The Words That Bind Us - Malfoy

4.

I don't remember ever getting to my bed, but when I opened my eyes, that's where I was. I pulled myself out of the warm bed, grabbing my blue sweater and skirt. I could feel the bags under my eyes sitting heavy on my face, but it wasn't worth covering up. I practically groaned all the way to the great hall. Why the absolute hell did I stay up so late?

My eyes scanned the tables as I searched for Neville and Luna. My eyes fell on Draco and I gave him a warm smile and slight wave. His eyes darted away quickly though, as if he wanted me to think he didn't see me. I don't know why he insists on isolating himself. If only he could see himself for what he truly is. He treats himself so poorly, and it's uncalled for.

I continued to look around until I saw Neville and Luna sitting with a few others. I walked over and was greeted by them, along with Ginny and Pansy. Pansy is someone who always surprises me. She was a lot like Draco, in ways, before the war. But after she swapped sides and helped Ginny, we've seen that she too was only misunderstood.

"Hey guys! Is this seat taken?" I asked enthusiastically, hovering over the empty seat.

"It's all yours hun." Pansy smiled, looking up as she doodled something over her forearm. She was drawing over her...dark mark. She did this fairly often, painting and drawing over it so that it represents something of beauty instead of evil. I swear she's destined to be a tattoo artist, but she claims that isn't 'magical' enough for her.

Ginny and Luna were talking quietly about yesterday's quidditch match when the owls flooded the room with morning mail. I spotted my mother's owl coming towards me with a few things, and it dropped several envelopes in my lap. Getting mail was nothing unusual, but there was something peculiar about one of the envelopes. It had no name. All it said was "secret admirer". I shoved it to the bottom of the stack, my cheeks reddening with embarrassment. I would have to open this alone, so that my reactions can be masked.

~

My back slid down to the ground against the cold bathroom wall, as I took a seat in the empty room. I pulled out the odd note, and carefully opened its seal. The page had a few words, and only a few words.

"You have caught my eye, Rosalind."

Who could have possibly sent me this? And more importantly, who calls me by my full first name? Questions flooded my mind, but I could hear the footsteps of students coming towards the door. I jumped up and shoved the letter in my robes, heading out the door and to class.