My Grace

Chapter Four

-exposure-

Y/n's POV: 

I kept overthinking the earlier situation, and couldn't escape the endless seeming carousal of thoughts until I was saved by a knock. I didn't want to be bothered but did I have a say in this? Sighing I answered with a quiet,

"Come in", a few seconds later and the door relieved a woman.

A familiar woman, I wouldn't mistake these eyes.

"Hello, can I sit here? All the other compartments are full?",

I silently cursed myself; I couldn't refuse a new Professor.

I wondered what subject she would teach.

As I looked out the window, it struck me that she might be our new potions teacher, with Professor Snape now the new headmaster. He would most definitely choose D.A.D.A..

As if she read my mind, she asked me how I had known she would be the new Professor before introducing herself as Narcissa Black. Draco Malfoy's Mother. Great.

 Despite my feelings about her son, I decided to reserve judgment and make myself a picture in her upcoming classes. 

Extending her hand for me to shake as a proper way of getting to know each other I almost suffered a heart attack. When I leaned forward, my gaze got stuck on my forearm, my sleeve blood-red stained.

Shit.

If I can see it, she most definitely can too, what should I do? Feeling a wave of panic, horror, and fear invade my being I quickly grasped the arm with my other hand tightly pressuring it, hoping to cover everything before doing the only thing I know how to properly do.

Escape.

I have been doing that for the last few years, so without thinking any further about it I hastily got up, looked at her concern-filled face,

"I need to go, I see you in Hogwarts, have a good ride Professor.", walking towards the door I felt the dizziness almost getting out of hand, it was tiring to not let my body win and collapse.

I didn't want her to witness that but everything in my power wasn't enough, and I soon noticed the darkness enclosing me. The only thing left for me to do was to prepare myself for the immense force I would hit the hard floor with, but it never came. Instead, I felt two strong arms wrap around my body and gently lay me on the ground. A wave of her scent filled my nose. It's a scent that tells a story of adventure and mystery, with notes of exotic spices and the sweetness of blooming orchids.  

Narcissa Black's POV: 

Looking her over I searched for the source of her sudden moment of weakness, why did she faint?

Studying her face I noticed the dark circles under her eyes, her hallow cheeks as if she hadn't eaten properly for a while now. Her right arm seemed alright, what about her left one?

Gazing over her arm I was immediately stuck on her forearm. Blood-red soaked.

Her once white sleeve was now drenched in red. I knew the signs but I didn't want to believe that voice in the back of my head.

Slowly almost scared she'll jump out of her skin if I am going to touch her, I brought my hand towards her arm. Gently unbuttoning the cuff of her shirt, I pulled it up, reviling a scarred arm.

Full of new wounds, freshly made.

"Oh darling, why would you do that to yourself.", I felt desperate to fill the sorrowful air with my concern. It should only linger in the silent compartment for a few seconds to ease my heart a little.