewhere else? Hmm, Draco?” I clenched my fist in my pockets as I heard Catherine say my name. She says my name differently, and not in a good way. To be honest, I preferred it when the other Quinn daughter said it. Not to mention I knew of Catherine’s stupid crush on me. Not the most flattering thing to brag about. Especially when I just find her acts of flirting annoying. 

“Stella! There you are Stella, I’ve been looking all over for you.” I snapped my eyes to a male who walked up to Quinn. He was about my height, with hazel hair and eyes. He looked like any other male here and yet the way Quinn’s shoulders sagged a bit lit a fire in me. And I promise it was not a good fire in any way. “Anyways, the first dance is almost upon and I was thinking that we should dance together!”

I watch them have an exchange of words before she gets dragged onto the dance floor. I contemplate whether or not to hex the man, but I soon get sidetracked as the music starts to play. There in front of me was Stella Quinn. The girl I never knew until this year and yet she was gorgeous. Her skirt of green and white sway with her figure as she moves and I can’t help but be mesmerised by her. 

“Draco let’s go dance!” Catherine pulls me onto the dance floor and I feel my father’s eyes bore into the back of my head. I let out a huff of frustration and annoyance but nevertheless, I let myself dance with her but my eyes stay on Quinn.  

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── 

“Draco~ Draco~ Come on, we should go dance!” Catherine whines as she hangs off my arm. I continue to stare at the door Quinn disappeared into just a few moments ago. I stare at it like she would just reappear any second now. 

“No thank you Catherine, I think I’m done for the night. Now if you’ll excuse me.” I pull my arm out of hers and quickly walk away from her to put some distance between us. 

“But Draco~” She whines as she chases after me. I burst through the doors Quinn went through and ran through the unknown halls. Catherine continues to call out my name which urges me to run faster. On the verge of being found, I quickly enter a room and shut the door. I breathe heavily as I listen to see if Catherine would follow my footsteps but they never did. 

“Malfoy?” I flinch in surprise but quickly after my shoulders sag slightly at the voice. I turn around and lock eyes with emerald eyes. Looking in her eyes, I remember her dancing with that unknown man and a wave of emotions rushed over me. An emotion I could not identify. 

“What the fuck are you doing here, Quinn?” I scowl. I knew I was being mean but at the moment I couldn’t care less. After all it was her fault I was this way.  

“Are you an idiot? I live here, Malfoy.” I resisted a smirk as I ran a hand through my hair. I was glad she was still herself and that she still enjoyed insulting me. That’s what I like to believe anyways. I finally notice the heel in her hands and realise that she would have thrown it at me. 

That’s a sight I hope I never see. 

She lets out a cute little huff before turning around to sit on the alcove. I took a look around and noticed the tall shelves that had piles and piles of books. 

“Why are you in here rather than out there?” I ask as I slowly make my way towards her. Although, she didn’t have the heel in her hand any more. There was no telling in what she could do. 

“I’d rather not embarrass myself in front of hundreds of purebloods. Mother would have a heart attack if I did.” Embarrass?

I let out a scoff before throwing out a rude remark. “And how would you embarrass yourself out there? You are already a blood traitor, per definition.”

“It’s not my fault purebloods are traditionalists. If you stick to traditions to a tee, then you won’t feel the joy of something new! Something exciting.” She scoffed back at me. I let myself smile a bit, amused and interested in her beliefs. Even if they were obviously not the right ones, much less the superior ones. “But I would embarrass myself with how I look and how I danced. I would surely embarrass myself and my family.” I look at her intently with my eyebrows furrowed the slightest bit. 

Embarrassed by how she looked? But she was… beautiful…gorgeous even. 

“Why would you be embarrassed by the way you looked, Quinn?” I pushed. I wanted to keep her talking. I would do anything to continue to listen to her voice. 

“What is this an interrogation, Mr. Inquisitorial Squad Leader? If so, I don’t consent.” She teased. She fuckin’ teased me. But that was the least of my worries. I knew what she was doing. She was trying to change the subject, but I wouldn’t be fooled by it. Not when I pay close fucking attention to her. Not by choice anyways. 

“I won't ask again, why would you embarrass yourself?” I spit out. Not my brightest moment of the night, but I couldn’t care less.

“What is this an interrogation, Mr. Inquisitorial Squad Leader? If so I don’t consent.” She teases, but I couldn’t care less. She was trying to change the subject. 

Not on my watch.  

“Don’t try to change the subject, and answer the damn question!” 

“I look hideous, that’s why. I can’t compare to the other women, not even my younger sister.” She whispered. Finally it dawned on me. The reason why I never noticed her was because she made sure no one would. She was so insecure of herself, of the way she looked, the way she sounded, everything. 

“Ex-excuse me. I should… I should go to bed. Now…” She whispers as she slowly slips off the bench and walks towards the doors with her heels in hand. She stops short at the door frame. She whispers a faint “Goodnight, Malfoy.” But before I can answer her she shuts the door behind her, leaving me in solitude in the library. 

“Goodnight, Quinn.” I whisper into the dark room. With no one here to listen I add. “You were never like Catherine to begin with. You were so much better.” 

[justab00knerd]

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓸𝓷'𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻

Previous Part

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Chapter Five: You’re The One My Sister Likes?!?! ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

“Are you excited to go home tomorrow?” I let out a weak to  hum Hermione’s question as I continue to mindlessly stir my cold oatmeal. Unlike the other students, I dread going back home. To other pureblood families, the Quinn family is one of the most respectable families out there. After the Malfoys, of course, because God forbid them ever being second to anyone. Either way, perfect was the last word I would use to describe my family. Imperfect is a much better word to describe us.

Unlike my father, my mother is a half-blood. She was born of a pure-blood and half-blood. She met my father during her school years and both became madly in love with each other. But this was where their happily ever after ended. My mother became pregnant with my elder brother before they got married. This caused my father’s family to be forced into a marriage with her, much to their dismay. Now, although my father was elated by the news as he was madly in love with her, my grandparents…let’s say they weren’t as happy about it as him. My grandparents were big on keeping the purebloods, well pure. Much like a blond brat I knew.

“Any plans for the holidays Stella?” George asked as he and his twin entered the roomette I shared with their sister and Luna. I shrug as I push my bag in the overhead compartments. 

“Not sure, actually. I just hope I can see my brother this time.” I reply as I fall onto the bench with a sigh. My older brother Lucien, was the child my mother used to get into the good graces of my grandparents. She happily gave him up to be raised as the heir to the Quinn fortune and business as long as they finally recognized her as a “pureblood.”

“Still not a fan of Catherine?” Ginny asks innocently. My brows furrow as my lips turn down into a scowl.

“That little bimbo? Of course I still don’t like her! She is the epitome of uselessness. Mother coddles her too much and father isn’t around enough to notice. Not only that, but she uses anything and I mean ANYTHING to get me in trouble! Last year, she blamed me for ruining Mother’s flower arrangements when it was really the maid’s fault, and then Mother had to punish me by not letting me visit Lucien!” I wave my hands in exaggerated motions before finishing with a sigh as I lean into the cushions. 

“There, there now Stel. If you want I can be your prince charming and save you from the awful tortures of your mum and take you back to the Burrow.” George offered as he scooped me into his arms. He pulled me into him causing my back to lean on his chest as he hugged me from behind. 

“You should come over Stella! I’m sure mum would love to have you!” Ginny grinned as her eyes lit up with the idea being there. 

“Maybe.” I shrug. I look out of the window, watching the hills of Scotland fly past in a beautiful blur. I hope and pray that this Christmas will be good. That this year, Catherine will leave me alone. That this year, I will be able to see my brother and grandparents. That this year, my mother will finally learn to love me.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Promise to write, okay?” Hermione squeezes me tight. If I didn’t know better, I was going away forever. 

“You know I’m only going to be away for 2 weeks right?”

“2 weeks is a long time you know!” I laugh at her childish behaviour as I return her tight hug. We stay like this for a few minutes before any of us speak up.

“I’m gonna miss you, ya’know?” I mumble into her shoulder.

“Look who’s being the childish one now?” Her shoulders vibrate with laughter at me and I can’t help but join her. Harry and Ron wait at the side laughing along with us before Hermione pulls them towards us.

“She’s right, Stel.” Harry says, squeezing my shoulder.

“You better write to us too!” Ron exclaims. I say nothing, instead I laugh at them too.

“Alright. But only if you reply back to me!” 

“Of course!”

“Duh, you idiot!”

“Eh, I’m sure George and Ginny will reply to you…”

“Ronald!” We all laugh as Ron sheepishly rubs the back of his head. 

“Alright, alright! Geez Stella, you got my friends against me now…” He complains, before joining us in a laughing fit. 

“Not my fault. I’m just bett–”

“Stella.” I freeze at my name. The other three notice it and slowly stop to see an older woman with auburn hair slicked back into a ponytail, watching us. She stood there tall and cold, watching our every move.

“Mother.” I whispered. Something came up in my throat but I gulped it down. I give my friends a tight lipped smile before embracing each of them one last time. George opened his arms and I immediately rushed in. He hugged me tight which I returned. 

“If anything goes wrong, please, please promise me you’ll come to the Burrow. I know it isn’t much but it will always be open to you.” George mumbled into my shoulder. I let out a faint giggle.

“Okay.” I whispered back before letting go. I nod slightly before walking towards my worst nightmare. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“When will you learn not to fraternise with those poor scums?” My mother complained as we entered the manor. The house-elves take Mother and I’s coats and I whisper a small thanks before following her lead. Eventually, we reach the study or as I like to call it my own personal torture room.

“They aren’t scum,” I grimace at the word. It was filthy and I hated it. “They are my friends.” My mother scoffs at the word “friends.” She believes the term “friends” is non-exist, and that only allies and business partners exist in our world. Which by all means is not true. Friends do exist, it’s just the matter of finding them.

