Samhain
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, Somewhere in Scotland, Slytherin Entrance - 31 October, 1991
Draco watched as the final brick slid into place behind him, closing the entrance and separating Draco from Snape. ‘ What was that?’ Draco questioned to himself. ‘ I've heard how he was biassed but why did he give me 5 random points??’
Draco stood there for a moment more, staring at the brick wall before slowly shaking his head and beginning to head down the stairs and to the common room.
As he walked he thought about the events that had just happened, he couldn’t believe he had just watched two first years fight a fully grown mountain troll. ‘ I’m just gonna die after this all sets in.’ Draco thought knowingly to himself.
When he finally got to the bottom of the stairs he looked around, seeing only a few people in the main area of the common room. It confused him for a moment, since it wasn’t too late, at least not late enough for everyone to be asleep. But then he realised, ‘ Oh right, it’s Samhain.’
The night had been so eventful that he had completely forgotten what the date was, that it was Samhain.
Draco passed a look around the common room, trying to see who wasn’t in their dorms, surprisingly there were two he recognised. One was Tracey Davis, a girl he recognised vaguely from classes and that Pansy had complained was far too quiet and distant from the other girls. The other was, unsurprisingly enough, Milicent Bulstrode, who was kneeling before one of the communal altars.
Draco felt a small part of him feel pity for her, being alone on Samhain must have been an awful feeling, and even with the bad she had brought onto him, she didn’t deserve such a fate. ‘ Ugh, don’t be such a Hufflepuff, Draco.’ He scolded himself quietly, scrunching up his nose. He quickly shook his head to rid himself of that mushy thought and tried to do away with those unwanted feelings of pity.
It was only after that, that he moved towards the boys wing of the Slytherin dungeon. As he turned into the hallway, he noticed that, unlike usual, there were candles and dried leaves floating above the metal walkway. He also noted that there were bounds of golden Marigolds hanging on the walls, one for each column lining the hallway, and there were jack-o-lanterns next to doors.
‘Very festive,’ Draco thought before moving to the door closest to the entrance of the hallway, which was, of course, the 1st year boys dorm. He stood in front of the door for a moment, taking a deep breath and preparing himself, before pushing it open.
He didn’t know what he expected, but he certainly didn’t expect all of the boys (and Pansy) to whip their heads around when he pushed open the door. “Um, hello?” Draco greeted, confused as to why they were staring at him.
After a moment, Pansy was the first to move, setting aside her plate of food and rushing to Draco. “Draco Lucius Malfoy! Where have you been?! One moment you were sitting next to me and we were having a perfectly fine conversation, the next you were running out of the Great Hall when there was a troll on the loose!” She screeched like a banshee, throwing her arms around him for just a moment before pushing him slightly, making him stumble back a few steps.
Draco blinked for a moment, staring dumbfounded at Pansy, somehow feeling more surprised at this than the literal troll he just watched. “Did you even think about how worried we were?!” She screeched and crossed her arms, waiting expectantly with her eyebrows raised and dark eyes glaring.
“I’m fine, I ended up finding a place to hide, Snape found me and escorted me back here.” Draco said curtly, trying to hide his lie but he couldn't help looking away from Pansy as he felt his ears flushing ever so slightly, although he was able to keep his hands still.
Pansy huffed after a beat, and when Draco glanced back to her he saw her glare for a moment more before storming back to her spot near the altar. He was left standing there for a moment before he crept over and sat in between Blaise and Crabbe, the latter of which barely grunted at him and continued to eat.
Blaise on the other hand leaned over and whispered in his ear, “She’s been going spare since we heard about the troll, she was really worried.”
Draco glanced over at the Italian Pureblood for a moment before looking down, a feeling of dread dropping into his stomach. It wasn’t just because of what Blaise had said or because of Pansy’s words and actions, of course it wasn’t, he wasn’t such a softy. No, the dreadful feeling was the realisation that another dream had come true.
At this point he knew he shouldn’t have been surprised, but he had been so caught up in the events that had occurred that he hadn’t even thought of his dream. ‘ Does it always come true? Does it have to play out the way I see it?’ He wondered to himself, vaguely remembering how he was able to deviate from the vision of him meeting Potter in the robe shop.
