Slytherin's angel

Chapter 13- The return

Ashley awoke to find a large pile of presents in the middle of the floor the next morning. Her heart lightened considerably, but their argument the day before continued to weigh heavy on her heart. Would she have to open them by herself?

She stared at them, not sure what to do. Was she supposed to take them down in the parlor, so they could open them all together? Or did they merely stay locked up in their rooms the whole day? She decided that they would stay there, until someone came to get her or they left her long enough so she wouldn't have any choice.

As soon as she lay back down again, a soft knock was on her door.

"Come in." She answered.

Draco slowly opened the door, peering in first to make sure he was allowed. Ashley stared at him, wondering what he wanted; she was sure he was still mad at her. He was still dressed in his usual night clothes: the grey shirt and black sweatpants. His hair fell about his face, falling in his faint blue eyes. He rubbed his neck nervously.

"He's gone." He told her, sighing and looking at her presents on the floor.

"That's good I guess," she shrugged, "I can't screw up anymore."

Draco looked at her uncomfortably, pushing the hair out of his face. Carefully, as if walking on eggshells, he tiptoed his way to the edge of her bed, the mattress sinking with his weight. She pulled the covers over her, hiding everything from him but her head.

"Ashley," He sighed, "I-I'm sorry."

He grimaced at the words, never having to apologize for anything in his life. He looked away from her, focusing his attention on a vase in the corner. If she judged him, he didn't want to see it. He must be astounding her by now: first, she found out that he adores his mother, now, she knows he apologizes.

"Me too." She sat up, fumbling with her hands. "I knew not to go in there."

Draco looked at her, her long lashes bowing out from her blue eyes, her curls knotted from her sleep. At that moment, the Veela in her wasn't making her beautiful; it was her as a person.

"I didn't mean to make you mad." She looked up again. She didn't look intimidated or sad, but with bravery and a wish to make things right. "I know I haven't listened to you about Blaise or your father, and I know you know more about them than me. I guess I just always assume the best in people."

Draco scooted closer to her, pulling lightly on a white-blond lock, "Sometimes, there is no good in people."

Ashley mustered a weak smile, "I'll listen better next time."

Draco nodded in understanding, starting at her awkwardly. What did he do now? Hug her? Kiss her? He had never been in a fight with anyone he had been in a relationship with. Pansy was too much of a poltroon to ever cause friction, much preferring to sulk around and whine to the other Slytherin girls until his anger blew over. Pansy never owned up to anything she did.

"Stupid Gryffindor." He smiled at her, "Always looking for something to test your courage."

Ashley gave him a warm smile, "Well, you, Slytherin, are always looking for something to bring me into."

Draco looked down at her heap of presents, "You should open those."

Ashley had never been so spoiled before. The Christmases with her family were irreplaceable, but she had never been showered with such indulgent gifts. From Narcissa, she had gotten silk dress robes, in a gray-blue color that would have been beautiful had she not found her gown for the Christmas Ball. A pair of pearl-drop earrings and matching ring was in a gray velvet box, along with a box of Honeyduke's best chocolates and a set of ivory combs.

Draco had gotten her a beautiful jewelry box, carved intricately with designs set in the dark wood. When opened, it played beautiful music, softly filling her room with the sound of its melodies.

"When you put jewelry in there," He told her, "It will pick out jewelry that will match your outfit. But make sure you're dressed, or it will probably start chucking things at you, or something."

Ashley smiled up at him, tucking the music box away. He then presented her with another present, a scarf that was of the softest material she had ever felt, dyed a light blue.

"It's some kind of Yeti hair," Draco shrugged, "It's really rare or something."

Ashley knew he was saying this more to let her know that he was trying to be thoughtful in his gift giving, getting her something no one else would have, versus flaunting his money.

She, in turn, had gotten him presents while they were fighting in Diagon Alley. Draco smirked as he opened a box of cuff links, silver serpents with little green eyes gleaming up at him. After he tucked them away carefully inside their box again, she gave him another present. He opened it up eagerly, his face cracking in a smile as he unwrapped black, long sleeve shirts.

"All you wear is black," She said grimly, "and the ones you were wearing looked a little worn."

When they had finished unwrapping everything, Draco looked at her anxiously.

"What?" She furrowed her eyebrows.

"It seems a little stupid now." His shoulders sagged.

"You shouldn't feel stupid around me." She frowned at him, wondering what could possibly make him feel so silly.

Without a word, he left the room, returning in a moment's time with another jewelry box. Deep down, Ashley hoped he hadn't bought her something lavish and expensive like the sapphire and diamond earrings. Praying that it wasn't some rare, exotic jewel, she waited with bated breath as he opened it.

"It makes sense now, seeing as how we fought and stuff." He said, pulling the string off of the grey box.

He opened it to reveal two rings, each with large, jewel-like centers set on silver bands. The liquid in the centers were swirling, currently, the color was a deep blue.

"They're mood rings." Draco told her, taking off the smaller one and slipping it on her ring finger. Ashley was a little startled. If she had wanted a mood ring, she would have bought one herself.

Seeing the confused look on her face, he clarified, "They don't tell us our mood, they tell us each other's moods."

