Chapter Kumi na mbili
Draco waited 20 minutes to ensure she was completely asleep before sneaking out. Slowly, he made his way down the stairs, only to return to the boys' dormitories. Once in his room, he pawed the door open and leapt onto his chair, then onto his desk. He saw the excessive amount of instructions used in his assignment and flipped to the last page to transform back into his human self. There were only two steps: imagine your human self in great detail, and channel magic into that thought.
Draco thought the best way to ensure success in his transformation back was to look at a picture of himself. He walked over to the family photo from this year, which showed him and his mother. Focusing on himself, he noted every detail and imagined it in his head. Then, he added magic, picturing the magic flowing through his body and changing him. He saw his human self bow to the storm. Then sudden agony as his bones began to stretch and morph into human limbs. Though the pain was immense, he focused hard on the image of himself.
Eventually, the pain lessened but exhaustion took over, causing him to sway violently when he stood. He reached for his bedpost to steady himself. His eyes focused, and he realized he had human hands again. He looked down and realized he was completely naked, remembering he forgot to imagine his clothes reappearing with him. He sighed, knowing that was something he’d have to try next time.
Finding some cotton pajamas, he settled into bed while his mind drifted to the orangy warmth of the Gryffindor common room. He desired to add some of those elements to the Slytherin common room for his housemates to enjoy. This fuzzy feeling helped him eventually fall asleep. He woke early the next morning to avoid being spotted leaving the common room, especially given how long he had been gone. He had sent notes to both his Godfather and Mother to help him with a cover story until he felt comfortable enough to tell his friends the truth. His story would be that his mother had hit a rough patch and needed emotional support, and Severus, being the cool teacher he was, let Draco go and stay with her. He would pretend he came back through the Floo in Severus’ office and join breakfast when it started.
It was foolproof unless someone caught him, which is why he was leaving early. Exiting his dorm, he closed the door with nothing more than a soft click. The click made his heart thunder in his chest. He tiptoed down the stairs and out of the common room, breathing a sigh of relief as he exited. He made his way further into the dungeons, eventually arriving at the Potion Master's office. He let himself in and waited for his godfather. Soon enough, a bookshelf moved, and out came Severus, beckoning him back to the room behind the bookcase, Severus’ living quarters. Though no one would ever guess it from the sight of it. While it was decorated in green, most surfaces were a warm oak that brightened the place. There was a fire in the fireplace and big plush chairs surrounding it.
Draco sat in one of the chairs as he had done many times before when he was depressed, anxious, and scared of the Dark Lord's plan for him. Severus spoke up, pulling him from his thoughts. “I assume you are ready to rejoin classes…” he said. Draco nodded. “It is good you came up with a cover story. I know some people are very nosy.”
“That is true, thank you for all your assistance!” Draco responded. Snape gave the smallest of smiles and said, “You should head out in 30 minutes, but feel free to have some tea and relax until then.”
Thirty minutes passed, and Draco took his leave, slightly nervous about conversing with his friends. Pushing aside the unease, he entered the dining hall, finding a seat next to Pansy. He walked over and sat down, beginning to serve himself while bracing for the barrage he was about to face.
“Good morning, Pans. It's nice to see you didn’t suffer too much without me,” he said.
Pansy swore violently and turned her head so fast she might have gotten whiplash. “Draco Lucius Malfoy, you had me worried sick, you bloody dimwit. Not even a letter, and you’re gone for more than two weeks! I swear I’ll kill you if you worry me like that again!” she yelled loud enough for the entire hall to hear. Draco cringed.
“Sorry, Pansy. Mother needed me, and I ended up forgetting to write to you. It won't happen again, I swear!”
“It better not, 'cause you know what would… hold that thought,” she said, getting up and walking toward the Gryffindor table. She went straight to a late breakfast arrival. Harry seemed to have woken up late; his buttons were all wrong, and his hair was a mess. Pansy urgently conversed with him. Despite his tiredness, Draco could see Harry’s face become taut with worry.
Draco realized why and knew it was his fault. Why did he have to go and complicate things? How was he going to cover this up? Could he even do so? Would he be able to come clean?