His thoughts were interrupted by a faint pop as a plate of food appeared floating in front of him, to which Draco took carefully. The plate smelled amazing and was filled to the brim with different traditional Samhain foods. It had roasted brussel sprouts and cauliflower, rosemary chicken, and a small roll of barmbrack. As he was faced with the delicious smell and look of the foods he realised just how hungry he was.
After just a single moment he began eating, glancing up for only a moment to look at the clock on the wall, which read 9:45. He quickly blinked, shocked at how late it already was getting, before Draco quickly dug back into his meal.
~1~
After about thirty minutes just about everyone had stopped eating and the plates were magicked away the same way they had appeared, with a soft pop. The six Slytherin’s all scooted closer to the brightly decorated altar, being covered and surrounded by pumpkins, pomegranates, and apples. A beautiful vine of oak leaves and marigolds was woven onto the altar and hung off slightly at the ends. Nestled neatly in the middle of all of this was 6 black candles of varying heights and intricacies as well as a single, large, silver tray for offerings.
Hung above the altar were moving photos of the deceased, each of the Slytherin’s bringing one so they could light a candle, pray, and give an offering to their loved one. Draco had packed and hung a picture of his grandparents, Abraxas and Beatrix Malfoy, who were the last people to die in his family.
If he really thought about it he could vaguely remember his Grandmother’s soft smile and her, while rare, soft hugs that she would give him. He was only 5 when they died, his Grandfather dying first from a heart attack and then his Grandmother only days after. Mother always said she had died of a broken heart.
Eventually, after Pansy lit her candle and gave an offering to her late older brother, Henri, it was Draco’s turn. He stood up and brought forward a simple blackberry tart, which had been a favourite of his Grandmother’s, at least from what he was told.
He stood there for a moment after lighting his candle and giving his offering, looking at the picture of the two Malfoy’s who had come and gone and thought for a moment. He thought of these strange visions and dreams, of the surge of magic he had felt in Charms class, of if anyone else in his family had gone through this. ‘Maybe I am going mad, that, I know, does run in the family.’
After that moment had passed he stepped back so Theo could light the candle for his mother, who had passed just after he had been born.
Draco went back to his spot and kneeled before the altar, clasping his hands, bowing his head, and closing his eyes. He took in a large, quiet breath, smelling the burning candles. Before he began to pray inside his mind, hoping that someone would answer not just his prayer but also his silent questions.
‘Samhain is here, cold is the earth,
as we celebrate the cycle of death and rebirth.
Tonight we speak to those through the veil,
the lines between worlds are thin and frail.
Ghosts and spirits in the night,
magical beings rising in flight,
owls hooting up in a moonlit tree,
I don't fear you and you don't fear me.
As the sun goes down, far to the west,
my ancestors watch over me as I rest.
They keep me safe and without fear,
on the night of Samhain, the Witches' New Year.’
‘Please’ Draco thought desperately, ‘Give me a reason for these visions.’
~2~
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, Somewhere in Scotland - 1 November, 1991
The next day was such a far cry from the previous, being far more relaxed than the previous one and with far less stress. Although, Draco still couldn’t help feeling a pit in his stomach from the previous night’s events.
The day did start out bad, Draco having to sit through his least favourite classes, i.e. History of Magic and Defense Against the Dark Arts. Luckily both of those dreadful classes were followed up with by Charms class and the delightful Professor Flitwick.
Draco believed it had to be gods finally giving him a break from his frankly awful luck of a morning, especially when Flitwick announced that they would just be continuing their practical lesson from yesterday. Meaning that Draco got over an hour of free study time, due to levitating his feather the day previous.
And, finally, after that semi-awful morning it was lunch.
Draco was spending it how he spent a good majority of his lunches and breaks, in the corner, on the second floor of the library, near the aisle on boils and diseases. It was easily his favourite spot and he always tried to commandeer it when he could. Usually it was one of the quietest places in the library, since no one usually came back there.
Until that day.
Draco was just starting to read his textbook reading that had been assigned by Binns that day when hands slammed onto the table. It startled him enough to quickly look up and see the three annoying Gryffindor’s standing over him.
Draco raised a single, poised eyebrow at them, although it was more so at Granger and Potter, since Weasley looked like he very much didn’t want to be there.
