Your Eyes Are Green

Draco Malfoy could only see black and white, as could everyone else who hadn’t met their soulmate. Draco had always thought the idea of having a soulmate was stupid, was such a waste of time, at least his father had said that.

They were Malfoy’s, a rich and noble wizarding family. They wouldn’t gain from having a useless, weak, poor, non-pure-blooded soulmate. They needed their soulmate to have the same goals and ambitions as them, and that was final, no other words would be left to say.

Draco’s mother -Narcissa Malfoy- had other words to say about soulmates. She counted herself lucky that her soulmate was Lucius Malfoy. They were inseparable and Lucius actually cared and loved for the both of them, in his own weird way.

Narcissa told him having a soulmate makes you feel complete, that having something missing for long shines through with the simple touch or word. That once you see color, it’s like seeing the world in a different perspective, and the world is your soulmate.

Draco chose to follow his mother’s words, he wanted a soulmate now, he didn’t want to see in black and white anymore.

Which is why he was so eager to get to Hogwarts. This was basically the first and last place Draco’s soulmate would be. All he needed was a single touch from them and he’d know. His soulmate would know. He could barely sit still on the train, his friends looked at him with weird expressions before moving on to other topics.

Draco heard whispers of ‘The Boy Who Lived’ riding on this very train, and the blond eagerly wanted to meet him. He’s heard the stories just as anyone else and he desperately wanted to meet and be friends with Harry Potter. He had always admired him without knowing who he was.

So when the train stopped and they all gathered just outside the dining hall doors, Draco caught sight of messy brown locks just a few feet in front. That was Harry Potter, he was sure of it, so he made his move.

Hand extended out, a confident smile and an air of superiority. That’s what his father told him to do to get friends, it was the only way. You have to make them fear you or bend to your will so you’re on top. It seemed Harry Potter didn’t get the memo.

Draco Malfoy practically took a slap to the face when he heard “I can tell the wrong sort for myself.” And he turned back to that weasel Draco just insulted.

Draco had never felt so hurt and betrayed in his life; he was a great friend. Anyone would be lucky to be his friend, but apparently that didn’t matter. Apparently, Draco was the wrong sort, and suddenly he felt this burning knot of hatred and jealousy form at the both of them, at Hermione Granger too for also being Harry’s friend.

He was supposed to be friends with Harry Potter, not them. He was supposed to run the school with Harry Potter, not them. If only Harry had taken his hand, it could’ve saved them years of heartache and hatred.

****~****

It was Draco’s second year when he was first hit from something he said. This one was by a Hufflepuff, but that’s skipping too far ahead.

Draco was walking with his usual cronies following him, Crabbe and Goyle.

His robes billow dramatically with each step, almost like Snape. He had his usual sneer, only it was softer and not as prominent as it should be in years' time, he’ll have to work on it. Show his authority as a Malfoy, as someone who will strike fear in other’s eyes. Just as it should be.

The halls were empty, save for a few Ravenclaws loitering about, but Draco paid them no mind. They stayed out of his way, so why should he go out of his time and effort to say something to them? He shouldn’t, they’re not that important to Draco anyways.

He walked out to the courtyard, just wanting to take in the gentle breeze before it gets too cold. It was a nice place to hang out in and Pansy wanted to meet there for a quick study session. The library was too overcrowded at this time of the year, mainly idiots who wanted to cram in a semester’s worth of knowledge for final exams.

Mainly people like Harry Potter were what really went through Draco’s mind, but he pushed that away.

As soon as he made it to the courtyard, he realized they were a bit early. Pansy was trying to get Blaise most likely; she always has to drag the male out of bed. Which then results in him dragging Theodore out of bed and it’s a whole long process and mess.

It was amazing they were all a mini group that never broke apart. They were all so different, yet so alike, and they fit perfectly into Slytherin. Draco had grown on them, and they had grown on Draco, it was amazing they put up with Draco.

