The beautiful yet extremely annoying sound of the birds chirping outside my window woke me up from my deep sleep. I let out a big yawn, rubbing the tiredness from my eyes before sitting up on my bed. I looked over to Hermione's bed, only to find it empty. That's weird, Hermione always waits for me to wake up so we can go down for breakfast together.
Right, she's probably mad at me because Ron told them what I've been up to. When I got here last night she was already fast asleep, so we didn't get to talk about it. I just know they're all going to give me the silent treatment for god knows how long, and that's if they decide to take it easy on me. I don't think I've ever dome something to make them get angry at me before, actually, I don't think there's ever been a fight between the four of us. Which makes me even more nervous, because I have no idea what to expect. Are they going to let me explain? Are they going to ignore me? Are they going to talk to me?
God, it's too early for this, I haven't even got out of bed yet and I'm already overthinking.
I pulled the covers off me, before standing up from my bed. I got showered and dressed pretty quickly, not wanting to get to Transfigurations class late. I decided to let me hair loose, and put on a little bit of mascara. I usually never really make an effort on my appearance on school days, but for some reason today I feel like it. It doesn't hurt to look at least descent once in a while.
Once I was finished, I grabbed my school bag and headed out the door and down to the common room. To my surprise, Ron was sitting on a couch, his head resting on his hands as he lightly bounced his leg up and down nervously. I silently prayed that he didn't look up and see me as I tried tiptoeing my way around him. However, to my disadvantage, the common room was completely empty, except for him and me, which made it harder for me to walk past him without him hearing me. Everyone must be down at breakfast already.
I tried to quietly walk past him, but failed miserably once I stepped on an old piece of wood from the floor, making it creak loudly. Ron's head shot up from his hands, quickly spotting me from across the room. Well, I guess I was clearly stupid thinking that was going to work. Which now that I think about it, was stupid, because even if I managed to avoid him now, I still have to see him in less than thirty minutes at transfiguration class.
"Isabelle!" He said, quickly standing up once he noticed my presence. I let out a big sigh in defeat, before saying "I've got to get to breakfast" and quickly walking towards the door. I really don't want to talk to him right now, it's too early for this.
"No wait!" He stopped me. "I'm sorry" He said, his voice sounded so sad that I just couldn't ignore him. I slowly turned around, crossing my hands against my chest as I waited for him to continue.
"I'm sorry, I know it was low of me to say that in front of Hermione and Harry but, I mean it's hard for me to have to lie to them all the time for you. And it's even harder watching you lie to them so constantly. I just feel like I'm betraying them if I keep lying to them, but I'll also betray you if I tell them the truth. It's just all too much for me" He explained, looking down towards the floor. "But still, you trusted me and I put you on the spot, so I'm really sorry. I didn't tell them though, when you left. Just thought you should know that" He apologized again.
His words hit me like a ton of bricks. I hadn't realized the position I had put Ron in, I literally placed him right in the middle of it. God, I'm so selfish, I truly am. I was so busy worrying about myself and my problems that I didn't even realize how I was harming Ron. And he doesn't even see it, like here he is, apologizing when in reality it should be me.
"No Ron, I'm sorry" I said, not being able to hide the deep guilt and shame I was feeling. He looked up at me, confused by my apology. "I hadn't noticed how selfish I was by asking you to lie to your friends for me. It wasn't fair for you, and I can't begin to imagine the pressure you must be feeling. I'm so sorry" I said, sadly. Every day I feel worse and worse, I need to put an end to this. Not only for my own self, but for Ron too.
Ron gave me a little smile, I really am lucky to have him as a friend, if anyone's entitled to complain, it's him. Yet there he is, smiling at me after I just put him right in the middle of my problems and then had the audacity to get mad at him when he couldn't take it anymore.
I walked over to him and gave him a hug, which he gladly returned. "I'll tell them today, I promise" I said into his chest, as we both embraced each other tightly. "And I'll also make it up to you, somehow" I added.
"You don't have to make it up to me, Isabelle. I know you didn't do it on purpose, we can all get caught up in our own little bubble to realize what's going on in the outside sometimes. You're lucky you have me to burst it for you" He said, making me laugh. "You're damn right I am" I said, smiling into his chest.
"Oh shit! We're late for class!" Ron suddenly said. "What?!" I asked in shock, looking over at the clock hanging on top of the fireplace. "Oh shit!" I yelled, we're ten minutes late. I didn't even get to eat breakfast.
