atelophobia • {HP universe} (BOOK 1)

~ seven ~

After Lily's first day of potions, she tried not to raise her hand too much. She barely shared any words with Severus throughout the days, the classes, or the halls. She chose to keep her head low out of embarrassment— she also didn't want to have anymore flashbacks. It was now lunch time, right before potions, and Lily was pushing her food around her plate, not eating.

Draco's face was pink, as if he had been holding something in for a very long time and just had to say it. He turned to Lily, because she had gotten into the habit of sitting next to him each day, though she didn't talk much.

"Okay, what's wrong, Star?" He blurted out. Crabbe and Goyle tolled their eyes. They had grown to hate Lily.

"What do you mean? I'm fine." Lily said in a quiet tone as she drew pictures in her mashed potatoes with her fork.

"Not to sound worried or concerned about you in any way, because I'm not, but the first day, you showed up here radiating confidence, putting people in their places, and standing up to Professor Snape. Professor Snape! Then suddenly you're all quiet, and don't do so much as raise you hand, when you already have the answer scribbled down so I know that you know the answer." Draco states, speaking more rapidly as time went on. It did feel good for Lily to know that people were noticing. In fact, she determined in that moment that she had to stop acting all sad, because people were noticing. She immediately gave him a bright smile.

"Everything is absolutely fine, Draco." She reassured, and immediately began eating at a normal pace.

"You know— I was just wondering. I was just talking to Crabbe and Goyle, and you haven't made any annoying comments lately, and—" Draco started talking, but Lily, not wanting to talk about it anymore, interrupted him with one of her old slick comments.

"Damn, I've got myself a fan club over here." She said, and a smile erupted on her face. Crabbe rolled his eyes.

"Just because you're friends with Malfoy, doesn't mean the rest of us like you." He commented.

"Friends with Malfoy? Is that a joke? I thought I was friends with Malfoy, but clearly he was on his period on the first day of school." Lily said, and Malfoy gave her a confused look at the word, 'period.'

"Oh yeah... listen... about that— I was really pissed off, and uh, well I'm sorry." He apologized.

"Apology accepted Draco. Just don't loose your temper around me again, I'm fresh out of chances." Lily said, then began shoveling more food into her mouth. Malfoy smirked— sometimes he enjoyed being friends with those who weren't afraid to stand up to him.

-

"Potions." Lily groaned.

"Potions." Harry groaned back.

"Potions." Ron complained.

"Potions!" Hermione enthused, and the other three rolled their eyes.

"And we have it with the Slytherins!" Ron moaned, and Lily felt a pang I'd hurt in her chest.

"N-not you though, Lily. You're good," He said. Lily gave him a sarcastic smile.

As they entered Potions, Lily took her seat with the rest of the Slytherins, next to Crabbe of all people, of course.

"Sup orphan. Any hugs from Mommy and Daddy lately?" He snickered as she sat next to him.

"You loathsome lump of shit!" Lily said a little too loudly.

"Ms. Star, that'll be a detention for you tonight. Crabbe, that'll be a detention on Saturday." Snape's monotone voice called.

"What?! But I didn't do anything— and I have to go on a Saturday?" Crabbe retorted.