“Friends don’t matter. It is time you get that into your head, darling. All you need to focus on is being top of your class and showing everybody the prodigy that you are.” I silently gag. Of course that’s what she wants me to focus on. To her that’s all I am. That’s all that I’m good for. At least, according to my mother.

“Muuummmyyyy!” I feel a vein pop at the voice of my younger sister. Unlike me, Catherine attended Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. She wasn’t the smartest girl of the batch, but that didn’t matter. That was my job to be the smartest one. Her job was to be mother’s favourite.

“Yes, my sweet princess?” The affection my  mother showed her made me want to vomit, unlike my brother and I, mother adored Catherine to no end. Truth be told we got the short end of the stick. 

“I don’t know what to wear! I have nothing! How am I supposed to impress him with all of this rubbish!” She cried as threw her hands in the air  frantically. Mother started to worry too and before you knew it they both ran off to go buy new dresses. I let out a sigh of relief. I was spared of my mother’s harsh words, for now.

“Stella.” I jumped at the sound of the new voice. But instantly, I let my shoulders shag, and Mother would yell at me for my bad posture. But she wasn’t here right now, was she? I spun around and I was met with welcoming light gree eyes.

“Father!” I laughed before running into his arms. He let out a loud laugh, almost like a roar. 

“There’s my little shining star. How was your first semester, angel?” He pulled me to the velvet coloured couch. 

I let out a groan as I think back to what a hectic semester I had. From Professor Um-bitch’s entrance to Dumbledore's Army and let us not forget that… thing with Malfoy. 

“You do not want to know…” Father gave me this look that urged me to tell him. With a sigh I complied and reenacted all the events that happened. Well, except for the last titbit with Malfoy, that was a secret no one had to know just yet. 

That night, as we ate dinner Mother announced our plans for the holidays. 

“In two days we will be heading to the main estate where we will host a ball.” My knife scratches my plate. A warm bubbly feeling wells up inside of me. 

I’ll be able to see Lucien! Oh good lords, I must make the perfect present for him! Oh what should I give him? Should I give him an enchanted–

“Be on your best behaviour Stella.” I snap out of my train of thought as I hear my name being called. Catherine lets out a snicker and I want to curse her out but I bite my tongue. I wasn’t going to mess this up for me. Not this year. “We don’t need you to embarrass us in front of the Malfoys.” I felt my whole body put itself on hold. 

What?

“What?” I whisper. I look at my mother as if she was talking in a different language. “What do you mean the Malfoys?”

“She means the Malfoys, idiot. They will be there for the ball and then some.  But don’t worry, the Zabini, Parkinson and Greengrass families will also be there. And a whole lot of other pureblood families.” Catherine rolled her eyes. My stomach fell and I suddenly lost my appetite. If the Malfoys were going then that meant that he’ll be there. Him and his pureblood lankeys.  

Bloody hell. Can’t I just catch a break?

Catherine then goes on and on about getting new dresses to impress her little crush. I silently gag at her enthusiasm. Hosting a ball meant interacting, kissing ass, and dancing. Don’t get me wrong it’s fun on some occasions, but with purebloods? 

You can count me out. Not to mention, when they mean a whole bunch of purebloods they mean the ones with money. Meaning no Lovegoods. No Changs. No Weasleys. 

Bloody hell, I’m going to be all alone aren’t I? Damn it… And of all people Malfoy had to be there…

The next two days were filled with preparation and packing. Of course, there were days Mother would yell at me for the simplest things but I kept my mouth shut. I was going to go see my brother. I would make sure of it.  

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“Stella!”

“Lucien!”

I crash into my brother’s arms as I tackle him to the ground. We laugh together as we hold each other in our arms. I hear someone clear their throat and I’m found looking into another pair of green eyes. A little bit lighter than mine and a little bit more wrinkled but green nonetheless. A grin fights its way on my face.

“Where’s my hug, little star?” I’m left feeling cold and empty as Lucien’s arms fall away from me. But that is short lived as the moment after he pulls me up from the floor, I’m caught in an embrace with my grandfather. I let out a giggle as he squeezes me tight to the point I can’t breath, or talk for that matter. 

“Darling, let the poor dear breath.” A sweet voice said sheepishly. It was the type of voice that would remind you of home. But for me? It was better than that building I had to call home. 

“Oh, sorry little star…” My grandfather laughed, behind him stood a elderly woman. Her hair was put into a tight-knit bun. Her hazel hair slowly turned grey and the wrinkles on her face were evident of her youth was long ago. 

“Grandma…” I whispered as a light smile feathered my lips.

“Come here my little star.” I ran straight towards her. She embraces me tightly before lowering her lips to my ear to whisper how much she missed me. Chills ran down my spine as memories of that night flooded my brain like a tsunami. Visions of Malfoy pressed against me, whispering in my ear, and his damned cologne filled my nose. 

I cursed myself silently for letting him control my thoughts. It was already bad enough that I would have to see him during my break, but he was now visiting me in my head? No, thank you.

Grandma released me from her hold, she looked down at me and warmed me with a smile. The type of smile that caused her eyes to wrinkle. I returned the gesture to the point my cheeks started to hurt from smiling. But soon her smile turns into a frown. My smile slowly falls as I realise Mother was watching every move. 

“Rachel.” All of the warmth in my grandmother’s voice disappeared. All that was left was her cold, strict voice. Fortunately, for me I have never had the pleasure of being the target of that voice. 

“Aurora.” Mother said back in the same cold tone. Unfortunately for me, I was the target of that tone of voice multiple times. They continued to stare at each other for a few more minutes before my grandmother intertwined our arms together and pulled me into the estate as she went on about her plans for the holidays. 

Over the next few days, my grandmother made it apparent that I would not be spending any time with my mother or sister and instead for the first few days, I was spending good quality time with my brother and grandparents. And before I knew it, the Christmas festivities had begun.

“Welcome to the Quinn Estate, please do enjoy yourself.” I curtsy slightly to welcome the guests. I’ve been at this for the past hour as the guests arrived, and I hated it. Why couldn’t it be Catherine doing this? I let out a sigh there was no changing it since I was almost done anyways. I didn’t want my work to be all for nothing. 

“Good evening, Welcome to the Quinn Estate, please enjoy the festivities.” I say with a fake smile as I curtsy. As I straighten my back, I look at who I just greeted. I felt my heart skip a beat. There in front of me, stood in all of his smug glory was Draco Malfoy. Accompanied by his parents, of course. The three of them were dressed in all black, making their platinum hair stand out even more than usual. Malfoy, however, wasn’t wearing a tie of any sort instead the top button was undone giving everyone a sneak peek at his porcelain skin and Adam's apple. Malfoy’s lips quirk up into his signature sly smirk. I snap out of my thoughts as I realise I was… staring at him. Again. 

Fuck. Why did he have to look like a Greek god but have the personality of a goblin?

Malfoy remained silent as he entered the hall, and yet even when he was long gone and I continued to greet, I still felt eyes following my every move. 

Once everyone was in the hall, my grandparents stood at the top of the grand staircase to bless us with good wishes and a happy holiday. And before I knew it the dancing and festivities had begun. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── 

I stayed hidden away in the corner of the hall. I watched everyone interact, from the older Malfoys gossiping with the Parkinson and Greengrass family to Zabini and Nott going to the food table 5-6 times within the hour. Specifically, getting multiple servings of the strawberry tarts. The very tarts I had made earlier that evening. However, other than that the evening went uneventful. I let myself slouch on the wall as I had tiredness creep into my bones. 

“Well, well. Look what we have here.” I suppress a groan as Parkinson’s voice calls out. 

“If it isn’t little and pathetic Quinn.” The older Greengrass daughter laughs. I finally look in their direction. Parkinson was dressed in this off-shoulder dark green dress that flowed onto the floor. Similarly, Daphne Greengrass was wrapped in this deep scarlet gown that hugged her figure perfectly. 

I looked down upon my own dress. It was a shade of green. Seafoam green to be exact. It was a dress from my grandmother, she said that it brought out my eyes. The dress is a light and flowy off-the-shoulder dress. At the top of my dress, at my chest, it was this deep seafoam green, but as it transcends down my body it fades lighter and lighter until it turns white. The big flowy skirt was made up of a multitude of layered skirts. In which you could see the faint colour of green and white. 

Hideous am I right?

“What are you up to over here, Pansy?” I bite the inside of my check as I hear the cheerfully disgusting sound of my sister’s voice. Of course, she was friends with Parkinson; it came as no surprise.  

“Catherine! We were just… paying our respects to your dear sister.” Parkinson laughed as she smirked at me. But not the same type of smirk Malfoy did, hers was disgusting and vile. A smirk so sinister it could be identified as a curse.

“Ah, yes. But my sister is such a bore! Why don’t we go somewhere else? Hmm, Draco?” I felt my food from earlier in the day come up in my throat. Why hadn't I pieced it together earlier. This whole time whenever I saw Catherine and my mother together they were always preparing something. I always heard her saying along the lines of “It’s not good enough!” or “How can I impress him with this hideous rag?!?!” But the cherry on top was when she exaggerated the fact that the Malfoys would be here. 

Shit, how could I be so stupid!?!?!

I prayed for somebody, anybody, to save me from being humiliated. 

“Stella!” I let out a sigh of relief as I turned to see my brother walking hastily to my side. “There you are Stella, I’ve been looking all over for you.” He takes a second to see who was with, especially eyeing Malfoy. Before giving them a curt nod then bring his attention back to me. “Anyways, the first dance is almost upon and I was thinking that we should dance together!”

What?

I flinch at the thought of dancing. It’s not like I had two left feet, but more of I have a bad habit of accidentally stepping on my partner’s feet. Another good reason why I didn’t stay much during the Yule Ball from the year before.

“Are you sure you want to dance with me? I mean, I would love to, but I’m not the best dancer…” I mumble under my breath. 

“Hmm,” Lucien let out a hum while pretending to think about what I just said. “That’s alright. As long as it’s you!” He grinned before grabbing my hand and leading me to the dance floor.

