The Deeper you Dig, The Darker it Gets

48.

Trigger warning- Eating disorder & abuse.

Malory's POV

      The train is scheduled to leave in a few hours and none of us have any idea what we plan on doing. Of course Draco and I have to go to the manor, even though we're dreading it, but Aary and Blaise don't really feel like spending Christmas at Grimmauld alone.

          "If Lucius is still locked up then we can come to the manor, right?" Blaise asks. "I don't think your mum really has a problem with us."

                       "That's not what we're worried about." Draco mumbles.

         Blaise turns to me with a confused look.

              I run my fingers through my hair. "My dad uses the manor a lot, for meetings and what not."

      His eyes get bigger as he comes to the realization.

                 "I think we should still go," Aary says while joining us in the common room. "We're going to have a run in with your dad eventually so we might as well get used to it."

        If it was up to me, they still wouldn't know about my dad being The Dark Lord. I hate the idea of my friends being put at risk because of me.

               "I'll send my mum an owl letting her know." Draco sighs.

         Aary takes his place on the sofa beside Blaise and by the look on her face I can tell she's not in the best mood. It's been like this for a couple of days now, ever since the night of Slughorn's party. And I don't blame her, I just wish she'd let us help. Or at least Blaise, he's seriously worried about her.

           "Do you want to come get breakfast with me?" He asks her. "I'll let you have the first pick."

      She rests her head on the back of the sofa and closes her eyes. "I'm not hungry."

        Blaise turns to me and I see defeat in his eyes. His hand rests on her knee, running his thumb back and forth.

                   "Please, Aary." He begs. "It doesn't even have to be a lot."

      Her face meets with her knees as she covers her face, trying to hide her sobs. The common room is completely silent though, so they echo softly throughout the room. After she forces her tears back she lifts her head back up and nods.

                                  "Okay."

     Blaise smiles and kisses her on the forehead lightly, then they both get up to head towards the great hall. I hear the doors open and close once, and then a second time. But the person entering is not who I expect.

                "Blaise and Aary went to grab breakfast-"

       I turn around on the sofa and see Professor Snape standing at the entrance with both hands behind his back. His posture is relaxed but I still sense some tension.

                   "Sorry, I thought you were-"

          "Draco," He interrupts me. "Yes, I know."

      He joins me over in the sitting area but I still decide to get up and stand face to face with him.

              "Malfoy Manor again for the holiday?" He asks me.