Draco Malfoy and the Potions Pupil
Chapter 7: Reformed
Draco could not stop thinking about Lily Potter. How could he feel this way? She was young enough to be his daughter. He had a son that was older than her. She was his student.
He thought of the strange encounters they had had. The looks they'd exchanged, the way she made him feel like he was a teenager again, the acceptance of him that she alone had offered. Images of that night in the library and that day in the grounds crept into his mind. He knew this was wrong, he shouldn't feel this way about a school girl but she seemed to feel the same. Didn't she? Why did she always blush when he looked at her? How could he know if she felt the same way when he didn't even know what he himself was feeling?
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The class had ended and the fifth year students had all left the room. One was straggling behind, still packing up their cauldron and potions ingredients. Who was it?
Draco looked up and saw who it was; Lily Potter... again.
Unable to stop himself Draco made his way in her direction as she slung her bag over her shoulder. He wanted her to stay. But why?
"Well done, today, Potter," he found himself saying when she'd almost made it to the door.
She looked up at him and smiled.
"Thank you, professor," she replied.
The last word hit him with a pang of guilt. You are her professor, he reminded himself.
"You're very talented, you know," he went on without meaning to. But he just wanted her to stay.
She smiled at him again and he felt his heart hammer in his chest.
In an attempt to distract himself he asked; "What other classes do you take?"
"Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Astronomy, Transfiguration, History of Magic, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts," she listed. At the mention of the last one she seemed to falter.
"It's okay, I'm reformed," he reassured with a smile. He wanted her to know.
She quickly glanced at his left forearm again and he felt a little hurt. Didn't she believe him? Maybe if he showed it to her she would see that he had nothing to hide.
"Would you like to see it?" he asked.
She hesitated for a moment but nodded slowly. With his heart still beating a rapid rhythm he pulled his left sleeve up to expose the Mark. He always wore long sleeves these days; he hated the sight of it. However he looked down at it and noticed Potter reaching out to touch it. Instinctively he pulled away but wished he hadn't. Now he looked like he did have something to hide.
She withdrew her hand and offered a mumbled apology.
She paused for a moment and then asked; "Does it hurt?"
"No," he shrugged. "Not anymore." It was true that it didn't hurt anymore but the fact that he'd known what it had felt like while the Dark Lord was at the height of his power made him feel ashamed. He regretted ever having the damn thing on him and now in front of Lily Potter he regretted it more than ever.
"I don't judge you," she said suddenly pulling him from his thoughts. "I mean... well not that you'd care what I think."
He looked at her for a moment wondering what it was about her that made him want her approval.
"It's funny but for some reason I do care what you think Lily Potter," he admitted.
In an instant he wished he hadn't spoken. Why had he said that?
Quick, I've got to get out of here, he thought before turning and leaving as calmly as possible.
Again he did not venture a glance at her but knew that she was staring after him.
AN: Thanks for reading. Please review. :)