Draco stands outside the door, breathing heavily. His own thoughts are churning in his head, threatening to break his very skull open, promising to push his mind to the brink on insanity. He can hear her sobs from where he stands, and he knows that she thinks she has angered him beyond repair. He knows she must believe her life is spent, that he will return tomorrow, if not in a few moments, to kill her. He intends to leave her there, letting her stew in the mess she created. He knew he was being played from the beginning, but he had not anticipated the extent he was playing the fool.

He would let her lay there all night, believing herself dead in a matter of hours. He intends to punish her, with the very threat of her death looming over her. As her sobs reach a new level, frantic in their sounds, he feels himself deflate.

A younger him would have left her there, but he can't seem to bring himself to do it. He knows, although he loathed to admit it, that she truly wishes him no ill will. Her plan is prudent, and he has to admire her scheming. He sighs and turns around. He wont' let her off easy. He has questions she will answer. Not to mention, he has a few choice words he'd like to say to her.

He unlocks the door, hearing her startled gasp as she hears the key turn in the lock. He opens the door to find her at the farthest corner of the bed, drawn up, pressed against the wall with no way to run. Her dark eyes widen, accompanied by her trembling frame. He feels his remaining anger dissipate; it is truly quite a pitiful sight. He raises his wand, although not pointing it at her. He simply holds it out for her to see

Astoria's eyes dart between the wand and his face. He takes the wand and slowly puts it in his pocket, making sure his intent is clear. She lets out a breath, although her shaking does not subside. He slowly approaches the bed and sits on it, opposite to her.

"Calm yourself" he says, earning a "Can't you see I'm trying?" sort of glare from Astoria. He shifts uncomfortably, not knowing what to do in this sort of situation. Tears are still running down her cheeks, cementing his already growing guilt.

Draco takes a hand, resting it on Astoria's cheek, his thumb brushing away tear drops. He feels slightly awkward doing this, but he is driven by the urge to do something, anything, to just make her stop crying. He hates crying. Astoria's eyes slip closed, and Draco whispers "Breathe." He is slightly surprised that this works and is even more surprised that she doesn't pull away.

He removes his hand, and stands, leaving her on the bed. He makes his way to the chair and sits in it. After a few moments, when she has well and truly calmed down, he says "I have a few things to say." Astoria looks up at him, a blush coloring her cheeks. She seems slightly embarrassed at her actions. He was surprised himself at her breakdown, given her cool, calm demeanor just the other day. However, now that she has stopped her crying, he feels his previous anger return.

"Say them." Astoria whispers. Draco leans forward, folding his hands, resting his forearms on his knees. "First, when you heard me and my father arguing, you should have walked away. Instead, you approached, like a little spy, to watch the show, only to slink away to make a report." Draco's voice is dripping with venom. Astoria opens her mouth, but before she can get a word in, Draco continues. "It was not your business to meddle, nor was it appropriate to tell anyone what you saw."

"Secondly, you repeated the same behavior. You heard something that wasn't meant for your ears, and like a snake, you crawl to where I am, watching what I'm doing, and you see something you shouldn't have." Astoria narrows her eyes, and Draco can tell she is growing angry. He doesn't care. He continues anyway. "And what do you do? After seeing something that you were never meant to see? You run straight to the nearest teacher to tattle on me. Do you have any idea what would have happened if I had failed to do that mission? Do you even know what you were jeopardizing?"

Astoria doesn't answer his question, though he can tell she wants to. "Of course you didn't know," Draco continues. "I would have died. My mother would have died."

Astoria shoots to her feet. He can see the anger dancing in her eyes. "Don't interrupt me when I'm trying to speak." She hisses. Draco lets out a mirthless laugh. "Was it not you, who was attempting to interrupt me?" Astoria purses her lips, and Draco leans back in his chair crossing his arms. "What is it you wish to say?"

Astoria sighs, and sits down in a huff. She closes her eyes and brings her hands up to massage her temples. She calms herself, which Draco finds frustrating. He wants to scream. He wants to fight. However, she speaks in calm, measured tones. "First, I'm sorry. Perhaps I shouldn't have eavesdropped. However, I'm glad I did. I won't apologize for what I did after. Telling a trusted adult, who was close to you, who cared about you, was the right thing to do. Both times. I'm sorry if you don't agree, but I was only trying to help. I wasn't spying. You will have to excuse my curious nature."

Draco sneers. "I do not accept your apology." He replies, cold venom lacing every word. "That's okay. You don't have to accept my apology." What follows is several minutes of silence. Draco has looked away, not wanting to look at her any longer. He can feel her eyes on him, studying him.

"I don't think less of you." She says quietly. Draco eyes snap back to hers, to find them wide open and shining. She leans toward him, as if she is thinking of going to him, but stops. She continues anyway. "I don't think any less of you. I know I saw you in a vulnerable position. That doesn't make you weak. You aren't weak, Draco."

Draco stares at her. This room is suddenly too small. It suffocates him and he needs to get out. He stands abruptly and says "I'll be back tomorrow," before turning, and practically running from the room.