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justsomewritingblog · 9 months ago

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Request: “I needdd more hufflepuff readers so can you do a draco malfoy x hufflepuff reader? it can be short or long i don’t really care” + “angst and maybe a tiny wincy bit of fluff also make the relationship one sided for the drama! 😈”

Requested By: Anonymous

Pairing: Draco x Hufflepuff!reader (one sided)

Summary: Davidson has a huge crush on Malfoy, much to her best friend's confusion. An assignment is given and Draco chooses to be her partner, giving the Hufflepuff a sense of hope.

Warnings: None?

A/N: WoW, this took forever and is way longer than I anticipated. Not super satisfied with the title, but when am I ever?

Word Count: 3K+

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“You’re staring again.”

I looked over at Olivia, a blush tinting my cheeks as I rolled my eyes. “I am not.”

“Liar.”

I crossed my arms with a huff. “Alright, fine; so what if I am? Is staring illegal all of the sudden?”

Olivia took a sip of pumpkin juice. “It might be.”

I deadpanned at her.

“I still have no idea what you see in that guy,” the dirty-blonde put her glass down on the table.

My gaze darted back to the blond. “He has good qualities.”

“He’s an arrogant, self-centered, pureblood supremacist and a bully. What’s to like?”

“He’s…” I paused.

Olivia raised an amused, but slightly judgemental eyebrow, placing her chin in her propped-up hand.

I glared at her.

“I’m listening.” She didn’t lift her head from her hand. “You were at ‘he’s’.”

“Thank you.” I glanced back at the blond before returning my attention to my friend. “He’s strong willed, confident-”

“Conceited.”

I barrelled on. “-very passionate towards the things he cares about-”

Olivia snorted. “Yeah. Like picking on muggle-borns.” She pointedly rolled her eyes. “Super charming, Davidson.”

I huffed. “And he’s gorgeous,” I gestured over at him. “Look at those blue eyes.”

Olivia glanced over to the Slytherin table before looking back at me, holding her hand out in a shrugging motion. “So?”

“So I think I’m justified.” I crossed my arms, leaning back slightly from the table to give myself room to do so.

Olivia stared at me blankly for a few moments. “You’re deluded, Davidson.”

My heart twinged. I looked down at my plate briefly before looking back up at her. “Well, at least I know you’re not competition.”

She let out a short laugh. “You don’t have to worry about competition. I think you’re the only non-Slytherin in this school that wants anything to do with that boy.” She ran her finger along the rim of her glass. “Unless you count giving him a piece of our minds.”

I frowned. “Thanks for your support.” Standing, I turned and walked out, ignoring the call of my name.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My mood lifted slightly as I exited Potions, heading towards Herbology.

Professor Sprout was always so kind, and I enjoyed a break from the stone castle walls.

The naturally-lit greenhouse was a nice change of pace.

Sharing the class period with Slytherin probably had something to do with it, too.

Stepping into the greenhouse, my feet instinctively made their way towards my spot on the bench. “Good afternoon, Professor,” I greeted with a smile, placing my bag down behind my seat.

Professor Sprout turned around, smiling once she saw me. “Good afternoon, Davidson.” She lowered her gaze to a book on the table before spinning back around, returning to whatever it was she had been doing.

Sliding onto the bench, I crossed one leg over the other, clasping my hands together and resting them on the table as I waited.

Students flowed in shortly, Hufflepuffs along my side of the table, Slytherins along the other.

A few minutes passed and Professor Sprout turned around to address the class. “Hello, students! Since you have to wait until your Chinese Chomping Cabbages grow, we’re going to do something in the meantime.” She clasped her hands together, looking around the greenhouse. “I’m going to have you divide into pairs, one member of each house in each duo, and you will need to write a paper. I’m setting the due date for two weeks from today.” Smiling excitedly, her gaze drifted across the students. “Please write your essay on flesh-eating trees.”

Different sounds echoed in the greenhouse.

Some of excitement, some of mild interest, some of horror.

“I’ll allow you to choose partners instead of pairing you.”

A few moments of silence passed before the students jumped into action, realizing that the Professor was done speaking for the time being.

I lifted my head, gaze immediately searching for a platinum blond.

“Davidson, was it?”

Turning around, I locked eyes with Draco. My heart skipped a beat and my stomach jumped. “Yes?”

“Do you have a partner for this bloody assignment yet?” He made a face, glancing up briefly at Professor Sprout.

“Not yet…” I brought my hands up, picking at my nails.

He nodded, pursing his lips as he looked away.

Several beats passed.

I raised an eyebrow.

No response.

I cleared my throat.

Draco glanced at me.

“Did you want to be partners,” I asked, voice shaking slightly.

The blond looked back towards the front of the greenhouse. “Sure.”

A large smile broke onto my face before I could stop it. Clearing my throat, I opened my mouth to speak, wiping the smile away. “Okay, great. How did you want to do this?”

He raised an inquisitive eyebrow.

I gestured. “Do you want to research one kind of tree, and I can research another? Or…maybe one of us can research the origins of the flesh-eating trees and the other can research their current behaviors.” I placed a finger on my chin in thought. “What’s our angle?”

Draco opened his mouth to respond, but Professor Sprout cut him off.

“If you all have partners, I’m giving the rest of class time to work on your essays. Outside of that, and maybe another day or two at some point, depending on how the cabbages are doing, you’ll have to meet up and work on your papers in your own time.”

Draco slunk onto the bench next to me with an eye roll.

I looked down, busying myself with pulling out parchment and a quill. “It could be worse…”

He let out a scoff. “Barely.”

My mouth opened to ask what was so bad about the situation, but I thought better of it and pursed my lips.

Draco reluctantly reached into his bag, pulling out his Herbology textbook and searching the index before flipping to whatever page he wanted.

I swallowed the lump in my throat. “What are you researching,” I asked in a whisper.

“Flesh-eating trees,” he replied shortly, with just a hint of bite to it.

“Sorry.” I frowned. My heart raced as another question entered my mind. “Anything specific?”

“No.”

I pulled away slightly, taking in a shaky breath. “Okay,” I muttered, unsure if he was able to hear me.

Whether he did or not, he didn’t respond.

I lowered my head, welcoming my hair falling in front of my face.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I moved quickly to the library, determined to do well on this project. Entering the room, I strode instantly to the ‘Herbology’ section, never breaking stride until I arrived. My gaze raked across the book titles, my finger sliding along the bindings.

A burgundy book with ‘Carnivorous Plants’ written in gold calligraphy on the side sat between two green books.

I reached up, plucking it off the shelf and briefly scanned the remainder of the titles, looking for anything useful. Grabbing another book about trees, I approached the counter, checking the books out, thanking the witch that told me they were due in two weeks.

Exiting the library and heading towards the Common Room, I made a mental note to go through the books as quickly as I could so that other students could use them for their papers. Approaching the Common Room, I adjusted my grip on the books and tapped the correct barrel a few times.

The door opened and I strode in.

“Davidson.”

I looked to the left, seeing Olivia stand from her seat and walk towards me. I hugged the books to my chest as she stopped in front of me. I nodded curtly. “Olivia.”

She sighed quietly, her gaze on the floor before she looked up at me. “Look, I shouldn’t have said those things. It…I…was wrong, and I’m sorry. You’re a free person. If you want to pursue Malfoy….I won’t stand in your way.”

I paused, searching her face for a moment. I ran my tongue along my teeth. “So you’re gonna help me ask him out?”

Olivia’s face fell even further. “Don’t push it.”

A tiny smirk pulled at the corner of my mouth. “Alright.” I nodded. “Thank you.”

A few beats of silence passed.

“He’s my partner for the essay for Herbology, ya know,” I said.

“Yeah, I saw.”

I eyed her. “Who’s your partner?”

Her nose crinkled. “Melvin.”

“Marvin Melvin?”

“Yeah.”

I grimaced, but a smile formed on my face anyway. “That’s rough.”

“Tell me about it.” She ran a hand along her face before groaning. “I’m gonna have to do this entire paper by myself.”

“Well, at least you’ll know it was done well,” I offered with a shrug.

She nodded her head at me. “How about you? Malfoy helping?”

“He was taking notes this afternoon… I’ll try to ask him what our strategy is.”

Her eyebrows lifted. “You don’t know?”

“He’s not the most communicative…”

She nodded. “That doesn’t surprise me.”

I glanced at her out of the corner of my eye.

She pursed her lips. “Sorry.” Clearing her throat, she gestured at me. “Well, you can always ask him tomorrow.” Her eyes drifted to the clock sitting on the fireplace. “Speaking of, we should probably get to bed.”

I nodded. “Yeah. Tomorrow, here we come.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Walking to the greenhouse the following afternoon, I kept my eyes peeled for Draco.

Opposed to me always arriving early to enjoy the sun a little more, the Slytherin never came until he needed to, and he was never alone.

I sat down in my usual seat, putting my books on the table.

“Good morning, Davidson,” the professor greeted. “Or, afternoon, I should say.”

I smiled. “Good afternoon, Professor.”

She snipped a tiny piece off a leaf. “Have you started your paper yet? I know I only assigned it yesterday, but I know you have a habit of getting things done early.” Lifting her head to look at me, she cocked her head in interest.

“Draco and I were taking some notes yesterday during class time.” I ran my finger along the planter in front of me. “I want to talk to him more today about it.”

Professor Sprout hummed. “Malfoy isn’t known for his work ethic.” A large frown overtook her face as she placed her hands on the table in front of her. “He always does what he’s supposed to, and it’s always on time, but I can’t help but feel like he doesn’t care.” She picked up a bottle of something. “He’d be doing better in the class if only he put more effort into it.”

My gaze stayed locked on my head of house for a few moments, seeing rather than watching her do something with the bottle. Picking at my nail, I looked back to the planter, feeling a discomfort settling into my stomach.

The greenhouse door opened, most of the Hufflepuffs walking in. The Slytherins weren’t far behind.

I looked up, eyes immediately locking on Draco’s form.

He glanced over at me briefly before turning back to the Slytherin he was talking to.

An anxious flutter dulled some of the discomfort I had been feeling.

Olivia sat next to me. “Hey,” she greeted quietly.

I looked over at her, fighting desperately against my blush. “Hey.”

Whether she noticed or not, she didn’t get to comment- Professor Sprout beginning to speak once everyone found their seats.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stood, collecting my books as class finished.

Olivia stood with me. “Who knew Chomping Cabbages could be so cool?”

“I know, right,” I replied, though distracted as I looked for Draco.

Olivia began to move away from the table, heading towards our next class, continuing to talk.

I followed her but kept my eyes peeled. Spotting the platinum blond also leaving, I figured this would be my best chance. “Draco!” I called, tapping Olivia so she knew I had a reason for bailing on her. Walking towards Draco, Olivia in tow, I fought down my nerves.

He raised an eyebrow, looking me and Olivia over.

