Seeing Thestrals

It was odd seeing her there up to her arms in blood. Her white dress shirt was stained with it and her skirt was blotchy as well. Her once pristine socks were filthy as she walked in them without shoes. Her hair was sweat-drenched and a bit shiny from its lack of washing. Her face was too pale, her cheeks too flushed.

But Draco couldn't help but think that she looked beautiful.

The creature she was feeding looked up from its feast towards him with its skeletal eyes burning. It made a warning sound from deep in its throat, its wings tensing. It puffed air out of its gaping nostrils, the mist swirling around it for a moment before dissipating. But as soon as she placed her hand upon his nose, it calmed and turned its gaze on her. And with almost a resolved stance, it returned to its meal.

"Morin doesn't like you, Draco," she whispered, glancing over her shoulder, staring at him with sad mahogany eyes. "Why did you come out here?"

Draco walked up to her and wrapped his arms around her waist, not even caring when she placed her bloodstained hands over his laced ones. "Weasel was going off on how much you're possessed by the Dark Lord. He's afraid of you."

She surveyed her clothes ruefully. "I suppose he has a right to be. I look like the queen of the undead."

"You were merely feeding the Calvary."

She snorted, leaning back into his torso. "You know, to them everything is simple. It's almost comforting to see them."

"Comforting to see a creature that can only be viewed after someone as seen another die? I have a feeling that few would share your sentiments, love."

"Not that, just, you go through so much. You see too much and seeing a thestral almost makes it worth it, seeing something you would never know existed until you see the worst. Its like God's offering a gift."

"You've been spending too much time with Loony Lovegood, Granger."

Hermione laughed softly. "I'm being serious, Draco!"

"I know. I'm just trying to get my mind off the fact that you slaughtered ferrets for them. I can't help but feel for my own species."