We Held Hands
11
Whiteout
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Previously…
"Ah, I see. Draco Malfoy would be accompanying you. I could indeed provide protection, we could agree on that. But as long as you will stay within sight's reach, can you assure me of that?" The headmaster asked; his eyes never even showed it's usual fervor. A chaperone… Well at least it isn't a whole squad.
"Absolutely sir, yes." Isis said. She was willing to whatever condition as long as she gets to go to Hogsmeade really, as long as she could see her parents. "And my parents, sir?"
"They will be arriving before Christmas, I assure you that."
With that, Isis finally broke into an appeasing smile that made Dumbledore's eyes seem to regain its shine.
"Oh, thank you, sir! Thank you!" Isis sighed with relief. I won't have any time-lapse ever again! Isis reminded to herself. It was a bit odd really, how time flies. When you can't wait for something to happen it oddly slows down. When you have so many things to do, don't even know where to start, and even when you're dreading something, it speeds up. Like sand freely falling from one's hand. Can't grasp it. Can't hold it. Can't catch Time. Really.
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"I don't really know why we need this… Chaperone, Isis." Draco complained for the umpteenth time as they trudged their way down towards Hogsmeade. It never really wavered Isis' mood. She couldn't careless whomever the headmaster might bring with them as long as she gets to be outside Hogwarts as it was so suffocating. Besides, Remus Lupin is more than fine to Isis. The first time she saw him she knew their chaperone wouldn't really mind them that much. And for her, he was just fine, nice man, really. He never much bothered Isis.
"The headmaster thinks it is a risk to just allow you by yourselves at Hogsmeade. When it is less populated." Lupin said. That day he wore one of his most decent clothes, just for the sake of not giving away his condition. It was near full moon, just a week away.
"It was a good thing it was you who volunteered. Thanks by the way, Mr. Lupin. Erm…" Isis began.
"Remus." Lupin continued, "It wasn't such of a big thing. I was fancying a stroll by Hogsmeade today too."
"Right. We won't take long." Isis assured their guard. Goal for that day… Lets see… Purchasing gifts for Marissa, Meilyn, Joshua, Jacob, Chris, Reed, Mommy and Daddy, my Professors at A.W.W.I. and at Hogwarts, oh, Harry and the others as well… Blaise, Hannah, Justin, hmmm… My what a long list. Isis smiled to herself, even if that means decreasing gold from her own vault, it was okay. At least she gets the time away from Hogwarts; rumors kept on nagging her, if that was possible.
"So where do we start?" Isis said. She glanced around, not really that familiar with her surroundings. She turned to Draco, knowing full well he'd have memorized Hogsmeade back and forth. Behind them, Remus Lupin had that amused look on his face when Draco groaned and said:
"Oh alright, follow me. Gods, this'll be a long, long day."
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"Why… I didn't know we'd be finished by sunset." Isis said breezily, her wand held out. They had just finished purchasing the last gifts from her lists. Having secretly bought one for Remus Lupin, for gratitude because of his patience. Isis was a shopaholic, she admit and it never really seized to amaze her that every once in a while Remus Lupin would just chuckle at seeing Draco go through such predicament as shopping.
"Does that mean were finally finished?" Draco asked. He must've thought I just had a short list. Isis thought to herself. Poor guy. Must get to work on that broom when we get back.
"I thought you love to shop, Draco?" Isis asked.
"Well, that's when I'm the one buying." Draco corrected her.
"We must hurry. It's almost night." Lupin informed them. They made their way at the Hogsmeade Train Station and back up to Hogwarts. "Merlin, Albus will surely have my neck now. If I didn't take these kids back soon…" Isis has the privilege of hearing their companion mutter despairingly to himself as they made their way to the Hogwarts gates. He'll love it. Good thing I took notice of what he's wearing. Isis thought to herself. Those robes are way out of date and besides… He could use a date. She smiled to herself. She wasn't much of a matchmaker and such a meddlesome person. But maybe… just maybe, she could help him.
Just as when they were on the threshold and when she felt Hogwarts' wards, something caught her eyes. I'm gonna make sure I get to talk to Harry when I return. Isis noted to herself.
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"That Remus Lupin is nice, isn't he?" Isis said to Draco as they sat down in front of the fireplace at the Slytherin Common Room. Quite a handful of the students were left at Hogwarts for some went home to their families for Christmas.
