Always / Draco Malfoy

Chapter 29

Aurora's POV:

From the corner of my eye, I saw Harry drop to the floor amongst the crowd of people many likely didn't notice but Hermionie, Ron, and I were quick to his side leaving Draco quite confused. Something must really be wrong. We followed him through the castle as he rambled on about how he had seen Voldemort torturing Sirius to get him to reveal a prophecy in the Ministry of Magic which led to Hermione being rational and telling him that it could be a trap. Though his response was that he couldn't let his last family member die and how could we argue with that?

So that night we were in Umbridge's office ready to use the Floo network since her office was the only one that wasn't tracked when she walked in on us. I felt my heart drop and soon enough all the prefects were dragging in students: Luna, Neville, and Ginny. Draco moved from Holding Neville to swapping with Goyle who was holding me roughly my shoulders, Draco's touch was gentler a grip that looked like it hurt but certainly didn't. Umbridge seemed furious that Snape had run out of truth potion and told everyone she would perform the Crucio Curse and that alone set Hermione off screaming that she would tell Umbridge our plans.

~~~

Once, Harry, Ron, and Hermione returned to Umbridge's office Draco and his goons were asleep on the floor thanks to me and Neville. Neville fed Crabbe and Goyle some sleeping chocolates and while Draco was distracted I grabbed my wand and used a spell to put him to sleep. We all used the Floo network to go to the Department of Ministry to the room where all the prophecies were it all seemed too easy really. It was.

We managed to find the prophecy Harry needed but the instant we began walking to the door Lucius Malfoy appeared, I went to stand next to Harry and Ron was beside me protectively putting his arm across me and Hermione who was to his other side.

"Aurora, I was hoping you'd have stayed behind...Draco won't be pleased if I or any of us hurt you," He spat clearly annoyed that he was taking his son's feelings into account. Oh, how tragic that must be for him.

"Simple solution let us walk out of here and you won't get hurt," I growled in response.

"Give me the prophesy Harry." He diverted his attention to Harry who shook his head and before I knew it spells were flying everywhere. We were all running for the door shouting spells in the direction of any death eaters who attacked us I could feel my heart pounding against my chest like it would burst through my rib cage at any moment.

Everything was a blur. Finally, escaping the room to the main hall of the ministry only to be attacked again each Death Eater held one of us. Lucius had one hand roughly gripping my shoulder while the other pressed his wand hard against my skin at the base of my neck. I blinked back tears that threatened to spill knowing this was the start where things truly go downhill. By the grace of Merlin, the Order joined us in our fight against the Death Eaters. Remus Lupin fought next to me against Lucius without him I know I wouldn't have survived and I was so grateful for him at that moment.

In a few seconds though everything changed. Bellatrix killed Sirius. We watched as he was carried into the vail of death. We watched as Harry screamed and Lupin held him biting back the tears that wanted to pour down his face at the loss of his last best friend. We watched as Harry chased Bellatrix and used the Crucio curse on her. We watched as Harry fought against Voldermort. We watched as Dumbledore appeared to protect Harry. Then, we watched as the Minister of Magic saw Voldermort before he apparated away.

~~~

Arriving at the Burrow that night with Ron and Ginny I felt numb like I wasn't present but my body was moving. Fred immediately took me in his arms taking me to the living room where Ron explained everything what had happened to us with Ginny butting in and correcting him every so often. I sat next to Fred looking down at my hands fiddling with the rings Draco had got me wondering where he was or how he was doing.

A knock at the door made everyone stare at each other confused wondering who it could be and Fred took one for the team going to answer whoever had knocked at 12 am. He opened the door and whoever was on the other side was quiet and Fred matched their tone talking for a few seconds before he turned to look at us.

"Aurora...it's for you," My head snapped up from my lap to look at Fred curious as to who it was but I let my feet carry my body to the door where I saw Draco. He wore gray joggers and a white plain top since it was the beginning of summer it was warm. His hair was all over the place like he'd been tugging on it similar to how he did when he was stressed, his grey eyes bore into my soul a million thoughts behind them. I took a shaky step outside shutting the door behind me for some privacy before giving him all my attention, the instant I turned around he put his hands on my shoulders skimming them down my bare arms examining me.

"Are you hurt? Did he hurt you? Did he lay a hand on you?" He threw what felt like a million questions my way until he brushed my hair behind my ear noting the deep bruise on my neck from where Lucius's wand had dug into my skin and his breathing hitched," Fuck...FUCK," He yelled turning on his heels and letting his fingers run through his hair." The Ministry contacted us before they arrested him they let us see him...I knew from the look on his face he did something to you and do you know what I did? I went for him I attacked my dad because he started taunting me about you. They had to take him away before my mum said goodbye because they knew I'd kill the fucking bastard if they let him stay in that room with me any longer and he deserved every fucking punch and whatever he gets in Azkaban." Draco spat finally turning to face me.

"I'm okay," I managed to whisper.

"You are not fucking okay Aurora and it's okay you don't have to be okay!" He exclaimed and at that moment I broke into a million pieces for the first time letting every emotion take over me and the tears came hard and fast down my face. In an instant, Draco wrapped his arms around me supporting me feeling my legs buckle under me as I sobbed into his chest he gently took us to the floor.

"Everythings going to change now, How aren't you terrified?" I whispered looking into his eyes.

"I am terrified this is it this is the beginning of the war," He let one loan tear drop down his cheek which he quickly wiped away hoping I didn't notice since he was never vulnerable with me," Darling I hope you know no matter what I will always do everything in my power to protect you, no one will hurt you ever again as long as I'm alive," He placed a gentle kiss on my lips helping me stand to give me a hug," I have to go... I love you, darling,"

"I love you too," I yelled as he already began walking away leaving me standing outside in the dark alone and vulnerable.