Hidden Feelings - A Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter Sixty-Six

A/N I know I've said this a thousand times, but thank you all so much for being so patient with updates. I'm going to try to take advantage of the summer and finish the story so I don't disappear again once school starts! I hope you're all enjoying the story, and like always, feel free to reach out!! I love you guys more than I can say :)

"Promise me."

Draco's glassy eyes flicker, reflecting the light of a nearby candle. We lay facing each other on our makeshift bed, his arm slung over my waist. His skin is warm against mine, his fingers trailing gently up and down my back as he takes in my words.

"I won't promise that, Elizabeth."

"Then we aren't doing this," I whisper, my jaw clenching. "If we're caught, but you...if you turn me in, at least you'll be safe. My father, too."

"I don't have to promise anything," he tells me, his fingers stopping as he presses his hand against my back. "We're leaving for real, Elizabeth."

"But if something goes wrong..."

"I'll make sure your father is safe," he finishes, his brow furrowing, "and if I can't protect you, then I'll take the fall with you."

I bite my lip, pleading silently through my gaze. "They'll hurt you again."

"Then so be it. I'm not leaving your side."

Tired of arguing, I lean in to press a soft kiss against his lips. He smiles despite the fatal seriousness of the situation.

"Sleep, Elizabeth," he urges, moving his hand to brush the hair back from my face. "We're leaving at midnight."

••••••••••

Sneaking through the halls of the manor is as terrifying as waking up here for the first time. I follow in Draco's footsteps, throwing glances toward the shadowy corners of the house as I convince myself someone will burst out of the darkness at any moment. We near my father's room slowly, our near-empty bags held by our sides in preparation to collect the supplies he's gathered for us.

Draco pushes the door open. I peer over his shoulder to see my father stand, arms occupied with a large bag to carry the supplies he prepared. We don't speak, but when Draco turns to lead us from the manor, I hang back to throw my dad a grateful glance over my shoulder. I don't pretend to know the gravity of the situation; I'm asking him to risk everything he has, everything he loves. Including me, I guess. I'm met with a tired, solemn glare, but my father pulls his lips into a soft smile and nods once nonetheless.

We make our way silently down the stairs, my lungs aching with their lack of air as I fear even breathing a little too loud. I look down each hallway we pass once we're at the bottom, my fingers gripping the strap of my bag so tightly my hands are cramping. I watch the back of Draco's head once we're past the threatening center of the manor, anchoring my racing thoughts with the idea that we'll be safe soon. Maybe not entirely, but this freedom is a step in the right direction.

While we haven't necessarily discussed what would happen outside of the manor, the three of us wordlessly agree that stopping within a mile of the house is too dangerous to risk. We move swiftly, silently, and despite how certain I am that we've made it out safely, I step in line with Draco and reach out to grip his hand tightly.

We walk for as long as it takes to be sure no one is following. Closer to town, I'm sure all of us feel safer, our voices hidden by the hum of music from restaurants and the roar of car engines despite the late hour. Hidden in dark cloaks, we can't risk entering somewhere and being marked suspicious for our odd clothing.

Dad grabs us by our shoulders and pulls us into the nearest alley, letting go to shrug his bag off of his shoulder. Draco and I offer our empty bags, setting them down beside his. "You two are to apparate, okay?" Dad orders, staring us down intently. "Go as far away as you can think of without it being a place of significance. Find a forest, set up camp, and-"