The Dragon Variation

Chapter Thirteen

Stars

Draco Malfoy

She cut deep into me this time. I felt like deer in headlights, completely unguarded, unfortified and unarmed. I dropped my guard entirely, right in front of her.

I felt like I was in exile from her, she avoided me, and I avoided her. I'm tearing myself about between utter hatred for her, but also an undying desire to be with her.

I am done for today. I have spent all fucking weekend trying to fix this fucking thing and I am no way near close, especially now I am more distracted than ever.

I drag myself back to the common room after a long fucking day. I loosen my tie and undo the links in my cuffs, not paying much attention to my surrounding I catch in the corners of my eye Ophelia being herded by Snape and her father into a head office secretively, like they were some sort of bodyguards. Snape swings his head into my exact direction. 

He shoots me an unimpressed look of disapproval. 

Great, someone else who thinks I'm incapable. 

I quickly avert my eyes and drop my head to continue walking to the common room. I find a handful of fellow Slytherins sitting around the tables chatting and giggling, enjoying each other's company.

Eden and Blaise settled comfortable in our usual spot on the sofas by the fire. They both pause in their conversation and peer over at me, watching me sit down. I throw my blazer onto the seat next to me and slouch into my usual spot.

"Hey," Eden gives me a sweet smile looking over at me with soft eyes.

"Hi," I sigh. I just need sleep.

"Are you okay, Malfoy...?" She expresses a concerned tone in her voice.

"Yeah...we're a bit worried about you, Draco," Blaise reiterates.

"I'm fine."

"Well, you dropped out of Quidditch and you've not been eating...and your night terrors are getting worse mate...your screams at night is getting out of contr-"

"Guys. Stop. I'm fine." I roll my eyes to the back of my head in an act of frustration. You guys wouldn't understand.

"No, Draco. I am your best friend, and you are mine. I am not going to sit here and watch you if you're struggling. What happened to the Draco that plays pranks and hits on every other girl here? Where's my 'cheeky Draco' gone...Are you depressed...Draco?" Eden sympathies.

"I'm not struggling Eden, I'm not depressed...I-.. I just...need a break that's all, half-term is coming up so-"

"Draco, Olli told me."

God does this girl ever keep her fucking mouth shut.

I huff and flop my head into the leather sofa headrest.

"She said she had upset you and that she's sorry. Believe me when she told me about fart face Formi I gave her a serve reprimanding, but she is sorry,"

"Drop it. Just drop it Eden, I don't want to talk about it,"

"Well, I know its cliche but if you ever wanna talk Draco, I'm-... we're all here,"

"Thanks, Ed,"

"You know I hate that nickname, but I'll let it slide this time," She gives me comforting grin.

I have grown up with Eden, at least since the age of 11-years-old, even though I'm older than her by a few months, she's like a big sister to me. I always thought of myself as being the big brother but, in reality she the one who looks after me. It's just her nature I guess, to look after everyone.