Chapter 7
It is late at night and the boys are talking. The dimly lit room was filled with the soft glow of the fireplace, casting flickering shadows on the walls. As Kalevi entered the room, he could hear the low murmur of voices and laughter from his fellow Slytherins. Taking a seat on one of the plush, green sofas, he joined in on the conversation, feeling a sense of camaraderie and belonging amongst his housemates.
As Kalevi settled into the comfort of the sofa, he observed the animated expressions and lively gestures of his fellow Slytherins. The conversation flowed effortlessly, intertwining diverse topics from Quidditch strategies to the latest magical discoveries. Kalevi listened intently, a sense of excitement building within him.
"So what do you guys think of the new Defence Against the Dark Arts Professor?" Blaise asked from the sofa to his left.The conversation paused for a moment as everyone pondered Blaise's question. A few exchanged glances before one of the Slytherins spoke up, "I must say, I find Professor Mad eye's teaching methods quite intriguing. He seems to have a deep knowledge of the subject and a sharp eye for detail." Another chimed in, "I agree, his strict demeanour may be intimidating, but I believe it's that very intensity that pushes us to excel in our studies."
Kalevi glanced around at the other Slytherins before he made eye contact with Draco who was on the sofa with him.
"I think he's bloody mad," Draco replied, a few of the Slytherins laughed before agreeing with Draco's opinion.
"I dunno, I kinda like his teaching," Kalevi mumbled barely loud enough for the others to hear. His voice carried a hint of curiosity, as if he had found something intriguing in Professor Mad Eye's unconventional approach. The room fell silent as his words lingered in the air, prompting everyone to turn their gazes towards Kalevi, awaiting an explanation. "It just seems interesting, that's all," Kalevi shifted in seat.
Draco's eyes caught contact with Kalevi's uncomfortable ones for a moment before Draco looked away.
"Well, who do you guys think will win the Triwizard Tournament?" Draco changed the topic, Kalevi made note of this feeling himself, smiling slightly at Draco's attempt to change the subject.
"No doubt, Victor Krum," one of the boys spoke loudly, causing a clash of people agreeing or disagreeing with him. The room was filled with a chaotic mix of voices, each person eager to express their own opinion. Some vehemently agreed with the statement that Victor Krum was the most likely victor of the Triwizard Tournament, while others vehemently disagreed. The tension in the air grew as the debate intensified, each argument becoming more passionate than the last. Amidst the commotion, Kalevi found himself caught in the middle, unsure of where he stood.
On one hand, his brother was powerful and he was confident in him, on the other hand, the boy who lived and the infamous Victor Krum were both in the same tournament.
As the night continued on, the boys settled into their rooms and began preparing for bed. Draco, lying on his bed, turned towards Kalevi, who was sitting on the bed next to him, and asked, "So, Kalevi, who do you truly think will come out as the winner in the Triwizard Tournament?" Kalevi, deep in thought, paused for a moment before responding,
"It's a tough call, Malfoy. My brother is incredibly powerful and capable, and I have faith in his abilities. But Potter who is infamous for surviving and thee Victor Krum are there in the same tournament," Kalevi replied, voice hushed due to the sleeping classmates next to him.
"Well, Kalevi," Draco began, his voice filled with a mixture of doubt and admiration, "while I have no doubt about your brother's capabilities, I can't help but think that Potter's luck might just get him through this tournament. Surviving against all odds seems to be his speciality. And Victor Krum, well, the man's reputation precedes him. His skill and experience make him a formidable opponent."
"Yeah," Kalevi mumbled, finally crawling under the covers, taking his rat out and putting it on his chest letting it roam around the covers before getting comfortable and lying down. The room grew quiet as the whispers of their conversation tapered off into silence. Under the dim glow of the moonlight filtering through the windows, Kalevi couldn't help but feel a strange connection with Draco. It was as if there was an unspoken understanding between them, a bond that transcended their differences.
"Good night Malfoy," Kalevi whispered, blowing out the candle.
"Good night, Karlsson," he responded.
As Kalevi lay in bed, the events of the evening replayed in his mind. He couldn't shake the feeling that there was something different about his interaction with Draco. It was as if there was an invisible thread connecting them, an unspoken bond that he couldn't fully comprehend. As sleep slowly enveloped him, Kalevi's thoughts wandered, trying to make sense of this strange friendship between them.