Draco's Hufflepuff

Fifty Five

It had been about two months of living hell. The Carrows were every bit as bad as Neville described.
However, I had made up with Jack. We talked through things and made amends. I never let him live it down though, he's extremely embarrassed about having been drunk and pulling his wand out on his sister.

I found a way to send Draco letters. I hadn't received one since the first one I sent three weeks ago, however. My worry grew and I couldn't help but think of the worst scenarios.

I sat in the owlery where Lenox flew down and sat in front of me. A rolled-up letter was tied around his neck and I grabbed it and gave Lenox's head a little scratch which he cooed at.

I opened the letter up quickly and read it.

Dear Puffer,

It's taken a while for me to be able to write this letter. I'm still alive, at least for now. I hope you are too. Don't do anything stupid there.
Knowing you, you probably will.
I don't know when or if we'll meet again, you have to be prepared for that.
Don't send any more letters. Please.
And be safe.

Signed, M

I'm relieved to read his words again, his familiar handwriting gives me peace and I hold the letter close before I tear it up and let the parchment fly out of the window to be picked up by the wind. For just a second I was happy again until the realization hit me that I really didn't know if I would see him again.

"I thought I'd find you up here."

I'm startled by the voice and turn to see Maggie who's wrapped up all cozy-like in a sweater. She sits by me and strokes Lenox's feathers. He shakes his head and flies up to sit on a perch above us to sleep.

"Have you got anything?" She asked.

I nod and look towards the window.

"He's alright for now."

She nods and lets out a small breath.

"You really shouldn't be up here, I'm surprised you haven't been caught yet."

"I know. You shouldn't risk it either."

"I'll be down soon." I say after a pause.

I can tell she wants me to come with her but she begins to understand I just need a bit more time to clear my head. She walks away, leaving me in my own annoying thoughts.

 I finally got the closure I needed from the letter and wouldn't have to sneak up here anymore. Even though the words were bittersweet, it was what I needed to hear.

After another hour of sulking I get up and sneak through the hallway to get back to the Gryffindor common room where everyone has been gathering lately. There was a lot of commotion as I walked in and I looked around trying to understand what was was going on. 

And then I saw him. The boy who lived, climbing out of a painting.

Multiple excited voices overlapped as he walked closer with Neville. I couldn't believe my eyes, no one could. Maggie grabbed hold of my arm with tears in her eyes and I hugged her. 

The two boys were followed by Hermione and Ron as well. There was so much joy in the room. Everyone was reunited once more as they told us about their journey and what they needed to do. 

Maybe we were saved and maybe this meant we could fight back stronger than ever. But it also meant, the danger had just elevated. People were going to die. 

And the boy I loved, was stuck in the middle of it all. 

Draco's POV

Potter was back at Hogwarts. Snape was furious as he paced around our living room. When Voldemort showed up, the room went silent. 

One thing after the other happened with Potter. First his escape from here and now going under the death eaters noses and making it back into that school. My father had taken quite the beating over that. And now Voldemort's plan just kept getting more and more sinister.

Amelia and her buddies all had no chance. It was just a matter of time. For now she would be safe, but if I can't get her out there's nothing that will save her. Once again, another mess that I'd have to get her out of. But this time... we probably won't make it out alive.

"Draco."

My heart stopped as I looked into Voldemort's cold, dead eyes.

"You won't fail like your father did, right?"

I swallowed and shook my head. I caught a glance of my father who's head was bowed and was visibly shaking. 

"Good."

After a while, during my mother's attempt to soothe me, she gave me her wand. I took it and looked into her sad eyes. I nodded in understanding and examined her wand taking a deep breath. 

What was I going to do?