A/N: So, another chapter after a very long hiatus...sorry about that! Also, I'm not anorexic, so I don't know what the effects of not eating for a long period of time are. I made that up, so if it's wrong, my apologies.
Chapter 10: Serenity Interrupted
Saturday mornings are magic. No classes, no obligations- nothing to stop me from sleeping forever and ever. Unlike most days, when I'm rudely jerked awake by my alarm clock (Padma bewitched it to shriek like a banshee- for my ears alone, so as to not disturb others), I drift awake slowly, luxuriating in a cocoon of warmth and silence. The muted glow of my hangings tells me it's a sunny day outside, and as I finally become fully alert, I feel the need to enjoy it. Running through my mental checklist of work- prediction charts, essay for Snape(three full rolls of parchment!), Charms practice, Transfiguration… I don't look forward to any of it.
Sod homework. I feel so utterly unmotivated, and I have all of tomorrow. This decision, unwise as it is, energizes me. The prospect of simply ignoring my responsibilities seems to lift a weight from my shoulders, and I finally sit up, ignoring the horrid state of my uniform. Throwing open the heavy drapes, I see that sunshine fills the dorm, and that it is only seven in the morning. None of my fellow Gryffindor girls are awake, but I did have an early night last night.
More than twelve hours of sleep can work wonders on a person. I feel lighthearted and cheerful as I shower, and for once I breeze out the door without once looking in the mirror. The only unpleasant moment comes when I'm trying to decide what to wear- the school uniform is out of the question. I survey the assortment of Muggle clothes in my trunk, and decide on loose black pants; a soft, fitted black shirt; and a plain black hooded sweatshirt over it. Hey, black is slimming, and they were comfortable.
I don't even bother doing anything to my hair- my plaits are still in from yesterday. Breakfast, of course, is out of the question. I'm doing so well without food, why break my streak now? Instead, I wander out to the grounds. The sunshine feels so good on my skin. I just want to lie down and soak it up. Ambling around the lake, I search for a private place, but there's little privacy by the shore. After a moment's hesitation, I slip into the Forbidden Forest.
Under the huge trees, the light is green and filtered. The air smells moist- not exactly unpleasant, but different. I feel the slightest rush of adrenaline. This place is forbidden for a reason, I'm sure. However, I doubt much harm could fall my way if I stick to the fringes of the forest during the daylight hours. After picking my way through the gnarled roots for a quarter of an hour, I suddenly arrive at a small clearing. It's ringed for the most part with bushes, but by ducking through a gap, I find myself in a sunny, grassy meadow.
A few blue flowers grow around the edges, and the sunlight shines strongly in the center. It's perfect. I lie back in the soft grass, absorbing the warmth and light. Sunlight is good for people, and I can bask in it for hours. No need to worry about sunburn; I'm an Indian, so I just tan.
I don't know how long I lie there. Hours, perhaps, or maybe only minutes. I slip in and out of sleep, enjoying the serenity and utter peace surrounding me.
I don't know how I first noticed the change. I heard a soft rustle of grass, but I assumed it was just a breeze, or perhaps a forest animal. Either way, I was too comfortable to move. After a few minutes, I felt a shadow fall over my face, making me alert at once. My eyes snapped open, and I saw a silhouette above me. The sun shone directly behind him, but my nose knew who he was.
"Malfoy." I kept my voice steady. "What brings you here?" What indeed? It unnerves me that he was standing there, watching me lie in the grass.
"I checked," he drawled. "It appears that you were right. So now…what does that make you? Not a Mudblood, but a blood traitor." The prick.
"What, so you interrupted my Saturday relaxation to spew some more of your elitist dribble and pollute my air? Thanks for sharing. You can go now," I snapped sarcastically.
"Hmm… I don't think so," he smirked. "You're almost as fun to rile up as the Golden Trio." He said it so scathingly that it could be nothing but an insult, and to prove his point, he draped himself on a large rock in the shadows. Annoyed, I jumped to my feet, or tried to. Black spots swam in front of my eyes, before my vision faded completely. Gasping, I staggered and put my hands out in front of me to find my balance and break my fall. Surprisingly enough, I felt hands on my shoulders, steadying me. As my vision returned, I found myself staring at Malfoy. Who knew? He had some modicum of human decency in him.
"What's wrong with you, Patil?" he frowned.
"I was lying down for a long time," I answered defensively, stepping away. He let his arms drop to his sides after a moment. The silence between us is slightly awkward and yet expectant. I can't think of anything to say- my previous plan of storming away in an angry huff was foiled by Malfoy's unexpected actions. Unfortunately for my, my stomach decides to speak for me, letting out an earthquake-like rumble that was probably heard in France. My cheeks flush as he raises a sardonic brow.
"So when was the last time you ate?" Oh God, what do I say now?
"Um. A while ago. So, uh, I have to go." With that stunning display of intelligence and wit, I turn on my heel and walk away as fast as I can without actually running.