Chapter Seven
Warming Hearts, Melting Kindness...
Usagi didn't realize she had fallen asleep until the loud sound of knocking woke her. Blearily confused as to where she was for a moment, realization dawned on her quickly upon seeing her bedraggled reflection in the mirror. Groaning slightly, she stood from her seated position on the bathroom floor, stumbling over to the door.
"Who is it?" she mumbled, halfheartedly running a hand through her wet, tangled tresses of hair.
"Who do you think?" came the soft reply, icy as ever.
Usagi bit her lower lip, not wanting any further problems with this situation. "Just...give me a few moments."
Draco hesitated at the door briefly, before nodding in consent. He scowled upon realizing she couldn't see this, pinching the bridge of his nose lightly. "Fine," he replied curtly, "I'll be in the living room." With that, he strode away.
Usagi sighed, shaking out her still damp hair. Things were really a mess, she mused bitterly. It truly amazed her how far one would go for friendship...
And how far one would go to ruin it.
x-x-x-
Draco took a long swig of the cool liquid in the glass he held, reveling in the sweet taste of peaches and honey. His gaze shifted to Usagi as she entered the room; she was still slightly damp in the ridiculous maid outfit he had her wear. "Feeling better?" he asked smoothly.
Usagi looked at him warily for a moment before nodding slowly. "I... I guess," she said softly. "But, if you don't mind my asking..." her voice trailed off, her eyes averting from his gaze. "Is it always going to be that way? Is he really never going to remember me?"
Draco almost winced upon hearing her voice crack, the firm demeanor she had built up to talk to him already beginning to crumble. "Yes," he said quietly. "It is always going to be that way."
"But you said you didn't hate me," she cried, turning her angered eyes to him. "You...You said you didn't hate me. If that's true then why? I just don't understand!" She stopped talking, refusing to allow herself to cry in front of him.
"I don't." Draco stood from his seat on the couch, walking over to her slowly. "I really do not hate you, dearest Gryffindor." He raised the glass to his lips, taking another long sip of the cool, swirling liquid. "Do you hate me?"
He was not surprised to be met with silence. A smile tugged faintly on his lips. "Go ahead, dear Gryffindor," he said calmly. He stopped his slow walking as he stood in front of her, placing his hand that did not hold the glass upon her cheek. He felt the moistness of tears or pool water, or perhaps both. It felt so odd, to relish in someone else's pain.
And yet he did.
He enjoyed seeing her so broken and hurt, and yet it pained him just as much. It was such a paradoxical emotion that churned within him. "Perhaps you hate me so much you can't help but love me."
Her head rose swiftly, the anger in his gaze causing his smile to broaden. "I could never love you," she whispered fiercely. "You're cruel and hurtful, you have no regards for the feelings of others, you—"
"Are exactly what compels you to feeling these things for me," he murmured, tilting her chin lightly with his index finger as her gaze lowered once more. "I'm everything you're not. We're a balance, Usagi. I think you realize this too, but you're too afraid to admit it. Go ahead," he whispered, continuing in a silky voice as he wrapped his other arm loosely around her waist.
She started to push him away, disgusted and angered. He stopped her however, pulling her tighter to him. She felt the glass cup press against her side, felt his chest press against her own. "Y-you'll get your clothes wet," she stammered weakly, not liking the lack of distance between them.
"I think those are the least of my worries," he murmured against her ear, his warm breath a whispering caress. Usagi truly wished she had changed clothes before going to speak to him, suddenly wishing she were wearing sweatpants and a large sweater instead of the thin, short material of her maid outfit.
"Please stop all of this," she said, her voice quivering terribly. And yet, she knew it was coming, was expecting the kiss. Deep down, she knew with a deep disgust, she wanted his kisses. She leaned closer to him, hating him and liking him all at the same, terrible instant.
He pulled away partially, bringing the glass between them. Raising the cup to his mouth, he pressed his parted lips slowly against the rim. He kept his eyes on Usagi, smiling inwardly as she watched his every movement. He sipped the liquid slowly, letting it merely rest within his mouth, before pressing his lips to hers once more.
A small droplet of the sweet liquid trickled down his chin as he opened his mouth against hers, pressing his lips to hers in a strange kiss. She tasted the sweet liquid on his tongue, tasted the drink within her own mouth.
She moaned softly against him, giving him all the incentive necessary to continue. But...he did not. He pulled away rather abruptly, a languid smirk on his face. His cool demeanor was betrayed by his sharp intakes of breath, the slightly glazed look in his eyes.
