Dark Marks; Draco Malfoy (18+)

e i g h t

Draco's perspective - December

Being with Violet had some with some challenges. Of course, I was the root of those problems. Sometimes when she would reach for my hand in the hallways, I would instinctively pull my hand away. Guilt would immediately consume me when I saw a flash of hurt on her pretty face. Affection was always hard for me, especially in public. My father didn't want to make me soft with affection so I hardly got any when I was growing up. My mother, the saint she was, would always try her best to show me little affections when my father wasn't looking, but I knew she was as afraid of him as I was.

Violet seemed to understand my struggle to be affectionate towards her in public. I always tried to make up for it when we were alone or when nobody was looking, but sometimes I feared it wasn't enough for her. She was so unconditionally loving towards me and I often questioned if I deserved her affections.

I was happy though, for the first time in a long time. Since the Dark Lord's return, she had been a glimmer of light in the dark cloud that shrouded our lives. Christmas break was fast approaching and I was dreading the time we would have to spend apart.

"Oi, mate," Theo said, "Are you going home for holidays?"

I looked across the Slytherin table in the Great Hall at him, "Not sure yet," I shrugged, "I probably don't have a choice, I think my parents want me home."

"Too bad," he grinned at me, "I've managed to get my hands on some firewhiskey and certain muggle herb to keep myself entertained over the break. I would've shared it if you were here."

I raised my eyebrows, that piqued my interest. "Well... Perhaps we don't have to wait until the holiday. Could always have a small gathering in the dorm."

"It is Friday," he nodded slowly, "Let's tell the boys, I have enough for all of us. You could invite Violet if you wanted, I'm sure Blaise would bring Pansy anyways." He rolled his eyes.

I grimaced, Blaise and Pansy were somewhat insufferable. They weren't dating but couldn't seem to keep their hands to themselves. When I asked Blaise what was going on with them, he claimed they were just shagging but I saw right through him. I wasn't sure what he saw in Pansy, they were basically opposites, but he seemed to like her more than for just her body.

"Yeah, mate," I responded to Theo, "I'll tell her. God, I don't want to have to watch Blaise and Pansy all night though."

"Tell me about it," Theo rolled his eyes once more, "I'm grateful that you and Vi aren't all over each other like they are. I don't think I would be able to handle two of you."

"I prefer to keep my affections private," I smirked a little.

"Thank Merlin for that," Theo replied.

"So what's up with you and Greengrass?" I inquired.

Theo and Daphne had shagged a handful of times since the school year started.

"Nothing, mate. She's just a shag, one of many at that." He grinned mischievously.

Unlike Blaise, Theo was telling the truth about Daphne just being a shag. He had probably slept with five girls since the school year had started three months ago. Daphne, however, was the only one he slept with more than once.

"You know," Theo continued, "I was surprised she even wanted to shag. I always thought she had a thing for you."

"I thought she did too," I shrugged. I caught Daphne looking at me every once in a while, "guess she gave up when she found out about Vi."