Chapter Eight

Draco slipped into the potions room just in time as the door slammed shut behind him. He sighed in relief, hadn't been late. Slowly he moved to his usual desk, regaining his breath from running. This was the last lesson of the day, then he could finally get on his broom. He was looking forward to the match, but equally dreading it. He hadn't had an opportunity to explain himself to Harry and with Blaise seeming watching his every move, writing hadn't been an option. Where was Blaise anyway? He noted the empty seat beside him then, by some happy coincidence of timing he heard Blaise's voice from the front of the room.

"Well I didn't think the ingredients sounded quite right, so I changed the quantities.." He was babbling on to Snape in an unusually lightly happy tone. Draco's stomach churned. "Well I don't always follow the rules..." He heard Blaise continue. What was he playing at? He examined Snapes body language and expression, he clearly wasn't objecting.

"Very good Zabini, I shall be interested to test.. the results." Snape spoke reasonably softly, a slight smile at the corner of his lips as he looked the boy up and down. Blaise flashed the man one of his discreet wicked smiles, usually only reserved for Draco.

"I'd be happy for you to." Blaise said in a quieter voice, moving daringly close to the man before smiling darkly and returning to his seat. No one else seemed to have noticed the little moment, everyone was chatting and unpacking their various ingredients. Had no ne else just seen that?! Draco looked about the room amazed before returning his eyes to Blaise who now sat beside him arranging his quill and ink.

"What are you doing?" Draco asked quietly as the room began to hush for the start of the lesson.

"Getting my writing equipment ready." Blaise replied plainly without even looking at him. Draco pursed his lips, trying to maintain his composure.

"I meant, with Snape." He snapped quietly.

"Talking to him, about my work." Blaise whispered back, matter of factly just as Snape ordered for silence. Draco, with anger still rushing through his body, his every vein, could do nothing but sit in silence. He fixed his gaze on Snape as he began to lecture. The man didn't look at him once, clearly avoiding him. What was going on? He turned his eyes to Harry on the other side of the room. He looked tired. For a moment he caught the boys eye, but Harry only raised an eyebrow then looked away in what very much looked like a disgusted manor. He was angry.

Draco suddenly felt very alone. A room full of students and not one f them made to talk to him. Blaise even went to work with Pansy when it came to partnering up, leaving Draco to work on his own.

Finally the lesson drew to a close and Draco slowly packed his things not his bag, not looking up at anyone. He had given up trying to make eye contact with anyone, no one seemed too bothered. He heard Blaise's voice call forward to Snape from behind him, "Would you like to test it... Now, sir?" Draco could hear the smirk on the boys lips, he didn't need to see him to visualise the sickening look he was giving Snape. He imagined it not too dissimilar to the looks he received from Pansy.

"Very well." Snape sighed, a tone of disinterest.

Draco pulled himself into a more confident pose and walked across to the ingredients cupboard, seeming not to care. He felt Snape watch him but didn't look up. He placed a few jars on the shelves before reemerging and making his way to collect his bag.

"Malfoy." Snape had cracked. Draco dared to continue on his way out as if he hadn't heard. "Draco Malfoy!" Snape's voice bounced off the walls. Draco couldn't ignore that. That was loud. He showed no fear and turned, looking the man in the eyes. He felt Blaise's eyes boring into him from the side but didn't look to him. "Zabini, you can leave now. I will test your potion another time. I have business with Mr Malfoy and the constant manor in which he decides to show up late for my lessons." The man stood up out of his chair, casting Blaise an almost threatening look. Draco heard the door shut behind him as Blaise made it out of the room. He sighed inwardly.

"And what is the real reason you kept me behind? Not getting enough attention from Blaise?" Draco spat, unable to control his anger any longer. He braced, unable to read the mans mood.

"Is that why you were acting oddly. You thought I was receiving too much attention from Blaise Zabini?" the man sniggered, "the boy couldn't give his full attention to a door if it opened in his face!" almost laughing as he visualised the image, "no, that boy has far too many other things going on his head to channel his attention into one thing. He is a dark one, a selfish one..." Snape trailed off into deep thought on the subject. Draco felt goosebumps rise on his arms, angry still running through him.

"And you would know would you?!" Draco blurted. The man raised an eyebrow In response to him.

"Are you jealous Little Malfoy?" the man almost taunted, tilting his head to the side questioningly. Draco didn't like the way this was going. He refused to answer. The older man shrugged and sat back to his desk, beginning to shuffle various bits of parchment. The blond watched him. Why wasn't he interested in him anymore? Why didn't the man want him? He frowned. Maybe he really was that awful. Maybe Blaise was a better option.

The man must have noticed Draco's expression change, "Come here." He said simply. Draco complied, but looked to the floor, too lost in his own thoughts to care about much else. "What is the matter Draco?" the man requested softly as Draco felt the man place his hand on his chin, pulling his eyes from the floor meet his.

"Nothing." Draco mustered without enthusiasm.

"It doesn't look like nothing." the man replied, raising his wand and flicking it, locking the classroom door.