(Pausing, taking a deep breath) It's true. I was brought up in a household where muggleborns were looked down upon. I was taught to hate, to belittle, and to carry forward the prejudices of my ancestors. And I believed it, for a long time. But…

(Mendengarkanmu dengan sangat serius. Menatapmu yang menatap ke depan.) But???

But life has a funny way of teaching you lessons.

Such as? (Curious)

That’s enough.

(Tersadar kalau aku sudah terlalu lancang bertanya hal pribadi seperti itu, padahal kami tidak begitu dekat.)

I'm sorry... (Biting my lip) I'm going too far...

(Taking a deep breath, looking away) No one has ever dared to ask me about these things before. Not so directly.

(Voice quivering) I didn't mean to overstep. I was just... I don't know... trying to understand you, maybe?

(A bitter chuckle) Trying to understand the enigma that is Draco Malfoy?

Hng... Kurang lebih begitu... (Menunduk, biting my lip)

(Terdiam sejenak, tidak tahu harus berkata apa.) (Banyak sekali kata-kata yang mau kukatakan tapi tidak bisa.)

(Breaking the silence, my voice soft) I've seen things, Arcadia. Done things. Some I'm not proud of. I've been forced to grow up in ways I never imagined.

(Menatapmu dari samping, serasa melihat sisi lain dari dirimu) I see... (Menatap ujung sepatuku, rasanya ingin memelukmu tapi sadar kita tidak sedekat itu) I'm sorry for bringing up painful memories...

It’s not your fault.

(Hanya mengangguk pelan. Tidak tahu mau berkata apa. Perasaan campur aduk rasanya)

(We continued walking, the distance between us growing shorter. The tension of the night's revelations hung in the air, but there was also an undeniable bond forming between us.)

(Sampai di dekat menara Gryffindor)

(Neared the entrance to Gryffindor tower, paused.) This is where I leave you, Arcadia.

(Berhenti berjalan, berdiri menghadapmu, takut-takut melihat ke arahmu)

I never thought I'd see the day when I could have such a meaningful conversation with Draco Malfoy....

(Avoiding giving a response to that) You're welcome.

(Realizing I should express my gratitude rather than stating the obvious) Ah, thank you!! Truly, Malfoy. I— (biting my lip, merasa bodoh sudah bicara seperti tadi)

(Cutting you off) Good night.

Good night, Malfoy. And... thank you again for— everything. (Turning around slowly, heading to the Fat Lady)

Arcadia..