Always. (A Draco Malfoy Story)

In the library.

Days go by after my encounter with Draco in the classroom. Everyone is still gossiping of how the Slytherin Prince "deflowered" the me the first weekend back.

-

I roam around the library, trying to find an empty table for me to study on.
After looking through many aisles with no luck, I see familiar faces with an extra seat available.

"Can I sit here?"

Harry, Ron and Hermione look up from their books. They nod and motion for me to take the empty chair.

After a few minutes of sheer silence, Hermione asks me, "Are you ok, Joy?"

"Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

After getting no response, I look up from my textbooks to see them all exchanging looks.

I take a deep sigh, "I guess you heard about the party then."

Ron leans forward to whisper, "Is it true?"

Hermione slaps Ron on his shoulder.
He winced at the impact.
I don't blame him, he's just curious.

"No, it's not." I chuckle, "It was easier to play along than try to convince everyone otherwise."

Silence surrounded us once again.

Harry speaks up, "We didn't believe it when we heard."

I nod, "Thanks."

Hermione and Ron leave the library first, leaving just Harry and I.

I continued to study, but notice that Harry was a tad bit paranoid, constantly looking over his shoulder.

"Are you ok? I heard about you and the dementors on the train," I asked in a hushed whisper.

"I'm surviving," He tried to focus on his books now.

I leaned over to him, "I think I would've fainted too, if I ever came across one up close."

He looks at me, and I respond with a reassuring smile.

-

Mother and Father,

I hope Rue finds you well. My first few weeks here have been mediocre. Have I told you I've gotten into Slytherin? Father, you must be proud. Classes are fine. Tori is doing good.
I hope you both are safe. Please, please be safe.

Always,
Joy

I tie the parchment to Rue's leg and send him off. I watch him fly into the moon and disappear out of my sight.

I didn't hear back from them after I sent my owl. I rarely get a response back from them when they're off on business. I guess sometimes no news is better than bad news.