Crabbe and Goyle stood on either side of him.

My gaze drifted to them before looking back at Malfoy. “Is this a bad time?”

He hesitated. “It’s about this essay, no doubt?”

I nodded. “I-I was just wondering how you wanted to divide the work…” My eyes drifted to his friends before looking off to the side awkwardly.

He waved his hand dismissively. “I’ll research, you can write the paper.”

I nodded. “Alright, that’s fair-”

“What?” Olivia’s face scrunched. “That’s not fair at all!”

Draco’s expression shifted into one of challenge. “I don’t recall asking for your opinion, Corbyn.”

I reached a steadying hand out to my friend. “Olivia, it’s alright.” I looked over to Draco out of the corner of my eye. “It’s fair.”

Draco smirked at Olivia.

She glared at him.

Draco nodded his head to the side. “Come on, boys. We don’t want to be late for our next class.”

“You’ve never cared about being late for class a day in your life, Malfoy!” Olivia called after them as they strode away.

Once they were out of earshot, I turned my body to face my friend completely.

She looked over, her gaze scanning my expression. “What?” She gestured at their retreating forms. “They’re jerks, and he is using you for a good grade!” Placing her hands on her hips, she bent down a little to get closer to my height. “And you know research and writing isn’t a fair divide.”

“It depends on what it is…”

She deadpanned at me.

“It does!” I brushed some hair behind my ear. “Researching isn’t too bad, as long as you can find the information, and writing isn’t too bad as long as you have all of the information there.” I shrugged, gaze drifting to the side. “So…”

Olivia ran a hand along her face. “Alright, fine. Whatever.” She raised her hands in surrender. “Do whatever you want. I’ll just try to be glad he’s doing something.”

~~~~~~~~~~

“I thought Malfoy was supposed to be doing the research.”

I looked up, seeing Olivia place a couple books down on the table, sitting across from me. “Well, I figured I borrowed these books from the library; might as well use them.” Putting a finger in the page I was on, I lifted the book, showing her the cover. “Then I can give them back and let other students use them.”

The dirty-blonde hummed.

Silence filled the air in the Common Room as Olivia began flipping to a page in her book.

I picked up my quill, writing something else down.

“They’re grey.”

I furrowed my eyebrows, looking up at my friend. “What?”

She didn’t look up from her book, writing something on a piece of parchment under the dim lamplight. “His eyes. You were on and on about how blue they were? I got a closer look. They’re grey.”

I blinked in surprise. My mouth opened and closed a couple times before I ultimately decided I had no idea how to respond to that.

Olivia never even looked up.

Lowering my head, I tried to focus on my work.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Lifting my head at the sound of the glass door, my eyebrows raised in surprise of their own accord.

Draco Malfoy walked into the greenhouse.

Early.

By himself.

“Mister Malfoy,” the professor greeted. “Good afternoon.”

I could hear the confusion in her tone.

“Afternoon,” he replied shortly.

My eyes widened and my heart raced as I watched him walk over to me.

He placed a short stack of parchment on the table by my hands before he made his way to his seat.

I stared at him in bewilderment for a few moments before looking down at the stack, leafing through them.

They were notes on the flesh-eating trees, each one having exactly six items jotted down about them.

I picked up another page to look at.

Actually, this one had five.

Lifting my gaze to Draco, I opened my mouth but quickly shut it when the glass door opened again, the other students flooding in. Tucking the papers into the pages of one of my Herbology books, I smiled at Olivia as she sat down beside me.

She eyed the papers briefly before smiling back.

“Good afternoon, students!” Professor Sprout began to speak, and for the first time I had trouble paying attention.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sitting on my bed, I leafed through the notes Draco gave me, one leg dangling off the side as I spread the sheets out around my space. I pursed my lips, pulling out the handful of pages of notes that I had taken from the library books. Pulling out some blank paper and my quill, I sighed as I began to write the paper.

Getting to the first body paragraph, I picked up one of Draco’s note cards. My gaze raked over the words, reading the information again. My eyes focused on Draco’s handwriting, noting how each letter was sized and shaped.

There were no ink splotches on the paper, and his handwriting was fairly neat.

I pulled my bottom lip between my teeth as I tapped the parchment against my other hand, pondering the care he seemed to take into creating the pages of notes.

Lowering my gaze back to the paper, I felt my stomach flip at an idea.

~~~~~~~~~~~

“You’re going to what??”

“Shh!” I leveled a look at Olivia. “Everyone in Hogwarts will hear you.”

She scoffed, placing her fists on her hips. “Well, everyone’s gonna find out, anyway.”

“Only if it works,” I countered.

“And only if he doesn’t tell everyone that you asked him out,” she countered back, raising an eyebrow.

Gut-wrenching panic gripped my heart. I felt my blood run cold. “You don’t think he would, do you?”

She shrugged, pursing her lips. “I wouldn’t put it passed him.”

I picked furiously at my nail. “Oh, gosh.” My breathing picked up. “Maybe this isn’t such a great idea.”

Olivia frowned, sighing. She raised her hands in mock surrender. “Look, I don’t know. I don’t know him, so…” she pinched the bridge of her nose. “I really can’t say.” She gestured at me. “He’s definitely been a little nicer to you than I expected, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything.”

I frowned. “What do you think I should do?”

Olvia huffed a laugh. “I have….no idea.” She tilted her head slightly. “Really, the only one that can make this choice is you.” She shrugged one shoulder. “Just think about the repercussions if you do, as well as the ones if you don’t.”

Pursing my lips, I nodded.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“I think I’m going to try.”

Olivia lowered the book from her face and raised an eyebrow. “Try what?”

“Asking Draco out.”

The dirty-blonde blinked a couple of times before she returned her attention to her book. “Okay.”

I nodded. “Okay.” I picked at my nail. “I was thinking maybe after Herbology?”

Olivia looked up at me out of the corner of her eye. “Okay.”

“That’s usually the only time I see him, so…”

Olivia nodded. “Okay.”

I huffed, dropping my hands to my sides. “Will you say something besides ‘okay’, please?”

Olivia looked at me for a few moments before uncrossing her legs and pushing herself to be more upright in her chair. She closed the book, keeping a finger in it to mark her spot. “What do you want me to say?”

“Anything?”

Olivia chuckled, standing and walking over to me. “Good luck. You’re a special girl. If he doesn’t know it, it’s his loss.” She smiled softly. “I hope it works out,” she said, turning around and moving back to her chair.

“You do?”

“Course.” She sat down, opening her book and smirking up at me. “He could use a good influence in his life.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My heart raced as I walked to Herbology, my breathing quick and shallow. I sat down in my seat, barely hearing Professor Sprout greet me. Giving a distracted wave, I pulled out my books, staring at them once I set them on the table.

“Hey.”

Turning to my right, I watched Olivia sit beside me, briefly wondering how I hadn’t noticed her come in.

Or the other twenty students.

“Do you know what you’re gonna say?”

Ah. That.

“Kinda,” I admitted, my eyebrows furrowing. “Even if I had memorized a speech, I would have forgotten it, so.”

Olivia nodded. “Fair.”

“I’m just going to try to be confident. Guys like confident women, right?”

She deadpanned. “Depends on the guy.”

“Alright students,” Professor Sprout turned to face everyone. “Let’s begin.”

My gaze shifted to Draco before opening my textbook, trying to regain control of my heart’s rhythm.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stood with the other students, beginning to pack up my bags. Lifting my gaze to Draco, I watched him walk away from the table and head outside. Letting out a gasp, I released my things, rushing out after him. “Draco!”

The blond turned around, eyebrows furrowing as he watched me approach. “Davidson?”

I came to a stop beside him, feeling my palms begin to sweat. “Yeah.” I hesitated for a few moments before forcing myself to speak. “We did well on our essay…” I remarked quietly.

He raised an eyebrow.

Confidence, Davidson, confidence!

I cleared my throat. “We make a pretty good team.” My voice fell slightly. “Don’t you agree?”

He shrugged one shoulder. “I suppose.” He eyed me, confusion all over his features.

I scuffed my foot against the dirt before forcing it to stop. “I was wondering if you’d want to make it official? Maybe…” I trailed off. My brain function was leaving me.

“What?”

I blinked. “What?”

“Are you trying to ask me out, Davidson?”

I blushed furiously. “Well…”

He sneered slightly. “I can’t be seen dating a Hufflepuff- I’d be a joke amongst my housemates, let alone my parents.”

I flinched back slightly. “But…but you wanted to be my partner for the assignment-”

“I couldn’t be with a member of my own house and you’re always here when everyone else comes in, so you clearly like the class.” He tilted his head. “I was simply getting myself a partner I could trust.”

If he noticed the tears beginning to fill the brims of my eyes, he didn’t comment on them.

“But you helped. You clearly put some effort into the notes you gave me.”

He shrugged again, rolling his shoulders back and standing taller. “Well, I had to do something, didn’t I? If I did nothing you might have told Professor Sprout that I didn’t participate in the assignment.”

A few tears fell from my eyes. “Oh.” I lowered my head, backing away a few paces before I turned around and walked as quickly as I could towards the back of the castle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Olivia plopped my bookbag down next to me.

I looked up from my spot in the corner chair.

A few beats of silence passed.

Olivia sighed. “I’m sorry, Davidson. Malfoy……sucks.”

I pulled my knees closer to my chest. “Thanks,” I mumbled.

She frowned down at me, tilting her head slightly. “Do you want company?”

I shook my head.

The dirty-blonde nodded. “Alright. You deserve way better than him, anyway.” She backed away a few steps. “Don’t forget it.” Turning around, she walked up the steps in the Common Room, heading to the dormitories.

I frowned, hugging my knees. “That doesn’t make it hurt any less.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/n: There it is, folks.

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justsomewritingblog · 1 year ago

Text

The Right Thing

Request: Nope

Requested By: Nobody

Prompt: "Don’t patronize me for something you were too scared to do!"

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Slytherin!OC/reader

Summary: Hunt's best friend, Draco Malfoy, accepts the Dark Mark. She doesn't approve.

Warnings: violence (battle), mentions of death, mentions of blood

A/N: THIS IS SOOOO LATE. Holy moly, where does the time go?

Word Count: 12K+

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I walked through Hogwarts’ doors, looking up and marveling at the scale of the place.

“First years, follow me, please,” a woman- I assumed a witch- instructed before leading everyone up a staircase. She wore a large pointy hat and green robes.

I followed her, grimacing as I bumped shoulders with a few other children.

“The sorting ceremony is your initiation at Hogwarts,” the woman explained, leading us through large double doors.

A big room with four long tables was revealed to us. They were nearly full with teenagers. Another table was at the end of the room, many adults sitting at it. Candles floated in the air, casting a pleasant warm glow.

As we were led further into the room, I could see a stool with something sitting atop it in front of the adults’ table.

The witch turned to face us, gesturing to the space in front of her. “Wait here, please. Before we begin, Professor Dumbledore would like to say a few words.”