"Come on! Let's go!" I said. Ron grabbed his bag from the couch before both os us sprinted out of the common room. The hallways were empty, due to everyone being in class. Once we got close to the classroom, we quickly stopped running, before Ron slowly opened the door, trying not to bring any attention to us.
"Ah! Mr Weasly and Miss Grimaldi, how nice of you to join us" Professor McGonagall said in a sarcastic tone, almost instantly after Ron opened the door. All heads turned towards us, watching as Ron and I awkwardly walked inside. Well, so much for not wanting to bring attention to ourselves.
"Please, take your seats, quickly" She rushed us. I felt everyone's eyes on us as Ron and I sped towards our table before quickly settling down.
"Now, as I was saying, today's spells will be-"
"Ouch! Malfoy! Stop it!" Neville suddenly yelled, interrupting the professor once again. Everyone turned to look at him in surprise, along with the professor. He was rubbing his head with his hand while glaring at Malfoy, who was sat behind him. I could tell that Draco was trying his hardest not to laugh, as he played dumb.
"I didn't throw that! It came from behind me" Malfoy defended himself, which was obviously a lie. I noticed Pansy sitting beside Malfoy with her hand over her mouth, hiding her laugh as well. I couldn't help but roll my eyes.
"Excuse me! We are in the middle of a class!" The professor said in frustration. "Pay attention! Both of you" She added, before turning back to the class.
"Now, as I was saying before I was rudely interrupted yet again, today's spell will be-"
"Excuse me, professor" Dumbledore suddenly walked into the classroom.
"Oh for goodness sake!" Professor McGonagall yelled in frustration, before realizing who had interrupted her.
"Professor Dumbledore!" She said in surprise. Ron and I looked at each other smiling, trying not to burst into laughter. She basically just yelled at her boss.
"What can I do for you?" She smiled, trying to avoid her embarrassment.
"May I borrow Mr Malfoy and Miss Grimaldi for a moment?" He asked. I felt my heart stop at the mention of my name. Why would professor Dumbledore need to speak with us? I looked over at Ron with fear as he looked back at me with confusion. That's when I realized...
Ruthenfurd.
"Why yes, of course" She said, before looking at me. "Go on" She motioned me to go, as well as Malfoy. I gulped, standing up from my desk. Malfoy stood up from his, before we both followed professor Dumbledore out of the classroom.
The wave of thoughts flooded my mind with all of the possible punishments that we could receive. Detention wouldn't be so bad, but lord, please don't let it be expulsion. I'd rather get eaten by a troll.
"Come along, now. We need to have a chat in my office" Dumbledore said, as we followed behind. I looked at Malfoy in fear, who mouthed the word 'Relax' at me. I rolled my eyes at him, easy for him to say, he's probably been to Dumbledore's office a couple of times before. Meanwhile, I've never stepped foot inside it, not once. I've never gotten into trouble before, yet here I am with the possibility of getting expelled for leaving a fellow classmate hanging by his ankles in the middle of the hallway.
Once we walked into Dumbledore's office, I couldn't contain my shocked expression as I looked around in awe. It was beautiful, with high ceilings, and a round looking chandelier hanging right on top of his desk. The walls were covered in bookshelves, along with a two way staircase leading up to the second floor.
I heard professor Dumbledore chuckle, as he walked towards his desk and sat down. "It never gets old to watch the student's reaction whenever they walk in for the first time" He said. "Now, I've brought you here today because it has come to my attention that last night the two of you left a fellow student hanging from his ankles in the middle of the hallway, is that true?" Dumbledore asked, and I felt the palm of my hands start to get sweaty.
"Yes professor, I did" Malfoy said.
"May I ask why you would do such a thing?" Dumbledore asked, rather calmly.
"Because he was bothering me professor, Ruthenfurd, I mean" I quickly answered, before Malfoy could say anything. I know he'd rather lie than admit he did it because Ruthenfurd was threatening me, and I know lying won't get us anywhere.
"And why was he bothering you, Miss Grimaldi?" He asked. Given by the tone of his voice, I could tell he already knew the answer to his question.
"Because I..." I hesitated to admit, before growing some courage to say it. "Because I was the one who casted the dancing spell on his legs during dinner" I admitted, looking away from professor Dumbledore's eyes in shame. I felt Malfoy slightly shove me, signaling me to keep quiet. But I know I need to say the truth, I'm done lying.
"Ah, you don't say" Dumbledore said, faking his shocked expression. "Judging by your timing, I can guess that you casted such spell to stop him from punching Mr Malfoy, is that correct?" He asked, and I nodded.
"She didn't have to do that though, I can defend myself" Malfoy said, looking over at me.
