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It was Malfoy’s turn. No one wanted to admit it, but most of the students were curious about what Malfoy was afraid of. Ron leaned toward Harry and Hermione.
“What do you think Malfoy’s afraid of?”
He whispered at his two best friends. Harry and Hermione looked at each other before shrugging off the question. Three of them turned their attention back on Malfoy.
The boggart slowly shifted into something—or a girl? Confusion spread through every student. Malfoy is afraid of a girl? That was impossible. When they looked back at Malfoy, they noticed he was frozen in place. His shoulders were tense while his eyes widened. Everyone saw that Malfoy took a step backward.
The boggart completely turned into a girl with blond hair. Her silver-grey eyes glared at Malfoy hard. The glare was full of hatred, and it was piercing through their soul. Everyone gulped at the glare and took a few steps backward, leaving Malfoy alone at the front.
“You!”
The boggart-girl shouted at Malfoy, pointing her finger. The voice was full of venom and hatred, making the whole class flinched including Malfoy. Yet Malfoy took it to different level. His body started shaking badly.
Everyone was quiet and eyed the scene in front of them in cautious. The silence made any sound from Malfoy echoed through the class. Prof. Lupin watched the scene from the back of class; his hand was near the holster, ready to flick his wand if anything getting out of hand.
Malfoy’s breath was getting heavier. His ragged breath made someone in the crowd of students grew worried. He gripped his wand tightly, not liking what happened to Draco. If anything happened towards Draco, he would blame it on himself. He bit his lips anxiously. The only thing he could do was stay still and watches. ‘I wish you good luck, Draco. I am sorry if I cannot protect you like your father asked me to.’
Harry POV
Never in my life would I be seeing this. Malfoy’s fear was a girl and he terrified of her. However, something confused me. Who was that girl? I never saw her yet Malfoy knew her.
Everyone in the Wizarding World knew that Malfoy’s family would never like muggleborn much less muggle. How in Merlin names that Malfoy knew that girl? The boggart-turned-girl was wearing clothes that only muggle wears.
We watched Malfoy and the boggart. Even though I felt sorry for him, I still wants to know why Malfoy afraid of that girl.
“How dare you!”
The boggart yelled at Malfoy on top of her voice. Malfoy crouched down. His hands were covering his head. Malfoy was scared. It was real, not some joke.
“You let me die! How could you! You are a disgrace!”
I widened my eyes in surprise. Die? Did I hear it right? I saw everyone glanced at each other in shock. No one ever expected this. Malfoy might be a jerk, but everyone knew Malfoy just a spoilt kid. He would never kill anyone.
Buts, who knew Malfoy’s reaction, would be like this. He looked up facing the boggart; his eyes were wavering and terrified.
“M-m-mom, I-I am sorry. It was my fault. I should die that time.”
Malfoy stuttered out the words and bawled his eyes out. His words made everyone froze. I looked at Hermione and Ron. Our eyes met and Hermione opened her mouth.
“It doesn’t make sense. Everyone knew that his mother is Narcissa Malfoy. Who is that girl anyway?”
Ron lifted his shoulders, not knowing a thing. I shook my head slightly before moved my gaze towards Remus. He gaped in surprise. So, even Remus doesn’t know. Then, who knew?
I put my attention back on the boggart. A pang of realization hit me. The clothes that the boggart wore were covering in blood. I gulped my saliva. This was getting serious.
“You filthy brat! If I knew this will happen, I would never…”
The boggart could not finish her sentences because someone came in front of Malfoy. Before the boggart could change that someone had say the spell.
“Ridikulus!”
The boggart was pushed into the cupboard and was trapped in it. The person turned around facing al of us. Everyone was surprise seeing that person. I whispered under my breath in shock.
“Neville?”
End POV
Neville crouched down in front of Malfoy. He hesitantly touched Malfoy’s shoulder.
“Draco?”
Malfoy lifted his head; his face was covering with dried tears and his eyes were red because of crying.
