To Be (Draco Malfoy x Emerald Black)

XXXXXII

The next few weeks passed with ease; classes were normal, the pace of the days stayed the same. Harry would talk to me in between the passing hours I didn't see Draco. Him and I were going to start training soon. To improve our magic. Harry has conjured a patronus, but I haven't. I wasn't sure what mine was. Either way, it would be exhilarating to do something new for once.

As for Draco, he wasn't allowing me to help him with the cabinet. He said he would tell Voldemort; give me some credit, so he didn't do anything to me. He seriously didn't want me involved; but little did he know, I was. With every given day he would leave and go to the room of requirements. I've tried entering a few times but he always shoved me out, said to leave him be. Since that night he broke down in my arms, he's been cold and distant since. The most he's done was drag me away from Zabini whenever he was within 100 feet of me. That was his foolish way of reassuring me. He slept in his Prefect room some nights, others he joined me when I was already out.

I had a feeling he was mentally distancing himself and preparing for the worst; I've tried talking to the boy but all he does is shove me off over and over again. He knew the time was coming, and that time was now- in a couple months to be exact. He hated who he was even though he pretended he was the best. He stopped making fun of others; he was never here to even do it.

I don't know where the boy I knew went. The cocky one that would smile over making a nasty joke to someone in another house. I preferred that over distant Draco. This Draco was so closed off from everyone, he didn't even notice I was here anymore it felt.

I put my hand up to my cold locket. Where was the loving Draco who did heartfelt things- even silly- to show he cared for you?

I had a feeling he wasn't telling me something that occurred that night he shoved me out of the Malfoy manor. There was something that didn't sit right with me. He was so cold on that train. I bite my lip as I sit on the bed and close my notebook. My potions homework was finished and I had to study for my exams still. My head has been so scattered I've forgotten everything since before Christmas break. That, and when Draco was in class he barely managed to sneak a glance at me (to my knowledge). I hear a creak and I immediately stand up, hand on my wand. I was ready to brace myself for anything now; I had to be alert at all times.

"Who's there." I say harshly. The door was completely shut so I knew someone was there. I walk towards the door, and I could already tell there was a presence behind it. I swing open my door and I have my wand held up to a throat.

"It's me! It's me." It was Daphne. I couldn't believe it. I shake my head and lower my wand. "Sorry to startle, I was unsure how to approach you." She looks down.

"I wonder why." I raise an eyebrow at her. "Say what you have to say then leave." I spit.

"Was just coming to apologize you know- I've been-"

"A slutty blit?" I smile sarcastically.

"Whatever you want to say- I just want you to know I don't blame you for... yeah."

"Oh, you don't blame me?" I laugh and lick my lips. "I don't want to hear it." I jab my wand into her chest. "Is that all?" She nods.

"Then. Leave." I say slowly.

"But Em-"

"You don't get to call me that." I say flat.

"What's going on here?" A tall man, with a familiar voice approaches. Snape. His facially lowered features are illuminated by the moonlight. His black hair was set to his shoulders and disheveled. He lifts his head up at me.

"She was just leaving, Professor." I grind.

"You heard the girl, Ms. Greengrass. I suppose you don't want detention after hours again, will you?" He raises an eyebrow and cocks his head to the side.

"No, Professor." She gives me a sorrowful look and walks down the hallway quickly.

"Ms... Black." I look up to Snape. "Stay safe." He slowly says. I'm left agape as he turns around and walks down the hall. Snape was the mysterious man you thought knew every dark secret there was- and maybe he did. Who knows. He was a mystery- and all everyone knew was that he was utterly in love with Lily, Harry's mother. Unrequited, at that fact. I frown; what if that becomes of Draco and I? I click the door shut and head through the bathroom to the entrance of Draco's room. I knock softly.

"Draco?" I heard rummaging. I knew he could hear me. I take it upon myself to enter the room. He was tearing through things and there were papers and books scattered everywhere.

"Draco! What the bloody hell?" I throw my arms up and he looks at me.

"I need to get this done. I need to-" I walk over to him and place his face in between my hands.

"Stop. Take a breath. I told you I'd help you, now is the time to ask for-" he slaps my hands down. I look down and my mouth opens slightly to contest him.

"I don't want your bloody help. I don't need anyone." His voice cracks. My heart felt too shattered to say much back, let alone argue with him. His hair was messed and his clothes were wrinkles, eyes dark and alert. He was doing this to himself now; I offered. So many times.

"Have it your way then, Draco." I felt a tear escape down my left cheek and I try to wipe it before he can see it but he looks shocked as if he just realized what he's done.

"Emerald, I-"

"Leave me alone, please." I turn to walk out of the room and stop at the exit to the bathroom. "If you come into my room, I'll hit you twice as hard." I slam the door behind me and I hear him call after me. I didn't care. We could fix this after this whole thing was over. I throw myself onto the bed, smelling him. I bring my hand to my locket and squeeze it. Cold again.