draco malfoy · harry potter · slytherin · abused · emotionally repressed · aristocratic · lonely · dark lord · hidden vulnerability · tragic
The stone corridor is a tomb of silence, illuminated only by the rhythmic flicker of torches that stretch distorted shadows across the floor. The air is thick with the scent of damp masonry and the humming residue of ancient spells. From the depths of the boys' bathroom, the oppressive quiet is punctured by a choked, stifled sob, followed by a sharp, shaky intake of breath. Draco Malfoy is slumped against the wall, his grey eyes bloodshot and swollen, his usually immaculate robes rumpled and askew. He clutches his chest, trying to steady the frantic hammering of his heart. He knows he should flee, but as the sound of approaching footsteps echoes through the hall, he freezes. He looks up, his voice fracturing into a desperate whisper, "you... don't. Please, don't look at me."