DEATH AND THE DRAGON, - a dark, hard and soft draco malfoy love story.

m a r a

We're in Herbology class.

Professor Sprout is explaining what we're doing today - telling us we're going to form pairs - and proceeds to talk about how it is tremendously crucial to know how to take care of nature.

Learning to keep plants alive is the key to everything, she says. It is important to know when and how to water them, how much sunlight they should absorb, because at the end they reward us with fruits or vegetables; ways to make medicine, ways to improve our health, our brain, tendons, muscles, bones, everything about us.

I always have loved listening to great Herbalists talk, even though sometimes I forget half of the things they say. Regardless, I can't deny that this all is extremely interesting, even though half of the people here are bored out of their minds.

Sprout starts pairing us. There are Ravenclaws, Slytherins and a few Gryffindors here. Cassie is nowhere to be found, maybe she's late - as always - and I hear Professor Sprout attentively, waiting to know who I'm pairing with.

''Mara Anderson stays with Theodore Nott.''

''Draco Malfoy with Pansy Parkinson.''

''Luna Lovegood with Neville Longbottom.''

And so on.

My eyes meet Theodore's, we head to the section we're supposed to be at, along with Malfoy and Pansy. I am not content nor comfortable in staying with those two, but I can get around Theodore. ''I guess you'll be staying with me.''

I smile quickly at Theodore's words, cleaning our table before starting. ''I guess so. How much do you like this class?''

Everytime I ask anyone this question I expect to hear something along the lines of 'Not much, plants are boring' but I'm quite surprised when he answers, ''I do find it interesting, but I do prefer potions. Seems more handy.''

A man liking plants - even in the slightest - is rare. I do understand where he's coming from, but without plants most potions would not exist. I kindly smile at him, but my gaze remains on my hands as I'm cleaning them, ''Well...without plants most of our potions would not exist, so that's why we have to learn how to take care of them, to then be able to make our potions in a more effective way.''

Theodore's face seems surprised as I was speaking, nodding affirmatively to show me that he is listening attentively. ''I guess I never thought about that.''

Most people don't, but I do understand. That's why humans divide certain tasks for certain groups of people. Some are gifted to take care of plants, some are gifted in making potions. I'd like to think I'm okay at both, even though my mind is a bit distracted and that is a huge problem when it comes to taking care of living things, since forgetting might kill a plant or two, ''Now you know—''

''How come you never thought about that?'' A taunting voice comes from behind, I turn around to look at him, with a mocking raised eyebrow. I observed his tone and it sounded like he was trying to make fun of him with that question.

''If you like potions so much as you have claimed,'' The pale boy says, contemptuously speaking, ''you would've known instead of acting all surprised or intrigued on what she's saying.''

''Come on mate, it doesn't hurt to be nice. You should try—''

''I'd rather not, actually.'' The blonde retorts back, rolling up his sleeves as he prepares to begin what we're supposed to do.

I don't like his attitude and his mocking, taunting, disgraceful spirit. I wonder if he's capable of any other emotions than just hate and misery. I look down, staying in my lane, watching Theodore from the corner of my eye rolling his eyes, reading the instructions we're supposed to follow.