Usagi felt her eyes slowly flutter open, her breathing wavered and uneven. As if broken from a trance, she glared at him angrily, a hint of apprehension evident. "You've got to stop this," she whispered fiercely. "Please... Just stop doing all of this."
Draco did not say anything for a moment, his expression turning cold. Smiling with a barely masked cruelty, he said one simple, soft-spoken word. "No." With that, he walked away.
x-x-x-
Usagi took another wary glance at the door. "Are you sure, Dobby?" she asked nervously.
Dobby nodded vigorously, his large ears flapping slightly with the motion. "Yes Miss Usagi, Dobby is sure. Master Draco is in the shower right now."
Usagi bit her lower lip gently, picking up the quill carefully. Pressing the quill to the parchment, she began writing frantically. Hearing the faint sound of the water turning off, she hastily finished and sealed the letter. She handed it to Dobby, smiling at the house elf slightly.
"I really appreciate this Dobby," she whispered. "I'll repay you somehow."
Dobby looked at her with his large, eager eyes, a shadowing of apprehension behind the twin orbs. "Dobby is glad to help Miss Usagi, she does not need to repay Dobby. Dobby feels most awful, however..." He shook his head fiercely, beginning to exit the room with her letter clutched tightly in his grasp. "Dobby is happy to help," he repeated firmly, muttering softly about a severe punishment for himself.
Usagi felt a large pang of guilt at having the house elf help her, but she knew it was necessary to some degree. There was no way Draco would even entertain the thought.
Hearing the sound of his footsteps outside in the hall, she held her breath unknowingly as they paused in front of her door. She breathed a sigh of relief as he passed, glad to not have to deal with him just yet.
x-x-x-
Harry chewed slowly on the forkful of food in front of him, his appetite not quite strong. He'd grown adeptly well at distracting himself, finding ways of actually studying for Potions and the like. Even still, he could not help but ponder Usagi's condition. How long had she been gone? Too long already, and not even a week had passed yet.
The soft flapping of wings caught his attention, several owls circling overhead in the Great Hall. He was extremely surprised when a deep, ebony colored owl stopped in front of him for a moment, dropping off a slightly crumpled piece of parchment. It took flight once again without so much as hesitating to see if waiting for a replying letter was necessary. No doubt, that was a Malfoy's owl.
He quickly broke the seal of the letter, reading its contents eagerly. He honestly had not expected to receive a letter from his dear friend:
Hello Harry!
How are things going there? Pretty uneventful I'm sure...I hope studying is going good! Just wanted to let ya know things are going pretty good here. Malfoy's not too bad. I'm doing all right. Well, that's all I guess... I'll try and write you again if I get a chance, things are kinda busy here!
Love,
Usagi
P.S. Please don't respond, I'm not sure Malfoy would be too happy. He'd think I was slacking off! )
Harry frowned slightly upon reading the letter, his own doubts refusing to let him feel relief. Things could not possibly be as peachy as she was making them out to be. He knew Usagi well enough to know that she would not tell him if things were truly going bad.
Ignoring the silent plea she had tried to encrypt inconspicuously, he got out a piece of parchment and began writing her a response.
x-x-x-
Draco knocked several times on Usagi's door, unsure why he was giving her such a courtesy. With silence as his only answer, he scowled for even doing so. He pushed open the door, ready to kindly reprimand her and tell her of the repercussions for disobedience.
The harsh words died upon his tongue when he saw her curled up on the bed. He walked over to her slowly, cautious to not make any noise. Carefully, he sat down on the bed in the empty space next to her. Her closed eyes fluttered softly but did not open. Her mouth was parted slightly, soft snores escaping.
Draco smiled slightly, brushing his hand against her forehead. His breath caught slightly in an unnecessary apprehension as she shifted in her sleep, turning towards him. Releasing his held breath, he trailed his hand slowly down to her cheek, resting his index finger against her lower lip.
"You look so damned innocent when you sleep," he murmured softly, running his finger idly against the pink, parted fold of flesh. "I don't know what draws me to you, but...some part of me wants you to stay innocent. But another part.." he trailed off slightly. He couldn't help the slow smile that spread across his lips, shadows quickly by a frown. "The other part wants to know just how tainted you could become."
