Daddy issues

CHAPTER THIRTY SIX: The final task

*Draco's POV*

-•- 6 months later -•-
"Ugh, where is she? Why is she never on time? I told her to be here half an hour ago so that we could get the whole row of seats..." I heard Goyle complain beside me as he grumpily crossed his arms. I could not deny it, the truth was that she was late. But why? Annabella was normally on time but she seemed distant at lunch, like her mind was elsewhere.

"Oi! Keep your mouth in line, she is normally on time, I am sure Riddle is on her way." I replied giving him a cold glare as I adjusted my seating position. I was getting fidgety, they were about to begin and she still had not arrived; I could not help but wonder as to what was keeping her so long. Bella seemed to be distracted constantly recently. She would spend extra time in the 'library' but I knew she was not studying. She never had to study, she was a natural academic -she was an intelligent girl while also being highly creative and athletic (something most people envied greatly about her)- I knew she was keeping secrets from me. That was probably what hurt the most about it, the fact that she was not telling me something that was clearly important to her. We swore to tell eachother everything. Then my thoughts started to panic as to why she was still not here.

Could she be blacking out again? Fuck! Maybe I should go and look for her.

No. No, she is probably fine. If she decided not to tell you, then whatever trouble she gets herself into is her fault.

But maybe she needs my help...

No. No, she will turn up eventually.

Fuck! What if she does actually need me and I do not show up? Will she hate me?

Come on, Draco... Think... Concentrate.

I decided to try and tap into her mind to see where she was. To my surprise, she was... With Professor Moody?

***Draco's legilimens vision of Bella***

They were in a dark corner of the castle, like they were trying not to be seen by anybody. Moody was leaning lazily against the wall with a smirk across his face as she stepped closer towards him. Bella now stood in between his legs, her lean and short body pressed up against his rather large one. She leant her head into his chest and he placed a kiss atop her crown.

"It's happening today, isn't it?" She muttered, her face scrunching up a little in what looked like upset and shame.

"Yes, M'Lady..."

"Why do you still call me that? I told you that it isn't necessary."

"Because you will be at some point. You should be shown respect, you deserve it. You aren't like the Malfoys for example... They command respect, without actually doing anything to earn it -they treat people like shit. But you don't. Therefore, you deserve the name, My Lady." He replied while nodding his head in thought.

"That is very sweet of you, Barty. However, I have to disagree... Narcissa deserves the respect, Draco is definitely questionable with his actions, but he is learning. Lucius, absolutely not! I hate the man!" She laughed airily as she hugged him tighter.

Why was she so close to a professor? And why did she call him Barty? Wasn't Moody's name Alastair? AND WHY DID HE CALL HER MY LADY?!

"What's wrong M'Lady?" His strong accent rang through.

"If I tell you this, you promise you do not tell a soul... I want your word, Barty. Not even my father..."

"Oh come on, M'Lady... You know I'll have to tell your father at some point..." The professor tried to bargain.