Agony [Draco Malfoy]

02

CHAPTER TWO

"Very best of evenings to you all," Dumbledore began his usual speech.

Liz sat at the very end of the Slytherin table, trying not to glare at everyone who stared at her. Not only Slytherins but nearly the entire school seemed to be shocked by her return. She'd always been quite popular but with the death of her brother it seemed like her name was being mentioned in every conversation.

"First off, let me introduce the newest member of our staffing, Horace Slughorn." an older man sat at the teacher table, he wore a hat and had a smudge smile on his wrinkly face. She remembered her mother telling her about the Professor and his infamous Slug Club. She made a mental note to make a good impression, if only just to bring good news home to her parents.

"Professor Slughorn has agreed to resume his old post as Potions master. Meanwhile the post of Defense Against the Dark Arts will be taken by Professor Snape."

Nearly all the Slytherin students cheered hearing their favorite teacher finally got his much wanted teacher's position. To Liz' surprise Draco showed no excitement what so ever, he seemed lost in thoughts. Normally he'd be the one cheering the loudest but now he seemed unimpressed.

"Now as you know, each and every one of you was searched upon your arrival here tonight and you have the right to know why. Once there was a young man, who, like you sat in this very hall, walked this castle's corridors, slept under its roof. He seemed to all the world a student like any other. His name? Tom riddle."

Liz clenched her fists, having trouble hearing his former name, Voldemort's former name. Her time of being scared for that name had long passed, all that was left in her was a raging fury towards the dark wizard.

"Today, of course he's known all over the world by another name. Which is why, as I stand looking out upon you all tonight, every day, every hour, this very minute perhaps dark forces attempt to penetrate this castle's walls. But in the end, their greatest weapon is you. Just something to think about. Now off to bed, pip-pip."

Liz watched the students leaving the great hall in big crowds. She on the other hand couldn't bring herself to stand, she didn't have the courage to face all the Slytherins in their common room.

"Liz," her name being called broke her train of thoughts and she shot her head up at the tall dark skinned boy standing across her table "can we talk?"

Liz sighed in relief that Blaise even wanted to talk to her at all. She smilingly stood up grabbing his hand he reached out for her. When they were about to leave, she watched over her shoulder at Malfoy who seemed to be already looking at her. His eyes were filled with unknown trouble but Liz decided it wasn't her business and followed Blaise out the great hall.

Blaise led her to a deserted corridor and together they sat down in a window seat. Each waited for the other to speak until they suddenly faced each other, both opening their mouths to talk. They snickered and Liz quickly waved her hand saying "You go first."

Blaise took a deep breath as if gathering courage. He looked her deeply in the eyes and said "I honestly don't know where to begin, but are you ok?"

Liz had expected to hear that question more than once. It was the one question she failed to answer correctly. No answer felt correct, they all seemed fake and made up because the truth was she had no idea how to express her feelings in words.

"I don't know how to answer that question. I didn't want to come back but here I am. It's this place, everything just keeps reminding me of my fucked up life."

Blaise felt nothing but understanding towards his female friend and instinctively wrapped an arm around her petite shoulder. He squeezed it reassuringly.

"I wouldn't know how hard it must be for you, I'm sorry, Liz. Know that I don't blame you for leaving."

Liz looked up and smiled looking at her friend. Though she felt uneasy being back at Hogwarts reuniting with Blaise was better than she imagined. It reminded her of the best friendship she ever had and it made her flood with guilt that she treated him poorly.

"I'm sorry, Blaise. I should've at least contacted you,"  she said, looking into his dark brown eyes.

"I understand why you didn't, I don't blame you. I have to admit it's been really boring without you." he chuckled and earned a faint smile from Liz which he honestly loved to see.

"I missed you," Liz admitted. Blaise smiled and pulled her into his embrace. He pressed his face into her hair and mumbled "I missed you too, Liz."

Pressing her face into his warm chest she realized how much she actually needed a hug. Blaise was one of the few people she felt comfortable enough around to open up. There had always been two more people that gave her the same easiness, her brother and Draco. But now that her brother passed away and her and Draco were both angry with one another Blaise was the only one she felt comfortable around.

"It's been weird without having you around," Blaise said as he pulled back. The two leaned back against the wall, feeling the comforting company of each other return like old times. Liz pulled her legs up and faced her male friend.

"Anything interesting happen when I was gone?"

"Draco's been kind of distracted lately." he said carefully as if not wanting to talk about him without her permission. She lowered her head, fiddling with the hem of her shirt.

"You don't say, I saw him beating the shit out of Potter. Don't get me wrong, Potter still annoys the shit out of me but after what happened to him and my brother— he's earned my respect."

"It's because of his father, he's locked up in Azkaban." Blaise said and Liz' eyes widened in realization. No wonder Draco seemed full of anger, more than usual.

"So, he takes it out on Harry? That's nothing new to me." Liz said, letting out a huffing sound.

"He's been talking a lot about you, mentioning you in every possible conversation."

"Why? He's the one who fucked it all up." Liz huffed annoyedly.

"He knows what he's done, even though he doesn't admit it I know he hates himself for it." Blaise said.

"Pansy and Draco deserve each other, I'm better off without him anyways."

Blaise smirked and nodded proudly saying "Exactly, to hell with them. They're not going to ruin our fun."

"Whatever you say, Zabini." she playfully bumped her shoulder against his. He chuckled and jumped off the window seat.

"Now, how about we go on our usual food raids? I heard the kitchen elves aren't coming until tomorrow."

Liz raised an eyebrow and smirked. She grabbed his outstretched hand and jumped off the window seat. "I thought you'd never ask, I'm starving!"