The confused look left her face, but was quickly replaced when she saw the liquid swirling into a dark grey.

Looking at the chart on the lid of the box, she frowned. "You're anxious?"

"Well, I'm not sure if you like it or not." He told her, looking down at his, which was now magenta.

"I'm going to assume you're not afraid." He thought aloud, studying the chart, "So, you're uncertain?"

She was, she didn't know if she liked these rings or not.

"They talk to each other," Draco told her again, "Even if...even if we don't."

She understood then. Draco had a hard time picking up on how she felt, even though he was so easy to read. He hated asking for explanations on anything, especially when it dealt with touchy subjects like emotions.

Ashley smiled up at him, touched by his need to understand her. Draco looked down at his ring again.

"You would wear a ring to know what I'm feeling?" She scoffed.

"What?" He narrowed his eyes at her, "I wear one already."

Draco gestured to the one on his other hand, a square one with a cursive M stamped into it, with snakes and crossed wands in the background, representing the Malfoy coat of arms.

"A lot of the Slytherins do." He defended, frowning. Did she think it weird that he wore them? Should he take them off?

Ashley felt bad as soon as her ring grew a darker grey, almost becoming indistinguishable from black.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, kissing him on the cheek. "I love these the best, truly."


***

"C'mon." Draco growled, attempting to drag her down the stairs.

"Are you sure he's not here anymore?" She whispered.

"Yes." His voice rumbled fiercely.

The ring on her finger flashed an angry red.

She went down the stairs slowly, as if each step she took to get to the kitchen heightened the chances of Lucius walking in at that moment.

Draco rolled his eyes in frustration, leaving her on the stairs as he walked into the dining hall.

When Ashley finally entered, Narcissa looked up at her excitedly.

"Merry Christmas, my dear! Come sit, breakfast is ready!"

It was by far the best meal she had at the Malfoy Manor. Puddings, breads, and meats were scattered on silver platters. Butterbeer was served in silver cups, just as buttery and warm as the first time she tasted it.

Draco was still grumpy with her, spearing his boiled potatoes in anger. But even Narcissa couldn't resist cracking a smile at Ashley when she made a joke or poked fun at her moody son. Draco shook his head in disgust at first, but with much prodding and teasing, was able to smile too.

"He does smile!" Ashley teased.

And even though he would not admit it, when she looked down at her ring, it was glowing faint yellow.

He was happy, right where he was.


***

The day to return to Hogwarts came quicker than expected. Naturally, she woke early enough to sneak toast and a bit of bacon from the kitchens, hustling back up to her room to pack. When everything was locked securely in her trunk, she bustled down the stairs, surprised to see Draco waiting for her.

Without a word, he grabbed a pinch of Floo Powder and threw it into the fire. Narcissa hurried in, her heels clicking on the floor.

"I know you weren't about to leave without me!" She huffed, wrapping a dark blue scarf around her neck.

Draco raised an eyebrow. Turning to Ashley he said, "The sooner we get out of Borgin's, the better off we are."

They walked quickly out of the dark shop, narrowly avoiding Borgin himself as he was coming out of the shadows to greet his customers. The walk to Diagon Alley felt much longer, the weight of her trunk weighing her down as longing looks from battered and scraggly looking wizards were shot at her. Keeping her head down, she pulled on her trunk as hard as she could, desperately trying to keep up with Draco.

"Hurry." He hissed over his shoulder to her.

"Yours isn't as nearly as full as mine." She hissed at him.

Draco shook his head, not saying another word to her.

Just as the sky started to lighten and friendlier witches and wizards bustled about, Draco stopped near the edge of a building. Narcissa frowned at him.

"Can you go ahead?" He asked her kindly, "And check our trunks, perhaps?"

Narcissa sniffed, waving her wand at the trunks, which perked up and started to follow her on either side.

Ashley turned to him, "What's wrong?"

"I know you won't sit with me," he started, shuffling his feet, "Seeing Potter and the lot."

Ashley looked at him, waiting for him to continue.

"So I guess I wanted to say goodbye." He looked at the ground, his eyebrows furrowing in thought.

He didn't make a move; he merely stood there with his hands in his pockets. Ashley smiled, hugging him tightly around the waist. After the initial shock had worn off, he wrapped her in his arms, kissing her tenderly on the head.

He took in everything of her to last him the day's trip: the smell of her hair, the vanilla scent of her skin, the way her body seemed to conform so perfectly to his. He stroked her jawline, running his hands through her hair. He bent down to kiss her and stared into her clear, blue eyes.

"I'll see you tonight." She reassured him.

He nodded, letting her go as he took her hand and led her to King's Cross.

Returning students bustled around the platform, pushing against the couple. Draco hugged her closer to him, as if she would get lost in the sea of the crowd.

"Ashley!"

They both turned to see Harry, Ron and Hermione, Hermione waving frantically to her. She looked up at Draco, who let go of her hand. He gave her a silent nod of release. Ashley hugged him once more and bounded off to the three of them.

Draco caught Harry's eyes glaring at him. Draco raised an eyebrow in interest. Instead of spitting an insult, he gave Harry a curt nod, turning around to find a compartment.