"Against Ruthenfurd? He's practically a giant, he'd be able to knock anyone's teeth off with just a flick of his finger" I said. Malfoy rolled his eyes.
"That doesn't mean you had to get yourself into trouble for me, like I said, I can defend myself" Malfoy said, again.
"Well, it's kind of too late for that, Draco. Don't you think?" I said, getting annoyed. "The least you could do now is be grateful" I added. Draco scoffed.
"Grateful? For what? The fact that not only do I have to worry about Ruthenfurd trying to make my life a living hell, now I have to worry about making sure he doesn't do anything to you either" He said. I rolled my eyes in annoyance.
"Well at least you still have a life to worry about, if it wasn't for me you'd probably be dead from Ruthenfurd breaking your scull in half" I said, raising my voice.
"I don't need you to help me, Isabelle. I can defend myself. You need to just stay out of it" Malfoy said.
"Stay out of it? You practically begged me to get involved!" I said, getting frustrated at Malfoy's ignorance.
"Yeah, well now I regret it" Draco said, making me get even more confused.
"But why?" I asked in frustration.
"Because if he hurts you it'll be thanks to me and I can't let that happen!" Draco suddenly yelled, his face smeared with emotion. I stared at him in silence, quite surprised by his sudden outburst. He quickly recovered himself, as he realized what he had just said. "I don't want that kind of responsibility" He added, a bit more quietly. Yeah right, he's scared I'll get hurt, he just doesn't want to admit it.
Right on queue, I felt the familiar feeling build up in my stomach as I took in what Draco just said. Damn it, I wish that feeling would just go away, it's confusing me. I can't have feelings for Draco, I don't.
"You two realize this whole situation could've been avoided if you had gone to a professor and just told them that he was bothering you?" Dumbledore asked, mostly to Malfoy. I had completely forgotten that he was sitting there.
"With all due respect sir, snitches don't do very well in Slytherin" Draco explained, making Dumbledore raise his brows understandingly. I mean, he's got a point. It would've actually been worse for him if he told on Ruthenfurd, he'd get the reputation of a snitch.
"So, correct me if I'm wrong, but you" He motioned his finger towards Malfoy "hung Ruthenfurd by his ankles because he was bothering Miss Grimaldi?" He asked. "Yes sir" Draco said, quietly, almost as if he was ashamed of it.
"And you" He moved his finger towards me "casted that dancing spell on Ruthenfurd's legs because he was bothering Mr Malfoy?" Dumbledore asked. "Yes sir" I said, feeling Malfoy's eyes on me.
"Well, I see no reason to punish you. If anything, I'm going to have a little chat with Mr Ruthenfurd, because he clearly left that part out" Dumbledore said. I felt an extreme amount of pressure lift off my chest. However, Malfoy didn't look all that pleased. He looked worried, really worried. Probably because everyone will know he told on Ruthenfurd. Professor Dumbledore noticed this, before saying "Don't worry, Malfoy. Remember, snitches get stitches. And you're not the snitch here"
Malfoy smiled in relief at Dumbledore's words. He's not that bad after all, Dumbledore, I mean. And here I was scared we were going to get expelled.
"You may return to class now, I've heard all I needed to know" Professor Dumbledore said, dismissing us. Malfoy and I nodded, before turning around to walk out.
"Thank you, professor Dumbledore" I turned back around to say. He smiled at me, before giving me a small nod. And after that, Malfoy and I walked out.
"So...from what I gathered during our little fight back there, you actually care about me, huh?" I smiled as I teased him, knowing it was going to piss him off.
"Shut up" He said, shooting me a playful glare as he lightly shoved me. I couldn't help but laugh, trying to drain out the butterflies in my stomach.
Draco's P.O.V
"What was that about?" Pansy didn't waste a second in asking me as soon as I sat back down next to her. I rolled my eyes.
"Nothing, just a little fallout Isabelle and I had with Ruthenfurd last night" I vaguely explained. Pansy looked at me with confusion.
"Did you just call Grimaldi by her first name?" She whispered, trying not to interrupt the class. Judging by her tone of voice, she wasn't happy with it.
"Yeah, what about it?" I whispered back, not understanding the big deal of it. It's her name, for gods sake. What else am I supposed to call her?
"Nothing" She said, dryly. "Why didn't you tell me about it?" She asked, referring to last night's events.
"Oh I'm sorry, I didn't know I had to tell you every single thing that happens in my life" I said, sarcastically. Isabelle is nosy, but Pansy is at a whole other level. She's always trying to get me to tell her stuff that isn't any of her business. Usually I'd ignore it, but lately she's been getting into my nerves way too much. I guess my patience for her is starting to shrink.
