Chapter 24 : Hallow Eve-1

Author's note: Hey guys this is my first POV other than Arjun. I wanted to portray the various influences on the growing Draco, from his seniors, father and the other houses. Please comment if it is realistic enough.

-------------Draco's pov------------------

THUD

As I made my way towards the dormitories, my frustration boiled over, and curses directed at the mockery of our society spilt from my lips. When my father had warned about the encroachment of Muggle-borns erasing our identity with their primitive culture, I hadn't fully comprehended it until now.

The sight of the Hollow festival, a tradition meant to honour our ancestors, being replaced by this Muggle Halloween was infuriating. How dare they come into our world to learn magic and then force us to adapt to their culture with no rhyme or reason?

Hollow Eve, our magical tradition, was rooted in astronomical alignments and divination, chosen as the optimal time to connect with the magic and blood of our ancestors. Yet, for the first time in my life, I found myself not honouring the deceased Malfoys.

"That fool Dumbledore is ridiculous to change a tradition that has endured for centuries for the sake of these stains," I muttered under my breath, venom lacing my words.

Glancing at the Muggle-borns mingling among us, I couldn't help but feel a surge of disdain. Mudbloods, as Flint calls them would be a better term, though the term was harsh, I was certain my mother would understand.

My gaze fell on Longbottom, who had made a mockery of himself by donning the costume of a pig, disregarding the centuries of history associated with our noble house. It was as if he had forgotten the burning of his ancestors by the Viking clans before the establishment of the Statue of Secrecy.

According to Arjun, Longbottom wasn't a squib but inept due to using someone else's wand. The thought was laughable. Trying to catch up with the elite education of Hogwarts in such a foolish manner.

Arjun, the enigma of our year. While Potter, with all his hyped reputation, was the most famous in our year, Arjun came a close second and, in my opinion, was the best.

And his background, evident from his refined posture and attire, hinted at a family of high stature. Combined with his undeniable magical talent, speculation ran rampant regarding his lineage. The bets were on from which esteemed family he hailed.

Rumours swirled around Arjun's origins like whispers in the wind, each one more outlandish than the last. Some claimed he was a Moric, the product of a runaway scandal and shame. They whispered of a daughter who had defied tradition, running off to marry a half-blood against her family's wishes. 

Perhaps it was the way he carried himself, with an air of quiet confidence that told his mysterious origins. Or maybe it was the keen interest that my uncle Severus seemed to take in him, a fascination that bordered on obsession.

Uncle Severus, with his dark eyes and brooding demeanour, was a figure of mystery in his own right to the rest of Hogwarts.

He had always been somewhat aloof, keeping his own counsel and revealing little of his true intentions. But there was no denying the special interest he took in Arjun, the way he watched him with a gaze of scrutiny. Always enquiring from the Slytherins, as if indirectly ordering them to keep an eye on him.

It was this interest that fuelled the rumours, igniting speculation about Arjun's true lineage and the secrets that lay hidden beneath the surface. Some whispered that he was a descendant of Prince, a member of the prestigious family that had produced some of the greatest wizards of our time. If it wasn't for a lack of familiar traits, rumours like Arjun being Uncle Severus's bastard would have erupted.

HMM

Maybe there is truth to that. Arjun is phenomenal in potions like Uncle.

One thing is clear, just like Uncle Severus and Father, I and Arjun would command power and fate of the British Wizarding nation.

===Great Hall===

As I strode into the Great Hall, the weight of scrutiny bore down upon me, the stares of students from other houses piercing through me as if I were some criminal under interrogation.

But I knew better; their glances were merely a manifestation of envy towards the wealth and power held by House Malfoy.

I offered a curt nod to Cedric, one of the few competent individuals from the Duffers, as I passed by. It was evident that the Sorting Hat had become somewhat wonky in our generation, placing such talent in mediocre houses.

Taking my seat at the Slytherin table, I observed my loyal servants, Crabbe and Goyle, settled into their respective places. Even after all this time, I couldn't shake the discomfort that seeing them brought me.

The curse that afflicted their family ran deep, impairing their ability to read and speak with ease.

Of course, my own family had its share of challenges, with only a single scion born to carry on the Malfoy name. Yet, my father often reminded me that every individual, regardless of their circumstances, was blessed by magic, each having a mastery in their chosen particular field. A Symbol of talent in House Malfoy, that ran unbroken for centuries.

For me, my talent lay in the Dark Arts from the beginning, a path I am willing to embrace without hesitation. I will be a master of Dark arts.

THUMP

THUMP

As the footsteps of the half-giant echoed through the hall, tension in the Slytherin table. He always looked ready to pounce upon us, ready to tear us apart. A feat he had done countless times in the war.

 But to the shock of everyone in the hall, including myself, Arjun stepped forward and placed a hand on the giant's leg.

The colossal figure of the Oaf seemed to visibly relax, his anger dissipating at the gesture. A nod of acknowledgement was offered to the Slytherin table, though it was quite an uncomfortable one.

The unexpected greeting from the half-giant, Hagrid, took me by surprise. It wasn't every day that he showed any measure of respect to his superiors. But then again, it wasn't entirely surprising either. After all, members of Slytherin House were destined for greatness, poised to become future Ministry officials and Wizengamot members, wielding real power in our nation.

It was only natural that they should receive an acknowledgement from all quarters.

As I reflected on this, my thoughts drifted to my future. I would one day take my father's place and restore all our traditions, reinstating the community rituals and sacrifices to our ancestors on Hallow's Eve.

Even the Dark Arts classes, unjustly removed by Dumbledore, would be brought back, along with all the knowledge he had banned.

But my reverie was interrupted by the familiar voice of the oaf, saying, "Well, see you tomorrow, Arjun." I raised an eyebrow at that. Upon further consideration, however, it made sense. Arjun's various talents make it easy for him to make an impression. Even for an oaf.

Arjun's knowledge and passion for history had won me over initially, and it seemed he had made an impression on others as well.

Yet, there was another aspect of Arjun's character that hadn't escaped my notice—he was surprisingly adept at teaching. His ability to convey complex concepts clearly and concisely made him an ideal mentor for students across all houses.

 It was a trait that spoke to his potential for leadership and influence, one that I intended to harness in the future.

However, there was a flaw in Arjun's character that I couldn't ignore. Despite his many strengths, he seemed all too willing to associate with Muggle-borns like Granger and now, the Oaf.

It was a trait that hinted at a certain naivety, perhaps born from his experiences in the Muggle world or the neutral voice like Greengrass. But I was confident that with the right guidance, I could help him overcome this weakness.

Just like Father helped Uncle Severus.

The whispers of his recent stay in the hospital wing, assisting Madam Pomfrey as her assistant, only strengthened my resolve. If Arjun was to reach his full potential, he would need someone to guide him along the right path. And who better than me to take on that responsibility?

Yes, I thought to myself, I must change him. In doing so, I would ensure that he fulfilled his destiny.