“I should die at that time, right Nev? Not mom. If I’m not asked mom to go there, mom must still alive. Mom died because me.”
He hid his face using his hands and continued crying. His cries echoed through the silence class. Everyone was stunned watching the scene. Never in their life had that they would see Malfoy cried aloud. Neville widened his eyes in horror.
“How can you say that! Annabeth died to save you! She will be devastated if you are dying. I dare to say she rather die than let you die.”
He did nothing but shout at Malfoy. His action made everyone was in surprise as they never seen Neville this serious much less shouting. Prof. Lupin moved towards both of them to control the situation. Before he could open his mouth, Malfoy moved away his hands and glared at Neville.
“No! It was my fault! I should die! Why…WHY no one understand me?!”
Everyone took a few steps backward. Malfoy’s magic was cracking in the air. They were afraid of what would happen. Prof. Lupin flicked his wand and pointed it towards Malfoy. He was ready to stun Malfoy but Neville was faster. He punched Malfoy on his face hard, knocking him out.
“Sorry, Draco. You leave me no choice.”
Everyone gaped seeing Neville did that. Malfoy was unconscious on the floor. Neville sighed before facing Lupin.
“Professor, I’m going to take Draco to infirmary. He needs a calming draught. I will go now.”
Lupin blinked his eyes before muttered out the words.
“Of course, you can.”
Neville nodded before lifted Malfoy on his shoulder like a potato sack. Everyone widened their eyes, could not believe that Neville could lift Malfoy with ease. Harry approached him.
“Nev, how can you…”
Neville raised his hand, silencing Harry.
“We’ll talk later, Harry. I need to go to infirmary now.”
He quickly left the class. As soon as Neville was gone, everyone talked to each other. The class was in chaos. Their main topic was about what happened earlier. Ron and Hermione moved closer towards Harry who was standing at the same place dumbfounded.
Harry mumbled something under his breath.
“What? Neville never did that before…why he acted like that?”
Ron patted Harry’s shoulder, startling him.
“Hey, mate. Are you okay? You are too quiet.”
Harry swerved his head, facing Ron before shook his head in dismissing.
“It was nothing. Just surprise that Neville too protective over Malfoy.”
Ron and Hermione looked at each other before Hermione opened her mouth.
“It is okay, Harry. We can ask him later. Although I want to know the truth too, but we can wait.”
Harry nodded, clearly was convinced with Hermione’s words.
$$$$$
The incident spread fast within the students. Everyone chatted about what happened either in whisper or aloud. Even the teachers knew about it. The Golden Trio was trying to find Neville but it was futile. He was nowhere to be found. They went to the medical wing and found only Malfoy who was still unconscious.
“Where is Neville? We had been searching for him for hours but not once we caught a glimpse of him.”
Harry sighed heavily. His hand brushed his hair in frustration before slouched on the single sofa. He and the other Golden Trio were in the Gryffindor common room after a long search.
Hermione took a seat at another sofa near Harrys’. She looked at him; her eyebrows furrowed into a frown. Harry was worrying her. He was persistent to know the truth. Well, she was curious too. Hell, she could bet her galleons that whole school was eager to know too.
She put her hand on Harry’s shoulder, startling him. Harry turned his gaze towards his female friends.
“It’s okay, Harry. We will know it soon. Let’s wait until dinner. Who knows the truth will reveal later.”
“Yeah, mate. Let just wait. I’m tired from this entire search,”
Ron leaned against the sofa. Exhaustion was written all over his face.
Harry grinned at his friends. They were trying hard to assure him that they would know sooner or later. He hunched on the sofa as a sigh escaped his mouth. “Okay.” Now, he would wait.
$$$$
The Golden Trio sat at Gryffindor table in the great hall, waiting for someone. Neville. Harry looked around the hall.
Everyone was anticipating on Neville’s arrival. Harry saw every now and then that they cast glances towards the hall entrance. Every second felt like so long.