"Yeah, just as long as he don't smile with fangs glinting for all the world to see." Draco retorted. "Hmp, gave me B+ with my test with him back at Third Year."
"He was a teacher here? What did he teach?" Isis asked. How come he didn't stay long?
"Well, Professor Snape's quite angry with a certain Boggart incident and well, the happenings that same year that he let it slip of his identity."
"Which is?"
"But-didn't you know? He's a werewolf. I was wondering why were you so nice to that man…" Draco continued, seeing as Isis' face fell for a moment. "Need not mind that anymore, hopefully we don't get to see his face again. The Defense Against the Dark Arts post is rumored to be jinxed. Didn't anybody tell you that? Well, it was jinxed since Potter came, really. First it was Quirrell who died, never lost anything really, he just kept on stuttering that I couldn't understand what he was trying to say. Then there's Lockhart who lost his memory, but, compared to me, he's much more self-centered. Then there's Lupin. I don't really know if he quit or was sacked. Well maybe sacked, seeing as everyone knows he's a werewolf. Then there's Moody, and I abhor him. I don't really know why he quit but it's completely fine with me. So last year, it was Umbridge but I guess she can't stay either. Too bad, she made a great Headmistress compare to that Dumbledore."
"Hmm…" Isis narrowed her eyes. She can't really seem to know how come so many things happened so fast. I never liked werewolves but… Remus Lupin wasn't so bad. She tried to avert their conversation. And Quidditch was the first thing that appeared to her mind. "Anyways… I didn't get to watch your match with the Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs, what happened?"
"Ah, won those, of course. Why weren't you there?" Draco asked.
"You didn't mention you were the Slytherin Quidditch Captain. I wasn't really much of a Quidditch fan so, I just erm… went to get some stuff finished." Isis replied with less enthusiasm than before. "But I see you're gonna go against Harry? When's your match?"
"Oh, Potter. Can't wait really. It's next year, maybe mid-January." Draco's eyes glinted in the most manic way Isis has ever seen. Just like Joshua and Reed. Boys can't help but be stuck with Quidditch. "How's my broomstick anyways?"
"Can't wait, can't you? Might as well have it a try. The blue sparks are almost out, the last time I checked on it."
"Wait a minute… What did you put on it?"
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Draco's POV
"What sort of charms did you put on this, Isis?" Draco said as he clambered back down. His first try at the improved broom and Draco felt as though he need not buy a Firebolt anymore. Bloody fantastic! What could she possibly have done to it? "I can't possibly imagine any charms at all to put to this."
"That's classified." Isis smiled. Always has a secret to hide eh? Oh well. At least this thing could help me beat Pothead. She stood there, in muggle outfit no less, but Draco couldn't careless what she wore. It doesn't affect the fact that Isis was naturally beautiful. Especially when it's Christmas. Heavens, my hands are itching to wipe those snows away.
"Have you ridden a broom before?" Draco asked, a small grin fighting its way across his face. He climbed back to his broom. "Come on, try it."
"Oh no, if you must know I hate heights. I prefer my feet stuck to the ground, thank you very much." Isis dismissively said and sat back down at the Quidditch stands. "I'd rather watch you fly and not break my neck."
"Come on, Isis. Never? Just once!" Draco persisted.
"You know, anytime soon there'd be a snow blizzard and believe me I'm not keen to be trapped on one." Isis took out her wand and started to conjure flowers out of nowhere.
"Don't just sprout flowers, come on! Once. I'll never bug you again." With that Draco took his feet off the ground and caught hold of Isis arm. With a surprised squeak, Draco hoisted Isis behind him on his broomstick. "And off we go!"
Isis could've hexed Draco if it wasn't for the fact that she has her arms tight around Draco's waist, her eyes closed. "Put me back down, Draco. Now!"
"No. Just once. I can not believe you would not want to enjoy flying." Draco had that smirk on his face again. He had never thought of tricking Isis into flying but the snow gave him inspiration. Seeing Isis' hair littered with snow, its black strands tainted with cold white gave Draco a sudden urge to grab hold of her. And what best excuse than to frighten a girl into flying?
"Once we get back on the ground I'll hex you until you can't walk!" Isis shouted from behind him, shivering with fright. "I'm never ever going to help you with this thing again, you hear me? No, I'm just sticking to giving you a book and that's it!"
