Prompt: Pain
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You would think that someone who had been instrumental in the downfall of one of the most powerful dark wizards in history would be immune to the anxiety of social interactions. That after having him possess her during her first year of school, an uncomfortable exchange between coworkers would roll off her back, be pain free. It would surprise many to learn that after losing her brother and many more that she loved, she still dwelled on the little things.
When she thought back to how she had overreacted with Draco, snapping at him when he said he was surprised at the life she was leading, her veins raced with anxiety. She would push it aside when she was completely invested in a distraction – work, a book, sleeping, chatting with Neville – but then it would rise back up and poke at her. It had taken on an almost tangible, painful presence, waving at her from the periphery, reminding her that something wasn't right.
Tired of the nausea and jitters, she knocked on the open door to his lab. Seated with his back to her, head bent over a cauldron, he spun around slowly to welcome the visitor. Surprise was apparent as he looked up, first noting her wringing hands, before meeting her eyes. Now the surprise was hers, as his shock changed to recognition and then pain of his own. "Can I help you?" he inquired, still with a little smirk, a mask that he managed to wear despite the contradiction in his eyes.
"An apology," she blabbered, feeling a flush come over her face, "I owe you one." She continued to wring her hands, as his smirk now belied true amusement. "You touched a nerve the other day. I shouldn't have snapped at you. You couldn't have known."
"Unnecessary," he replied as he stood, the stool rolling away behind him. "We all have bad days, some of us more than most," his lips shifting to a smile from his smirk. "Why don't we start fresh?" He crossed the room and extended a hand, "good afternoon, my name is Draco. It's nice to meet you."
She took his hand, and was surprised at the warmth as he squeezed at the end of their handshake. "I'm Ginny," she smiled shyly, "It's a pleasure to meet you." Truly a pleasure, she thought, and that is so much nicer than pain.
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A/N: 398 words
I was cutting it pretty close to the 400 word limit with that one. Whew! Thanks for reading. :) Let me know what you think?
