A Summer in the Life of Draco

Dearest Ella,

Tomorrow, on the twelfth of August, you, Draco and your families are invited to a Quidditch banquet that is being held in honor of our victory. It will be a black tie event, so please dress accordingly. It is being held at

La Salle Grande at approximately eight o'clock in the evening. You may leave whenever you like. Please write to me with your answer as soon as possible so that I can reserve a table for your families. It has been great seeing you again, Ella. I missed you terribly.

Your dear friend,

Viktor

~*~*~*~*~

Dear Viktor,

We would all love to attend the banquet! You can expect us there at promptly eight o'clock. We will need seating for ten people. I am so happy that I have gotten the chance to see you. Promise me that we will never go that long without seeing each other ever again. Viktor, you do not know how much I need you in my life. When I needed you most, you were there for me in every way you could. I cannot thank you enough for all you have done. I will see you tomorrow evening.

All my love,

Ella

~*~*~*~*~

The house was full of confusion as everyone prepared to leave for the banquet. Melanie couldn't find her black high heels, Derek was having problems with his suit jacket, and Draco couldn't find his hair gel. They solved their problems in the easiest ways possible: Ella loaned Melanie a pair of heels, John did a spell to lengthen Derek's sleeves, and Lucius let Draco borrow his hair gel. Finally, everyone was ready to go.

"Ok, this is what we're going to do! Melanie, Cissy, Dominique, and Ella are going in the Range Rover. John, Derek, Draco, Keith, Scott, and I will go in the Hummer. I hope you all remember how to "drive" I think is what they call it. Is everything clear?" said Lucius. Tonight, he was wearing what he wore on a daily basis: long black robe with everything black underneath it. To accessorize, he had his usual snake cane.

"I think we're ready to go!" said Ella. This evening, she was wearing her hair up in a tight knot. She wore her blood-red Durmstrang robes, which were basically a wrap style dress. They had fur around the collar and the Durmstrang crest on the back. The wrap-style accentuated her already tiny waist.

"Everybody out to the cars! We have less than twenty minutes to get there!" yelled Melanie as she hurried everyone out the door. Nobody objected, seeing that she was already flustered.

They all climbed into the cars. Melanie drove for the girls and Lucius for the boys. They pulled down the driveway and out into the country streets. The drive there was slow and boring. Ella was bursting with excitement. Tonight, she would see people she had not seen in years. The other day, she hadn't had time to say hello to any of the Bulgaria team members that she knew. Tonight would be a night to get in touch with the life she had left behind for the summer.

In the other car, Draco worried about tonight. Ella would be busy talking with all of the friends and people she knew, leaving him alone. He knew it was selfish of him to think this, but it was what he was feeling and he couldn't deny it. He was doing his best to think about how happy she would be, but knowing that she would be happy without him was unsettling. In the short two months she had been in his life, he had become accustom to waking up every morning and walking downstairs to see her face. Summer was drawing to a close, and he wanted to make the most of the time they still had together before they both went back to their separate lives. Ella would go back to being the all-mighty Quidditch star, and he would go back to being... well, Malfoy.

They pulled into the driveway of La Salle Grande with five minutes until eight o'clock. The group dropped their car keys off with the valet, gave their name at the door, and made their entrance just as the clock struck eight. Ella took Draco's arm as they strutted into the ballroom.

Very quickly, people who knew them met the group. Ella was talked to by her teachers, friends, and Quidditch people. Draco was once again feeling out of the circle. She was smiling and being the bell of the ball while he sat sulking at her side. After a good thirty minutes of talking amongst the crowd, word had spread about Ella's arrival. Viktor was walking over to their little group.

Krum bowed to Ella, who just giggled as he took her hand and kissed it lightly with his lips. Draco put his arm protectively around her shoulders. Viktor stood up from where he was and looked Draco in the eye. Draco did something he had never done to someone who he thought of as an equal: he gave him his famous glare. Viktor stood back from her.

"Well, I am happy that you could come and celebrate our victory," he said.

"Oh it was no problem, Viktor. We were all thrilled to come! It is so great to see everyone again," she said. Viktor was soon intercepted by some person from the Bulgarian Ministry and promised they would see each other soon. Ella grabbed Draco's hand and led him around the room. Then, she ran into an old friend from Beauxbatons.

"Raine!" yelled Ella at the black haired girl, who turned around to see who had called her name. When she saw who it was, she ran at her and did the French greeting: one kiss on each cheek. Raine was a petite, pale faced, black haired girl. She kept eyeing Draco with a strange look in her eye. She leaned over to Ella and whispered something in French. Ella looked back at Draco. "Oh!" she said, blushing. They giggled.

