𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐞 || 𝐃.𝐌

Chapter 19 - Autumn

*Few weeks later*

Ivory's POV:

It was the middle of autumn, my favorite season. The air was crisp, and the rain fell softly, like the world had paused for a moment. Today was a free day. I slipped into warm socks and one of Draco's sweaters.

Ginny was busy packing her books. "Ivory, want to come to the library with me and Hermione?" she asked, not looking up from her bag.

"Actually, I think I'll stay in," I replied, my voice softer than usual. "You two go ahead."

Some days, being alone felt necessary. Today was one of those days. The quiet was a refuge from the noise in my head, the constant whirl of thoughts that never seemed to stop lately.

Once they left, I turned on the record player, filling the room with the warm crackle of old vinyl. I poured myself a cup of hot cinnamon tea, the scent comforting, and opened my sketchbook. Time passed without me noticing, and soon, I was lost in the flow of creativity.

After an hour, I stood by the window, my gaze drifting to the rain that blurred the world outside. That's when I saw it, an owl, drenched and bedraggled, perched on the windowsill, holding a letter in its beak. Strange. We weren't expecting mail for another two days. Curiosity got the better of me, and I opened the window, taking the letter. My heart skipped when I saw the handwriting. I didn't even need to open it to know who it was from.

Stopped running yet?

The familiar words stung. My chest tightened. I shoved the letter beneath my bed, but it was too late. The old feelings crept in, and I felt a rush of anxiety, frustration, and anger. Why couldn't they leave me alone? Why couldn't I leave it behind?

I needed air. I needed to escape from everything pressing on my chest. I slipped on my shoes and walked downstairs.

"Where are you off to, miss girl?" Fred asked, grinning.

"To get some fun, of course. If you know what I mean." George chimed in, winking.

I gave a half-smile, shaking my head. "Not this time. Just... watch."

Without waiting for their reply, I left the common room and made my way to the Courtyard. The rain had picked up, and students were rushing inside, shielding themselves from the downpour. I stood beneath the archway, my eyes on the storm.

I stepped outside, my sweater soaking through instantly. The rain felt good, cool, cleansing, almost like I could drown my thoughts in it. I moved to the center of the Courtyard, lying down on the stone and spreading my arms wide, welcoming the storm. The cold seeped through my clothes, but it was oddly comforting. The world around me seemed to blur, and all I could hear was the sound of the rain. It was like I could breathe for the first time in days.

"Is she alive?" someone whispered, their voice almost drowned by the storm.

"Definitely lost it." Fred muttered.

"I heard my girl's finally gone mad?" Draco's voice broke through the noise, low and teasing.

I didn't open my eyes, but I could hear the footsteps approaching. I didn't move until Draco was right above me. "Ivory, what the fuck are you doing?" His voice was a mix of exasperation and concern.

I finally opened my eyes and met his gaze. "I don't know. I felt like I was losing my mind, Draco. This... helps." I paused, my voice dropping to a whisper. "It's working."

His expression softened, and before I could say another word, he knelt beside me, pulling his robe off and draping it over me. His touch was gentle, the warmth of his skin contrasting with the chill of the rain.