“Lucien!” I whine as we enter the dance floor. In a rush, I did a quick curtsy as the music started to play. We fell into a waltz, but that was the least of my concerns. I felt eyes following me, watching my every move. I gulped down my anxiety. That was my first mistake. In my blind haze of worry and anxiousness I step slightly on my brother’s foot. 

“Sorry!” I exclaimed quietly as to not draw any more attention than I already have. I swore if anyone could hear my heart they would think I had just run a marathon. 

“It’s alright, Stel.” Lucien laughs. He laughs. He laughs as I get embarrassed and anxious with each passing second!

Heat creeps up my face, but as fate has it, that misstep was my only misstep of the night. Or at least, that’s what I thought. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ─── 

After the dance I had with my brother, I talked to my grandparents once more before retiring to the depths of the estate. I wander around for a few minutes and soon enough I find myself at the front of the library. A light smile dances on my lips as I slip in. The moon shines through the tall windows, illuminating the books and magic particles in the air, making them glow. With the faint melodies from the dance hall, it was the perfect place to rest. 

I let my feet guide me to the alcove (window bench) on the other side of the room. Before getting situated, I slipped out of my heels and tucked my knees in my chest. I gazed into the garden. Or at least, I looked all I could see of the garden. I hum a small melody that my grandmother sung back when I was a child. Well, she still does, just less frequently. I reminisce in the memories of the year going back to the stupid truce with Malfoy in potions to our most recent meeting in the dark halls of Hogwarts where he confronted me about Harry.  

(A/N: listen to Lavender’s Blue (Dilly Dilly) by Slumberland for the audio as that is the one I will be using for the story)

“Lavender’s blue, dilly, dilly

Lavender’s green

When I am king, dilly, dilly

You shall be queen

Who told you so, dilly, dilly

Who told you so?

‘Twas mine own heart, dilly, dilly

That told me—” The door quickly snaps open, only to be shut in a quick two seconds. A male figure stood leaning on the door, in a panic, I reached down to grab a heel and raised it as a form of defence. The figure finally stepped backwards into the light. Platinum hair glowed underneath the moonlight. 

“Malfoy?” I hoped I was wrong. I hoped it was this weird joke that he appeared in the room. I prayed this into my whisper. I watch the man jump at the sound of my voice, before spinning around to look at me. Grey eyes look at mine.  

“What the fuck are you doing here, Quinn?” He scowls. 

“Are you an idiot? I live here, Malfoy.” I fire back with the same amount of venom laced into his name. He goes back to his usual scoffs before running his hand through his blond locks. I bite my bottom lip to stop myself from saying something stupid like how much he looks good with messy hair. 

What am I even saying! I shouldn’t even be thinking of it in the first place! 

I quickly turn around as I shake my head as if I could get rid of these horrible thoughts with it. I toss my heel aside as I return to my original position, before Malfoy had to grace me with his presence. Although, my head seems to disagree with that regard as I am flooded with scenarios of what I wish I could do. Malfoy sighs before he walks over to me and takes a seat on the other side of the bench. 

“Why are you in here rather than out there? ” 

“I’d rather not embarrass myself in front of hundreds of purebloods. Mother would have a heart attack if I did.”

He scoffs at my answer before asking me another question. “And how would you embarrass yourself out there? You are already a blood traitor, per definition.” This time it was my turn to scoff at him.

“It’s not my fault purebloods are traditionalists. If you stick to traditions to a tee, then you won’t feel the joy of something new! Something exciting.” I exaggerated as I finally came face to face with him. “Anyways, why do you care? Last time I remember, you hated my guts.” I whisper as I notice how he looked at me intently. It wasn’t the same way he did at school. At school he would only look at me when I annoyed him or he was silently boasting at me. But right now? He was looking at me like he was actually interested in what I was saying. And no one, and I mean no one has ever looked that way at me that way.

“I won't ask again, why would you embarrass yourself?” 

“What is this an interrogation, Mr. Inquisitorial Squad Leader? If so I don’t consent.” I tease, trying to change the subject. 

“Don’t try to change the subject, and answer the damn question!” He snaps, and I get stunned into silence. I bite my lip unsure if I should tell him or not. 

“I look hideous, that’s why. I can’t compare to the other women, not even my younger sister.” I grimace at the thought of my sister. From the moment she was born, mother made sure I knew my place. I turn my eyes away from him as embarrassment creeps upon me. Malfoy doesn’t say anything and I can feel my heart fall more and more into the depths of my stomach. “Ex-excuse me. I should… I should go to bed. Now…” I slip off the bench and crouch down to grab my forgotten heels. I make way towards the door and open it slightly. But I stopped short of fleeing.

“Goodnight Malfoy.” The music enters the room, making me believe that he didn’t hear me. But nonetheless, I slip out of the room and this time I retire into my room as the party goes on. 

Next Part

[justab00knerd]

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓸𝓷'𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻

Previous part

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Chapter Four: Of Course He Joined The Inquisitorial Squad ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

As the week goes on, Umbridge calls students into her office one by one. But as the week went on, the students in Dumbledore’s army trained harder and harder. Today we continued to work on our disarming charm. As Harry gave Neville extra support, I practised with the twins. Or at least, I practised while the two goofed off. 

“Come on Stel!”

“Don’t act like you need to practise!” I felt a vein pop in my head as the twins continued to goof off during practise time. 

“Expelliarmus!” I flick my wand towards Fred before doing the same thing to George. The students around us go quiet as their wands clatter to the floor.

“Hmph! Maybe you should practise so that next time I do that you’ll be able to deflect!” I huffed before storming off to Luna who looked like she was struggling a bit. 

Later that week we practised the levitation charm with a twist of course. Instead of lifting simple things like objects, we focused on levitating people. I watch Cho as she practises on Nigel. Harry walks over and squeezes in between her and Ron. I watch as he places his hand over hers and instructs her to lift her arm a little bit higher. Cho tenses up beside me, before she slowly turns her head towards Harry. Unfortunately for Nigel, the spell breaks out of focus causing the younger Gryffindor to fall. I let out a giggle as Cho checks Harry out. Nigel quickly gets back on his feet before telling everyone he is okay. 

The next night, I accompany the twins to watch Filch receive a heart-shaped box full of chocolate. Funny enough, it was a creation of George and Fred’s. I believe they called it “Fever Fudge.” I stay hidden in between the two as we watch Filch stuff his face with the candy. The three of us let out a quiet laugh before entering the Room of Requirement through the side door. 

In the morning, Filch hangs yet another framed poster of Umbridge’s. I look to my side to see Malfoy looking up smirking. His long lashes angled upward, his jawline pronounced, his lips quirked into a smile, and those grey eyes. I snap my head the other way. 

Bloody hell, what has gotten into me! 

It didn’t matter that he was my potions partner, this was Draco Malfoy! I should not be… admiring him! I should be calling him stupid names and cursing his name! 

I shake my head furiously before reading the newly hung frame. 

“Proclamation. Educational Decree No. 98. Those wishing to join the Inquisitorial Squad for extra credit may sign up in the High Inquisitor’s office.” 

A groan releases from my throat. Of course, that psychopathic bimbo was creating her own little squad of watchers. It came of no surprise after her failed attempt of getting students to rat out each other. There was no doubt in my mind that Malfoy was going to join this so-called Inquisitorial Squad. 

I let myself take one last glance at Malfoy before heading into the Great Hall. He wasn’t looking at me but instead laughing with two of his lackeys. But I couldn’t shake this feeling of eyes watching me as I entered the Great Hall. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

In the Room of Requirements, Harry told us to focus on working on spells we need to most help with. Lucky enough for me, I didn’t have spells that I needed to work on. So, instead I focused on helping others. 

“Working hard is important, but there’s something that matters even more: Believing in yourself.” Harry told everyone as he walked from person to person helping each and one of their forms. We were practising our disarming charms once again, but this time I worked with Luna. Finding as the last time I chose to work with George they, to put it bluntly, were unfocused and not helpful at all. “Think of it this way. Every great wizard in history has started out as nothing more than what we are now: students. If they can do it, why not us?”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

With the Inquisitorial Squad now created, I took extra caution when making my way towards the Room of Requirement. Today, I walked with Luna. Well, maybe more like Luna skipped along the halls with me hot on her tail walking. Nevertheless, we were being followed. I could feel it. I spun around, walking backwards to find out where the Inquisitorial Squad was hiding. Finding nothing, I turned back around as the doors of the Room of Requirement spawned. But not quick enough to see a flash of platinum hair peek out of the archway. 

Luna and I quickly slipped into the room to start our lessons once again. 

This time we stood in a large circle spitting spell after spell at the metal dummy. These spells included the disarming charm, the stunning spell, and much more. I stood beside George, who stood beside Ginny, watching everyone make their move. Soon enough it headed our way. I hear GInny call out “Reducto,” also known as the reductor curse, in which this spell is used to blast the object into smaller pieces. With that in mind, the metal dummy becomes tiny pieces, almost powder like. Everyone was stunned into silence at Ginny’s spell, including me. But soon enough, I recollect myself and let a smile tug at my lips as pride flows into me at my underclassman’s accomplishment. 

After, we continued to practise our disarming charms. I practised with Luna, only to be cut short as we hear Neville yell out the incantation. A wand clattered to the ground, and we turned to see one of the Pavarti twin’s wands on the ground. The room erupts with cheers as many students, including myself and Luna, rush to Neville’s side to congratulate him. 

“So that’s it for this lesson. Now, we’re not gonna be meeting again until after the holidays.” The room groans and mutters complaints collectively at the news. “So just keep practising on your own as best you can. And well done, everyone. Great, great work.” All of us applaud at Harry’s words as we all start to disperse into smaller groups. Some of us stay behind to talk to one another, while some choose to leave and head back to their respective dormitories. I am one of the latter. I glance back at Cho to see her lollygagging behind. Most likely to talk with Harry. I let a smile control my lips before I silently slip into the dark hallways alone. 

