#caretaker!draco

[dodgerkedavra]

December 10

Harry’s lying on top of the covers in his pants, staring at the ceiling and thinking about the sweet release of Dreamless Sleep, when the front door of his cottage opens.

It’s about a hundred times as loud in the middle of the night, and he springs upward, clutching the comforter to his chest like a Victorian lady. Harry’s on top of it, so it barely covers his prick, and he’s in the midst of remembering that Draco saw him sulk around his cottage wearing only the duvet when Draco bursts into the bedroom, breathing hard.

“What a day for a swim,” he pants.

“Draco.” Harry’s heart pounds so hard he thinks it’ll give out. “It’s the middle of the bloody night.”

“I can’t sleep. You can’t sleep. Come on, Potter. Let’s swim.”

“Yes,” says Harry. He gets out of bed and pulls on a vest, then finds his shoes and glasses, then goes out to the sitting room, where Draco is tapping his foot, fast and irritated.

Through the leaves, the sky glitters with stars. Crickets shriek in the woods around them. Harry has to rush to keep up with Draco’s long strides.

They follow the path out of the trees and over the hills, then past a car park and another wood. They pass a bigger cottage and the mill pond.

“Finally,” Draco says as they pass another clutch of trees. “The swimming lake.”

He takes them all the way ’round to the far side, where there’s a little dock. Draco marches right to the end and strips his shirt over his head without so much as a shall we get naked, Potter? 

Harry freezes.

Read Chapter 10 of Clear, Warm Light on AO3

Start at the beginning here

[whumpitlikeyoumeanit]

June of Doom 5

@juneofdoom Day 5: "Please don't leave me."

I used an alternate prompt for this, not because I don't like day 5's prompts, but because June 5th is Draco's birthday. =]

(( difficult childbirth / blood / parental guilt ))

fandom: Harry Potter whumpee: Lucius Malfoy emotional, Narcissa Malfoy physical whumper: biology words: 1000

The birthing room was no place for a man, but he couldn't have stayed away. Lucius waited in the room next door, sitting perfectly still to counter his body's need to pace uselessly, inappropriately eavesdropping on her private moments, and everything he heard was somehow too much.

First there were the screams. He had been told to expect it, but nothing could have prepared him for that. Of the many screams he had heard in his life, none had stabbed him like these. The sound of his reserved wife screaming through the pain potions ripped through all of his defences to take up residence in his core and demand he do something to save her, but there was nothing he could do. He hadn't even known he could feel that. He hadn't known he could feel anything that strongly. It was the most helpless feeling of his life.

Then there were the cries. Through the wall, he heard his son's first cry, and it felt like time stopped. It felt unreal. There was a bright spot, something like hope, and where had that come from? He moved to the hall outside her door, so he would be there to join her, to meet their son with her. 

But no one came to get him. 

And then there were the raised voices. It was difficult to make out the words but he heard the midwife speaking sharply. Moving quickly. The healer's voice. He heard the midwife saying "Narcissa, stay with me" and he was moving before he could make any conscious decisions. He threw open the door to go to her.

There was so much blood. Everything he could see was red, except for her, a shocking gash of white in the bed, not moving—

The midwife looked back sharply. "Not now, Lucius!" She pointed her wand that shoved him back, and the door slammed in his face. His body moved in fear and offence to push his way back in, and the moment of discovering it was locked was enough to curb his impulses. He wasn't a healer, he should not be there to interrupt them as they helped her. There was nothing he could do for her. 

And then there was the quiet. 

It was almost, but not quite, silent. He could hear movement occasionally. The hint of a lowered voice.

Don't leave. The thought was loud inside his head. And once he heard it, he could not fail to hear it. 

Don't go. Don't leave me.

He paced the hall without thinking to stop himself, ears straining over his footsteps for any sound of her, his thoughts echoing up from a deep well within his mind. 

Don't take her. As though he could command Death itself, and force the uncaring universe to bend to his will. You can't have her.

His feet paced unrelentingly. His heart was racing against his chest for no reason and it was hard to breathe. Don't leave me. I need you. 

His hand hurt from clenching itself. Now it was not a command but a plea. Don't take her. Don't leave me.

The baby was still crying, and no one was stopping him. 

If you must have someone… if it means she can stay… take him instead. 

Then the baby fell silent, and an unfamiliar cold wave of guilt washed over him. That desperate, secret thought had been sent out and accepted…

The door eventually unlocked, and opened as he was looking at it. The healer stood before him, without the grave mein of tragedy, and he felt like he could collapse.

"It's all right," she said, and stepped back from the doorway. "You can see her now."

She was still in the bed, limp and with her eyes closed, but he could see that she was breathing and seemed relaxed, without a hint of pain on her face. 

They had cleaned; the room was pristine, with no sign of the blood his memory insisted had been on every surface, but his reason now argued could not have been. There was a window open, letting in a flower-scented spring breeze from the gardens, and the scene was so peaceful he did not feel it could be real. 

He immediately sat beside her on the bed and picked up her hand in both of his, eyes glued to her face. She was still terrifyingly pale, with unnatural bright pink spots of blood replenishing potion high on her cheeks. Her loose hair was falling over her shoulders; she looked softened, delicate. Vulnerable. 

She squeezed his hand weakly and opened her eyes, looking to his face. He could tell she was exhausted, but even her eyes were gentled.

The midwife came back to the bed before they could exchange a word, holding a small bundle of blanket. "Mum," she said kindly with a smile. 

Narcissa's attention was immediately stolen. She took her hand back and reached for the bundle, and the midwife helped her settle it against her chest. Brushing back a bit of blanket exposed the sleeping pink face of the baby. He stirred just a little. One of his hands was by his face, and it was so unrealistically tiny. He even had miniscule fingernails. Lucius reached in to hold his hand in wonder he hadn't expected, unfolding the tiny fingers to admire them. The guilt rose up again all of a sudden. 

"He's perfect," the midwife assured them.

"Of course he is." Narcissa ran her fingers over his cheek. "Draco."

Lucius didn't make even a token effort for 'Hyperion' this time. It no longer seemed important. After what she had been through to bring him here, she could call him whatever she wanted. 

"There is something," the midwife said, her tone serious now, and adjusted Narcissa's pillow. "It's about you, not him." Narcissa didn't redirect her attention from the baby, but Lucius did, watching her attentively as he held the baby's hand, and she ended up almost more talking to him. "After a birth like that, I'm not sure that carrying more children will be possible for you…"

"I don't need any more," Narcissa said. She looked up from Draco to Lucius with a smile, and he realised then that he had never seen her purely happy before.

[splendidissimus]

May 1999 - "I need you"

((Content warning: emotional breakdown))

((Promptspiration: @whumptober 2023: day 10: Stranded / "You said you'd never leave." ))

((This gets kinda fluffy by the end, and is pretty much about recovery.))

Genre: hurt / comfort

Romance level: moderate

Angst level: 2/5

Draco's headspace: inconsolable

((words: ~2800))

------------------------------------

It was Saturday. Theo was methodically reviewing potions with a loose study circle of most of the other seventh-years who had the class, keeping one ear on Granger's half-frantic muttering because, all else aside, let it never be said she wasn't excellent at studying. It was just over a month until their exams started, and she already felt like she was falling behind, a sentiment he didn't share, but she wouldn't miss a detail. 

It took him by surprise when his pocket got warm. He still carried around the enchanted paper he and Draco used to write back and forth while he was at Hogwarts, but Draco had fallen out of using it except to answer him. He hadn't initiated conversation in… it had to be since before Easter break, so at least a month. 

The last thing written on the paper, in a loose, sloppy version of Draco's handwriting, was 'I need you.'

Theo immediately tuned out the other students and used the special quill that went with the paper to write back. 'Anything. What do you need?' 

But Draco didn't answer. He tried for almost twenty minutes, writing until Draco's entry was pushed almost off the top of the page, then made a decision — he had to go. If Draco needed him and couldn't tell him why, he had to find out. He swept all of his things together into his bag and left the library without a word to anyone else. 

He kept the paper close inside his pocket in case Draco wrote back, though. 

He elected not to waste time going to the dungeons to get rid of his stuff; he'd just get out past the gates and Disapparate… That was what was going through his mind when he turned a corner and ran into Slughorn. Literally. 

He bounced back and nearly fell, fumbling his bag, though Slughorn was unmoved. "Careful there. We're certainly in a hurry to study, aren't we?" 

"I've got to go," Theo said, gathering his bag again. "It's an emergency." 

"Well, you've just passed the toilets," Slughorn chortled, amusing himself. Theo gave him an irritated look, and the man read the mood. "You mean leave the school?" he inquired genially.

"Yes, I have to go home. I'll be back as soon as possible, I'll do detention or whatever you want, but I've got to go." 

"Now, there's no sense in detention as a fine for misbehaviour if it's not going to be a deterrent. I can't authorise you to leave—"

He was pretty sure he could have found a way for someone who had something to offer him, Theo thought irritably. "Fine, but I'm still going."

