Professor Malfoy

nine

Amelia felt her blood run cold. 

She hadn't prepared for this, but luckily for her, Malfoy didn't miss a beat as he offered his hand to Cardan.

"Professor Draco Malfoy, Amelia is my student. And you are...?"

Cardan hesitantly took Malfoy's hand but didn't break eye contact.

"Cardan Blackwood, her older brother. A pleasure, professor."

Amelia could tell Cardan was being sarcastic when he said, 'a pleasure'. Realizing she should probably say something at some point she racked her brain for words.

But she couldn't think of bloody anything.

"I hear my sister is your TA," Cardan said as he sipped a butter beer he was holding.

Malfoy nodded, "Yes, the best I've ever had by far."

"Is that right? I'm sure being a TA has many...benefits." 

Amelia's face grew red, "Of course, strictly academically speaking." Cardan finished.

She wanted to kick him, she made a mental note to do so later. But, for the moment she stood seething and sending daggers at her brother. 

"Right well, it was a pleasure to meet you Mr. Blackwood. Miss. Blackwood, I'll see you in class." Malfoy gave them a nod, turned, and headed back towards the castle.

"Awfully quiet there sister." 

"What the fuck was that?" 

Cardan gave her a sarcastic smile, "Whatever do you mean? I've just met your Dark Arts Professor. Nothing wrong with that. Unless, you two are perhaps something mo-"

Amelia scoffed, "We're not."

This was true, they had never established exactly what they were, Amelia thought. 

"Good, then let's get back inside. It's colder than a witch's tit out here."

________________________________

The next morning, Cardan was on the first train back.

"I'd stay longer but apparently things at the ministry are an utter mess without me. But I'll see you Christmas break, yeah?"

Amelia nodded, she never stayed at the castle for Christmas. 

"Well then little sister, take care. I'll miss you." He gave her a tight squeeze and was off. 

Amelia would be lying if she said she hadn't felt a slight tug of heart as she watched the train pull away. 

Later that afternoon, she was due at Malfoy's office to help grade per her usual TA duties. 

He was sitting at his usual spot behind his desk. 

"Hello, Miss. Blackwood." 

She gave him a shy smile as she shut the door behind her. 

She had so many questions. 

Yet, as her eyes fell on his face, she felt as though she was seeing him for the first time. There were creases by his eyes, dark circles under his eyes, and a small set of wrinkles on his forehead.

Physical evidence of a stressful life. 

"Are you just going to stand there? Sit." He ordered her. 

"Watch your tone, professor." But still, she listened and sat on the couch beside his desk.

Malfoy sucked in his bottom lip as he turned in his chair to face her.