A Summer in the Life of Draco

"Draco! Come on! That Quidditch store closes for the lunch hour, and we only have forty-five minutes until then!" said Ella, grabbing Draco by the hand and leading him down the cobblestone street. He was being far too sluggish today by Ella's standards.

It had already been a week since they had first arrived in Paris. The first seven days had been spent relaxing and planning what they would do every day. The next week would be spent choosing flowers, robes, a catering service, and a photographer. Ella and Draco had spent most of their free time out by the pool. Whatever doubts Ella had had when they first came here were long gone. There had hardly been a moment now when they were not together.

They appeared outside the shop after a ten-minute walk (or drag, in Draco's case). It seemed extra packed today. The crowd could have been attracted by the fact that there was a huge match tomorrow: Bulgaria versus France. Sadly, Draco and Ella hadn't been able to get tickets, even with Keith's job. It was totally sold out.

Ella and Draco fought their way through the crowded store. There was absolutely no space in here... what was the deal?

"Jeez, Ella. This is crap! I can't even see the shelves," Draco complained.

"I know... what's the big thing going on in here?"

"Oh my goodness, I hope I can get mine signed!" said a woman as she passed Draco and Ella, clutching a book in her hand. They flashed each other a confused look.

They continued to fight their way through the crowds. Ella was getting frustrated with this... someone had already stepped on her new flats, and she wasn't too happy about it. They got to the back of the store where there seemed to be a line that was forming. They walked to the front to see what the hype was about. When Ella saw what it was, she stopped dead in her tracks.

Viktor Krum smiled at the teenage girl who had just gotten her book signed. He was here today (against his will) signing copies of his new autobiography, Viktor Krum: Beyond the Broomstick. He took a deep sigh and prepared to sign another copy. All of the sudden, a girl caught his eye. He could not believe what he saw.

"Ella?" Viktor whispered, not sure if what he was seeing was real or fantasy. He furrowed his eyebrows and stood up from his chair to try to get a better look. Ella raised her hands to cover her mouth as a tear escaped the corner of her eye.

Viktor walked slowly over to where she stood. Ella shook with excitement until she could not hold it back anymore. She ran at him and jumped into his outstretched arms.

Draco stood back and watched the scene unfold, not sure of what to do. Ella's sudden actions had given him no time to prepare. Was she seriously hugging Viktor Krum as if they were old pals?

"Oh, Viktor," Ella sobbed. "I'm so sorry I haven't kept in touch. It's just been so hard..."

"It's ok, Ella. You have found me now, and that's all that matters," he said, stroking her hair. "Dry your tears, and tell me what's been going on."

"Viktor, since you left, Durmstrang has been so hard for me... it seems like the team is just going south without you around," she said, wiping a tear from her cheek. She managed a smile.

"That's better. Listen, I go on my lunch break in about fifteen minutes. Why don't we meet outside then?" he asked, running his hands up and down her trembling arms. Ella nodded and walked back over to a very confused and shocked Draco.

"Let's go," she said in a waterlogged voice. Draco followed her outside, not sure how to react. Ella sat on a bench that was across from the store. He sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her shoulders.

"Ella, what was that all about?" he asked, searching her face for an unspoken answer. She sniffed a little and prepared what she would say.

"Draco, Viktor was one of my best friends at Durmstrang. Even though he was two years older, he was there for me in some difficult times. He was like the brother that couldn't be there with me," she said with a smile.

"Do you want to talk to me about it?" he asked, his voice full of concern.

"I... I can't tell you just now," she said. Draco respected this and gave her a big hug to let her now that he was always here for her. She smiled at him and excused herself from the bench. She needed to go into a bathroom and clean herself up. Draco sat patiently and awaited her return.

About ten minutes later, Krum emerged from the shop. He walked over to where Draco sat on the bench.

"Are you Ella's friend?" he asked.

"Well, Ella's boyfriend actually," he said, getting up from the bench and extending his hand. He waited for Viktor to realize that they had met two years earlier.