A man with long white hair and beard stood from his seat at the middle of the adult table. “I have a few start-of-term notices I wish to announce.” He paused. “The first years, please note…that the Dark Forest is strictly forbidden to all students. Also, our caretaker,” he gestured to the doors, “Mr. Filch, has asked me to remind you… that the third floor corridor on the right hand side is out of bounds to everyone that does not wish to die a most painful death.”

I cocked an eyebrow.

“Thank you.” Dumbledore smiled before sitting back down.

The witch that led us in pulled out a scroll, opening it. “Now, when I call your name, you will come forth… I shall place the Sorting Hat on your head,” she lifted the hat, “and you will be sorted into your houses.” She looked down at the scroll she held in her right hand before looking back towards the crowd of first years. “Hermione Granger.”

A girl near the front of the group slowly moved forward, sitting on the stool. The hat was placed on her bushy hair. A few seconds later it shouted out “Gryffindor!”

One of the long tables erupted into cheers and applause.

I assumed that was the Gryffindor table.

Granger got off the stool, moving to sit at the table.

At the call of my name, I turned to the witch and eyed the hat in her hand before moving towards the stool, sitting down atop it.

“Ahh,” the hat said. “What have we here? Got a bit of bravery, a good deal of loyalty to your close friends…”

I looked up as best I could, trying to see the hat.

It went on. “Smart, too. I also see a great deal of passion and ambition. You want things to go your way, and you’ll do much to get yourself there.” The hat hummed. “Do you have any preferences?”

“Wherever will benefit me the most,” I reasoned quietly, hoping that my parents would be proud no matter what house I was put in.

“Very well. I will put you in…Slytherin!”

I let out a small breath of relief as the table by the right wall grew loud with claps. The hat was lifted off my head and I moved from the stool, making my way to the end table. I slid down the empty end of the benches, sitting by another student before returning my attention to the ceremony.

The witch looked at her scroll again before lifting her head. “Draco Malfoy.”

A boy near the front moved towards the stool, his hair the whitest blond I had ever seen. He sat on the stool, turning to face the students.

The witch began to lower the hat.

“Slytherin!”

My table began clapping again.

I raised an eyebrow. I didn’t think the hat even touched his head.

The boy walked over to the Slytherin table, sitting across from me.

“Susan Bones.”

A redheaded girl stepped forward to sit on the stool, a nervous look on her face.

“My name is Malfoy. Draco Malfoy.”

I turned, looking at the boy addressing me.

His hand was outstretched.

I eyed it, extending my hand to shake it as I looked back into his grey eyes. “I know.”

He cocked an intrigued eyebrow, his confident smirk growing as he returned his hand to his side. “You’ve heard of me.”

“Most pureblood families know who the Malfoys are,” I reasoned, glancing back in time to see Bones walking towards a table.

It wasn’t the Gryffindor or Slytherin ones, but I couldn’t tell if it was Hufflepuff or Ravenclaw.

I turned back to the blond. “Your name was also just announced.”

“Ronald Weasley.”

I looked back, seeing a redheaded boy move towards the seat.

The hat was placed on his head and shortly shouted out “Gryffindor”.

Weasley let out a sigh of relief, moving to the table and sitting amongst several other redheads.

“How many children does one family need?”

I turned to Malfoy, noting his displeased expression.

“Harry Potter.”

My eyes widened and I spun around.

A boy with dark hair and circular glasses moved out of the crowd, looking back briefly before settling on the stool.

The hat was placed on his head. For many moments, it sat there.

Potter muttered something.

The hat finally yelled out “Gryffindor!”

Potter got off the seat and moved to the Gryffindor table as everyone greeted him with enthusiasm.

I heard a scoff and looked back at Malfoy.

“Precious Potter,” he said with a sneer. “I’m surprised they didn’t have a parade for him.”

I smirked. “The day’s not over, Malfoy.”

Malfoy’s frown turned into a mischievous smile. “I think you and I can be great friends, Hunt.”

My smirk grew into a grin. “I think so, too.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I stepped away from the display at the front of the bookshop, beginning to head towards the exit.

Gilderoy Lockhart was, unfortunately, selling the textbooks needed for the school year.

My parents walked behind me, talking to each other.

I lifted my gaze, seeing a mass of red hair.

Moving through the group of spectators, I approached them. “Ah, the Weasleys,” I said, looking over at them. “Fancy meeting you here.”

Some eyed me suspiciously, others in simple confusion.

“What do you want, Hunt?”

I turned to Ron. “Nothing, Weasley.” I cocked an eyebrow. “I’m just here for my books.” I looked between all of the children. “I assume you’re here to do the same?”

Lockhart moved towards the group, grabbing Potter and pulling him up to the front, making some sort of remark about them being in the newspaper.

“Something like that,” Ron said coldly.

I raised an eyebrow. “I’m not your enemy, Weasley.”

“Any friend of Malfoy is an enemy of mine,” he said, looking over at me.

I straightened, my clutch on my books tightening. “I see.” Turning around to face my parents, I nodded towards another area of the shop. “I’m almost ready. I just want to look at one more thing.”

“Alright,” my mother said, smiling down at me.

I moved to a different corner of the store, eyes raking over the bindings of the books. I frowned. The book I was thinking about getting wasn’t there. I returned to my parents, nodding at them. “I’m done.”

They nodded back and began to usher me towards the door.

The Weasleys and their crew had moved towards the exit, as well.

“-Potter. You’ve got yourself a girlfriend.”

I smiled at the familiar voice. Moving around the Weasleys, I made my way towards the blond. “Draco,” I greeted with a smile.

Draco lifted his gaze to me before it was immediately drawn to his father’s cane that pushed on his shoulder to move him out of the way.

Mr. Malfoy began talking to Potter as I walked behind him, heading for Draco.

“Good to see you, Draco,” I said with a smile.

He gave a forced smile back before his gaze drifted over my shoulder to look at his father.

My smile dropped of its own accord, but I managed to keep it from falling completely into a frown. Clearing my throat, I looked up at him. “Did you get your books yet?”

“I got them earlier,” he replied distractedly, only glancing down at me for a brief moment.

“I see.” Looking to the side, I huffed out a breath before looking back to the blond. “I guess I’ll see you at school, Draco.”

He nodded, his eyes still on his father.

I frowned, returning to my parents. “I’m ready to leave.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I looked around Platform Nine and Three Quarters, standing on the tips of my toes to see over people.

Parents were saying goodbye to their children before they boarded the Hogwarts Express.

My gaze landed on a head of blond hair. I smiled at the familiar shade. Feet moving into action, I made my way over, the speed of my steps increasing as I got closer. As I approached, his gaze scanned the area before landing on me.

A smile graced his sharpening features. He turned and said something to Crabbe and Goyle, who both went inside the train, before striding towards me.

“Draco,” I greeted quietly as he approached me. I met his gaze and let out a chuckle. “I have to look up at you, now.”

He smirked down at me. “Are you saying you haven’t always looked up to me?”

I rolled my eyes with a scoff. “Hardly.” We made our way into the train. I followed behind Draco as he led me through the compartments.

He looked into each window before moving on. He stopped, entering the box that Crabbe and Goyle were sitting in.

I followed, sitting opposite Goyle, Draco on my right. Raising an eyebrow, I looked between the three. “What nonsense do you think will go on at Hogwarts this year?”

Draco scoffed. “Whatever it is, you can bet Potter and his friends will be at the center of it.”

I chuckled. “Well, obviously.” I adjusted in my seat. “I swear those three look for trouble.”

The loud sound of the train’s breaks filled the air.

I winced, looking towards the window. “We can’t be at Hogwarts yet.” Turning to the door, I slid it open, sticking my head out to peer towards the front of the train. I could see other students doing the same.

“The stupid thing probably broke down,” Draco sneered.

I drew my head back in, closing the door, as I turned to my housemates.

The lights went out.

“Oh, lovely,” I muttered.

The train jostled.

I gripped the edge of the bench to steady myself. “What in the name of Salazar is going on here?”

A harsh chill fell over the room.

Ice began to form on the window.

The loud sounds of the rain hitting the still compartment filled my ears.

I reached towards the door, lowering the curtain. Sliding backwards along the bench, I kept my eyes on the only entrance as I pulled out my wand.

A figure passed the compartment, casting a cloaked shadow on the curtain.

I held my breath.

Silence stretched on for a few moments.

My gaze stayed locked on the doorway, even as the lights came back on.

“What was that,” Crabbe asked after a few more beats of quiet.

The train began moving again.

I relaxed slightly, moving slightly away from Draco to look between the three of them. “Nothing good.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“The Yule Ball has been a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament since its inception,” Professor McGonagall began, clasping her hands together as she began walking between the rows of seated students. “On Christmas Eve night, we and our guests gather in the Great Hall for a night of well-mannered frivolity.” She paused and looked around. “As representatives of the host school I expect each and every one of you to put your best foot forward… and I mean this literally, because the Yule Ball is first and foremost… a dance.”

Whispers broke out among the students; excited sounds from the girls, irritated sounds from the boys.

I smirked.

Professor McGonagall held up her hands. “Silence!”

The students quieted.

“The house of Godric Gryffindor has commanded the respect of the wizard world for nearly ten centuries. I will not have you, in the course of a single evening, besmirching that name by behaving like a babbling, bumbling band of baboons.” She smiled. “Now, to dance is to let the body breathe.” She turned towards us. “Inside every girl, a secret swan slumbers, longing to burst forth and take flight.”

I shifted my gaze to Draco, who was sitting across the room.

His cool, grey eyes met mine.

I pointedly rolled my eyes before smirking.

He smirked back before wiping his expression, looking to the head of Gryffindor as she turned to them.

“Inside every boy, a lordly lion prepared to prance- Mister Weasley.” Professor McGonagall walked towards him.

Ronald looked up at her, looking the most uncomfortable I’d ever seen him. “Yes,” he asked quietly.

She reached her hand down. “Will you join me please?”

Weasley got up silently as the rest of the boys laughed.

Potter gave his best friend a push, grinning at him.

The ginger met the Professor in the middle of the room.

She held up her arms. “Now. Place your right hand on my waist.”

He looked horrified. “Where?”

“My waist.”

Weasley apprehensively placed his hand on his professor’s waist.

A wolf whistle sounded from the boy’s side of the room.

The redhead turned his head towards it, pulling his hand off.

Professor McGonagall grabbed it, putting it back. “And extend your arm.” She looked over her shoulder. “Mr. Filch, if you please.”

Filch put the needle down on the gramophone.

Music filled the room.

Professor McGonagall looked back to Ron. “One, two, three. One, two, three.” She began to lead him in dance steps. “Everybody come together!”

The girls all stood in a hurry, moving onto the dance floor.

I sighed before pushing myself to my feet and joining them.