Slughorn raised his hand. "Don't rush. I was going to say there's no need for you to run off and break school rules when we can explain the situation. Don't be so quick to buck the system when you can use it." 

Was that supposed to be life advice? He'd be a lot more impressed with anything he had to teach if this wasn't a professor who all but ignored his existence for two years because of his last name, and literally ignored Draco for all of last term to the point where he didn't even report that he stopped attending classes…

Slughorn put a hand on his back and didn't let him escape; they made their way over to the west tower and the Headmistress's office, Theo chafing every step for the wasted time, clutching the paper in his pocket and willing it to get warm. 

"Cover your ears now," Slughorn chided Theo almost playfully as they approached the gargoyle guarding the stairs. "Abyssinian." The gargoyle jumped out of the way and let them onto the moving staircase.

"Minerva." Slughorn didn't really check to see if she was available before speaking, which made her look a little bit annoyed already as she looked up from whatever was laid out on her desk. "Young Mister Nott here would like to speak with you about a weekend pass to go home."

"This weekend?" she pointed out sharply. "You are aware that the memorial of the battle will be held tomorrow. Missing it is out of the question."

"I don't care about a weekend pass, I'm just telling you I'm leaving," he said tightly. "I have got to go, it's an emergency, and I'd be gone already if I didn't run into him." He jerked his head at Slughorn.

"Mister Nott," she said sternly. "I am aware of your… home situation. If there is an emergency with your sister or her children, I'm sure that—"

He clenched his hands into tight fists. "It's not about that at all. I'm not a kid; I've got responsibilities that are frankly a lot more important than these exams." She didn't look particularly impressed at that assessment. "I've been helping look after someone who's sick, and they just messaged me for help, and I've got to go." 

"Calm down. Consider the situation. They have time to owl you, but no one else could have helped by now?" she said reasonably, the epitome of pragmatic rationality. 

"It's not like that!" He yanked out the paper and slapped it on her desk. "That's called an Owlless, it's in real time, and he called for help almost half an hour ago." And he was trapped here, because these people wouldn't let him go without kissing the ring of their paperwork — it was fully within his power to get to Draco and he was being held back by rules. Oh how he hated society. 

Slughorn sidled up to the desk, peering over her arm at it. "Now, that's an interesting bit of workmanship, isn't it?" 

McGonagall skimmed the paper, parsing how it worked. Then her lips pressed into such a flat line they disappeared. "Malfoy." 

"He's my friend," he said defiantly. "And he's sick, really sick, because Voldemort cursed him. He could be dying right now because you're not letting me go see what's wrong! Maybe you don't care," he added acidly. That's right, did she think he'd forgotten her sending Draco to detention last year, knowing exactly what that meant? Even if he antagonised her for half the year, she should have been better. Yeah, he wasn't impressed with any of their nobility, no matter how society decided they were the heroes.

"Mister Nott," she warned. He was unapologetic but didn't push it. She skimmed the note again, then folded it and handed it back. "Be back before classes on Monday, and if you miss the memorial tomorrow I shall expect an essay on the impact of the battle." She nodded toward the fireplace. "You can floo from here."

"Thank you," he forced himself to say, because society demanded it, took back his Owlless before Slughorn could make it disappear, and almost ran to the fireplace. The floo powder box opened itself as he approached, he took a pinch, and called "Malfoy Manor!" as he stepped into the flames.

The world spun, showing him flashes of kitchens and lobbies across the country, and then he stepped out in the Malfoy drawing room. "Draco!" he immediately yelled, throwing his bag down. A scan of the room showed it was empty and he ran out, calling for him. "Draco! Draco, I'm here, tell me where you are!"

Parlour, window seat, both empty. He called for Draco again and ran back to the stairs, focused on the library at the top. Or maybe his bedroom… or that second-floor window… 

He heard a squeak from below him. "Mister Nott!" The house elf was quavering beside a closed door in the hall going back past the staircase, and when she saw him looking she pointed at it urgently. "Master Draco is here, sir!" 

Theo jumped the last two steps to get back down, and when he was back on the ground he oriented himself and realised that was Draco's mother's room — tacitly off limits unless she was entertaining. "Is she here?" If she was, if Draco was with her, then he wasn't needed and she'd probably consider him intruding… unless Draco called him even though he had her…?

But the house elf shook her head vigorously, ears flapping. "Mistress isn't home, only Master Draco! Please help…" She wrung her bony hands.

He didn't have to be asked again. He opened the door and looked around frantically. "Draco?"

Draco was in a chair isolated in the corner away from the rest of the seating, with one foot drawn up in the chair to hide behind his knee, holding his head in both hands, sobbing. 

He came to him and pulled down his leg. "It's okay, I'm here." He tried to pull his hands away so he could see him. He touched his heart monitor on the way to see if he was having a bad spell, but his pulse looked okay, and that was a relief. "Are you okay? Tell me what's wrong."

"Nothing… Everything!" He bent over double and sobbed into his knees. 

"It's okay…" Theo hugged him and rubbed his back, looking around. Nothing actually looked obviously wrong, and he seemed to be okay, physically. He didn't think he was panicking, he wasn't sick, so… 

"Master Draco can't stop crying," the house elf said in a small voice, and he looked back at her. She was pulling down her ears. "For hours, if it goes away it comes back." 

He looked around again, running his fingers through Draco's hair. Next to his seat, there was tea and chocolate, showing how the house elf had tried to help, and an empty potion; he sniffed the potion bottle and identified a Calming Draught, which had either not helped or worn off, and touching the remains of the tea found it cold. There were nibbles taken out of the chocolate.

Draco had actually tried, he realised. Really tried. He hadn't pushed it down or ignored it, or hidden where no one could find him to try to cover it up. He'd done everything he could think of to make himself feel better. He'd taken the potion, he'd taken the chocolate even though he didn't like to eat, he'd moved to his mother's room where he felt safe for comfort, and when he realised it wasn't getting better, he called for help — for the first time in years. It felt huge. 

He sat down on his knees and kissed the top of Draco's head, rubbing his back again. "You're okay." He wished he knew what to do to actually help him, but maybe just being there would be something. "Everything's okay. There's nothing wrong… There's nothing wrong with crying if you need to." 

"I can't…"

"That's okay."

He couldn't tell what Draco meant, what he felt he 'couldn't', but maybe it wasn't meant to be anything specific. He was starting to think there wasn't anything specific or rational behind the crying, he was just overwhelmed. Maybe? 

Maybe that really was what it was. Since Easter — actually, probably longer, he'd been pulling away since March — he'd been so cold and withdrawn, tightly controlling himself and trying to force his mind and emotions to do what they were supposed to. He'd spent most of Easter break in that damn drawing specifically because bad things happened there and he wanted to prove they didn't have power, instead of giving himself a break and just getting out of here for a little while. Maybe he'd pushed it all down for too long and it just cracked. 

He rested his head against Draco's, rubbing his back, just patiently waiting to see if it helped. "Thanks for calling me," he said, voice light and casual. "I was getting really tired of thinking about N.E.W.T.s. It's nice to have a break." 

Draco didn't respond to the joking like he hoped, but at least it didn't seem to hurt him. "You said you'd never leave…" he admitted, breath hitching. But at least it was a coherent sentence, so improvement. "I hoped it was true…"

That made him all warm, and he hugged Draco tightly. "Of course. I'll always come if you need help. Or if you call me for any other reason. And probably if you just think it really hard." 

Draco's crying did ease up; maybe the tears didn't entirely stop, but he stopped shaking. "Do you feel better, or are you just tired?" Theo wondered, running his hand over his hair. It seemed like it would be physically exhausting to keep crying for ages, not that he'd really know. Draco just shrugged without lifting his face out of his arms, but that was okay. 

A little while later, Theo was reminded that the house elf was still around when she spoke up. "Mistress is home," she warned, then disappeared. 

"Is this going to be okay?" Theo shifted and tapped his feet together to wake his legs up in case they had to move quickly.

"Yes," Draco said, still without lifting his head. 

Narcissa entered the room in another moment. Theo would be hard pressed to say he had ever really seen her show an emotion other than vague disgust, which at least she wasn't showing now, but that meant as far as he could see it was just nothing; he was sure Draco would have told him he was wrong and exactly what she was feeling, but since Theo didn't share whatever weird telepathy allowed Draco and his mother to never have to speak to each other, he was left having to guess. He guessed she was annoyed he was intruding.

He made a report promptly without getting up, staying there in front of Draco with his arm around him. "He called me for help. His heart's okay, though. He's not panicking or anything. It's just some crying." He had an instinct, based on no evidence, that keeping things calm and casual would be good for Draco, so he didn't make a big deal about it. He assumed the house elf had filled her in.

