Skinny Love(Draco Malfoy)

Chapter Twenty-Three-Slugs

Chapter Twenty-Three-Slugs

Being a sixth year had its newfound perks. The main one being that I had no need to stuff my schedule. I could actually have a free period. I took that free period with no objections, happy to have time to myself. I was lounging in the library, intensely reading a book about students from past years, hopefully finding out more information on my mother. Even though I learned more from what Lupin had told me, I still felt as if he was hiding something. I was unaware on how much time has passed when I felt a small tap on my shoulder.

"Ms. Granger is it? I fear that it is after curfew," a gentle old man said. He had soft features and proudly wore a sort of graduation cap on his head, matching the colors to his robs.

"Oh, I'm terribly sorry. I was caught up reading. I'll just head to my common room immediately, sir," I say as I rush to get all my belongings together. I shut the book and hide the cover to avoid questioning from the man.

"I understand, dear. Let me walk you to your common room. I'm sure you don't want to find yourself in trouble with any other professors. I'm Professor Horace Slughorn," he introduced himself, holding his hand out for me to shake it.

"Elora Granger," I reply, placing my hand in his and shaking it quickly.

'Elora Black,' my mind corrects in a taunting manner. I was well aware that I couldn't use my birth name for I was in risk of putting myself in danger, yet it would always be something I want.

"I believe I do have your sister in my advanced potions class, yes?" Professor Slughorn suggests as we walk along the corridors.

"Yes sir, she never fails to surprise me with her intelligence. She has all the brains in the family," I remark, trying to tell myself I was lying.

'You by far are the worst witch in our year' her words echo in my ear, sending a chill down my spine. I could show her. I could make Professor Lupin proud by showing off all that he had taught me. I could make myself proud.

"I noticed that you elected against taking potions. It truly is a shame, it would be an honor to have both of you in my class," Slughorn sighs, snapping me away from my thoughts.

"Like I said, sir, Hermione has all the brains in the family. She excels while I struggle with the subject," I admit through gritted teeth. Yes, Lupin had taught me a lot during the endless hours we worked together, but potions still was a weak spot.

"I'm sure I can set aside some time to help you if you would like to join the class," he encourages as we stop in front of the Slytherin house.

"I'll take it into consideration. Have a good night, Professor," I finally say. He nods in confirmation, hope in his eyes, before waddling away. I head into the common room, once again going straight to my private room that I was very privileged to have. To my surprise, Draco wasn't there. His bags were still located in the murky left corner of the room, so he couldn't have returned to the boys dormitory. My mind was burdened with worrisome thoughts as I tried to get ready for bed. After dressing in something more comfortable, I sat on the floor across from the door, waiting for it to swing open and my boyfriend to appear.

Hours and hours had passed with no luck, but I hadn't moved an inch. Not only was I growing tired, but I was extremely bored. I pulled out my wand, flipping it in my hand whilst thinking of what to do. A sudden idea flickered across my mind as the room grew darker.

"Expecto Patronum!" I say as lively as I can at the godforsaken hour. A bright blue light fills the room as a beautiful deer emerges from my wand. It sauntered around the room and I had focused on it, watching its every room.

"A Patronus takes the same form as you Animagus. They both represent you and your personallity," Lupin had said when we started our Patronus lesson. After finally being able to control my Patronus, I began to do research on what my Patronus really meant.

'A deer patronus represents compassion, regeneration, and sensitivity. Their sensitivity shines through in emotional situations. People with the deer patronus are commonly quiet, gentle, and spiritually well-attuned. The deer medicine teaches people to fully open themselves to the world, both emotionally and physically. In return, they gain power and experience, yet they are given a balanced weakness with the chance of being hurt."

My focus dropped as the door clicked open, the room darkening drastically. Draco stands in the doorway, exhaustion dripping from his face.

"Hey, where have you been?" I ask while scrambling from the floor, tucking a piece of hair behind my ear.

"I was working with Snape," he sighed. He rubbed his hands against his face to try to wipe the fatigue away, "What was that bright light?"

"Magic," I joke, taking my arms and wrapping them around his waist in a tender hug. He nuzzled his head in my neck. I closed my eyes in relief. I was constantly worried about him nowadays, even though he always said he was fine. He had only broken down that on the first night, causing him to build a seemingly strong exterior.

"Thank you," he mumbled before grabbing his clothes and beginning to head out to chain in the bathroom.

"You can change in here. I need to use the bathroom anyways," I smile warmly. I stepped out of the room before he could say anything and headed into the bathroom. I really did need to pee.

I splashed my face with water at the sink. I grasp the edges , feeling the cool material under my fingers. I stayed there for a moment, letting my thoughts flood my mind, until I hear the door open again. Pansy Parkinson was very amused to see the state I was in until I send her a spine-chilling glare, shoving her with my shoulder as I walk out. Things haven't really been patched up from last year. I don't think they could ever be. I take a deep breath before walking back in my room. Draco was already relaxed in the bed when I slithered under the covers. I emptied my mind, letting the sleep consume me.

~

(A/N-The Patronus description I found was on Quotev! All credit is to them, if you google Patronus Meanings to see the rest of them.

Love you!)