The boys sat further back in their chairs, seemingly trying to be swallowed by them.

“Boys! On your feet!”

The boys all looked around at each other.

Longbottom finally stood, making his way towards us.

The rest of the group groaned before standing and walking over.

Professor McGonagall’s voice called above the noise. “Everybody, Mister Malfoy!”

I stood on the tips of my toes, spotting the blond huff as he stood from his seat, slowly walking onto the dance floor.

His gaze raked the crowd.

I moved to make my way towards him when I bumped into someone. “My apologies,” I said, looking up into the face of a Ravenclaw.

“It’s alright,” he assured with a small smile.

I paused, looking around him to see Draco.

“I guess we’re practicing…” the Ravenclaw said. He looked down at me. “Would you mind dancing with me?”

“Well, I was actually...” I looked to where Draco was, no longer seeing him. My eyebrows furrowed. I looked back up at the Ravenclaw. “I’d… be delighted,” I said, forcing a practiced smile.

He grinned down at me, his white teeth standing out even more against his dark skin. He placed his hands where they were supposed to go before beginning to move us along the floor.

I periodically looked around, trying to find my housemate.

“You’re very good.”

I looked back at the Ravenclaw. “Thank you. Knowing how to dance was a necessity with my family.”

“Have a lot of parties?”

I smiled. “And things of similar nature.”

As soon as Professor McGonagall announced practice was over, I thanked my partner before stepping away, trying to find Draco. Having no luck, I returned to the Slytherin Common Room. “Pureblood,” I said distractedly before walking into the room.

The girls that were already there were excitedly discussing the upcoming dance.

I strode passed them, looking for the blond.

“Hunt!”

I turned around, looking at the group of girls. “Yes?”

“Are you going to the ball?”

“Who was that man you were dancing with?”

I looked between my housemates. “I don’t know, and I don’t know.” I glanced to the side before turning back to them. “Have any of you seen Draco?”

“I think he went up to the dorm rooms,” one of them said.

“Thank you.” I moved towards the steps, grabbing Goyle’s sleeve, dragging him away from whatever he was doing, and pushed him up the stairs in front of me.

I was a little too old for slides.

Once at the top, I thanked him before turning to the dorm Draco was assigned. I knocked on the door.

A few beats of silence followed before the sound of a quiet “it’s open” reached my ears.

I opened the door, stepped inside, and closed it behind me.

“What do you want,” Draco questioned, laying on his bed. He was staring at the ceiling.

“Well, I wanted to dance with you, but you vanished.”

Draco snapped his head in my direction. His surprised, and maybe even panicked, look quickly became masked by indifference. “You were dancing with somebody else.”

I strode towards him, standing at the foot of his bed. “I was trying to get to you,” I said, looking down at him.

He lifted his gaze to meet my eyes briefly before he lowered them again. “Who were you dancing with, anyway?”

I shrugged. “A Ravenclaw. He’s nice.”

Draco’s eyes shifted to the side.

A few beats of silence passed.

My eyebrow quirked up for a split second. “Are you going to the Yule Ball?”

“I don’t know.”

I hummed. “Well, if you aren’t, I’m not.”

He finally moved his gaze back to my face.

I lifted a hand to gesture. “Don’t let that affect your decision of course. Just let me know what you choose. I wouldn’t want to waste my time.” I stepped away from his bed, moving towards the door.

“You aren’t going with that Ravenclaw?”

My steps halted. “No.” I turned around to face him.

A few more beats of silence passed.

“Did you want to go?”

I pursed my lips. “I hadn’t decided.”

Another pause.

“I would only go if you did,” Draco said. “You know how to dance, and I would never be seen with someone who would embarrass me,” he quickly tacked on.

I forced myself not to smile at his response. “The choice is yours,” I said, moving towards the door. I gripped the door handle before looking back at the blond. “Goodnight, Draco.”

“Goodnight.”

I stepped out of his room, closing the door behind me.

~~~~~~~~~~

I made my way to the Great Hall.

Students were everywhere, standing in groups.

It was odd to see everyone dressed so nicely.

It was odd to be dressed so nicely at school.

Stopping by the steps, I ran my hand over my flowy skirt before reaching up and adjusting my hair. Once I realized I had done the action I quickly dropped my hand to my side, chastising myself.

Why was I so nervous?

I fought the urge to fiddle with the jeweled silver necklace that rested at my collarbone.

Someone brushed my arm.

I turned to look at them. “Oh, I-” I paused, seeing Potter and Weasley. “Hello, boys.” I silently eyed Weasley’s dress robes.

“Hunt,” Potter said tightly.

Weasley lowered his head.

I cleared my throat, looking over at the Boy Who Lived. “Good job with the tournament so far, Potter.”

He forced a smile. “Thanks.”

Two girls walked over. “Hello, boys.”

The males lifted their heads, looking over at the pair.

Potter looked over at me. “Excuse us.”

“Of course,” I said, gesturing at their dates.

The four of them moved a few steps away and began to converse.

“I see Potter managed to find a date.”

My head whipped around to the sound of the voice.

Draco’s head was turned towards Potter and Weasley, a grimace on his face.

My eyes traced his form in his dress robes appreciatively. A twinge of horror ran through me, which I’m sure appeared on my face, before I forced the thoughts from my mind. Clearing my throat, I followed his gaze. “Yes. I imagine it’s pretty easy when you’re as famous as he is.”

Draco scoffed. “As if he wasn’t famous enough already. Now he’s a part of the tourna-” Draco looked down at me, cutting himself off. His eyes widened slightly.

I fought hard against fidgeting. Instead, I raised a challenging eyebrow, hoping that if I ignored the red color growing on my cheeks, he wouldn’t notice it. “Cat got your tongue, Malfoy?” I smirked.

He met my gaze, an irritated look on his face, opening his mouth to reply.

“Ah, Mister Malfoy, Miss Hunt.”

Draco and I turned to the voice.

Professor McGonagall stood beside us. “Please head inside the Great Hall. The students are going to welcome the tournament champions and their dates.”

Draco’s face twitched in what I knew was him trying to not sneer.

I nodded. “We will, Professor.” Taking Draco’s arm, I pulled him towards the double doors.

We walked through, standing in one of the two lines along the entrance.

Music sounded and the champions walked in.

Fleur was first with her date, followed by Victor Krum and Granger.

Cedric Diggory and Chang followed them, Potter and his date taking up the rear.

I joined the others in clapping, noting that Draco’s clapping ceased once Krum had passed.

The champions and their dates began dancing.

Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall stepped onto the floor after a few minutes, beginning to dance as well.

Longbottom and Ginny Weasley followed.

Draco took my hand, pulling me onto the floor. Turning to face me once he stopped, he took my hand in his, placing his other on my waist.

My heart jumped at the contact, and I fought to keep my expression from showing it, instead offering him a smile as I put my free hand on his shoulder.

We stepped in time with the music, effortlessly performing the familiar steps.

“Are you having fun yet?”

He looked down at me before his gaze drifted around the room. “It could be worse,” he said as he lifted me into the air.

I smirked up at him as he set me back down, resuming our steps. “Do I displease you that much?”

“Don’t be ridiculous.” He looked around. “It’s crowded. And Potter-”

“Don’t think about Potter.” I held his gaze, trying to get my earnestness across. “Not tonight, Draco. Relax and enjoy the festivities, food, and people.”

Draco scanned the room again. “I doubt I’ll get much enjoyment out of the people.”

I squeezed his hand that held mine. “Try.”

Draco sighed through his nose before nodding.

~~~~~~~~~~

“Thank you for coming, Draco.” I smiled softly. “I hope you enjoyed yourself, at least a little.”

He shrugged one shoulder, looking to the wall. “It wasn’t totally awful.”

I hummed a chuckle.

Draco looked back at me. His grey eyes shifted between mine before flickering to my lips for a brief moment. He held my gaze. “Goodnight, Hunt.”

I nodded. “Goodnight.”

We each turned around, heading towards our dormitories.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Did you know that Professor Umbridge is looking for people for an inquisitor squad?”

I turned the page of the textbook laid out on the Common Room table. “No, I didn’t,” I replied, eyes scanning over the title of the next chapter.

“I’m going to volunteer.”

My gaze lifted from the page I was studying to meet Draco’s. “What will that get you?”

“Power. Authority.”

I wrote down something I expected would come up on a test in the near future. “Both temporary.”

“Maybe.” Draco paused. “I might even get a good reputation with the Ministry.”

My quill stilled.

Now that was interesting.

Eyes darting back and forth, I pondered the thought. Lifting my head to look at Draco, I ignored his smirk.

He knew he had me.

“How many people is she looking for,” I asked.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I stepped inside Malfoy Manor, falling into stride behind my parents.

“Lucius, Narcissa,” my father greeted, shaking their hands. “It’s a pleasure to see you again.”

“And you,” Mrs. Malfoy replied, smiling.

“Have you…” Mr. Malfoy’s gaze shifted to me briefly, “informed her of the situation?”

“Not yet,” my mother said.

My eyebrows furrowed. I opened my mouth to question them, but Mrs. Malfoy walked towards me, wrapping her arm around my shoulders.

“I imagine you want to see Draco, dear.” She smiled down at me as she began to lead me towards their grand staircase.

“Mrs. Malfoy, what’s going on?” I looked over at her as she walked with me up the steps.

“You’ll understand soon,” she assured, though her voice seemed off.

We reached the top of the steps.

“Draco,” Mrs. Malfoy called out.

I looked back down the steps, seeing Mr. Malfoy usher my parents into the dining area.

The sound of a door opening drew my attention back to the upstairs hallway.

Draco stepped out of his room, closing the door behind him. He wore an entirely black suit, and when he turned to face his mother I could tell something was wrong.

My heart tugged and my stomach sank as I took in his furrowed eyebrows, dark circles under his eyes and prevalent frown on his face.

“-to see you, dear.”

Draco nodded, lowering his head as he cast his gaze at the floor.

Mrs. Malfoy placed her hand on Draco’s cheek for a few moments before walking back downstairs.

I waited with held breath.

Draco, without lifting his head, turned back around and went back inside his room.

The door was left ajar.

I waited a few moments, stuck in place, before forcing my feet to follow him. Walking inside his room, I stared at his back, stopping just inside as I closed the door halfway. Turning to him, I tried to fight against my nausea. “Draco,” I called out quietly. Taking a small step towards him, I asked “what’s wrong?”

He let out a shaky breath, one which I could see in his back and shoulders, and turned his head away from me slightly.

I took a couple more steps, lightly placing my hand on his shoulder.

He startled.

I moved around his right, trying to look at him, but he turned his head away further. “Draco,” I said softly.

His jaw twitched.

“Look at me,” I whispered, my eyebrows pulling together.

He hesitated before turning his head towards me slightly.

I put my right hand on his cheek, bringing his head around to face me completely.

He still wouldn’t look me in the eyes.

“Draco.”