"Raine, sorry I didn't introduce you. You know how bad I am with things like that... Anyway, this is my lovely boyfriend Draco. Draco, this is my great friend, Raine. Oh, and Raine, look don't touch please," she added when she saw Raine make a move to kiss Draco's cheeks. He silently thanked Ella. Raine reminded him too much of Pansy.

"Wow, Ella. Zey certainly don't make zem like zat at Beauxbatons," she said in a heavy French accent. Raine was called away by a girl who also had a French accent. Ella turned to Draco and rolled her eyes.

"Honestly! I love Raine to pieces, but she just can't keep her hands off of any guy... sheesh!" said Ella in a flustered tone. Draco chuckled as he followed behind her high-heeled feet. Sweet, sweet Ella...

A Bulgarian man made an announcement saying that the buffet was now open. He didn't have to say this twice, because Draco grabbed Ella by the hand and pulled her in the direction of the long table that was packed high with food. They joined the line and patiently waited their turn.

"Yum! They're serving banitza! My favorite!" said Ella as she picked up the cheesy pastry. She grabbed some creamed zucchini soup, cheese filled peppers, and some shopska salad. Draco didn't pick much of it up himself. The eastern European food didn't look (or smell) very appetizing to him. He preferred British cuisine.

"Draco, all you've taken is some kavarma kebap! Fill your plate! This is a time to celebrate!" Ella said as she tried to tempt him with some cheese-filled peppers. Draco politely declined. "Whatever you say," she said and shoveled them onto her plate. They reached the end of the table, which had the desserts. Draco grabbed a few French pastries. Ella said that she would come back for those a little later.

They found their table. No one else had made it there yet, so it was only them. They took their seats and Ella began to dig into her food. Draco poked at his. He was used to lighter dishes. This was some heavy food. Ella took a large bite out of one of her cheese peppers.

"Yum! It's just like being back at school!" she said. When she noticed that one of the groups of people near their table was staring at her, she cleaned up her act. She straightened up, put her napkin in her lap, and began using her silverware. She looked up to the head table where she saw Viktor and the rest of Bulgarian team enjoying their meal. He caught her eye and she smiled sweetly at him.

"Ella, I'm going to go get some champagne. Can I interest you in anything?" asked Draco as he stood up from his chair. Ella pondered for a moment and then looked up from her plate.

"I'm not going to drink tonight, so can you please get me some sparkling water?" she asked. Draco nodded and left for the bar that was set up at the other end of the ballroom. Ella sat eating her food in peace when she heard some male voices laughing behind her.

"Well, well. Look who it is! Ella Stone," said one of the boys in a singsong voice. Ella froze in mid chew. No, it couldn't be...

Ella turned slowly in her seat. She was feeling sick just thinking about who it might be. Oh, Merlin, don't let it be him...

Her worse fear was confirmed. She put on a brave face. Showing her fear would only encourage them.

"God, Demetrius, go back to Greece," she said. Her voice was so full of hatred.

"Why should I, when I could be here with my brother celebrating his teams' victory?" he said. His cronies agreed with him.

"Oh, please. Your brother was an afterthought draft pick from two years ago who hasn't even been in yet," she said, standing up to her full height. Demetrius was still a good four inches taller than she was. They had dated briefly when Ella was thirteen. He was a Greek boy who was from Athens. Why he was going to Durmstrang was confusing to Ella. Athens had one of the greatest magic schools in the world. He glanced around Ella at the table.

"Hey boys, is it cold in here?" he asked with a stupid look on his face. His group nodded their heads from side to side.

"Really? Because I think Hell just froze over! Little Ella is eating!" he said with a look of sheer pleasure at her discomfort. She took a deep breath.

"You know I got over that two years ago," she said. A song started up.

"Hey Ella, how about for old times sake, you let me grace you with the honor of dancing with me?" he said, making a move to grab her arm. Ella dodged his hand as if she was scared of his touch.

"Get away from me you slime ball!" she said, trying to get around him. Before she had the chance, his group gathered around her, blocking any escape she had. She stood tall and waited for what might come next. Where was Draco when she needed him?

Viktor watched the scene that was happening below the head table. He looked for Ella and saw her surrounded by a large group of boys. He furrowed his eyebrows and tried to see who it was. When he realized what he was seeing, he stood up from his seat and quickly made his way through the crowd, pushing everyone out of his way. All he cared about was squeezing the life out of that stuck-up little Greek boy.

"Oh come on, Ella! You know you want to," Demetrius said, grabbing her wrist.

