Dark Promises (A Draco Malfoy Fanfic)

Chapter 9

"And I know I'm just going to mess it all up." Ron quickly bellows, shoving more food down his mouth.

"No, what you're going to do is throw up all over the field if you don't stop devouring your breakfast like a horrid beast." Hermione barks, slamming down her juice in annoyance. The chattering and clinking of plates at the table ceases next to us, and everyone who overheard turns their heads to our conversation.

In a matter of seconds, students all around the table begin to pile in, sharing sympathetic smiles and bestowing some encouraging words.

I smile softly at the sight of it.

I think that's the difference between our houses, well at least the people that I know. While the Gryfindors have always lent an ear or a shoulder to cry on, the Slytherins have always found a way to degrade me. The reason being, that I never fit in any of their standards. I was never good enough for them. I was too dirty, too nice, too 'human.' But, here, at this table, with these people, I feel at home. I finally feel like I belong.

Luna, who was sitting beside me, chimes in, "I think you'll be splendid. Don't worry too much about it." Ron looks around the table, at all the people who had previously offered kind words, but the glint in his eyes has already dulled. No amount of appraisal would lift him up.

As everyone around him continued to display their sympathy, I couldn't help but recall a feeling that I'd experienced before. It's like a cloud of uncertainty that hovers over you, casting shadows of doubt on every decision you make. The fear of making a mistake is so palpable that it feels like it's engulfing you. It's like a constant companion that never leaves your side, no matter how much you try to shake it off. Despite the encouraging words of others who tell you that everything will turn out fine, you can't help but feel like you're walking on a tightrope with no safety net. A single step out of place and everything else will fall apart.

Deep down, beneath the surface of their words, all they want is for him to just let that feeling go with a smile on his face. To pretend. Pretend as if everything is fine.

Without a single thought, I reach out to lay a reassuring hand on his arm. "Ron, remember, you don't need to prove anything to anyone. You've faced a giant troll and outsmarted the Dursleys to save Harry." He nods faintly. "You've got the heart of a lion and you're already an outstanding Keeper. This is just another challenge that you can win."

Ron sits up a bit straighter, eyes flickering from the tumult in his head. "I don't know, Angitia—"

"Show everyone just how unstoppable you can be."

Ron's eyes finally met mine, and I could see a glimmer of hope in them. He squeezes my hand in gratitude, managing a smile at everyone, albeit a slightly nervous one. "You know what, you guys are right. I'll try my best today."

Just as the air began to clear and people went back to their seats, I saw a familiar figure entering the Great Hall. There, walking through the massive oak doors, was the boy that I'd been trying to forget, his usual calm aura marred by a foreign distraction.

He moved with an air of contemplation, his silver eyes darting around the Great Hall as though he were searching for something... or someone.

I couldn't stand seeing him there, calm and unfazed by the numerous students who went up to him to wish him good luck for the game. They all said their blessings– friends laughing and patting his back, girls fondling him as he brushed past them, classmates who were cheering him on. It's like they all practically worshiped him. Like he was their religion. Their God.

But instead of relishing in their reverence, he paid no mind to any of the attention. Rather he pushed through the crowd and sat down in his usual seat, unbothered by those who surrounded him.