"You look very familiar... have we met?" said Viktor as he shook Draco's hand. He had a firm grip.

"Yes we have, Mr. Krum. When you competed at Hogwarts in the Tri-Wizard tournament two years ago."

"Aw yes! That is where you seem familiar! Draco, isn't it?"

"That's my name."

Ella walked out of the shop and back to the little bench. She was surprised to see Draco and Viktor talking.

"Hey boys, sorry I didn't introduce you earlier," she said, embarrassed. Viktor and Draco looked at each other and smiled.

"It's all right, Ella. We've met before. Don't worry about it," said Draco as he wrapped his arm gently around her waist. Before Ella could ask about where on earth they had met before, Viktor spoke up about his idea on where to go for lunch.

"Well, I'm absolutely starved... I've been in there signing autographs since nine o'clock this morning, and they haven't bothered to feed me. How about we go to that little deli down the road? I'm craving a hoagie!" he said with a laugh. They all agreed to this idea and started down the sidewalk.

They arrived at Amoureux De Viande in about five minutes. Viktor had to be back at the store in half an hour, so they didn't have much time. They got right to the front of the line and sat at an umbrella-covered table outside.

"So Krum, are you ready for tomorrow?" Draco asked, taking a bite of his roast beef sandwich. Viktor thought about it for a moment while he chewed.

"Well, France is a pretty good team... but their Seeker is very slow. I'm not worried," he said. He took another large bite out of his ham and cheese. Ella smiled to herself. Her two most loved men were getting along...

They ate their lunch quickly. Occasionally, Ella and Viktor would talk a little to try to catch up. Viktor's career had taken off since he had left Durmstrang and was able to focus just on Quidditch. When Draco did the calculations on Viktor's age versus his school years, he got confused... Krum would have had to gotten out of school a year early.

"Hey Krum? Did you graduate early or something?" asked Draco. Ella and Viktor looked from one to another.

"Um, no Draco. At Durmstrang, we only go for six years of regular school, and then we go to a trade school for another year to be trained in our chosen career. It's a very good system," said Viktor, taking a long chug from his cup. He looked sideways at the very expensive watch that hugged his wrist. He set down his cup.

"I better get back to the shop before they file a missing persons report... listen, we need to hang out soon. I'm only in town for another five days," he said.

"Well, Draco and I were planning on going clubbing tonight. Why don't you go with us?" asked Ella. She then realized her hastiness and added, "If Draco doesn't mind." She cast a look over at him.

"I don't mind at all," said Draco. They stood up from the table and Draco and Viktor shook hands. Ella and he said a long goodbye that included a tight hug.

They watched Viktor leave the deli, but people asking for autographs soon bombarded him. He declined politely and told them that if they wanted an autograph, they could go buy a copy of his new book and he would sign it for them at the Quidditch store. They darted off ahead of him, hoping to get a good place in line. Krum looked back at Draco and Ella, rolled his eyes, and walked on

~*~*~*~*~

That night, Ella spent every minute she could in the bathroom preparing for their evening. Viktor would be arriving at eight. For her night out, she had chosen to wear a tight fitting, knee length dress that had a low scoop neckline and it flared out at the bottom. They were going to one of the "higher end" clubs. She paired her dress with some black heals that laced up the leg and a chunky sliver necklace. Her long blonde hair was now shoulder length in spiral, kinky ringlets. With a final examination of her reflection, she deemed herself worthy and went off to find Draco.

She found him in the other bathroom doing his hair. He looked very handsome this evening. He had chosen to wear a black, button down shirt that was tucked into a pair of black trousers. He looked very polished.

"Wow, Draco. Very nice choice! I approve!" she said. Draco finished applying his hair gel and turned to look at her. His jaw fell. Why is it that she could just WOW him every time she turned around?

"Ella, you look drop dead gorgeous!" he said. Ella walked up to him and wrapped him in a hug. She leaned up and kissed him lightly on the lips. When they broke apart, they heard the doorbell ring. Viktor must be here.