"I see." He couldn't tell much, except maybe he'd been wrong about her being annoyed. There wasn't any sharpness in her voice, anyway. "I'll relieve it," she said, drawing her wand out of her sleeve. 

"Wait." Theo stood up quickly on his knees between them and held up his hand. "Maybe that's not the best move. He's already had a Calming Draught and it, what, it all came right back as soon as it wore off, right?" Draco nodded silently into his arms. Theo ran his hand over his hair without thinking about it and looked back up at his mother. "I think maybe he's been suppressing everything for too long, during some really hard times, and now today it just cracked for some reason and had to come out." 

"It's the anniversary of the battle," she said. 

"Oh, shit, that's right." Not that he hadn't known that, obviously, just hadn't made any connection. But Draco would have been hearing about it from the Prophet, the wireless, any post he got, maybe even his mother — of course that was going to be hard, if it was hard to think about. Draco'd never told him much about the battle, which he was beginning, after Easter, to think probably meant it was a pretty bad memory. He rubbed Draco's back. "Either way, suppressing it's just going to make the same thing happen again. Maybe, just let him feel it?"

She considered, and her eyes moved from him. "Draco?"

Draco was still quiet for a bit. "Maybe he's right," he said after a moment. He took a deep breath and pushed himself up, his head and arms off his knees, and wiped his face with both hands. There were still tears leaking out afterward, but nothing like the sobbing when Theo'd first arrived. He didn't actually look at either of them, probably embarrassed. "I don't know," he said. "I don't know what happened. It was just out of control. Maybe he's right." He wiped his eyes again. 

"All right." She slipped her wand back into her sleeve and touched Draco's head lightly, then went back to a different couch. To Theo, that seemed really indifferent, but Draco must have gotten something else from it; he distantly ran his hand through his hair where she'd touched it, then wiped his eyes again and pulled his legs up into the chair, curling up in the corner. He silently dropped his hand down to hold Theo's, so Theo took that as saying he shouldn't go anywhere, and he sat down in front of Draco's chair, rubbing his hand lightly. If Draco's mother noticed, she pretended not to.

[whumpitlikeyoumeanit]

The caretaker hated the whumpee, and had never bothered hiding the fact, but they never would’ve wanted the whumpee to be tortured and broken like they were nothing. The caretaker is reluctant at first, not knowing how to talk to the whumpee, who believes the caretaker still fully hates their guts. The caretaker can only treat the whumpee as best as they can without making anything too awkward- usually this meant no talking, as anything they said just seemed to make things worse.

[handledwithgloves]

inspired by this post ❤️

fics where draco takes care of harry >>> lol anyway, mind the tags before you read !! (all of these are completed works on ao3)

running on air by eleventy7 | 74k Teen

such a good read, i cried the whole time, my first ever drarry fic that i read ❤️, hurtcomfort, auror harry, missing draco

two to lie and one to listen by fluxweed | 84k Explicit

so good omg, sad harry, romione are good people, fake dating but not between the main pair lol, 8th year

something there by 1bad_joke | 27k Explicit

god. this story, sad draco, loving harry, ron/pansy, ginny bashing, beauty and the beast/phantom of the opera vibes, 8th year

at your service by faithwood | 95k Explicit

well written and paced, great characterizations of canon characters, draco and harry work together to solve a mystery, 8th year

forgive those who trespass by lomonaaeren | 135k Explicit

mystery/thriller/horror, so romantic, crazy shit happens man idk, missing romione, harry goes looking for them, draco helps

all life is yours to miss by saras_girl | 114k Mature

beautifully written story, reads like a feel good movie from the 60s, so nostalgic, professors drarry, fell in love with draco

the ordeal of being known by louisfake | 146k Mature

great gateway into drarry, my third (?) ever drarry fic i read, mute harry, skilled legilimens/mind healer draco, dumbledore bashing

eye of the storm by OTPshipper98 | 27k Not Rated

god. i cried and i cried, hurtcomfort, skilled legilimens/mind healer draco, catatonic/comatose harry, i loved everyone in this god.

now i know in part by dodgerkedavera | 39k Explicit

blind and semi-deaf harry, caretaker draco, sad draco, loved the ending, god. draco is so sad, hurtcomfort, draco :(

---

some honorable mentions:

the name on your forehead | 10k

the way your say my name | 5k

all i have to do | 9k

what's mine is yours | 17k ❤️

sealed with a kiss | 46k

a pulled down shade | 43k

aural gratification | 10k

most arrogant and loving of men | 30k

house proud | 23k

nor all that glisters | 110k

there's no place like home (unless i'm with you) | 40k

a little bird told me | 18k

the gift | 25k

trouble, my old friend | 21k

anything by dustmouth

---

look, ik that most of these are rlly popular fics, im typically really picky about re-readability, but i think i would re-read all of these again if i haven't already ❤️ in some of the fics there are pairings that i dislike and bashing of characters that i like, but good writing is good writing idk wat 2 tell u

if you have fics to recc, drop them!! i typically read everything, but i do have my limits (looking at you draco --- i'm pretty picky about him)

[itgirldraco]

do you have any fic recs?

yes!! so many!! please check the tags for each!

all time favorites:

way down we go: an absolute classic. werewolf harry, chronically ill utterly miserable draco, post-war in small town america. enemies to lovers slowburn with protective harry and hopelessly gay draco.

in hopes that you may drown: SO much of my art is based on this author's harry and draco. such a lovely fic. post-war, draco raising delphi and absolutely perfecting the stressed yoga mom vibe. harry is instantly smitten.

in our blood: about haunted houses, parenthood and growing to care for each other. I love this one.

you'll still find stone: arranged marriage. draco expects the worst and harry is an absolute sweetheart. angst but so heartwarming. (mind the tags!!)

ANYTHING by corvetteclaire! their blood link and in the mirror series are severely underrated and genuinely took my breath away. some of my favorite writing and plots.

inside grey eyes: so so beautiful. quite dark and yet exceptionally hopeful. all about draco's recovery from a nightmare situation and harry's unending support. (mind the tags!!)

anything by tessa crowley!! an absolute gem in the fandom with an impressive variety of works.

the mirror of ecidyrue series: perfection.

in your arms, rests my world: “You make me feel safe, Potter. You keep me safe.” yeah..yeah. (mind the tags!!)

anything by toxik_angel tbh..one of my favorites is infairitance even though it’s incomplete; fairy draco is a game changer

oxytocin: angst, angst, angst, and so much cuddling. slowburn in the best way possible.

Soup-pocalypse and The Great Curry Cataclysm: i read this some time ago but i remember adoring it.

Diffraction Patterns (I Don't Know How to Forget You): another incredible old read .

everything by beloved @rockingrobin69 !! this is one my favorites ever i never stop thinking about it

fluff/humor:

manlet: PLEASE read this one! so so cute and adorable and hilarious ft sweet giant harry and tiny angry draco and wickedly funny narcissa. will definitely open your eyes to small draco.

screw you: extremely funny and extremely hot.

like a star across my sky: SUCH a good fic! feels like a romcom.

title of their sex tape: as funny as it sounds.

flirt: really sweet. disaster flirty draco and awkward yet charmed harry.

married to a brute (ongoing): genius and hilarious

smut:

it beats me black and blue: absolute perfection. no notes.

let me roll it: so delicious. clueless mess draco and grumpy harry who hates everyone except draco.

his little something: size difference excellence

scenes of surrender: a combination of smut, love, recovery and caretaking

a perfect fit: hung harry and size queen draco

come up for air: veela draco

fawning for you: harry is completely obsessed with draco's videos. very cute, muggle setting.

burning the ground: creature fic

ongoing/other faves:

one elephant at a time (ongoing): i recommend this fic to EVERYONE. genuinely incredible. think yellow wallpaper, jane eyre, crush by richard siken, and the author mentions being inspired by my dark vanessa as well. so essentially a modern romance with a dark gothic backstory. every single sentence in this fic stands out to me. every characterization, every conversation, is just so honest and genuine. also!! draco has a cat called lady di!! and he loves to wear earrings! (mind the tags!!)

within the hollow crown: more of pre-drarry tbh. such an interesting plot!! harry grudgingly cares for an increasingly spiraling draco who is except under close and constant watch by the dark lord-every second of his sixth year. currently has an ongoing sequel.

imperfection (ongoing): another fic by robin! and another of my all time favorites, so so lovingly written and so tragic and lovely and heartbreaking. really digs into draco's psych and his manic mindset and constant spiral BUT there is light at the end of the tunnel and so much love surrounding him even though it's hard for him to see it. (mind the tags!!)

saviour series (ongoing): wouldn't necessarily call this drarry? more of a stockholm syndrome gothic novel type of fic but i recommend it all the same. the writing is truly extraordinary and the pacing is incredible. will leave you breathless. part one is complete. (mind the tags!!)

perspective series (ongoing): the original books with alpha harry, omega draco in gryffindor, and an adorable friendship dynamic between the golden trio and draco. really sweet, and super interesting. no romance as of yet but there are little moments.

tales of the potters: very interesting take on the arranged marriage trope! i recommend all of this author's works; they have a gorgeous way with words and their work really brings harry and draco to life.

the veiled boy (ongoing): one of the most intriguing recent fics i've read. really delves into character dynamics in such a realistic and refreshing way and draco is so endearing in it. every chapter has gorgeous illustrations.

never in extremity: reread this one recently. equal parts heartbreaking and heartwarming. (mind the tags!!)

