Little White Lies | Book 4

Chapter 1: A Bad Start

A few weeks into summer break, I found myself in my room, staring glumly out the window. The Malfoy Manor was very dull, and boring. There was nothing to do here, other than stare at things, or pace around. Harry hasn't written at all yet, and I'm really beginning to worry about him. I sent several letters, using one of the many owls the Malfoys owned, but he never replied. Hopefully those relatives of his haven't already starved him to death.

Things between Draco and I have been about the same. We never talk to each other, or make eye contact if we cross paths. I think he's depressed about his dad, who was also arrested that night at the Ministry. I don't know why, but I feel sorry for him. It wasn't any easier for me to lose my dad, who I thought was my friend. I sighed at the thought of it, and tried writing another letter to Harry.

Dear Harry,

I've sent you several other letters, but you haven't replied. I'm assuming you didn't get them. I know you're probably having a hard time right now, and so am I. I hope you're doing okay with the Dursleys, and they aren't treating you too horribly. The Malfoy Manor isn't really much fun. All I have to do is sit in my room, doing absolutely nothing. From what I know, Draco's been doing the same. I think he's depressed about his dad too. Anyway, please reply soon. You're making me worry.

I love you so much!

Riley

After reading over my letter, I tied it to the leg of a large, black Barn Owl. I opened the window, and he flew out. Hopefully he wasn't mad at me. The most likely reason for him to not write back, is simply the fact that he's not receiving my letters. The Dursleys had better not have put bars on his window again! My thoughts were cut off by the sound of someone pacing up and down the hall. Frowning, I got up to investigate.

I peeked out my door, only to see Draco. His face was more pale than ever, his hair was a mess, and he looked to be ready to cry. I stepped out, making him look over at me. "What are you looking at, you filthy half-blood?" He spat. Now's the time for me to grow up, and talk again. I can't go mute every time something bad happens. "Draco, what's wrong?" I asked, ignoring his previous demand. "Nothing was wrong until you came out here! Go back and hide from your problems like you always do!"

"You're only hurting yourself by acting like this. Right now, we're all each other's got. We should probably make the best of it," I told him calmly. "I have way more than you! All you have is your stupid little boyfriend!" He nearly shouted. "Draco, open your eyes! You hardly have any friends, your mother ignores you half the time, and your dad's in prison. You have close to no one, just like me. But, if you want me to go hide again, I will." Tears formed in my eyes, as he glared fiercely at me. "Good, now get out of my face."

I shook my head at him, and walked back into my room. I wiped away the tears that had slipped down my cheeks, and curled up on my bed. Of course, I loved Harry to death, but sometimes, I miss Draco. I still did, even after all this time. I guess he really is as awful as I had been told. When he found out I was a half-blood, he started treating me as though I was nothing. It's almost like there's no one left to trust. Every time I develop a relationship between myself and someone else, I lose them. It worries me, because I don't want to lose Harry. With him not writing me back, I already feel like I've lost him too. Maybe I really don't have anyone.

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I cried myself to sleep that night. Harry never wrote back, and Draco's words rung in my ears. "Go back and hide from your problems like you always do!" As much as I hate to admit it, he's right. I have been hiding from my problems, and there was no point in denying it. But, I still wondered why he was so upset. I've never seen him in such an awful state. In the back of my mind, I hoped that all the things he said came out of sadness, and anger. I hoped he didn't think I was a filthy half-blood, or that I always hide from my problems.

But, further back in my mind, I knew I still cared deeply about him. I hated to see him upset, and all I wanted to do was help him. I needed to get over these feelings though. If I really loved Harry, I would, and I do. I love him more than anything. Caring for Draco as much as I did now could put me in a bad situation, that I didn't want to be in.

I guess I should've expected this, but this summer has kicked off with a bad start.