F I V E

The two weeks of waiting were agonizing. Draco could only lay in bed as magical nurses swarmed him nearly all hours of the day. If he wasn't being told to eat to gain back some much needed weight, he was in physical therapy with someone. There were different ones, all using their own methods and spells to try and bring feeling back to half his body. It wasn't working.

"Draco, you are released today. We need to go over some rules, your teachers are already aware of them all. One, you can't play Quidditch or fly around until feeling comes back. You've heard this a thousand times, but feeling will come back, it'll just take time." A nurse began to ramble, taking a seat beside Draco's bed.

"Two, you have to eat. When you came to us you were underweight already, but after being asleep for a month, you severely underweight. Three, there will be daily check ups with Madam Pomfrey to check on you. Your weight will be checked, as well as some more exercises and potions for your nerves. Failure to follow through with these will result in you coming back here. Three simple rules, remember them." The nurse finished, handing Draco a thick stack of parchment full of how to do muscle exercises.

Picking up his coat from a chair across the room, Draco put it on. He flexed his right hand, sighing as he still couldn't feel anything. He desperately wanted to get out of here and meet his Jane Doe face to face. Draco had never felt this way about anyone, it felt wrong, against what he had grown to know. But that made him want it all the more.

No matter what she looked like, which Draco assumed she thought wasn't good, he would love her. She had managed to see past his fake persona and enjoy his softer side. Love was something the young Malfoy didn't feel often, creating confusion for him. All he could make straight was that he really liked this girl.

~~~~~~~~~

Apparating into Headmaster Dumbledore's office, Draco fell nearly flat on his face. A professor ran forward, helping the young man to his feet. Face burning dark red, he steadied himself before surveying the room.

Dumbledore stood behind his desk, actually looking concerned after Draco's semi dramatic fall. Professor McGonagall stood behind him, looking equally concerned. Trelawney was the one who had ran forward, everything about her screamed flustered. Snape stood nearby, trying to hide his concerned looks. Knowing Lucius and Narcissa personally, he had some idea what had been endured by Draco his two weeks alone.

"Feeling better, Mr. Malfoy? All staff is aware of your conditions and the rules you were given, you will also be monitored. This is all very serious, Draco." Dumbledore started, walking out from behind his desk. He strode over to Draco, he flinched slightly.

"I feel a little better, sir. I will do what you want, I don't want to be back in St Mungo's. Can I leave?" He asked impatiently, anxious to go and meet 'Jane Doe.' Dumbledore smirked, truly being a great mind reader without the actual magic.

"You may go. They were all here to witness your return. Everyone dismissed. And Draco, the girl you're meeting, treat her well." Dumbledore winked, causing Draco to turn an even darker shade of red. The headmaster really knew how to embarrass him.

"I won't sir, not on purpose that is." Draco answered, limping out of Dumbledore's office. His leg was a bit weird to walk on without feeling, but he figured he should adjust soon. During his isolated time at the hospital, he had received an owl from his mystery girl.

The letter stated to meet her on top of the Astronomy Tower since no one ever went up there. The Sun was already lowering over the horizon, painting the sky with it's colors. At the top of the tower, the outline of a girl sat near the ledge.

"Hello." Draco stated, ascending the last stairs to the top. The girl stood up, walking forward, her head tilted to the ground.

"Hello." She whispered, lifting her head a little bit before shying away. Unsure what to do, Draco took her hand in his and gently placed his other under her chin.

"I know it's soon to hold hands, but I wanna see your.. beautiful.. face." Draco told her, lifting her chin up slightly so he could see her facial features. Fear struck her body, noticing his hesitation to call her beautiful.

"Promise not to cringe?" She laughed, beginning to bring her head up on her own. Draco promised, keeping his face as steady as he could when he saw her full face.

Thick white scars littered her skin, one of her eyes permanently swollen slightly. He didn't cringe, but his face lowered into sympathy. "Let's do this properly. I'm Draco Malfoy, pleasure." Draco stated, getting on one knee and kissing her hand before smiling. Everything he learned about being a respectable gentlemen was coming to surface. She blushed, giggling softly.

"I'm Zinnia Cross, the pleasure's all mine."

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