two rings and bad things

48_ cursed

Although Draco missed Ed terribly over the past few weeks, he knew he needed to focus on the matter at hand.

He bought the opal necklace from Borgin and Burke's a while back, and finally thought of a way to give it to the person he intended—he would use the Imperius Curse against Madam Rosmerta, who worked at the Three Broomsticks.

That next morning, the plan went into effect.

Draco reluctantly stayed back, while everyone else went off to Hogsmeade.

"What I do not understand, Mr. Malfoy, is how you have failed to turn in your homework twice in a row," Professor McGonagall said as he sat down in a desk.

But Ed happened to be right outside the door and paused to listen.

"Sorry, Professor," Draco apologized.

"This is very unlike you. You haven't missed a single assignment since your first day at Hogwarts," Professor McGongall commented.

"It won't happen again, Professor."

Ed couldn't believe what she was hearing.

McGonagall was right—Draco always did his homework.

That only proved what he was going through.

Ed just wanted to be there for him.

Maybe she would find a way later...

"I hope not, Mr. Malfoy. In the meantime, for your detention, I will need you to-" the Professor continued.

"Sorry to bother you, Professor McGonagall," Ed walked into the classroom.

Draco's eyes shot up when he heard her voice, the voice he had heard thousands of times.

Sometimes it was smooth like honey, and other times it was sharp and ruthless, but either way he would never get tired of hearing it.

"I was just wondering if we need to know how to do switching spells for the upcoming quiz."

"Yes, I would recommend being sufficient in the matter," she responded.

"Thank you, Professor."

Ed cast a quick glance at Draco, hating how much he was clearly suffering.

It'll be okay, Draco, she tried to communicate with him.

_______________

The entire school was still buzzing with the news of how Katie Bell was cursed, even weeks later.

"I feel bad for her," said Ed as she got her Quidditch equipment ready for practice.

She had been made Team Captain of Slytherin, and was absolutely ecstatic when she found out.

She was a little concerned at first that she didn't have what it took, but was willing to try her best.

"Why would anyone even do that? I mean, students usually just pull pranks on each other or send them to detention," said Lance.

"They must've had their reason," Nott shrugged.

"I just hope my parents don't find out, they'll send me home straight away," Ed commented.

"I'm sure you'll be fine," Nott comforted her.

But Ed and Lance exchanged a knowing glance that her parents would definitely not be fine with what happened.

Just then, Ed felt something small brush against her foot.