"I'd rather eat my steak knife," she said in retort. He pretended to act hurt.

"Ella Stone! I am shocked! Why, just two years ago you were throwing yourself at me. Well boys, why don't we just-- what?" he asked in mid sentence to his friends, who were gesturing behind him. He didn't quite understand. "What the hell are you guys pointing at?" he spat, turning around. He screamed like a little schoolgirl.

"I believe that Ella said she didn't want to dance with you," Viktor said. The look of horror on Demetrius' face was priceless.

"Um... well... I..."

"Exactly. So finish your business and be on your way," he said. Viktor got closer into Demetrius' face and dropped his voice to a whisper. The way he talked was almost a growl.

"If I ever see you talking to her again, I will strangle you with my own bare hands. You have caused enough problems. Now get out of my sight, and take your worthless lackeys with you," he said, shoving Demetrius away from Ella.

"Uh, yes Viktor! I mean, Mr. Krum! I mean... bye!" said Demetrius, running in the opposite direction, his group following close behind. Viktor took the scowl off his face and turned it into a smile. Ella laughed as she hugged him around the neck.

"I can always count on you to be there for me at just the right moment!" she said, breaking away from him. Viktor was a big teddy bear, but most people found him threatening. He smiled down at her, but his expression turned to concern.

"Where was Draco when all of this was happening?"

"He was getting us some drinks. I don't know where he went." said Ella. She began scanning the room for his blond head. Before she could excuse herself from Viktor to look for him, a man at the front table rose, banging his glass. He was preparing to give a toast.

"Excuse me! Excuse me! Ladies and gentlemen! I would like to propose a toast! My name is Ivan Ockham, and I am the offensive coach for Bulgaria. On Saturday, the team all played excellent. I could not have asked for anything better. I must say, however, that one player seemed to stand out more than the others did. Our Seeker, Viktor Krum, played one of the greatest games I have ever seen him play. He played the game hard, fast, and furious. Let us raise our glasses to Viktor, and drink to his long and healthy career!" he said, tipping his glass towards Krum. Everyone rang out "Viktor" before clinking glasses and drinking in his honor. Ivan made one final announcement.

"Tonight, let us recognize the boys of Bulgaria for their accomplishment. Can I get all of the team out on the dance floor? Mr. Krum! Why don't you start things up?!" he asked. The spotlight panned its way over to Viktor, who blushed a shade of pink. The crowd cheered its encouragement. He turned to Ella and bowed to her, offering her his hand. She took it as he led her out onto the dance floor.

Draco watched the scene unfold from the punch bowl. The task of getting drinks had taken longer than anticipated because Lucius had had to get Draco's champagne for him. He watched Viktor lead Ella out onto the dance floor as the crowd applauded. He immediately felt a jealous flush rise to his cheeks.

Draco walked over to a near by table and sat down where he had a clear view of the dance floor. Just as he was beginning to calm down, the last person on earth that he wanted to see at this very moment sat down next to him.

"Why, hello my boy! Lovely night isn't it? The French sure do know how to throw a party!" said Scott as he took another sip from his firewhiskey. Draco clenched his jaw, not wanting to say anything he might regret. Instead, he forced a smile.

"Yes, it is a marvelous party," said Draco in a faux-happy voice, mimicking that of Scott's. The two boys both flashed fake smiles at each other.

"Look at those two!" Scott said, looking at Viktor and Ella. "It's just like old times!" Draco cast him a confused look.

"What are you talking about?" Scott chuckled at Draco's obliviousness.

"Oh, you don't know? Ella and Viktor were great... "friends" in his schooling days. He was always with her. It's as if they were joined at the hip!" he finished. Draco clenched his jaw until it felt as if his teeth were going to break. Through it all, he just stared at Scott, contemplating which hex would work best in this situation.

"I remember this one time a few years ago, Ella was back for Spring Break. Viktor came with her because she had wanted the family to meet him. He was so good to our family! During the day, he would split his time between being with Ella and talking with our father about Quidditch. Then at night, he would help my mother in the kitchen. Aw, Viktor... good man!" he finished, casting another long glance at the happy couple. When he turned back, he saw that Draco was on his feet, red-faced. He took off in the direction of the dance floor. Scott yelled at his back, a smile from ear to ear. Just what he had wanted.

"Draco, where are you going?" he yelled. Draco gave him no answer. He just pushed through the crowds trying to get out of the ballroom. He had fallen for that two-timing, blue-eyed devil...

Ella was in the process of being twirled by Viktor when she caught a glimpse of a blonde-haired boy, dressed in all black, who was moving very quickly toward the exit. She knew who it was, but she didn't know why he was leaving. Ella excused herself from Viktor's marvelous dancing and took off after him. Draco was heading out to the patio.

