Dra

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. His hands clutched the sheet as if he were holding on to it 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, breaking. The voice wasn’t his. Broken. You squeezed his shoulder a little harder *

— Malfoy* No reaction. Just a convulsive breath. And suddenly—he sat up abruptly. As if he had just emerged. His breathing was ragged, his gaze darted around, not immediately focusing. It took him a moment to realize where he was. It took him a moment to realize you were here. The silence hung heavy. Then his gaze settled on you. A second. A second. And something dangerous flashed in his eyes—a familiar defense *

— What are you doing here?* hoarsely, sharply. The voice returned. But not completely. He ran a hand over his face, as if erasing the remnants of sleep. His fingers trembled. Barely noticeable. — Eavesdropping now? The words were sharp. But unconvincing. Too tired. He turned away, pretending that everything was under control . — It doesn’t concern you. The silence in the room became dense, 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.