The next morning I woke up to voices. Draco, Blaise, and Pansy. Seriously? Are they just going to camp out in our room now? Every. Single. Day?
I sat up, and they all turned to stare.
“What? You’re looking at me like I’m a ghost.” I snapped, already on edge.
Blaise and Pansy glanced away, but Draco kept his gaze locked on me. What the hell is *his* problem?
I shot him a confused look, and he smirked. Ugh. Why is he so infuriating?
I rolled my eyes and headed to the bathroom to fix my hair and put on makeup. Needed *something* to distract me.
When I went back to the room, they were gone. But my mind was already spiraling. Draco. Why was he staring? It wasn’t a mocking stare, or a smirk. It was…serious. Too serious.
The bell rang for lunch, and I headed back to the Great Hall. The Slytherin table was packed. The only free seat was next to Blaise, who was sitting next to Draco. Where was Pansy?
Before I could even think about slipping back to my room, Blaise called my name.
“Mia!”
I turned, letting out a sigh.
“Come sit with us!” He smiled. Too nice, associating with Draco and Pansy.
“Nah, I’m good. Thanks,” I said, offering a small smile. I just wanted to be left alone.
“Come on, Anderson. Don’t be difficult.” Draco said, his voice low.
I knew I didn’t have a choice. I needed to eat. I hadn't eaten properly in two days.
“So how are you?” Blaise asked.
“Fine, I guess.” A month ago I’d been diagnosed with depression. I had no idea where it came from. Maybe it was inherited from my mother. She was abusive, cruel. She hated me for being a witch, like my father. He left when I was a baby, and I don't know why. Every time I tried to talk to her about it, she shut me down, saying it was too personal, she didn’t *want* to talk about it.
“What do you mean, ‘fine’?” Draco’s voice cut through my thoughts. He sounded…concerned? What the actual fuck?
“Doesn’t matter,” I mumbled, trying to shove a forkful of food into my mouth.
“Just tell us.”
Why did they suddenly *care*?
Before I could respond, Pansy shrieked.
“What the hell is she doing here?”
“Can you please chill out? Blaise asked me to sit here. If it's a problem I’ll leave.” I snapped, my voice tight.
“No.” Draco’s voice was quick, too quick. I saw his head turn away, and I got the feeling he hadn’t wanted to say that aloud.
“Get the hell out.” She screamed again, pointing at the door.
“With pleasure,” I muttered, rolling my eyes. I stood up and walked toward the door, wanting nothing more than to disappear.
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I know these chapters are small. I'm trying to make them longer and more engaging…