I hum a small tune as I wander the halls of Hogwarts. Content with myself, I let my mind replay the fun memories of my time training in Dumbledore’s army. I think about Hermione sending Ron back with the stunning charm, to the time I teased George about him needing more practise with the disarming charm. I let out a laugh at the previously mentioned memory. Besides the terror of Professor Um-bitch, this semester hasn’t gone too badly. 

A hand wraps around my elbow suddenly and I’m pushed against the wall. I try to scream, but a hand quickly covers my mouth preventing that from happening. 

“Shut up Quinn.” A shiver runs down my spine as my mind registers the voice. 

Malfoy? 

My eyes widen in fright and my flight or fight instincts kick in. My hands place themselves at his shoulders as I try to use all my strength to push him away. It takes him a moment before he starts to fight back. I’m quickly overpowered as his rather large hands grip my wrists and push them against the wall above me. Suddenly, I find myself pinned and unable to move as he pushes one of his knees in between my legs. 

I breathe in and out deeply, trying to calm my racing heart.

Inhale. One, two, three, four. Exhale. One, two, three, four. I am calm. I am calm.

“You know you are quite tolerable when you are quiet, Quinn.” My eyes snap open, I stare daggers at Malfoy as his lips curve up into a smirk.

“What do you want, Malfoy?” I hiss through my teeth with venom. There was nothing more I wanted than to slap that stupid smirk off his face. Maybe even introduce him to my fist.

“Oh, I don’t know, maybe I just want information on what stupid Potter is planning.” 

I click my tongue against my teeth. “Like I would tell you shit Malfoy. What makes you think I know what runs around in Harry’s brain?” I bring my face closer to Malfoy’s as I lace my words with venom. Our noses’ practically touch, and I can’t help the flutter my heart feels at the scent of his faint cologne. 

“It’s up to you, really. You can either tell me what you know, or I could report you to the High Inquisitor.” He says in a cocky tone. 

“To hell with this “High Inquisitor” shit! She is nothing as long as Dumbledore is around. And you can’t make me do anything.” I bite back. 

Malfoy lets out a small chuckle before he leans forward. For a moment, I thought he was about to kiss me. Which for the record would be a horrendous thing. But at the last second he swerves his head bringing his lips close to my ear. 

“Oh we both know I could make you do anything I wanted. It’s only a matter of time, Stella.” I let out a gasp as his breath kissed my skin. Butterflies danced in my stomach at the sound of my name leaving his lips. I let out a shaky breath as he finally released me. My arms fell to my sides and my hands clenched into fists as I stared at the floor. “You know where to find me. I suggest you speak sooner than later. We wouldn’t want your pretty face to be wasted on stupid Potter now, would we?”

I wait for the sound of his shoes to dwindle into silence before I quickly fall into an Asian squat. I place a hand over my heart only to find it beating faster and faster. It didn’t help one bit that the butterflies haven’t gone away yet. If anything they multiplied. 

Who does he think he is!?! Saying those, those words to me! Calling me by my first name! He better be saying his prayers because come next semester I will get him back for this. I’ll get him back for this. I’ll get him back for this, even if it’s the last thing I do! I stormed back to my dormitory, brewing up ideas of how I would get back at Malfoy. It hadn’t dawned on me that he called me pretty. Nor the fact that the butterflies still haven’t gone away.

Next Part

[justab00knerd]

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓸𝓷'𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻

Previous part

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Chapter Three: A Cause Worth Fighting For ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Stella’s P.O.V.

More weeks pass by like a Zouwus. Before I knew it, it was our first visit to Hogsmeade. At first my body woke itself up at the crack of dawn which was normal to say at 5:30. I sat up in bed as I looked at the cold and dusty beds that weren’t in use. Ever since last year, Cho decided she wanted to share a room with Marietta and two other girls within our friend group. I had the whole room to myself. Of course no one else wanted to share a room with a total stranger, such as myself, and that left me alone in this large dome called our dorms. I let out a sigh before throwing the covers over my head again. 

I suppose that Cho will go out with the rest and forget about me again. Suppose I could go back to sleep right? 

I felt my eyes droop underneath the safety of my sheets and soon enough I entered dreamland once again. 

“Stella!” A voice called. It was a soft toned voice. A female. I squint my eyes open to see a blurry figure with blonde hair. Blonde. Malfoy? 

“Stella!” I let my eyes adjust to the lights only to find Luna looking over me. 

My mind went blank. 

Were my first thoughts really Malfoy? How bloody stupid of me! Boys can’t enter girls' dormitories. What was wrong with me?!?!?

“Stella,” Luna calls, I rub my eyes quickly before looking at her confused. “Would you like to come with me to Hogsmeade?”

“I-um…” I stuttered. 

No one’s ever asked me to go to Hogsmeade before… 

“A-are you sure you want me to accompany you?”

“Why of course.” Luna offered a small smile to me and I could feel my heart tighten. Oh how grateful I was to have such a considerate and kind underclassman. I meekly nodded as I threw my sheets off of my body and welcomed the light chills that came with the winter air. Once I was finished getting dressed Luna and I made our way towards the small village near Hogwarts. Before going anywhere else we first went to the Three Broomsticks for a bite to eat. 

For the first time in 3 years, I was happy. I was happy that I went to Hogsmeade. For the first time, I felt like I belonged. Even if there were only two of us. As we ate Luna informed me about a meeting we were going to that Hermione had set up. I nodded along seeing as Harry and the two asked us to be there so the least we could do was hear them out. Afterall, they were our friends.  

Once we arrived at the location, we all sort of stood around awkwardly facing the three Gryffindors who asked us to come. I looked around the room and kept in mind who was here. 

The twins, Cho, Ginny, Neville, and even more Gryffindors to count. Not to mention some Hufflepuffs too.  

“Um, hi!” Hermione greeted with a tight lip. It was quite obvious that she was nervous. “So, you know why we are all here. We need a teacher, a proper teacher.” I slightly nodded my head as the pieces of the puzzle fell in place. This meeting was about Professor Um-bitch. “One who’s had real experience defending himself against the dark arts.”

“Why?” I turn to my left to look at the Gryffindor who asked the question. 

And may I might add, the stupidest question I have ever heard. 

“Why? Cause you-know-who is back in town.” Ron snapped back. 

“So he says.” I swear, I could see a vein pop out of Ron’s head. I don’t blame him. I glared at the Gryffindor. He literally was in the same house as Harry. He knows Harry. 

Why was he here if he didn’t care?

“So Dumbldore says.” Hermione fired back at him. 

“So Dumbldore says, ‘cause he says. The point is where’s the proof?” 

Everyone stayed silent. If there was one thing this guy said right it’s that there was no proof. Not yet at least. But that didn’t matter. Diggory couldn’t have just dropped dead of his own accord. Not only that, but I just have this feeling. I just have this gut feeling that he-who-must-not-be-named was back. And the Ministry was just hiding that fact because they’re just too cowardly to fight against him. 

“Perhaps you could tell us more of how Diggory got killed.” I turned my head to the other side of me, facing the other student who spoke up. I felt Cho tense up beside me. 

“I’m not going to talk about Cedric, so if that’s why you’re here then you might as well clear out now.” Harry spoke up. Then immediately turned to Hermione mummering about everyone thinking he was a freak. 

For the record I didn’t think he was a freak. I believe everyone else was just in denial that he-who-must-not-be-named was back. Nevertheless, worry washed over me. 

“Is it true you can produce a patronus charm?” Luna spoke up, halting Harry in his tracks. I looked straight at Harry, giving him a tight-lipped smile and nodding slightly. Everyone turned to look at Luna.

“Yes.” Hermione answered for Harry. I felt a smirk pull at my lips. “I’ve seen it.”

“Blimey Harry, I didn’t know you could do that.” Dean spoke up. 

“An-and he killed a Basilisk. With the sword in Dumbledore’s office,” Neville added. 

“It’s true.” Ginny included as she looked at Neville. 

“Not only that, he fought off 100 dementors at once.” Ron gloated. My shoulders sagged as I felt relief wash over me. 

“And last year, he really did fight off you-know-who in the flesh.” Hermione said. The room fell silent as everything added up. Everything Harry did felt unreal, seemed unreal. But that’s the thing isn’t it? No matter how unreal it seemed, everything was true. 

Harry did produce a patronus charm. Harry did kill a Basilisk. Harry did fight off 100 dementors at once. So it would be a no-brainer that Harry did in fact fight off you-know-who. 

“‘Mione!” Harry interspersed Hermione as she said those words, “look, it all sounds great, when you say it like that. But, the truth is most of that was just luck. I didn’t know what I was doing half the time, and I always had help.”

“He’s just being modest-”

“Hermione , I’m not.” He stares in Hermione’s eyes, saying a quiet plea before he continues. “Facing this stuff, in real life, is not like school. In school, when you make a mistake you can just try again tomorrow, but out there, where you are a second away from being murdered or watching a friend die right in front of your eyes. You don’t know what that is like.”

The room fell into silence. We all took in what Harry said, and in a way I felt… empathy. Of course, I had never experienced half the things Harry has, but I can understand that the real world is nothing school can teach us. In real life, we only have one shot to do things. There are no re-dues, there are no retakes, there is no learning from your mistakes in a life or death situation. But that is just how life is. 

Harry takes a seat before Hermione fills the silence. 

“You’re right, Harry. We don’t, but that’s why we need your help. Because if we want any chance of beating… Voldemort.”

“He’s really back?” Colin asks. Harry nods his head slightly, before looking up to where Luna, Cho, and I stood. I offer him a small, tight-lipped smile.

Then in the next few minutes, everyone started to line up to sign their names on a spare piece of parchment. Signing their name away as a sign that they wanted to fight back against you-know-who.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

Back at Hogwarts, I walk down the wooden bridge with Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Neville, and a few other people. 

“Right, first, we need to find a place to practise where Umbridge won’t find out.”

“The Shrieking Shack?” Ginny suggested.

“No, that's too small.” Harry responded as we walked hastily across the bridge.

“The forbidden forest?” Hermione suggested next.

