The Space Between The Stars: Draco Malfoy

Year One: Can't Sleep

"I have what they call the Pensieve gift, you see."

Daphne and I sat in the common room alone. We decided it would be best to let Mia and Pansy sleep in peace, although Mia looked terrified to be left with her.

Daphne continued talking. "...a Pensieve can recall extracted memories as vividly as if you were there. I am a living Pensive. Every memory in my mind is vivid and current. It's a curse, sometimes, but today... I was able to remember you."

I wasn't sure what to say. "So...are we... cousins...or..."

"I believe so. Of course, you were so young when you left, no one ever bothered to explain our relation, what with us being babies and all."

"Makes sense."

"I just can't believe you're here. We can finally all be a family again..."

Her smile faded. "Of course, you unfortunately never got to meet Astoria. I'm sorry for that. She was brilliant."

We sat there for a second. Me, mourning yet another family member I never got to meet, and her, reliving the best of Astoria.

"I'm not sure if your parents want to meet me. Or even know that I'm here..."

She sighed. "Honestly, I don't know either. They way they never talk about you... I cant help but wonder why."

I appreciated her honesty but it still kinda hurt to hear. "I honestly dont even know that they'll make that connection."

Daphne nodded. "Even if they do, they wont automatically assume I know. They've never really fully understood just how strong my gift is."

At that moment, Crabbe came down the stairs, rubbing his eyes. I turned to him. "What's wrong?"

He shrugged. "Can't sleep."

Daphne tapped me. "I think I'm going to go upstairs. You coming?"

I looked back to Crabbe. "Yeah, I'll be up in a minute."

I made my way over to him. "Do you want a Sleeping Draught? I think there's some in this cupboard...the prefects showed us..."

He shook his head. "I'm rather adverse to Sleeping Draughts. Have trouble wakin up after... could be dangerous. It's just...my mum would always sing me to sleep when I was at home, but now...''

He seemed a little embarrassed. "Don't tell the other boys."

I nodded. "Do you want me to stay down here with you? Until you fall asleep?"

He grinned, looking relieved. "Yeah, I'd like that."

We sat down on the couch, facing the window. I pointed to a murky figure swimming in the distance. "It's Slytherin's best kept secret that there are merpeople in the lakes. None of the other houses know."

Crabbe nodded, before putting his feet up on the couch. "Do you mind if I..."
"Oh, yeah, of course."
He laid down on the couch, his head resting on my leg. I let my hand fall to the side of his head and started stroking the side of his face with my thumb absentmindedly.

"Izzy?"
"Yeah?"
"This place is really scary sometimes."
" I know."

Crabbe really was a huge softy. I know he felt like he had to be tough and strong and grown because Draco and Goyle expected him to be, but I could tell he was more scared than anyone else. I was surprised at myself. I had never really had a loving mother of my own until recently, and yet, I felt myself feeling as if I needed to protect Crabbe at all costs. In a strangely maternal manner. He was becoming like a little brother of sorts. I feel that this was the moment that solidified that bond. I sure as hell didn't sing for him, but I did hum a little. When he finally fell asleep, he was still using my leg as a pillow. I sighed. Looked like I would be there all night. Luckily, there was a bookshelf right next to me, so I decided to read up on the subjects for my classes tomorrow. When the sun finally came up, I wasn't as exhausted as I thought I would be.

I still did have rather rotten luck, though.

I felt a strong hand clamp down on my shoulder from behind. A familiar voice hissed, "What the hell is this? Izz, you're eleven. Far too young to be staying up with a boy. And you really didn't waste any time, either, giving me a heart attack!I mean, on your first night?!?" Of course Jason would be the first person in the whole entire house to wake up. I angrily whispered back, "It's not like that at all. He couldn't sleep, and I was already down here, so-

"Just you wait until I tell Caleb!"

"You wouldn't dare!"

"Oh yes, I would-

"Is it time for breakfast yet?" A voice interrupted. Crabbe was awake.