Change In A Star's Alignment (Drarry)

Chapter Ten

It had been a week since Narcissa had arrived at Hogwarts and Harry thought there was something wrong. He noticed how Malfoy wasn't being his usual self. I thought he'd be happy since he and Narcissa are now safe. What is going on? Harry started paying extra attention to the blonde.

He saw how Malfoy would hardly eat and looked paler than normal. Harry watched as Zabini sat beside Malfoy, putting his hand on the blonde's shoulder as he sat. He saw how Malfoy seemed to flinch at the touch, only to relax slightly when he realized who it was. He's so jumpy. Harry thought. It's like he's afraid of something... But what? Harry thought about what the blonde could be afraid of, but eventually gave up in frustration.

He looked up to see that Malfoy had left the Great Hall. Determined, Harry got up from his seat beside Hermione and walked towards the Slytherin table. If anyone knows what's wrong with Malfoy, it's him.

"Zabini." Harry said.

Zabini looked up in surprise before saying, "Potter? What are you doing here?"

"Could we talk? It's important."

Zabini stared long and hard at Harry. He's probably trying to figure out if I'm up to something... Finally, he responded. "Sure Potter. Lead the way."

Harry let out a breath he hadn't known he'd been holding. He then turned around and left the Great Hall, looking back to see Zabini following close behind. Harry walked out the large castle doors and sat on a nearby bench. Behind the bench was a large hedge with scented flowers sprouting from it. Directly in front of Harry was a small flower garden that Harry had somehow never seen before.

Odd...he thought, You'd have thought I'd remember those since I've walked out those doors plenty of times before... Harry was brought out of his thoughts by the sound of Zabini stopping. Zabini seemed to hesitate for a moment but then sat next to him.

The two boys sat for a while in silence, staring at flower garden in front of them, neither knowing how to start the conversation. After what seemed like ages, Zabini broke the awkward silence. "What did you need to talk about Potter?"

"It's Malfoy." Harry answered, relieved that he didn't have to start the conversation. (He never was very good at getting his thoughts out and often needed people like Hermione to prompt him).

Zabini immediately tensed, going on the defense now that his best friend was involved. "What about him?"

"I'm worried about him, Zabini!" Harry blurted.

"You're... You're worried about Draco?" Zabini asked, sounding thoroughly confused.

"Yes! Aren't you? He's hardly eating, he's way too pale, and for goodness sakes, he flinched when you simply touched his shoulder! He doesn't even seem happy that Narcissa is back!" Harry ranted, getting angrier and more frustrated as he went.

"Look, just calm down Potter." Zabini started, "I'm worried too, and I just was surprised that you would care so much about him."

Harry sighed. He took a couple of deep breaths to try to get rid of all his frustrations. "I'm sorry I went off on you, it's just that I'm worried, you know?"

"I know, it's okay Potter, I get it."

"So you don't know what's going on?" Harry asked.

"No, I don't. I'm worried about him too, but he won't talk to me about it..." Zabini said tiredly. "I have to get back to the Great Hall... I'm sorry I couldn't help you much... See you around Potter."

"See you Zabini." Harry said as Zabini got up from the bench and walked back towards the castle doors.

Harry was about to get up and leave when he saw blonde hair down by the black lake. Harry quickly got up from the bench and went across the grounds. Finally, he was standing right behind Malfoy. From this close, Harry could truly see how pale and thin the blonde looked. When Harry made some noise to alert Malfoy of his presence, the blonde instantly tensed up and turned towards Harry. He could now see that the blonde had huge purple bags under his eyes. He must not be sleeping at all, Harry thought.