Nora’s Pov

It was a few days after the stake knife incident, and sometimes it was as if I could still feel the ghost of his touch on my skin, and the image of his eyes as the focused intently burned inside my head and created a tugging in my chest.

I rolled over again. I let out a disgruntled sigh; I couldn't sleep. "I give up." I moaned as I rose to my feet. Maybe some fresh air would do me some good I thought as I quietly traversed down the stairs trying not to disturb my Grandma, she may seem like a sweet old lady, but without a solid night's sleep, she turned into a very cranky grandmother.

I opened the front door inhaling the cool night air as I stepped out onto the dimly light porch. Grandma's neighborhood was one of those places where you just knew none of the houses had been built at the same time. Homes of every style and color lined the road, and they were all illuminated by delicately flickering streetlights. If I were an artist, I would love to paint this view.

As I scanned the street, I saw Draco sitting on his front porch steps his arms stretched out in front of him he was staring at his right forearm as if he wished he could burn it off. There was a glint of something in his eyes that I can only describe as heart-wrenching despair mixed with profound guilt and self-hate.

As much as I didn’t want to admit it that look tugged on more than one of my heartstrings, I’d been judging Draco harshly, and yet I knew nothing about him. I took a deep breath and started down the short stretch of craggy sidewalk that leads from my grandmothers to Draco's.

“Hey,” I called out softly when I was within reaching distance of him it looked like Draco’s hand flew to his ankle as he grabbed for something before realizing whatever it was he that needed was no longer there, the look of panic on his face calmed down when he realized it was me.

Draco’s Pov

I couldn’t sleep, I’d had that dream again and when I woke it felt like the covers were suffocating me pinning me down so I couldn’t reach the girl. I sat bolt upright, the girl I had to get to her she needs me. I have to keep her safe.

It took a moment for me to remember that I didn’t know her and that it may just bloody well be a dream. I’d always had trouble with divination, so it was unlikely that I saw the future. That realization hit me. I calmed down and relaxed, just a bit. Deciding that fresh air would do me some good. I descended the stairs my steps thunking heavily against the bare wood.

Once I’d settled down outside, I took in the view smiling contently. It was then that the dark mark on my arm began to burn. It wasn’t a physical burn, Voldemort wasn’t returning thank goodness, but more of a phycological one. It was like my sins wanted to remind me that I had no right to be happy.

I wasn’t sure how long I’d been staring at my arm when I’d heard someone walk up next to me and call a soft “Hey,” It startled me so badly that I found myself reflexively grabbing for my wand only to realize I was no longer allowed to carry one. After a moment, I recognized that it was only Nora. I allowed myself to relax now that I no longer thought that there was a threat.

“So, you couldn’t sleep either,” She whispered as she sat next to me. Her eyes flicked to my arm before going back to my eyes. The only thought I could process right then was. ‘Bloody hell my dark mark.’ As I quickly tore my sleeve down to cover it.

Everything was quiet for a while before either of us spoke again, “Draco, I’m sorry for the way I’ve been acting.” Nora took a deep breath before continuing. “I’ve had some stuff going on lately, and I’ve been taking it out on you even though I’ve had no right to.” She stared at her hands like they were the most fascinating thing in the world after she'd finished.