Suddenly, Neville walked into the great hall. His face was void from any emotion. He quickly headed towards Gryffindor table without noticing every eye was on him.
He sat beside Harry, ignoring everyone else. Neville turned his head facing Harry.
“Did you know where Luna is?”
Harry blinked his eyes in surprise. He never expected that question.
“N-no. Why do you ask?”
Neville doesn’t answer him. His eyes darted towards the Ravenclaw table, searching for the said person. Harry was flabbergasted seeing Neville acted like that. Before Harry could open his mouth, a voice echoed through the Great Hall.
“Neville!!!”
Everyone froze on their spot. That voice sounded familiar to them. They swerved their heads to the Great Hall entrance. There stood Luna Lovegood. Her dreamy eyes were cleared for the first time in her school years and a serious look covered her face.
A groan was heard from the Gryffindor table. They turned their attention towards the person (who released the groan). Neville covered his face with his hand. His face holds an exasperated look.
Luna hurried to Neville. Every eye was on her including from the teachers table. Albus Dumbledore was intrigued to know about this matter. Rumor about the Malfoy kid cried in public was something that could hurt their pride. And, a Malfoy would never did anything that.
Severus Snape held an impassive mask over his face. No one could read him even his godson. But, his onyx eyes clearly shone with curiosity. He knew his godson well and Draco (his godson) would never cry in front of others. Although when he felt depressed. Severus could only wait and see.
Neville faced Luna; his face showed an exhaustion look. He was tired to confront with Luna right now but he needed to do it now. It was now or never.
“What is it, Luna?”
Disbelief appeared on Luna’s face. Her hands moved aimlessly in the air. Neville winced watching her action. She was ready to blow up and goes berserk. He prepared himself, as he knew how Luna was when she was mad.
“WHAT! WHAT YOU ASKED Me! How can you not telling me what happen to him!”
Neville stood up and walked closer towards Luna before putting his hand on her shoulder. A sigh escaped his mouth as he began talking.
“Truth to be told, little moon…I want to tell you but you’re nowhere to be found. I thought it was better for you to hear this from me. Not from the rumor.”
Luna sighed in defeat. She crossed her arm before sat down on the bench. She muttered something incoherent under her breath. Whole hall was watching them. They were interested to know what would happen next.
“Well, I can’t blame you after it happened. Then, can you tell me what Madam Pomfrey told you?”
Neville covered his face with his hands. It clear that he was distraught. He mumbled some colorful words, surprising the others near him. Lifting his head, he reluctantly explained what he had heard from Madam Pomfrey.
“You won’t like it for sure. She said Draco was poisoned ever since September. The poison should have kill him within a week but he somehow hold it down and not killing him. However, the poison weakened his mental barriers. That’s why he reacted quite badly with the boggart. Especially, when the boggart turned into aunty Annabeth.”
Luna was left spluttering with whatever she had heard. She plopped herself on the bench beside Neville. Her hand was pitching on her bridge of her nose.
“Gods, Percy will kill us if he knows this. Poison…why it must be poison. Does Dray still fear aunty Annabeth disown him?”
She queried Neville slowly.
Neville scoffed lightly; his face morphed from tired to sorrow. He shook his head, recalling Draco past action. He would never get away from blaming himself.
“He blamed himself with aunty Annabeth’s death that happened when he was three. THREE! Did you really think Draco would let that go? Of course not. Mainly because he could do nothing to stop it on that age. Aunty Annabeth was his mother. What he can do is blaming her death on him.”
Luna and Neville stay in silence. They knew that the truth. What they could do only stay at Draco’s side, accompanying him and helped him live his life. Both of them never realized that their conversation was observed by whole hall as they both spoke aloud.
The students were speechless after knowing the truth. They never knew that Draco Malfoy witnessed a death in front of him at young age.