"A fixation with books too? This is just how a Malfoy thanks someone. You should be honored that I take you with me now." Draco said. He leaned forward and off they went, flying towards the towers of Hogwarts. He could just hear Isis' surprised scream, or was it laughter?
Isis was laughing. "Oh yes, Malfoy. You frighten me but I tell you, when we get back down…"
"I know, I know. Just enjoy the flight, will you?" It was snowing lightly as they sped through the air. It whipped through their hair and Draco could just imagine those black curls gliding with it. Damn that hair. There's something about her hair that's…They sped towards the highest tower and then over the Forbidden Forest. "You know, I've never flown with anyone before."
"Maybe that's because they don't really want to suffer traumas from flying?" Isis' voice was far from frantic. "Maybe they really didn't want to die yet?"
"Oh come on, Isis. Enjoy the flight." Draco sat up, making Isis do this as well and halted his broom into a stop in the middle of the air, just above an enclosure. "Now, relax. Maybe you're too stressed and too preoccupied that's why you always lost track of time."
"I'm always busy but I never lost track of time. Can we just go back?" Isis pleaded. She glanced behind them, at the now snow-covered Hogwarts castle.
"Fine. Hold on tight." Isis obliged. Draco jerked his broom around and they sped their way back towards the Quidditch Pitch.
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Too bad it's almost dark. Draco thought as he and Isis made their way up the stairs towards the Great Hall. Nevertheless it didn't quench Draco's happiness. He didn't know why but spending time with his friend… Not shielding anything and just being himself, though a bit overly sarcastic and silly at the same time, he didn't bother it much. Not going home this Christmas seems worth it after all. He grinned to himself, as he was gazing at Isis. She told him that she had a nagging feeling that her parents will be at the castle anytime this day.
Isis is right. They're here. Draco thought. Alexandra and Eric Black stood at the front door of the Great Hall, clutching their winter coat towards themselves as snow blizzard started to spread over Hogwarts grounds. Draco looked at Isis' muggle parents and was surprised that he didn't feel anything unpleasant towards them at all. On the other hand, he felt even happier when he heard Isis shout with such happiness in her voice when she saw her parents.
"Mommy! Daddy!" Isis shouted with delight. Draco glanced beside him and saw Isis' face had lit up into one of the most wonderful smile he had ever seen of her. Her eyes seemed to have doubled its warmth when Draco looked into them. But it wasn't for long that he lost sight of the warmth as Isis had run towards her parents.
"Oh, goodness. I miss you both! I'm so happy you're here!" Isis cried out. Draco could hear her voice eliciting the truth. "Sorry if I didn't write soon enough! I was so preoccupied and so…"
Alexandra Lawrence-Black brought her daughter into her arms and hugged her with such fervor before Isis had the chance to finish her apology. "Aww. We missed you too, Darling." Now I know where Isis' voice came from. Draco thought to himself.
Isis' father, Eric Black, placed a hand to his daughter's shoulders and Isis looked up from her mother's arms and instinctively hugged her father with the same love and yearning. They stood there with smile apparent on their faces even Draco, who was standing far away, could just see.
It was all foreign to Draco's sight. He had never been like that to his parents. They had never been like that to him. The closest thing to warmth that he had received was from his mother. And it was a moment's hug when he was just a child and Lucius Malfoy had been furious at Draco for breaking one of the Malfoy heirlooms.
Draco took away his gaze from the family rejoicing and stared at the scenery by the window. He walked towards it and sighed. What has happened to me? Draco didn't know what he was feeling but whatever it is, he didn't like it.
He felt lonely. He felt unloved. He never thought he'd feel this way, miss his parents. Not once.
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Isis' POV
"Daddy… I'm so sorry!" Isis apologized again. She smiled to her parents. "I'm so glad you agreed to stay here for Christmas! This is just great!"
"Well… Your Headmaster had been so kind to provide us transportation, really. Do you know this man-Remus Lupin?" Her mother asked. "He asked me to tell you that he was extremely grateful with your gift."
"Oh! He received it already?" Isis smiled. "He accompanied me and-Oh! That reminds me… Mommy, Daddy, I would like you to meet my first friend here at Hogwarts. Dra-" But all that met Isis was an empty hall. Draco Malfoy was nowhere to be found. "But… Draco was just with me here a while ago."
Isis frowned. Where is he?