They heard Melanie let out a scream. Krum must have walked in. Draco and Ella grabbed each other's hand and left the bathroom to join their "partner in crime" for the evening.

"Oh, Viktor! It is so wonderful to see you again! How is everything?" she asked.

"It has been wonderful. Quidditch has been so wonderful to me," he said. He spotted Ella and Draco walking down the staircase and he was grateful. He loved Melanie, but the woman could talk for hours if she wasn't stopped.

"Well, shall we get going?" asked Ella. The two boys agreed and they said their goodbyes to Melanie. They walked outside, where they found one of Viktor's fancy cars. This time, he was driving a blood red Viper. Draco was instantly envious.

"Um, aren't these cars only two-seaters?" asked Ella. Viktor laughed.

"Ella, Ella, Ella... you know me better than that. When I ordered this car from a muggle company, it only had two seats. Well, that was just unacceptable. The team paid to have two more seats put in... it now seats four," he said, full of pride for his purchase. He clicked the unlock button and they all climbed inside.

Krum had told the truth. This car was much roomier than a normal Viper. You wouldn't know it by looking at the outside, however. It was obviously enchanted.

They drove through the streets of Paris with some kind of Bulgarian rock music playing. Ella and Krum sang along to every word. Draco on the other hand, had no idea what they were saying. He was relieved when they pulled up to the front of the club.

Viktor gave the valet the keys to the car and warned him not to scratch the paint job. He gave his name at the front door and the man checked the list until he found his name on the guest list. Ella linked arms with Draco and Krum as they walked into the building. The light was down low and the music was slightly softer than at a normal club. The attire of the people was very close to black tie. This was not your average Paris night scene.

Viktor went over to his reserved table that was set in the corner of the large ballroom. He pulled a chair out for Ella, and she politely took it. Draco sat in the chair beside her. A waiter came by the tables and gave them menus to order from. While they waited, they placed their orders for drinks.

"Wow, Viktor. This place is amazing!" said Ella, looking around the ballroom.

"Yes, it is. I love coming here whenever I'm in Paris," he said. The waiter came back again and asked if they were ready to order. They all agreed. Viktor placed his order first.

"Umm... I'll have a Caesar salad," he said. Draco was surprised to hear this... he was expecting something big and meaty. Ella ordered next.

"I'll have a sirloin steak, medium rare. No mushrooms please." Draco ordered last.

"I would like the prime rib," he said politely. They waiter pulled out his wand and conjured up all of their orders. The food all looked fabulous.

"Wow Krum, going light tonight?" asked Draco.

"I need to watch what I eat. Big match tomorrow," he said, taking a bite out of his salad. Draco felt like he had just asked a very stupid question.

"Viktor? How late can you stay out? Isn't the curfew still eleven?" asked Ella. Viktor wiped the corner of his mouth with his napkin and replaced it in his lap.

"Yes, it still is. Sorry I cannot stay out longer. I need my rest if I am going to perform at the top of my game tomorrow," he said. This was good news to Draco. He hadn't wanted to stay out late tonight anyway.

"Are your parents going to the match tomorrow?" asked Ella.

"No, they couldn't make it. Oh! That reminds me! Since they aren't coming, my hospitality suite is available. Would you two like to go in their place?" he asked, looking from one face to the other. Draco's eyes lit up.

"We would LOVE to! We tried to get tickets, but they're impossible to get at this time of the year!" he said. He sounded like a kid in a candy store.

"Draco, we would have to ask our parents first," contradicted Ella. Draco shoved this comment aside.

"Alright then. I'll have them put your names on the Will-Call list before I check in tomorrow," he said.

They ate the rest of their meal in near silence. The portions here were small, so it didn't take them long. When they were nearly complete, an announcement came on.

"Ok everyone! We will be playing a few classical songs, so if you would like to show off your skills on the dance floor, feel free! But ballroom dancing ONLY!" The message ended and a slow, classical song started up.