“We want to talk.” Granger stated firmly, her eyes trained on him while her hands stayed firmly on the table.
“Please.” Potter added after a moment, when it was obvious that Granger wasn’t going to.
Draco stayed staring until he finally sighed and set aside his homework. “Blessed Samhain Granger, Potter,” he nodded to the two of them before glaring at the Weasel, “Weasley” he greeted curtly.
He noticed that Granger and Potter seemed confused by his greeting, glancing at one another as if to see if the other one knew something. Draco sighed again and decided to move on, “What do you three want? I’m trying to start my History of Magic Essay.”
“You actually do those? I thought Hermione was the only one!” Potter said with a surprised and teasing tone in his voice.
“Of course I do them, I need to make perfect grades.” Draco replied and raised his eyebrow in response, still wanting to know why he was being bothered.
“We all wanted to talk to you about yesterday,” Granger explained, taking her hands from the table and standing up straight.
“Excuse you, I was dragged here.” Weasley bemoaned and glared at Draco, as if it was his fault.
“Then me and Harry wanted to talk to you,” Granger corrected before pulling out a chair and sitting down. Potter and Weasley followed suit, although Weasley seemed far more reluctant.
‘Sit down, why don’t you.’ Draco thought as he grew even more annoyed as the seconds passed.
“I wanted to apologise, I assumed the worst when I thought you were just trying to make fun of me but really you were trying to warn me about the troll, weren’t you?” Granger questioned.
“I was, and all I got for doing so was being yelled at and then being faced with a mountain troll.” He grumbled angrily.
“But how did you know?” Potter questioned. “I saw you run out of the hall before Quirrell came in, so how did you know about the troll when you left?”
Draco cursed internally and refrained from twisting his hands, a habit he was known to do when lying. “I had.. Forgotten something in the common room,” Draco said quickly, slowly piecing together a lie, “On my way there I heard Quirrell screaming about a troll and remembered hearing about Granger crying in the bathroom. I thought I would have enough time to grab her and make it to the Great Hall, since the troll was meant to be in the dungeons. Obviously I didn’t.”
He looked at the three of them, and none seemed to be doubting his word, although Weasley really didn’t seem to be paying attention. “Was that all?” Draco asked after a moment of silence, wanting to get back to his homework.
“Yeah, it was,” Potter said, his words making Weasley perk up slightly. “But can I ask about that greeting you gave? What is ‘Samhain’?”
Draco’s eyebrow rose at that, as did Weasley’s surprisingly, although it seemed to be in disgust and not in confusion. “It’s a blood purist holiday, Harry.” Weasley answered scathingly.
“It is not!” Draco burst out, jumping up and glaring at Weasley, “It is a way to honour those who have left our world, when the veil is at its thinnest, and it is also to celebrate a plentiful harvest!”
All three of the Gryffindor's seemed surprised at Draco’s outburst, especially when Madam Pince didn’t jump out and shush him.
After a moment Draco breathed, trying to calm himself and not let his emotions get the better of him, before looking at Potter. “It is a traditional wizarding holiday that has been celebrated for centuries. We leave offerings, light candles, and pray to those who have passed, so they might hear us through the veil and know they are remembered.” Draco explained more calmly.
“What is ‘the veil?’” Potter questioned, which shocked Draco in turn.
At that Draco has to think for a moment, since he’s never had to explain what the veil is to someone, “it’s what separates the physical and spiritual worlds.” He explains as simply as he can. “And when the veil is at its thinnest it is easiest to communicate with those in the spiritual world.”
“So like, you can pray to anyone?” Granger, who had been surprisingly quiet during this entire conversation, questions.
“Yes, although you usually pray to a close family member or friend that has passed most recently. Some people, however, pray to multiple people. For example, I pray to both my grandparents on my father’s side.” It was at that moment that Draco was struck with how strange this entire situation was. He was talking to a muggleborn, the boy-who-lived, and said boy's blood traitor friend, although the last one wasn't exactly a very dynamic conversation.
“It’s a dated holiday, only pureblood extremist’s celebrate it.” Weasley said snidely, his arms crossed and looking disgusted.