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Isis spent most of the evening with her parents. She was supposed to be happy as because she has her whole family with her plus, she got to spend her first and maybe last ever Christmas at Hogwarts. But why wasn't she? They had sat down in front of the fireplace of the common room where her parents are staying at Hogwarts, which were almost right next to the Gryffindor House. Maybe he's in the common room already. Yeah, wrapping some presents…Isis looked out to the window, staring dismissively at the Forbidden Forest recalling their flight earlier that day. Yes, that would be it. It's Christmas tomorrow, after all.
On their way, Isis got to introduce her parents to her Gryffindor friends-Ron, Hermione and Harry respectively. They were spending their Christmas here at Hogwarts for Hermione's parents were still in France (They said it was okay for me to stay here and well, they'd be happy together for themselves once in a while at Dijon, and maybe spend some times in Paris… -Hermione) and Ron's family is currently staying at Fleur Delacour's family. (Should as well bloody inform me as to where they were all bloody going! I tell you, Fred and George bloody told them in purpose that I'd rather… -Ron). Once in a while, her father would just completely stare at Harry with awe that it was rather unusual for her father to. (Nice to finally meet you err-Mr. Black. -Harry). Isis never minded it though. A few greetings from both parties, the Black family had settled themselves at the Common Room where Isis' parents stayed. The house-elves had the courage of showing up and providing them a rather scrumptious dinner and Dobby the house-elf was absolutely ecstatic to have served Isis' parents. After dinner, they had finally settled themselves and began to talk.
"How was school, Isis?" her mother started. "Oh, and of course, we understand, don't apologize, we've had enough about those, really."
Isis smiled. Her mother was more understanding than her father. "Well… My grades are improving, that's good news. I'm sorry if I got you worried with uhm… What exactly did Professor Dumbledore wrote to you?"
"He just mentioned you had a breakdown. And I know, you never ever had any breakdown." Her father started on that one. He had his eyes directly to his daughter, as if wanting to find out exactly what had happened and how it happened.
Uh-oh… "Well, we had a duel and you see… there." Isis was not one to lie to her parents, ever. She had tried that once, when her friends had attempted to drink up some Vladrag's Vodkas. Her father wasn't pleased to say the least, even though Isis still has her head in a completely normal still sober condition.
"Come to think of it, Clemence wrote to me and said Joshua has taken the post of Defense here, am I right?" Isis' father continued. He raised his eyebrows as if expecting something out of this.
"Uhm… well, yes. Joshua, you know him…" Isis laughed, and rather nervously. Great. I thought daddy was just going to let this one pass…
"I should've known. He's rather keen on doing things like that. He'd better be like his brother Reed. It was a relief Jacob didn't follow him here. Have you received any letter from them yet?" Uhm… No. Not this one again. Isis did not once permit her eyes to roll out of annoyance to her father. Joshua wasn't really much on the good side of Isis' father. Either was Jacob. Always on the list. And that list isn't what you wanted to be.
"No, not really. I didn't even have a letter from Marissa or even Meilyn. Why is that?" Isis asked. It was then that she realized that she really miss her friends at A.W.W.I. and will be writing them letters each for Christmas. That would be nice… Isis thought.
"They've been busy as well. Your headmistress had given them permission to use nonverbal spells outside class, an experiment if you will, and as a prefect well… let's say Meilyn might as well need Marissa's help." Isis gave her mother a rather inquiring look before her mother continued. "Well you know Clemence. Ever since she retired from work, she was rather into her sons' lives. Even her sons' friends' lives as well. She has rather keen eyes on Meilyn, if I say so myself."
Isis smiled on this one. What Meilyn doesn't know was that, ever since the day they came to A.W.W.I., Joshua had admired her. And everyone knows that, especially Joshua's mother. It brought Isis and her friends into laughing hysterics when Joshua started to go all gentleman-like when talking to Meilyn and then after that… well, he was whooping and jumping in joy, all by himself.
"Mum… I was just wondering… When I was younger… When you gave me Hermes… how exactly did he… die?" Isis asked rather quietly. She bit her lower lip out of apprehension, old habits die hard it may seem. She wasn't really keen on pouring cold water that time but she couldn't just wait. Instantly, the mood of the room changed, tense almost tangible. Isis saw her mother instantly close her eyes when she heard the word Hermes and her father shifted his seat.
