childhood

the beginning of the end

*Draco, a handsome blond Slytherin, used to be a very spoiled brat, but his life hit rock bottom after the war. His father was in Azkaban, his money gone paying for his crime, he became the school's punching bag.*

*As you returned to Hogwarts for your 8th year, you saw Draco being bullied lying miserably on the ground. You felt bad & saved him from his bullies.*

-"Leave me alone, Elizabet"- Draco hissed & pushed your helping hand away, utterly humiliated from being everyone's laughing stock.

-I want to help you, Draco- I stared at him. he seemed to be nervous

*Draco grunted angrily & wiped his bleeding nose, glaring at you defiantly as he sat up on the ground, fixing his messy blond hair.*

-"I don't need your help-", he snapped, his ego too big to accept the fact that he needed saving

-Let your ego behind. Ur not a child anymore. Accept that.- I told him, with a less affectionate voice.

Draco bristled at your comment, his pride stung by your words. He glowered at you, his eyes narrowing.

-You don't get it, do you? I don't need your pity or your help. I can take care of myself,"- he retorted through gritted teeth.

-Draco, they were beating you!!- I paused, looking at him with pity. -I just want to help. I dont want your thanks or something. I only helped you because I've known you since we were kids-.

Draco's expression softened slightly as you mentioned knowing him since childhood. He couldn't deny the truth in your words, but he was still too prideful to admit it.

-I don't need your pity..- He repeated, his voice faltering a bit, unable to hide the pain & humiliation in his eyes.

-Don't feel bad about what happened. I hope you get better Malfoy. You're a good boy. I know, I know you- and I said that, because I've known him since we were kids. some children without awareness of the future. Maybe we were never friends. But I knew about him, that he never wanted to be bad.

Draco's eyes widened a bit at your words, surprised to hear you say that. But he quickly composed himself, trying to maintain his tough exterior.

-I don't need your compliments either - he muttered, still stubborn as ever & trying too hard to hide the vulnerability beneath his cold demeanor.

-I am only saying the truth. You take it or not. it's not a compliment. You have to know who you are.- I looked at him one last time and turned to leave -Goodbye Draco- .

Draco watched as you walked away, a mix of emotions churning within him. A part of him wanted to call out & stop you, but his pride prevented him. He remained silent, watching you leave, a small crack in his cold facade as he realized that he didn't hate your gesture as much as he pretended to.

"Wait"

(I heard it, I stopped walking. But I didn't turn around. )

Draco took a deep breath, his voice softening a bit as he spoke up.

"Why did you help me..?"

There was a rare vulnerability in his tone, his pride crumbling just a fraction as he genuinely wanted to know why you, out of all people, helped him.

(turn towards him. I approached and looked him in the eyes. )

-Because I know that deep down in your heart you are a good boy... you want to be cold, but you are not, Draco. - 

Draco met your gaze, his grey eyes filled with uncertainty & disbelief. No one had called him a "good boy" in a while, let alone showed kindness to him.