Nymphetamine pt 2

"I have to what!" Draco yelled to himself, staring at the letter in his shaking hands. He couldn't believe it, another year at Hogwarts. He had no choice in the matter, it was either that, or a year in Azakaban, and he truly didn't want to go there. Both options felt like a death sentence to Draco. He wasn't very liked at Hogwarts, if the pale scar on his forearm told him anything, and he would have to see them, the golden trio. He exhaled sharply, tossing the letter down on the table with a swoosh. He paced back and forth, not knowing if the shaking was from nerves, or withdrawal from his new favorite potion. Sweat began to seep from his forehead. He sat down, taking the letter in his clammy hands once again, reading over it once again. He sighed, placing a hand to his sweaty head.

"At least I have access to hogsmead and Diagon Alley while I'm there." He said to himself. He stood up, going over to the cabinet and lifting his elixir in his hands, the liquid sloshing inside. 'Just a little bit…to calm my nerves.' He thought to himself, tying a cloth around his arm, which was beginning to turn purple from multiple punctures. After a moment, his worry was gone. After a moment, he began to feel calm, almost sleepy. He laid down on the couch, the room beginning to sway along with the thoughts inside his head. After a moment…he felt his beloved Nymphetamine, holding him in her loving embrace.

The train station was bustling with activity, new Hogwarts students anxiously waiting to get on the train, older students seemingly bored, ready to get the school year started. Harry walked around, it felt strange not having his beloved owl in with his luggage. He was ecstatic to be able to return for an eighth year, to finish up what he started. He ran into Ron and Hermione who waved him over eagerly.

"Harry! It's so good to see you!" She said, wrapping her arms around his neck. Harry laughed, returning her embrace.

"It's good to see you too. I'm not surprised you decided to continue Hermione." He looked over to Ron, who he also gave a friendly hug to. "I am a bit surprised you decided to come though." Ron shrugged, a smug smile on his face.

"Mum and Ginny talked me into coming. Said it would be good to get out of the house and around other people." His eyes were laced with sadness; no doubt over the death of his brother. Hermione put a friendly hand on his back.

"Look on the bright side Ron. You have me, Harry and, if the rumor mill is true for once, you and Lavender are patching things up? She seems a lot more…mellow since last time." She said with a smile. Ron's face turned a light shade of pink, and he looked down, smiling.
"Yeah. She came to visit a lot over the summer, really helped out with us all." Hermione smiled, giving him a hug.

"I'm happy for you! You deserve a nice woman." She said. Harry simply nodded in response. He looked around, seeing if there were any other "Eighth years" on the platform. He noticed a few: Seamus, Neville, the Patil twins, Lavender, who was making her way over to the trio and promptly lacing fingers with Ron, some slytherins, Pansy and Blaise and…"

"Ugh, why is HE here?" Lavender said, looking over Harry's shoulder. Harry turned, seeing Draco standing near the platform. Hermione quietly gasped, taking his appearance in.

"He looks awful…" She commented, running her eyes up and down him once more.

"You're right. He's lost a lot of weight…and he's not as pressed as he usually is." Harry said, looking to Hermione.

"His eyes are all sunken in, he looks like absolute shit." Ron commented, snorting to himself. Hermione stepped on his foot, making him jump back. "What was that for 'Mione?" She shook her head, showing her disappointment.

"Need I remind you, Ronald, that he wasn't a death eater by choice? That he was threatened? He's probably wracked with guilt, and it's probably taking a toll on him." Ron snorted.

"I couldn't care less. He shouldn't be allowed here." Draco grabbed his trunk, seeming to struggle with the weight, and pulled it towards the entrance to the train. It took him a few tries to get his trunk up the steps, but he finally managed and disappeared into the Hogwarts Express. The four Gryffindors watched, Ron laughing, Lavender scoffing, Harry silent in thought, and Hermione concerned.

"He seems really weak. I wonder what's going on with him?" She said to herself. Again, Ron laughed.

"As I said, who cares? He's getting what's coming to him. It's going to be one hell of a year for him." He started walking towards the train, Lavender in tow. Harry followed, looking to Hermione.

"I agree with you. There's something…not right about him. He's a git, don't get me wrong, but Ron seems to forget that him and Narcissa are a big reason we won the war." Best not be super vocal about it for now with Ron." She nodded, stepping into the train. They got into their compartment, setting their trunks on the floor and settling in. Hermione, however, stayed standing.

"I'll be right back." She said, turning to leave the compartment. "Just checking on something." Before anyone had a chance to say anything, she disappeared into the hallway, looking in each compartment, searching for him. She just had to figure out what was going on, and why he was so shaky and thin.

Draco found a compartment where he could be alone. His skin was itching and prickling, his hands shaking and feeling clammy. He quickly closed the door, taking the Nymphetamine out of his robe pocket. He smiled, this vial he purchased last night would last him at least a week. No guilt, no pain…just pleasure. He injected the potion into his veins and instantly felt relief. He looked out the window, waiting for his beloved to appear and wrap her arms around him. The scenery was beautiful, the deep shade of green from the trees dancing before his eyes. He smiled, feeling warm on the inside. He heard his compartment door open, and his smile grew wider; he knew she was here. He didn't look away from the window, but he knew she was here, he could hear her talking to him.

"Malfoy…" A far away voice said. He didn't respond, he just wanted to listen to her. "Malfoy…I need to talk to you. I know you hate mudbloods, but please, speak to me." His face contorted into a frown. How could she say such a filthy word? His love, saying that, it didn't sit well in his stomach.

"Don't say that word, its terrible." Draco said, his voice sounding dreamy. Hermione sat behind him.

"But you used to call me that all the time…when did you change?" She asked. Draco, still staring out the window, said dreamily,

"Let's not speak of that. In time we will learn about each other. Let's just enjoy this ride for now." Hermione frowned, her face contorted in confusion. He seemed to be swaying back and forth, as if he drank a whole bottle of fire whisky to himself. She silently scanned the compartment for hidden alcohol, but couldn't find any, or smell any for that matter. His trunk was open, but all she could see was part of a ripped shirt. She could take no more, she had to figure out what was wrong with him.

"Malfoy," She started, putting her hand on his shoulder. He finally turned, grabbing her by the wrist and holding on to her. She stared at his face. His eyes were sunken in, black circles under them. His hair was unruly and long, unlike his usual clean cut, gelled back look he usually had. His lips were chapped and he was very, VERY thin, thin to the point his clothing didn't fit anymore. But the most alarming feature she noticed was his eyes, the pupils were so dilated his normally silver eyes were almost black. He smiled at her, pulling her closer to him.

"I've been waiting for you…" He said. Before Hermione could react, Draco had leaned in, crashing his lips to hers.