She shifted again slightly, his finger trailing down her chin. Standing from his seated position beside her, he cast her one more glance. He couldn't resist it, could not turn down the opportunity if he tried. He bent over her slightly, bringing his lips softly to hers. She let out a dreamy as she subconsciously responded to the interaction. He slid his tongue lightly against her lower lip, tasting the faint flavor of something sweet she had ate. Smiling a little, he pulled away from her and left.
Perhaps he could fight the dark lust he felt for her. Perhaps he could actually get to know her as more than just lowly Gryffindor scum. He smiled again, a much softer and gentler appearance gracing his face. Usagi had been cooperating far more adequately than he had perceived. He almost respected her for it all.
Almost.
x-x-x-
Usagi yawned tiredly, stretching her sleep-stiffened body. Things would get better, she vowed. After all, you can only sink so low before you had to rise again. Keeping this optimistic mindset, she changed from her night clothes into casual wear for the day: a plain black skirt with a matching pink top.
Fixing her hair from its bed-tangled mess, she proceeded into the kitchen. Dobby was hard at work, preparing omelets. Usagi smiled happily at her little companion, going to the sink to wash the dishes he was finished with. "Good morning, Dobby," she greeted happily.
Dobby gave her a wobbly smile, waving his newly bandaged hand. "Good morning to you, Miss Usagi." Looking around cautiously, he whispered, "Dobby completed the favor for Miss Usagi."
Usagi smiled sadly, setting down the bowl she was drying. She knelt down and grasped his hand in hers lightly, careful not to further hurt him. "I'm really sorry," she said quietly. "It was selfish of me and I apologize."
Dobby attempted a happy smile. "Nonsense, Miss Usagi! Dobby would do anything for his best friend. And Miss Usagi is the best friend Dobby has," he said with an earnest compassion. Usagi smiled warmly, throwing her arms around his neck. Dobby carefully hugged her back, smiling faintly.
"And here I thought the little scandal between you and I was bizarre. Honestly, Usagi," came Draco's smooth voice, interrupting the warm moment. The two separated quickly, blushing slightly.
"B-breakfast will be ready soon, Master Draco," Dobby squeaked, looking at him with fearful eyes.
Draco inclined his head, almost smiling. "Good." He turned his gaze to Usagi, the smile broadening slightly.
Usagi's eyes widened, a blush unknowingly creeping onto her cheeks. He really did look so much better with a smile upon his face rather than a cold smirk or an angry scowl. She smiled back almost shyly, happy to see he was in a more pleasant mood. Maybe she could actually compromise with him today.
He left the kitchen, and Dobby ushered Usagi to do the same. "It's no trouble for Dobby," he assured her.
Usagi giggled slightly, patting the top of his head. She retreated into the dining room, taking a seat across from Draco at the table. A comfortable silence settled between the two, before Dobby hastily brought out the food. He set a plate in front of Draco and one in front of Usagi before leaving quickly.
"So, are you and Potter more than just friends?" Draco asked conversationally.
Usagi tensed at the mention of her friend. Had he found out about the letter? She uneasily spared a glance at him. Seeing him continue to eat his food nonchalantly, she realized with relief that the question was probably a random way to begin talking with her.
"Well, that's some way to start a conversation," she muttered. She slowly chewed a forkful of food, contemplating the question. "I don't know," she said, smiling inwardly at the scowl on his face.
"How do you not know?" he asked angrily.
Usagi let the smile slip upon her face partially. "Does it matter?" she asked, taking another bite. "You seem mad...maybe jealous?"
Draco huffed a laugh. "Potter is nothing to be jealous of," he muttered, rolling his eyes.
Usagi sighed softly. "Well, to answer your question fully, he's more than a friend, but less than a boyfriend." She watched with a curious fascination, as his cold demeanor seemed to lift slightly.
"Good. You're not as stupid as I thought," he sneered.
Usagi rolled her eyes, deciding to play the same conversational card. "What about you and Pansy?" she asked lightly.
Draco looked at her for several long moments. "Well, she definitely wants me," he replied. "If I snapped my fingers and glanced her way, she'd jump at the opportunity." Though his words were blunt, Usagi failed to find any smugness in his voice.
"Well, do you want her?" she asked quietly, slowly taking another bite of her food.
Draco shrugged, swallowing another mouthful. "It would be convenient, I suppose. And it would be a lie to say I haven't considered it."
Usagi froze slightly, the thought of that disturbing her immensely for some reason she could not place. "But you haven't...done anything with her yet?" she asked, in what she hoped sounded like a nonchalant tone.
