Chemistry ; draco malfoy

t w e n t y f i v e

theo carries me on his back to the hufflepuff common room, i'm completely drained. my body aches and i feel like if one more inconvenience happens i'll just shut down. i cannot handle another let down.

the common room is alive with noise when we enter, everyone seems to be freaking out. i'm only able to catch tidbits of conversation here and there, all out of order.

"the dementors-" my head snaps around to try to find whoever's talking, but all the conversations just merge together. i place my hands on the neck of theo's shoulders and push gently, signalling to him to let me down.

i stand at the edge of the stairs, trying to listen in on the closest conversation.

"-escaped, i mean that's just irresponsible." the guy speaking scoffs, throwing his hands in the air exasperatedly. he continues shortly after. "what happened to it being the most highly surveillance's prison?" i can't take it anymore, i need to know what's wrong. i take a few steps forward and tap him on the shoulder.

i don't recognize his face, he has dark brown eyes and mousey hair, he looks to be in about fourth year. "what's everyone talking about?" i ask him.

his eyebrows shoot up at my question.

"you- you don't know?" he stutter out in shock. i shake my head, my stomach sinks in worry. "bellatrix lestrange's cell was found empty." my jaw drops when i hear the news. there's no way that's possible. azkaban has dementors, they're on a secluded island for merlins sake.

"how do you know?" i ask, hoping that he's just playing a twisted trick on me.

"dumbledore announced it at lunch, were you not there?" he asks, tilting his head slightly. oh gods. i'm gonna be sick. i turn hastily to rush up the stairs, i hear theo and jules both running behind me. i push the door to our dorm open and make a b-line for the washroom. i kneel over the toilet, clutchng the sides in my clammy hands. i sit and retch over it for who knows how long, nothing comes out. i haven't eaten much lately. jules pets my hair gently as i gag over the toilet, comforting me to the best of her ability.

there's only one thing on my mind right now: draco. it took only seconds for me to put the pieces together in my head. merlin, i can't imagine how this is affecting him. with one final wipe of my mouth i shakily stand, dusting off my knees as i do so.

"i uh- i'd like to sleep." i make my way toward my dresser, grabbing out a forest green sweater and a pair of black shorts. i look over my shoulder, watching as theo kisses jules goodbye. i feel a lang in my heart, i know that it's jealousy. i'm jealous that they have what i want.

i change quickly once theo leaves, trying to think of an excuse to tell jules. my eyes light up slightly when i find a way out.

"i'm gonna go down to the kitchens," i tell her, looking over to where she's sitting on her bed, lazily flicking her wand to conjure a miniature storm.

"want me to come?" she asks, adding some lightning to her storm. i shake my head lightly.

"no, it's best if i go alone. to clear my head." my voice is soft, i hope she believes me. she gives me a small, comforting smile before focusing back on her small, grey clouds.

i push through the crowded common room, trying my best to block out everyone's conversation. i'm riddled with anxiety as i walk toward the slytherin common room, the closer i get the faster i walk. by the time i'm rounding the last few corners i've broken out into a full on sprint.

i bang on the entrance impatiently. merlin, they really should just give me the password.

this time it's pansy who opens the door. she stares down at me, seemingly in shock of a hufflepuff standing in front of her. i shove past her, knocking my shoulder against hers as i run by. i rush up the stairs leading to the boys dormitory, searching for dracos room.

"alohomora." i bring my wand up to his door, it unlocks and slowly creaks open. once i slip through i shut it behind me. luckily for me, theo must've had other plans because he's nowhere in sight.

dracos eyes are closed as he lays on his bed.

"hello," is all he says before standing up and looking out the window, watching the giant squid float around in the green water. his eyes never once glanced at me.

"glad you're here." he blindly reaches his hand onto his nightstand, he grabs a quill and a loose piece of parchment. he places them on the ledge of the window, writing without looking at it. once he's finished he hands it to me, keeping his gaze glued to the window.

i assume you've heard?
kick the ground once for yes, and twice for no

i scoff slightly, what is he playing at? however, i'll take whatever communication i can get. i stomp my foot down once.

he reaches his hand out for the paper, i pass it back to him. he scratches the quill against it once again. he passes it back.

i can't look at you
aunt bella will use whatever it takes to finish this
if she uses legilemency on me and sees you in my memories she will kill you.
stay away from me, please.
stomp once if you understand.

the writing blurs together, messy and hard to read.
i can't understand, yet i can't risk it. i stomp my foot once more, feeling defeated. i take a step closer to him.

"don't look at my face, i haven't any makeup on." i lie, knowing that i'm safe as long as he doesn't look at my face. i don't want him to turn his head in shock so i use this as a way of warning him. i link my pinky with his, giving it a small squeeze before turning around and leaving.