His mask and facade seem to fool just about everyone in his life, managed to fool Harry right away. Draco was still bitter about that; he couldn’t help but think about the Golden Trio. What did they have that he didn’t have?

He would’ve been a better friend to Harry than they would’ve, right? Right.

It had to be true, last year they served detention together. In the Forbidden Forest, and sure Draco felt like pissing his pants he was so scared, but he was there with Harry. He felt warmth and calm filtered in him when they explored the forest during their detention.

Up until something creepy in the dark was eating something less creepy and Draco screamed and ran off. He assumed Harry was following him, but he wasn’t, so Draco panicked even more. He got help, hoping that Harry was still alive, he wouldn’t forgive himself otherwise.

He went back for Harry, saved Harry and brought that oaf with him, Harry seemed to like him so much. So why weren’t they friends?

Draco had been too lost in thought; he felt something hit his back and the Malfoy stumbled. HIs knees hit the fountain and he almost toppled in if not for Crabbe and Goyle each grabbing a wrist. Draco almost panicked that he would see color from their skin-to-skin contact. One: He wouldn’t know who it is automatically. Two: he didn’t want either of them to be his soulmate, the world would be playing a cruel joke on him.

Luckily, he still saw black and white.

They helped steady Draco, once he was let go, Draco smoothed out his robes and glared. He turned to see a few Hufflepuff’s looking at him, one especially wide eyed and fearful. The look almost made the second-year smirk, but he kept it at bay.

He'd rather glare and sneer, make them beg for forgiveness and have them apologize. Nothing ever came easy, though, he knew it’d turn more into an argument than anything. Which he’ll gladly have, he loves putting people in their place.

Most weren’t even worthy of licking the dirt on the soles of his shoes.

“Watch where you’re going, filthy peasant.” Draco sneered, crossing his arms and glaring at the Hufflepuff.

The Hufflepuff didn’t seem to like the little nickname Draco gave her, so she attempted a glare herself.

“I’m not a peasant.” She said, crossing her arms.

Draco found it amusing she thought she could scare him, amusing that this nobody thought it was okay to respond to him. Her glare did nothing but make Crabbe and Goyle laugh as if it was the funniest thing in the entire world, and in this moment, it was.

“With those filthy robes? I couldn’t tell,” Draco snickered, keeping his glare. “They’re worse than the Weasley’s ragged hand-me-downs. I’m glad I can’t see color right now, I’ll surely puke.”

Her cheeks puffed out and she looked offended, but also on the verge of tears. She hated Draco Malfoy, most of the school did, but the boy didn’t care. He was still better and top of the food chain.

“Take it back!” She said childishly, looking behind her for some support, but her Hufflepuff friends were staying out of it. The Malfoy Family could ruin their lives, they rather not get involved. She looked back at Draco, “You think you’re better-”

“I am.” Draco cut her off, rolling his eyes. “Don’t think you can talk to me like that, it’ll be nothing but static.”

Draco tends to tune out unimportant things, a simple buzz ringing in his ears. He had gotten very good at leaving things behind him and gaining many footsteps ahead of them. This Hufflepuff girl wasn’t even on the list of things in his way, he’ll just shove her down and walk all over her like he does to everyone else.

She looked like she was about to cry, her arms no longer crossed. Her hands were clenched to her sides as she tried really hard to not cry at his words and felt betrayal that her friends didn’t stick up for her. She’ll definitely be getting new friends, especially since Draco was smirking at her and his eyes screamed, she was alone.

After all, she hadn’t found her soulmate either, so she saw in dim colors or black and gray.

“You feel it, don’t you? You’ll always be alone, never good enough and wondering where you went wrong. Started by just being born, mud blood-”

The Hufflepuff girl snapped, her tears streaming down her face as she punched Draco. Right there in the cheek and he already felt a bruise forming. How dare she hit him? Touch him?