"With her? No, not yet."
Usagi paused before asking her next question. "But you have before?"
Draco smirked slightly. "You're awfully curious," he commented. When he saw her open her mouth to retort, he continued smoothly. "No, I haven't." He paused for a moment. "Have you?"
Usagi's eyes widened incredulously. "No," she said softly.
Draco felt a smile tug at the corner of his lips at the touch of innocence in her voice. Setting his fork down, he smiled languidly. "Do you want to?"
Usagi nearly choked on her drink, coughing several times once the liquid successfully went down. "No!" she blurted immediately, blushing profusely.
Draco laughed softly, a pleasant sound that chimed warmly in the air, an unfamiliar sound. Usagi couldn't help but smile upon hearing it, broadening her answer. "Well, not until, you know, that special someone comes along and I get married."
Draco's laughter slowed to a quiet chuckle, a smile lingering upon his face. "Not until your married, hmm?" he inquired. "Don't be so sure."
Usagi tilted her head slightly. "What do you mean?"
He clasped his hands slightly under his chin, looking at her with a hidden amusement in his eyes. "I mean sometimes things happen, and 'Mr. Right' can easily turn into 'Mr. Right-Now'."
Usagi's expression held the innocence most cherished about her. "That's not a good way to look at things," she murmured finally.
Draco raised an eyebrow. "No," he agreed softly, "but it is true and quite practical."
Usagi pondered this idly for a moment. "Maybe," she mumbled. Silence settled between them once again, so Usagi sought to reinitiate the conversation. "So, are you gonna start being nice to me now?" she asked, almost in a teasing manner.
His answer surprised her immensely. "I've been considering it," he replied, not a trace of sarcasm evident. "Perhaps we'll break a few rules and regulations and actually become amiable."
Usagi could scarce believe what she heard. It seemed way to good to be true. "Really?"
"Yes."
She smiled a little. Maybe not. Just maybe she could successfully make it through her remaining days with him after all.
x-x-x-
Dobby slowly trotted to get the mail, whistling softly. Grasping the stack, he proceeded into Draco's room. He smiled sadly when he saw Usagi in there as well. The two seemed to be playing a game of some sort he was not familiar with.
"Honestly Usagi, it's as if you've never played before."
The blonde girl glared at Draco. "I told you I wasn't very good at the game," she mumbled.
Draco smirked. "Not being very good would imply you have a mediocre grasp of the concept of chess. You, dearest Usagi, are horrid."
"I am not!" she cried indignantly. "Ohh! Look! Check, I win!"
Draco sighed. "A blundering, blind idiot would not have walked into that trap." A pawn of his destroyed the piece she had just moved. "Check mate."
Usagi's eyes widened. "But...but...you cheated!" she accused childishly.
Draco rolled his eyes. "I did not."
You did too!"
"No, I didn't."
"Yes, you did."
"Did not.. I refuse to continue this childish game," he said obstinately.
"Yeah, because you cheated," Usagi muttered, sticking out her tongue. Her gaze shifted and rested upon the house elf. "Dobby! When did you get here?" she said happily.
Dobby was too speechless to respond for a moment. His young master looked so happy, happier than he ever recalled seeing him. Snapping out of his stupor, he quickly scrambled over to Draco, handing him the stack of letters. "T-the mail, Master Draco," he stammered out of a habitual nervousness. He chanced a look at Usagi, smiling a little. "Good afternoon, Miss Usagi."
Usagi smiled happily and greeted him, causing the house elf's ruddy cheeks to darken. He scampered away quickly, closing the door behind him. Draco watched the exchange with an amused expression..
"He's got a crush on you," he commented.
Usagi rolled her eyes. "He does not. I'm his only friend so he's formed a closeness to me," she explained.
"Uh huh."
"Oh you're ridiculous!" she said, shaking her head.
"And you're not?" he murmured absently, going through the stack of letters. Most of the letters were for his father, of course. He received one from Pansy, though he wasn't too surprised. Shuffling to the last letter, his eyes darkened upon reading who it was from. Harry Potter. And to top matters off, it was addressed for Usagi.
"No, I'm not," Usagi answered. "Get anything interesting?" she inquired.
Draco glanced at her, smiling. His eyes betrayed the kind expression, anger burning deep within them. Usagi failed to see this however and smiled back. "Oh yes, I received a most interesting letter," he said coolly.
