𝐒𝐞𝐜𝐫𝐞𝐭𝐬 𝐅𝐚𝐝𝐞 || 𝐃.𝐌

Chapter 23 - Insanity

*That same day*

Draco's POV:

My princess is still missing, despite my exhaustive search. I've checked every possible location, including the library. As I passed Hermione in the corridor, she quietly remarked, "Ivory is in the library..." before continuing on her way.

I muttered to myself, "I must be fucking blind." and hurried toward the library.

"There you are, Malfoy." Blaise said as I entered.

"Move Blaise!" I snapped, brushing past him. He trailed behind for a few meters before giving up.

"Babe?!" I called out, still rushing through the library.

"Sstt!" a Ravenclaw student hushed. I rolled my eyes and walked around to find Ivory. When I walked into the 5th aisle, I saw a girl sitting at a desk. Brown, silky hair flowing down her back. It had to be her. I approached quietly and kissed the top of her head.

"Baby, we missed you last night! Where were you?!" I asked, my voice filled with concern.

She turned to face me and kissed me in return. "Oh, hi Draco. I had my own plans last night."

I raised an eyebrow. "What kind of plans?"

"Nothing too exciting. Come on, let's get out of here.'' she mumbled. As she stood up I noticed she had trouble keeping herself up. I guided her toward the exit.

-

As we walked through the corridors, we caught the attention of several students, their curious gazes following us. "Ungrateful girl.'' someone muttered under their breath.

I whispered softly, "Ignore them, baby." as I pulled her closer, wrapping my arm around her waist. She didn't seem to react, her expression blank and distant, as though her emotions had somehow faded.

"Are you feeling well, darling? You've been so quiet." I asked as I opened the door to my dormitory.

"Yeah, I'm great actually." she replied, but there was a lack of conviction in her voice.

I sat down on the bed beside her, gently stroking her back. "Where were you last night?" I asked again, the concern still lingering in my tone.

"Why does everyone care so much about where I go?!" she snapped, clearly upset.

"Because we care about you. We want to know if you're safe. And it's your birthday, after all..." I explained, hoping she would understand.

"Whatever it's just a stupid birthday..." she mumbled, her voice distant.

"Can you please answer before I get mad?" I asked, my patience beginning to wear thin.

"Why should I, Draco? Tell me why I should."

"Being feisty, are we? Just fucking answer me."

"I haven't hooked up with anyone, if that's what you wanted to hear."

"Yes..., that was what I wanted to hear." I admitted, the tension slowly starting to ease.

"You really don't trust me." She mumbled to herself.

"I trust you." I said. She looked up at me. Our eyes locked. A brief silence fell between us, and the atmosphere shifted from tense to unexpectedly emotional. Ivory laid her head on my lap, and I ran my fingers gently through her hair, trying to soothe her.

"Draco?" she whispered, breaking the quiet.

"Yes, darling?" I replied softly, my fingers still gently running through her hair.