"Well no, obviously, but this has to do with Grimaldi, and you usually tell us everything that goes on between you two so you can keep us updated in how the plan is going" She said.
"Well, it slipped my mind" I shrugged. If she only knew, I've been telling them lies about my time with Isabelle. Every 'update' I give them is fake, I make stuff up. They know nothing about my actual time with her, because for some reason I want those moments to stay between her and I, no one else. I'd usually come up with an excuse as to why I want to keep it that way, but right now I can't come up with anything other than the fact that I just feel like those are private, and I want to be the only one to know them.
In other words, the plan is falling apart. And it's all my fault.
Well actually, it's Isabelle's fault. For showing me that she cares about me, for making me laugh, for saving my sorry ass every two seconds, for making me care about her, and the list goes on. If she was an annoying brat who didn't have anything interesting about her, I would've carried this plan so easily I probably would've already finished it. But Isabelle, she just makes it impossible. I'm not supposed to be saving her, I'm not supposed to care about her, it's supposed to be the other way around. She's the only one that's supposed to start caring, not me. It backfired, it totally backfired in my face. And I blame her, it's all her fault.
The night the troll almost ripped her apart, I couldn't sleep. I was too shaken up by her almost getting killed. And that's when I realized I had to distance myself in order to keep the plan safely in motion. I was getting attached, and I couldn't let that happen. And so I tried being rude to her, to try and create some sort of distance between us, or to try and re ignite that hate I used to feel towards her. However, the moment she said she was giving up the tutoring lessons, I internally lost it. And I realized I didn't want it to stop, I didn't want to stop seeing her. I couldn't stop myself from looking for her after I heard her say she was going to look for professor McGonagall during breakfast yesterday. I walked pass the library four times, trying to stop myself from going inside and stopping her, but I couldn't.
So now, I don't know how, but I'm getting myself the best of both worlds. In my friend's eyes, I'm still the same old Malfoy who hates Grimaldi's guts, which means my reputation will stay intact. Even though the reality is far from that. No one needs to know, I just have to make sure I keep it that way.
"Draco!" Pansy said, snapping me out of my thoughts.
"What?" I asked, annoyed.
"What are you waiting for? Let's go" She said. I hadn't realized the class was already done, and so I stood up, packed my things, and followed Pansy out of the classroom.
Isabelle's P.O.V
"What was that all about?" Ron quietly asked me, once I made my way towards our desk and sat down.
"Yeah...I forgot to mention a situation that happened yesterday after I left the dinning hall, but I'll tell you once Hermione and Harry are here to listen" I whispered back. Ron gave me a suspicious look, before nodding understandingly.
Thankfully, the day went by rather fast, and before I knew it I was already done with my last class of the day. Ron and I walked towards the Gryffindor common room, as we usually do when we're done with class.
As we walked inside, the room was packed with people who were returning from class as well. I could barely hear myself talk from how loud it was inside. Everyone was talking among themselves, and there was barely any room for us to walk through. Couldn't they have made this room a bit more spacious when they built this place?
"Look! There's Hermione and Harry" I heard Ron yell, pointing towards the corner. "I see them" I yelled back. We both pushed our way through the crowded room, trying to make it to our friends. Harry's face lit up once he spotted us, I wish I could say the same thing for Hermione though, but she sent be a dreadful glare. She's pissed.
"I need to talk to you guys" I said loudly to the both of them once we finally made it through. Harry nodded while Hermione just shrugged. "Let's go up to our room" I said, before leading the way up to Hermione and I's dormitory.
"Finally, some quiet" I said as the four of us walked inside. I quickly threw myself on my bed, watching as the three of them sat down on Hermione's bed. I sat up, dreading the events that were about to take place. I have to do this, doesn't matter what I might lose, it's not fair for Ron or for any of them.
I took a deep breath, before telling them everything. From the day professor McGonagall assigned Draco as my tutor to the conversation we had with professor Dumbledore a couple of hours ago. Their faces went from confused, to shock, to confused again as I confessed every lie I've been telling them for the past couple of months. I'm not going to lie, it felt good to finally tell them everything, to know that I don't have to keep lying anymore. I feel free, yet horrible.
"And I know I've been such a terrible friend by keeping all of this from you and lying about it, but I was scared Malfoy would find out and stop tutoring me, especially when he's actually helping me improve. That isn't an excuse though, I'm so sorry. I really am" I said, scared out of my mind. I tried to read Hermione's face, but she had so many mixed emotions that I couldn't make out what she was thinking. I moved to Harry's face, he just looked straight up shocked. The both suddenly looked at each other, before simultaneously bursting into laugher.
