40 String Puller

~~~(POV: Alexander Aevum)~~~

~~~(Location: The Grand Hall, Hogwarts)~~~

~~~(Date: September 3rd, 1991)~~~

~~~(Time: 6:12 PM)~~~

The food that the elves have made for tonight is up to the standards they set for themselves. Before I can start eating, someone sits across from me. One Draco Malfoy.

He's getting daring, isn't he...

"Nothing to say, Aevum?"

Why he's choosing to confront me here and now is strange and uncharacteristic. He's not confrontational, not like this.

My abilities in Legilimency aren't working on him... Someone with a strong mind is controlling him right now. I pull out my wand and point it right at his face. Before I can cast a spell, a loud yell comes from the teacher's table.

"What's going on down here!?"

Dumbledore's voice roars as he runs down the aisle and to us.

Snape is right on his tail and looks just as serious as Albus. Before Albus can ask anything else, I speak up.

"Someone is controlling his mind, Headmaster. Look at him."

Draco turns his head and looks at Albus and Snape like nothing is wrong, but I watch their expressions change. Snape slowly approaches Draco, and Albus stands in front of me.

Who would subtly dominate a student's mind? I don't know... Draco doesn't even know he's being controlled. He thinks his actions are his own.

"Mr. Malfoy, please come with me to the Slytherin chambers."

Snape is trying to resolve this without violence, and all eyes are on the scene. It's dangerous, for sure.

I'll be the first to say Draco is an asshole, but he acts his age with the upbringing he's had. I don't believe he should be mind-controlled by another.

If the person doing this has this type of subtle influence, Draco might lash out, thinking he's in danger and needs to defend himself.

"Professor Snape, why are you acting so weird?"

His question is defensive and fearful.

Before Draco can do anything with his wand in hand, Snape takes out his wand and puts Draco to sleep with a wave. Draco almost got a spell off. Snape carries Draco in his arms, and Albus turns to me.

"You used Legilimency... Why?"

He's not being cross, and his tone is gentle. He wants to know my reason for doing it. We both know I wouldn't do something like that without a good reason.

I take a seat on the bench and put my wand away. All the students around us are listening closely. Whispering between each other.

"I've had some problems with Draco, but nothing I couldn't handle. Up until this point, I pegged Draco as a coward. Someone who wouldn't be so direct without backup from our last encounter."

The whispers get louder, and I more annoyed.

Albus sits next to me, removes his glasses, and pinches the bridge of his nose. I take a breath to continue.

"This entire situation was unlike him, and way too confident in his words and demeanor; it was suspicious. I decided to use Legilimency to see what was wrong, and that's when I noticed the influence on his mind..."

That's all I have in terms of information.

Albus stands up and places a hand on my shoulder while looking towards the direction Snape took Draco.

"Alright, thanks for telling me what you know, Alex."

I give a simple nod, and Albus turns his attention to the rest of the students.

"Resume what you were all doing! There is nothing to be concerned about!"

Just as soon as he finishes, he's charging in the same direction Snape went.

I rub my neck and close my eyes, face pointing toward the table. I feel the symbol on the back of my neck and sigh. A habit I have is to rub it when I'm stressed. I don't know why.

"You okay?"

A calm, young, and soft feminine voice comes from in front of me, and I look up. Granger has her hands to her sides, and her hands are balled into fists.

Her eyes are mixed between worry and anger, at who, I don't know.

"I'm fine, but Draco might have a rough night ahead of him."

Her hands relax at my confirmation of her question, and she sits next to me. Most students have gone back to their own business, but some are still whispering while pointing at me.