A few moments passed before he lifted his head. His grey eyes were dim, filled with unshed tears.

My entire body got set on edge. “Draco-”

He let out a short noise, similar to a sob, before crushing me in a hug.

I froze.

What in the world could get the Malfoy heir so upset?

I wrapped my arms around him. “What’s wrong?” I squeezed him. “What happened?”

Nothing but muffled cries escaped him.

I tightened my hold, resting my head on his shoulder. “Shhh. It’s okay,” I tried to soothe. Running my hand along his back, I reminded him to breathe.

“Children!”

My heart stopped.

Draco froze.

I lifted my head, turning to face the doorway.

“Come downstairs!”

My attention was drawn back to my best friend when I felt him pull away from me.

He stood up tall and straightened out his suit.

His eyes were red and wet.

I frowned. “One moment,” I called back, not looking away from the boy before me.

He stared straight ahead, focused on the wall, as he wiped his eyes.

My frown deepened.

He moved around me, heading towards the door.

I quickly followed him out, needing to move fast to keep up with his purposeful steps.

Draco turned the corner, heading into the dining area.

I did the same, stopping dead in my tracks.

“Ah, Miss Hunt.”

My eyes widened.

The Dark Lord gestured at the free chairs at the table. “Won’t you sit down?”

I looked to Voldemort’s right, seeing Mr. Malfoy.

Mrs. Malfoy sat on her husband’s other side, Draco sitting down beside her.

On Voldemort’s left… my parents.

As much as I wanted to sit by Draco, I reasoned with myself that sitting by my parents would be more professional.

Lowering myself into the seat beside my mother, I shifted my gaze briefly to Draco, who sat across from me, before looking back at Voldemort.

“Did you enjoy your visit with young Mister Malfoy?”

I blinked at the question, fighting to keep my expression neutral.

Not really.

“As much as could be expected,” I replied.

“Good.” Voldemort nodded, grinning. “I wanted to discuss business.” He nodded his head towards my parents. “Your parents have already accepted the Dark Mark, as have the Malfoys.”

I glanced at Draco, seeing his head still cast downward. I looked back to the Dark Lord.

“The offer extends to you.”

All eyes turned on me, awaiting my decision.

I resisted the urge to shift in my seat. “What do I get out of it?”

Voldemort laughed.

Everyone else looked baffled.

“What else?” Voldemort grinned. “Power. The world will be yours.”

I nodded, sitting up straighter. “And if I refuse?”

Everyone’s heads whipped around to face me.

They all looked horrified.

I saw a twinge of something flash across Voldemort’s face.

He chuckled. “My dear Miss Hunt…” he clasped his hands on the table. “If you are not with me… you are against me.”

The room fell silent.

“I see.” I tilted my chin up. “May I have some time to think it over?”

Voldemort’s expression fell for just a moment before he plastered a grin on his face. “Certainly. How long do you require?”

“A week.”

Voldemort nodded. “Very well. Until then.” He nodded at me, but remained seated.

I stood. “Thank you.” Casting one last glance around the table at the people I grew up with, I walked out of the dining area.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I readjusted my grip on the bag I was carrying. Stopping in front of my motel room, I pulled out the key and opened the door, closing and locking it behind me once inside.

It was getting late, and I wasn’t looking forward to the darkness that came with it.

Walking further into the room, I moved towards the kitchen before stopping in my tracks.

A figure was standing in the shadows.

I whipped out my wand. “Stupe-”

“Expelliarmus!”

My wand flew out of my hand, hitting the floor several feet away.

I froze.

My heart skipped a beat and my stomach jumped to my throat.

Letting out a quiet sigh, I lowered my head, turning on the lightswitch.

The overhead lights illuminated the room.

I stared at a spot on the floor, not wanting to look my visitor in the eyes. “What are you doing here?”

“I needed to see you.”

“Why?” I lifted my head to look at him. “How did you find me?”

Draco hesitated. “They never lost you.”

I stared at him for a few moments before walking the few steps to retrieve my wand. “So why are they only sending you now?”

“They didn’t send me.”

I turned to face him. “Then why are you here? If You-Know-Who knows where I am, why haven’t they come to kill me?”

His posture shifted. “You ask a lot of questions.”

My eyes narrowed. “Draco-”

“You’re safe.” He paused. “For now, at least.”

My eyes scanned him for a few moments, gaze settling on his sleeved arm. “I could say the same to you.” I looked up to meet his eyes. “Getting the Dark Mark won’t protect you, Draco. You’re smart enough to know he’s only going to use you until you’re no longer needed.” I marched past him and put the bag of groceries on the kitchen counter.

“Don’t patronize me for something you were too scared to do!”

I turned around, seeing that Draco had taken a step towards me.

For the first time in the six years we’ve known each other, he was glaring at me.

I fought against the instinct to take a step backwards.

I looked him in the eyes, forcing my voice to be steady. “I think we both know who acted out of fear.”

He held my gaze for a few moments before it dropped to the floor.

I sighed quietly, turning around again to put the food away.

A few moments of silence passed.

I closed the cabinet door. “Do you want something to eat,” I asked, voice just above a whisper.

“I can’t stay.”

I frowned. Realizing I was still tense, I forced my shoulders down.

More silence.

I closed a drawer.

“Why didn’t you accept the…”

“The offer?” Without looking, I knew Draco was watching me. “Truthfully?” I turned around to face him. “I don’t want to dominate the earth. I have no desire to rule England or anything of the sort.” I walked passed him, towards the couch. “I don’t need to control a nation to get what I want in life.”

“What are your ambitions then?

My steps faltered. “I…” I spun around to face him again, seeing that he had followed me. “I would like to run a business. Be successful. Maybe get married…”

Draco’s eyes darted to the floor before looking back at me.

While his expression didn’t change much, I could see the surprise in his eyes and the slight twitch of his eyebrows.

“I don’t think ‘world dictator’ suits you, either,” I said.

“I don’t really have a choice,” he mumbled.

“Yes you do.” I walked towards him, standing less than a foot away. “Draco, this isn’t you.”

“I promised,” he said, his concerned eyes peering into mine.

“Promised? Since when have you been concerned about keeping your promises?”

“Since they involved the Dark Lord,” he whispered, irises showing his fear.

My eyes shifted between his. “Draco,” I reached down, taking his hands in mine, never pulling my gaze from his. “Run away with me. Leave this behind. You can get what you want a different way-”

“I can’t. They’re already tracking you, and I promised-”

“Draco, he’s going to kill you anyway,” I hissed. Tears formed in my eyes. “It’s only a matter of time.”

Draco’s eyes, growing wet as well, darted between my own. “I have to protect you.”

It was so quiet and under-his-breath I barely heard it.

“Draco Lucius Malfoy, don’t you dare,” I muttered, the tears flowing from my eyes. Reaching forward, I pulled him into a hug, wrapping both of my arms around him as tightly as I could.

He reciprocated, clinging to me as if I were a raft on the open sea.

We buried our faces into each other’s shoulders.

I hugged him tighter.

It felt like I couldn’t get close enough.

“Draco, don’t risk your life for me,” I whispered.

His breath stuttered. His grip on me strengthened. “I can’t let anything happen to you.”

“Well, how do you think I feel?” I pulled away just enough to look at his face. “If you die because of me-” I cut myself off, my voice breaking.

“As long as I do what he wants, I won’t.”

“You don’t know that,” I retorted sharply.

Draco’s eyes shifted between mine for a few beats. “I should go.”

Panic bloomed in my chest. I couldn’t bear the thought of- “What if…. what if I never see you again?”

Draco stared down at me for a few tense moments. Leaning forward, he placed a kiss on my lips.

It only lasted a few seconds, and I was too in-shock to reciprocate before he pulled away.

“Be careful,” he whispered.

I swallowed hard as I stared up at him. “You, too.”

Draco nodded, pulling out his wand.

I blinked, and he was gone.

Almost as if he was never there in the first place.

My mind raced.

I was only alive because Draco promised Lord Voldemort something. Once that thing is done, whatever it is, or if Draco fails…

I took in a shaky breath, looking over at the kitchen.

What would happen if I left?

If the Death Eaters were no longer able to find me, would they have anything over Draco? Would Draco be free, or would he simply be killed?

My stomach churned.

The risk wasn’t worth it.

I forced my legs to move towards the kitchen.

I would just have to trust that Harry Potter would fulfill his role and end this, once and for all.

My steps paused.

Harry Potter.

Gripping my wand, I walked towards the doorway.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Getting to the Boy Who Lived turned out to be harder than I had initially imagined.

I had presumed that the Weasley family would take him to protect him.

But first, I had to get rid of my babysitter.

Diagon Alley, since the shocking news of Dumbledore’s death, had become far less crowded than it had been.

Voldemort was free to do whatever he wanted.

Rightfully, the streets were nearly abandoned.

Losing the Death Eater was going to be harder than I thought.

I turned through several alleyways, going into shops and leaving them through different doors, sneaking around as best as I could.

Swiping a coat from a store, I tugged it on, tucking my hair into a hat I grabbed. I strode out, altering my walk, as I made my way into the broom shop. I grimaced as I looked at all of them.

Such an uncivilized form of travel.

With a sigh, I grabbed one and paid for it, wrapping it before exiting the building.

I had already tried apparating to the Weasleys’, but it wasn’t letting me.

They must have put spells against it.

Potter was definitely there.

I made my way to an apparition point, quickly traveling to the middle of nowhere.

The field I stood on was vast, and the plants around me were only just starting to grow.

My gaze dropped to the broom in my hand.

Letting out a sigh, I unwrapped it and straddled the object.

My heart began to race.

I had never once been on a broom before.

I gently pulled up on the object and it rose into the air.

I wobbled and clutched the broom tighter, leaning down closer to it in an attempt to be more stable.

The broom shot forward.

I leaned down lower, gasping.

The broom sped up.

That was interesting.

With all of my willpower and bravery, I unattached myself from the broom handle, sitting upright and leaning back.

The broom stopped.

I held on tightly, grunting as I was almost thrown from the sudden action.

Heaving out breaths, I brushed some of the hair out of my face.

Sitting upright, I cleared my throat.

