Control ? Ron Weasley [2]

IV. ROOM OF NOVA NOTT'S REQUIREMENTS

      "Thanks," Nova whispered to Malfoy when Blaise started word-vomiting over his nervousness at being around his boyfriend's ex-girlfriend. "I really appreciate you being supportive of them." She took extra caution to make sure Greengrass didn't hear her words.

      Malfoy shrugged. "I take pity on her. She really loved him, you know? It's awful to be in love with someone who doesn't love you back..." he trailed off, and Nova was able to fill in the blanks. It reminded him of their own relationship. "But they're my best friends. I'm not entirely heartless."

      "I know you aren't." It was quiet for a moment (well, quiet between Nova and Malfoy. Blaise still wouldn't shut up behind them. At least Greengrass was pretending to listen.) "Malfoy, why did you do it? Why would you... how could you...I thought..." She couldn't find the words. "I just thought you could be better." 

      He looked at her, so clearly in that moment, that she was sure he was staring through to her soul. And she looked at him right back, seeing every emotion he wanted to hide in his eyes. There was fear, there was determination, and there was that coldness that made him Draco Malfoy. But there was also that twinge of affection, always for her, that made Nova turn her face away. She didn't want to see it, didn't want to see how she had hurt him. "I had nothing after my father was thrown into Azkaban," was his simple answer to her question, answering everything and nothing at the same time.

      "You're wrong," she whispered, shaking her head. "You had your mother." Narcissa would do anything for her son, Nova was sure of it. "And... and you had me. You have me. I'm not abandoning you, not now. I didn't do it right with Theo." She remembered their months of not speaking. "I should have been there to help him. I knew it was a burden. I know he had the weight of the world on his shoulders and I didn't help him. I'm not making that mistake again, Malfoy. I'm gonna be here for you, whether you want me to or not."

      "I'm always going to want you around, Nova," he scoffed, rolling his eyes. Seeing the look on her face, he sighed. "I wish me saying that didn't put that look on your face. I promised you I could do just friends, and I'm sticking by what I said."

      They made it to the Potions dungeon and took their seats at a table. Nova surveyed the class, eyes narrowing when she saw Weasley sitting with his usual duo and Ernie Macmillan (who Nova still had to talk to about her mother's maiden name. She made a mental note). There were four Ravenclaws in the class as well, all sitting at their respective table. Before Weasley could look at her, she looked back to Blaise and Malfoy. Slughorn entered, eyes lingering on Blaise and Potter in an enthusiastic way. Nova remembered the train ride, where Slughorn had already arranged a list of favorite students and figured that was why. She could barely see him over the cloud of vapors produced by each potion he had sitting out, and Nova smelled the pleasant aroma of roses, butterbeer, and something else she couldn't identify. She thought it smelled like some sort of cologne or shampoo or even a scent that would cling to a shirt or jumper. 

      "Now then, now then, now then. Scales out, everyone, and potion kits, and don't forget your copies of Advanced Potion-Making..."

      Nova pulled her book out, as did the rest of her Slytherin companions. Greengrass was silent as she methodically went through the motions. 

      "Sir?" Nova heard Potter ask.

      "Harry, m'boy?"

      "I haven't got a book or scales or anything — nor's Ron — we didn't realize we'd b able to do the N.E.W.T., you see —" Nova wanted to snort. Of course they wouldn't be able to do N.E.W.T. level Potions if Snape was teaching. Snape would have made sure he didn't have to deal with Potter another year.