Jump

Chapter Fifteen

Draco came back to his room, and I had already showered and made myself comfortable in his bed. I woke up to him nuzzling his nose into my neck and I smiled and wrapped my arm around him, pulling him in closer to me.
"I'm sorry that took so long love." He whispered.
"It's fine Draco. Is everything ok?" I asked sleepily, remembering what him and his father went to talk about.
He was silent for a moment, but I could feel him breathing against my neck. I could feel his eyelashes slowly blinking against my skin, as if he was replaying the whole conversation between him and his father in his head.
"It's time." He whispered.
I took a deep breath and placed a kiss on his head. We both knew this day was coming but I don't think either of us were ready for it. I didn't say anything, mainly because there was nothing to say that we haven't said a million times. I closed my eyes and just held him. I didn't know what would happen tomorrow or even a year from now, but right here in this moment, I was with Draco, and I was happy.
The next morning, we woke up and quietly got dressed. We both knew it was time to go back to the school and even though we were dreading it, we were ready for all of this to be over. We quickly packed our trunks and headed downstairs. Once we reached the kitchen, we ran into Narcissa and Lucious.
"I assume you know what you need to do, boy?" Lucious asked.
"Yes...father." Draco spat.
I smiled at Narcissa, and she winked at me. She was right. This may be dark times but what Draco and I had created was going to be beautiful, just like him. I glanced up at him as he chatted over the details with Lucious. His jaw line was strong, and his eyes were piercingly beautiful. I hoped our baby had his eyes. He looked over to me and squeezed my hand while continuing to talk with Lucious. I looked over to Lucious and realized my baby would have the worst grandfather. Then I thought of my dad and how he wouldn't get to see his own grandchild. What if our baby becomes a death eater? What if the dark lord forces him to do unspeakable crimes? I don't want this life for my baby. I had just found out about it, and it already feels like its life is being planned out for it. I could feel my chest starting to heave and my lungs got tight. There was a lump in my throat and my eyes began to sting with tears. Narcissa shot me a worried look and began to take deep breaths in, motioning for me to do it too. I closed my eyes, took a deep breath in, and let it out slowly.
"You okay love?" Draco asked, noticing me on the verge of a panic attack.
I opened my eyes and Narcissa's face was painted with panic, but I took one more deep breath and smiled up at Draco.
"I'm fine Draco, just nervous." I lied.
"It will be okay Quinn. I won't let anything happen to you. Just remember our deal. No fighting." He stated.
"Death eaters. No fighting death eaters." I corrected him, rolling my eyes.
"I agree with Draco, sweetheart I don't think you should be fighting anyone." Narcissa pitched in.
"The dark lord gave her the task of helping our son, don't get in the way of that Narcissa." Lucious hissed.
"I'll be okay." I softly smiled at her. "We will be okay." I looked up at Draco and back at her, lightly touching my stomach so she knew I truly meant all of us.
Her expression eased and her smile softened. I knew she understood what I meant. I couldn't wait for this to be over so I could share this joy with Draco. We turned and headed for the door. Once we were there we paused for a moment. Draco looked down at me and I looked up at him and together we walked out, ready to take on the world.
We made it to the school, and it was quiet. With the Carrows around, students didn't linger in the halls as much as they used to. It was a lot more depressing than I remembered. We headed for the common rooms, hoping that everyone was still at breakfast in the great hall. There were a few students in the common room, but it was mostly empty. Draco followed me to my room, carrying my trunk for me. Once we were there, he placed my trunk on my bed. I kissed his cheek and he headed off to his room. I began to unpack my stuff when my mind began to race. All we must do is kill the headmaster and let the death eaters in. I repeated that in my head a few times before I realized what I was saying. Kill the headmaster. Dumbledore.