The Golden Trio was taken aback with that conversation. Narcissa Malfoy was not Malfoy’s mother but that Annabeth person was. Apparently, that Annabeth person was the girl that the boggart turned into earlier. Before they could ask, Luna spoke again.
“Nev, are you telling Percy about this?”
Luna stared at Neville with a tinge of sadness and a little bit fear. Neville faced her and made an annoyance face.
“We need to, Luna. Percy is his father. He has right to know. Anyways, he is going to be really mad if we tell him on later date.”
Luna nodded in understanding before standing and walked away, leaving Neville behind with the Gryffindor. Neville could only watch his friend goes to her table. His hand brushed his hair making his became messy, clearly in frustration. His other hand was holding a spoon, picking his food.
Harry was opening his mouth to gain Neville’s attention when the said boy stood up promptly, startling him greatly. A mumble reached his ear before Neville went out from the Great Hall.
“I’m not hungry…”
Harry could only watch his friend walked away until he was out from his sight. Emitting a deep sigh, he swirled around facing his best friends. His face alone showed how tired he was with everything had happened.
Hermione’s face softened when she saw the tired look on Harry. She understands how hard this situation for Harry. They were intriguing to know the truth and Neville doesn’t give them enough from his conversation with Luna. She patted Harry’s shoulder, making him to look at her, trying to comfort him and she spoke in soft tone to convince him more.
“I know, Harry. You’re desperate to know the truth. From the conversation alone, we could identify a few things about it.”
$$$$$
The next morning, the Golden Trio were eating their chosen breakfast with little to no enthusiasm. Even Ron, the pig he is, for once ate slowly than usual (I wouldn't say with manner as he has no manner, no offence but that the truth). Harry glanced at Neville, who was playing with his food while his left hand was fidgeting with a spoon. Narrowed his eyes, he realised that Neville always glanced at the Great hall doorway as if he was expecting that someone to burst in. (Oh Harry, you have no idea how true it is.)
"Hey… don't you think that Neville was too… you know… distraught??" Harry uttered towards his two best friends. He tilted his head, looking at them. Ron stopped eating and gazed at the said person before facing Harry, while Hermione bit her lip nervously.
"When you said that… I realized it now. Neville do look like he was ready to bolt away if anything surprised him," Ron said thoughtful, before nibbling the chicken drumstick at his hand.
"You know… I have a feeling that something big will happen today."
Harry and Ron turned to face Hermione. Her eyebrows were furrowed into a frown. Shadow was covered her face as she was trying to think any possibilities of what would happen.
"Are you sure, 'mione? You rarely say something like that." Harry asked hesitantly. He knew how much Hermione hates to not know thing. She detest it.
Ron shrugged unconcerned, he felt that too but he don't want to waste any energy panicking on it.
"Well, we'll just wait and see. Just like we've been doing before."
Before Harry could protest, the Great hall door was slammed open, startling everyone. Every student and professor turned their attention towards the doarway. Harry hitched his breath in shock. His heart was beating fast, responding to his surprise mind.
Standing there, at the hall door, a man. That could be mistaken as James Potter, his father if not for the absence of glasses at the man eyes and his physical attributes. The man was lanky and lean with swimmer build. The messy black hair was similar to him if a little tamer with silver highlight. The huge difference between the man and James Potter was the eyes' colour. The man has sea-green eyes that looked like the sea while James Potter had hazel eyes.
As Harry was sizing up the man, he never realized Neville, who was sitting near him, stiffened with the man entrance.
The man stood tall, firmly at his place intimidating the whole hall. They could see the man's eyes looking among the crowd of students as if searching for someone.
The headmaster stood and walked towards the man; a small smile and twinkling eyes on his face. " May I require your name and the reason you're here, young man?"
The man pinned a glare towards the headmaster, stopping the old man on his step. The smile on his face wavered for a second before he covered it back. The intensity of the glare sent a shiver to his spine. Never before he, Albus Dumbledore encountered anyone that could do that in his life. He could see the raging sea on the man's eyes.
