What I Think About Draco, By Miss Virginia Weasley

What I think about Draco

By Miss Virginia Weasley

Exactly six months ago today Headmaster Albus Dumbledore assigned us Hogwarts students the seemingly daunting task of getting to know another student--but not just any other student, a student from a different house, and a different year. And, of course, the poor innocent students were not allowed to choose their partner. What's more, the professors-you lot-took it upon themselves to handpick the pairings. At the end an essay was to be turned in to you, and a creative project of some sort was to be presented about our partners. This, of course, is not news to you.

Arriving in the Great Hall on September first was thrilling, as always. I was back at school, a place where I felt safe, and loved. This was the place I was sure to make memories that would impact me forever. I was excited when the announcement was made that we would all be joining together in a "School Unity" project. The students were required to spend two full weeks with their partner...it could be any combination of days and hours, I was told-weekends, free hours, meals, ect. Easy enough, right? I stayed up all night sorting through my clothes trying to find the perfect outfit, to make the perfect impression when I met my partner the following morning. Imagine my dismay when I entered the great hall, walked over to the sign where pairing number fifty-seven was supposed to meet, and saw the ferocious little blonde sitting underneath. What kind of a sick joke was that supposed to be? I knew I was in for a tough two weeks.

At the first meeting we barely spoke. Glares were exchanged, eyes were rolled, hair was tossed. Eventually, I tried to be civil enough to propose we pick a few dates to start off with; one way or another, we had to get this done. He made a few cuts (and admittedly I did as well) but we finally agreed to start with the first Hogsmeade Weekend. So, on October fifth I made my way down to the Entrance Hall, wearing the most unflattering, put-offish, outfit I could find. His unkempt hair suggested he too was not putting much effort into this trip. We headed off, and would you believe he thought a good starting point would be the shrieking shack? He tried to scare me off a little by daring me to go in. Too bad he didn't know, I know a little something about the place that makes it completely unfrightening. I made my way to the front, took a quick jaunt inside, and suggested we skip the nonsense and get a drink at the Three Broomsticks. We walked in silence, drank in silence, and left in silence. I think we went to look in Zonko's and Honeydukes next, but I can't be quite sure--it was all a pretty boring blur. I may have slept walked a little. No matter, at least we had one day checked off the list. Only a tedious thirteen more to go.

I could continue to take you through a day-by-day account, but I feel it would be kindest to spare you. The next few meetings progressed pretty much the same. Eat a silent dinner, head to the library, and try not to touch if we reached for the same book. Our days, I might mention, were also very spread out. We needed as long of a break as we could get in between. I hate to show my caring side for him, but I also felt it was best for his health. There was a few times that Ron saw us walking together, and went into convulsions. I feel he might have lashed out if he had seen us together too often. Anyway, soon three of the six months we had were gone, and we'd only met a total of five days. Finally, I took the initiative. I walked straight up to him, opened my mouth and--turned around and sat down. I sent him an owl the next day instead. Through that form of contact we managed to work out a schedule. We'd have to stomach several weekends in a row, meals included. We also worked out that to manage to actually learn something about the other, we would each take turns planning dates-I mean outings-to go on.

What came next was a series of vengeful meetings. Draco was assigned to the first weekend, and he was adamant that what we were doing be a surprise. I actually fooled myself into thinking he had something nice planned for us. Somehow an advanced potions lesson with Snape wasn't what I had in mind. It was four hours of pure misery. You may know that I tend to be pretty fiery so that wasn't something I was going to just ignore. No, there would be revenge. I thought a nice ball-dancing lesson, and then afternoon tea was just the thing. Next Draco took me to a wizarding tattoo parlor...not for him of course (he wouldn't dare touch his own precious skin). He was simply thoughtful enough to think maybe I'd like one. I'll forever treasure the look on his face when I choose a Celtic cross for my shoulder. I think that was maybe the first time we actually learned something about the other. Draco, learned that I was daring, was sure to keep you guessing, and would shock you. I learned that Draco was gracious enough to be properly shocked.

After that, the dates became a kind of joke. I got special permission to get a portkey, and took him all the way to a posh hotel in America, just so he could ride the elevator and get a taste of the muggle world. We actually starting scheming and ended up breaking the elevator just so we could enjoy the picnic I had planned for the park next door, in there. Soon we were both really learning things about each other. I was a good sport and could handle his sarcasm. He was a real gentleman at times, and was willing to dive deeper.

