my sun, my shield | d.m. x oc

Draco | two

"Where are you headed, Draco?"

Theodore Nott walked alongside Draco as they sauntered out of the Great Hall. His voice was even and steady, as always. It was evening and students were chatting loudly through the corridors, some headed to evening classes and others retiring to their common rooms.

"The library," he answered matter of factly, "You going somewhere?"

"Blaise and Pansy want to go to Hogsmeade."

"And you're going with them," he guessed.

"I'm thinking about it," Nott brought a finger to his chin, "It is a Friday."

Draco adjusted his satchel on his shoulder, heavy with textbooks and scrolls. "No better night than to spend in the library."

"How so?" Theo quirked a brow, "It'll be empty."

"Precisely."

Students passed them by on either side. Outside in the courtyard, they mingled under the crisp autumn twilight. Not a spot of cloud was in the sky. A gust of wind tumbled through the open-archways, blowing up people's robes and some of the girl's skirts. They squealed, trying to control their uniforms from the unexpected breeze.

"I think I'll go with them to the town. I've been stuck in this dreary castle for too long. Weather's perfect for an outing too."

"Go ahead," Draco didn't care much for the little village, "You guys go have fun."

Theo nudged his shoulder, "You sure, you're not coming? A change of scenery once in a while is good for your well-being, Malfoy. Maybe that's why you're so dark and brooding lately."

"Or maybe I've always been that way," He shrugged, shoving a hand into his jacket pocket and watching his friend chuckle at him from the corner of his eye, "Thanks for your concern, but I've got work to do. "

"Suit yourself."

They split at the stairs, Theo heading down to the Slytherin dormitories to prepare and Draco heading up to the library. Waving goodbye, they parted. Though he had spoken firmly, Draco wondered if he should have gone with them. It sounded like an enjoyable time, if only he wasn't on the verge of falling behind on his schoolwork. There was always the next occasion. He pushed the thought out of his mind and traveled dully to the study hall.

✧ ✧ ✧

It was difficult to concentrate. His quill wandered aimlessly above his open notebook, notes scrawled neatly along the page. The dark walnut table he was seated at was made for two or three, but today it was just Draco. His satchel occupied the seat beside him and his robe draped over its back. Draco skimmed his eyes over the material again. The textbook chapter was on Amortentia, which was easy enough. And yet it was taking much longer than anticipated. He began to re-read the next section of the chapter with greater focus.

Amortentia is a powerful and highly dangerous potion. The effects of intense infatuation should not be underesti––

The noise of a gaggle of girls and muffled laughter broke his concentration again. Draco turned, scowling at the group of females gathered around a desk only a few tables away from him. Bloody hell. They giggled amongst themselves, waving and gesticulating within their conversation. If they were aware of his piercing glare stabbing the back of their heads, they made no indication. The girls carried on their disruptive conversation. This is a study hall, he thought, not a goddamn cafe. He shot them another dark look, hoping they'd quiet down. Alas, he had no such luck. Their shrill voices echoed through the hall all too clearly.