Draco didn’t need to do anything before Pansy was there and dragged her by her hair. Finally, no Hufflepuff’s in sight when Pansy returned. She hugged Draco and soothed him like a mother to a babe, which made Draco roll his eyes, but appreciate it even more. Pansy has always been there for Draco, knowing when he was about to be a coward or cry his eyes out.

Draco was just happy that the Hufflepuff wasn’t his soulmate. He would be disowned from his family, hated by everyone including himself. No Hufflepuff -or mud blood- would ever be good enough for Draco Malfoy. No one deserved him.

Harry had seen the entire interaction, he couldn’t hear what was being exchanged, but he knew Draco deserved that punch. It was a good thing he rejected Draco’s handshake for a friendship last year, he wouldn’t know how to handle standing near Draco.

Let alone, being his soulmate.

The Second time Draco was punched was in his third year, this one was a bit more planned than the other. He had sent a letter out to his mother, complaining about that Hufflepuff girl who punched him last year.

Well, he hadn’t planned to be punched, but his words were planned. He was standing in front of Harry, Hermione and Ron, next to him was Theodore and Crabbe.

Hermione, Harry and Ron were talking about how horrible it was that they were going to kill Bucky. All because Draco wanted to show off after Harry, showing he was just as good and important as him, and got himself hurt. His dramatics of being killed made them roll their eyes, but Hermione still jumped in to tell Hagrid to take him to Madam Pomfrey.

“I just can’t believe they’re going to kill Bucky. It’s just too horrible.” Hermione said.

“It just got worse.” Ron said.

As they walked down the hill, they saw the Slytherin’s, talking as if nothing was wrong. Waiting for the execution to commence as they wanted to watch. Harry felt a burning pit in his stomach at them talking so freely. Whether it was jealousy from their lack of guilt or the anger for what he did, he didn’t know.

Hermione was the one to go down first, she walked fast, and she held some power. Ron and Harry looked at each other before mindlessly following like lost puppies. Harry was starting to feel bad for Draco, Hermione was not a force to be reckoned with. Who knew what she could do.

“Look who’s here.” Theodore said, nudging Draco.

Draco perked up and grinned at the Golden Trio. He walked closer to them, smirking widely on his face.

“Ah, come to see the show!” Draco sounded smug and rather thrilled for what he did.

“You!” Hermione shouted, “You foul loads of some evil little cockroaches.” She pulled out her wand, stepping closer to Draco, shoving her wand to his chin.

“Hermione, no! He’s not worth it.” Ron said, his voice getting quieter by the second, not believing his own words.

Harry looked between the two, not really knowing how to feel. Draco’s back was shoved against the rock pillar, Theodore and Crabbe stood frozen and watching. They really didn’t know how to get involved and if they did… Draco’s pride would get in the way, and he’d never speak to them again.

Draco’s chin was pointed up, eyes clenched closed and hands on the rock. He was straining to not have his chin touch Hermione’s wand, fearing what would happen if he let himself relax. He found it best to keep his eyes closed to not see what’s going around him, not the pity, not the glares, nothing.

Harry started to feel something clench in his heart. He shouldn’t feel this way about the young teenager who’s been rude to him since the moment he stepped in Hogwarts. Well, maybe not as soon as he stepped in Hogwarts. But seeing Draco actually show his cowering side wasn’t sitting right with Harry, it didn’t look natural, and it didn't feel as satisfying as he thought.

Hermione slowly lowered her wand down, still staring at Draco. Draco felt it and peeked an eye open before starting to relax. He lowered his shoulders and smirked at them. As if he won. Suddenly, the emotions Harry was feeling washed away, he forgot the way he hated Draco’s smug face, and it was a good thing he couldn’t see any colors.

As Hermione turned to walk away, Draco huffed out a laugh. It sounded smug and triumphant, and that itched Hermione in the worst way possible. She turned and punched Draco in the nose. The cracking sound ran out and Draco practically cried out and clutched his nose. He stumbled back, Theodore and Crabbe caught him on both arms before he hit his head on the rock.

