Distance // Draco Malfoy

Chapter 24

I officially could not hate detention more. A whole month of it and I'm so stressed I feel the need to be put to sleep. Perminately. With all of my homework, the now-limited hours means that every night I have been up for most of the night working, and often have fallen asleep whilst working, only to be awoken by Hermione or Ron or Harry the next morning. In extreme circumstances, I have been using my timeturner just in order to keep on top of things, as this is sometimes the only way to meet my deadlines. Hermione was furious, and didn't talk to me for a week after she found out.

This busy schedule meant that I could not spend any time with Harry, Ron, Hermione or Draco. I spent all of my time working. Breaks, lunches, dinners, so much so that I would come downstairs only to skip most meals, and everyone began to worry. Especially Draco. 'You need to stop for the day, have some time off. Have you looked at yourself recently?' He said as I scrawled out my Charms essay. 'What's that supposed to mean?' I snapped, not looking up.
'It's just that you're paler than you used to be, and your eyes are always clouded now. You're -' Draco proceeded to prod my stomach in several different areas, '- thinner. And the bags under your eyes -'
'Thanks, babe.' I had rolled my eyes as I re-dipped my quill in ink. However, this attitude was not only from him. Right now, as I sit in my last detention with McGonagall, even she seems concerned.

My task is to sort Transfiguration papers into year groups, and then into alphabetical order. 'Are you sure you are okay, Miss Dolittle?'
'Yes, Professor, there is nothing wrong.'
'It certainly does not seem that way. Are you adamant that you do not want to drop any subjects?'
'With all due respect, Miss, I am perfectly fine and perfectly capable of tackling all subjects. I'm just a bit tired, that's all.' I say, finishing sorting the last few papers as McGonagall gives me a very long look. 'Very well. You may go, Miss Dolittle.'

I collect my things and leave the classroom, breathing in the air and feeling free. Well, not completely. I still have a humongous essay to write up. However, first of all, food calls for me. My stomach grumbles loudly as I walk down to the Entrance Hall, hearing the loud chatter of people. I scan the room as I make my way to the Gryffindor table, seeing no sign of Parkinson, thankfully. I sit down with Hermione. 'Are you finished, then?' She asks as I pull out my essay for Potions. My hunger almost seems to die the second I start writing. 'Yup.' I nod. I hear the bench opposite shuffle a little. 'I wish you'd put that bloody quill down, we hardly talk to you now!' I hear Ron exclaim.
'Don't over-exaggerate, Ron.' I roll my eyes.
'He's right, I haven't spoken to you in a month.' Harry frowns. I get up and lean across the table, pulling the both of them into a hug. 'I'm really, really sorry.' I whisper, before sitting back down and hugging Hermione as well, turning back to my essay. 'Can I at least finish this?'

'Will you ever stop working?' I hear Draco laugh, and turn around to see him coming towards me. He glares at my friends when he catches sight of them, and I get up and swiftly hug him. 'Hey,' I grin.
'Are you almost done? Lyssa, I feel like I haven't spoken to you in ages!' Draco moans, grabbing my hand.
'Yeah, yeah. Meet me outside in half an hour, okay? By the Forbidden Forest.' Draco smirks and wiggles his brows, and I shove him. 'Shut up.'
'Draco!' Someone shouts. We turn to see Parkinson waving him over, and anger bubbles in my blood. 'Stay calm. I'll see you in half an hour, okay?' He says softly, kissing my lips lightly. He catches sight of something behind him, and I turn to see Ron pulling a face. 'Problem, Weasley?' He spits, and I swat him. 'Mind your own business next time, then.' And with that, he stalks away.

'Foul git - ow!' Ron yelps, and I catch Hermione looking agitated.
'Ronald, we've discussed this.' She hisses.
'What?' I ask sharply.
'Nothing.' The three chorus a little too quickly. I frown but turn back to my essay, as I really don't have time to be inquisitive, catching the three exchange looks as I turn.