Ella tripped on one of the rugs as she rushed after a very flustered Draco, causing her to bash into, none other than, Demetrius. Ella pushed him out of her way and began to run as fast as her three-inch heels would let her. When Draco was upset, it made her upset... even if she didn't know what was wrong.

Finally, she tracked down the exit that Draco had taken. She pushed through the doors and looked from left to right, trying to find him. A couple moved from their position and she saw him leaning against a fence, arms crossed, looking at the ground. She approached him with caution. He looked up from the spot of the pavement he had been staring at. She made her move toward him.

"Draco? Baby, what's the matter?" she asked, touching his arm tenderly. He cringed at her touch and turned away from her gaze. His eyes were blank and glazed over. Ella was taken aback. "Honey, I can't make it better if you don't-"

"How on earth could you possibly make it better? Don't you play dumb with me, Ella. Ever since we ran into Viktor at that stupid bookstore, you have been drooling all over him! I know about your past with him," he said, turning to face her. Ella's eyes were emotionless and still. She didn't know how to react to this. What past was he talking about?

"Draco, I... I don't have any idea what you're thinking of."

"You and Viktor had something and you still do! I see the way you look at him! Stop playing me, Ella!" he yelled. Ella's lip began to tremble.

"I don't know what you're talking about! Viktor and I have never been anything but friends! I don't believe you! How can you just assume things and not even let me explain? Then you don't even believe me when I do explain!"

"Ella, save your breath," he said calmly.

"NO!" she screamed, near tears. "You don't understand! Viktor seemed to be the only one that was there for me, the only one who could understand! He was always the only friend that I knew was truly there... until I met you, but I guess you're not the guy I thought you were!" she screamed into his face. Her voice was raspy, and a tear escaped her weak dam that was trying to hold it back. She turned on her heels and ran back into the ballroom leaving Draco standing rooted on the spot, stunned.

He walked over to a nearby bench and sat down. Never before had he heard Ella get emotional like that. He still didn't know what this trauma was that she had been through, although he heard a lot about it. Part of his heart wished he knew what she was talking about.

As Draco sat on the bench, head in his hands, pondering the scene that had just taken place, he couldn't help but wonder if his actions had been just. Truth be told, he had believed Scott, which was probably the wrong thing to do. But the thing was, anyone who saw them would have guessed that there was something between them. Draco was protective of her, as if she were his wand; there was no price that could be put on it.

After a good ten minutes of sitting and thinking, the door to the patio opened and Viktor Krum walked out of it. Draco didn't look up, didn't even acknowledge that he knew that someone else had entered his space. Viktor seemed to be nervous about something and it reflected in his voice.

"Draco, may I sit?" he asked, gesturing to the space beside Draco on the bench. Draco just shrugged his shoulders. Viktor took his seat.

"Listen, I just saw Ella. Draco, she's miserable. She wouldn't tell me what happened and I feel like I need to know," he said, twiddling his thumbs. He wouldn't look directly at Draco. He looked up at Viktor.

"Krum, you don't need to know about everything in Ella's life. She's a big girl. She can take care of herself," he said. Viktor snapped his head up and looked at Draco with a look of confusion on his face.

"Draco, Ella and I go back longer than any friend I have. She's like my little sister. If something, or someone, is upsetting her, I want to know about it," he said.

"Psh, sure! Little sister, eh? Well, I don't know about the little sister part. Wouldn't that be kind of weird to have "feelings" for your own sister?" he asked with a bit of venom in his voice. Krum stood up in front of Draco.

"Listen here and listen good! I love Ella more than any girl in the world! Nevertheless, she is the greatest friend I have ever had! I have never had romantic interest in her! Yeah, she's gorgeous! Sure, she has the Quidditch talent of our whole team combined! But more importantly, throughout all of my fame, she has always been able to be the same around me! She is the strongest woman I know! After all the things that she has been through-"

"WHAT THE HELL HAS SHE BEEN THROUGH?!" he bellowed, standing abruptly to his feet. "When people talk about Ella, all I ever hear is about how strong she is after all she's been through! Then somewhere in the conversation, you always show up as the hero! What Krum? What has she been through? I am her BOYFRIEND! I should know these things!" he screamed. He finished short of breath. Viktor's eyes softened and his gaze turned serious.

"You really don't know?" he asked. Draco shook his head. Krum let out a sigh. "Draco, to understand and appreciate Ella's strengths, you must know her past. If she will not tell you, I will. Sit down. It's going to be a little while."