L'amour Detruit *COMPLETE*

I'm not too fond of this chapter, but I'm almost finished writing the next two chapters and I think it's getting better. I got the idea for this on wikipedia while looking through Divination methods, and the marking system is based on the ones in the sixth book. Anyway, I'll post more chapters after a little more editing, meanwhile thanks to anyone who took the time to read it :)Any comments or constructive criticism is greatly appreciated.

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By the next morning, Draco’s mood had slightly improved. Pansy had cheered him up, he couldn’t deny this. Draco had even completed his Divination essay. Surely this paper would bring up his marks, as Draco had spent his entire free period working on it. It brought him a tremendous amount of relief; at least now he wouldn’t need to worry about failing the semester.

The rain had failed to cease, much to Draco’s dismay, however he was feeling a bit more cheerful today. Very shortly the months would pass, and it would soon be time to leave Hogwarts forever. Very soon he would be at the Seventh Year Ball with Pansy in his arms.

Professor Trelawney began passing out their essays the following Monday. Draco watched, smirking at the students she handed them out to. No doubt he would receive atleast an ‘Acceptable’, or perhaps even an ‘Exceeds Expectations’, and he found pleasure in smirking at those who looked absolutely crushed at their marks.

Behind him, Malfoy could hear Longbottom and Lovegood chattering away as usual. Draco rolled his eyes. “Next time let’s find us some better seats,” he said to Crabbe and Goyle, irritated. However, the three stopped talking to listen to Longbottom’s next words.

“…so, um, maybe you can come to the ball with me, and after we could get a drink at the Three Broomsticks…” the boy trailed off, looking very flustered.

“I’m sorry, I can’t,” Luna responded in her dreamy voice, “it’s on a full moon, that’s when the water pixies are in season. I promised Hagrid I’d help him pick some out.”

At this, the three Slytherin boys burst into laughter. Draco turned around to the baffled pair. “Good one, Longbottom,” he snickered, “you can’t even score a date with Loony Lovegood!”

Laughter rang around Draco’s table. Neville looked utterly mortified, as his round face had turned a deep shade of red. Luna as well appeared flushed at the exposure of their conversation. “How does it feel, to know that a girl would rather spend time hunting with that half-giant beast than to be seen in public with you?” Draco roared.

Ginny Weasley turned from her seat furiously and glared at Draco. “Leave them alone, you’re such a prick!” She snapped.

Draco opened his mouth, but was cut off by Trelawney. “Settle down, please be quiet while I hand out your marks,” she replied.

Draco smirked at Ginny as he turned back to his seat. Professor Trelawney handed him his essay as she passed their table. Malfoy flipped over the sheet eagerly.

The color drained from his face at the sight of the big red ‘D’ at the top of his paper.

Flushed, Draco scanned around the room at the others’ marks. Crabbe and Goyle had both received ‘Troll’s, of course, and Neville’s essay also had a ‘D’ scribbled on it, but it didn’t make Draco feel any better. Ginny had received an ‘Exceeds Expectations’ from what he could see. Worst of all, Luna Lovegood had scored an ‘Outstanding’. Draco was horrified.

Maybe it was a mistake. Of course, it had to be a mistake. Draco raised his hand. “Professor, I think there is something wrong with my mark.”

Trelawney frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Obviously this essay deserves atleast an ‘E’. I worked all afternoon on it. I think you’ve made a mistake,” Malfoy replied smugly.

Professor Trelawney put on her large spectacles and peered at his essay. “No mistake, my dear. I’m afraid you still haven’t grasped the complexities of Divination. You’ll need to achieve higher than this to pass my class.”

As she walked away, the others began to snicker at Draco. Ginny looked pleased to see his reddened face. Angrily, Draco crumpled up his essay.

Professor Trelawney had finished distributing the essays and had returned to the front of the room. “Today we will being a new method of Divination,” she spoke, “does anybody know what extispicy is?”

She looked questioningly at Draco, who shook his head. Luna, however, raised her hand and answered, “It is the practice of using animal entrails to predict the future.”

Draco was astounded. Of course, only Luna would know of something this ridiculous.

“Yes, very good,” Professor Trelawney replied, “using animal entrails in Divination has been practiced since ancient times. I have some sheep livers for us to dissect today. Get into groups of two or three and I’ll pass out your assignment.”

Draco rolled his eyes. Was she actually being serious? “Wait till my Father hears about this nutcase,” he muttered under his breath. Trelawney made her way around the class, dropping off sheets to the students. She stopped in front of the Slytherin table and suddenly frowned.

“Hmm, I’m not sure I want you working in this group,” she said to Draco, “I’d rather you work with someone who is more gifted in this subject, my dear, as all three of you are failing.”

Draco could feel his blood boiling again. Good Lord, he hated this woman, with her insect-like features and huge round spectacles. How dare she humiliate a pure-blood in front of the class?

Then, to both his and Neville’s utter shock, Luna spoke. “Professor, I’ll help Draco. He can work with me.”

“Excellent!” Trelawney said, handing them both the assignment sheet.

Draco’s jaw dropped. “What? Are you mad?” Neville exclaimed, flabbergasted.

Luna didn’t seem to reply as she pulled up a chair next to Draco. His fury increased. This was absolutely degrading. “I’ll go get our sheep,” Luna volunteered. Draco didn’t respond. As she left, Crabbe and Goyle began to snigger.

Draco didn’t bother looking up when Luna returned with their sheep. He could hear her quietly reading over their assignment. “Okay, it says we have to cut it here,” he heard her say, “do you want to do it or should I?”

As Draco didn’t respond, Luna shrugged and sliced the organ with her wand. He continued ignoring her for the rest of class as she took notes and continued working. “Are you going to do anything at all?” Luna persisted in asking.

Draco didn’t reply. “I know you’re failing, but it’s really not that hard. I can help you –“

Malfoy cut her off coldly, “I don’t need your help.”

Luna was silent. “You don’t have to be so rude,” she replied softly. She looked slightly hurt.

Draco looked at her suddenly; a pale blonde haired girl with soft grey eyes. She had fastened herself a necklace out of what looked like macaroni. Her robes were terribly mismatched, with vibrant colors bouncing off ridiculous patters in every direction. It looked atrocious with her Ravenclaw tie. She was a bloody eyesore.

But she was also irrationally intriguing. Draco found it difficult to look away from her, although he couldn’t understand why. There was something oddly fascination about this girl. Frustrated, Draco forced himself to turn away. To his relief, the bell rang at that moment.

Professor Trelawney spoke as she dismissed them, “I want a five page essay on this by each group. Due next Monday.”

Numerous groans were heard as the students filed out of her classroom. Luna hurried after Draco. “Meet me in the library to work on –“

Draco cut her off. “Sorry, Quidditch practice,” he snapped, shoving her out of his way.