The Words That Bind Us - Malfoy

1.

Tik. Tok. Tik. Tok. I can hear the clock mindlessly clacking as I squirm in my seat. The time never fails to pass slowly in muggle studies. Our professor, hardly compares to the last one. The one who was taken from us by—you know who, I feel silly, not saying his name. Most do now, as it has been months since the war. I just can't seem to bring myself to do it though.

I must admit, Hogwarts is different now. It has been since the war. Walking through the halls, the corridors feel empty. Bare. Don't get me wrong, there are students everywhere, but none of them seem to really be here. Just months ago, we were fighting a war and watching our friends die. Hell, we were fighting some of our friends. And yet, here we are. Taking classes together, eating meals together, and finishing the year that was robbed from us 7th years.

I look to my right to see Harry and Ron across the room, chatting under their breath as so not to get caught by Professor Kothe. Hermione is seated beside Ron, taking notes as usual. To my left, Draco and Blaise sit quietly with their heads down. I was shocked when I heard Draco was coming back. I know it must be hard on him, for all of his classmates to hate him. The names, the talking behind his back, the outright sneers; I feel bad for him. I cannot blame the students though, I guess. They didn't see him that night. They did not see the pain in his eyes. They did not see him shake as he pointed his wand at his own father. They did not see him run for escape, taking down death eaters as he ran for the forest. All they saw was a traitor. A death-eater. But I know better, I've seen his better with my own eyes.