𝑯𝑨𝑷𝑷𝒀 𝑬𝑵𝑫𝑰𝑵𝑮𝑺 | D. Malfoy

chapter eight

We make our way to dinner together from the common room. As we approuch the table with all our friends, all eyes turn to us. I hadn't yet had the chance to explain to Blaise and Terry about what had happened, but they had undoubtedly heard from the rumors that spread or Pansy and Morgan.

Blaise steps up, eyes swimming with sadness. "I'm so sorry, Nova." He says, walking towards me, arms open. "I had no idea that was happening to you." He pulls me into his chest for a hug.

"It's okay, Blaise. It's over now." I reply

"It's not right."

Blah blah

"So you're a free woman now anyway. Probably one of the only ones our age I'd say." Pansy speaks up as we sit down. "God, at least something good came out of this for you." She places her arm on my shoulder and I try not to cringe away.

"About that." I trail of, glancing over to Draco.

"She's not free." He seeths, looking upset. "She's partnered with me." He shakes his head as his frustrated gaze meets mine. I swallow, lowering my head.

"No." Pansy whispers at the same time Morgan exclaims loudly. "What the fuck! How can they do that to you." She seeths. "And no offence, Malfoy, but this isn't about you. I mean how can anyone go into a new relationship after what she's been through." Morgan gestures to me. 

"Surely they can't actually be serious. The Ministry have gone absolutely bonkers." Terry gapes.

"How are you feeling?" Pansy asks from beside me, wrapping her arm around my shoulder.

I shrug. "I don't really have any choice but to accept this, so it doesn't really matter what I feel. " I mutter, sighing softly. The screeching of a chair being pushed back makes me lift my head in time to see Draco storming away from the table.

"What's his problem?" Terry ask quizically.

I watch him leave, storming across the Great Hall in a couple large strides, shoulders tense and back ramrod straight. Was he angry with me? My stomach sinks as conversation continues. I don't say much for the rest of the evening, just soaking up the atmosphere among my friends, enjoying their company after not being able to do so with Smith nearby. In the common room, another silly discussion is in the works and I watch amused as Morgan and Blaise argue over who should change their surname. 

"Morgan Zabini sounds so badass, babe. I want to change my name." Morgan almost whines. Blaise shakes his head. " I won't let you change your name. It's an outdated construct. If you do, I'll have to be Blaise Lee."

"No, Blaise that sounds weird." Morgan huffs. 

"Jesus, guys. Just combine them." Terry huffs from beside an amused Pansy.

"Hmm. I suppose Morgan Lee Zabini does sound pretty cool still." Morgan muses. "Finally!" Blaise exclaims. "Thank you, Boot, for your constructive feedback. That's what we like to see." He points a finger at Terry. "You got lucky with him, Pans." He winks. Pansy hums and beside her Terry blushes. She reaches up to pets his cheek, making his blush darken and Pansy chuckle.

"I think I'm going to head to bed guys." I say, standing up from the armchair I was occupying. "I had a nice evening." I smile. 

"Night, Nova." They chorus. I turn into the corridor leading to Draco's room, wondering where he is. He didn't return to dinner, and nor was he in the common room. I had been half hoping he was in the room, but when my knock goes unanswered, I realize he's somewhere else. 

Standing outside the door, I wonder what to do. Going in feels like a breach of privacy, seing as I haven't been in there before, even thought it is techincally my room now too. But it still feels weird going inside. Uncertanty grips me and I end up standing outside the door, eyes glued to the handle, debating my options. Just as I conclude I'll wait, I hear steps behind me. I turn to face Draco emerging from the corridor, hair tousled and brows raised at the sight of me.