Let it be • Draco Malfoy

9

I sat across from Remus who was staring at me, I was looking down at my book. He was concerned, everyone was, I'd been silent since Harry had left to go to the ceiling, even before that I hadn't spoke much. Mrs Weasley looked between the pair of us, she was nervous. Remus knew everything about me at this point, I'd spent most of my time with him in the summer, even if that had been us just sitting reading our books. He'd been a big part of my life since third year, but he couldn't figure out why I was acting the way I was. I don't think I knew either really. Sirius walked into the room, stopping when he noticed the uneasy silence. He looked from Remus to me, but again I didn't lookup.

"Would you live a cup of coffee Sirius?" Mrs Weasley said breaking the silence and I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding and Sirius nodded, thanking the nervous woman.

"Are you ready for school, Eurydice?" Remus said my name as if it was the last time he was going to say it, I looked up at him and searched his face for a moment.

"Yes. Just have a few books to pack before I go." My voice was quiet, shaky almost. He nodded and Sirius just sighed, sitting next to me, wrapping his hands around the warm cup of coffee.

"How did you sleep?" He asked, already knowing the answer to that question. I hadn't slept, which Remus knew because we'd both sat in the kitchen most of the night, me reading and drinking tea and him pretending to read his book but actually staring at me with worry.

"I was anxious about Harry, it's an awful thing that happened." This was probably the most I'd said in a sentence since I'd gotten here. "It's pathetic really, the boy is attacked and can't even use magic to protect himself." I shook my head and Remus, Sirius and Mrs Weasley shared a look. The room was silent again and I went back to reading my book. I knew they were worried, but I didn't know what to do to stop them from being worried.

The day past quickly and eventually Harry came back with good news. The ministry let him off which meant he wouldn't be punished. We all packed up the rest of our stuff for tomorrow and prepared to go back to Hogwarts. Remus watched from the door as I closed my case, sitting next to it when I was done.

"Where's your head?" He asked, slowly making his way into the room. I bowed my head slightly and sighed.

"I don't know, I never know," I answered and he nodded. "My whole life was a lie up until third year, then Cedric died, Harry isn't himself and I can feel such an intense feeling of darkness. It's all so overwhelming." He made his way over to me, sitting on the bed next to me. He hugged me close to him for a few moments and I took a deep breath.

"It'll be okay. I promise." He assured me and I didn't say anything. Just closed my eyes and hugged him back.

***

I sat with my head leaning against the window, Ron and George bickered over something beside me while Hermione just looked on in annoyance. Harry was distant, I stared at him carefully, wishing I could take the pain from him. He looked at me and I smiled at him gently, he smiled back, but there was no meaning. It was becoming night, but soon enough we were at Hogwarts, the cool air brushing past us as we got off of the train. I turned as I saw someone jogging up to me, Helios quickly caught up with me, pulling me into a hug as soon as he was close.

"Hey, how're you feeling?" He asked and I shrugged, not exactly sure how I was feeling. "Well, you know where to find me if you need anything." He said and I nodded with a smile.

"Thanks Helios. Now go find George." I joked and he smirked and nodded. The pair had a flirty relationship going on, but nothing serious. It's been going on for years though, Helios always had a soft spot for the Hufflepuff boy with the messy hair and tired eyes. I made my way over to the wagon that was going to lead us to the castle, I walked past the skeleton horses, holding out my hand to stroke them as I walked.

"You can see them too?" Ron whispered and I looked at him confused.

"You can't?" I asked and he took a deep breath. I looked at Luna who was smiling at me. Luna was one of the sweetest people I had ever met, her gentle nature was so heart warning. "Hey Luna, did you have a good summer?" I asked as I sat next to her, she nodded and I just smiled at her. George and I sat set to each other at the welcoming feast, staring around at our peers who had found their happiness from last term. It was nice to see everyone in high spirits, but I couldn't help but look over at Harry, his face full of so many emotions as Dumbledore spoke and then the woman in pink walked up. By the way she approached us all, I already knew she was a bitch.

"There are large changes coming soon, changes walking the fine line between order and chaos. Know only that these changes are for the best, and to prevent the destruction of our civilisation from its own decay. Thank you." She finishes her speech with a smile, a smile laced with evil and I look over to Harry who is staring at Umbridge. George nudges my shoulder and I turn to look at him.

"Somethings not sitting right." He said and I nodded, agreeing with him wholeheartedly. I went to look back at Harry, but my attention landed elsewhere. Draco was laughing with his friends, he looked tired, but still he was smiling. His gaze caught mine and for a good few seconds, we held eye contact, before he finally broke it. I stared down at my plate of food, closing my eyes and hoping this year would be normal.