Falling Star

Detention, Reconciliation, and...Dragons

McGonagall is sitting at her desk, attentively reading scrolls and occasionally writing in their margins with a large quill, presumably grading coursework. She does not look up as I enter and make my way to her desk, but I somehow know she is fully aware of my presence.

Each footfall echoes through the large, empty classroom. My stomach tightens with each step. Not that I am afraid of the stern faced professor, nor is this my first detention, but I hate the feeling of disappointing someone. Especially someone whom I greatly respect. I am also sure news of this detention and squabble between Draco and me will soon reach home. Once it does, I know I will hear about it from my parents. Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy are not the kind of parents to send a howler; not like Mrs. Weasley did to poor Ron during our second year. No, my parents wouldn't want that sort of embarrassment put on them. They would make their displeasure known some other way. My stomach drops again at the thought.

Before I know it, I'm standing right in front of Professor McGonagall's desk. I open my mouth to greet her, but she abruptly cuts me off.

"Have a seat, Miss Malfoy. I will be with you in a moment."

I wordlessly obey, my leg beginning to bounce as soon as I take a seat. The minutes tick by.

I hear footsteps come from the back of the room, just as Draco, human once more, tensely apologizes for being late. McGonagall waves it off, docking 5 points from Slytherin for his tardiness, and gives him the same instructions as me. My brother chooses a seat on the opposite end of the room.

We wait in silence for further instruction; McGonagall still reading and scribbling notes. I hear Draco sigh in annoyance at having to sit and wait, and I swear the corner of the professor's mouth tugs up a fraction.

After another slow ten minutes, McGonagall puts down her quill, straightens, and looks at us.

"You two will be helping to re-shelve books in the library tonight. You will be finished either when there are no more books left to put away or when I come get you: whichever happens first. If there are no questions from the two of you, then off you go."

Draco's face is stuck in a scowl, but he nods and stands. I quietly say "yes, Professor" before doing the same.

Draco is out the door first, but I quickly match his stride. We walk beside each other; neither saying a word until we arrive at the library and get our orders from the ancient librarian. She gives us a cart filled to the brim with returned books.

"I'll push; you shelve," Draco instructs.

I bristle a bit because I detest him telling me what to do, but I nod anyway because I really don't want to push that heavy cart all over the library all night.

Twenty minutes pass shelving books with no sound other than the soft thump and rustle of the books being placed back on the shelves. The cart isn't even half empty yet. It's going to be a very long night.

Not being able to take the silence anymore, I blurt, "I'm not apologizing, if that's what you're waiting for."

Draco snorts. "I wasn't expecting an apology."

Oh. I shelve another book. 101 Best Cleaning Spells.

"Well. Good." I sigh, not knowing how to continue the conversation but miserable in the silence. "So why aren't you talking to me?"

"Because the silence annoys you," he admits.

I gasp and then smack his shoulder. "How rude!"

Draco glances at me and smirks. "Not as rude as hexing me. Were you actually going to go through with it?"