“Malfoy, you, okay?” Crabbe asked.

Theodore and Crabbe helped him catch his footing before all three ran off. Draco quicker than the other two and leaving them behind.

Ron was quick to get to Hermione, eyes wide. “Please tell me you didn’t see color when you punched him!” He cried, grabbing her hand.

Then, they both saw color. Hermione and Ron just stared, smiling softly at one another from the action.

“I’m seeing color now.” Hermione said, squeezing Ron’s hand.

Harry ignored the relief flooding in him at Hermione not being Draco’s soulmate. He shrugged it off because he would feel bad if it was Hermione and Draco, not because he’d be jealous or anything. Absolutely not.

The third time Draco was punched was his fourth year.

It was a brisk day, the first of the tournament was done and everyone was preparing for the second round. Draco was talking to a few friends, complaining about how Harry always gets chosen no matter what. He shouldn’t have been able to continue in the tournament. It was meant for people seventeen and older, Harry was barely fourteen.

Not only was he jealous, but so was Ron.

He could’ve used Harry’s best friend against him to get Harry prickled and upset but decided against it. One: Ron hated Draco with a burning passion, no spat or falling out would change that at all. Two: Draco wasn’t that harsh, despite what people think. He was a bully but using someone’s friends against them in that form of matter (he’d use them as leverage for sure, but this was different) wasn’t all that appealing. He’d lose his mind if Crabbe, Goyle, Pansy, Theodore and Blaise left him and went against him.

This time he was with Blaise and Pansy, they were out in the courtyard, hoping to enjoy it before it was too cold. Pansy adjusted her uniform, humming and looking at her friends. He was merely listening to Blaise and Pansy talking about something stupid like usual.

Blaise was actually helping pick out outfits for Pansy to wear to Hogsmeade. She even asked for makeup tips and Draco was a bit surprised Blaise knew so much, actually giving decent advice to her. Which he found stupid and annoying.

There were more pressing matters to talk about instead of clothes and makeup.

Like how Harry Potter needs a haircut. Like how Harry Potter isn’t as golden as everyone makes him out to be, but they’re just blinded by it. Like how everything is about Harry Potter. Like how Harry Potter shouldn’t even be in the tournament. Like how Harry Potter is actually doing good, and he shouldn’t be. Everything was about Harry Potter and it pissed Draco Malfoy off, even if Harry Potter was subconsciously everything to Draco.

“This is so stupid.” Draco cut them off.

“You’re stupid.” Pansy gave a playful glare, shoving his arm.

Draco deadpanned, only staring at her as if engaging with her wasn’t worth it. She huffed and crossed her arms, a pout formed on her lips and Draco sighed out. He gave a wry smile, which made his two friends laugh at him. It was a soft sound, Blaise and Pansy were amused from his smile, not taunting him. It took Draco awhile to understand that. He used to think they were making fun of him, and he would always lash out.

“This year is turning out to be a real bust.” Draco sneered.

Pansy cocked a brow. “Is it?” She questioned rhetorically.

“Don’t know why your knickers are in a twist, Draco.” Blaise said, leaning against the tree. “You can ogle Potter without anyone knowing.”

Draco’s face flushed from that, he glared but it held no heat with his embarrassment. He punched Blaise’s arm, which made the dark-skinned male smirk, Pansy laughing next to them.

“Shut it, Blaise.” He sneered.

“Maybe this time you won’t be turned into a ferret.” Pansy brought up, a teasing smirk on her lips as she checked her manicured hands.

Draco immediately stood up. That was an embarrassing moment and he immediately owl-ed his father when he got back to his dorm. He especially hated the way Harry was laughing at him, he didn’t like that. He didn’t deserve that. (He did, but he’s a bit too ignorant at this moment). Draco didn’t say anything, he just spun on his heel and walked off. His friends scrambling up and shouting after him.