Already, a sinking feeling had taken its hold on him. He felt empty. He was growing irritated at how he constantly needed her around. He shook off the thought when he saw his mother.

"Be good." She nodded curtly, straightening his collar.

He kissed his mother on the cheek, one foot already on the landing of a train door.

"Draco."

He turned back to look at Narcissa.

"Take care of her."


***

Once he had found an empty compartment, he plopped sulkily down on the seat, looking at the view that was now comprised of blurry shapes as the train picked up speed. He wasn't given a chance to wallow in his loneliness, when his compartment door slid open.

It was the four people he wanted to see least: Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy and Blaise. Crabbe and Blaise sat across from him. Blaise stared at him, unblinkingly as he took a seat. Pansy cuddled up to him immediately.

"I missed you so much." She whined, "Did you miss me too?"

"I actually enjoyed the peace and quiet." He spat at her, shrugging her off of him.

Pansy feigned hurt, pouting her lip as she looked at him.

"Drakey!" She whined, her short, brown hair swishing next to her sharp cheekbones, "Don't say such things!"

"I heard your father came home, Draco." Blaise's eyes lit up maliciously, "How did Delacour do?"

Intense anger flared within him. Draco gritted his teeth and threw the most intense glare he could muster. Blaise seemed to falter, but only for a split second. His cat-like eyes narrowed in challenge.

"Why do you care?" Draco spat, "What business is she of yours?"

"Apparently, everyone." He answered simply in a cold voice, "Everyone in the school knows you took a sodding Gryffindor home. You'll be the talk of the Great Hall tonight, rest assured. The others won't be too happy about it."

"You took her home!" Pansy spat, her whining demeanor changing sourly, "You took that bitch to your house?"

Draco never whipped out his wand so fast in his life. Before he knew it, it was pointing straight at her nose. Pansy's eyes criss-crossed in fear as she stared at his wand.

"Take it back." He growled, slowly enunciating every word. Crabbe and Goyle straightened up, but Blaise seemed more lax than ever.

Pansy's lip quivered in real hurt this time, tears welling in her eyes.

"I can't believe you!" She spat, "How quickly you have replaced me with her!"

Draco was deciding what to do. If he didn't hex her, he would lose his power with the Slytherins if he made empty threats. But if he did, he would lose the closest thing he had to companions in the entire house. He knew his decision to bring Ashley home wouldn't be popular and there was no way the other three Houses would accept his surrender.

"Defending a Gryffindor?" Blaise drawled, "You might as well be in love with the Mudblood! Oh, wait, you already are in love with one."

If he thought Pansy's word struck him, Blaise hit a nerve spot on. Draco moved his wand quickly to point at Blaise's chest.

"I've hexed you once." Draco snarled, "Don't think I won't do it again."

Blaise scoffed, "My, my, how low we have stooped, Draco. What would your father think?"

Dull gasps of disbelief came from Crabbe and Goyle, looking back and forth from Draco to Blaise, wondering who would succumb to submission.

"My father," Draco hissed, "is a piece of shit."

He pocketed his wand, throwing open the door and sliding it with such force that students popped their heads out to see who had made the commotion.

He didn't need them, he didn't need anyone. Why hadn't he thought of going to the Head compartments in the first place? He knew Granger wouldn't be there yet, so he would have the whole of it to himself.

Once he had reached the head of the train, he entered the empty compartment marked for the Heads of the school. This compartment was much nicer, with velvet lined seats and platters full of lunch food already waiting for him. If he hadn't been so angry, he would've eaten. Instead, he sat heavily on the seat and looked out the window.

He frowned at his mood ring, which reflected a strong, happy yellow from its silver setting. Jealousy washed over Draco. Ashley was enjoying her time without him. He withdrew a silver chain from his pocket, slipping the ring onto it. After he made sure that the ring didn't bulge under his sweater, he slipped the chain around his neck, hiding it in the contents of his clothes. He didn't want to see how happy she was without him.

His thoughts were interrupted when his compartment door slid open. Perhaps worse than seeing his Slytherin friends, was seeing Hermione Granger in the doorway.

"Oh." She stumbled back, "I didn't know you were in here."

"Of course I'm in here." He spat, "I'm Head, Granger. Or have you forgotten that already?"

Hermione winced as his harsh tone. Silently, she walked across the compartment, reaching for a trunk that was secured on a rack above the window. Opening it, she extracted her Head robes.

She turned to him slowly, fingering the fabric of her robes in nervousness.

"It seems that Ashley enjoyed herself over break," Hermione said, cautiously, "The gifts you got her were beautiful."

Draco glared up at her. Why was she trying to make small talk? He was relieved, however, to know that Ashley told them about her stay with him and that she was parading around her gifts to everyone down in the Gryffindor compartments.

"I'm glad." He answered faintly, fumbling with a loose string on his pants. He didn't want Ashley to find out that he was being rude to her, but he wasn't going to roll out the welcome mat either.

"Well, bye." Hermione excused herself, closing the door quietly.

There, he sat alone until the train came unto a gentle halt.