Cuts Run Deep

Apologizing

~Draco's POV~

Perfect. I'd never been able to gather all the ingredients for Sleeping Draught before. Since we were making it in class, I figured I could grab a vial of it. 

The reason I needed this potion was for one good night of sleep. Just one. I've tried everything else. Simple potions, spells, charms. Nothing worked. Dreams always seem to reach me with a cold, unfriendly grasp. 

That was also why I tried to be so serious while working on the potion. I HAD to get this right. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't. I was glad Harry was there though. He's great company and he makes everything seem brighter. I can't help but smile when he's around. I know we've only been friends for a couple of days, but somehow I feel better. Like he keeps me tethered to reality. My will to live. I don't know why, but I won't object to it either.

~

When we're almost to the classroom, Harry spots Ron. He waves him over. He stiffens a bit but reluctantly comes over. Harry whispers something to him. He nods and looks over at me with a faint smile. I smile back. Without any words, we walk into class and sit down, Harry in between Ron and I.

There is a new professor this year. Professor Swellthrop. I imagine it was hard to find someone to take the position after the war and they just went with what they had. That just happened to be Swellthrop. He's a good enough teacher, but that was all he was. No one really knew anything else about him. He never talked to students after or between classes. He's also super strict about students talking during his class. He's not afraid to take house points and give out detentions to anyone who speaks a word in his class. It's a bit extreme.

The first couple of minutes of class, I wasn't really paying attention to Swellthrop. He was talking about some spell. It sounded pretty boring and basic, so I tuned him out. I found myself staring at Harry instead. I tried to memorize him. Every feature. From his jaw to the way his glasses rested crookedly on his nose...

He must have felt my gaze because he turned and smirked at me. I look away and blush. Why did I keep getting flustered around him? I don't like him. I'm straight. Right? I push back the thought. My forearm starts to ache. I really need to change the bandages. I'll do that after class I guess. I sigh and try to pay attention.

~

Class was super boring. We didn't cast any spells, just listened to Swellthrop drone on and on about one. He didn't even try to make it interesting either. Hearing the words You're dismissed was like music to my ears. I grab my things and rush for the door.

"Draco!" I stop in the hallway when I hear Harry's voice. I turn around to see the shorter boy coming towards me with Ron at his heels. I smile as they stop in front of me. "Someone has something they would like to say to you." Harry pushes Ron forward a bit. I raise my eyebrow and cross my arms.

"Alright, spit it out then." I say sarcastically. I already know what he's going to say, and I'm ready to forgive him too.

"Right, er-" Ron scratches the back of his neck. "I wanted to apologize for saying that to you earlier. That wasn't cool so um... I'm sorry."

I look down and smile a bit. "It's alright. I'm used to it. Thanks for apologizing. I think I owe you one too." I look back up to see he's a bit surprised. I continue. "I'm sorry for being so horrible to you and your friends all those years. I won't make excuses, but I truly am sorry. I hope you can forgive me someday."

Ron turns to Harry stunned and then turns back to me.

"Never thought I'd live to hear you apologize." Harry's eyes widen and he laughs hysterically. I roll my eyes and smile.

"Really? Is that necessary?" I pout, pretending to be offended.

Through his laughter, Harry says, "It's funny because that's the exact same thing I said!" Ron raises his eyebrows and I nod to let him know it's true. He starts laughing along with Harry. I shake my head and roll my eyes again, but I'm still smiling. I think that means he forgives me, or will at least tolerate me... That's good enough for now.

~

The classroom is close to Gryffindor common rooms, so Harry and Ron both head there after we say goodbye. I, on the other hand, head into the restroom across the hall. Once there, I make sure I'm alone. It seems to be clear. 

I walk over to the sink and slowly lift up the sleeve of my shirt. My knuckle hits a part of the bandage and I wince. It still hurts. Carefully, I unwrap the bloody bandages. It's been more than a day already and the wound still occasionally bleeds. At least the Dark Mark hasn't reappeared. Nothing but raw skin covers my left forearm. 

I turn the water on in the sink. I stick my arm underneath it and let the stream of water hit it. It stings, but I keep it there. I can't let it get infected. After cleaning out the raw skin, I grab the bandages from my robes. It's difficult to apply them. Even though I'm right handed, it's still hard to hold the bandage and wrap it at the same time. It doesn't help that it hurts for my arm to be touched by anything. 

Suddenly, the door swings open and a figure stumbles inside. I'm not finished wrapping my arm, so I shove it behind my back. The person who entered the room hasn't stood up. They're on the floor breathing heavily. I walk over to their side.

"Are you alright?" The person looks up at me startled and I'm shocked by the familiar face. They stand up hastily and face me.

"Draco?"

~~~~~~~~~

Thanks for reading! Have a good day.

❤-Fanon_is_better