Back to Black- Draco Malfoy

21| she knows

"Draco Lucius Malfoy...how did you know what I was thinking? The only way you could possibly do that is by using... MALFOY! YOU USED  LEGILLIMENCY ON ME?" I shouted at him. I couldn't believe him..

He wouldn't make eye contact. He was being a coward, I couldn't believe it. For once in his life Draco Malfoy stood down to me. When he looked up, I could sense the smallest hint of fear from my fury.

"Briar. Calm down, I know it looks and sounds bad but I needed to. I need to know what you're thinking, it makes somethings easier." He claims. With a long roll of my eyes, I decide this argument is not ever just yet.

"You think you can just waltz around casting legilimency like it’s a game, Draco? It’s not a toy. Why would you need to use it on anyone this year?" I half yelled. I still couldn't believe he knew that kind of magic, I tried to study about it but it never came easy to me.

"I'm sorry Briar, do you think you’re some kind of expert just because you read a few books? Occlumency and legilimency are about control, something you clearly lack. You know, with your dad situation and all." He sneered. I looked at him with a powerful glare like I wanted to kill him on the spot.

"Control? You mean hiding behind your family name while you learn to block your emotions? That’s not strength, it’s cowardice. Me and my dad's relationship have nothing to do with this." I pointed into his chest to try to get the point across.

"Cowardice? You wouldn’t understand. It’s about protecting yourself from those who would exploit your weaknesses. Like Potter and his lot. You have hid stuff from me ever since we were kids and it's the reason I feel the need to even bring it up." He explained but I still had my brows furrowed, deeply.

"You're just ridiculous, Draco. Afraid of feeling anything real. Legilimency isn’t just about defense, you're putting yourself in my mind where you shouldn't know bloody shit about!" I spat at him. I could sense our anger towards each other growing heavier by the more we argued.

"Stuff I shouldn't know about? Don’t make me laugh. You wouldn’t last a second in the real world without your precious ‘understanding' of what other people think about you." He claims, he was partly right if I thought about it. Other people's image of me made me sick to my stomach sometimes.

"At least I’m not trying to live up to a legacy of hatred. Legilimency won’t save you when it comes time to face your choices, because all you'll know is what other people think, not you. You won't have control over anything you choose." I argued back. If I was gonna argue, there was no point in losing.

"You know nothing about my choices. I’m doing what I have to do to survive, and if that involves snooping in other people's minds and thoughts, so be it." He said and I internally felt my heart drop a little. How long has he been doing this..

"Survive? Or just exist in your father’s shadow? There’s a difference, Draco. You can choose to break free if you really wanted to." I raised my voice. If you want to argue Malfoy, we can argue.

"Easy for you to say. You don’t have the expectations I have, your dad is always there for you, you're practically spoiled Black. Legilimency and Occlumency are my only options to stay ahead." When he said that I felt a sort of sympathy for him. It's true, his dad was harder on him. It's not his fault he was raised like this.

"Staying ahead won’t mean anything if you lose yourself in the process. You can’t hide forever, Malfoy. We all have our battles, Draco. Just choose yours wisely." I got the final word in. He went silent, as did I. Now there was an awkward tension in the air.

Before I knew it, he walked out of the Room of Requirement. Just like that. He walked out. Nothing left to say, nothing left to look at or go over, just..left. I did feel a hint of concern and guilt for what I said to him, but it's not like I was the only one who was throwing comments.

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In the days that followed the argument, an uncomfortable silence enveloped Draco and me. The common room, usually buzzing with laughter and whispers, felt dark and empty. We avoided each other as much as possible, exchanging only tense glances in passing.

Draco spent his evenings brooding in a corner, staring into the flames of the fireplace, lost in thought. The weight of his choice pressed heavily on him. I can see it on his face he knows what he did. But now, every memory felt tainted by his mistake.

Me, on the other hand, threw myself into my studies, hoping to drown out the ache of betrayal. I feel a  mix of anger and hurt every time I catch sight of him. The confidence he once exuded felt replaced by an unsettling vulnerability that left me conflicted.

During meals, we sat at opposite ends of the table, the tension palpable. I laugh with Astoria and Pansy,  but it feels hollow.

Draco’s gaze flickered toward her, filled with regret and longing, but he knew he had crossed a line he couldn’t easily uncross.

In the quiet of the library, I found solace among the books, yet even there, my thoughts drifted back to our argument. The way he had invaded my mind felt like an unwelcome shadow lurking just beyond my thoughts.

One evening, as I prepared to leave the library, I  noticed Draco standing by the door, a hesitant look on his face. Our eyes met for a brief moment, and the air crackled with unspoken words. But before we could say anything, I turned and walked away, the silence growing thicker between us.

Weeks passed, and while the world outside continued its routine, our fractured bond remained a constant reminder of the trust that had been shattered. Each day felt like a battle, both of us longing for resolution but too stubborn to be the first to reach out.