Draco scoffed at such a ridiculous idea, ‘how dare you even-’ “It is not a dated holiday, it is a traditional holiday with a long history! And many people celebrate it! Not just purebloods, practically all of Slytherin celebrates it and so does most of Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff!” The Slytherin could barely contain himself, just barely not allowing his voice to raise and get him kicked out of the library.
“Well- uh- it’s still super boring!” Weasley said, bumbling like the buffoon he is.
“Well I think it’s really interesting,” Potter said simply, throwing a smile to Draco.
“Mhm! I agree, I never even thought that the wizarding world would have different holidays, what with celebrating Halloween last night and getting Christmas off.” Granger said, already gearing up for a rant, it seemed. However her words made him scowl.
“So,” Potter quickly interrupted before she could, making Draco turn his attention to him, “is it just today that it’s being celebrated?”
“Technically no, Samhain begins at sunset on the 31st of October and ends at sunset on the 1st of November. Last night we only feasted, gave offerings, and prayed, while tonight we do that and more.”
“Like?” Granger questioned, leaning against the table more and looking fascinated.
“Well there are many things, we’ll reflect on the year and share memories of those departed, some of the older students will probably offer tarot readings. How people celebrate it can vary, really, since it can be extremely personal. Like at the manor we would have a bonfire on the night of 31st and invite many other families, while here we can’t exactly do that.” Draco explained, remembering the beautiful and blazing bonfire last year, that always was his favourite part.
“Why can’t you do it here?” Potter questioned curiously.
“Well because Dumbledore has basically all but banned it! We aren’t allowed to eat our specialty feast in the Great Hall or pray at actual altars and not the ones in our dorm.” Draco said spirefully, feeling his anger at the injustice rise up once again, just as it had when Father explained it.
“Dumbledore doesn’t allow it? Why? Are you breaking any rules celebrating it?” Granger questioned, now looking more concerned.
The blond shook his head in response. “It isn’t against the rules to celebrate it, there are laws in the Ministry that help to protect that at least.” Draco explained. “As for why, my Father says–”
Weasley chortles rudely.
“-that Dumbledore said in a meeting with heads of the school board that it's because he doesn’t want to make the muggleborn or half-blood students uncomfortable.” Draco finishes and rolls his eyes, ignoring Weasley’s very rude interruption. “Although that seems extremely unfair when Hogwarts celebrates muggle holidays.”
Potter and Granger nodded along, both holding hardened expressions, which for some odd reason made a warm feeling come to his chest.
“Especially when Hogwarts only seems to celebrate muggle holidays to do with Christianity.” Granger pointed out, to which Potter nodded again, making Draco feel very lost but deciding not to question it.
He chanced a glance at Weasley, however, and noticed he looked confused as well. ‘ Ha! Not even a good Blood Traitor, are you, Weasley? Doesn't even know about stupid muggle stuff like you're supposed to!’
“Very unfair!” Potter said, drawing Draco's attention back to him.
“We should do something about it!” Granger spouted, to which Draco rolled his eyes.
“Do you really think that you could? My father has already tried everything, so if he can’t I highly doubt a first year can.” The Slytherin responded bluntly and waved her off. “It’s an absolute atrocity not being able to outwardly celebrate any of the holidays we grew up with and instead have to be in the face with a cheap knock off holiday.”
“It’s not a knock off, actually it’s pretty different back home,” Granger began. “Usually little kids go around to houses dressed up in costumes from stories and trick or treating at houses.”
Weasley seemingly brightened slightly at the mention of the awful Muggle holiday, ‘ figures he would like a holiday where he gets free candy.’ Draco thought disdainfully.
“So they dress up like Babbity Rabbit or the Hopping Pot?” Weasley asked curiously and excitedly.
Granger and Potter both looked confused at that and shook their heads simultaneously at Weasley. After a moment of silence, which was awkward even for Draco, Potter looked at him. “So if Samhain ends at sunset, that means you have to eat super early huh?”
“Yes, we do.” Draco answers as he nods his eyes.
“So is that why you aren’t eating lunch and are instead working on homework?” Potter offered up another question.
“Well I was trying to work on the reading for History of Magic that Binns assigned today, but then I was interrupted.” Draco responded with pointedly. “But other than that, yes that is one of the reasons why I am not eating lunch currently.”
Granger and Potter both looked a bit guilty at that, while Weasley butted it, “Not my fault, these two are the ones that insisted we come here instead of eat, crazies.”
