WHEN GODS SLEEP - DRACO M.

SEVEN.

WHEN GODS SLEEP
Chapter Seven

         'Prove it.'

          Draco's words appeared to reverberate in the back of her head, lingering around the two in an echo of defiance. Epione, who often had a lot to say, seemed caught in a trial of thrill and confusion and her feelings, ever so quiet when it concerned the blond. Perhaps such was only but an unconscious filter, years in the making, her being's attempt at emotional blockage.

          And though it was expected of her, a woman of her upbringing, to remain placid and observe rather than tattle, it was due to her caution that he never came to know the truth of her feelings. She resented it dearly now, and even more so at the sight of gelid grey eyes, hooded with misunderstandings.

          He observed her as well, not so much in curiosity as in impatience. Only the groans of disgust of the Slytherin table tugged her back with a blink, the reality of a trashing heart washing over her. She could barely perceive the whines over a snogging couple amidst the loud, irregular beat muffling her ears.

         Draco, however, took the opportunity to yet again inch closer to her, just enough to avoid someone overhearing, but enough to send her blushing furiously.

         'Talk to your mum.' He said, and his tone remained so harsh it ran a chill down her spine, 'Ask her—no, demand for the marriage to be cancelled. And you will show me both your letter and her response.'

          It flashed through her mind - the day spent between her dearest, innocent friends and sweets. She turned her head towards him, back straight, forcing him to set a safer distance. 'You know my mother, Draco. I can't say no, and neither can you.'

          'Then how the fuck should I believe you?' He spat, voice dropping to that of a whisper.

          'Why would you even think I asked for this to begin with?'

          He grumbled, the trepidation in his chest reaching her in a soft wave. Though he surely had a smart remark to make, it was cut short by the loud rustling of bags and footsteps as time for class arrived. When they stood up and she prepared to flee, he caught a hold of her wrist.

           'We'll talk about this today, Grimaldi.' She could only nod, conscious of the prying eyes studying their exchange.

          As green and silver clad sixth years began making their way towards the Defense Against the Dark Arts classroom, Daphne was quick to rush to her side, delicate arms intertwining in hers.

          'You alright?' She asked, frowning.

          Epione nodded in response, joining her hand with the brunette that appeared on her other side. Tracey's voice was unusually soothing. 'We were thinking, me and Daph, that maybe we should do something for Lisa. To cheer her up, before the holidays come. Someone's owled their mum about her already, she said.'

           Her brows shot up in surprise. 'And it reached hers?'

           The girls nodded, and before Epione could interject, continued, 'She didn't want to bother you yesterday, thought you had enough on your plate. Her mum didn't believe them but...'

          She understood. Lisa's parents weren't half as strict and overbearing as her own, but no mother would rejoice at the prospective of a child at the mere age of 16. And she would have to tell her, in barely two months – how could she? Her heart ached for her friend, who'd grown so much quieter and unbearably sad since the Hogsmeade visit. And, though they'd done their very best to keep her company, she still refused to fully open to them.