"I was looking for someone that none of your business." The man said impassively, giving nothing but cold blunt truth. Dumbledore realeased a sigh in anxious, why was this man was too cold with him unlike everyone else, before spoke in his usual jovial tone with a little bit steel in it. "Ah, ah, but this is my school. I have right to know why a stranger is here, in my school."
Apparently, that was a wrong thing to say as the man's eyes darkened and as if the man could control weather, the Great hall was gloomier than before and the weather outside darkened.
"You!!-" The man's eyes flashed with anger. As the man took a step forward, shortened the gap between him and the headmaster. However, he halted when someone stood and called out for him.
"Lord Perseus."
The whole hall sans Snape (he has more control over his emotions than others) widened their eyes in shock. Standing there, Neville Longbottom with his chin up and his body was straightened. Confidence was radiated from the said boy, unlike his usual meek and gullible persona.
The man, Lord Perseus faced Neville, who somehow could keep his face blank and raised his eyebrow in recognition.
"Neville. The person I was waiting for. Now, we need to have a chat, doesn't we?"
Lord Perseus smiled while his eyes narrowed at him. Neville gulped in nervousness, seeing the silent order in the request. "Of course, Lord Perseus. We can have a chat whenever you want."
Lord Perseus crossed his arms and struck a contemplative pose, as if he was thinking about something. "How about now?"
Neville was about to open his mouth when the Great hall door was opened again. But it wasn't the door that drew everyone's attention; it was the person standing there.
The infamous Draco Malfoy walked in as Luna Lovegood was helping him by his side. It was obvious in his face that he doesn't get enough sleep. The dark circles although not to big were clear under his eyes. His blonde hair was in a little bit dissaray.
A frown appeared on his face, suddenly weirded out with the hall silence. Draco swerved his head at the middle of the hall. His widened eyes and shocked expression piqued the interest of the students. But, who knows that the word that was spoken by him would surprise everyone.
"Dad…?"
Lord Perseus turned towards the voice, his face morphed into worried and relief. He rushed at Draco and quickly hugged him tight as if the blonde would disappear from his sight. "Oh, Draco. You're okay. I was worried when I heard it from Luna."
The said boy freeze for a second before melted and snuggled deeper into the warmth embrace. Both of them stayed like that for awhile, enjoying the their rare moment before loosened it but still connected with each other.
A cough stole their attention. Perseus looked over his shoulder, seeing that the headmaster put on the strained smile, not that anyone realised it but him.
He raised his eyebrow as he remarked at the old man. "Yes? Do you need the cough drops?" If not because of the tension surrounding them, the students would laugh their heart out after seeing the incredulous look Dumbledore showed.
"Umm...I must ask how do you know young Draco? As one of my students, I must be informed anything related to my students."
Lord Perseus swirled slowly, facing the old headmaster. He walked slowly towards Dumbledore, as if a predator was stalking a prey until he was a feet apart from the old headmaster.
"Headmaster, I think you should not stick your nose in other people business. Sooner or later, it'll caught on you."
A sardonical smile curled on his lips as the words were spat out with mock soaking heavyily. He headed back towards Draco while throwing his explanation dismissedly over his shoulder.
"It's nothing concerns you. I only need to talk with my son about his latest incident. After all, if not for Neville, I would never know this incident."
He approached Draco and hugged him caringly while subtly checking for any injury. Beckoning his son to the nearest seat (by other means, at Gryffindor's table), Lord Perseus sat down unhurriedly before pulling Draco onto his lap. He embraced his son as if he was still child, caressing him softly while healing him in careful manner with every touch.
Draco, who was still tired after the treatment, done nothing towards his father's action. He even welcomed it. His heavy eyelids closed slowly as his breath even out, completely fell into the realm of Morpheus. The familiar warmth he felt had made him unconsciously snugged deeper into his father's embrace.
