The Abuser

Heaven In The Dungeons

I will lift her love and I'll break your spirit. I will dig a hole and I'll throw you in it. Only time will tell if we're all just cynics on the run. If we're all just cynics come undone. All just waiting for the gun.

- Battles by Hudson Taylor

.........

I turn down one of the many twisting stone hallways of the Hogwarts dungeons. I'm quite familiar with the corridors and often come down here to think. After Harry kissed me earlier this evening I've been avoiding everyone; my mind is practically a jungle of fear and confusion.

I can't keep this up! I love him...but just not in that way. All that I ever wanted was to be friends. What if his feelings for me ruin my connection with the Ron and Hermione? Questions bounce around in my brain. Boys. At my age, who needs them? I just want to stay away from all this romance. I just want some real friends to confide in; to laugh with.

To add to my tossup over Harry, Blaise Zabini has been hitting on me all day. I don't dislike it...he's nice, funny, and spoils me to the utmost extent. However, he keeps pushing my limits. For Blaise, snuggling is not enough, kisses on the cheek are too boring, and sitting on each other's laps just is not satisfying enough. He wants something in particular and although I'm not entirely sure what it is I'm certain that it has everything to do with my body. Why would he ever want me, though? Why would anyone want me? I'm the ugliest girl in Slytherin... even pug-faced Pansy Parkinson has a better figure.

I turn into a dark hall, frowning in slight disorientation; I'm pretty certain that I haven't been down this corridor before. But what does it matter? I sigh dejectedly and rub my arm with a motion of utter defeat.

Suddenly the sound of quick, light, footsteps alerts me to the presence of another. I pause; listening carefully and then dive into a dark alcove, pressing my body against the stone wall. It's not that I'm scared; I just don't feel like talking with anyone.

A slim figure passes through the rough stone archway and enters my corridor. From the faint light thrown off by their wand, I can see a silhouette with sort hair, a sharp and somewhat delicate looking chin, and billowing robes. Probably a boy, I figure, maybe in his early teens, although it's almost impossible to tell.

As he approaches the light of his wand gleams on his white-blond hair, sending a shock wave of realization over my body. Damnit! Malfoy. I bite my lip, hoping against of hope that he will pass by without noticing me.

Malfoy has, thankfully, ignored me since Divination class, yet his past record of being a total ass gives me plenty enough reason to hate him. I don't fear him, indeed, I find him to be a bloody coward, yet the thought of his cold hands on my skin causes me to shake in dread.

The closer he comes, the more I can see. He's wearing a white button-up and black sweater-vest. His black jeans seem far more casual than his typical, stark attire. The light from his wand-tip plays with the shadows on his milk-white face.

I'm actually quite surprised; his expression is a perfect mix of curiosity, happiness, and fear. In fact, from this distance, he doesn't look vindictive or proud in the least. He actually looks like a friend who I would want; lost and somewhat frightened, yet determined to carry out his adventure.

I shake my head quickly. The very thought that Malfoy could ever be anything but an enemy and a stuck-up prat seems pointless and stupid. Please...just keep walking! Don't stop! I wish, squishing myself against the cold wall.

Draco walks past me, thankfully not turning his head for his light flashes me full in the face, illuminating my entire hiding place. He continues on for about 5 steps...then stops. I hear him retracing his path, every light footstep becoming gradually closer.