Usagi made an 'ooh' noise, shifting slightly in her seat. "From who?" she asked curiously.
Draco shrugged nonchalantly, his smile deepening. "I don't know. I'll have to open it to find out," he lied, his voice remaining calm. He slowly broke the seal on the letter, opening the folded parchment. Scanning its contents, he didn't realize a deep scowl had formed upon his face until he saw the concerned expression of Usagi.
"Draco, what's wrong?" she asked softly.
He smiled at her coldly. Without saying a word, he handed her the letter. Usagi's fair complexion paled immensely. Nonetheless, she read the letter:
Hi Usagi,
I really hope you get this, for I truly am concerned about you. I know you said that you were all right in the letter you sent me, but knowing you (and Malfoy for that matter) I highly doubt this. Please be honest with me, Usagi, and tell me how things are really going. I'm truly worried about you and your well-being. More than you could ever know..
Has he hurt you? I'm sure he has, and that kills me to think of. I've agonized over the possible things you've had to endure, and I truly wish you weren't so stubborn and didn't go through with this. I miss you terribly and I hope sincerely things are okay.
I am relieved that you sent me an owl; I truly did not think he would let you do so. Please reply once again, if only to give me further assurance that you're alright. I love you, Usa, and hope you're doing okay.
Love,
Harry
P.S. I'm sorry for ignoring the P.S you sent... I could not allow myself to just sit back and wonder. Hope things aren't too busy that you're unable to reply again.
Usagi blanched slightly, chancing a glimpse at Draco's face. She recoiled immediately upon doing so, the anger in his expression enough to leave her apprehensive for the remaining days ahead. "I can explain," she started slowly.
Draco laughed harshly, a cruel sound that caused Usagi to shiver. "Why do the weakest explanations start with that very line?" he said angrily, standing from his seat. "Tell me, Usagi. What was it you said in the letter you sent him? When did you send it?" Seeing her head lower, his scowl deepened. He grasped her wrist and yanked her to her feet, startling her enough to look at him. "Answer me," he said in a deceptively quiet voice, a silent turmoil churning in his eyes.
"I...I just told him that everything was okay," she said softly. "I told him that things were going good here and that everything was fine. I sent it yesterday," she mumbled, trying to remember in her fear if he had asked any further questions.
"Did you ask me if you could send a letter?" he asked her softly, his grasp tightening on her wrist. She winced slightly, looking away again. He grasped her chin harshly, forcing her eyes to look at his. "Did...you...ask?" he said again slowly, enunciating each word.
Usagi shook her head mutely, trembling. "I didn't think you would let me," she said weakly.
Draco huffed a laugh, a smirk twisting upon his lips. "You're damn right I wouldn't have." He looked almost thoughtful for a moment, his eyes remaining cold and cruel. "Tell you what, Usagi," he murmured in a gentle tone, pulling her close. "I'm going to let you write him another letter."
Usagi's eyes widened slightly. She looked at him with a curious amazement. "R-really?" she whispered.
He brought his hand lightly to her cheek, splaying his palm against the wan skin. "Oh yes," he cooed softly, his voice a mock imitation of kindness. Usagi felt fresh waves of apprehension. "You can write little Potter a nice long letter... make it as in-depth as you want. But first... How about we really give Potter something to worry over?"
Usagi couldn't mask the confusion in her eyes. "What do you mean?" As soon as the words left her tongue, she regretted it.
A cruel smile broadened upon his lips, a soft chuckle escaping. "Potter seems so worried about what mean, cruel Malfoy is doing to poor Usagi. Let it never be said I disappoint Potter. You're disobedience is all the reason I need, but Potter's concern is an added bonus. Afterward, write a letter and tell him every little detail for all I care, as I'm sure you won't forget a moment of it."
The look of pure horror on Usagi's face was a clashing contrast to the cruel smirk upon his own.
x-x-x-x-x-
Thank you all very much for the reviews, means a lot to me!
To: ABC Gurl, Jessica Hillyard, liza, Seren Lunar Echo, kairiunu, ScaredSh-tless, simply maFic-eLite fenG, amazing-jax, Yami Nocturna, Cheerioes, devilsheart, Dark Universe, Bambi Star, Serenity Voldemort Riddle, Desipryd, Mflower49, Tangled Junky, Bunz, Kitoky, Maiden Genisis, ice-princess-hime, GingerBreadWoman, Hyru...Thank you all so much!