Behind Books

20. Appreciation 😕

(Draco's Pov)
Watching this was terrible, I physically couldn't look. It was over, there was no way she could continue.

"God damnit." I whispered.

I walked over to her. I knew the class was watching, but I didn't care.

I stood in front of her, blocking her from everyone. I then pulled her hands off her face.

"Shhh." I whispered.

She looked at me, and shook her head.

"Draco I fucked up, and everyone's watching.
It's so quiet." She whispered back.

I grabbed her cards, and rubbed her shoulders.
"Just breathe, I'll do it." I said.
"Do what?" She asked.

I faced the class.

"The first ingredient are rose petals. This will help your inner beauty shine." I said.

I went to the next slide.

"The next ingredient is dragon liver. Dragon liver is typically used in a healing potion. This will make your body conceal any bruises, or scars you get."

(Lily's Pov)
I stood in the corner, and cried as Draco presented for me.

I've never felt so pathetic.

"The third ingredient is a bit tricky. You must extract the light cells in a firefly, and sprinkle them in the potion gradually. This will give you a natural glow." Said Draco.

I looked at him nervously, and he gave me a reassuring nod.

"The fourth ingredient is boomslang skin.
This will clear your skin from any acne, or bumps." Said Draco.

Draco continued talking, and I watched how effortlessly it came to him. He was confident, and engaging, and had a good speaking voice.

Slughorn didn't seem to mind either.

I sat on the table by the board as Draco finished my whole presentation for me.

I kept my head down, and didn't dare make eye contact with anyone.

"And that's it." Said Draco.
Everyone clapped, and he tapped my shoulder.
"It's done."

I walked back to our table, and immediately put my head down. I was so ashamed.

I'll never live this down.

I was shocked Draco came up in front of everyone, but I guess he felt bad. I remember that time I presented in DADA, and he triggered an attack.

Maybe this was him making up for it.

I lifted my head, and he looked at me.
"Can we hang out in your dorm after? I don't wanna go to the rest of my classes." I said.

"Sure." Said Draco.

Potions ended, and Draco and I walked to his dorm in silence.

We went in, and I sat on his bed. He put down his bag, and sat in front of me.

"Do you need anything?" He asked.
I shook my head, and lied back.

"Do you mind if I close my eyes for a bit? I just need to relax." I said.

"Go for it." Said Draco.

I've been really anxious lately, and not just because of this presentation. There's been other factors that are really throwing me off.

(Draco's Pov)
10 minutes passed, and I got hungry.

"I'm gonna grab food, do you want anything Lily?" I asked.