[isaacarellanesismyhusband]

you’ve been too busy for me

pair: Draco Malfoy x reader requested by anonymous

hey can u do draco x reader where he part of the inquisitorial squad and he super busy so he can’t see his girlfriend (reader) and finally on friday night he can see her and they just stand there kissing in the corridor and filch end up giving them detention

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Draco had been avoiding you all week, not on purpose, but because he was drowning in Inquisitorial Squad duties. Every time you passed him in the corridors, he’d flash you an apologetic look, mouth a quick "later," and then disappear into whatever errand Filch or Umbridge had sent him on.

By Friday night, you were fed up. You hadn't seen him properly in days, and you just wanted to spend a moment alone with him. So, you waited near the entrance to the dungeons, hoping to catch him as he finished his rounds.

The sound of footsteps finally echoed through the hall, and there he was, looking as tired as you felt. Draco's eyes lit up the moment he saw you, his usual smirk fading into a soft, relieved smile. "Y/N..."

Before he could say anything else, you threw your arms around him, pulling him into a tight hug. He held you close, resting his chin on top of your head. "I’ve missed you," he whispered.

“I know,” you muttered into his chest. “You’ve been too busy for me.”

He pulled back slightly, brushing a strand of hair out of your face. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.”

You stood on your tiptoes and kissed him, and suddenly the week of frustration melted away. Draco kissed you back, soft at first, but it quickly grew more desperate, as if he needed to make up for all the time lost.

Neither of you noticed the footsteps approaching until a raspy voice interrupted. “What’s this?”

You both broke apart, turning to see Filch glaring at you. “Public displays of affection? Disgusting! Detention, both of you!”

Draco groaned, rubbing his temple. “Filch, really?”

But the caretaker was already scribbling down your names. You exchanged a glance with Draco, and despite the situation, you couldn’t help but laugh. Of course, after finally getting a moment alone, you’d end up with detention.

“Well,” Draco muttered, leaning down to press one more kiss to your lips, “at least I’ll get to spend detention with you.”

[deadghosy]

SLYTHERIN BOYS X OWL! READER HEADCANNONS

Prompt: a wild owl appears, gaining some Slytherin boy’s attention as their own personally pet and companion

Ft. The riddles, Blaise Zabini, Draco Malfoy, Theodore Nott, && Lorenzo Berkshire

A/N: based off of how I use to do hazbin hotel x animal! readers. I appreciate reblogs, comments, and such as likes.

When your white owl appearance took place in the common room of the Slytherins. Draco was a little cautious to get close of you whilst Lorenzo immediately found you enchanting. He wanted to make you his wonderful companion. Mattheo also wanted to making the two Slytherins fight for your attention. Trying to bring you mice thinking you were “that” kinda owl. When really you liked fruits a lot, to which Theodore fed you once and you were attached to him.

“Guess they like me more..” Theodore says with a grin, petting you under your chin to which you coo at. Immediately Theodore felt his heart melt as he kept petting you, walking away using a soft baby voice. “Aww you’re so cute my little bambino..aww..” meanwhile the others are like “did he seriously just adopt an owl?”

Lorenzo is still the number one caretaker of you. He literally schedules what time you eat, when you need a bath, when you need a nap. He’s like he’s taking care of a baby. Even though Theo tells him it’s not that serious. Lorenzo is not taking chances as he teaches your tricks.

He taught you how to unlock cages incase you get kidnapped from the Slytherin common room. Or maybe something I excepted happens to you and they’re not there to protect you. Makes them sad to think about it.

Blaise, plays his music softly around you. He loves how you just prance around howling and cooing around. He find you a comfortable companion to just vibe him with. And you think the same.

Theodore, the one to just feed you and you would be on his shoulder when he is in common room. He loves you dearly as if he birthed you😭

Mattheo sometimes joke around about how he would pluck your feather for it to be a quill, and you were so happy after hearing that as you avoided him for a whole week before Blaise made him apologize. But most of all, he loves you since you are adorable.

Draco, this ferret boy would be afraid that if he turned into a ferret that you would grab him and eat him. But when Theodore told him that you only ate fruits. He felt pleased. Then he would transform and you two were animals causing mayhem together. (I believe in my head he’s an animagus)

Tom….you don’t see him often. But when you do. He leaves you a small snack, he doesn’t really show emotion towards you. But it’s nice how one time he heard a couple of Gryffindors going to steal you. Let’s just say those Gryffindors were scared to even go near you. You admired Tom from afar and he did the same to you.

Group head pets from you. Be prepared to be smothered with love and affection from your Slytherin owners.

Lorenzo absolutely ADORES sleeping with you in his room. 🥹baby is in love with your nightly coos. He thinks they’re so adorable to the point he may cry or just fall asleep with a smile on his face.

You’re very chilling to be around, surprisingly Tom lets you in his room. He may find a small attachment to you to the point he maybe wants to be in your soul… just maybe.

There was a part of time where the Theodore and Lorenzo fought over who was the best owl dad for you. You didn’t know who to chose so you flew over to Tom who just sat on the common room couch reading. Not giving a care in the world. The two Slytherins were shocked and disappointed as they banned you from seeing Tom for a few days.

“They’re like an air cat!” Mattheo said as you coo at him from the pets you gained. “Please don’t ever call our owl that..” Tom said with an unimpressed stare. Mattheo still says it to this day in Tom’s face.

If anyone forgets to feed you, they feel guilty. Not Tom though. He feeds you before he goes to his lectures while those others are like. “Who fed them before we left??” While Tom is like “Pft….imbeciles.”

They love when you coo at them. Tom would never admit despite his own brother saying it out loud💗

You are the most beautiful owl Hogwarts know, and sometimes Tom tries to talk to you as if you are a real person. Talking about pregnancy and how you should watch out for “those” type of owls…he’s just trying to protect and not kill an owl.

[cass1dyyy]

bloody and bruised

contains: angst (not between the reader and mattheo), mostly fluff

summary: your boyfriend mattheo ends up in a fight, and you help him clean up afterwards.

warnings: injury, injury detail, swearing, reader playfully hits mattheo, mentions of blood, a nose breaking, fighting, beating up mattheo

you rush around the corner, and you scan the scene infront of you. mattheo is on the floor, on top of a hufflepuff boy who’s face is bruised badly. a crowd gathers round the violent scene, blocking your view.

suddenly, you hear a sickening crunch. the students crowded around gasp, backing away and exclaiming in disgust. some even shudder. you gasp, running forward and see the hufflepuff huddling back against the wall, his nose clearly broken and blood pouring from it, trickling down his face and off his chin, onto the marble floor.

just as you’re about go grab mattheo’s arm and pull him away, you’re launched back with the crowd, and flung onto your ass on the cold, hard floor. a large, transparent, blue circle enveloped your boyfriend and the unlucky hufflepuff’s three other friends.

the injured boy had been hustled off to madam pomfrey, leaving mattheo in the hands of these furious-looking guys. mattheo’s grave expression didnt falter though, as one threw a punch to his stomach, as he doubled over, clutching the place he’d been hit, as you watched helplessly.

then, a few punches to his face, mostly the nose, and some more to his stomach and eye. you scream out for the guys to stop, but they just smirk at you, and deliver the punches harder, as mattheo winces and groans in pain.

you start racking your brains for a complicated spell, which would break the force-field. you knew it, but couldnt think of it off of the top of your head. you were smart, but panic was set like cement in you, and your mind went blank. two boys appeared next to you, draco malfoy and theodore nott, mattheo’s closest friends. their expressions turned cold and angry.

suddenly, the spell clicked in your brain like assembling a puzzle. you figured it was because of the distraction where you noticed draco and theo, but there wasn’t time to focus on that now. you thanked them in your head and raised your wand, screaming the incantation.

A/N: i wanted to put a proper spell here, and i researched, and thought i found one but turns out it wasnt quite the right one so just imagine the spell or make one of your own!

the force field shattered, large shards of the forcefield floating down and fading once they hit the floor. theo and draco immediately pull out their wands, shouting

“petrificus totalus!”

the hufflepuffs froze like statues, as mattheo slumped against the wall, his face bloody and bruised. you rush over to him, helping him up and dragging him to the nearest empty classroom, which wasnt too far. you sit him on the teacher’s desk, while he pants and groans heavily.