“Bloody not.” Ron said with a hint of fear. 

“Harry, what happens if Umbridge does find out?” GInny asks as we get closer and closer to Hogwarts.

“Who cares?!?” Hermione perks up. “I mean, it’s sort of exciting, isn’t it? Breaking the rules.” I can’t help the laugh that bursts out of me.

“Breaking the rules is always exhilarating.” I laugh as Ron continues to look back and forth between me and Hermione. 

“Who are you and what have you done to Hermione Granger and Stella Quinn?” Ron questions with a laugh. Hermione and I break into a fit of giggles. 

“Anyway, at least we know one positive thing that came from today.” Hermione says with a smile.

“What’s that?” Harry questions.

“Cho couldn’t take her eyes off of you could she?” Hermione says with a smirk before pulling ahead from the rest. A small smile forms on my lips as I pick up the pace to Hermione, nudging Harry with a smile on my way to her. 

“Right, over the next few days, we should each come up with a couple of possibilities of where we could practise. We’ve got to make sure, wherever it is there is no chance she can find us.” Harry says as we enter the castle. 

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“You’ve done it Neville. You’ve found the Room of Requirement.” Hermione celebrated. The golden trio, Neville, the twins, and I all stood in his large and opened room. The walls were lined up with mirrors upon mirrors and upon mirrors. A candle lit chandelier acted as our main light source, in this inner room of Hogwarts.  

“The what?” Ron questioned.

“Maybe you heard of the Come and Go room?” I suggested. I mean it is the other name the Room of Requirement goes by.

“The Room of Requirement only appears if the person has real need of it, and is always equipped for the seeker’s needs.”

“So say you really need the toilet…” We all turned to look at Ron, while the others were just confused at his berserk question, I on the other hand only felt a rush of second-hand embarrassment for the red head. 

“Charming.”

“Fantastic.”

Hermione and I said simultaneously. Silence laced the room, before we burst into laughter. 

“Blimey Stel, ‘Mione, you’re both basically the same person at this point.” Ron complained. Hermione and I say nothing more but instead just start giggling. 

“But yes, that’s the general idea Ronald.” I laugh out loud. 

“It’s brilliant,” Harry says with a big grin spreading across his face. “It’s like Hogwarts wants us to fight back.”

For the first lesson, Harry goes back to the basics: Expelliarmus. We all lined up into two groups, and at the head of it all was his metal death eater dummy with a wand in hand. I stand right behind Luna as we watch Neville take a spin on it. 

“Expelliarmus!” Neville yelled. Unfortunately for us, it backfired and the wand was flung towards our heads. All of us ducked our heads, and turned to see his wand create a spark once it had hit the wall behind us. 

“I’m hopeless.” A pang of sorrow burned in my chest. Memories of my mother calling me useless and a disgrace resurfaced as I heard Neville speak those words. 

“You’re just flourishing your wand too much, try it like this. Expelliarmus!” Harry suggests before he flicks his wand at the dummy and casts away the wand in its hand. We all go at it, flicking our wands, yelling the incantations, and for most of us flinging the wand out of the dummy’s hand.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

“You will please copy the approved text four times to ensure maximum retention. There will be no need to talk.” Umbridge announces as she walks down the lane in between desks. 

“No need to think, is more like it.” Hermione mutters bitterly just as Umbridge walks past us. I let out a snort at her words before shaking my head and copying the boring text. 

“No need to think is a bit of an understatement.” I mumble. Hermione’s shoulders shake in silent laughter as I feel eyes bore into the back of my head. I turn my head to see dark grey eyes staring right at me. I stick my tongue out bitterly before returning my attention back to my parchment. 

Later that day, in the Room of Requirement we all stand in two lines facing each other, and somehow I end up parallel to one of the twins, George. Harry walks down in the middle as he gives us instructions of what we are doing. 

“Stunning is one of the most useful spells in your arsenal. It’s sort of like a wizard’s bread and butter, really.” Harry walks down to one edge and faces Nigel, a Gryffindor underclassman who stood at the other end. “So um, come on then Nigel! Give me your best shot.” A moment passes before Nigel makes his move. He swings his arm back, before it snaps back to Harry. 

“Stupefy!” He yells before Harry and him both get pushed back. Both groan in pain as they make contact on the floor. 

“Good, not bad. Not bad at all, Nigel. Well done.” Harry says as he slowly picks himself off the floor. 

Hermione and Ron were going next, but as they prepared I was dragged into a conversation with the other Weasleys in the room. 

“I’m surprised to see you here Stella, don’t you know most of these spells anyway?” Fred asks as he sways side to side with his hands in his pockets. 

“Well ‘Mione asked me to come and help teach spells to you lot. I mean it’s good practice at least.” I shrug. The three redheads let out a small laugh before we go back to standing in lines. I was about to go back to the opposite side of the room, but then George grabs my elbow and places me to his side. I look up at him in confusion. Instead of giving me an explanation all he offers is a sly smirk. I shake my head at his childish antics before I turn my attention to my two friends who stood on each end of the room. 

“Stupefy!” Hermione yells as she flicks her wand towards Ron. The latter lets out a yelp as he gets flung backwards with a thud. Hermione however stands proud with her head held high. Ron limps over to us, mumbling on how he let Hermione do that. I shake my head while letting out a laugh, I make my way towards Hermione before giving her a high five. All of the other girls in the room crowd me and Hermione. While Hermione giggled along with them, I stood there awkwardly while fiddling with my fingers. 

I mean it’s not like I didn’t like any of them. But more of it felt awkward being surrounded by them. It felt like everyone was looking at me. Judging me. Making fun of me. 

I take a deep breath to try to calm my nerves. I should be over this. They aren’t like my mother. They aren’t like those pesky Slytherins. They didn’t care about me. No, they didn’t care at all what I did. 

But it was damn hard believing that. 

“Okay then, who's next?” Harry announced. George crept up behind me and raised my arm along with his.

“Me and Stella can go!” My eyes widened as I felt everything around me stopped for a moment. I swore my heart stopped too. 

What?

George drags me to the middle of the room before looking down at me and smirking.

“D-don’t you think this is quite unfair?” I stutter as I still try to wrap my head around what was happening. “I mean you are older, you have more experience!”

“Don’t underestimate yourself Quinn. Don’t forget you are thee prodigy of year five.” I snicker at his comment at me being a “prodigy.” It’s been a while since I've been reminded of my abilities. Whether or not that was a good thing. 

“I suppose so. Then don’t count on me going easy on you, Weasley.” I tease as I turn around and head to my side of the room. I take a deep breath before I spin around to face the older student across from me. 

“Stu-”

“Stupefy!” A bright light erupts from his wand heading straight for me.  Without thinking, I flick my wand once the light connects to it, deflecting the attempted spell before firing back.

“Stupefy!” I yell before I watch George get flung back and landing with a large thud. The room erupted in cheers before Hermione and Luna raced towards me singing praises. My flushes in embarrassment. I glance over to George hoping that he is okay, only to lock eyes with his chocolate eyes. He offers a smirk before looking back to his twin. I turn my gaze to the floor, stifling a smile. As a 7th year student, George could’ve deflected my spell and yet he didn’t. A smile tugs at my lips as a thought crosses my mind.

He did that on purpose didn’t he?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

The next day, I arrive at the Great Hall for some breakfast when I notice Harry, Ron and Hermione looking up at the wall. Filch was at the top of a tall ladder, hanging another poster along with the others.

“What’s going on ‘mione?”

“Professor Umbridge has implemented a new order. All students have to answer questions about any illicit activities. Meaning we’ll be answering questions about you-know-what.” She scoffs before heading into the Great Hall with me hot on her toes. 

Fuck! How did she find out about us? Does she know? Or does she just suspect us?

Thoughts run rapidly around my head. I subconsciously follow Hermione to the Gryffindor table and sit next to her as Ron starts to stuff his face with food. I pay no mind to them, instead I look down at my fiddling fingers as I start to overthink our situation.

A large hand covers mine, stopping my fiddling in an instance.  I look over to find George sitting next to me. He offers a small smile before eating breakfast. 

Butterflies spawn in my stomach at his gesture. I find myself smiling before finally looking up. But if only I didn’t.

Dark grey eyes lock in with mine. Malfoy was staring straight at me. Chills ran down my spine. He was frowning, his eyebrows furrowed a bit. He almost looked…angry. Or jealous even. 

I shook my head viciously. I mentally curse myself. Why would I care what Malfoy thought or felt? He obviously couldn’t care less about me. 

“What’s wrong Stella?” I shake my head at Hermione’s question.

“Nothing. I’m alright.” Lies. But nevertheless, Hermione hums to my reply as I do my best to make myself believe that I was “alright.” Goosebumps run along my arms. My eyes wander back to Malfoy to find him still looking at me or at least I think he was looking at me. His jaw clenches before he averts his gaze back to his friends. 

I didn’t understand why he was looking at me. But maybe it was because I never realised that George’s hand still hasn’t moved from mine.

Next part

[justab00knerd]

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓸𝓷'𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻

Previous part

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Chapter Two: Professor Um-bitch Is The Worst ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

At first I thought Professor Um-bitch couldn’t do anything else that was loony, and she just had to prove me wrong. A few weeks after the initial first week of our fifth year, the madness started. I believe it happened soon after Harry had gotten detention with Professor Um-bitch. Professor McGonagall intercepted Professor Um-bitch’s way as she walked out of the Great Hall. Professor McGonagall came to confront her about how she handled how she punishes students. At first, I thought that Professor Um-bitch would just apologise or back down but no. Of course she had to just disrespect Professor McGonagall. Lord praise her for her strength she has to deal and tolerate this bitch. Not only that but somehow I’ve come to hate Flich even more than last year. Outside of the great hall, Filch hung up these posters. One wrote, “Educational Decree Number 23: Dolores Jane Umbridge has been appointed to the post of Hogwarts High Inquisitor.” Was the Ministry going mad? Not only did they send a loony, mad-woman, but they also had to give her the title of “High Inquisitor.” Not only that, it made the front page in the Daily Prophet. 