Draco stumbled when he rounded the corner, and he felt a book hit his chest. He glared up, he felt it was the only way for him to not be embarrassed or burst into tears.

In front of him was a male about a year or two older than Draco. He wore Gryffindor robes and that made Draco scowl. He was so sick of seeing Gryffindor’s and their righteous attitude. He could barely stand seeing Harry actually winning the Triwizard Tournament, it was appalling. This should not be happening.

“Watch where you are going.” Draco sneered.

The Gryffindor glared; he didn’t say anything at all. No way was he going to indulge in Draco’s antics or say something back. Last time that happened, a Gryffindor was basically kicked out of the school, but there was no way he could get out of this. So, the Gryffindor did something different than just snapping back.

Draco stumbled back into Blaise and Pansy as his jaw was punched. Luckily, he still saw black and white, but he didn’t think he was going to be punched. He’s been punched every year so far except the first year and he was beginning to get annoyed by the pattern.

“Draco, are you okay, darling?” Pansy asked, helping stand straight up.

Draco smoothed out his uniform, looking back as the Gryffindor was gone. He looked back at his friends, features scrunched in many emotions. He cupped his jaw, wincing at the bruise that was slowly forming. He only nodded at Pansy, facing away and seemed lost in thought.

Something about this punch was different and he began to think of different possibilities. That a male could be his soulmate and his eyebrows furrowed. He never really thought about it, but that Gryffindor took a gamble on punching Draco. He could’ve easily been his soulmate, but he wasn’t.

And that actually wasn’t a bad thought, he felt a bit pleasant at the thought of having a male being his soulmate. Maybe someone strong and who can take care of him… although, that also might be a bad idea. Draco’s pride was too big, and he didn’t want to just let someone be above him, so he quickly shrugged those thoughts off.

The fourth time he was punched was his fifth year and it was by accident.

He’d been walking out of the library with Theodore after a study session. Well, more so Draco having four books cracked open as his friend was leaning back against the chair and looking at the ceiling. Draco found that amusing, Theodore was an okay student, he just didn’t enjoy doing schoolwork or actually being a student in general.

So when they finally left, Theodore saluted him and went to the astronomy tower. Theodore hadn’t had a smoke in a few days and this tiring study session called for one. Draco shook his head in amusement and stretched his limbs. A slight groan left his lips as he began to walk back to the Slytherin common room in the dungeon.

His footsteps were quiet as always, usually he wasn’t walking alone, but this was nice. He had a lot to think about, like how he hadn’t been punched this year yet. He wasn’t sure if he was happy about that or disappointed because he hadn’t found his soulmate. He really shouldn’t be looking forward to being touched, but that’s basically how anyone will touch him. He’ll piss off everyone in his life until he finds the one. It’s the only way.

He would meet up with Crabbe and Goyle and just feel superior for a moment. He was close to Crabbe and Goyle, despite what everyone thinks, but they were his ‘yes’ men as well. They did whatever he said without a thought, so sometimes Draco used that to his advantage. If only to feel good about himself.

He was a Malfoy.

He looked to see Harry, Hermione and Ron all talking and walking down a different hall. He stopped for a moment and frowned, that same jealousy and hatred bubbled up in his throat and gut at seeing that. He wasn’t sure why he was still feeling all of this after years, he understood the hatred, but not the jealousy. He thought he was over that, but he supposed it was never going to leave.

They all talked, they fought and argued, but came out better and stronger. They were the ideal friendship, and Draco still wanted that. He had it with Blaise, Theodore and Pansy, but it didn’t feel the same. They never went on adventures or went against the rules and Draco was envious. It was one of the main reasons he became a prefect, to take down Harry Potter and his little group.

He looked away and continued his way back to the dungeon. It was too late now to even get close to either of them. No apology will make up what he did, so he’ll stay silent and continue to be the way he was. A bully. A Malfoy.

Draco spoke the password ‘Pure blood’ and it opened as he slipped in. If he hadn’t stopped to look at the Golden Trio, he might have avoided this, or if he stared a few seconds longer at Harry -and the other two- he could’ve avoided this as well.