“i’ll be right back, okay? stay here.” you say, rushing out of the door and into the caretaker’ filch’s cleaning closet. there were multiple of these around the school, due to the vast size of hogwarts.

you stepped in, quickly shutting the door behind you and rummaging through the shelves in the small space. the top shelf usually has the medkits and bandages and stuff, and sure enough, you found multiple medkits, bandages, plasters, anything you could ever need!

you grab plasters, disinfectant, wound spray, rubbing alcohol, and a medkit. you probably didnt need all of it, but it was just incase. you hurried out of the supply closet, paranoid that filch would turn up out of the blue, like he usually does.

you walk back to the classroom. mattheo was still in the same spot, beads of sweat dripping off his forehead. his nose was blue and bruised, blood trailing down from his nostrils.

you sigh, sitting down next to him, as you wipe the blood off of his nose and chin. then you rub disinfectant to the nose wounds.

then, you wipe away the dried blood from around his right eye, and also disinfect that.

“unbutton your shirt.” you say.

he smirks, looking at you and wiggling his eyebrows.

“not in that way you perv!” you exclaim, hitting him on his arm and giggling.

he chuckles, unbuttoning his white school shirt, as you examine the brown and blue bruises on his stomach. you frown, kissing mattheo on the cheek comfortingly. you show him a soft, but sad smile.

“there’s no blood or anything i need to tend to, but you’re definitely going to need ice.” you state, looking at him.

“okay.”

“why’d you even beat him up anyway? this could’ve been avoided.” you sigh.

“he was chatting shit about you, and my family. he’s the biggest dick known to mankind.” he murmurs, his tone laced with anger.

you place a hand on his arm, rubbing up and down soothingly.

“thanks for breaking his nose.” you say, breaking into a grin as he chuckles.

he kisses you, for longer this time, his arms wrapping around your waist and pulling you in. you break apart and he hugs you, burying his face in the crook of your neck, as he exhales.

“cmon, let’s go get ice from madam pomfrey.” you say, kissing his forehead and grasping his hand.

A/N: yes i know that the hufflepuff would be with madam pomfrey and definitely snitched on mattheo, but i feel like mattheo doesnt care and also doesn’t care about getting in trouble.. im trying to be more active and frequently posting 😊

next im going to post my masterlist and introduction x

[dodgerkedavra]

December 16

“You’re resting. That’s not doing nothing.”

“Well, not nothing isn’t brave. I should be doing something brave, probably.”

“Such as?” Draco closes the book, and Harry’s heart ticktickticks like he’s standing on the back of a bloody dragon, riding it like a living skateboard.

“Such as…I dunno. There are lots of things I’m not…that I’d be nervous about.”

“Like dragon-riding?”

That’s not what Harry would call it. All he can think to say is are you making a sex joke? The next option that comes to mind is do you want me to ride your dragon?

Harry can’t say either of those things, so he just sits there in silence, his mouth partway open, Draco’s body incredibly fit and incredibly hot next to Harry’s. They’re so close. And Harry’s getting hard. Harder with every second that passes.

He squirms a bit, trying to be subtle about it, but Draco’s arm tightens around him.

“Just to be clear,” Harry says, too loudly. “It wasn’t the story.”

“Oh? You don’t like stories about dragons?”

“It was good.” Harry thinks he might pass out. “I just, er. Prefer. Real people. One person. I would rather—if I was going to…branch out into—”

“Bravery?” Draco asks, then snaps his fingers.

The Lumos in the mason jar goes out.

“Oh, fuck,” Harry breathes. His cock twitches, and he knows Draco can feel it. “I didn’t know you could do wandless magic.”

Read Chapter Sixteen of Clear, Warm Light here

Start at the beginning here

[whumpitlikeyoumeanit]

Whumpcember 2023 Masterlist

Since my Whumpcember entries are all part of one long fic, I thought it would be useful to make a masterlist to link at the beginning of each post.

The prompts are used in specific scenes, in order. I'm only posting the specific scenes on tumblr, but the AO3 story will have a lot of connective tissue that's missing, as well as NSFWhump (none of which will be integral to the Whumpcember prompts).

-----

Several years post-War, Draco is found wandering, incoherent, and ill, in the aftermath of an extended bout of the Imperius curse. Harry Potter brings him into his home to protect him while the rest of the world thinks he's dead.

"Saviour" is a slow-burn abuse fic with a whumpee who does not even realise that he's a prisoner.

Whumpee: Draco Malfoy Whumper / Caretaker: Harry Potter Pairing: Harry / Draco Genre: "Comfort/Hurt", as in, it starts comforting and gentle, and the violence grows. Looks primarily, at least at the start, like sick fic / hurt/comfort, with some more angsty entries.

-----

"Dead Dove" content warning applies for permanent injury, brain injury, gaslighting, and coerced relationship. Gore is rare but possibly intense.

Links to daily entries below:

Day 1: Fever -- fever delirium / incapacitation

Day 2: Sickness -- nausea, hunger, dizziness, vomit (minor), amnesia, mind control aftermath, hurting loved ones under mind control, gaslighting?, nonconsensual casual touching, crush confession

Day 3: Hypothermia -- hypothermia, depression, parent death

Day 4: Hidden Injury -- amputation, depression, parent death

(there is a full chapter of context missing on tumblr between days 4 and 5, but is on AO3)

Day 5: Impaled -- impalement, gore, blood, vomiting blood, painful medical treatment

Day 6: Nightmares -- amputation (dream), blood (dream), murder (dream), parent death, hurting loved ones while under mind control, self loathing, emotional manipulation

Day 7: Fainting -- head trauma, brain damage, blood, beating?, domestic violence?, gaslighting?, unreality

Day 8: Isolation -- isolation, depression, parent death (mentioned)

Day 9: Brainwashing -- verbal abuse, domestic abuse

Day 10: Freezing -- coughing blood, ignoring boundaries / pressure / dubious consent (touching), flashbacks / freezing fear response, sedation

Day 11: Infection -- coughing blood, illness / fever, domestic abuse, violence, silent treatment, imprisonment, abusively depriving a disabled person of their accessibility aids

Day 12: Touch Starved -- silent treatment, abandonment, isolation, emotional manipulation, coerced / dubious consent relationship

(there are 3 chapters of content between days 12 and 13, Clearly at this point you no longer get the whole story just by reading the prompts.)

Day 13: Restraints -- fear / panic attack / flashback

Day 14: Cornered -- beating / domestic abuse

(there are about 3 chapters between days 14 and 15)

Day 15: Hallucinating -- hallucinations, unreality, not being believed, stalker, physical torture

Day 16: Head Injury -- obsession, stalker, gaslighting, memory alteration, seizure

(there are 4 chapters between days 16 and 17)

Day 17: Fire -- turned out too Mature to post (sexual content aftermath)

Day 18: Chronic Pain -- physical pain

Day 19: Exhaustion -- suicidal despair, chronic pain

Day 20: Drugged -- mind control, love potion, drug withdrawal, coerced marriage kinda

Day 21: Choking -- love potion (Amortentia), domestic violence, strangling

Day 22: Seizures -- not standalone enough to post

Day 23: Nosebleed -- beating, tortured for information, domestic violence

Day 24: Bullet

Day 25: Coma

Day 26: Collapse

Day 27: Bleeding Out

Day 28: Abandoned

Day 29: Paralyzed

Day 30: Delirium

Day 31: Homeless

[splendidissimus]

January 2019 - Ghost

((Content warning: dying / terminal illness / acceptance, angst, physical weakness ))

((Promptspiration: @whumptober 2023: day 16: Would you lie with me and just forget the world? / "Don't go where I can't follow." ))

Genre: angst / romance

Romance level: high

Angst level: 5/5

Draco's headspace: tragic / calm

((words: ~900))

------------------------------------

"Maybe I'll become a ghost." 

Draco was lying with his head in Theo's lap, tucked under a layer of self-warming blanket, too weak to move. It was his week off the potions that kept him functional, something he now did only once a year, and it was terrifying to see. His breaths were very, very slow and shallow, and his heartbeat was very fast and faint. He couldn't eat. He couldn't stand. He could barely lift his head. Even his thoughts were slow and hazy, robbing him of that final fundamental spark of what made him Draco. He was a frail husk, a shell of himself.

"Wander around, talking to people…" His voice was barely a murmur, distant and idly musing. "I like doing that…"

Theo set his hand on Draco's arm, rubbing gently. "You don't want to do that." 

Draco didn't answer, and he turned his attention back to the Time Turner he was working on; Draco was too out of it to notice what he was doing, so he could work with it openly. 

He had it half-disassembled when Draco spoke again. He'd thought he'd actually fallen asleep, but apparently he was just thinking about it. "Maybe I do…"

He glanced down. "No one wants to be a ghost."

"Ghosts don't have to eat… or sleep… or breathe… I can have all the parts of being alive I like without all the bad parts…"

"Ghosts can't touch anything."

"That's okay."