Following the days of the decree, one could say everything from there went downhill. Day after day, Professor Um-bitch continued to implement more and more crazy rules! These rules included such as forbidding the Weasley Twins from freely selling their products. Although, that never stopped them from selling them in secret and to be honest I’ve always been a fan of the twins and not just because I was friends with their younger brother. Let’s not even mention how she came to every single class and interrogated each teacher. Even poor Professor Snape came to be a victim of these interrogations! Even Professor Trelawney got verbally beaten by the “High Inquisitor” when she came into our class. A few days later after Umbridge’s questioning, a commotion occurred in the courtyard. 

As I accompanied Cho to the courtyard, well at least I tried to; students from all years and houses were walking towards the courtyard in curiosity. When I caught up to Cho she was already talking to Harry. 

“Cho! Wh-what’s going on?” Harry asked as they walked briskly together. I stood a few steps back with Hermione and Ron, listening in on their conversation.

“It’s Professor Trelawney,” Cho’s Scottish accent stood out like a sore thumb. My heart jumps at my throat. Professor Trelawney? What’s happening to Professor Trelawney?!? 

  Once we had arrived at the courtyard in front of the main entrance, I found myself watching Filch carry out bags to Professor Trelawney who stood confused outside. Following close behind Filch was that insufferable woman in pink. To make it worse she was smiling. Realisation hits me like a truck. This was Professor Um-bitch’s doing. That little… She can’t do this! Can she?

I know that many people don’t really like Professor Trelawney, after all everyone calls her crazy and well… odd. But I quite enjoy her classes, much to the dismay of Hermione. It was just something about Divination that clicked with me, I suppose. I mean not as much as Astrology or Potions, but I did enjoy her class. 

I stood next to Hermione and Harry as Professor Um-bitch made her way to our dear professor. The latter professor looked like she was distraught and on the verge of tears. Enough even to almost trip over her baggage. She takes a moment to compose herself before taking small steps closer to Um-bitch. 

“Si-sixteen years I’ve lived and taught here. Hogwarts is my home,” Her voice cracked as she spoke in a soft tone. “Yo-you can’t do this.” My heart dropped. I bit the inside of my cheek. I wanted to do something. Anything. But I waited for Um-bitch’s response. Maybe, just maybe, she could grow a heart. 

“Actually,” Her high pitched voice started before she brought up a letter. “I can.” Red covered my vision. How DARE she! I watch as Trelawney starts to cry. I took in a deep breath, before sliding past Harry. I heard Hermione call out my name, but I didn’t look back. I briskly walked to Professor Trelawney's side before stepping in front of her. 

“Ms.Quinn, what do you think you’re doing?” She giggled. Oh founders of Hogwarts, how much would I LOVE to slap that smile off her face. Maybe I should just introduce her instead with my fist?

“Well, Professor. I’m protecting what I love.” I threw a glance to Professor Trelawney whose tears were almost escaping her. “I don’t know what gave you the right to just-just kick teachers out, but I know damn well that Professor Trelawney doesn’t deserve this!” I project my voice loud and clear for not just Professor Um-bitch for all the students to hear. 

“It-it’s just unethical! Inhuman even!” I cry. I could tell she was annoyed with me,after all I saw the way her jaw ticked as she tried to keep her tight knit smiling face. Honestly, it was a misstep on her part. 

“Ms.Quinn, I assure you this is for the great good of Hogwarts. So, unless you would like detention in my office, please stand aside.” I gritted my teeth. She motioned me with her arm to stand aside, but I held my ground. I swore I could see I hit a nerve, but before she could say or do anything else, Professor McGonagall rushed out. I turned to her as she rushed to Professor Trelawney’s side and embraced her. 

“Ms.Quinn, what is going on here?” Professor McGonagall asked, I could tell her eyes weren’t on me but, instead on the person behind me. I told her blankly what had happened a few moments prior to her appearance.

“Something you would like to say dear?” Um-bitch told Professor McGonagall. Her tone was endearing as if she held the Headmaster position. I thought a quick prayer for Um-bitch hoping she lived a good life before I killed her myself. 

“Oh, there are several things I would like to say.” I took a few steps back, giving the teachers some room. Professor McGonagall patted Professor Trelawney’s head as she cried. Before Professor Um-bitch could say anything more there was a loud knock before the tall doors of Hogwarts opened presenting our Headmaster, Professor Dumbledore. I let out a breath I didn’t realise I was holding. As long as Professor Dumbledore was here I knew that we would be safe from Um-bitch’s tyranny. 

“Professor McGonagall, might I ask you to escort Syvil back inside.” Professor Dumbledore’s voice boomed in the quiet courtyard, I smirked to myself. 

Take that Professor Um-bitch!

I bowed my head before walking back slowly leaving the Headmaster to deal with that annoying pink woman. Once far enough, I bring my head back to see Professor McGonagoll hold Professor Trelawney by the arm, bringing her back inside the walls of Hogwarts. As they pass the Headmaster, Professor Trelawney gives her thanks to Professor Dumbledore many times before leaving. 

“Dumbledore,” I groaned at the voice of Professor Umbridge. I swear, how in the world did she land herself high in the Ministry? If I want to become an Auror, I hope she will have already retired by then. “May I remind you that under the terms of Educational Decree number 23 as enacted by the Minister-”

“You have the right to dismiss my teachers, you do not, however, have the authority to banish them from the grounds. That power remains with the Headmaster.” Dumbledore fires back mid sentence. I couldn’t help a snort that slipped out, and I swore she could hear me across the yard because I felt her side eye me before bringing her attention back to the Headmaster.  Her smile widens into a smirk.

“For now.” My mind goes blank. 

For now? What does she mean for now?

Professor Dumbledore remained silent. Why was he remaining silent? Shouldn’t he say something? Anything? 

Nothing. Absolutely nothing. All he does is turn around and yell something about studying. Studying? What the hell are we supposed to study? 

We all stood there for a moment before students started to disperse. I stand where I stood for a moment longer before clicking my tongue and turning on my heel. I hear Professor Um-bitch call me out. I was about to walk away from her but I knew better than that. I spin around to face her direction. 

“I hope to see you in my office tomorrow after class.” I give her a confused look. “Detention. Be grateful I didn’t deduct any House Points.” She giggled before turning away and walking to Lord knows where. I let out a mix of a groan and a sigh before scurrying away to the library. 

But of course it seems like the universe hated me. I had to run into Malfoy and his little gang. 

“Oh look who we have here! Little Miss Teacher's pet, now are we?” Parkinson laughed. The rest follows suit as I stand awkwardly at the side. Letting out a sigh before continuing my way towards the library. 

“Oh no you’re not!” Someone yelled from behind, it was a girl’s voice. Greengrass maybe? Well, it didn’t matter. I hear their shoes clack on the stone floor, I pick up speed running anywhere my legs take me. I hear them laugh at me as they chase me through the halls. I make a sharp turn towards the Gryffindor tower, I pray to myself that I make it to the Fat Lady before Parkinson and Greengrass catch me. 

As the Fat Lady came into sight I pushed myself to pump my legs faster. I faintly hear Parkinson yell to everyone that I was near the Gryffindor dormitories and I hear their footsteps get louder and louder indicating they are close by.

 “Mimbulus mimbletonia,” I breath out, I see the Fat Lady usher me in before shutting the entrance on the Slytherins. At first it was weird to be surrounded by red and gold tapestry, I mean after all my house colours were blue and silver. 

“Blimey Stella, what happened to you?” Ron asked as he watched me lean on the walls in order not to fall to my knees. I take in deep breaths, practically heaving. Harry and Hermione look to one another before rushing to my side and ushering me to the couch. Once I caught my breath I told them about my encounter with the Slytherins, AKA their worst enemy at school. They all stared for a moment before Ron broke the silence about how they’re just the worst. I nodded along as they bad-mouth Malfoy and his friends. I understood where they were coming from, after Malfoy has been taunting them ever since first year. But I think he wasn’t all too bad. I mean as long as he kept his pretty mouth shut. 

Soon the topic shifted to today’s events, well more specifically Professor Um-bitch. 

“We’re not learning how to defend ourselves. We’re not learning how to pass our O.W.L.s. She’s taking over the entire school.” Hermione complains as she paces back-and-forth in the common room. It was almost time for curfew and I was still held up in the Gryffindor common room instead of the Ravenclaw one. The radio in the common room projects the Minister’s voice and Harry turns the volume up to listen in. He goes on about how the disappearances are all of Sirius Black’s fault, which from what I know isn’t true. After all, even when he gave us a visit in our third year, he was far from evil. Quite the opposite really. As they zone in on what the radio says I finally stand up from my place on the couch near Ron.

“I-I should go. I’m sure that Malfoy and his lap dogs are gone by now. An-and it’s getting late,” I stutter as I rush to grab my robes off the back rest of the couch. Hermione nods before walking over to me and taking me in her arms. I jump at the contact; I suppose that I’m still a bit unused to hugs. 

“Good night Stella,” She says before letting me go. “Sleep well. We still have classes tomorrow.” 

“Night ‘mione,” I gave her a curt nod and wished Harry and Ron good night which they say in turn. As I exit the common room I check the surroundings, putting an effort to look for any green robes. Specifically, Parkinson and Greengrass’s robes. 

After Malfoy and I’s first assignment we created a partial truce. As long as I continue being his Potions partner, which to be honest was also in my best interests as Hermione wasn’t in my class so, he was my next best option. Luckily for me, he offered to be civil with me in and outside of class which I took eagerly. If I could get one less bully off my back, I’m in. 

Now that I look back on it, Malfoy never really told me off like he did to Hermione. The ones who liked making sure I knew my place were Parkinson and Greengrass as they constantly called my stuck-up know-it-all. Which in my defence is untrue. I’ll admit that I have more knowledge on topics than the average witch and wizard, but I had no confidence to one up someone. That wasn’t…really my style. Nonetheless, they still insist they ruin my day spitting rude remarks my way whenever we pass by each in the hallways. 