I sat on my bed for a moment, in shock. Would we ever share this story with our baby? Would they hear it from someone else? What if the other side wins and they in prison death eaters? What would happen to our baby then? No. they would never. I shook my head at the thought. I looked down at my stomach and placed my hand on it gently, repeating the spell that Narcissa had taught me. I closed my eyes and listened as I heard the faint thumping of my baby's heart. I took a deep breath and remembered that when this was all over, Draco and I would leave. Somewhere where none of this had happened. We would protect our baby and each other. I opened my eyes and knew what had to be done.
Once I had finished unpacking, I decided I was going to go for a jog around the track then take a nice relaxing shower. I changed into my Slytherin sweatpants and a long-sleeved shirt to match and headed out. There were classes today but honestly, I didn't care to attend them. I managed to sneak my way through the halls and out to the fields. There was no one here so I began my old routine of stretching. As I sat and stretched my legs, I looked up at the school, trying to imagine what it would look like a year from now. Dumbledore would be gone and who knows who would take his spot, if anyone even would. Maybe they would destroy the school. I stood up and started my jog. I decided not to push myself too hard since now I had to worry about my baby. As I jogged in circles around the track, I imagined what mine and Draco's life would be like. Would we have a girl or a boy? If it's a boy I hope it has his eyes and if it's a girl I hope she has his hair. I hope its fierce and stubborn just like Draco but strong like me. I couldn't wait to fill our home with pictures of all the adventures we would go on. I imagined teaching them to ride a broom for the first time and casting their first spell. Teaching them how to make potions in the kitchen would be so much fun.
I finally came to a stop and put my hands on my head, catching my breath. I grabbed my bag I had brought with extra clothes in it and made my way back up to the school. There were students slowly making their way to their classes so I decided to sit by the lake until the hallways were clear again. I sat down and crossed my legs, stretched out in front of me. I closed my eyes and felt the sun warming my skin. I could hear the water calmly moving under the gentle push of the breeze and for a moment, just a moment, I felt peace.
"Skipping class Stillstone?" I heard a voice shout from behind me.
I quickly turned my head to see Oliver Wood jogging towards me. He was wearing gray sweatpants and a Gryffindor jersey with a red long sleeve shirt under it.
"I could ask you the same Wood." I joked.
He smiled and sat down next to me. I closed my eyes again and turned my face up to the sun, feeling like a sunflower.
"What makes you skip class today?" I asked him.
"Just felt like I needed a break. With everything going on lately, classes feel, different." He admitted.
"Yeah, I understand. That's my problem too. Something in the air feels darker, heavier, so class feels almost weird." I added.
"Yeah."
We sat for a moment in silence. I could feel him staring at me, but I kept my eyes closed and face turned up.
"How are you and Draco?" He finally asked.
"We are really good. Just trying to make it through the year, ya know?"
"That's good, I guess." He said softly.
"You guess?" I scoffed.
"I just- I just mean that I never pictured you being with him. I know you two used to be friends but- "
"But what?" I cut him off.
"Quinn don't get so defensive. I don't mean anything by it. Draco is just, not good, and well, you're good. You are a light in this world, and he is- "
"Well light brightens the dark Wood." I said, flashing him a look.
He dropped his gaze to the grass and began to pick at it.
"Quinn, I am just looking out for you. I always have haven't I. So why would I stop now? Draco is up to something, and we all know it and I don't want you to be a part of it. He could get you killed Quinn. Is he- Is he working for the dark lord?" He asked in a hushed tone.
My stomach sank but I couldn't let him see the panic in my face so instead I stood up and shot him a nasty look. His face turned to worry, and he stood up with me.
"This conversation is over." I stated, irritated.
I began to march back to the school, and I knew that until this was over, I could no longer speak with my friends I used to have. They were all suspicious of Draco and it wouldn't take much for them to figure out that not only is he a death eater, but I am too. I could hear him calling out for me, but I ignored him and kept walking. I made it to the showers without being seen and I undressed and stepped under the hot water. It felt amazing on my skin. My muscles were sore, and my head was hurting but this water was making me feel a little better. I stood with my head hanging down and the water falling over me for a few moments before I finished up and got out. I got dressed and brushed my long-wet hair then stood and stared at myself in the mirror for a moment. I brought my hand to my stomach and quietly whispered the spell again, hearing the heartbeat and taking a deep breath. I looked forward to placing Draco's hand on my stomach and saying the spell, letting him know that our dream was coming true.
