Sorry it took so long, but I finally got it up. This chapter just was hard. But I got it all under control. Hope you enjoy!
Draco
I was alone. I had Astoria, but it wasn't the same. Both of my parents were gone. If Astoria and I ever have children, they'll never meet my parents. I guess it would be better that way, knowing my parents. I had been clean for a month when Astoria came to me and said, "Draco, I think you should go to a support group. It'll help you get over your addiction for good."
"That's not what's bothering me."
She sat down next to me and put a hand on my shoulder. "Then what is?"
I shook my head and went to the doorway. "Just forget it, will you?" I asked before leaving the room and heading to the library.
Once past the thresh hold of the library, I burst into tears. This was very unMalfoy. I didn't care though. I just needed to cry. I collapsed into the nearest chair and continued my sobbing. It was all my fault my mother died. Everything was going to shit. Maybe Astoria was right; maybe I should go to a support group, and figure why I've been acting so strange for the last 5 months. I could tell I was fragile inside. I've been through so much and seen so much. It's not something I'm proud of. It's turned me into an animal. I'd have random outbursts of hatred, but I know deep down, I'm still human. This was what Astoria was talking about. I need help to get that poor lost child out. I could feel him cowering inside.
What if I'm past repair, though? What if I can't be fixed, or get rid of the horrible monster I've turned out to be? It was all so scary. I wiped my eyes on my sleeve and stood up to look out of the window. It was the afternoon, and I hadn't eaten the entire day. After recognizing the fact, I hear my stomach grumble.
"Wimble!" I shouted and a house elf appeared.
"Yes, Master Draco?"
"Bring me something to eat."
The elf nodded and quickly left. I collapsed back into one of he chairs and waited for the elf to return. After about ten minutes, the elf hadn't returned so I decided to wander around and find a book to read. The problem was that most of the books were nonfiction, and that made them completely boring.
I ran my fingers over the old spins of the books when I came across one titled Alice in Wonderland. I plucked it off the shelf and opened it. It was a muggle book. That was surprising to see, a muggle object in the Malfoy Manor. I laughed slightly to myself and the noise sounded foreign. I was halfway through the first chapter when Wimble reappeared. He was carrying a tray with pasta, salad and a glass of red wine. He sat the tray on a small table and hurried out of the room.
After closing my book, I picked up the fork and attacked the pasta and salad. Once the food was gone, I went back to the book, sipping the wine every now and then. By chapter ten, Astoria had found me.
"Draco, it's getting late. Come to bed." She came into the library and took the book from my hands. "Alice in Wonderland?" she questioned.
"It's actually very good." I smiled and stood up.
I took the book back and marked my place.
"What's putting you in such a chipper mood?" she asked and I shrugged in response.
Astoria rolled her eyes and went toward the door. I followed after her, book still in hand. Once in the bedroom, Astoria hurried into the bathroom. I laid the book onto my nightstand and went to change into pajamas. This would probably make Astoria upset. She may have been anticipating sex, but I was in no mood. I climbed under the duvet and Astoria came out of the bathroom.
To my surprise, she hadn't asked about sex, but just went straight to sleep. I stayed up, though, reading. I couldn't get enough of Lewis Carroll. After a few hours, my eyes grew tired, so I joined Astoria in slumber. I rolled onto my side, facing away from Astoria. I still couldn't touch her without feeling disguising. My father's words swam through my mind again. Sleep with another woman. I couldn't and shouldn't. Astoria was so faithful; I couldn't break her heart. What is she found out? She would be devastated. I couldn't ask my parents if my mum had found out. I didn't want to do that to Astoria, but my father had said it worked. Should I try it?
No. I can't do that. I sighed and willed myself to sleep. I kept dreaming of a certain girl. What scared me was that it wasn't Astoria, but the one I used to tease everyday in school. Every time I'd reach out to touch her, she'd disappear. It pained me to see the laughing and smiling face. I had caused it to scowl, and even cry. I felt someone shake me and I was immediately awake. Sitting up quickly, I felt my head crack against Astoria's nose.
"DRACO!" she screeched at me.
"Oh Merlin," I mumbled and grabbed my wand. "I'm so sorry, Astoria."
She glared at me and I tilted her head back. "Let me see." She moved her hand from her nose, and sure enough, I had broken it. "Do you trust me?"
"Yes! Just fix my bloody nose!"
"Apisxy." Her nose cracked again, but was back in place. "Come on. I'm sure one of the house elves can help you with the blood."
We got out of the bed and I lead her to the nearest elf. "I accidently broke her nose, and now it's bleeding like crazy. Could you help her?"
"Of course," piped the elf.
He lead Astoria off to a bathroom and I groaned. How could I have been so clumsy? I went back to the bedroom and got changed. A few minutes later, Astoria returned, with a scowl.
"I'm really sorry. I didn't know your head was right there."
"Save it. I'm not blaming you." She went into the closet and ignored me as I continued to apologize.
"Give it a rest!" she yelled at me and I backed away.
"Yeah. I-I'll just go," I mumbled and went down to the kitchens to get breakfast.