I briskly walk through the halls making my way towards the Astronomy tower’s direction. Even though I never was one to have many friends, even with my standing with Cho Chang, a beautiful Scottish with Asian descent and Ravenclaw’s proud seeker, no one really noticed me. Even when they did, they always just say things like, “What an attention seeker” or “She’s just another Ravenclaw know-it-all.” Which was true for some, but for me it was the opposite. I never liked the spotlight, even before Hogwarts I was never popular and I liked it that way. 

“Oh, look who finally came out of that boisterous excuse of a house.”

I stop in my tracks like a deer caught in headlights. I snap my head towards the sound of that voice. It was sophisticated. Sharp and refined even. There leaning casually on the wall was Draco Malfoy. I couldn’t help but stare at him. He looked…put together and proper. Maybe even like a gentleman. I pause. 

What in the world am I thinking?!?!?! Was I…was I just openly saying that Malfoy. Draco Malfoy of all people looked…NICE?!?!?!?! 

I shook my head aggressively. Thanking myself that I hadn’t spoken aloud if not I might just hurl myself into the Black Lake in embarrassment.

“Did you hear me or not, Quinn?” He said in a harsh tone. I snap out of my thoughts once more. 

“I-um-wh-what are you doing out here at this time?” I question and take a few steps away from him. I look around trying to figure out where Parkinson or even Crabbe and Goyle were hiding.

“Don’t even try looking for them. They returned back to the dormitories hours ago claiming you weren’t worth the wait.”

I gulp loudly. Even if I was grateful that Parkinson and Greengrass were gone, it still stung to know I wasn’t a good enough reason to wait to torment me. “The-then why are you still here?” I asked quietly as I shifted my gaze to his feet. Was here because he was worried—

“Had to make sure that you didn’t stay the night over there. If you did then I might have to switch seats in Potions. I wouldn’t want to be contaminated by you.” He scoffed as he pushed himself off the wall and into an upright position. I felt a tightening sensation in my chest. 

Of course he was more worried about himself than me. What was I thinking?

“Well I’m not staying over so you can go now.” I snap. My hair flicks in his direction as I walk away in anger. Of course, he was only thinking about himself. That little selfish, ignorant, arrogant, spoiled brat!! No wonder everyone called him the Slytherin Prince!

Draco’s P.O.V.

I watch as Quinn flicks her auburn hair at me in a way I have never seen before. No one has ever been sassy to me. I scowl as I watch her frame slowly get smaller and smaller before completely disappearing from view. 

“Damn it,” I mutter under my breath before heading the opposite direction towards the dungeons. Before this year I never knew Stella Quinn. It was like she was never there, hiding in plain sight. And yet she has me wrapped around her pretty finger. She wasn’t even that pretty. She was just average. And yet, I always find those pretty little green eyes looking at me. Even worse, I feel glad that she looks at me. I mean who wouldn’t want to look at me. I was every student’s crush at one point. And that’s me being humble. And yet I can’t help the angry thoughts that float around.

How dare she be friends with Potter and that filthy little mudblood! How dare she give me sass after I graciously helped her! But now that I have seen her, there was one thing I was sure of. She will kneel to me one way or another. I smirked. How I will love the day she will be humiliated.

Next Part

[justab00knerd]

Guide to my stories ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Character worksˏˋ°•*⁀➷

Draco Malfoy ˋ°•*⁀➷

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓸𝓷'𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻 (last updated 2024/12/15)

➻ Chapter Two: Professor Um-bitch Is The Worst

➻ Chapter Three: A Cause Worth Fighting For

➻ Chapter Four: Of Course He Joined The Inquisitorial Squad

➻ Chapter Five: You’re The One My Sister Likes?!?!

➻ Chapter Six: You Are So Much Better Than Her

Illumi Zoldyck ˋ°•*⁀➷

𝓦𝓱𝔂 𝓜𝓮? (last updated 2025/2/9)

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Also posted on AO3 under PhantomTroupe_Spy :)

[justab00knerd]

𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓓𝓻𝓪𝓰𝓸𝓷'𝓼 𝓢𝓽𝓪𝓻

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* Chapter One: An Unsightly Meeting ✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Our meeting wasn’t memorable.

From his platinum hair to his infuriatingly neat robes, there was nothing I wanted more to do than ruin his appearance. To run my fingers through those blond locks, to fist that pristine shirt of his and creating wrinkles.

That morning, I had taken my seat, waiting for Professor Snape to start potions class. Mere moments before Snape entered, he entered the classroom and took the seat next mine. I remembered peeking at him thinking to myself,  “Was there no other seat he could sit in? Why did it have to be that one? The one next to me?” I never realised how long I had been staring until I found myself looking into his cold steel grey eyes. 

“And what are you staring at?” My eyes widened. Shit, I got caught. Fortunately for me Snape had finally arrived, speaking his cold low tone to open our books to page 159 in our textbooks. For the next hour or so, Snape gave a “delightful” lecture on the uses of multiple types of the plant Nettle and Troll Bogeys. At the end of the lecture as he dismissed us he announced that there will be homework. THe whole class collectively groaned in pain except for me and him. 

“I want detailed instructions on how to concoct a Wit-Sharpening potion as well as where to find the ingredients.” The class let out another groan. “You will work with a partner. Your partner is the one seated right next to you.” I snap my head to my right. My eyes lock into his grey ones. Bloody hell. That day, I was met with my worst nightmare.

I had to work with Draco Malfoy.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

To my dismay, Malfoy had run away from me before I could pry anything out of him. I watched him disappear in the wave of students in the hall, all trying to get to their next class, I let out an agitated growl. How dare he leave me without asking how we would tackle this work? I knew we weren’t on the best terms. Hell, we never spoke to each other except for when he asked me why I was staring at him, which in fact I had not. Because why in the bloody hell would I be looking at him of all people. I was totally not staring at his pale complexion, or the way his hair was slightly overgrown that it partially covered his eyes. And definitely, I would not be looking at those grey eyes and how they looked forward like they would conquer everything and anything like a storm. No. I would never, ever, stare at him unless I was completely out of mind.

At that moment, I started to hate Draco Malfoy.

Normally, I wouldn’t put much effort in making someone do their side of the work. Especially, not if it was going to mess up my Potions grade.However it was Draco Malfoy who we were talking about. The so-called “prince of potions,” the only one who could out score me and Hermione in Snape’s class. There was no way in the name of the founding members of Hogwarts would I let him of all people, ruin my reputation in Potions. When I met up with Hermione, my only friend other than Cho Chang and Marietta Edgecombe and any other Ravenclaw girl who called themself my “friend”, Hermione was the only person I wanted to become friends with. Even if it was just coincidental, I cherished her. During Charms I ranted to her about Potions. As the angel Hermione was, she encouraged me to keep my head held high and to face Malfoy head forward. I mean no need to tell me twice. I wouldn’t let my guard down with any Slytherin, especially not Malfoy.

That class I had decided I was NOT going to let Malfoy hurt me. 

At lunch, I quickly ate small portions with my friends. Although I didn’t pay much attention to them, my attention was rather fixed on the next table over, the Slytherin’s table. More specifically the boy in question to be my partner. His face was turned to the side showing off his sharp jawline. As much as he was an the biggest asshole and a bigger bully, he was fucking handsome. From his sharp grey eyes to his platinum hair that seemed to shimmer in the light. He was the devil disguised as an Angel. Hell, he could be Lucifer for all I know. 

As lunch soon came to a close, I saw Malfoy finally leave the Great Hall, alone might I add. I saw an opening present itself to me. In haste, I jog up to his side. I see him give me a side eye, but I couldn’t care less. 

“What class do you have next, Malfoy?” I ask looking straight as I avoid eye contact. If I did, I might break at those grey eyes. Like a storm.

“Why do you care?” He scoffs.

“Snape wants us to work as partners. I want to figure out how we’ll split up the work. In order to do that you have to communicate with me. So please try to be civil with me, please.” I hear him scoff. Again. I stayed quiet, I said my piece. If he wanted to do the work all by himself and explain to Snape why we had two different papers then so be it. But I will make sure to emphasise that I tried to work with him. He simply didn't want to. I heard him groan. I could help myself feel a bit proud.

“Fine then, how do you want to split up the work then?”

I smirk in triumph. “Well, I thought one of us could write the detailed instructions while the other could write where to find the ingredients.” I finally turned to him. I couldn’t help but let my eyes roam, taking notice of his features. From his sharp jawline to his long lashes. 

Bloody hell, since when did he have those long lashes? Why was I just noticing this? Holy fuck, why am I noticing this? I cursed myself for letting myself be distracted by him. By no means was he ugly. Hell, he might just be the one of the most good looking guys in our year if not the best. But we were talking about Draco Malfoy. Thee Draco Malfoy. The same one who bullies everyone. The same one who thinks he is better than everyone else. So, there was no way I was going to fall in love with him. I snapped my eyes back away from him and to my surprise I found myself at the door of Defence the Dark Arts room. 

“Well? Shouldn’t you be heading to your next class, hmm? Quinn?” My heart skips a beat. I never knew that Malfoy, Malfoy of all people knew who I was. I look up to him. “I mean you wouldn’t want to find yourself tardy on the first day of school now?” My eyes lock with his stormy grey ones. I gave him a tight lipped smile before I walked into the classroom with my head held high. I was going to enjoy D.A.D.A. especially today. I spot a head of wavy brown hair sitting at a desk in the second row from the front. A small, real, smile pulls at my lips as I swiftly make my way to the desk next to hers. I felt eyes burn themselves into my back. I turn around only to find those infuriating grey eyes looking at me. I smirked at him only to get a scowl in return before I sat down. 

One point for me, zero for Malfoy. Oh how I was enjoying this.

Although I had a blast at annoying Malfoy at the start of class, the same couldn’t be said for the following events that came after. Professor Umbridge. The only thing I know of her was that she was sent by the Ministry. But there was just something about her that was off. I had a gut feeling about it. 