I stepped out of the washroom and into the hall. It was still empty, so I decided to head to the room of requirements to spend some time alone. I walked down the hall and around the corner, stopping at a big empty wall. It turned into a large door that was dark wood and very heavy. I managed to push it open and when I stepped inside, I was in the room with the piano. I had forgotten just how full this room was. Full of junk and dust. I walked in and could see a shadow of someone moving through the room. I quietly followed it until it stopped, and I peeked out around a stack of books to see Draco standing there staring at a large cabinet. I tiptoed out from behind the books I was hiding behind and crept up next to him. I slid my hand in his, watching his face to see what kind of expression was on it. Nothing. He was just staring.
"I have to do it tonight." He spoke suddenly.
"Are you ok Draco?" I asked.
"No." He turned to me, and I could finally see the dread in his eyes.
He was tired. Tired of being forced to do things he didn't want to do. Tired of people hurting him. Tired of his father and the dark lord. Tired of the world.
"I will be though." He closed his eyes and pulled me to his chest.
I could hear his heart beating and it reminded me of something. I closed my eyes and softly placed my hand on my stomach again, whispering the spell so lowly that Draco wouldn't notice. Then, I could hear it. The two heartbeats syncing up. Draco's and his baby's. thumping loudly in my ears. This felt safe. I smiled and squeezed him tighter.
"Everything will be okay Draco. You will see." I reassured him.
We pulled away from our hug and he nodded at me. We looked at the cabinet one more time before leaving the room of requirements. We slowly headed down the hallway, not really knowing what to do now. We ended up walking until we reached the great hall and decided we were both hungry, so we made our way in for some lunch. The tables were full of kids, all eating or reading books. Some were just chatting with others. Harry and Ron were sitting at their table and their eyes met mine as we walked in. Their faces said everything I needed to know. They knew. They knew what Draco was and possibly me too. I quickly looked away and followed behind Draco to our table. We sat down with Zabini and Goyle. They were talking about something that seemed important when we joined them but knowing Goyle, he couldn't hold a serious conversation to save his life.
"Hey Malfoy, Stillstone." Blaise greeted us.
I smiled at him and sat down between him and Draco. Draco handed me a roll and some grapes, and I handed him a bowl filled with mashed potatoes. We served our plates and began to eat. I glanced around the room and noticed Snape standing at the entrance. He was watching Draco when his eyes met with mine. He nodded and whipped around, storming out. I gulped. This was becoming real. Tonight, Draco would kill the headmaster.
We finished up eating and chatting with Goyle and Zabini and decided to head back to the common rooms. I was tired so Draco told me to go take a nap while he hung out with Blaise. I nodded and kissed his cheek before heading to my room. I laid on my bed and stared at the ceiling for a little while before I closed my eyes and drifted off to sleep.
'Suddenly, I was in the forbidden forest. All I could feel was pain and the cold air on my skin. I began to scream as the pain got worse. I looked down and my belly was swollen and moving. It felt like something was trying to claw its way out. I threw my head back and screamed for Draco, but he wasn't there. I could hear people talking around me and I began crying out for anyone to help. I could hear Lucious and Bellatrix. I could hear Yaxely laughing and suddenly Voldemort appeared from the shadows. He was standing over me laughing. He began to talk but I couldn't understand him. He bent down and pulled out a small blade from his robe and pressed it against my belly. My eyes grew large, and I begged him to stop. He began to slowly slice me open from hip to hip. I could feel the burning sensation of the knife cutting me open. I began to scream even more when suddenly, I heard it. A cry. My baby crying. I looked down and Voldemort was holding my child in his arms, smiling down at me. He turned and began to walk off into the shadows again while I lied there, bleeding on the ground and reaching out for my baby.'
I sat up, screaming, and crying, grabbing my stomach. My heart was racing, and my hands were shaking. I was sweating and all I could think about was my baby. I felt hands grabbing my shoulders and I began pushing them away.