Perseus let out a small smile, seeing his son looked so innocent and cute in his sleep. However, the smile slipped away as he lifted his head towards Neville and Luna, who were standing in front of him for a quite time. He sent a pointed looked at both of them, demanding them to give him some explanation.
Everyone watched the scene with anticipation. They had been dying to know the truth. They strained their neck towards their conversation, not wanting to miss even a second of it.
Dumbledore, however, tightened his lips into a straight line. He don't like what happened in front of him. A stranger who burst into his school without his permission and have a galls to oppose his authority in his school, no he really don't like it. He wanted to interfere with what happened. Buts, before he could do that, the little Ravenclaw spoke.
"My lord, with all my respect, I need to explain it from the start. It is alright, my lord?"
Luna bowed her head deeply. Her action was full of respect towards the being in front of her. Neville beside her also copied her action as she speaks.
Perseus stared at the two figures for a moment before dipped his head in acknowledgement. "Go ahead. I'm all ears."
Luna nodded solemnly before starts talking. She told everything from the moment the incident happened until the treatment from Madam Pomfrey. Not a single thing was missing from her explaination. After she finished, she stayed silent, patiently waiting for her lord's reaction.
"So, you're saying that my son had been poisoned for almost a month and no one had noticed?"
Percy tipped his lips into a straight line, dissatisfaction were visible on his face. He was angry, no he was very mad hearing the whole story. At the school, at the professors, at the students, at everything. How could he's not when he sent his son here to make sure he was safe and have normal friends, as normal as possible.
He took a heavy breath, calming his already raging emotion. Laying his son on the bench, he stood and approached both of them. "Cease your worries. Both of you are not at fault. However, for them, yes "
He patted their shoulders, supporting his statement before swirled his body facing Dumbledore.
"You don't even care about the safety of your students. This school security is too lack, anyone could enter the ground. Not alerts with your students' condition. I had noticed some of the students are not well the moment I entered the hall."
As he spoke, his eyes darkened in fury. His hands balled tightly, nails stabbed deeper on the palm, drawing a little blood.
"You have cross the line."
Percy stomped his foot on floor. A wave of power washed over the whole students and professors, drew all of them attention in alarmed.
Dumbledore frowned deeply. This matter had gone south. He don't have any good feeling from the man's action. However, before he could do anything, the man spoke, no, more like he declared.
"Thou hast offended me. I, perseus jackson, god of time and destiny hast befall upon thou a curse. Thou shall brow disaster upon disaster till thou understand the importance and feeling of others. As I say, so mote it be."
The man stomped his foot again as if he was sealing the deal. The wave of power once again felt by them. Dumbledore felt a cold shiver racked through his body. The ominous chill making his heart felt uneasy. He tried to speak with the man but, after his declaration he picked up Draco Malfoy and walked away, trailing behind him Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom. The hall fell in silence, too speechless with everything happened.
Harry was confused. Everything happened too fast, he couldn't keep up with it. He faced Hermione when he heard she gasped in horror.
"What is it, Hermione?"
Hermione explained to her friends on whatever she understands. "Malfoy is not a Malfoy."
Frowning, Ron asked in rush. A little bit dizzy with everything. Harry nodded his head, agreeing with Ron.
"That man earlier is Malfoy's father. I think biological one and he was very mad with everything happened. The declaration he said before is not an empty word. It's a curse!"
Everyone that heard Hermione had said gasped in shock. Scared and frantic whispers arose among them. Harry and Ron were stunned into silence.
"Buts, why? Why would he curse us?"
Harry asked in disbelief. How could the man curse them just for Malfoy. Even though Malfoy was the man's son, that was too extreme.
"Harry, did you forget what Neville had said? He was poisoned from the start of the semester and he held it until now. It's almost two months. Anyone else would die already."
Harry sat there in daze. He would never thought that he would be cursed in his life. Just because of Malfoy, his supposed rival. Curse was hard to dissolve.
What a tragic life.