"Tell me what happened… to him, will you?" Isis asked, looking hopefully to the worried faces of her parents. "I promise I won't… run away. I'm not a like that from before anymore, I can handle whatever it is."
"But Isis-" Her mother started.
"No mum. Please, just tell me. Because…" Isis hesitated. Come on, if you want to end all of those nightmares, you better start asking. Otherwise your curiosity would eat you up. Isis said to herself. "Because when I stayed at the hospital wing, I had a nightmare and I don't really know if it really happened because… I've never had any… I can't remember what exactly happened then. Can you…?"
"I think it's best if we… Leave that for tomorrow." Isis' mother was not one for this type of conversation. Last time that they had one of this, Isis left home. And Isis never liked what happened to her before Headmistress Galadriel Montgomery found her lying limp in front of the A.W.W.I. front doors.
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"Isis… you're very special, okay? More special than your classmates." Isis' mother stepped in front of Isis, who was at lost of what had happened. Her mother was so worried at her state, it may seem. She cannot possibly remove the image that had flashed right before her daughter's eyes. A black dog lying in front of Isis, gasping for breath and she can't seem to control the pair of hands that seemed to have emitted blue sparks towards the struggling dog, her own hands.
"Mommy, please… Please believe me. I didn't do it! Don't tell me I'm so special because…"
"Because you killed Meilyn's dog, Snuggles? Isis, hear me out. You've got extraordinary powers your classmates can scarcely imagine, your professors can scarcely comprehend. And…"
"But, how? I mean…I lost control! I wanted to restrain myself but-How? I didn't mean to hurt him or anyone for that matter. At all!"
"Isis… You cannot possibly control yourself. That is why you were kept here at Asian. And… Madame Galadriel had already informed us that you will be staying in a special… institute."
"She's gonna lock me up again? And you're allowing her to lock me up? I won't let you! I'd rather…" Isis stood up wand at hand. "I'm sorry. Mommy. Please tell Daddy that I'm just… so fed up with you people treating me like a child. Well, I'm not. And I'm going to prove it."
With that Isis left. She was gone missing for almost a month when the first year students had informed Madame Galadriel of her form suddenly appearing out of thin air in the front doors of the Asian school. The only thing they heard from Isis when she was staying at the hospital wing was the words: Vampires, sacrifice, killings and lastly, Werewolves.
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It still gave Isis the worst shivers when she recalled her days away from home. She had known that Vampires and Werewolves were enemies since the beginning but having seen it from the sacrifice's point of view… She never really knew how she had managed to escape from that hellhole.
"Alright. Tomorrow. Professor Dumbledore says he couldn't be with you for the time being to welcome you here but he may see you at the Christmas feast tomorrow night." Isis regained her smile. Unbeknownst to her, her parents sighed with relief. The sooner they meet with Professor Dumbledore, the better. "Maybe tomorrow we can go around the castle and I get to introduce you to my housemates?"
"Surely, darling. But for now, I think we better get some rest. It's almost 9:30 and you cannot stop me from following your bedtime." Isis' mother smiled fondly. Finally, Isis showed some familiar gestures, such as groaning every time she is reminded of her bedtime. "Would you like a bed time story with that?"
"Mummy! I'm fine okay? I'm gonna meet you guys tomorrow. Daddy?" Isis asked her father, who was more comfortable to just hearing his family converse rather than joining in the conversation.
"Rest, Isis." Her father gave his loving smiles and after they gave their goodnights and hugs, Isis made her way out of the Common Room. Isis sighed in relief as she made her way down the stairs just passing by a rather tipsy portrait of a fat lady in pink robes.
"Young lady, this time of night, you should be in you common room!"
"I'll be on my way, thank you very much." Isis said dismissively and descended one of the tricky stairs. Not before she reached the dungeons did she hear voices from one of the tapestries…
"Harry, please. Don't do it! For goodness sake, just calm yourself." It was Hermione's voice, for sure.
"Did you at least look at his eyes? I swear, I think I saw Sirius in them! I-"
"Whose eyes? What do you mean-"
"Mr. Black's! Isis' father's eyes! Just like Sirius' eyes! I can't believe you didn't notice!" Harry's voice was angry and frantic at the same time. Isis frowned at this. Who's Sirius? And why is Harry so put off by this?
"Come on, Harry. Let's just go back, we can just go to Dumbledore tomorrow. It's almost curfew!" Hermione's voice grew nearer. The tapestry was swept aside by Hermione and they came face to face with a rather accusing look from Isis.