Time to find the Weasleys.

~~~~~~~~~~~

I slowed down the broom as the Weasleys’ house grew closer.

A flying, uninvited, object approaching them from the sky would probably not be welcome.

I lowered into the tall grass surrounding the building. Getting off the broom, I let out a relieved breath and looked around for any threats.

The Weasleys’ home was incredibly tall and skinny, almost as if whoever made it was trying to fit the whole family in there but only had a limited space to do so.

I saw some people wandering around the outside of the house. Creeping closer, I could make out Professor Lupin. My gaze lifted to one of the windows, noticing Potter walk by it, ascending a staircase.

They really should have their curtains closed.

I waited a few beats to see if anyone else was with him before apparating, landing on my feet behind the boy.

He spun around, drawing his wand.

I raised my hands in surrender. “I’m not your enemy, Potter.”

His eyes narrowed behind his glasses. “How do I know that?”

“If I wanted you dead, I would have killed you already,” I said with fake confidence, knowing deep down that Potter was likely more proficient than me at dueling.

But he didn’t know that.

“Yeah,” he nodded his head to the side briefly, “maybe.”

Slowly lowering my hands, I kept my gaze on him as I shifted my right hand to my left arm.

He watched me carefully as I rolled up my sleeve.

My bare forearm was revealed to him.

He let out a quiet relieved breath and lowered his wand to his side. “What do you want?”

“I want to help you end this.” I pulled my sleeve back down. “I want this war to be over.” My jaw clenched. “I want my friend back.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Harry, you can’t be serious,” Weasley breathed.

“She hasn’t exactly proven herself to be one of us,” Granger said in a near whisper. “Are you sure you can trust her,” she asked, her eyes darting to me.

“Yes,” Potter looked over at me. “She doesn’t have the Dark Mark, and I believe her motivations.”

“But she’s a Slytherin.”

I rolled my eyes. “Thank you, Weasley, I think he already figured that part out.” I glared over at him. “The point is, I have an idea.”

They eyed me suspiciously.

Hermione raised an eyebrow. “And that would be?”

“Missy!”

An elf appeared beside me. “Yes, Mistress?”

Potter and Weasley startled backwards slightly.

Granger gasped.

I looked down at the creature by my side. “I need you to go to Malfoy Manor.” I took a deep breath before continuing. “The Dark Lord is there with all of his followers.”

“Oh, Mistress-!”

“I need you to find out all you can,” I insisted. “Everything depends on it.”

Granger scoffed. “Of all the-!”

I ignored her.

Missy’s ears drooped. “Yes, Mistress.”

“Don’t be seen or heard. When you get information, come back here.” I looked over at Potter. “I’ll be staying for a little while.”

Harry glanced over at me and nodded once, his jaw clenching briefly.

I turned back to Missy. “Be careful.”

She nodded, her gaze on the floor. “Yes, Mistress.”

She vanished.

“You can’t be serious!” Granger glared. “Sending her to her death like that! Why don’t you do it yourself!? She’s not your slave!”

“Actually, she is,” I corrected, standing back to my full height and looking over at the Gryffindor. “But the simple fact is, Missy would have a better chance of getting in and out without being noticed.” I cocked an eyebrow, side-eyeing her. “I didn’t hear you volunteering to go in her place.”

Granger glanced away.

“Alright.” Potter cleared his throat awkwardly. He turned to his friend. “Ron, would you…?”

Weasley looked over at me. “Yeah, I’ll tell Mum…” Turning around, he walked out of the room.

Potter looked back at me. “Well,” he glanced at Granger, “would you mind sharing your room, Hermione?”

“Don’t bother.” I tilted my chin up slightly. “I’ll sleep on the couch or the floor.”

They both shifted their gaze towards me, watching me for only a few moments before nodding. “All right. We’ll, uh……” Potter pursed his lips. “We’ll see you later.”

They walked out.

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. My posture sank slightly and I clenched and unclenched my fist, resisting the urge to run my hand along my face.

That wasn’t proper.

In an effort to distract myself, I looked around the room.

It was cluttered.

Pictures, books, and things filled every horizontal surface in the room.

Clothes and blankets were strewn about, and I assumed this is where the rest of Potter’s protectors slept.

I wondered if they rotated someone to stay up and keep watch.

The couch looked old and worn, and I was not looking forward to laying on it.

The pattern was also a crime against all things elegant.

“Uh…..”

I turned at the sound of the voice, seeing Weasley in the doorway.

He cleared his throat and shifted uncomfortably.

I raised an eyebrow.

He mumbled a very fast “supper will be ready soon.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

As he exited, I tilted my head to the ceiling.

Salazar, help me.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I walked into the dining area as everyone began to sit down.

There were several chairs that clearly weren’t supposed to be there crowded around the table.

It was odd; to be sitting around the dining table and eating like a family in such a time of fear and chaos.

But maybe that’s why they did it.

My gaze raked the room, spotting the only empty chair. I moved towards it, ignoring everyone’s stares. Pulling the seat out, I sat between Professor Lupin and what I assumed to be another Weasley.

This one I didn’t recognize.

The room was extremely quiet and tense as people began to get food.

I waited until everyone was served before getting some, myself.

The silence stretched on.

I swallowed the food in my mouth. “If you would prefer to talk with me out of the room, I’ll leave,” I said, not looking up from my plate as I cut some beef.

“We’re just surprised, is all.”

I looked to the head of the table at Mister Weasley. “Because I’m a Slytherin, right?” I shrugged one shoulder, looking around the room. “You all just assume I’m here to spy for You-Know-Who, don’t you? I’ve got news,” I raised an eyebrow, “not all Gryffindors are saints, either.”

Several beats passed.

I rolled my eyes, taking my napkin off my lap and dropping it on the table before awkwardly sliding my chair back away from the table.

It was so ridiculously tight in here.

Finally freed from the table, I stood up, marching out of the room and back upstairs.

I wasn’t hungry anyway.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Bloody Gryffindors.

Just as prejudiced as they accuse Slytherins of being.

I sighed, placing my chin on my hands as my elbows rested on my knees.

Maybe this wasn’t such a good idea after all.

The hushed sounds of conversation- tense, but conversation- floated upstairs.

I fought tears.

It was scary to not belong.

Maybe I had become too used to belonging; too comfortable.

I always had a home to go to. Loving parents. A best friend. My best friend’s home, when I didn’t feel like being at mine…

The sound of footsteps startled me from my thoughts.

I turned, looking up from my spot on the staircase.

The Weasley that was next to me for ‘supper’ approached, stopping at the bottom of the steps.

I resisted the urge to cross my arms, instead sitting up straighter and placing my hands on my knees. I looked up at him.

It was silent for a few moments.

The Weasley cleared his throat and gestured vaguely before putting his hands in his pockets. “Are you hungry?”

“I’m fine.” I raised an eyebrow. Truth be told, I was a little hungry, but I would rather not eat for a few days than experience whatever that was again.

He nodded, his fang earring jingling with the action. He pursed his lips, his gaze fixed on the banister beside me. “You can come back downstairs and eat, if you want.”

I let out a short, humorless laugh. “No, thank you. We’re all more comfortable if I don’t do that. Besides,” I leaned back slightly, “if I’m up here, you all can discuss your plans without worrying about me hearing.” I raised a challenging eyebrow. “Although, I am surprised no one placed an Imperturbable charm.”

The Weasley nodded again, this time more slowly. His gaze shifted towards me for a few seconds before he turned around and walked back out.

My eyebrows furrowed and I turned to look out the window. What in the world-

The footsteps returned.

I whipped my head around.

The Weasley stopped by me again, handing me the plate I had earlier. He looked at me for a few beats before exiting the room.

I stared at the doorway, dumbfounded. Pulling myself from my shock, I looked down at my plate he had thrust into my hands.

I huffed a small chuckle.

He had forgotten the silverware.

~~~~~~~~~~~

Two days had passed since I first arrived at the Weasleys’ house; “the Burrow”, as they called it.

I had taken to referring to all of the redheads by their first names, at least when more than one was in the same room.

There were simply too many of them to all be called “Weasley”.

I marched up the stairs, pausing to look out the window.

No sign of anything.

A ‘pop’ sound filled my ears.

I spun around. “Missy!”

The elf looked up at me with her giant eyes. “Mistress!”

“Anything to report?” I gazed down at her, hoping she would have discovered something- anything- useful.

Missy looked around, clutching her hands together at her chest. She spoke in a whisper. “Missy heard You-Know-Who say something about a cup in Lestrange’s bank vault.”

I looked down at the ground in thought, mouthing ‘her bank vault’ as my eyebrows furrowed. Shaking my head, I shifted my gaze back to the elf. “Anything else?”

“He spoke a lot about Harry Potter and the elder wand,” she said, her high-pitched voice quieting even further.

My eyes widened. “The elder wand?”

Missy nodded.

“Oh dear.” I took a deep breath. “Is that everything?”

Missy paused, cocking her head as she tried to remember. One of her long, pointy ears drooped. “You-Know-Who wants to kill Harry Potter, himself. It was very important to him.” She fidgeted with her hands. “I’m sorry Missy couldn’t find out more!”

I looked down at her. “No, you did a wonderful job,” I said, somewhat distractedly. “You should head back to my parents before they get suspicious.”

She nodded.

“Thank you, Missy.”

A smile appeared on her face. Looking up at me, she snapped her fingers and vanished.

I stared at the now-vacant spot on the floor for a few seconds before turning around, hurrying to search the house.

Potter. I had to find Potter.

I stepped into the dining room- which also happened to be the plotting area- the sound of my steps drawing everyone’s attention to me. I ignored their confused looks as my eyes swept across the room.

He wasn’t here.

“Have any of you seen Potter,” I questioned.

“I think he’s with Ron,” Weasley- Bill- said. His eyebrows furrowed. “Everything alright?”

I looked over at him.

What an odd question at a time like this.

I placed my hand on the doorframe. “Is anything?” Pushing off, I spun around and ran to Ron’s room.

If my parents could see me running- to a boys’ room no less- they would have a coronary.

I frowned as I hurried up the steps, my feet heavy and loud against the wood.

They didn’t seem to care how I would react to them becoming Death Eaters.

Shaking my head, I rounded a corner and rapped assertively on Ron’s bedroom door. I only had to wait a couple seconds for it to open.

Ron stood in the doorway, his hand still on the knob. An eyebrow raised upon seeing me.

“Is Potter with you?” I fought against the urge to try to see around the redhead’s form. “I need to talk to him.”

Ron paused for a brief moment, looking me up and down- as if to inspect me- before nodding. “Yeah, he’s in here.” He took a step backwards, opening up the room for me.

“Thank you,” I said, striding in. My eyes almost instantly landed on the boy sitting on the floor. “Potter.”

“Hunt.”

I heard the door close behind me. “I need to talk to you.”

The ‘Chosen One’ sat up straighter.

Ron moved towards us, standing between me and his friend, forming a small circle.

Potter glanced at the two of us before standing, himself.

I held his gaze intently. “Missy came back.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Are you sure about this?”

I paused once I heard the voices, stopping before I rounded the corner.

“We have to look into it,” Potter said. “There’s too much at risk to ignore.”

“What if it’s a trap,” Mister Weasley asked.

“I don’t think it is.”

“What if her elf was spotted and they let the information slip to lure you in?”

When a few beats of silence followed, I moved into view.

They both turned to look at me.

“Are you leaving, Potter?”

He nodded. “The sooner this is taken care of, the better.”

Mister Weasley excused himself, walking out.

I nodded back to Potter. “Be careful.”