I looked at them confused, not understanding what was so funny. What the fuck? I expected screaming, yelling, even slapping coming from Hermione, definitely not laughter. That was the last thing I expected. I looked at Ron with a clueless expression, and it was as if I was looking in a mirror, because he had the exact same look plastered on his face.
"Are you serious? That's what you've been keeping from us?" She laughed. It's official, she's lost her mind, they both have.
"I thought you...oh my god" She kept on laughing. Harry slapped his leg as he laughed uncontrollably.
"You thought what?" I asked, wanting to rip my hair off.
"I thought you and Ron...were hooking up" She said between laughs. My eyes went wide, along with Ron's.
"What?!" We both yelled in unison. Harry's laugh intensified once Hermione confessed her thoughts to us. Ron and I looked at each other in shock once again, before bursting into laughter.
We looked like four maniacs laughing our asses off. "Oh my god...I can't breathe" I said, once my laughter started to dye down. I had tears dripping down my face from laughing so hard.
"I should've know that wasn't it, but my mind gets creative when I don't know what's going on" Hermione said, sniffing as she wiped a couple of tears off her cheek.
"She's been talking about it all day, seriously, non stop" Harry said.
"I would never do that to you, Hermione. You should know that by now" I said, watching as Hermione's eyes suddenly started to tear up.
"I know, I just saw you two being so secretive all of a sudden and I just, I don't know" She said.
"Hermione, I like you. Not Isabelle, that's gross" He said, making me gasp out loud.
"Hey! No need to get offensive!" I said, grabbing my pillow and throwing it at him.
"No! I don't mean you're gross! I mean the thought of it is gross, you're like my little sister for gods sake" He said in defense. I gave him a glare, before turning back to Hermione. "Point is, that's never going to happen. Neither of us would do that to you" I said, before standing up and giving her a hug.
"Group hug!" Harry yelled, joining our embrace before Ron followed close behind.
"I love you guys" I said. "I'm glad you're not mad at me"
"Well, I think since what I had in mind was way worse, it took away the anger" Hermione said.
We spent the couple of hours before dinner talking and joking around, before it was time to head towards the Dinning Hall. I've been looking forward to dinner all day, since the guests of the Twizarding Tournament are arriving at that time.
Once we made our way down to the Dinning Hall and were all settled in our tables, professor Dumbledore stood up and walked towards the podium to speak. He said his greetings, before welcoming the first school that will be participating in the Twizarding Tournament; Beauxbatons Academy of Magic. A group of women dressed in blue attire walked into the dinning hall, performing a little dance as they made their way towards professor Dumbledore.
"Bloody hell" Ron said, as he very indiscreetly stared at the girl's bums as they walked past him. I saw Hermione glare at him in hate.
Once the students from Beauxbatons Academy made their grand entrance, it was time for the second school; Durmstrang. The dinning hall doors opened once again, revealing a group of boys walking in with wooden sticks in their hands. They pressed the sticks against the floor as they walked, creating chips of fire. Everyone clapped as they walked made their way towards professor Dumbledor. The boys weren't ugly, I'll tell you that.
"Your attention, please!" Dumbledore said once the schools were settled into their seats. "I'd like to say a few words. Eternal glory. That's what awaits the student who wins the Triwizard Tournament. But to do this, that student must survive three tasks, three extremely dangerous tasks. For this reason, the Ministry has seen fit to impose a new rule. For your own safety, no student under the age of 17 should be allowed to put forth their name for the Triwizard Tournament" Dumbledore explained. The whole room broke down into a series of "boos" and complains.
"That's rubbish!" The Weasly twins yelled.
I actually agree with the new rule, but if I say that I'll get attacked, no I'd rather just keep it to myself.
"Silence!" Professor Dumbledore yelled, making the room go dead quiet. He motioned to the Goblet of Fire, which was sitting neatly next to the podium, before saying "The Goblet of Fire, anyone wishing to submit themselves to the tournament shall write their name upon a pice of parchment and throw it in the flame before this hour on Thursday night. If chosen, there's no going back" He explained. He looked at us in silence, before slowly saying
"As of this moment, the Triwizard Tournament...has begun"
A/N: Ya'll better brace yourselves for what's coming. You just wait. I hope you liked it! Don't forget to comment your thoughts and vote to let me know you want more! Thank you so much for reading!