All Our Broken Pieces

Chapter 24

The sun had completely set and all that was above me was the stars as I made my way out of the castle, hot tears flooding down my face.

Is that really what he thought of me?

I reached the pebbly shore of the Black Lake, letting myself slide down and sit against a large tree nearby. My hands shaking slightly, welcoming the evening breeze cool me down. For a while, I sat listening to the sound of the water lapping up onto the rocks, the desolation setting in. My head began to ache, salty residue forming on my cheeks from the tears I so gently brushed away. Silently, I let my heavy eyelids fall closed, resting my head backward exhaustion consuming me.

Soft sunlight shone through, causing me to finally open my eyes, a warm feeling in my lap. I looked down to find a small rabbit curled up in the dent of my legs, a smile tugged at my lips as I watched its chest rise, and fall.

The crunch of leaves from footsteps grew closer. I stared out across the scene, watching the trees sway in unison, not darin to see who had now sat beside me.

The smell of cigarettes, honey and pine wood told me all I needed to know.

Lazily, I stroked the small animal in front of me, causing it to stir and  change its position on my thigh. Reaching across, I plucked the cigarette from his hand, placing it amid my mouth, taking a long drag before handing it back to him.

"You never used to smoke Goldy." I scoffed at his remark, how could he judge me for my new habit whilst he did what he does.

"You never used to get high and shout at me Riddle." I could almost feel him rolling his eyes at me.

"Anyway," I continued, taking another drag, "I don't. Not really."

"Look I'-" he began, sighing.

"Don't say you're sorry. I don't want to hear it to be honest." his eyes adverted from me, looking at his palms, and then to the small creature in my lap.

"You really have a way with animals Goldy." using the back of his finger, he gently felt the soft fur of the little thing.

"Yeah I guess so." I barely whispered, sniffing the essences around me, felling an unfamiliar sence of comfort which had been lacking for most of my life.

"And with humans." the pair of us frowned, me out of confusion, him out of jealousy, "How do you do it Nora?"

"Do what Riddle?" I looked at him, his soft brown curls messy, slept in, the large slash across his face finally starting to heal. His eyes sunken and hollow, lips chapped and skin grey.

Although he was, without a doubt, completely broken, he was very beautiful.

"I mean, everyone likes you," I laughed at this untrutheful comment, "doesn't matter."

"No tell me." he got to his feet.

"Nah don't worry about it, it was bullshit anway." the ground scrunched beneath his weight, "dates on Friday by the way princess. Don't be late."

Back in my dorm, I got ready for the day, I had no classes until after lunch so the morning was very relaxed. My large bathtub was filled up, mountains of bubbles piled up high, the smell of lavender drifting from the bathroom, into the bedroom.

I stepped in, letting the warm water engulf me like a comforting hug. My head rested against the edge of the roll top stand alone, the only light being emitted from the blurred window which looked into the Black Lake, a green hue filling the room.

After washing myself, I stepped out and wrapped up in a dark, soft towel, letting my wet feet pad along the tiled floor.

"When's this date going to happen Nora."  Pansy said from behind me, just as I began brushing my notted hair.

"Friday apparently." she squeeled and continued to tell me we should go into Hogsmead so I could get something to wear.

"I don't need any new clothes Pansy." 

"Okay then show me what you're going to wear." with folded arms she moved into the doorway so I was unable to leave.

"I don't know yet." I mumbled, avoiding her gaze.

"Exactly, so you're coming with me tonight, okay?"

"Yes okay fine now can you move, I'm gonna be late."

The rest of the day went relatively fast, Crabbe and Goyle both being made out as the idiots they are by Slughorn.

Finally I finished my last lesson, although I still had D.A.D.A homework to finish for tomorrow, I decided to do it once we returned from Hogsmead.

"What do you think he's planning Nor's?" she asked me, bags in hand, walking back to the train station.

"I literally have no idea Pans. It could be anything at this point with him." she giggled, slightly tipsy from the butterbeers we devoured.

"True true... at least you've got a knock out outfit. You're going to blow his socks off honestly Nora."

"Shut up Pansy." I rolled my eyes at her statement, laughing at how gullible she could be.

"What?! You looked hot!"

"If you say so."

I really didn't need any more clothes but I did love what I bought, it was a short, deep green chequered skirt, and a large cream knitted jumper. I planned to wear knee high socks and my black boots.

It suited me well.

Friday came quicker than I anticipated, quicker than I wanted I guess. I got myself ready, brushing out the curls in my long, ginger hair.

God anyone would think I was a Weasley.

Buckling up my shoes, Pansy doing light makeup on me, I was ready to go.

It was exactly 7pm when there was a sharp knock at the door, I grabbed my purse as Pansy opened the door.

"Ready to fall in love my darling?"

Okay so this is a wee bit shorter than I wanted it to be but thats fine! I hope its alright so far and that youre all loving it as much as I am. Anyway, hope your week was amazing my lovelys, love you all <33333