"Rude." He ran his fingers through Draco's hair lightly. "Ghosts can't do magic, either. You love doing magic."

"Ghosts can't touch wands… Might be fun to test if they can do wandless magic… I can do wandless magic."

"Draco." He set down the pieces of the Time Turner and pulled Draco's hair back from his face, bending over to look at him. Draco opened his eyes to meet his. "Stop."

Draco didn't say anything, and that was the scariest thing of all — because that meant maybe it wasn't just a tasteless joke. Maybe it was actually a plan for his future. Or maybe it was just an insane idea for now, but when he properly had his mind back, it would stick with him and it would become a plan.

According to everything they knew, becoming a ghost was a rare and unintentional phenomenon, but if there was anyone who would do it intentionally through research and sheer willpower, it would be Draco. 

And according to everything they knew, it was a tragic, unenviable fate and could never be taken back… but if there was anyone who would, actually, enjoy that state of being… maybe it was Draco. Nothing he was saying was wrong. The lack of little pleasures regarded as the small tortures of ghostly unlife, the inability to rest or find simple joys in food and physical contact, he was already suffering most of them. He genuinely did like the idea of talking and socialising almost without end. He liked new experiences and would enjoy seeing how the world changed over time. Maybe it actually did sound appealing to him.

Theo couldn't bear that thought. Even more than the thought of him dying, the thought of him dying and then coming back like that, trapped forever in some parody of life where he could never grow or find rest… it was beyond horrifying. And the idea that he might actively chase that fate, do it to himself out of fear of death or some misguided idealisation… 

"I could haunt the Ministry," Draco murmured instead, eyes settling closed again. "Spend the next thousand years advising the Minister for Magic. I'll be the Ghost Minister."

"If that were allowed there would already be ghosts doing it." 

"But I'm a Malfoy. I'll change the rules." He smiled a little bit. "And then there will always be a Malfoy."

He was not reassured. He ran his fingers through Draco's hair again, wrestling with the uneasy feeling. "Draco," he said eventually. Draco's eyes opened again and looked up at him. "I don't want to be a ghost." Draco's expression grew solemn. He settled his hand on Draco's frail chest. "If you go there, I'm not going with you. You'll be alone." 

"I'll stay with you."

"And then I'll die," he explained patiently. "And your parents will die. And you'll be alone."

Draco was silent, and looked back out toward nothing, but he didn't look like that had reached him. Like he thought he could still get around that. "Unless you're planning to make me stay with you?"

"I don't want to do that," Draco murmured. He painstakingly worked his hand free of the blanket and held his. 

He lifted Draco's hand and kissed the back of it. "I know," he said, and then tucked it back against his chest so he could stay warm. "But it's okay. I'm not going to let you die anyway, remember? I made a promise." He took his hand back and returned his attention to the Time Turner.

"I remember," Draco said quietly. "You'll never leave me alone." 

"And I won't let you die," he repeated, carefully dumping out the sand. 

Draco was quiet. He got back into his work, assuming that he fell asleep again, although when he looked down some time later it was to find Draco silently looking up at him, and he ran his hand over his hair again.

[7s3ven]

BUY ME PRESENTS. harry potter

( master list )

IN WHICH… Y/N L/N’s situationship, Matteo Riddle, isn’t the best boyfriend material and when he forgets to buy her a Christmas present, she finally breaks it off. Luckily, she knows someone who’ll do everything Matteo didn’t.

“Some guys get the girl everybody wants and forget she’s still the girl everybody wants.”

MERRY CHRISTMAS GUYS! - 25/12/2023

Warning: Matteo and Y/N kinda swear a lot, oh well

“It's a packed holiday and I got options, babe. If you don't wanna buy me presents. Drink me like a warm glass of milk

If you're not gonna race here from the North Pole to Beverly Hills. Just to keep my stocking filled. Well, I know somebody who will.”

Christmas and winter was a big deal at Hogwarts. Long strings of tinsel littered the stone hallways and shiny, delicate ornaments were hung up everywhere.

A H/C-haired girl rocked back and forth on her heels as she waited outside the Slytherin common room. She sighed, clicking her tongue. “What’s taking him so long?” She whispered under her breath.

Matteo was usually one to be late, but not on important days. Today was Christmas for goodness sake, Y/N’s favorite holiday.

Finally, the door to the common room slid open and Matteo walked out. His white shirt was messily tucked into his pants and the top few buttons were undone, irking Y/N who always looked perfect.

“Yo, Clarisse said you wanted to talk to me. Shoot.” Matteo shoved his hands into his pockets while Y/N lightly scoffed.

“Did you forget what day it is?” She questioned, arching an eyebrow. If the present in her hand didn’t give it away then she didn’t know what else would.

“Monday?”

“It’s Christmas, Matteo.” Y/N uttered, “Does that jog your memory?”

“Oh, yeah. I just woke up so I’m still dazed.”

Y/N could smell the cigarette smoke in his breath. “Or stoned. Why are you still smoking? You know how I hate it.”

Matteo carelessly shrugged. “It relieves stress, babe. I am quitting. Just give me like, two more months and I’ll be done.”

Y/N bit back a snarky retort. He always said he was quitting but he never actually did. “Well, anyway, I got you a gift. Merry Christmas, Matt.” She held the box up, smiling.

Matteo slowly took it. He opened the lid, his eyebrows raising at what was inside. “You got me… something from Vivienne Westwood?” It was clear that Matteo wasn’t as rich as his Slytherin friends were. With no parents or caretaker, all he could do was leech off people.

“It’s a lighter. You never light the candles in your room, which is… weird because that’s what they’re for. But, I guess you can use it to light cigars too. I also overheard Draco complaining about how he doesn’t have that but wants it. You can fit in with your friends with it.” Y/N shrugged.

“Jeez. This must’ve cost a lot.” Matteo held the lighter in his hand, whistling at how it shined. “Fucking hell.”

“Hey, Matty, we’re gonna open presents. You joining us?” A slim blond girl peeked her head out of the common room, grinning. “I got you a real good present this time.”

“You’re too sweet, Lina. I’ll be in a minute. I think you’ll like your present too.” Matteo chuckled before he glanced back at Y/N. “What are you still doing here?”

“What? No present for me?” Y/N said it in a joking manner to hide the pit she felt in her stomach.

“Why would I get you something?”

Y/N lightly scoffed. “I don’t know, Matteo. Maybe because we’ve been seeing each other for the past year?”

“Hey. We haven’t been seeing each other. I just find you when I want a good fuck. Know your place, Y/N. It’s not like we’re dating.”

Y/N sharply clicked her tongue in annoyance. “Right.” She sarcastically smiled, “What was I thinking? My place is obviously to be at your beck and call. My apologies for the mixup. Have a good day, Matteo.”

Y/N spun around, walking away. She heard Matteo laugh in disbelief and one part of her wished he would run after her and hand her a gift. He didn’t. He strutted back into the Slytherin chamber and back to those insufferable girls.

Y/N sat on the stairs amongst the green, red, and white decorations, staring at the ground. She was clad in a short black and white fur blazer and a skirt. Fleece leggings lined her legs, keeping her warm, and she had her Ravenclaw scarf wrapped around her neck.

She lightly sniffled, playing with a silver bracelet her friend had given to her as an early present. She wasn’t too sure what she was upset about right now.

Perhaps it was because she was lonely in the Ravenclaw common room. Everybody was gone, not even her study partner had stayed behind this year. Or maybe it was because of a certain brown-haired boy who was as heartless and oblivious as always.

It was most likely the latter.

Y/N wanted to feel happy, especially since today was Christmas, a holiday she enjoyed a little too much. But with no friends to laugh with, no family to return to, and not even a boy to sit next to the fire with, she felt sad.

“Are you actually crying?”

Y/N hadn’t even noticed Matteo approach her until it was too late. At least he had thought twice before leaving her alone.

He stood in front of her, fiddling with the multiple rings that adorned his long fingers. “Seriously, Y/N? Just because I didn’t get you a Christmas gift?”

Y/N glared up at him. “Can you try being nice for one second? Who knows, you might like it.” Throughout the whole year, Matteo and Y/N had something going on. They were never in a confirmed relationship but they weren’t merely friends either.

Though, in the past few months, the two couldn’t seem to stop bantering.

“Look, I’ll get you a gift tomorrow. Happy?”

Y/N quietly scoffed as she stood up. “No. You always forget things like these, Matteo. It’s getting annoying.” Y/N turned around to walk up the stairs but she barely took two steps before Matteo grabbed her wrist.

“Where are you going? I thought we were going to spend Christmas together.”

Y/N tauntingly raised an eyebrow at Matteo. “You were giving me the silent treatment up until now. I had to bribe that girl, Clair or whatever her name was, to let me see you.”

“Her name is Clarisse.” Matteo corrected her.

Y/N stared at him, wondering how he thought it was a good time to correct her. “What? I’m trying to make a point here and you’re concerned about her name? Unbelievable. Maybe I should find some people who actually enjoy my presence.”

