Chapter 10
The next few weeks were a nightmare. Malfoy and I were barely on speaking terms and I was afraid to talk to Harry and Hermione. They had also gotten caught that night and I felt it was mostly my fault because I brought attention to Malfoy and me. They got detention too, but at least lost more house points than we did, thank Salazar for that. I instead decided to immerse myself into studies, memorizing charms, potions, and every stupid goblin rebellion that Professor Binns would throw at us. I would study with my Slytherin girls or my Gryffindor friends, but wouldn't get as much into conversations. Even when Harry and Ron went on about Quirrell and Snape, I just carried on in my slump. I lacked my spark and didn't feel my passion for school like I used to. Call me a sore loser, but after getting detention I felt like I let all my friends, my parents, and myself down.
The first time I spoke to Malfoy again was at breakfast when an owl dropped a note right in front of me:
Meet Mr. Filch in the entrance hall at eleven o-clock tonight for detention.
Do not be late.
Professor Severus Snape
"Are you ready for hellish detention with Filch, Roberts?" he asked.
"Finally talking to me are you Malfoy?" I sneered.
"Yeah, sorry about that love. Anywayyyys. We'll walk over at half-past ten yeah? I'll see you tonight." And just like that, he walked away, leaving me in confusion of his quick apology, strange nickname, and the thought of an unbearable detention later that night.
At half-past ten, we exited the dungeons together and made our way to the entrance hall. We tried to make some small talk because even though I was still not talking to him, I needed someone to talk to at least. As we made our way to the entrance hall, I saw a gloomy Filch and his wretched cat, Mrs.Norris standing by a lantern. We stood there awkwardly for a few minutes until we saw Neville, Harry, and Hermione walking up to us. I shot them a smile as we walked with Filch outside, he was going on and on about what horrible kids we were, but I just tuned him out. When I zoned back in, I realized we were going to be going into the Forbidden Forest with Hagrid. Neville and Malfoy looked terrified, but I just lay low listening to the conversation.
Hagrid brought us to a clearing with silvery liquid on the ground, which he told us was unicorn blood. Apparently, something hurt a unicorn and we needed to be on the lookout. Hagrid assured us we would be fine, but Malfoy looked paler than usual and absolutely terrified. It was funny seeing the boy who always oozed confidence looked like he wanted to run and cry to his mommy. I guess that just shows that everyone is afraid of something. Hagrid then split us up into groups to take different paths in the forest. Hagrid, Harry, and Hermione went one way while Malfoy, Neville, Fang, and I went another. Great, I thought, I'm stuck with the scaredy cats.
The four of us trudged along the path in silence. Neville was stuck to Fang's side as if the dog would be able to protect him from everything. Malfoy kept trying to start conversations but would get nervous and just stick by my side.
"I don't know why you guys are so scared, it's just a forest," I said.
"Easy for you to say, you're not scared of werewolves eating you," Neville managed to get out.
"Or worse vampires, it's called the forbidden forest for a reason you know" Malfoy shivered. The two boys never agreed on anything, but both seemed just as scared in the moment.
I laughed, "How about we race? We'll get there quicker, spend less time in the forest, and have more fun so you guys aren't scared".
"Alright," The boys said in unison.
We got into a straight line and I grabbed Fang. "On your mark, get set, go!"
The boys started to race while I walked quickly behind, dragging Fang along. Neville was in the lead, with Malfoy quickening up behind him. When Malfoy was just behind Neville, he reached up and grabbed his shoulders, probably as a joke or friendly competition. What none of us were prepared for was Neville's shriek as he lifted his wand and shot sparks into the air.
"Neville, it's okay it's just Draco"
"C'mon Longbottom we were just racing. Didn't mean to scare you"
But Neville was too afraid to speak. We walked silently until we saw Hagrid come up to us. He thought something happened and when he heard Draco scared Neville, he was beyond angry. Nevertheless, he brought us to Harry and Hermione and switched out groups, swapping Neville and Harry. So the three of us trudged silently through the forest until all of a sudden Harry stopped and held out his hand. We all looked up to see a hooded black figure crawling on the ground heading straight for an injured unicorn. The figure lifted its head and then went down to the unicorn's wound and started to drink blood.
I was stuck, rooted in fear. A vampire, I thought, we are going to die. After the shock hit, Draco screamed, grabbed my hand and Fang, and ran in the direction of the castle, leaving Harry alone.
"But what about Harry?"
"He's the boy who lived, not died, that bloody thing was going to kill us" he screamed as we finally made it out of the forest. We took a moment to sit and catch our breath before heading back. Draco got up first and then offered me his hand, which I graciously took, not missing the irony of how we met in a similar way not too long ago. As we started to walk, I turned back to the forest, still worried about Harry. I saw him discussing with a centaur at the forest's edge, I waved at him and mouthed, "Are you ok?". He nodded and I knew we would discuss it later.
I turned back to Draco and grabbed his hand, slinging it over my shoulder while I held onto his back. We walked up the hill, him oddly quiet as we neared the castle. I decided to try lightening up the mood.
"So you scare Neville and run away to leave Harry for dead?" I tease him with a nudge.
"I was just trying to make Longbottom laugh, and as for Potter," he paused "I was scared, alright? You better not say a word about this to anyone Roberts."
"Don't worry Draco, your secret's safe with me," I giggled and rolled my eyes, "and as for you trying to cheer up Neville, we need to work on your people skills."
He genuinely laughed and smiled. It wasn't one of his creepy smiles, he looked genuinely happy at that moment and I was glad that I'd been able to share that moment with him. We headed back to the dungeons arms wrapped around each other with big goofy smiles on our faces.
A/N: I know this isn't the best chapter, but I was suffering from Writer's Block and a Lack of Motivation. It's fine now though lol.
What do you guys think of Maggy and Draco's on and off friendship? Please let me know I love feedback :)