Chapter 61 – Avada Kedavra (1)
The news left a tremendous impact on not just us but the whole school. Watching the Malfoy pair's expressions told us they were also in the dark about it. We heard from Professor Slughorn that Lucius received the official letter of the duel at the same time it appeared in the Daily Prophet. I don't know how much the Professor's hand was in it, but I think this mainly fell on Lord Voldemort's shoulders. My guess was that he had enough of this farce, especially because this made it much easier for the Order to move around and plan their next move. A splinter in the community of wizards and witches was dangerous and could not be permitted.
At last, that was the main sentiment, in my opinion. I don't really remember how the remaining days went by, as my stomach was the size of a pinhead. I tried to not show my nervousness on the outside, but I don't know how well I managed it. When the day of the duel finally arrived, I had no chance to speak with my Father as he was welcomed by the Headmaster and led away, giving us no chance to say anything... even if we may never be able to do so after today. But I tried not to think about that possibility.
The duel was to take place outside, at the lake on the shore. Spring was coming up on us, so the snow was already melting; everything was wet, muddy, and damp. The sky was still grey with clouds, ready to rain at any given moment, and the air was filled with the coldness of winter, lingering around like some kind of ghost. Of course, none of this bothered anybody as people gathered around, waiting for the spectacle... and for the judge to arrive.
As part of the 'problem,' Quincy and I stood with the teachers. Behind us stood Professor Slughorn and, to my surprise, Professor Lockhart. I glanced toward the Headmaster, who was standing with my Father, Lucius... and Draco. Who, because of being a Death Eater, was also a 'supervisor.' Or something... Tsk. I was about to grimace when my eyes met with Father, who only smiled, looking casual and unbothered, exuding such confidence I felt my heart rate slow down a little.
"It should be... alright!" Quincy murmured, squeezing my hand, which I returned, nodding at her, but both of us knew. We were more anxious than when we dealt with the basilisk.
When HE arrived, the man we were waiting for, HE did so on a flying carriage, pulled by four thestrals. After landing, a woman stepped out first, who I recalled was Bellatrix Lestrange. A relative to not just Draco but to Quincy, a cousin to her Father... and an aunt to Draco. I hadn't had to ask whose side she was on... I guess. What was a bit surprising for me was the reverence she had when she opened the door and helped the man down from the carriage. It was my first time seeing HIM in the flesh.
HE was tall but thin. I wouldn't say HE was at a healthy weight at all, a bit more on the skeletal side. Still, HIS features had an otherworldly charm or... power to it. HIS dark hair was well-kept, and as HE looked around, sometimes HIS eyes looked like they were flashing with a crimson color. Wearing an elegant traveling suit, HE walked forward, almost as if HE was floating above the ground, unbothered by the muddy earth below HIS feet.
No matter where he went, the sea of people parted before HIM, and anybody caught looking into HIS eyes quickly lowered their heads. When HE finally turned towards us, and I gazed into those snake-like pupils, I couldn't tear my eyes away. Something in me stirred, and I felt... threatened. Like when a predator meets another in his own territory... Which was simply laughable as HE was so much stronger than me.
"Good kid." HE said in a clear voice before looking at my Father, forming a small smile. It was a sudden and surprise exclamation, and it brought me out of my weird stupor, realizing Professor Slughorn put his hands on my shoulders, squeezing them a little.