A/N: My fourth update! And it's written in my favourite pairing too, so that's a bonus. Just a heads up - most of these are going to be pretty angsty or sad, or just generally pretty negative. They're in the middle of a war, after all. Enjoy, and don't forget to review - please?

Title: Dear Old Hogwarts

Characters/Pairings: Draco Malfoy, Astoria Greengrass, hints at Draco/Astoria

Lyrics: Dear Old Shiz by Kristen Chenoweth and the Wicked ensemble

Setting: Around the end of the war, March/April -ish

Summary: Draco and Astoria discuss how Hogwarts has changed.

4. Dear Old Hogwarts

"Oh hallowed halls and vine-draped walls,

The proudliest sight there is"

"It's the first years I feel sorry for" Astoria says quietly, her back to him as she stares into the dying fire. "Having to come here, expecting such a wonderful time and then..."

She trails off, shuddering visibly, but whether from cold or disgust, it's not clear. Perhaps both.

"What's happened to this place?" she asks, not really talking to anyone particular, even though she's not alone.

"The proudliest sight there is"

"It's not a home anymore, like it used to be. The whole school's terrified..." she carries on, filling the silence, knowing that he won't say anything. "It's like a prison. Our own personal Azkaban"

"Potter better hurry up with whatever he's doing" he says from behind her. This surprises her. "I don't know how much longer I can stand all of this". It's the first time he's openly admitted he's on the other side.

"You think he will?" Astoria asks. "Defeat him, I mean?"

"He has to" he says sharply. "He's just got to" He puts his head in his hands, and Astoria finally turns away from the fire and kneels in front of him, pulls his hands away from face.

"Please don't cry, Draco" she whispers to him, resting her forehead against his. "It'll get better. I promise, it'll get better somehow"

She hopes she's right. For his sake as well as everyone else's.

A/N: Is it just me or are these getting longer as I write more of them? Never mind, it's more for you to enjoy, my lovely readers. I absolutely love Draco/Astoria at the moment, so that's why this is one is slanted that way although their actual romance isn't explicit here, but will come up later on. Poor Draco *sniffs*. Like it? Review. Not keen? Review. Not sure? REVIEW. You know the drill.

HPfangirl4life xx