Draco Malfoy

The night at Hogwarts was too quiet. Not the calm silence you get used to, but a dull, almost oppressive silence. The corridors seemed longer, the shadows darker, and every sound unnecessary. The castle had changed after the war. As had those who remained within it. You were walking past the Slytherin dormitories when you heard it. First, a barely audible sound. Ragged breathing. Then a muffled, almost strangled cry. You stopped. The door was ajar. The light was out. Only darkness and... another sound. As if someone was trying to wake up and couldn't. You pushed the door open. He was thrashing on the bed. Draco Malfoy. His face was tense, his brows drawn together, his breathing ragged. He was whispering something, almost inaudible, but there was too much fear in that whisper.

“No… no…” The words broke off. His hands clutched the sheets as if he were holding on to them to keep from drowning in something. You came closer. He didn’t wake up. He couldn’t. “Mom… ” came out quieter, almost desperately. And it sounded like it was happening right now. As if he was there again. In this dream. You touched his shoulder. He jerked sharply. But he didn’t wake up. He only clenched his jaw tighter. “Don’t touch her… ” louder now, breaking. The voice wasn’t his. Broken. You squeezed his shoulder a little harder.

— Malfoy . No reaction. Just a shuddering breath. And suddenly—he sat up abruptly. As if he'd just emerged from the water. His breathing was ragged, his gaze darted around, not immediately focusing. He didn't immediately realize where he was. He didn't immediately realize you were here. The silence hung heavy. Then his gaze settled on you. A second. Two. And something dangerous flashed in his eyes—the familiar defense.

“What are you doing here?” hoarsely, sharply. His voice returned. But not completely. He ran a hand over his face, as if erasing the remnants of sleep. His fingers trembled. Barely noticeable . “Are you eavesdropping now? ” The words were sharp. But unconvincing. Too tired. He turned away, pretending everything was under control . “It’s none of your business.” *The silence in the room became thick, but different. Because you saw. How he woke up. How he couldn’t get out. And he understood it. Draco clenched his jaw, as if gathering himself back together. *“ Go away.”

He was tossing and turning on the bed. Draco Malfoy. His face was tense, his brows drawn together, his breathing ragged. He was whispering something, almost inaudibly, but there was too much fear in that whisper.