"No!" I screamed. "Come back!"
"QUINN!" Draco shouted over me. "I'm right here. It's okay I am here!"
He grabbed my head and pushed it against his chest, squeezing my shoulders so I was pressed up against him tightly. I could hear his voice and I knew it was him, but my mind was replaying the same dream over and over. I could still feel the burning of the knife in my stomach.
"What's wrong love?" Draco asked after I calmed down a bit.
I wanted to tell him. I wanted to cry into his shirt about how scared I was. About the baby, about everything. I knew I couldn't though. I had to wait. At least until after tonight. I needed him to make it through tonight. I closed my eyes, my head still against his chest, listening to his heart. I didn't want to move. I wanted to stay right here forever. After a few moments I sat up and looked up at him. I opened my mouth to speak but I didn't know what to say. I was too tired to think of a lie and even if I did, I would probably end up crying and he would know I was lying anyway. So, there I sat, silently staring at him. He took the hint and just smiled at me. he placed his hand on my cheek and I melted at his touch.
"Quinn. Everything will be okay."
After a moment of comforting me, he kissed my cheek and left my room. I got up out of bed, brushed my hair and straightened my clothes then made my way out into the common rooms. Blaise was sitting on the couch reading and Goyle was snoring on the other couch. I looked out the window and the lake was dark through the glass, meaning it was now night. I looked over to Blaise and he smiled up at me.
"Where did Draco go?" I asked with panic in my voice.
"He said he had something to take care of." Blaise replied coolly.
My stomach dropped and there was a lump forming in my throat. I knew where he was. I quickly ran out of the common rooms and into the hall. I ran so fast I couldn't even feel if my feet were moving. I sprinted down the hall and around a few corners until I reached the hall that led to the tower. I froze in place. People were leaving the tower, Draco being one of them. His hair was a mess, and his face was twisted into a frown. I was too late. It happened. They headed for the great hall, Bellatrix laughing the whole way. I quietly followed behind them, not wanting Bellatrix to see me. When they made it into the great hall Bellatrix began dancing and singing on the tables, kicking plates and cups as she went. She let out a spell that shattered the windows and a gust of wind swept through the room, blowing glass and dust my way. Draco was following behind the group of death eaters, his face still the same. He glanced behind him to see if anyone was walking in. I was hidden behind the door but peering around the corner just enough to see him. My heart broke when I realized I had failed him. The look on his face said it all. He was broken.
I pressed my back against the wall and slid down to the floor. I began to silently sob. Dumbledor was dead and Draco was broken. I couldn't fix this. I couldn't fix him when I could barely keep myself together. This was the end. I didn't care what came next, I only cared about protecting my baby. I stood up and started to run back to the common room when I heard a voice call out for me. Fynn.
"Quinn. What is going on? I heard a loud crash." He said frantically, running up to me.
"Fynn, listen to me closely. I need you to pack your things and go home."
"What? I- "
"FYNN!" I cut him off. "I need you to listen to me, please! Get your things and go. The school is not safe anymore and I don't want you here."
"What about you? Come with me!" He pleaded.
"I-I can't." I said lowly. "I have to help Draco."
His expression changed from worried to annoyed.
"I am sure he can take care of himself. You are my little sister. If anything happens to you, I would never be able to go on. Mom would never forgive me." He argued.
"Fynn, I will be fine. You have to go!"
Before I knew it, death eaters were running from the great hall and filling the hallway with shouts and laughter.
"The great Dumbledor has fallen!" They sang.
Fynn's eyes shot down to mine and I could see the confusion covering his face. I looked away from him and guilt filled my body.
"You knew this was going to happen, didn't you?" He asked quietly.
Draco ran over to us and shot a look between Fynn and I.
"Fynn, mate you need to get out of here." Draco said quietly.
"You got my sister into this mess. Malfoy, if anything happens to her, I swear to fucking god." Fynn shouted.