"Oh, I love the waltz! Draco, will you dance with me?" asked Ella, pouting her lip. He had used this same technique on her during their first dance. Draco just rolled his eyes. He was nowhere near immune to Ella's charm.

"Well, alright," he said as he stood up from his chair. No couples had entered the dance floor yet.

"You do know how to waltz... right?" asked Ella with a bit of uncertainty in her voice. Draco threw his hand to his chest as if he had been deeply offended.

"Ella Stone! Bite your tongue! I come from one of the oldest pureblood lines in existence, and you are claiming that I can't dance? Well, you're just going to have to see for yourself!" said Draco, offering her his arm. Ella took it and she was led onto the dance floor. Draco bowed to her and they began the sweeping movements of the waltz.

Ella was twirled around the dance floor by Draco's expert leading skills. She was pleasantly surprised. Her mother had lied... Malfoy men can dance!

Viktor watched from the sidelines as more couples joined Ella and Draco. The only time he ever saw Ella this happy was when she was on a broomstick. Aw, sweet Ella. The poor girl had been through a lot in her life. Viktor still shuddered when he thought about what she had been put through...

The song ended and Draco dipped her until she was almost touching the floor. She smiled, laughed, and kissed him on each cheek. They walked back over to their table where Viktor sat waiting for them. Another faster-paced song started up. It had a very masculine tune to it.

"Oh my goodness! Viktor, do you remember this song from the "Welcome Back Ball" after the Tri-Wizard tournament?! Come on, we have to dance to this!" she said, grabbing Viktor by the bicep and dragging him to his feet. Viktor did as he was "ordered" and followed her onto the floor.

They took their positions facing each other. It was expected that each student be able to perform the traditional Durmstrang dance. No one knew what it was called, but it was a very stiff, tango-like dance. In addition, it called for the girl to be picked up by her waist an awful lot.

"Bloody hell Viktor! Don't you remember how to do it?" Ella teased as Viktor stepped on her toes for the second time. He blushed. He used to be a phenomenal dancer. He often escorted her to the dances when he was at Durmstrang and every girl envied her because of it.

Draco sat watching Ella and Krum perform the unusually intriguing dance from their school. Draco had never seen anything quite like it. Just as he was thinking about how wonderful Ella looked while she was dancing, a curly-haired boy came up to him.

"Why, hello handsome. Come here often?" said the boy in a very high-pitched voice. Draco did a double take.

"Excuse me?" he asked with his eyebrows raised.

"Are you here with anyone special? A cutie like you shouldn't ever be alone," he said, batting his eyelashes. Draco became angered by this boy and had a desire to punch him for even considering that he might be gay.

"Get away from me, you queer!" yelled Draco as he got up from his chair and quickly left the table. Ella and Viktor spotted him leaving and left the dance floor to follow him, confused.

"Draco, what is the problem?" asked Viktor.

"KRUM! I just got hit on by a gay man!" he yelled into his face. Viktor tried to hide his smile, but it was too much for him to handle. He cracked a smile that was followed by a fit of laughter. Ella, who was also fighting back the laughter, touched Draco's arm to try to calm him down.

"Well honey, it just goes to show you that you have sex appeal to everyone," she said. Ella couldn't hold it back anymore and started laughing just as hard as Krum. Draco was fuming by the time they left the club at ten thirty.

When Viktor dropped them off back at Sang Pur, he couldn't resist having one more bit of fun with Draco.

"Nighty night, Pretty Boy. You're so yummy, Pretty Boy, I could just eat you up!" he said. Draco couldn't even help but laugh at Viktor's terrible attempt to imitate a gay voice. He had such a masculine Bulgarian accent that it didn't sound anything like what he was trying to impersonate.

"Ha ha, very funny Krum," he said as he closed the door to the Viper. Viktor yelled out a final reminder through the window before he left.

"Don't forget about tomorrow! Be at Will-Call an hour before the match and they will give you your all-access passes and show you to your seats," he said. Ella and Draco stated that they understood and they parted for the evening. They watched the Viper drive off until it disappeared out of the entry gate.