The Facade

Chapter 15

I rubbed my eyes as I tried to gather more sleep, my head was a storm of emotions I couldn’t seem to shake off.

A

fter we finished planning Granger’s rescue, I tried to sleep a bit until dawn broke, and I did, but as soon the light from the window started peering down at me hitting my eyes, I couldn’t manage to fall asleep again and now I was indeed tired, however my mind wasn’t allowing me five minutes of rest.

I couldn’t stop thinking about whether I made the right decision or not, if the Order refused to mark a meeting in their headquarters, then this would be all for nothing, I would have to capture Malfoy only and go back to the Ministry like a coward.

I shifted in the bed, turned to the side so the dawn’s light wasn’t disturbing my eyes, but I had done that for the last ten minutes yet I was fully awake and wasn’t remotely drawn into falling asleep.

I sighed in defeat and turned to lay on my back, I opened my eyes to stare at the ceiling as I tried to build walls to cover these doubts on what the path I choose would lead.

My concentration soon broke at the sound of a door opening in the distance. Malfoy stepped into the living room without even glancing at me, dressed in black comfy clothes, Neve in his arm and a letter on his other hand stretched along his body.

“Good morning to you too.” I said gruffly as I sat up straight.

He seemed caught off with my voice. “I thought you would be sleeping.” He explained. “Did you spend the rest of the night in blank?” He asked as he placed Neve on the edge of the chair.

“No, I did gather some sleep, I just can’t sleep more knowing the day already broke.” I said dismissively, I didn’t need him making questions on what truly was leaving me awake.

He turned to Neve to pet her as he spoke. “Well then be free to join me in checking the wards if you want.”

He handed the letter he had to Neve and opened the small window. She went flying outside as soon as the rush of cold wind disturbed the room sending some papers on the top of the desk flying away.

The parchments fell on the floor, most were maps or strategies to enter the Ministry Malfoy used to write down to use later. I stood up to catch them at the same time Malfoy kneeled down.

My hand went to grab one but Malfoy was faster and my hand hit his arm rather than the paper. He hissed as if I had hurt him and snatched his arm back.

I stared at him and realized I had hit the arm that was bandaged under his sleeves.

“How’s your arm?” I asked trying my best to sound actually concerned.

He waved a dismissively hand and avoided my eyes as he spoke. “Don’t mind me, it will get better.” He assured, I didn’t know whether those words were directed for me or to him.

I went to help him catch the papers as I studied him carefully from the corner of my eye.

We stood at the same time and he grabbed the papers I had caught without any word and placed all of them on top of his desk.

I stared at him until I choose my words wisely. “I could help you know?” I said primly.

He swirled around, stunned by my statement for a moment. “What do you mean?” He asked.

I glanced at his left arm. “About your arm, I know something is badly wrong with it, I hoped you would trust me enough to tell me.” I stated.

He stared at me as if I had killed someone cold-hearted and mercilessly. It was clear he wasn’t expecting such affection and sympathy for my part and to be honest I can’t blame him for that part.