As we got our books and opened them up I noticed there was something off about them. I browsed over the first few pages and saw nothing. Nothing at all about using magic. Before I could raise my hand to inquire about this, Hermione beat me to it.

“There is nothing here about using defensive spells.” I nod along as I look at the Professor for answers.

“Using spells?” She laughs. “I can’t imagine why you would need to use spells in my classroom.”

“We’re not gonna use magic?” I turn to see Ron holding his book out in confusion.

“You will be learning about defensive spells in a secure risk-free way.” She said as if she was babying us. 

“What use will that be if we’re gonna be attacked it won’t be risked free.” Harry spoke out and I gotta admit. He had a point. If we didn’t learn how to defend ourselves WITH magic, then how would we survive? Do you really expect the people using the dark arts to just take pity and not kill us using magic?

“I beg your pardon Ms. Quinn.” I freeze as I make eye contact with Professor Umbridge. Shit. Did I say that out loud? I hear a snicker behind me and turn around to see none other than Malfoy laughing at me. Of course, he was. The professor clears her throat bringing back my attention to her.

“Sorry, professor. Di-did I say that out loud?” I hear someone else snicker only to face an atrocious bob-cut from Pansy Parkinson, A.K.A. Malfoy’s little girlfriend, or at least that’s what she wants to believe. Seeing her obsessed with Malfoy I can't help but pity him for his predicament with her.

“Yes you did. Students will raise their hand before speaking in my class Ms. Quinn. Do take time to remember that,” She smiles at me as if she was trained to. I wonder if she has to look in the mirror and practice that smile every morning… “That goes for you as well, Mr. Potter.” Unlike the tone she used with me this was harsh and stern. “It is the view of the Ministry that s theoretical knowledge would be sufficient to get you through your examinations which after all, what school is all about.”

“And how’s theory supposed to prepare us for what’s out there?” Harry backfired. I nod along to Harry’s words. 

“There is nothing out there, dear,” I roll my eyes, of course there was something out there. There always is. “Who would you imagine would want to attack children, like yourself?”

“Oh, I don’t know,” He paused for a second pretending to think about it, “Maybe Lord Voldemort.” Silence rang in the classroom at the mention of He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named’s name. After last year, when Cedric Diggory died, we all knew who could’ve killed him. At least, I knew. You-Know-Who was back, and the Ministry was trying to hide it. Something in my brain clicked. 

Professor Umbridge was here for the Ministry. 

 Professor Umbridge was here for the Ministry.  

Professor Umbridge was here for the Ministry. 

How could I have missed this! Professor Umbridge was here on the Ministry’s behalf to not only watch over Professor Dumbledore, but to ensure that no one believed that You-Know-Who is back! Gods above, how could I have been so stupid?!?!

As mutters erupted in the classroom, Hermione and I turned to each other, giving a look before returning our attention to Harry and the professor. She looked tense, nervous even. 

“Now let me make this quite plain,” she started to move closer to Harry. “You have been told that a certain dark wizard is at large, once again. This is a lie.”

“It’s not a lie. I saw him. I fought him!” Harry insisted. Now I was no expert, but with all the crazy shit that Harry has been through. There was no doubt about it. The Ministry is lying to us. They have become cowards, and they refuse to tell us the truth and in turn that will become their downfall. 

“Detention Mr. Potter!” Professor Umbridge yells as she walks back to the front of the room. 

“So, according to you Cedric Diggory dropped dead of his own accord?”

“Cedric Diggory’s death was a tragic accident.”

“It was murder! Voldemort killed him! You must know that!” Harry raised his voice. 

“ENOUGH!” Professor Umbridge screamed! I flinch at her tone and volume. I looked around and found I wasn’t the only one. “Enough. See me later, Mr. Potter. My office.” She giggled. I let out a breath. One year. All I wanted was one year that was normal. Thanks to Professor Um-bitch, that was never going to happen. 

Yes, she wasn’t Umbridge anymore, no, nuh uh, she was Professor Um-bitch. Because not only did she ban the use of magic in D.A.D.A. Which is so fucking crazy, that it’s out of this world. But she had the audacity. AUDACITY to think that we can stand any chance at defeating or even defending ourselves against the Dark Arts without magic. WITHOUT MAGIC! Did she really want us to die that badly? I swear if Voldemort came to Hogwarts this year I was pushing Professor Um-bitch at him to protect myself. Not only that but she punishes those who speak the truth. Even if I was unsure myself that He-Who-Shall-Not-Be-Named was back, I knew that if anyone was telling the truth. It was Harry. But there was one thing I was sure of.

The Ministry is lying. They are lying not only to themselves but to others. The Ministry is going to get us killed, one way or another. 

The rest of the lecture went by as best as it could. Did we survive? Thank the lord we did. Were tensions high as fuck? Hell yeah. As the bell rang and we were finally dismissed out of that horrid classroom. As I packed up my things I couldn’t help but angrily curse at our Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher.  

I feel bad for the sorry bloke she ends up marrying… I thought as I walked next to Hermione exiting that sorry excuse of a class. I let out a snort at that thought. Hermione just gave me a weird look and I told her that thought. We let out a collective laugh together before she hurried back to Harry and Ron’s side. I bid Hermione farewell as well as the two boys who nodded back in turn, before hurrying to my last class of the day. 

Before supper, I made my way down to the library to get a head start with the assigned homework. AKA, the potions homework. Once I took care of getting the right books for the assignment I made my way to some tables only to see a head with platinum hair sitting down already looking bored out of his mind. I let out a huff before making my way over to the seat across from him. I stood there just looking at him. I had no idea why he was there. He gave no answer in agreeing to work with me. Hell, I thought I blew off all chances in getting him to cooperate. He finally looked up to me with a bored expression. And I couldn’t help myself getting drawn into those grey eyes of his. 

“Well Quinn? Are you just going to stand there or sit down?” I snapped out of my trance. I felt heat rush to my face before I shook it away and sat down. I took out a quill and some paper before I looked back at Malfoy.

“So…which part would you like to take on?”

He sighs, “I’ll do the recipe. After all, I’m a much better writer than you anyways.” I rolled my eyes at his statement. Of course he thinks he’s fucking better. I let out a sigh before handing the books I collected for that specific part and handed them to him. Simultaneously, I opened one of the other books and got started on my part. For a moment I didn’t realise that he didn’t take them. I looked back up at him without moving my head and raised my eyebrows in question. He stood still and silent. 

“Well, Malfoy? Are you going to take the books or do I have to hold them on for you?” I ask him the same tone as he asked me earlier. I heard him scoff once again before he took the books from my hand. And may I add that he rudely did so. Luckily for me for the next two hours, Malfoy thankfully grace me with silence.

I work quickly and efficiently, allowing me to finish my part before supper even started. Unfortunately for me however, it left me nothing to do while I waited for Malfoy. I grabbed one of my books from my stack that seemed relatively interesting, but with his presence near me it fumbled with my brain making me unable to concentrate on anything fully. Even when I was working it was hard to block him out, if I was so keen on finishing the paper I wouldn’t have been able to finish as early as I had. I quietly peeked at Malfoy. His hair shimmered with the setting sun’s light giving it a slight orange colour. It was…mesmerising. For some reason there was this urge to run my fingers through his hair. To feel whether it was silky as it looked or if it would be soft to the touch. My brain went blank for a moment. 

Bloody hell. What was going on with me? 

“What are you looking at?” I snap back into reality only to find myself looking into grey eyes. My brain ran in circles, trying to create a foolproof excuse I could give him. He raised his eyebrows in question. I spit out a weak excuse.

“I wasn’t looking at you Malfoy. I was looking at your paper.” Holy fuck. The urge to throw myself into the black lake was increasing by the second. “Anyways, have you finished yet?” 

“I have actually, no thanks to you and your staring.” This time I was the one to scoff at him. We quickly read over each other's work before he dumped the responsibility on me to hold onto the papers. I didn’t even get a chance to protest before he strutted away. I scoff once again, and not long after I made my way to the Great Hall for some supper. Nothing of any importance happened from the time of supper to when I got back to the Ravenclaw tower. However that night, I tossed and turned with my thoughts running around in circles. It wasn’t a rare occasion for me, not in the least. Ever since I was a child and my mother had a strong urge to please and show her worth to my pureblood grandparents, she trained me to the bone. Teaching me magic ever since she realised I was a child prodigy, exhibiting magic as early as five years old. However, unlike the other times I laid in bed wide awake, this time it was for a different reason. This time my thoughts ran around one person. A person I shouldn’t even be thinking about. Draco Malfoy. Draco Malfoy was the reason I laid awake in bed. Because of his hair, and how much I wanted to touch it, to his eyes that I could look in and never get bored. Not to mention how much he’s grown since the end of our fourth year. No. 

Nononononononnonono! Stop thinking about him damn it! Turned over to my side clutching a pillow tightly to my chest. I was NOT thinking about Draco Malfoy. I shifted my thoughts around the thought of my classes on the upcoming day. In the morning, take Transfiguration and History of Magic. Lunch. Then go to Herbology and Astronomy. In the morning, take Transfiguration and History of Magic. Lunch. Then go to Herbology and Astronomy. In the morning, take Transfiguration and History of Magic. Lunch. Then Herbology and Astronomy.

I repeated the mantra in my head over and over again. Soon enough I felt my eyes droop. I welcomed sleep like an old friend and fell into a deep slumber. Unfortunately for me, not before the picture of Malfoy came to mind.

That night I vowed, I would NEVER fall in love with Draco Malfoy.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:*

Next Part

[justab00knerd]

OMG YES I LOVE THATTTTT

is... is that why he's dressed up like that...

[justab00knerd]

omg perfect for you @a-romantics-guide-to-life 😏

Ok here you go this is the one I’m gonna start using just in case anybody wants cowboy dividers!!!!

[justab00knerd]

The whole question here is: am I a monster, or a victim myself?

Fyodor Dostoevsky, Crime and Punishment