“Thanks.” Pausing briefly, his gaze dropped to the floor before looking back at me. “What are you going to do?”

“Probably go back into hiding; see what else I can do from the shadows.” I clasped my hands and pursed my lips, avoiding his gaze.

“Alright. Are we doin this, or what?”

I turned at the sound of Ron’s voice.

He stood in the doorway, Granger by his side.

Potter straightened his posture. “Right.” He walked passed me, towards his friends. “We’d…better say our goodbyes,” he said to them quietly.

They nodded.

Looking at me over his shoulder, Potter waved. “Thanks for all your help.” He paused. “We appreciate it.”

“Oh, I didn’t do much,” I argued. “But, you’re welcome.”

He let out a small sigh and turned to his companions. “Alright, come on.” He ushered them out of the doorway and out of sight.

I stared at the empty space where they had been standing, a sudden sinking feeling settling into the pit of my stomach.

For some reason I felt as though I’d sent them to their deaths.

~~~~~~~~~~

The night sky filled with a sudden bright light.

I looked up, squinting my now-sensitive eyes. Moving around a tree to see better, I could make out whitish-bluish flashes, similar to fireworks.

Spells.

My gaze trailed down, seeing they sparked over Hogwarts.

Something was going down.

Something big.

I frowned, turning away.

Just look the other way, Hunt. That’s not your battle, I told myself, resuming my walk to my hideout.

It was the smallest cave I had ever seen, barely big enough to fit me and a few necessities.

I sat down on the jacket I had laid on the stone ground, frowning.

I couldn’t live like this.

No one could.

But that’s how everyone would be living if Voldemort won.

My eyes narrowed. Turning my head, I glanced back at the sky, barely able to still see the flashing from my location.

Allowing myself to sigh, I pushed myself to my feet, pulling out my wand. I ran to a clearing, staring over at the school.

The school that held so many of my memories.

The blue shell around Hogwarts turned to orange and began to dissipate.

The shield was broken.

I tightened my grip on my wand.

Time to stop running.

~~~~~~~~~~

Everything was chaos.

I apparated from the shore to the school grounds, dodging a falling piece of wall.

“Get inside!”

I turned, seeing Professor McGonagall gesturing towards the castle.

People ran by me, too quickly and too numerous for me to make out any faces.

I winced as another explosion hit the wall.

She didn’t have to tell me twice.

Running with the crowd, I hurried inside, spinning around as I tried to find Potter.

Knowing him, he was going to do something incredibly stupid.

I spotted a flash of red hair and ran towards it. “Ginny!”

She spun around, her eyebrows furrowed as she looked for the source of the voice. Her gaze landed on me and her eyes widened. “Hunt?”

“Have you seen Potter?” I stopped next to her. “I’m terribly afraid he’s going to do something foolish.”

“He ran that way.” She pointed. “But-”

“Thank you,” I called over my shoulder as I took off running.

He was probably faster than me, so I had to be extra fast to catch up, but not too fast to the point where I’d miss something.

“Potter!?” I ran through the hallways, letting out a yell as I turned a corner and nearly tripped over a collapsed wall.

Debris lined this entire hallway.

I saw a figure disappear into the wall on the other side.

The Room of Requirement.

I apparated to the spot to avoid trying to climb over the rubble and jumped in just before the door closed.

Letting out a sharp exhale as I looked behind me at the closed door, I turned back to face the room.

It was extremely crowded, full of……things. Random things like chairs and dishes, tables, cupboards, and more.

“Potter?” I moved forward, looking around.

“Hunt?”

Turning my head to the right, I saw the boy by a stack of objects, looking at a box. I walked over.

“What are you doing here?”

“I’m here to help,” I said, coming to a stop alongside him.

He nodded. “It’s good to see you.”

I smiled. “You, too.” I looked around. “What are you doing in here?”

Potter nodded down at the box. “I came for this.” Opening the lid, he picked up a crown from inside. “Ravenclaw’s diadem. A Horcrux.”

I blinked at him as he stared down at it.

He began stroking the object.

I backed away slightly, further behind a stack of nonsense, eyebrows furrowing.

“Well, well.”

I froze at the sound of the voice, ducking more out of sight.

Potter snapped out of his state, looking to the right.

“What brings you here, Potter?”

Harry moved slightly more into the open. “I could ask you the same.”

“You have something of mine.” A brief pause. “I’d like it back.”

“Well, what’s wrong with the one you have,” Harry asked, gesturing vaguely.

“It’s my mother’s,” Draco answered. “It’s powerful, but it’s…not the same. Doesn’t quite…understand me.” Another pause. “Know what I mean?”

I frowned.

“Why didn’t you tell her?” Potter stared ahead. “Bellatrix. You knew it was me.” He shook his head slightly. “You didn’t say anything.”

My head turned to look at Harry.

Draco did what?

I heard hushed whispers from where Draco was.

Potter reached for his wand.

I pulled mine out, ready to join the fight.

“Expelliarmus!”

Turning, I saw Granger with her wand pointed in Draco’s direction.

The sound of wood hitting the floor implied her spell was successful.

“Avada Kedavra!”

I recognized the voice of Goyle’s as a flash of green struck close to Granger.

“Stupefy!”

The diadem went flying into a couch atop one of the stacks.

Ron ran passed my hiding spot, his wand extended as he yelled. “That’s my girlfriend, you numpties!”

I stepped out of my corner as Potter and Granger began climbing, the objects wobbling from their weight. I lifted my wand. “Accio couch!”

The couch lifted from its perch, floating down to the floor.

I reached in the cushion, pulling out the crown and holding it up. “Is this what you’re looking for?”

Potter and Granger exchanged a look before climbing down.

I handed the Horcrux to Harry before turning, pointing my wand at the floor. “Accio wand.”

Mrs. Malfoy’s wand flew to my hand.

I pocketed it.

A yell filled the room.

We all turned, seeing Ron running towards us, an orange glow behind him.

“Goyle set the bloody place on fire!” He ran by, grabbing Granger and pulling her with him.

“The fool!” I gestured at all the wooden furniture around. “This place will go up in a matter of minutes!”

Potter and I both turned, seeing a snake made of fire slithering towards us.

My eyes widened. “He set a Fiendfyre!?!”

“Let’s go!” Potter turned around and began running, me on his heels.

We followed Ron and Granger, turning corners as we tried to avoid fire snakes, birds and tigers.

Granger and Ron slid to a halt, Potter and I running into their backs.

“We’re cornered!” Granger yelled as fire rushed from the front.

Potter turned around, casting a shielding spell right as fire approached us.

The force of the collision sent us all backwards, Ron falling into flying brooms.

He picked them up, passing them out.

“Not again,” I muttered as I accepted one.

“Hope you know how to fly these things,” Ron said.

Granger climbed onto the broom behind him and they took off.

Potter and I followed suit.

“Come on, this way!” Ron exclaimed, nodding his head to the side.

We flew passed a tall stack.

Two figures stood atop it.

“Wait; we can’t let them die,” I yelled, trying to be heard over the fire.

Ron looked at me in disbelief. “You’re joking, right!?”

My eyes narrowed. “You know me; the jokester.” I turned around, leaning down as the broom sped towards them.

Draco and Blaise.

Using all of my courage, I let go with one hand, extending it down as I neared Draco.

He reached up.

I zipped passed him, fingers grazing his hand. “No!” I turned around as quickly as I could, seeing Potter grabbing Draco. I breathed a sigh of relief, heading towards Blaise. As I approached, I slowed my broom, helping him on.

“Let’s get out of here!” Ron turned around, leading the way out.

We all dodged the flames, a gasp leaving my throat as some fire sparked up, closer than comfortable.

Granger shot a spell, clearing a path.

Zipping through it, we neared the door, an explosion behind us pushing us through it.

We all tumbled off our brooms.

The diadem hit the ground.

“Harry!”

Potter caught something that Granger tossed to him, stabbing the Horcrux.

Black mist erupted from it.

Ron rushed forward, kicking it back into the Room of Requirement, into the flames.

Three fiery Voldemort faces yelled, rushing towards the door before it closed.

We all sat on the floor, trying to catch our breath.

I turned.

Draco and Blaise were gone.

Scrambling to my feet, I looked around.

Where on earth…?

“I’ve gotta go,” I informed absentmindedly. My eyes scanned the hallway. “Be careful, guys.” With nothing more than a sincere look at them from over my shoulder, I took off down the corridor.

They couldn’t have gotten far.

My steps slowed and I halted with a sigh.

Unless they apparated.

I spun in a circle, looking around.

They could be literally anywhere.

Okay, think, Hunt. Where would Draco go?

Somewhere he felt safe.

I apparated to the Slytherin common room.

Draco whipped around at the sound of my apparation, pointing a wand at me. His eyes widened and his poised arm lowered slightly as we made eye contact. “You’re the last person I expected to see here,” he said hesitantly.

“I’m the last person who would have expected myself to be here.” I dropped my gaze to his wand briefly before nodding at it. “Who’s is that?”

“I don’t know.” He answered quickly, with a bit of a shake in his voice.

“So you don’t know how it pairs with you…”

“I tested it.” He looked at it for a moment before looking back at me. “It’ll have to do.”

“Not necessarily.” I reached into my pocket, pulling out his mother’s wand.

His eyes softened with recognition almost instantly. He looked up at me. “How do I know this isn’t a trick?”

My eyes narrowed in offense. “Why would it be a trick?”

“You’re with Potter and his friends, now. That means you’re…” he paused, his expression falling. “You’re an enemy of mine.”

“I’m not here to fight you, Draco.”

“Yeah? Then what are you here for?”

“I came to keep Potter safe. I came to protect the school I grew up in.” I frowned. “I came to find you.”

“You still stand against the Dark Lord, then.”

“Of course.”

His bottom lip trembled and his jaw clenched. “I’m sorry.” He shot a stunning spell at me.

I lifted my wand, producing a shield. My eyes widened as I stared at him in disbelief.

He took half a step backwards and sent another one.

I blocked it, but barely, almost too shocked to think.

He sent two more.

They were easily deflected.

Draco huffed. “Fight back!”

“No.” I frowned. “I don’t want to hurt you.”

His eyes widened and his posture stiffened before deflating. “If I don’t at least try to hurt you, they’re gonna kill me,” he hissed.

“Why are you on their side,” I hissed back. “You know it’s wrong! There’s more people than ever in one place that want to take Voldemort down! This is our best opportunity at beating him!” I frowned. “It may be our last.” My eyes narrowed. “Do you want to be remembered as a cowardly Death Eater who went down with Voldemort? Or do you want to be remembered as the boy who did the right thing? The boy that defected when it mattered the most?”

A high pitched noise filled my ears.

I winced.

Based on Draco’s expression, he heard it, too.

The sound was followed by a voice in my head.