"I get it Fynn, she's your little sister but I need you to bring your voice down. If they hear you- "Draco began to explain.
"Just fucking go." I whispered, looking my brother in the eyes. "I can take care of myself."
Fynn clinched his jaw and shot one more look at me and Draco before turning and storming away.
"Are you ok?" Draco asked, turning to me.
"Are you?" I asked him, worried.
"I'm fine. I didn't do it. Snape did." He stated sternly.
A wave of relief flooded over me, and I threw my arms around Draco. He rested his head on top of mine and we stood in an embrace for a moment, not knowing what to do next.
"Come Draco." Bellatrix sang from behind us.
Draco turned to face her and moved me behind him. What is he doing?
"Piss off Bellatrix." He grumbled. "I finished my work."
"Oh, look who is getting brave. For what? Her?" She laughed. "Do you really think that the dark lord is going to let you go? Do you really think you're finished?"
The second she sang those words, the realization hit. We would never be done. They would keep calling us back to do more work for the dark lord. We would never be safe. Bellatrix jolted forward and grabbed me from behind Draco, pushing him to the ground. I watched as he stumbled then felt her wand press up against my throat. Draco jumped to his feet and aimed a wand right at her.
"Draco! Don't!" I shouted. "I'm okay! Bellatrix please, let me go." I begged.
"Why? You seem like more of a problem for the lord than a servant." She hissed in my ear.
"Please." I closed my eyes and hoped she would get bored with this conversation and leave us alone.
Suddenly she froze. She gripped me tighter and I could feel a smile spread on her lips.
"I see." She laughed. "You just want to protect the baby?"
Draco's eyes met mine and a tear rolled down my cheek.
"What?" Draco asked under his breath.
"You mean to tell me that Draco didn't know?" She gasped, amused. "You're going to be a daddy Draco!"
I could see the tears forming in his eyes as he stared into mine.
"I'm sorry Draco, I promised your mother I wouldn't tell you yet." I cried.
"My mother knows?" He shouted.
"She is the one who told me. She told me I couldn't tell you until after this was over. I am sorry but I agreed with her. I needed you to worry about this and not about the baby. You already worry about me too much." I explained, Bellatrix digging her wand into my neck even more.
"It's a shame, really." Bellatrix chimed in. "We will be losing two death eaters tonight."
I kept my eyes on Draco's and his expression turned to desperation. I could tell he was trying to think of a way to save me.
"Draco, its ok." I whispered, smiling at him with a tear rolling down my cheek.
His face wrinkled into a frown and tears streamed down his face.
"No. I won't lose you." He cried.
"Stupify!" Snape yelled from behind Draco, disarming him.
Draco turned and Snape pushed him away, holding his wand out to Bellatrix.
"Let the girl go." He demanded.
"Oh look, Uncle Snape is here to save the day." Bellatrix joked.
Snapes eyes met mine and he looked down to my stomach.
"Yes. Narcissa informed me of your... situation." He admitted. "Bellatrix, do you think the dark lord would be happy to know that you are killing off his death eaters?"
She looked at me then back at Snape before rolling her eyes and smiling at me.
"The little bitch gets saved again." She seethed, turning, and storming away.
As she let go of my shoulders and stormed off, I fell to my knees trying to catch my breath from having a wand shoved in my throat. Draco leaped forward and placed his hand on my back.
"Quinn, are you ok?" He asked, worried.
"I'm ok." I gasped, rubbing my throat.
We stood up and he hugged me, squeezing me a little tighter than he has before.
"I wish you would have told me." He whispered.
"I know. I am so sorry. I wanted to but- "
"I know." He interrupted, pulling me away from him and smiling at me.
We began to quickly walk back to the common rooms, pushing past a crowd of students who had now formed in the halls. Once we walked in Zabini was standing with Goyle. They seemed to be quietly chatting about what was happening, as they glanced around the room to make sure no one was listening in.
"Can you morons shut up!" Draco barked. "We don't need the wrong people to hear you."
They stopped talking and stood up straight, raising their eyebrows at him.
