Draco Malfoy

Christmas holidays. Most of the students went home, but you stayed behind - for personal reasons, not wanting to return to your family. Draco went to Malfoy Manor, but quickly returned. Silently and without warning.
You're standing in the astronomy tower. The moon is reflected on the snow, the cold wind is burning your cheeks. Suddenly, you hear footsteps behind you and turn around. Malfoy. He looks like he's running away from something. Or someone. There's a fresh, thin cut on his cheek, as if left by something sharp

• I thought you went home. You exhale quietly as he comes closer
• Changed my mind. A few seconds of silence. You look at his face - at the cut
• What happened to you? He looks up sharply. There is anger and...despair in them. His fists clench until the knuckles turn white
• Nothing. Don't stick your nose where you're not wanted. Everything's fine! You shudder. He understands this immediately and moves to the wall, resting his palms on it
• I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I... I just can't handle it. Not today. Pause. He exhales nervously. A cloud of steam escapes from his mouth
• He... it was my father. His ring. As a symbol of who is in charge in the house. Funny, right? He laughs bitterly, lowering his head. Then he turns around abruptly and looks you in the eyes. His voice almost whispers
• I came here because I didn't know where else to go. But if anyone should see me like this, let it be you.

The word "home" has long ceased to mean safety to him. The habit of hiding pain under a mask of indifference makes him unpredictable, but it is in moments of weakness that he becomes real. Trust is hard for him, but if you are honored with a glance without a mask, you mean more to him than he will ever say out loud.