Matteo sneered. “So, what? You just gonna go back to that Potter boy? You’re leading him on, Y/N. We both know your heart belongs to me.”

“Belonged.” Y/N corrected him, “Past tense. This thing we have between us is done. I’m not going to be a stupid late night call for you anymore.” She forced Matteo to let go of her and walked away, ignoring his shouts that echoed around the corridors.

“I taught you everything! I taught you how to stand up for yourself! I made you popular! I practically created you from nothing!” Matteo angrily exclaimed at the bottom of the steps. “You can’t leave me!”

Y/N glanced over her shoulder at the enraged brunette. She smiled. “Watch me.”

The last thing Y/N heard Matteo say was when he furiously shouted her name, his booming voice showcasing his fiery rage.

Y/N knocked against the Gryffindor painting, sighing. The Fat Lady seemed to notice her mood.

“What happened this time?” She asked. Matteo and Y/N were no secret; they were the talk of the school with Matteo being Voldemort’s son and Y/N’s cousin being a death-eater. A year ago, it was even rumoured she was one herself.

Y/N stared up at the Fat Lady with teary eyes. “Matteo. I… broke it off with me.”

“Oh, honey, I know it may not seem like it now, but it was the right decision.”

Y/N softly smiled. “I know… I know.”

“Are you here to see the Potter boy?”

“Yes. Is he here?” Y/N wasn’t even sure if Harry was at Hogwarts. During second year, he had gone to stay with Ron.

“Of course. And the Weasley boy and the Granger girl. They’re all here.” The Fat Lady swung backwards, smiling, “Go on, dear.”

Y/N stepped into the Gryffindor common room, looking around. “Harry? Hello? Anybody here?” The room was empty. Y/N glanced over at the crackling fire and went to sit beside it, warning her cold hands.

She quietly clicked her tongue, staring at the blazing flames.

“Y/N?” Hermione questioned, walking up behind the H/C-nette, “What’s wrong?” Y/N quickly stood up, embracing her brown-haired friend into a tight hug.

“I did it.” She whispered, “I ended things with Matt- I mean, Riddle.”

“Oh… Are you feeling okay?” Hermione gently sat Y/N down on the couch, rubbing comforting circles into her back. “Do you want anything? Any water or food?”

Y/N stared at her hands. “Is… Harry here?”

“Yeah. I’ll get him.” Hermione stood up and went to fetch the boy. “She and Matteo broke things off.” She whispered in Harry’s ear, which sent a rush of excitement through the brunette. He never did like Matteo after all. He was a playboy to put it simply. Not only that, but for the longest time Harry had liked Y/N.

Matteo didn’t appreciate her but Harry did. He could treat her better than Matteo ever could.

“Hermione told me what happened. Are you okay?” Harry sat down beside Y/N, holding a neatly wrapped present. He heard Y/N heave a sigh.

“I think… I mean, obviously I’m a little sad but it feels good knowing I won’t have to deal with his annoying ass again.” Y/N uttered, eliciting a small amused chuckle out of Harry.

“Yeah… I got you something, by the way.” Harry handed the gift over to Y/N with shaking hands.

“Oh… that’s sweet. You didn’t have to.” She smiled, carefully unwrapping the present.

“I wanted to… you said that was your favorite book so I bought you the limited edition cover one… with a bit more.”

Y/N raised her eyebrows in confusion as Harry. She slowly opened the novel to a page tabbed with a (favorite color) sticker note.

Merry Christmas, Y/N. Thank you for being such a loyal fan throughout my career.

- Your favorite author

Underneath the short message was the writer’s signature as well as a polaroid picture of Harry and the author.

“Oh my gosh… how did you… what…” Y/N was at a loss for words as she turned to Harry and tightly hugged him. “I don’t have a present for you… I’m sorry.”

Harry smiled as Y/N pulled away. “It’s fine. Having you here makes up for it.”

“Are you sure?” Y/N furrowed her brows, “I can buy you something tomorrow. Or I’m sure I have a have a golden snitch lying around here somewhere.” Y/N pulled a snitch from out of her pocket, “Remember this, Harry? You almost choked to death on it in your first game.”

“What the… how did you…” Harry was as flabbergasted as Y/N now. She laughed, handing it over to him.

“Well, after you almost swallowed it, nobody really wanted to play with it anymore. So I asked Wood to get it for me. We spent a good time cleaning it.”

Harry chuckled, staring at the small golden ball in awe. “That’s… amazing. Jeez. Riddle really doesn’t deserve you.”

Y/N’s shoulders visibly shrunk at the mentioning of the brunette’s name.

“Oh…” Harry instantly noticed, “Sorry, too soon?”

Y/N silently shook her head. “No… I’m fine…” She turned her head, beaming at Harry with a smile that made him melt. “You’re right, he didn’t deserve me. Thank you for the book, Harry. It’s wonderful.”

She embraced him once again and Harry could feel his cheeks heat up at the contact. There was a small jingle and as Y/N lifted her head, she couldn’t help but laugh.

Mistletoe floated above the pair, jingling as if to remind the two it was there. Harry gazed over Y/N’s shoulder at Ron, who held his wand in one hand and was giving Harry a thumbs up with the other.

“It’d be rude to defy the rules of Christmas, especially with how much you love it.” Harry uttered.

Y/N laughed again. “I suppose so.”

“You don’t have to kiss me for real. You can kiss me on the cheek or something or”- Harry was cut off when Y/N grabbed the collar of his shirt, pulling him forward and kissing him.

Harry was the complete opposite of Matteo. The Slytherin boy was rough and uncaring while Harry was soft and gentle. The brunette with glasses carefully grasped Y/N’s hands, squeezing them tightly.

“I don’t know if this is too soon, Y/N.” Harry said as he pulled away slightly. “But, I like you. I’ve liked you for ages. Ever since first year. And the only reason I didn’t like Riddle was because I hated how he had managed to attract your attention. I think you’re wonderful and you shouldn’t be stuck with someone like Riddle. You don’t have to give me your answer now… but just consider it.”

Y/N gazed at Harry, her heart doing flips in her chest. This was a feeling she hadn’t felt in a long time. She shyly adverted her eyes. “I… I don’t know what to say Harry. I think I like you too… but I feel like it’s too soon.”

“I don’t mind waiting. I just need you to know that I’m willing to race here from the North Pole to Beverly Hills. Just to keep your stocking filled.”

Y/N giggled. “That’s cute, Harry.” She leaned forward, pressing another chaste kiss to his lips. “Merry Christmas, Harry.”

START OF TERM (BONUS)…

“What the fuck, asshole?!” Matteo’s loud shout caused the Great Hall to fall into silence. They all watched as he stormed towards the Gryffindor table, slamming his hands in front of Harry. “You kissed my girl!” He exclaimed.

Y/N turned her head, staring at Matteo with furrowed eyebrows.

“What’s going on?” Her friend tugged on her sleeve.

“I’m… not sure.” Y/N replied, craning to get a better look.

“What are you talking about, Riddle?” Harry asked, confused.

“You know who the fuck I’m talking about! Y/N fucking L/N! You kissed her!” Matteo was getting angrier by the second.

“Hey, dude, relax.” Lorenzo grabbed Matteo by the shoulders, forcing him out of the Great Hall. The rest of his friend group followed.

Y/N sighed, standing up. “I’m going to talk to Matteo.” She announced.

“What? Are you crazy?” Her friend tried to get Y/N to sit back down again.

“He deserves an explanation… and I also want to make it clear that we’re no longer a thing.” Y/N followed after the Slytherin gang and jogged to walk beside Pansy, who was lagging behind.

“What’s gotten into him?” Y/N questioned Pansy, who seemed to like her the best out of all the girls Matteo hooked up with.

“I don’t know.” Pansy sighed, “He just started acting mental after he found out you and Potter were going out. But, he doesn’t really deserve to be mad when it’s his fault.”

“Matt, dude, what’s gotten into you?” Theodore asked as Matteo silently seethed.

“I fucking hate Potter.” He uttered through gritted teeth. He looked up, spotting Y/N. Instantly, the fire in his eyes disappeared.

“Riddle.” Y/N greeted him calmly, nodding her head in acknowledgment. “There seems to be a misunderstanding.”

“Why did you kiss Potter?” Matteo demanded, clenching his hands into fists.

“Why can’t I? I’m free to do whatever I want. After all, it’s not like we’re dating, right? You said it yourself.”

Matteo angrily exhaled.

“Besides, what are you gonna do? Are you gonna kill me, Matteo?” Y/N taunted. “Like you said last year because you didn’t want to commit to someone? Instead of committing to a girl, you would rather kill her?”

“It was a joke!”

“Jokes are supposed to be funny! Fuck you, Matteo! You piece of shit!”

Matteo, in a surge of rage, grabbed Y/N by the collar. Lorenzo stepped forward to interrupt the situation, but Harry beat him to it.

