Chapter Ten.
It was Christmas, yet not everyone felt happy during the most festive time of the year. Many were elevated that the time had finally arrived after the battle, but it didn't leave their hearts unscarred. All of them were damaged, some more than others, but they put it aside when they were with their families who had survived until now. Family was something every student of Hogwarts valued, and it was everything they fought for, and they would be damned if they let the bad events ruin their family time. Hogwarts was more than eager to indulge the students that stayed during the winter, letting them experience the Christmas feeling, the feeling of being wanted, and the feeling of being loved. To warm their hearts, even after all the pain they had endured. It was amazing how magic could decorate the trees in the Great Hall, how every feast looked utterly delicious, and even how beautiful the ceiling was, enchanted, and mesmerizing for the eye.
Draco saw all of it, the million of sparkles on the ceiling and the several chandeliers that hung down, nothing was out of place, colors like white, silver, red and gold were most notable, and it all synched perfectly in a festive harmony. However, it would take alot more to even make him feel wanted at this time, he chose to ignore any glares from the other students in the Great Hall, without question walking to the Slytherin table and seating himself, taking a mug full of eggnog as he grabbed a slice of bread and coated it with butter, adding an apple to his plate along with sliced, seasoned beef. His mercury grey eyes were not focused on anything in particular, merely in his own thoughts as he took several bites and sips from his meal, despite being hungry, his thoughts won the battle once again. A few hours left before my potion is finished. I won't have to sleep for a while. I don't want to. The Great Hall was filled with about twenty students, including Malfoy, the only Slytherin, whom were speaking about their families, often glancing at Malfoy as they spoke about him. At one moment, a girl stood up and walked towards the blonde, tapping his shoulder with a stern expression on her features, brown eyes and the orange colors of house Gryffindor visible. Draco was stunned a moment as he was oblivious, turning his head to gaze at the girl, narrowing his eyes. ''Why are you even here? You killed my parents, and you betrayed all of us! You don't have a place here! You're vile, and mean, and a bad person!'', she spurted out with an angry expression. Draco cleared his throat as he breathed out, instead of barking back, he stood up and passed her in a hurry, pulling his tie looser around his neck as guilt was overwhelming him once again. The girl merely glared at him as he walked away, having done her say.
Draco seemed in panic once again, the same time when Potter spoke to Kate about the fact Malfoy cursed her, the time that Potter chased him and nearly killed him. He was afraid, passing the inner hallways and walking on, having no place in mind he wanted to go to, he just wanted to get away from everyone. He didn't want to be seen like a traitor, but he knew it would be a stain on his heart forever. The question would be if he can forgive himself, before others can even consider to forgive him. His pacing became quicker as he began to breath heavily, eyes snapping all about him in hope nobody followed him, he couldn't take much more. Professor Slughorn already noted he didn't trust Malfoy fully, and every other student in Hogwarts right now wouldn't mind if Draco died. Why, why does this keep happening. Can't nobody leave me alone! He inwardly was being torn apart, ripped into pieces and thrown aside. He rushed around the corner as he hit something, or someone, causing him to fall right onto his back, groaning as he rubbed the back of his head in pain. He couldn't see clearly, his visual blurred as he felt a sting in his chest, clutching his chest as he groaned out in pain. ''Malfoy-..'', Harry spoke with disgust as he moved to the man on the ground and sought to help him up, being the good guy, moving an arm under the blonde's and moving him back onto his feet, however, Malfoy was still in pain.
Draco was lifted, but his knees were shaking, he was about to collapse again, but he was held up by Potter. He still didn't figure out yet who was helping him, but he had a hunch. Harry waited untill Malfoy's pain died down, keeping the man balanced, eventually his green eyes settling onto the grey ones that were disclosed. Draco's eyebrows furrowed, but panic still was on his features, composing himself as he sneered and pushed Harry aside with a forceful push of his hand, snapping. He didn't possess much strenght, but Potter was the last person he wanted to see right now. ''Piss off, Potter!'', he blurted, right after he pushed the ebony haired male, he fell down onto one knee, clutching his chest again. ''I'm getting Madame Pomfrey!''. ''No, you fucking Scarhead, dare it! Just leave me alone!'', Draco was utterly fuming, he didn't want help, he was still ignorant, he was still broken. Draco cried out as he stumbled up against the wall and hurried away, leaving Potter behind him whom was slowly getting pissed aswell. There was not one moment in their lives that Potter ever showed care, and Draco merely thought Potter was doing it because Madame Pomfrey ordered him to, he was probably right. Very right. He didn't know where to go, he was a mess, but his feet managed to take him to the Prefect's Bathroom, a horrible place, but he went there regardless, removing the jack from his suit as he loosened his shirt beneath it, eying himself in the mirror once again. What is happening to me. Pull yourself together, do it. Do it you, fucking failure. He hunched forth on the sink, head lowered as his eyes closed, hands gripping the sides of the sink, and luckily this time Potter wasn't behind him.
Potter felt like nobody could ever help Malfoy, that the blonde always will be scarred, never being able to recover from what happened, but he yet had to understand why. It's been many times that Harry was provoked by Malfoy and they ended up fighting, but most times, Malfoy backed away. He was pathetic and scared. But why would he provoke me when he would back out right after? To feel better? Potter shrugged as he was on his way to the Great Hall, but now was mandatory to return back to Madame Pomrey as he was supposed to. He was annoyed Malfoy was yet again ruining his Christmas, walking to the Great Hall to get an apple for underway, passing through the doors as few girls eyed him in admiration. He walked to the Gyrffindor table and fetched an apple, offering the rest an awkward smile. ''Did you see Malfoy, Harry? He was so upset, it was so funny!'', one girl said, raking few fingers through her black hair. Harry narrowed his eyes as he tried to comprehend. ''Sorry, what did you say?''. The girl smiled brightly, seemingly proud of what she did.''I spoke to him'', she went on, Harry's expression turned into a glare, where as the girl began to cave under, less proud. ''I..I might have said some mean things to him..''. Harry furrowed his eyebrows, yet he understood, but that didn't make it right. He had called Malfoy many things, but he wanted to get back at him, for the bullying, but now, after the war, he felt like the insults should stop. Pathetic. Harry frowned a moment as he eyed the group who quickly went back to eating to avoid Harry's vengeance. Harry called Malfoy pathetic twice now.
Draco moved away from the sink and sank down to the ground, moving himself against the wall as he rubbed a hand against his forehead, light blonde strands tugged and pulled before he rested the limb. He was upset, really upset, he knew he had to redeem himself, but how could he if everyone thought about him like that? He knew what he did, he didn't want to be reminded. Mother, if only you were here. Draco's expression eventually shifted to a blank one, feeling numb after so many break downs in such a short time, closing his eyes as he took a deep breath. A dishevelled look was on him, despite look perfect perpetually, he didn't feel like it all. He forgot track of time, but he did remind himself his potion was almost finished, but in this state, he was reluctant to go anywhere, he was miserable. Greyback nearly killed him, and he didn't even know if the werewolf was still out there. Many others wanted him dead, it all piled up. ''Oooooh! Draco! I knew, I knew you would come for me!'', a voice rang, high pitched and all too happy.