stages of denial

chapter 12

Isabel stared blankly at the blanket woven into her hands. Weeks had passed since she last spoke to anyone.

Most of her time was spent lingering in the astronomy tower, away from everyone and everything else.

Cedric refused to look in her direction as did most of her year. In the matter of weeks she gained a bashful profile in the school.

A soft knock let her thoughts drain and her eyes peer to the door.

"Bella. It's Blaise." Her eyebrows furrowed at the name. She knew of him but had never once intervened with him.

She remained quiet, leading to one more gentle knock.

"Mcgonagall sent me."

Growing more curious she found herself on her feet. Her hands gripped the door, pulling it back just enough to see her tired eyes and dried mascara.

"Hey." He rubbed the back of his neck, his other tugging at the bottom of his shirt.

"What does Mcgonagall need." She spoke gently.

"Mcgonagall?" He rose his eyebrow, tilting his head slightly in confusion.

"You said that Mcgonagall sent you?" She found herself leaning on the frame of the door, her body growing tired.

"Oh right, well that wasn't completely true." He stumbled on his words.

"What?" A soft sigh from her lips.

"See, I'm not supposed to say, that's what makes this difficult." His shoulders fell into a shrug.

"Then this was pointless." Picking herself up from the door she quickly began closing the door.

"No wait!" His hands pressed on the other side, opening the door once again.

"Please go." She spoke sharply.

"Look, i'm just supposed to check on you, alright?" His eyes fell to the scars left on her arms.

"By whose orders?" Noticing his eyes lingering she quickly wrapped a blanket around herself.

"That's the part I can't say."

"I'm fine." Her eyes fell to the floor.

"You don't look fine." His voice almost had a hint of concern, as if it wasn't just some errand.

"Well I am." Her shoulders fell into a shrug, gripping the blanket tighter around her body.

"So that's why no one has seen you in over a week? Because you're perfectly fine?" He stepped into the room, letting the door close behind him.

"Why you haven't ate, slept, left this room? Because once again you're completely fine right?" He took another step towards her.

"Don't." She raised her hand to him, tears welting in her eyes.

"You're not okay, Isabel." He put his hands up in surrender, feeling sorrow for how she looked.

"I know, okay? Don't you think I know that!" Her voice began to shake as it grew louder.

"People are worried." He spoke softly.

"Really? Because you're the first person to show up in weeks." A pathetic laugh fell from her lips, tears falling steady down her cheeks.

"I'm sorry." His eyes fell to the floor, his heart aching at the sight of her crying.

Blaise was an emotional person despite his rough exterior.

Soft sobs fell from her lips, her hand covering her mouth, the other reaching for support of the couch.

He swiftly came to her side, offering his hand to help her over to where she desired.

Slowly she took his hand, letting him comfort her.

"It's okay." He spoke softly, sitting beside her.

"It's not okay." She spoke between sobs, her body quivering.

"It will be okay." Gently he placed his hand on top of hers, trying to comfort her.

She hadn't had human comfort in over a week, his hand on hers felt as if it really would be okay. She missed connecting with people.

She slowly wrapped her arms around his torso, wanting to embrace in the only comfort she's had in a long time.

For the first bit he stood still before taking her in his arms, feeling her drenched cheeks press against his neck.

"It's okay." His hand traveled gently through her hair, holding her tightly.

In this moment it seemed as if they had known each other for ever. But really, Isabel was desperate, and Blaise was here for Draco's concern.

A/N: I was rewatching the movies and HAD to bring Blaise in. Hope you like it. I'll be updating more often hopefully.