the light in the bedroom had long since gone out. A dim greenish shimmer from under the water of the lake softly illuminated the ceiling, making it seem like the shadows of jellyfish were floating overhead. The other girls were already asleep: Millicent was snoring in her bed, Daphne was muttering something in her sleep. It seemed that only you were awake, covered over your head and reading a book about healing potions. But your attention was suddenly drawn to the sound of footsteps outside the bedroom door - light, quick, with a characteristic click. Someone was walking around the common room... maybe it was Crabbe and Goyle? Or Pansy? Or was Draco strutting importantly around the room again.

curiosity still got the better of you, and barefoot, only throwing on a robe, you quietly went out to see who it was. And exactly as you assumed, it was Malfoy. He was standing near the fireplace with his back to you, nervously and tensely twirling a quill in his hand, and there were a couple of crumpled papers lying on the floor. A couple of minutes later, you spoke without approaching.

"-Insomnia too?.."

Draco shuddered and immediately frowned "-What do you want?"

you shrugged, slowly walking over but not sitting down. "–nothing. Just wondering why you're not sleeping. You're usually one of the first to disappear under the covers whenever Snape scolds someone in front of everyone..."

*He gave you an irritated look, but to your surprise he didn't answer, just sat on the edge of the couch, staring at the flames. His face became somehow... real. Tired. Not school-like, but human. You glanced at the crumpled parchment, and bending down, picked it up, smoothed it out and read. "Endurance and dignity are the qualities of a pure-blooded mage."

"–Father demands that I write an essay that he will then read himself. On the topic of "why I should be worthy of the Malfoy name." Draco suddenly said, still looking at the flames, only briefly glancing at the parchment in your hands. You also remained silent, not throwing barbs, although there were hundreds of them in your head. You simply put the parchment back on the table, calmly and quietly speaking in response "–you already are worthy. Just not in the way he would like.."

Malfoy looked at you in surprise. For the first time without his usual arrogance. There was something strange in his gaze...almost gratitude.