Lily Potter and the Potions Professor
Chapter 7: Reformed
Lily could not stop thinking about Professor Malfoy. How could she feel this way? He was as old as her father. He had a son that was older than her and who went to the same school as her. He was her teacher.
She thought of the looks they'd exchanged, the way her heart felt like it would beat out of her chest when they touched, the kind way he spoke to her when he was so cold to everyone else, the rare smile that he showed her more than anyone else. That night in the library and that day in the grounds. These were not just the fantasies of a teenage girl. They couldn't be, could they? She knew that he must feel something too. She wondered whether he would feel as conflicted as she did about...whatever this was.
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Lily was the last to finish packing up her cauldron and potions equipment. The rest of the students had left the class room. She slung her bag over her shoulder and started towards the door.
"Well done, today, Potter," said Malfoy as she had almost made it to the door.
She looked up and smiled; "Thank you, professor."
"You're very talented, you know," he went on.
She smiled again and let the happiness well up in her at the idea that he thought she was talented. He thought that she was worthwhile.
"What other classes do you take?" he enquired after a short pause.
"Care of Magical Creatures, Herbology, Astronomy, Transfiguration, History of Magic, Charms, Defence Against the Dark Arts," she listed, a little uncertain when she reached the last one.
He smiled. "It's okay, I'm reformed."
Lily glanced at his left forearm, immediately wishing she hadn't.
He noticed this and asked; "Would you like to see it?"
She couldn't tell if he was joking but nodded slowly anyway. He pulled his sleeve up to reveal the Dark Mark beneath. Lily examined it intently, she reached out to touch it but he pulled away and she quickly withdrew her own hand.
"I'm sorry," she mumbled. After another short pause her curiosity got the better of her and she asked; "Does it hurt?"
"No," he shrugged. "Not anymore." He pulled his sleeve down to hide it again and looked away his eyes becoming distant, sorrowful. For once she thought she sensed what he was really feeling; regret.
"I don't judge you," Lily stated before she knew what she was saying. "I mean...well not that you'd care what I think," she added quickly, mumbling.
He watched her for a moment and then said quietly; "It's funny but for some reason I do care what you think Lily Potter," before turning and leaving her standing there staring after him.