Scopophobia ✹ ABRAXAS MALFOY

f o u r

I WAS PRAYING TO MERLIN THAT THE DAY WOULD END. 

It seemed every moment was an opportunity for someone to notice me, or more precisely, my badge. Remaining invisible seemed impossible. To make everything worse, my brother's friends seemed to be down every corridor and in every class. Since I'd noticed them, they never went away. I was certain I could pick them out in a crowd just by their hair or the smell of their overwhelming and expensive cologne. 

Making my way to my next class, Potions as it happened to be, an arm suddenly rested on my shoulders. My heart thumped rapidly in my chest, and I quickly turned to see who it was. 

"Oh," I sighed, relieved, "its just you."

Orion smirked, an eyebrow raised, "Odd. Anyway, I've been needing to speak to you."

"Walburga told me. What about?" I wasn't going to be courteous to someone who ignored me for 16 years of my life.

"You should keep your distance from-"

I laughed mockingly, my eyes hard, "Don't even start. You've ignored me all my life, you do not have the right to suddenly order me around like some house elf."

He was taken aback, I could see it on his face clearly. Before he could speak, I noticed we were before the classrooms door. Walking in without a second glace back at my brother, Professor Slughorn looked over at me from his place near some students. 

"Miss Black. And Mr Black." He greeted, my brother coming in the room as well. 

"Sorry we're late Professor." Orion apologised. 

"All good, my boy!" He laughed, "Mr Lestrange will catch you up with the potion we'll be making this lesson."

With a nod, and a glance in my direction, he strut over to his friend's cauldron. 

"And Miss Black; Mr Malfoy here will be your partner." His words seemed to seal my fate. With a pat on my shoulder, and a knowing, broad smile, he hurried away. 

"Lil' black." 

"Abraxas." The word came out before I could stop it. 

He smirked, "We're making progress."

I glared, setting my bags down and looking at his open book.

"Veritaserum?"

The day couldn't get any worse. A truth-telling potion. 

"Ready to spill your secrets?" He murmured into my ear, over my shoulder. 

I resisted the urge to shiver, "You wish."

"Oh, trust me lil' black, I'll find out every thing about you before the end of the year."

His words made me nervous. But he was just joking around... right?

✹

The end of the lesson was an absolute blessing. I hurried out of the classroom, unable to take another minute of Abraxas's ridiculous flirting and never-ending smirks. He seemed unable to work in silence, and I would have strangled him sooner or later. 

Walking back to the common room, I collapsed upon my bed in my dorm. I was exhausted and fed up. I was perfectly happy being invisible and not noticed - even if I was a Black. But now, I had responsibilities, and the badge on my cloak put the spotlight on me. 

Remembering I had to patrol this night, I couldn't help but groan. This afternoon couldn't get any worse. 

✹

Somehow, the afternoon got worse. Patrolling the corridors at night was one thing, but patrolling with Abraxas Malfoy was another. The moment I walked reluctantly down the dorm steps to the common room and saw him, it felt like my fate was sealed. 

He wasn't alone though. Sat on the couches and one-seater cushioned chairs, was his group of friends. They were huddled in a group, all looking in Tom Riddle's direction. When Lestrange noticed me, they went silent. 

"Boys." I greeted, my sour mood evident. I looked at the smirking Abraxas, "Patrolling, let's get it over and done with."

Lestrange whistled, "You getting some, mate?" 

I saw his smirk fade for a second, but it was quickly back, "If a broom closet's empty..."

My brother spoke up, "Abraxas."

The air tensed, Abraxas's smirk fading into a serious expression.

I cleared my throat, "Now. I don't want to spend more time with you then I have too."

I saw Riddle smirk out of the corner of my eye, "Don't keep the lady waiting."

Abraxas and I finally left the common room, the dark corridors silent, lit only by the torches on the walls. We walked in silence, before he spoke up. 

"About what Rein said-"

"I don't care." I interrupted. 

He raised an eyebrow, "You don't?"

"He's a Lestrange; can't expect any less of him. Besides, your words bothered me more if anything."

"Oh."

It was silent once more. Time seemed to fly by, and before I knew it, we were nearing the common room once more. Not a student out of bed was seen; or at least caught. 

"Vega." I didn't stop walking. 

"Vega. Wait."

"Vega!" His hand caught my wrist, stopping me and pulling me close. 

His face was so close, I could clearly see his grey eyes. If anything, they were the palest blue rather than grey. My heart started beating faster. I quickly stepped back, keeping some distance between us. 

"What?" 

"I apologise for what I said before. It wasn't appropriate."

I nodded, unable to help but still be pissed, "At least you know that."

"Can you forgive me?"

"You are currently gripping my wrist..." At my words his quickly let go.

"Sorry."

"You're forgiven; for both your actions and words."

I continued walking. He caught up quickly, falling into step beside me. 

"You don't like me."

"What gave you that idea?"

He smirked, "Don't play smart. I'm not dumb, you know. But I do wonder what I did to make you hate me so."

I sighed, my mother's words ringing in my ears. I shouldn't make him an enemy. 

"I don't hate you. I simply don't like you."

"Maybe we should change that."

I stopped walking, looking him in the eyes. "Say that again?"

"Let's make a deal." He suggested, leaning against the stone wall, the painting of Salazar Slytherin close.

"I'm listening..."

"A mutual agreement to not argue and to respect each other; I don't want to be enemies with my fellow Patrol partner and Prefect."

"You want to be friends?" I questioned, reading between the lines. 

"Yes." He stuck his hand out, "So, what do you say?"

I looked at his hand for a second, knowing what I had to do.

"Deal."

✹