MUDBLOOD ➼ Draco Malfoy

17

Thanks to Dumbledore, Draco is back at Hogwarts permanently. And now, I can't tell if it's a good thing or a bad thing. But I do admit, the air in the halls feel lighter than they ever have before; I feel like a weight has been lifted off of my shoulders, like I'm okay.

Thanks to the previous events, I didn't bother waiting on Archie today. I know I would be flooded with questions about how 'The Draco thing,' and I don't feel like dealing with that. Archie is an amazing friend, but he is incredibly suspicious about Draco and I... Not like there's anything going on.

As I sat down in my seat, I got out my required book, and I stared at it. I stared at the brown, worn leather, and waited patiently. I admit, I don't think I've ever been here this early. I just saw an opportunity and I took it. This morning I started with a jolt of newfound energy, I just got up, put my clean clothing and robes on my body, did my hair and makeup to my liking, then strolled out the door. It wasn't like the time Archie and I were late, and I had everything wrong- It was actually the opposite.

The Professor, Aurora Sinistra, acknowledged my presence.

"A little early for you Victoria, don't you think?" She mused, looking up from the pieces of parchment paper.

"Usually Mr Malfoy is earlier than you are, but I'm glad to see you looking well.

I ignored the jolt in my heart at the sound of his name, and I nodded at the professor.

"Thank you Madam."

It seems like it wasn't only Archie that had noticed my previous horrible state; oh well, there's nothing I can do about it.

That's when I heard the soft echo of footsteps down the corridor. Not a strand of hair out of place, Draco lightly walked in, glowing like the moon.

"Ah, there he is. Take a seat, Draco. I assume you've went on a little vacation?" She asked, not looking up from her work.

"Yeah." he said simply, as if there wasn't any more to it. Draco then looked around the room as if he was contemplating where to sit; his usual desk would've been the better choice of seating, but out of all the seats in the room, he laid his book beside of mine. I got ready for my torture. My "punishment."

In attempts of keeping myself invisible, I kept my eyes away from him; I've never felt more awkward.

Draco made some noise with his mouth and stretched a little, I stared at my book. "Is uh, Is Hufflepuff coming today?" Draco looks at me.

Of course he's coming, why would he even ask that? Archie has hardly ever gotten sick, or missed a day at Hogwarts in his life. He should've noticed by now, but I guess he only cares for himself.

"He's never misses a class." I didn't break my staring contest with the book.

Draco didn't respond, but he didn't move either. "Is your seat too cold?" I asked.

"Yes, actually. Very uncomfortable over there." Draco said in a matter-of-fact tone.

Despite my attempts to stay angry with him I stifled a chuckle, but the small smile couldn't be hidden. The thing is, I didn't even acknowledge it.

It reminded me of the times we used to joke as kids, always being sarcastic with each other. Draco and I used to go so far to the point where we said that we hated each other, but we never meant it.

Wizards flooded in, group by group. The classroom grew louder and louder, and unlike Draco, he was silent.

Class began before Archie could get a word out to me. He just sat on the other side of me, trying to figure out why Draco had decided to sit beside of me of all people.

As I took notes for my test, I could feel Draco's eyes watching. I tried to ignore the fact, but it was difficult, since I kept imagining the thoughts passing through his mind. Like every other day I wondered; what is he thinking about?

Page after page I finally got finished. I know I've got this stuff memorized, as long as I study for just a bit longer, I'll be able to do it. The professor allowed us to talk after everyone was finished. Well, she told us to study with each other, but we all knew that wasn't happening.

"Why didn't you wait for me this morning?" Archie asked, sounding hurt, guilt washed over me.

"I wanted to be here earlier, that's all... Did you bake any more food for us to taste?" I tried changing the subject.

"Yeah... I was going to get you to try some of them this morning, while I had them heated up, but now they're no good."

I sighed and put my hand on his shoulder, "Sorry, kid. We can do it after school, deal?" I asked, he nodded, then smiled in his usual happy manner.

So far, the whole day was all around okay, for Hogwarts. Draco didn't torment me once, which is surprising, honestly.

Since Draco stopped, they all stopped. I realized they couldn't care less, unless Draco was doing it too. Today was utterly relieving; I even actually got compliments today... Not that it's a ground breaking thing, but It was a change.

Hungrier than I had ever been, I sped to lunch. When I was almost at the end of the hall, I felt a hand grip around my forearm; not too much that it hurt me, though. I stopped in my tracks and stared into the grey eyes of Draco.

"We're going outside." He urged, I began to think something was wrong.

"Woah, why?" I asked.

"I've already got a plate for you just come on we can eat out here." he sounded frustrated, but the gesture was so simple. Sitting and eating outside with someone, his face was blood red.

"I was going to sit with-"

"Please? You can go back in if you want after a while, I wouldn't mind but- I just need to talk."

So, I decided to go with him. I realized we actually did need to talk... That's the only reason why.

Draco led us to our old spot where we used to eat our lunch, I tried to keep my heartbeat steady. This spot is where everything- everything used to happen. It was like, our favorite place to sit.

When Draco and I sat on the small stone wall outside, he sat our lunches beside of ourselves.

The combination of my feet dangling off the side while I'm sitting, and eating where Draco and I ate everyday, created a sense of pure nostalgia.

It's been so long since we've sat here together- so long since we've actually had a decent conversation... I felt sick to my stomach.

I remember looking at this wall the day after Draco and I had that fight- the day after he found out. I remember feeling sick the way I do now.

"Victoria." He started, I realized I had been staring at his face this entire time- I quickly averted my eyes to the ground.

"I'm sorry." Formally, he apologized. Not a letter, not a drunken slur, Draco Malfoy apologized.