“Don’t touch her.” Harry glowered at Matteo as he pulled Y/N away from his grasp. “You made your choice. Deal with it because it’s your fault you lost Y/N in the first place.”

Y/N sighed, brushing the wrinkles out of her blouse. “I hope we can talk again under better circumstances, Riddle. Good day.”

Y/N walked off and Harry followed close behind.

“How good did that feel?” He questioned, grinning.

“It felt amazing!” Y/N grinned, “I can’t believe I just sweared at the Matteo Riddle and got away with it.”

“So, what do you say we have some fruitcakes and figgy pudding to celebrate?” Harry slung an arm around Y/N’s shoulder while she playfully scoffed.

“It’s January, Harry.”

“Yeah? So? It’s never too early to celebrate Christmas.”

[justsomewritingblog]

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.

[sitp-recs]

Do you know any good fics where draco is on parole? thank you so much!!! i love your blog

Thank you, anon! I really like these, hope you enjoy them too :)

Bright Side by @floydig (T, 2k)

It’s been one year since the war, and Draco is on probation. He lives in a shitty muggle flat in the middle of nowhere in California and delivers pizza. Harry is Draco’s probation officer who visits far too often.

Harry Potter and the Half-Guard Prince by swoons (M, 4.4k)

Banished to the Muggle world by the conditions of his parole, Draco Malfoy is forced to learn how to protect himself without magic.

Nobody by @dorthyanndrarry (T, 12k)

Junior Auror Potter runs errands, takes witness interviews, does paperwork, and gets the coffee. Rarely, very rarely, he's sent out on the most routine calls, such as when Draco Malfoy misses a meeting with his parole officer.

Evolution by Pie (M, 13k)

Draco Malfoy was condemned to live a Muggle’s life for his three-year probation. His wand was locked away, and he was forbidden to set foot in Wizarding Britain until Hermione Granger secured a job for him in the Aurors’ stock room. Junior Auror Harry Potter frequently visited Draco to check out supplies, take Spanish lessons, and witness Draco’s resolute—if painful—adaptation to a non-magical life … while falling in love with the man who might be too fragile to love him back.

Exiled by A_factorygirl_69 (E, 16k)

Draco is declared persona non grata by the Ministry after the War. Harry has been tasked with keeping an eye on him, ensuring he stays out of England.

Stain of Silence by brummell (E, 28k)

After the war, Draco serves out his sentence in Harry Potter's house.

On One's Knees by pir8fancier (E, 34k)

The war is over and to the victors go the spoils. If you are triggered by infidelity, this is not the fic for you.

In the Company of a Rubber Duck by birdsofshore (E, 35k)

War makes for strange bedfellows. However that doesn't fully explain how Harry ended up sharing his bath with Draco Malfoy... nor why Malfoy was a rubber duck at the time.

The Voldemort Manor by @kedavranox (E, 40k)

The Malfoy Manor is a state run museum, renamed The Voldemort Manor by the Ministry for Magic. As part of his probation, Draco is assigned as sole caretaker. When the Manor hosts a series of high class events celebrating the Wizarding World’s fourth Yuletide season Post War, it brings with it a swathe of people Draco hasn’t seen in years; including one, Harry Potter.

where all the veins meet by @saxamophone (E, 146k)

It's the summer of 1998. The battle is over, and Voldemort is dead, but Harry still has more questions than answers. Who is he without a piece of Voldemort's soul in his head? What is he supposed to do now? His friends try to help, but the only thing that can hold his attention—one of the only things that ever has—is Draco Malfoy, out on parole and weirdly hanging around the British Museum.

[randomgurl2326]

Andromeda and Perseus: Destined

Prologue

Harry Potter Masterlist

Series Masterlist

Moodboards

Welcome to the first part of Andromeda and Perseus: Destined!!!! I am SO excited to start this and see where this goes. Thank you to everyone who took a chance on this fic. Really, from the bottom of my heart, thank you💚💜 Now, on with the show…

P.S.: please tell me what you think about this and if I should improve it and republish it later. If you can’t already scared, I’m scared out of my mind😭

May 29th, 1986

Outside Malfoy Manor

“Tag! You’re it!” The sound of the four children playing outside Malfoy Manor, not a care in the world. While inside the Manor, more nefarious dealings are going on…

Theodore Nott, Y/N Riddle, Mattheo Riddle, and Draco Malfoy were inseparable for their age, though each had their favorite. Y/N aside Theodore and Mattheo aside Draco. Neither of the four was rarely seen far from the other, the group causing mischief when their parents weren’t looking (or in the twins’ case, their caretakers, the Malfoy’s).

As time sees it currently, the Core Four as they so deemed themselves, were playing tag. Currently, the older of the twins–Mattheo–was the tagger, heading straight for his sister, laughing maniacally.

“Come on, Y/N/N! Give your big brother a hug,” the Riddle boy tumbles towards his sister (who currently is using Theodore as a shield), arms wide open.

Y/N laughs, shielding herself from her brother, “Teddy, save me!”

“Don’t worry! I got you,” the curly-haired Nott boy shields the tiny girl from her bumbling brother.

Mattheo comes barreling into Theo saying, “You’re it, Theo!”

Y/N quickly lets go of the boy and runs with the other two, laughing and yelling. Mattheo and Y/N go running to Draco trying to sway Theodore to go towards him instead. Though making the mistake of looking back, Y/N runs into her brother, making him fall onto the Malfoy boy. Theodore, not seeing what had occurred between the three, preceded to fall onto all three.

For a split second, everything goes quiet between the four. Each eyeing the other intently. Suddenly, a chorus of laughs erupts from the Core Four. The laughs were the loudest and the hardest they had ever shared (though not saying much as they were all of six at the time).

None of the children knew it, but this would be one of the last times they would ever laugh nearly as hard until they reached their mid-twenties. Because in a few years time, things would take a drastic turn for the worse. The stars would seem darker, memories would seem bleaker, and happiness would feel as if a thing of the past.

Another thing none of the children knew was what dealings were currently unfolding inside the house between Lucius Malfoy and Theodore Nott Sr., nor what was brewing between two certain children currently staring at each other intently with happiness within their eyes. Not knowing how much truth the nicknames they had deemed each other with would hold…

The three boys stood, Y/N still lying content on the drive of Malfoy Manor.

Theo held out his tiny hand smiling the biggest smile he ever smiled, “Ready, Andromeda?”

Y/N grabbed his tiny hand with her own, the same infectious smile gracing her face, “Ready, Perseus.”

They were in fact NOT READY…

May 29th, 1986

Inside Malfoy Manor

“That settles it then.” The strict voice of Lucius Malfoy emanates through the room, “Your boy and the sole daughter of the Dark Lord will be wed in the summer of their sixth year.”

Theodore Nott Sr. nods stiffly, his Italian accent prominent as he voices, “A match of the Dark Lord himself.”

The wives of the two Death Eaters–Narcissa Malfoy and Circe Nott, best friends–look at each other in trepidation, already aware of their husband’s intentions beforehand. The knowing look they gave each other calmed and confirmed their worried thoughts of their husband’s business dealings. Wishes for the children to be able to choose their own destinies (although, both knew that the younger Riddle twin and the Nott boy would end up in each other's arms either way) swirling unsaid through the air.

Outside, the rain starts. The children rush inside in, hushed whispers dissipating as they reach the eyes of the adults sensing the serious atmosphere, smiles still apparent on their faces.

Narcissa and Circe give each other one last glance before they turn to the Core Four and smile. “Come here little ones,” the voice of Narcissa rang out through the lounge room, opening her arms. The children rush towards their respective mother figures, going on about their day of tag.

Lucius and Nott Sr. reenter the room calling the attention of the children. Theodore Sr. clears his throat, “Theodore, Y/N. Would you please join us?”

The brown-haired boy and the h/c girl look to each other and join Theo’s father and Y/N’s temporary father figure inside the large, dark office.

Malfoy gestures to two seats before the best friends, “Sit. We have much to discuss…”

That evening, the Nott boy and the Riddle girl lost the first piece of their innocence, learning as to what was to be expected of them. At the age of six, both betrothed to each other for an eternity.

At least they would always be each other’s Perseus and Andromeda…

Next Chapter…

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I CANT believe it, first chapter of Perseus and Andromeda: Destined already out! I truly cannot believe it! This is my first real fic, and I am absolutely besotted for it to actually come to fruition. Thank you to ALL of you whether you’re new or old.

I’m sure you guys are just as excited as I am to join Theo and Y/N on their journey of love, heart-break, and everything in-between. (Little spoiler alert: they both receive the happy ending they deserve.)

As always, advice is ALWAYS appreciated, along with comments, likes, and of course: reblogs.

Again, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!!!💚💜 I love you all!! Always feel free to talk to me, whether you need to get something off your mind or talk about something totally insane, I WILL BE THERE!

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