Little Miss Diggory || A Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter 53

Layla

-

The library was quiet for this time of day, but maybe that was only because no one had classes today. People came to the library as an escape. What was the point when you're surrounded by friends? So, exhaling the earthy smell of dust, I opened the new book.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë

Draco had suggested the book to me last year during Christmas. And despite the troubles I went through to find it, it was finally in my hands. I flipped the cover, examining the pages. They looked as if the pages told more stories than just the words shown. They were worn, the words were faded, and the cover slightly tattered.

Eventually, finding where the book started, my eyes scanned the page, and words flowed through my head. It was peaceful. I felt at ease for the first time since I had entered the castle at the beginning of the year.

However, the silence was disturbed before I could even make it past the fifth page.

"Can I sit," a voice whispered. I jumped, getting a bit of a fright. But pulled my mind from the pages of the book and searched for the source of the voice. When I turned around, Seamus was standing there. Book in hand, he was clearly trying to contain a laugh. I let out a quiet giggle before nodding. He took a seat in the armchair close by.

I no longer felt as though I could read, so I turned to Seamus, who was also not reading. "Did you just come here to get away too?" He sighed and nodded. "What is wrong?"

"It's just- I- Even though Dean and I have gotten closer in the past few days, things with Ginny are only getting worse. People think he is some sort of monster because they only ever see Ginny in tears. But he's broken. It's hurting him." His voice was breaking, and tears were threatening to fall. I felt guilty for knowing what to say. Instead, I placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. He smiled sheepishly before turning to me and questioning the book in my hands. It seemed as though he was trying to change the subject, but I wasn't going to stop him, considering how upset he looked.

"Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë," I said, lifting the book, once again studying the cover. "Last year Draco spent Christmas with my brothers and me. He suggested some books he enjoyed. This was one of them. If I am being honest, this is the second time reading through it." We both laughed for a moment before Seamus looked at me in a far more careful matter.

"Layla, are you alright?" I tilted my head, confused about where that had come from. "I mean... You have had a lot going on in the past three years. You're always making sure everyone else is ok, but it seems no one is ever checking on you. And with everything going on with Draco." I jumped at the mention of his name. It hurt. I couldn't hear anymore, so I just replied,

"I'm fine Seamus, thanks for asking, though." Then I got up and left the library. I felt horrible for leaving in such a rush. Seamus was right as well. I tried to keep my emotion to myself unless, of course, I was lashing out at Harry.

I knew why I was keeping to myself as well. Because the one person I felt safe enough to open up to was the very person who had barely spoken three sentences to me all year. I knew it wasn't healthy. And the effects of it were far more grave than just being upset. The nightmares had come back, and I could barely focus in classes. It hadn't affected my grades yet, and for that, I was grateful. The lack of sleep was beginning to get to me, though.

I wanted to talk to him, I wanted him to hug me and assure me it would get better, and most of all, I wanted to tell him. Tell him how I really felt.

But I couldn't, could I?

-

"You guys really have to make this quick, please," I pleaded with Pansy as she sat me down with the others in the Slytherin Common room. "I have a game and have to be at the pitch in twenty." She sighed and rolled her eyes before standing in front of the couch, facing us with Daniel at her side. I felt my eyes widen as it hit me. Where they-

"So, Daniel and I have decided to make what we have official. We are dating!" She squealed in excitement.

I gaped, but the corners of my lips quickly curled into a smile. "Lucky guy," I said, getting up and playfully punching Daniel in the shoulder and hugging Pansy.

"Yes, I am," Daniel whispered to me with a smirk. I shook my head, gathering my things to head down to the pitch.

"Wait!" Pansy said as I went to leave, "can I come down with you?" I nodded and waited at the door.

While we walked, she told me everything that had happed, and that was said, and I have to admit they were perfect together. It was nice to see two of my close friends happy together. It was a reminder of how far we had come as a group considering the first time they all hung out together was on the train ride home for Christmas break.

After splitting ways from Pansy, I made my way over to where Oscar sat under the stairs, waiting for the rest of the team. The snow had melted yesterday, but the weather for most of the winter looked sketchy, so they moved games forward.

Today we would play against Slytherin. It was going to be tough, but again, I had a good feeling about the turnout. Our team was also buzzing from our last win. Whereas their team was coming back from a significant loss to Gryffindor.

It was nice to see Oscar actually looking forward to the game, rather than in the bathroom, sick to the stomach. "I have a feeling we're going to lose a few players to injury today," Oscar cringed at the thought of being knocked off our brooms.

Suddenly, Brittany came dancing around the corner, clearly in a good mood. "We are gonna beat those Slytherins!" She cheered, a little too loud. "Why aren't you changed," I looked at her as if she had lost it. But she wasn't having any of it. She grabbed my wrist and pulled me over to the lockers.

At least we all had spirit? Maybe that is what we need to beat Slytherin.