I think the most meaningful, and monumental moment in this whole adventure was the date on our twelfth day. We were taking a walk around the lake and having a friendly debate. Well, it was friendly at first, but we both have tempers and things started to heat up. Finally, in a moment of pure comedy I said something Draco didn't like, and next thing I know he had pushed me into the lake. I remember coming up from the freezing cold water and seeing the horrified (and slightly proud) look on his face. I wasn't particularly upset, but I fixed him with a cold stare anyway. He then proceeded to jump into the lake after me, as if it would help. There you have one guy's perspective on how to make everything better. He came up and I started laughing my head off. He was pretty mad at first-I think mostly at himself-but eventually he started laughing too. He summoned some towels for us and we walked, teeth chattering, all the way back to the castle. He did stop to warn me that if I ever mentioned it to the Slytherins he wouldn't just push me in the lake, but drown me.

Our last date took place on a Saturday. He once again had a surprise plan. I just had to trust that it would be better than potions. It was hard to tell what to wear, so I picked a fairly long skirt and blouse. I applied make-up, but it wasn't for him (or so I told myself). He had left me explicit instructions to dress and wait right in my own dorm. I was somewhat confused, but I did as I was told. Finally, at eight-thirty there was a tap at my window and there he was, on his broom. He had brought my broom, so we wouldn't have to share, which I wasn't sure I was completely happy about. I tried to get him to let me change into jeans, but he insisted we would be late. Flying sidesaddle is something I never want to do again. Anyway, he told me to follow him, and we set off. I didn't know where we were flying, but the scenery was beautiful. Around what felt an hour later we started to descend. We landed in a clearing amongst some trees. I prayed we would be stopping to eat there, as I was starving, so I was most relieved to see him pulling out a picnic basket. I was too hungry to wonder where it came from.

After eating I took time to actually look around. We were clearly in the middle of a forest (enchanted, I think) and there was a waterfall a small distance away. I walked over to sit by it, and that is when I noticed the object that was mounted against the back wall of the waterfall. The water obscured it but I made it out all the same. It was the same as the Celtic cross on my shoulder. No words were exchanged. Next, we made our way up to a hilltop where, would you believe this, he had a hot air balloon waiting. It was amazing! The best part was that a wizarding company operated it, so it was able to expand in unrealistic ways to contain a table with a gourmet lunch, as well as a comfortable couch. At one point we got a little too cozy and I think we were both a little unnerved by the closeness.

To top the wonderful day off, we landed in a lovely little village where he let me shop a little before taking me to the "highlight" as he called it. It was a stable. I couldn't believe he had remembered I liked horses. At first I fixed him with a cynical look--did he really expect me to horseback ride in a skirt? If I were going to do it, there would be no sidesaddle. He had me going for a minute, but then he pulled out a pair of jeans (once again, I'm not sure where he pulled it from. By then I was calling it Draco's bag of wonders). I had never been riding, and was a little intimidated, but it was one of the best feelings in the world. He ended the day in the cutest way, taking me to a little hotdog stand by the side of the road. When we landed back at Hogwarts a few parting words were exchanged, and maybe a little more. All I know is I will never forget anything about that day, or even these past few months.

As the talented Professors of Hogwarts I know you have all interacted with Draco in class, or occasionally outside of. I'm sure you all have your opinions of him good or bad. I know I did. Things have changed though. I'm here today to tell you what I think about Draco. Draco, despite the cold demeanor and biting tongue, has feelings. He knows how to treat someone right, and he knows how to listen. Draco, despite the hardened shell and the "can-handle-anything" façade, can get hurt. He is not invincible and he does not listen to everything his father says. He tries to fool himself into thinking he is no better than the stereotype. He tries to make himself believe that mudbloods really are foul, and Weasleys really are the worst kind of wizard. Yet, in between all he's been told, he recognizes the truth and he is humble. Draco surrounds himself with people who are cruel, or dim, and could never really know him. I used to think he liked to be in control-to have people to step on. I know now this is just a shield, a protection.

I hope you will listen when I tell you the most worthwhile thing you could do is spend time with this boy. He has amazing wisdom that has been gained through his suffering. It's true, he blasts you with coldness, but the best thing you could ever do for yourself would be to wrap your coat tight and stand in the midst of it. That's when you can discover and learn more than you ever thought possible. And Draco, with all his wit and sarcasm, can make you smile for endless hours.

Now, I'd like to offer my Congratulations to Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. You did it. You made me see through the clouds and recognize someone for who they really are. You brought together a Slytherin and a Gryffindor, a Malfoy and a Weasley, a girl and a boy. You made us hurt, and hate, and love. I knew that my years here at Hogwarts would change my life, but I never knew two weeks and an unlikely boy could change me the most. Thank you,

Miss Virginia Weasley

P.S: Congratulate me, I got a boyfriend.

Ginny's Creative Project (Song)