“You have fought…valiantly, but in vain. I do not wish this: every drop of magical blood spilt is a terrible waste. I therefore command my forces to retreat. In their absence, dispose of your dead with dignity. Harry Potter…I now speak directly to you. On this night, you have allowed your friends to die for you rather than face me, yourself. There is no greater dishonor. Join me in the Forbidden Forest and confront your fate. If you do not do this, I shall kill every last man, woman and child who tries to conceal you from me.”

Draco and I made eye contact.

The blond gestured, a snarl on his face. “See?! He’s going to kill you!” His voice dropped as his expression softened. “You can’t fight him.”

I stood up straighter, my eyes narrowing as I clenched my hand that was around my wand. “I’d rather die against him than live for him.” I turned to leave but paused. Looking over my shoulder at him, I tossed him his mother’s wand before walking away, leaving my back exposed.

Only when I turned the corner did I break into a jog.

I had to find Potter.

Again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

I stopped, looking around the castle.

Where was everybody?

Stepping outside into the courtyard, I saw where everyone had gone.

Voldemort stood across from all the students, his Death Eaters behind him. “Harry Potter….is dead!”

My eyes widened.

We failed.

“No! No!!!” Ginny rushed forward, but Arthur grabbed her shoulder, pulling her back.

“Silence! Stupid girl. Harry Potter…is dead. From this day forth…you put your faith…in me.” Voldemort turned around, walking towards his Death Eaters as he extended his arms. “Harry Potter is dead!”

They all made various sounds of approval and excitement.

I spotted Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy at the front of the pack.

My parents weren’t far behind them.

Voldemort turned back around to face us, laughing. “And now is the time to declare yourself.” He extended his arms. “Come forward and join us.” His smile fell. “Or die.”

Silence stretched on.

Mr. Malfoy shifted a little on his feet. “Draco.”

All heads turned.

Draco was standing amongst the rest of the students, towards the back. He looked around.

“Draco,” Mrs. Malfoy said softly. “Come.”

The boy swallowed, his gaze darting around. It settled on me.

My eyes silently pleaded with him.

Draco, please.

He began walking forward.

My eyes closed in disappointment as I fought tears. A gasp left my throat as I felt a hand wrap around mine. My eyes shot open, looking over at the culprit.

Draco tightened his hold on my hand, staring across the gap. His eyes moved from his parents, to Voldemort, then back to his parents. He swallowed nervously. “I think I’ll stay right here.”

The students all looked over at Voldemort and the Death Eaters in shock, waiting to see what they would do.

“Draco,” Mr. Malfoy muttered, his eyes wide.

I had never seen Draco’s father look so unhealthy.

Dark circles under his eyes, unshaven, long blond hair stringy and unkempt, and paler than a ghost; he truly looked one step from death.

Voldemort pointed a long-nailed finger at Draco. “I will deal with you later.”

I frowned, stepping slightly in front of the blond.

Voldemort turned to the rest of the students. “Anyone who doesn’t want to die…”

Longbottom began limping forward.

Everyone stared on in shock.

“Well, I must say I hoped for better,” Voldemort said.

The Death Eaters all laughed.

Voldemort moved towards the Gryffindor. “And who might you be, young man?”

“Neville Longbottom.”

More laughter.

Voldemort moved back slightly. “Well, Neville, I’m sure we can find a place for you in our ranks-”

“I’d like to say somethin’.”

A few beats passed.

“Well, Neville, I’m sure we’d all be fascinated to hear what you have to say.”

“It doesn’t matter that Harry’s gone.”

“Stand down, Neville,” Seamus Finnigan urged.

Longbottom turned towards him. “People die every day! Friends…family.” He paused. “Yeah. We lost Harry tonight. But he’s still with us.” He brought his free hand- what was he holding in the other one- up to his heart. “In here.” He looked around. “So is Fred.”

My eyes widened in shock.

“Remus. Tonks. All of them. But they didn’t die in vain!” He hobbled back around to look at Voldemort. “But you will!”

The Dark Lord started laughing.

Longbottom went on. “Cause you’re wrong! Harry’s heart did beat for us! For all of us!” He pulled a sword out of the object he was holding. “It’s not over!”

Potter fell out of Hagrid’s grasp.

He stood up.

Everyone gasped.

I squeezed Draco’s hand.

Voldemort’s smile fell.

Potter shot a fireball at Voldemort’s snake.

The fire ricocheted off it.

Potter ran as Voldemort began casting fire spells at him.

Some of the Death Eaters vanished into smoke.

Potter hurried back towards the castle, ushering everyone inside.

I pulled Draco along behind me as Voldemort and the Death Eaters began approaching.

“We have to kill the snake,” Potter informed a little breathless.

Longbottom rushed forward.

Voldemort shot a spell at him, sending the Gryffindor flying backwards, before apparating away with his snake.

The Death Eaters kept approaching.

My eyes narrowed. “Barricade the doors!” Letting go of Draco’s hand, I rushed forward, grunting as I tried to close the doors.

Draco appeared on my left, helping to push them shut.

A few other students came forward to assist.

Once the doors were closed I flicked my wand at some of the tables, sending them flying towards the doors.

They piled up at the entrance, blocking it off.

More students aided in the action.

When all of the tables were set, everyone backed up, watching as the doors and the pile shook as the Death Eaters tried to get in.

The sound of breaking glass drew my attention to the windows.

Voldemort’s followers flew in as puffs of smoke before landing on the floor and beginning to cast spells.

Another fight broke out.

I produced spell after spell, barely thinking about what I was casting.

“No!!”

I froze at the sound of my father’s voice. Turning around, I saw him kneeling on the floor.

He was clutching my mother to his chest.

My wand lowered and my shoulders slumped as I stared at the pair.

My father buried his head into my mother’s hair, sobbing.

I heard my name yelled.

I whipped around, seeing a shielding spell block an attack at me before my assailant was struck with another spell. Turning to the left, I saw Draco approach.

“Are you alright,” he asked, stopping when he reached a foot away from me.

I blinked up at him with wide eyes, nodding slightly.

“Normally you’re more careful than tha-” His eyes drifted over my shoulder and his sentence died in his throat.

I turned around, watching my father briefly.

“I’m sorry.”

I looked back to Draco as he lowered his gaze to meet mine. My eyes narrowed as I looked away. “They never should have gotten involved.”

“She-” Draco paused, “This could have happened even if they didn’t.”

“Not like this, at least.” I looked back up at him. “Where are your pare- look out!” I pulled Draco with me to the ground, dodging a curse. From the floor, I snarled as I shot a spell back.

It hit the target and the Death Eater collapsed.

Draco rolled off me to work on getting himself to his feet. “I don’t know.” He stood, wiping his hands on his already-dirty black slacks. “I haven’t seen them.” Reaching down, he helped me up.

We both winced as a blast hit the wall by us.

Looking at each other, I readjusted my grip on my wand. “Be careful.”

“You, too.”

At my nod, Draco ran off to rejoin the fight.

I glanced back at my father before lifting my head higher and walking away.

~~~~~~~~~~

I let out a yell as I stunned another Death Eater.

He collapsed.

Gasping for air, I looked around.

Every student in the room was standing, catching their own breath.

The three Death Eaters that remained turned into smoke, speeding out of the windows and into the sky.

Silence stretched on and the dust seemed to settle.

I looked around at all the bodies on the floor.

Some of enemies.

Some of friends.

Letting out a sigh, I looked towards the blasted-open doors.

Even the courtyard was quiet.

Forcing my aching and battered body to move, I made my way outside.

Potter was standing in the middle, staring at the ground as he took in labored breaths. He looked up at the sound of my footsteps.

“Are you alright, Potter?”

He nodded. “Fine. You?”

I shrugged one shoulder. “Fine.” My gaze dropped to the two wands he held; one in each hand. “It’s over, then?”

He nodded, looking up into the sky and wincing at the slight sunlight peeking through the clouds.

“What happened?”

“Turned into ash…” Potter looked back at me. “Drifted away.”

I pursed my lips and nodded, my eyebrows furrowing in slight confusion.

At the call of my name, I turned to the right, seeing Draco running- and what an odd sight it was- towards me.

I grinned- tiredly- as he approached. “You’re okay.” My eyes scanned his face, seeing his head had been bleeding, but it dried, and a couple bruises, burns and scratches. Nothing more. Or at least that was visible.

“So are you,” he bent down, wrapping me in a hug.

I winced in slight pain, but hugged him back. Pulling away first, I adjusted my weight to be on my right leg a little less.

Draco looked down at me, raising a questioning eyebrow.

I nodded, waving a hand at him.

Draco nodded once in satisfaction before looking up at the Boy Who Lived. “Thank you, Potter.”

It sounded slightly strained, but it was better than he usually gave.

Potter huffed a small laugh. “Thank you. For choosing to fight alongside me.”

Draco looked down at me. “It wasn’t without convincing.”

I smiled up at him.

Potter cleared his throat. “I’d better go check on everybody else.” He pointed back to the castle before walking away.

I chuckled, turning slightly to watch him leave.

Once the boy was out of sight, Draco stepped around to my front. He tucked some of my fallen stray hairs out of my face. “It’s about time I did this properly.”

I raised an eyebrow. “Oh?”

Draco reached his right hand forward, cupping the back of my neck. His grey eyes shifted between mine. Slowly leaning down, he pressed his lips to mine.

I closed my eyes, kissing him back with as much love as I could muster.

All of my memories from the past six years of my life came flooding back to me. Meeting Draco, befriending him, growing up together, realizing our relationship was developing, the fear, the frustration, the betrayal, the hurt, and the pride.

It was almost too much to bear.

We pulled away.

Draco rested his forehead on mine. “I love you.”

Tears that felt entirely unprompted slipped down my cheeks.

“I love you, too.”

Draco lifted his head, frowning as he noticed my tears. Raising his hands, he swiped his thumbs over my cheeks, brushing the tears away.

I placed my hands on top of his.

“Are you going to be alright?”

I let out an exhale through my nose before nodding. “As long as I have you.”

He smiled, lowering his hands and wrapping one around mine. “I wouldn’t dream of going anywhere.”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A/n: 58 pages! Truly horrific! lol. Had a blast writing it, though. I also realize my 'sneak peak' out of context looked like an 'arranged marriage' story, but...it was too late.

I wanted to make Hunt clearly a Slytherin, with questionable Slytherin ideals, having grown up in a pureblooded Slytherin home, but I didn't want her to be evil. I tried to find a balance.

And I know McGonagall only taught the Gryffindors how to dance, but I thought I’d shake it up a little.

Just one note, I think:

- Hunt used some of her family’s wealth to go from motel room to motel room. She used a different name each time in order to try to stay hidden.

#Harry Potter #Harry Potter x reader #HP #HP x reader #Harry Potter fandom x reader #HP fandom x reader #Draco Malfoy x reader #Draco Malfoy #Slytherin #my works #Mara's works #my fanfiction #Mara's fanfiction #my imagine #Mara's imagine #my gif #Mara's gif

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