chapter 76 - we need to talk

                                    

                                          
After the whole day of lessons, a day where you had to avoid most of your friends, you were absolutely exhausted and ready to take some time for yourself back in the common room. 
You sit down at one of the tables, take out a quill and start writing a letter to Gabrielle but with every thought swirling in your mind, you get as far as writing her name before you admit defeat. 
You lean back in your chair, staring outside the window at a small creature staring back, it's beady eyes watching your every move before it moves off. 
One of the younger year students approaches you, dropping a letter with a small mutter. 
You immediately recognise the handwriting to be your mum's and hesitate as to your next move. It's probably just full of your father's expectations, or some new task you had to succeed in - either way, you were ok with not finding out. You keep your eyes on the paper, your gaze unwavering, and managed a solid ten minutes before you give in. 
Come to the Manor. Your father isn't here. We need to talk. 
You sigh, already knowing it can't be a good thing if she 'needs to talk'. You reread the short note over and over, imagining all the possibilities of what your mum had to say that was so secret she couldn't just write it. It seemed so sharp but then she was the wife of the dark lord so surely that was normal. 
Draco: Is that from your mum? 
Lost in your thoughts, you hadn't even noticed his approach. 
You: No, it's from Santa Claus. He's asking what I want for Christmas
Draco ignores my mood and sits down on the free chair beside me
Draco: Do you want me to go with you? 
You: No, I have to do this alone. Besides, my father isn't there so hopefully it should be better
He nods, not pushing the idea of him accompanying you
Draco: Tell me if you change your mind. She can be very-
He pauses, not being able to find the right word but you know exactly what he means
You: Yeah, she can be