“What is the reading over? We have history later at 2:15, so it’ll be nice to get a head start.” Granger asked curiously.
“Like you haven’t already read that text book front to back a million times, ‘Mione.” Weasley teased in a surprisingly friendly tone, one that Draco didn’t know was possible for the oafish Gryffindor. At his teasing the Slytherin noticed Granger blushed slightly and looked embarrassed, telling him that Weasley wasn’t wrong.
‘ What do you know, miracles do happen.’ Draco thought ruefully.
“Well he assigned us to read over Chapter 4 and then write a small half-foot of parchment about the Clovis peoples.” Draco explained to just Granger and ignored Weasley, as Potter looked far less interested now, not that Draco could blame him.
“Oh really? I read about them, their society is so fascinating, being able to seamlessly integrate with Muggles, I had never heard about any of this stuff in primary school!” Granger ranted, to which Draco began to space out from because of just how boring it was, although it wasn’t nearly as boring as Binns, thank Merlin.
As he stopped listening to the muggleborn, nodding every so often, he noticed that Potter and Weasley had wandered off to the Quidditch section that wasn’t too far away. ‘ They must have snuck off as Granger began. ’ Draco thought to himself.
“Don’t you agree?” Granger asked, snapping Draco out of it and making him turn to face her and blink.
“Um- yes, of course I do.” He blunders like a complete idiot.
“Oh that is perfect! Maybe we could study together sometime! As a sort of peace offering, since we got off on the wrong foot you know?” Granger offered excitedly, speaking a bit faster than Draco could understand and completely missing how he obviously hadn't been listening.
“Yes, of course,” Draco said just before he processed what the muggleborn had just proposed and immediately regretted agreeing to what was obviously torture and a cruel punishment for someone who is an obviously innocent soul.
‘Why me? I’ve never done anything bad in my life!’ He thought and barely repressed a huff before he noticed Potter and Weasley making their way back over, Potter holding a familiar green book.
“‘Quidditch Through the Ages’? Oh! For the Quidditch match next weekend?” Granger questioned curiously as she tilted her head slightly to the side.
“Mhm! Ron suggested it, he said that I might be able to find some pointers in it.” Potter said as he set the book on the table and flipped it open to skim through the pages. At that Draco couldn’t help the small huff that left him, which made all three of them look at him.
“What? Got something to add, Malfoy?”
“Yes, Weasel, I do in fact,” Draco huffed. “There are many other books that would be a far better choice for a Seeker to read if they are looking for tips, techniques, and for specific moves.”
“Really? Like what?” Potter asked excitedly while Weasley glared, Draco obviously ignored the later one’s reaction.
“Well the most obvious one is ‘The Seeker’s Handbook, Strategies for Seeker Mastery’ or you could read ‘Seeking Destiny’. Both are very good if you are looking for descriptions as well as diagrams and move breakdowns.”
“Woah really? That sounds perfect!” Potter said brightly before Granger swooped in and crushed it.
“Harry, you’re a first year student, we are only allowed to check out one book at a time.”
“Whaaaa? No! But I only have a week! I need to-”
“SHHHHH!” Pince shushed harshly and glared from around the corner. All four of the First Years had wide eyes as the Librarian glared down her hooked nose at them. It was only after at least a minute or two had gone by – truthfully Draco wasn't really keeping track – that she slowly retreated back behind the bookshelves from whence she came.
The first years turned their wide eyes toward each other before a familiar bell was struck three times in quick succession, marking the end to lunch and confirming that Draco didn’t get any homework done because of these Gryffindor’s.
He sighed irritably but packed away all of his supplies, being careful when putting his quills and his fast drying ink into his bag.
“Wait! What about those books?” Potter asked frantically, “I'd hit my head and die without them!”
Draco rolled his eyes at Potter's dramatics, ‘ I mean really, someone hasn't died in Quidditch since… ‘76?’ He sighed and decided to omit that fact and instead offer, “You can borrow my books, I have them in my dorm and can give them to you today in Flying class.” He stood as he said this, pushing in his chair.
“Really? Thank you so much Draco!” Potter thanked excitedly and moved forward, as if to hug Draco, to which he quickly grabbed his back and sidestepped.