"Why does it matter? It's done right?" Goyle asked.
Draco smacked the back of his head with his hand and Goyle fell forward, grabbing his head.
"Piss off Goyle." Draco snapped.
Goyle walked away, grumbling under his breath. Draco glanced around the room and looked between me and Blaise. There was a lot of commotion going on outside as students were gathering to figure out what was going on.
"You are staying in here." Draco demanded.
"No. I am coming with you!" I argued.
"I need you to be safe- you and the baby." Draco corrected himself slowly, looking down to my stomach.
"I'm sorry, what?" Zabini interrupted in shock.
Draco didn't even pay him any attention, just kept his focus on me.
"This is why I didn't want to tell you yet." I grumbled.
"I don't care Quinn. You can be upset with me all you want, but this is not going to be an argument. You are going to stay here." He raised his voice.
Zabini placed his hand on my shoulder and looked up at Draco.
"I will stay with her mate. Go do what you need to do." He nodded.
"You two are exhausting." I rolled my eyes. "We had a deal."
"Fuck that. It isn't just you I need to protect anymore." Draco said sternly.
"Draco, its either you let me help, or I stun Blaise and sneak out anyway. Which is it?" I crossed my arms over my chest and raised an eyebrow at him.
"You're fucking impossible!" He stuck his tongue in his cheek and angrily ran his fingers though his hair.
I kissed his cheek and smiled at Zabini.
"I will be okay guys." I reassured them.
As we stepped out into the hall to see what was going on, students were being told to go back to bed. I looked at Draco and he looked at Blaise. They weren't telling anyone what had happened. Just pushing us to go back to bed. I guess that was a good thing as it wouldn't raise any suspicions to Draco but at the same time, our headmaster had just died. My emotions were all over the place, but I ignored them for the moment and turned back around to head back into the common room. Once inside, they shut the door behind us, and we all blankly stared at each other. After a moment Zabini told us goodnight and headed off to bed.
"Blaise!" I called after him. "Don't breathe a word, please." I pleaded.
He walked back over to us and hugged me.
"Never." He whispered.
He turned to Draco and nodded before heading off to bed. I looked at Draco and he took my hand, leading me to the couch. He sat me down and sat himself on the table in front of me. He sighed and stared down to the floor, still holding my hands in his.
"Draco?" I broke the silence. "What is it?"
"Are you scared?" he asked, his voice cracking.
"Terrified." I smiled at him. "But I know that you won't let anything happen to me and I won't let anything happen to this baby. Everything will be okay."
"What if Voldemort wins?"
"Then we will deal with that when it comes. We will deal with it together. The three of us." I took his hand and placed it on my stomach.
"Fertilito Revelo." I whispered, closing my eyes.
I could hear the thumping in my ears, and I smiled, opening my eyes to look at Draco. His eyes were glued to my stomach and his lips were parted. He looked up at me and his face was white. He quickly grabbed me and held me to his chest. I let out a small laugh and relief washed over me. I could finally share this moment with him. I could finally tell him that he was going to be a father. When I looked up at him, I could see a calmness in his eyes for a moment. I knew he was feeling the same thing I was, hope. Maybe I could fix him. I thought I couldn't, but I think I just did. He wasn't broken anymore, he was hopeful.
We slept on the couch that night, together. We stayed up talking about what we hoped it would be. I wanted a boy, but Draco wants a girl. He says he wants a little me running around in the world because he knew she would rule it one day. I wanted a boy so I could see Draco's eyes on him. We both agreed we wanted the baby to have Draco's hair color and my curls. He wants it to have my freckles, but I hope it has his skin complexion. We talked about fears we had, that we were too young, and I told him about my dream. He promised me that he would never let Voldemort take our baby. I explained it was a fear based off the feeling that Voldemort was controlling our baby's life before it was even born. He understood and promised he wouldn't let our child become a death eater even if he had to kill the dark lord himself. After an hour or two of talking, Draco slowly drifted off to sleep. I watched the fire burn until my eyes became so heavy that I had to close them, then I fell asleep too.