"Oh… err-Isis, we didn't know you were there." Hermione said after a rather long pause.
"Who's Sirius? What does he have to do with my father?"
"Sirius Black. He's my Godfather. A pureblood from the Noble and Ancient House of Blacks." Harry's voice sounded dead, cold and remote. Harry has his head lowered never wishing to see Isis' inquiring stare. "Sorry if you were at all… Offended but…"
"It's okay." Isis said. "I assure you that both my parents is as muggle as possible and therefore we aren't relatives of your Godfather nor are we in any contact with him."
"He's dead." Harry's remote voice said again and this time, he looked up. "I'm really, really sorry. Isis… I didn't mean to be so… Like this. I haven't accepted his death until, well… When Professor Dumbledore mentioned your name I thought…"
Isis sighed. How could she possibly be angry at those lonely emerald eyes? Even though tears were absent in those green orbs, loneliness and misery was tangible. Even Harry's voice showed that much already. "Harry… It's… I told you I don't mind…"
"Well I guess that should sort things out… We better get back to our dormitories, Filch might caught us this late here." Hermione spoke up again after another pause. "Goodnight, Isis."
"Goodnight guys." Isis said. She was at lost. She had never seen anyone so lonely as Harry before. She made her way to the Slytherin House with so much in her mind.
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Draco's POV
She seems at peace… Draco had observed Isis' expressions as she and her family made their way towards the other side of the castle. That was the last time that Draco had seen her and it was past nine, Isis hadn't return yet. Still, he had settled himself at their usual seats near the fireplace, waiting for Isis to return because frankly, he wasn't sleepy at all and the house-elves had done their job wrapping presents for him. He wasn't really into dinner that time so he just spend the earlier part of the evening thinking…
When did this all started? Draco thought. I never thought I'd have such an attachment to a… mudblood-no-a muggleborn. Draco squinted his eyes shut and massaged his forehead. Everything happened in such a swift way that he wasn't aware that Isis' mere presence was making him dependable to her and little by little, he was almost quite familiar and accustomed to her presence it was like a daily routine. How did that happen? Draco had been completely annoyed by the fact that he was loosing his normal self just because he preferred Isis' company than his usual entourage, namely Crabbe and Goyle. At least Isis is much more of a conversationalist than those dim-witted lumps. Draco continued to stare at the fire thinking… always thinking. What did Isis have that others didn't? How did she earn Draco's… trust? As if Draco has the ability to trust anyone at all. At least I wasn't Marked yet… Or the Dark Lord will just laugh at me and… Thank Salazar that father is still locked up in Azkaban or else he'd… Draco was at lost. How can he have let himself be so vulnerable at this muggleborn?
I don't know if she's really a Muggleborn to start with. Maybe she wasn't. Why else was she allowed to be sorted to Slytherin? Salazar Slytherin had solely picked his students to be Pureblooded or to be… What if she was a descendant of Slytherin? But that's impossible. The Dark Lord is the last descendant of Salazar Slytherin. Draco's musings got to the point that it hasn't got one thing to formulate to justify his curiosity. I haven't really asked Isis what is it they do at A.W.W.I. at all…
Just then, Draco heard the door open and in came Isis, her face showing every bit of total exhaustion and bottled-up curiosity and misery, if that was what he was really seeing.
"What's the matter?" Draco started, looking up straight to Isis, potentially problematic face.
"I-you're still awake?" Isis was taken by surprise by that fact, so it may seems.
"Yes, seeing as I am not sleeping here." Draco said and relaxed a bit. She must be just tired…
"Draco, I'm… I'm so sorry if I left you behind when my parents came." Isis walked straight towards her usual seat just across Draco and leaned back at the soft, comfortable sofa. She sighed and obliged herself continue. Draco wasn't one to acknowledge this kind of apologies at all. Ignorance of his presence was understandable to him, if it favored him, that is. "I… where were you anyways? Why did you leave me there? I've wanted to introduce you to my parents, you know."
"Isis, are you really a muggleborn?" Draco said out of curiosity. His gaze shifted towards the flames that was fighting the coldness the snow blizzard was giving off.
