The Girl Who Lived...Through Draco Malfoy

The Girl Who Lived...Through Draco Malfoy - Chapter 4

I walked past the Great Hall towards my tower. There were hardly any people in the halls because of the late hour. I'd been studying in the library for my potions test the next day and I was exhausted.
I turned the corner and stopped, staring into the gray eyes of Draco, probably the last person I'd wanted to see.
"Hello Malfoy." I sighed, trying to walk past, but he blocked the way.
"Why are you out so late?" he asked.
"Why are you?" I retorted, walking past him finally. he followed. This kid was definitely an annoyance.
"I was looking over detention for Professor Snape." I rolled my eyes as we walked towards the staircase leading to my tower. I stayed quiet, hoping he'd get the hint. He didn't.
"So are you and the Weasley boy...together now?" venom dripped from his voice as he said his name.
"What if we were? Why do you care?" I stopped at the foot of the stairs an turned to look at him.
He looked taken aback. "I don't. I just...you should be careful with them."
I stared at him, looking into his eyes. For a second I could have sworn there was something kind in them. Something that almost looked like it cared.
"Good night Malfoy." I said, my exhaustion getting the better of me. I turned away from him and walked up the stairs. As I walked I could have sworn I heard him say, "Good night Quendie." but I shook it off. Malfoy actually being civil? No way.

"You may begin." Snape announced and I opened my book, beginning my potion.
I followed all the directions, concentrating as hard as I could. Before I knew it he called time and I was forced to present a potion that was finished, but not exactly right.
"Fail, Ms. Pierce." he said simply, walking away without another word. I sighed, closing my book and throwing it in my bag.

I sat on my bed, staring at my potions book. I was failing and I'd tried everything. Suddenly an owl flew in from the open window, dropping a small piece of paper in my lap and flying back out.
I unfolded the paper and read.
Meet me in the astronomy tower; bring your potions book.

I looked up, trying to figure out who had sent the note. I couldn't come up with anything, but what's the worse that could happen?
I grabbed my book and headed out to the astronomy tower. It was past 5 so no classes were in session, but students still wandered the halls.
I made it to the astronomy tower, pausing outside the door. Who was waiting for me inside that room? What if there was no one? What if it was all a prank? I took in a deep breath and opened the door, stopping in my tracks.
"You?" I stared at him in shock.
"I know you're failing potions, so I thought you could use some help." he said in a semi-human voice, his gray eyes almost gentle.
"You mean you're not going to rub it in my face?" I asked sarcastically.
"Well, I can't understand how someone can fail potions." he smirked. I shrugged and began to turn away. "But!" I stopped and turned back. "I'm willing to help." I could hear the restraint in his voice. The insults were at an all time low.
"Fine." I said exasperated. Maybe I could at least pass the class.

Draco and I met every Tuesday and Thursday after classes had ended in the astronomy tower. He would pick a potion and explain in great detail everything there was to know about it. After a few weeks of tutoring it was time to take midterms. I passed every class and all I had left was potions.
"I'm going to fail." I slumped down in my chair.
"Don't say that you're going to do great." Draco assured, sitting down next to me. I looked up at him and smirked. "What?" he asked, looking defensive.
"Nothing. It's just nice to hear you say something positive for once."
"I'm almost offended." his face contorted into what I thought was a smile.
"Was that a joke I heard?" I smiled.
"No. Never." his face became serious again.
"Well, it was nice while it lasted." I shrugged looking at the clock. "I'm going to be late!" I grabbed my bag and rushed out the door.

I finished my final and walked back to the common room. Delia was sitting in one of the chairs reading a book. She was always the first to finish. I sat next to her, tossing my bag to the side.
"How was your final?" she asked, looking up from her book.
"Awful. I just know I failed." I sighed.
"I seriously doubt that." She closed her book in her lap. "You've been doing really well." she smiled.
"I guess..." I smiled to myself. I looked up as someone entered the room.
"Hey guys." Ron smiled in his awkward way.
"Hey." Delia said, smirking at me. "Well, I should be getting to bed." she fake yawned. She retreated up to the dormitory, Ron taking her place in the chair next to me.
"So, how was your last final?" he asked.
"Fantastic." I said sarcastically.
"Went that well, huh?" he smiled.
"Yeah, but it's all good." I smiled back.
Ron and I talked for hours until we just couldn't keep our eyes open.
"Well, goodnight." he said walking me to the bottom of the stairs leading to the dormitory.
"Goodnight." I smiled. We hugged awkwardly, my heart beating rapidly in my chest.

Because Draco was so close to Snape, he knew who passed and who didn't before the grades were posted. I couldn't wait three days to know. I had to know then and there.
I practically ran to the dungeons, stopping at the stairs leading down to the Slytherin common room.
I sighed. If I went down there, I was sure to be kicked out. It was pointless. I turned around and walked back to Gryffindor tower. Suddenly someone grabbed my arm and pulled me into an empty hallway.
"What are you doing down here?!" he whispered, looking around.
"Oh you know, just wandering around." I lied.
"In the dungeons?" he asked, reading through my lie.
"Yes..." I looked at him seriously. "But since you're here, maybe you can tell me if I passed potions?" I gave him my best puppy dog eyes.
"Sorry, no." he turned and started walking away.
"Are you serious?!" he stopped and turned around, smiling. I couldn't help but smile back. "You're really mean."
"Yeah." he said simply, walking away.

I sighed, sitting on my bed. Suddenly an owl flew in through the window, dropping a note in my lap.
You passed.
I smiled.
"What's that?" Delia asked sitting in her bed next to mine.
"Just a note from class." I lied, crumpling it and throwing it away.
"So what's up with you and Ron?" she smiled at me.
"Nothing, why?" I smiled back.
"I don't know. Just wondering." she smiled slyly.
"What?"
"Nothing." she laughed. I hadn't even noticed how much time I'd spent with Ron. He was fun to talk to and he always had great advice about how to survive Hogwarts.

Winter break was refreshing, but I couldn't help but miss my friends. We wrote each other everyday even if we had nothing to talk about.
"I'll be in my room mom!" I shouted as I ran up the stairs. It was Christmas eve which meant I only had a week left of break before school.
I closed my bedroom door behind me then turned to my bed, pausing. Sitting on the foot of my bed was a small gold box with a note attached. I opened the box slowly, almost suspicious of what was inside.
I stared down at the gold chain in surprise. It was a simple chain; thin and beautiful. I opened the note and read.
Happy Christmas.
I read it at least five times before I set it down. Who was it from? Who could've sent such a beautiful gift and not leave a name?