εթίթհαηу // fred weasley

16

"Get out of here, Potter," Draco snarled, still fuming from his other argument. "I told you that she needs rest, not an interrogation."

"She's been asleep," said Potter. "What rest does she need?"

"Oh, then you won't mind if I barge in to see Weasley and interrogate him," Draco remarked, standing his ground. "In fact, all of you should leave."

"But Draco— "

"Now," Draco said, cutting his mother off. "Cassie needs space with the people who will understand her and that person right now is me."

"We'll be home," said Narcissa, dragging her husband away.

"Finally," Draco said, heaving a sigh. "Sorry you had to wake up to that."

"They must not be happy with me, are they?" Cassie asked knowingly. "I've partially ruined a wedding, their people are injured, and— "

"Morrighan is no more," Draco told her, taking her hand. "You've done it. At last, the Death Eaters are no more."

There was a knock on the door. Draco groaned saying, "If you're here for answers, you aren't getting... any."

Cassie furrowed her eyebrows upon seeing who stood at the door. She was familiar but Cassie did not know her name. She had porcelain pale skin, brunette hair, and blue eyes. Cassie looked at Draco who stared at the girl.

"Astoria?" Draco finally spoke.

"Greengrass?" Cassie questioned, intrigued.

"I'm sorry if I'm intruding— "

"Oh, you're not," Draco said quickly. "What are you doing here? Shouldn't you be in school?"

"Maybe I was inspired by the Weasley twins and graduated early?" Astoria told him. "I had enough credits."

"Well, technically, the Weasley twins did not graduate, they just left," Cassie said.

"I heard what happened in the Daily Prophet," Astoria explained, walking closer to the bed. "I was worried about you... and your sister, of course."

"How do you know each other?" Cassie asked.

"She's a friend from when I was finishing my studies at Hogwarts," Draco answered.

"Right, I think I remember you saying something about that," Cassie said. "Like how she was beautiful, kind, and understanding, and unlike any girl— "

"I didn't say that," Draco said quickly. "I mean, not that you aren't what she said you are, but... " Draco looked at his sister and quietly said to her, "I will kill you."

"I'm your sister," said Cassie. "You can't kill me."

"Well, I just wanted to see how you were doing," Astoria said. "It's good to know you are well."

"Draco will walk you out, won't you Draco?" Cassie said, nudging him towards her.

"I'm sure she can walk herself," Draco said, pushing back.

"Actually, I'd like the company," Astoria said, and she walked away. Draco let out a breath, wiped his palms on his pants, and followed her.

"Much better choice than Parkinson," Cassie said to herself, a smile on her face. "Oh, he's grown up so much."

Cassie chuckled, never having seen Draco so flustered because of a girl. He had always been so obsessed with Potter, adamant that he had no time for girls, so Cassie had wondered if her brother was like Zach. Of course, once hearing about Greengrass, she had no doubts.

There was a knock on the door. Cassie knew that Draco hadn't come back yet. She knew he'd walk with Astoria for as long as he could, maybe even take her home. With a great sigh, knowing who it would be, she said, "Come in."

"Finally!" Cassie's eyes widened in surprise. She was pulled into a hug, the young man muttering words of relief in her ear. "We've been waiting to hear the news of your recovery."

"Adrian? Zach? Viola?" Cassie had a smile on her face, glad to see her friends.

"Don't forget about me," said the bushy-haired girl at the door.

"Hermione," Cassie smiled. "I just woke a few moments ago. How did you hear so fast?"

"Did you really think I'd simply leave?" Hermione said quickly, setting the bag on the counter beside her. "I've bought everything I thought you'd need. Herbal tea, fruits, some soup— "

"Slow down, Hermione," Cassie said with a small laugh. "Was it Potter?"

"He said it'd be best if I came in first," Hermione confessed. "He and your brother still... have tension."

"We saw Draco on our way up," Adrian added. "We rushed up knowing he'd only feel comfortable leaving once you were awake."

"Speaking of, who was that girl with him?" Zach asked. "I thought you said your brother— "

"Well, I was wrong," said Cassie nervously. "That was Astoria Greengrass. I think he loves her."

Viola gasped. "Really? Him? And her?"

"Why do you sound so surprised?" Cassie asked.

"I heard Pansy say she was sure Draco would marry her," Viola said in a quiet voice.

Cassie and Adrian laughed, knowing well that Draco would never even ask her on a date.

"Of course, I knew she was crazy," Viola said quickly, and the others chuckled.

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IMPORTANT A/N:

Hello, my dear readers!
It has been a long while, and I do hope you have not lost faith in this story just yet 😅

Currently, I've been at a crossroads with this. I've got ideas, but have not been able to write them down. For example, as you can probably tell, this chapter has been awfully short... I do apologize, though realized I've been a bit too harsh on myself and my capabilities. (It seems as though I've begun too early, leaving myself to become quite the procrastinator and such).

But on top of all of that, school is coming to an end. While I can only hope to finish this book by the end of summer, I cannot make promises... With finals coming up, my focus has been on school. In addition, my grandfather has caught covid so we have to check in over the summer. (There are many other details that I will not bore you with).

I do not like making such excuses, but I can only hope you forgive me. This series has become quite accomplished, it's hard for me to believe. I've always written for fun, to take my mind away from reality. But I did not anticipate such pressures that have come along with publishing a story, such as updating consistently, and (for my personal preference) to at least meet a word count.

I would HATE to let you all down. As I've said, you've given this story so much love, and I can never repay you guys! Publishing this series has been the first step to building my confidence within myself. I do hope that you can all find such confidence in yourselves (if you have not already).

That being said, I will NOT give up.

I do hope you've enjoyed this chapter, although short, it's heart-warming and sweet. (You might expect more from Draco and Astoria in the future. I find it a shame that there is little on the development of their relationship).

yours truly,

~ jada 🐼