"What do you mean-I… well, that's what my parents said." Isis admitted. She sat straight up and stared at the blazing flames. "My mother… She told me she was a Squib. I don't know if my father as well because there was one time I saw him with a wand, but I guess I was wrong, I was just five years old back then, how could that have been a wand?" Isis giggled nervously. She's hiding something. "Why are you asking me this?" She sighed with defeat and looked back up. She gazed into Draco's cold steel gray eyes and Draco was terribly unnerved by what he saw, he never would have thought those chocolate brown eyes could ever rival coldness against his own. "Why are you asking me things that I myself have been asking them… for my whole life?"
"What exactly does that mean…" Draco couldn't take his eyes away from hers. Thinking that if her let go, he'd never see those heartbreaking eyes again. "I'm sorry, Isis. I didn't mean to ask you those things… It wasn't my business at all."
Uncomfortable silence lingered between them. They sat there, never breaking their gaze at each other's eyes until finally, it was Isis who broke. "It wasn't… Don't be sorry Draco."
"Yeah, I know… And Malfoys don't apologize." Draco smirked. He gazed back at the flames again fearing another glimpse at those brown orbs that made him so infuriatingly vulnerable.
"You know, since you came here, I wasn't supposed to be with you at all. I was, however, supposed to pester you until you cry out in agony. I was supposed to be the bane of your very existence because, as every Slytherin had said, you're a bloody mudblood. No offense but… It's true. My father and mother brought me here, a Malfoy. A Malfoy never associates with any muggles, mudbloods, or half bloods that associates themselves with mudbloods. You perfectly fit in any of those. If I had known better, Pansy and the others might as well ridicule me for who I have been with this term. However, they didn't. They are still frightened by me, it may seem. Because I am a Malfoy. " Draco sighed. He didn't dare look up at Isis but he could perfectly guess that Isis was listening intently. Damn, I must be out of my mind…
"But how was I to deny you? I don't even know how all of these came about. I have been so used to your company and I don't even bloody know it. You don't even know half of who I really am. Come to think of it, so do I. I don't even know who you really are. That's why I'm asking you. I would even dare say that whatever it is that is happening to me that made me completely attached to you, was it completely worth than being who I really am?" Another long, tense pause.
"Was it worth it?" Isis' voice asked, and Draco fought the urge of looking at her again, aware that her voice was in danger of trembling. "Was being with me worth all of the trouble?"
"I don't know. But I just-felt so at ease. Being with you I felt that I could just be myself, but how could I be myself? A Malfoy and be with you? Ironic, I tell you." Draco paused by sensing, as Isis seemed to have wanted to hear something more, he continued. "Mind you… I liked spending time with you and when I'm not, my very disposition always condemn me because I have let my defenses down. I have made myself so accustomed and so vulnerable. And how can a Malfoy be so damnably vulnerable to a… Muggleborn?" Damn, damn, damn.
"If… it wasn't worth it, you don't need to trouble yourself." Isis voice was completely different now. Draco looked up and could see that he had just added misery to her. It was unbelievable to think that a Malfoy really has the impeccable ability to put misery in anyone's life. "Thank you for being such a wonderful friend here at Hogwarts, Draco Malfoy. I might see you again until the end of the term but don't trouble yourself further. Goodnight."
Draco was once again gazing at those excruciatingly miserable brown eyes. It was as if he really didn't want her to leave, after all that he had said. Confessed more like it. Don't let her leave you git! He told himself but as he was about to speak again, Isis stood up and left. The last thing Draco saw as he glanced at her retrieving form was her face drenched with tears, which was dangerously warning to fall from her eyes from the very beginning Draco told what he… Felt?
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Author's Note: Aww… poor Draco. Is he too OC? Please… Please let me know. Ok? And come to think of it, what would you wish for poor Draco? He's really-err-lonely this Christmas because of lack of parents. Much like yours truly, heh.
To… (Finally I get the time to reply at some reviews!)
mysticsky: yeah can't believe i'd just right this fic but well, keep those reviews coming i'll keep on posting!
rocker-chic-at-heart: nice nick... by the way, did you receive the file for chap 5?
Vulcan-rabbit: no-uh, not gonna tell much about the teacher. well.. maybe after chap 11 or 12, eh?
SheSaysWhaa: yeah me too, i really love this thing, haha
sss: ss?
sarah: thanks
Dazze: HEY! thanks for convincing me to just stick with this fanfic. haha, oh and thank god, it's just minor writer's block again.