Keeping me Sane {Draco Malfoy}

14: Welcome to The Nightmares

"This-" Professor Slughorn shakes the small vile. "Is a potion for a dreamless sleep." He grins, proudly setting it down in front of him.

I feel myself perk up in my seat as my eyes drop to the vile, almost craving it. The bright purple liquid captivates me as I imagine the sanity I'll gain from just a sip. The weight lifting off my shoulders as I envision how it'll feel waking up after a full nights rest. The singular nightmare caused more destruction to my state of mind than I care to admit.

Needless to say, I didn't get a lot of sleep last night. Unable to get comfortable in my own bed I went to the common room. I quickly sunk into the couch, watching the fire for what felt like hours until it began to die out. I found myself hoping Draco would walk through the doors and right into my arms, consoling me until I finally fell asleep.

"Daydreaming Milburn?" Seamus Finnigan teases as he takes a seat beside me. I survey the classroom, watching the students weave through one another to their partners.

"We're partners?" I ask pointedly. Seamus briefly looks offended, yet he swiftly covers it up with a smirk.

"Don't sound too excited now." He chuckles, opening his potions book to the Dreamless Sleep recipe.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean it like that." I apologize, his face drops as if he felt pity for me. "I didn't get much sleep last night." I breathe, straightening my back in attempt to wake myself up.

"Oh, was it because of Ron?" He asks, his eyes dropped to his lap where he's fiddling with his wand.

"Ron?" I murmur, glancing around the classroom only to notice he's absent. I look back to meet Seamus's eyes which are narrowed, clearly trying to piece together why I don't know what happened. "Where's Ron?" I question, watching as he stands to go collect the ingredients.

"He was poisoned." He whispers, weaving through the students.

A sharp pang of pain hits my chest as my eyebrows thread together. I look to Seamus for more of an explanation, yet he shakes his head signifying that's all he knows.

As I survey the classroom I lock eyes with Harry, his sunken eyes and dull stare set on me.

•••

"Draco?" I call, surveying the crowd of pedestrians among the London streets. As I push through a crowd of Muggle tourists I catch a glimpse of his platinum blonde hair. "Please, please move." I plead as I attempt to pass a strolling family.

"Cassidy Milburn?" A little boy within the crowd tugs at my sleeve, I look down to meet his ocean-like eyes. He hesitantly lets go as he studies my face, I can't seem to look away. "You're the girl that took my older brother away from me." He pouts, a tear beginning to roll down his cheek. I look into his eyes, seeing the similarities between him and his brother. The blue eyes, freckle filled cheeks, and curly auburn hair.

He's swiftly pulled away from me by his mother, it seemed as if he was the only one who knew what I've done. I continue through the crowd, searching for Draco. I soon reach the entrance to the alleyway, hesitant to enter.

The garbage that was once throughout the alleyway has been removed, replaced by bloodstains. I turn the corner, my heart dropping as I lay my eyes upon Ron's lifeless body. Draco cowers in a corner, his wand on the ground beside Ron. Ron's soulless, blackened eyes are wide open, staring at the clear sky. The longer I look at him the more numb I feel, my legs begin to feel weak as I collapse to the ground. I try to cry for help, but no sound comes out.

"I tried to stop him." Draco sobs, tears flowing down his pale cheeks. "Cass I tried, I promise." He restates with a shaky voice. "Say something please!" He begs, his volume raising with time as he watches my dull eyes remain trained on the pool of blood. "Please believe me!" He screams, agony riddled through his voice.