Chapter Text
Draco was in deep thought about what he could only describe as the most perfect human being he had ever seen. (Y/f/n).
She was utter perfection, but he was especially in love with her (e/c) eyes. A mere glance in his direction would make his smile the rest of the day.
But Draco hadn't seen (y/n) for several days. He wondered if she was sick. She had never missed a class, but no one had seen her for almost two weeks. There were rumors, of course, but none seemed plausible.
Murmurs erupted from the back, bring Draco back to the present. He turned and saw (y/n) standing at the back of the room, facing away from the class. She seemed different. Something was terribly wrong.
"(Y/n)?" someone called out.
She turned and Draco saw what it was.
Her skin was deathly pale, and she was thin, thinner than anytime Draco had ever seen her. Her normally shiny (h/c) hair was sticking up at odd angles. Her eyes were dull and sad, and she had dark bags under her eyes.
"(Y/n), are you alright?" Draco asked, glancing up at Professor Snape, who closed his book with a thud.
"I-I'm fine," she muttered, her usually musical voice almost hoarse.
"Are you ill?"
She shook her head slowly. In fact, all her movements were slow.
Snape appeared, a ghost at her side. "Take your seats," he commanded, narrowing his eyes at his students.
(Y/n) shuffled to her seat beside Draco; Professor Snape escorted her, a hand on her shoulder.
"Where have you been?" Draco muttered, passing (y/n) the notes he had taken while she had been away.
She didn't answer, just nodded once as she took the notes.
"You've been gone for two weeks," Draco hissed. "I'll ask again: where have-"
"Mr. Malfoy, it seems you have memorized the chemical balance of dittany. Please explain to the rest of the class your findings." Snape snapped.
There was a silence. No one had ever heard Snape talk to Draco with anything other than pride. Hermione Granger's hand shot straight up, but Snape ignored her.
"That's today's lesson, sir." Draco frowned.
Professor Snape looked at the chalkboard behind him. "Indeed it is." Then he turned and stared at Draco. "What is the chemical balance of dittany?"
Draco knew better than to protest, to just take the scolding rather than fight with his Professor. "I-I don't know, sir."
Professor Snape's head tilted slightly. "Hmm. Pity."
Granger's hand continued to wave frantically. Professor Snape still ignored her, carefully making sure to look the opposite direction.
"Sir! The chemical balance of dittany is-" she blurted, before Snape cut her off.
"Ten points from Gryffindor."
"Why?" shouted the Weasley boy, Ron.
"Would you like it doubled, Weasley?" Snape almost spit, glaring at the red-haired boy.
Ron shook his head quickly, looking dangerously close to exploding.
"Good." The Professor smirked and backed away.
(Y/n) didn't even look up from the notes as this was going on. Usually she'd have some smart-alack remark about a Gryffindor or Snape. Today her focus was entirely on the bits of parchment in front of her.
"Hey, did something happen?" Draco prodded, trying to get some sort of answer out of her.
(Y/n)'s eyes flickered to his for a split second before they flitted away once more. She shook her head.
"You look…" Draco tried to think of a good way to say how she appeared. "Different. Are you sure nothing happened?"
She finally turned to him, biting her lip. She hesitated, then quietly said, "No one can know. Promise me."
"I promise." Draco nodded.
(Y/n) closed her eyes tightly. "I- I tried to kill myself."