As soon as he entered the common room, his back hit the closed door. Two Slytherin’s were fighting and as soon as Draco entered the common room, one was getting ready to punch the other Slytherin. His fist was pulled back, but before he could thrust forward and punch the other Slytherin, he punched Draco.

Draco clutched his nose, “Again?!” He gasped out, pinching his nose to stop the bleeding.

He was getting tired of being punched in the nose. His heart stuttered when he saw that the Slytherin male was actually good looking, so he was disappointed he was still seeing black and white. He wouldn’t have minded him being his soulmate, but also was fine with this outcome.

“Sorry Malfoy!” The Slytherin quickly apologized.

Draco just glared, straightening up and walking off. It was an accident, but that didn’t mean Draco was just going to forgive so easily. He walked to his dorm room, frowning as he spoke too soon. Why did he have to think about how he hadn’t been punched yet?

The fifth time he was punched was his sixth year.

He was distancing himself between everyone, eyes always casted down and a faraway look on his features. What he was tasked, what he was going to be forced to, he didn’t deserve friends or even a soulmate. Whoever they were, they wouldn’t dare look at Draco with a second glance, and if they did, they’d hate him. He knew that for sure.

Harry had been watching Draco closely. Especially since he was almost sent back to London on the train from Draco, he also got a broken nose from that. It was not the greatest when it was fixed, Harry hated getting hurt.

So, he watched Draco from afar and up close. Tailed him to figure things out but he always lost Draco at some point. That Slytherin was sneaky and quick, and something was off about Draco. From the moment the Slytherin stepped on the train and acted differently, Harry was suspicious and slightly concerned.

How could no one see his change? Draco wasn’t Draco, he wasn’t even a Malfoy at this point.

Harry’s eyebrows furrowed as he saw Draco trying to crash the party Slughorn made for a select few students. He was a bit shocked Draco hadn’t been invited but could see it. Malfoys were known Death Eaters, and Slughorn is connected to Voldemort somehow, so maybe it did make sense.

Harry had felt a weird twist in his heart, Draco just looked desperate for any interaction at this point. Whatever Draco was going through was really weighing him down and Harry intended to find out. Draco rarely ever spoke to people, not even to sneer or insult. That was something Harry wasn’t used to.

That twisting gut turned more when he fought Draco in the bathroom with their wands. He noticed that Draco was having a panic attack, the first instinct was to go comfort him and help him through it as he’s been through multiple himself, but that was pushed aside. Immediately he pulled out his wand and when he did the spell he saw in a book, his eyes widened.

He hadn’t realized what the damage was until it happened, and guilt flooded him. Luckily Snape came in to heal him, but was shoved away, his eyes on Draco. He had the urge to reach out and grab his hand, apologize over and over again and he didn’t know why, so he held back. But this didn’t stop him from continuing to tail and follow Draco when he was okay.

Which leads them to this moment. Harry found Draco in the Room of Requirement. Luckily, they weren’t near the cabinet, Draco really couldn’t handle being caught just yet. He didn’t want to die, he really didn’t.

Harry was able to knock Draco down from a throw of a chair, the blond was surprised so he fell back. Draco sat up, scrambling to get up and fight back but that hesitation was what shoved them closer. Draco didn’t know how this happened, but Harry had straddled his waist to keep him from leaving. Then, he lifted his fist and punched Draco.

Both froze as they saw color.

Draco looked into Harry’s eyes, at least he was right about something. His soulmate hates him. Draco opened his mouth to say something, but Harry got up, turning and walking off. Not even giving him a chance or to utter a single word.

“Wait-”

Draco got up, running after him, but Harry was already gone. After years of wanting to find his soulmate, it hurt a lot more to know he wasn’t accepted, but he deserved it. He stopped in the middle of the room, slumping to the ground, sighing and covering his face with his hands.