“No hugging.” Draco said in a flat voice and putting his bag onto his shoulder. “Now I need to get to Transfiguration or else McGonagall will make me into the next Nearly Headless Nick.” And with that he turned and began to walk down the aisles and to the spiral stairs down to the ground floor of the library.
As he began down the stairs he glanced up and saw Potter waving to him while Granger and Weasley tried to calm him down.
“Bye Draco!”
“SHHHH!”
“ Harry! ”
And if Draco ducked his head and chuckled under his breath then that was his business.
~3~
The rest of the day was long, yet still uneventful. Transfiguration wasn’t nearly as bad as he had thought it would be. Draco had been fully prepared to have to put up with the biassed Professor McGonagal.
However the Transfiguration Professor didn’t seem nearly as biassed as she had been, although Draco may have contributed that to Bones being his, surprisingly willing, partner for that class. His original plan was to partner with Blaise or Pansy, but the latter of whom was still angry with him and had snatched up Blaise as a partner.
The class went by smoothly, almost too smooth if you had to ask Draco, and then next was Astronomy. Surprisingly Draco and Bones were also assigned to do star charts together. ‘ Did the professors plan this in the teacher’s lounge or something?’ He thought to himself, ‘ Oh well there could be worse partners..’ Oh but how wrong he was.
Bones didn’t seem to be too well versed in the subject, in fact she seemed to ask questions every five minutes. Luckily Draco could do star charts in his sleep, so it really wasn’t that hard to him.
“How are you doing that?” Bone had questioned, her voice filled with the awe that he deserved, while looking over at his already half-filled chart.
“Honestly I’m going slow for your sake, Bones. I’ve been filling out charts like these since I could read and write.” Draco bragged casually, turning up his nose as he continued on with his chart.
Flying with the Gryffindor’s was also mostly uneventful, really, since they were learning proper care of a broomstick that day. The only “eventful” thing being having to run down to the dorm before class to grab his seekers books and make it to the front lawn so he could hand them to Potter just in time to get his broom cleaning station that had been set up.
~4~
Hogwarts School of Witchcraft & Wizardry, Somewhere in Scotland, Slytherin Common Room - 1 November, 1991
Finally, after that very long day, he was finally standing at the base of the staircase in the Slytherin Common Room. The common room was far livelier than it had been the previous night, looking far more like a proper Samhain celebration. In fact the room was far livelier than Draco had ever seen it for the entirety of the term.
The usually dull common room was decorated with splashes of oranges, reds, purples. There were banners hung between columns, and candles, pumpkins and marigolds levitating over the entire common room.
The dungeon was filled to the brim with people, many being in small groups. Some groups simply talked, probably reminiscing on their loved ones from beyond the veil, while others sat at and surrounded tables. At said tables were some of the older years doing tarot cards and crystal ball readings.
Another thing different was the small buffet of treats that lined one wall of the common room. From where Draco stood he could see berry tarts, honey’d cakes, and delicious looking puddings. He was almost tempted to go over there and steal a few treats for himself, and he would have if Pansy hadn’t grabbed his arm and pulled him over to a corner of the common room. "Blessed Samhain, you idiot!" She threw from over shoulder.
“Pansy! Unhand me this instant!” He huffed and glared but she didn’t let go until they were sitting on the couch.
“Oh come on, Dray, loosen up! Samhain is here!” Pansy teased before shoving a plate of treats into his arms. “And here, maybe this will kill that sombre mood!”
“I hate you, you hag.” Draco said through gritted teeth before taking a bit of a berry tart, practically melting as he chewed.
“Aw, I love you too!” Pansy laughed as she draped herself over him, as if she hadn’t practically ignored him for the better part of 24 hours. But Draco didn’t say a word about that, nor did he push her off of him, as he might’ve done in the past.
Instead he simply huffed and continued eating his tart, even as Blaise chuckled at him and Theo looked on with amused eyes quietly.
Instead, he finally relaxed as he put thoughts of dreams and visions out of his mind. Today wasn’t a day of stress, just of family and remembrance.
‘Not a Hufflepuff.’ Draco stated scathingly, even as he watched with fond eyes as Greg and Vincent scarfed down a cupcake.
‘Okay.. maybe a little Hufflepuff.’ And then he smiled.