Chapter 4- Tears

The next morning in the Great Hall, Ginny and I were chatting away merrily.

I really missed her.

We used to spend so much time together before I became Head Girl and was caught up with my duties. I missed studying with her in the Gryffindor Common room. I missed chatting with in our dorm late at night before falling asleep. I missed hanging out with her, Harry and Ron whenever I went for patrols or meetings.

I just missed her a lot.

After all, she was my best friend.

And so, whenever I had the chance, I would always catch up with her and we would talk non-stop.

This morning, she was telling me a story about Ron. I laughed as she told me how he had got into an argument with one of the portraits.

As I was listening on, I caught a glimpse of platinum-blonde hair sitting opposite me at the Slytherin table.

Malfoy.

As Ginny continued on, I turned me head discreetly to observe Malfoy.

He was sitting with his posse, as usual. Blaise Zabini, who was sitting opposite him, and Pansy Parkinson, who was next to him, were talking avidly to Malfoy. I also noticed how time-to-time, Pansy would place her hand on Malfoy's shoulder or thigh, and Malfoy would just shake her off.

I shook my head slightly and smiled.

Pansy was seriously the biggest, and worst, flirt ever.

I also noticed that though he seemed to be paying attention, his eyes would sometimes stray away into blank space and he would go into deep thought.

And then Blaise would ask him a question and he would snap back into reality.

This pattern was happening a lot throughout their conversation.

Soon, Blaise and Pansy decided to leave Malfoy out and just talk to each other as they saw he was not really listening anyway.

Malfoy just continued staring into the table, his chin resting on his hand as his elbow rested on the table. His other hand was drumming the table solemnly. He had a glum look on his face and that same far-off look in his eyes.

Again, I recognized that same face and posture from 6th year, during one of Dumbledore's speeches.

As I continued to observe him, I noticed something in his eyes which shocked me speechless.

Were those…

Tears?

His cold, grey eyes appeared silver for a second as they filled with tears.

I was utterly taken aback.

I had never seen Malfoy cry, except for when I punched him in Third Year, but that was from pain.

These tears actually seemed to soften his metallic, cold eyes for a second.

Again, he looked so…vulnerable.

But as soon as they came, they left.

He blinked back the tears and glanced up, only to meet me gaze.

He glared at me with so much hate, his eyes gaining back that cold, grey look. He scowled at me and turned his head back to Blaise and Pansy.

"Hermione? Are you listening?" Ginny prodded as she shook my shoulder.

"Huh? Oh…ya. Yes, Ron is really silly." I covered up, though I had no idea what she was talking about all this while. I only knew it had to have something to do with Ron.

Throughout breakfast, I couldn't get the image out of my head.

Malfoy's tears.

They actually seemed to make him appear…soft.

It was such a bizarre sight.

Malfoy tearing up, looking so vulnerable.

I was so curious, as to what exactly could make him tear up.

It had to be something really serious.

And the way he glared at me…

It was not like he was angry he caught me staring at him…

It was like he was angry he caught me staring at him in tears.

It was like… he was furious more with himself, that he let me see him at his weak point.

Again, my mind strayed back to the memory of Harry telling me he saw Malfoy cry in the bathroom in 6th Year.

When he was engaged in all sorts of Dark activities.

Merlin, what if Malfoy really is up to no good, again.

Now, I was sure, something was definitely up with him.

And I had to find out.