|In The Dark|

83

1 WEEK LATER...
ANNABELLE LUPIN-BLACK

I'm sitting in the hospital wing, waiting for Ron to wake up and all I can think is: Draco, what have you done? Ron laid on the cot unconscious and I felt sick to my stomach with guilt. I couldn't help but wonder...did I make the right choice? Did I do the right thing trusting Draco? Should I have told Harry or my dad? Should I have done something? Is this my fault? Maybe it was. Maybe Katie Bell would have never been hurt if I stopped this in the beginning of the year. Maybe I could have spared her and Ron and everyone else who has been affected.

Harry, Hermione, Ginny and I all sat with Ron waiting for something, anything. Then the teachers walked in, surrounding his cot. I kept my head down, avoiding the accusatory looks of Snape and the knowing looks of Dumbledore. "Quick thinking on your part, Harry, using a bezoar. You should be very proud of your student, Horace." Dumbledore said. Slughorn looked up and nodded. "Ah, yes. Very proud." he mumbled. "I think we agree Potter's actions were heroic. The question is: Why were they necessary?" McGonagall asked. "Indeed. This appears to be a gift, Horace. You don't remember who gave you this bottle?" Dumbledore asked. I looked up quickly but Slughorn shook his head. I felt a wave of relief. "By the way, It possesses remarkably subtle hints of liquorice and cherry. When not polluted with poison." Dumbledore said. "Actually, I had intended to give it as a gift, myself." Slughorn said. "To whom, might I ask?" Dumbledore asked. "To you, headmaster." Slughorn said. I glanced up and Snape and I locked eyes. I quickly looked away but we both knew what was happening. Just then, Lavender ran in. "Where is he? Where's my Won-Won? Has he been asking for me?" she said. "Oh fucking hell." I mumbled. Harry smirked at me. "What's she doing here?" Lavender said, looking at Hermione. I nearly laughed. "I might ask you the same question." Hermione snapped as she stood up. "I happen to be his girlfriend." she said. "And I happen to be his...friend." Hermione replied. "Don't make me laugh. You haven't spoken in weeks. I suppose you want to make up with him now that he's suddenly all interesting." Lavender said. Ginny and I exchanged looks. "He's been poisoned, you daft dimbo!" Hermione exclaimed. I snickered and Lavender looked at me sharply. "And for the record, I've always found him interesting." Hermione said. Just then, Ron shifted, mumbling quietly. "See? He senses my presence. Don't worry, Won-Won. Don't worry, Won-Won. I'm here. I'm here." she said. I rolled my eyes. This is exhausting. "Hermione. Hermione." Ron said weakly. Lavender's eyes widened and she ran off crying. "Oh to be young and to feel love's keen sting." Dumbledore said. Then we were all shooed out and Hermione stayed there, sitting with him. I was happy for her. But now I had to go find Draco and figure out what the hell he did.

DRACO MALFOY

When I heard the pounding on my door, I didn't even bother getting up. I drew my wand and pointed it at the door. "Alohomora." I mumbled. The lock clicked and she came bursting in. She shut the door behind her and started to pace. "You promised me nobody would get hurt, you promised me, Draco!" she yelled. "I know." I said. "First, Katie Bell and now Ron. I can't do this. I can't keep protecting you if you are going to keep hurting people. Innocent people!" she yelled. "I'm sorry." I said. She shook her head rapidly and paced even faster. "Not good enough. It's not good enough." she said. "Anna, I'm doing my best. I've never- I'm not good at this. I'm trying my best." I said. "He could have died!" she yelled. I buried my face in my hands. "I know." I mumbled. She paused and walked over, kneeling in front of me. "Draco, I feel like I did the wrong thing." she said. My face fell. "I should have told my dad. I should have told him or Harry- I shouldn't have kept this a secret." she said. My eyes widened. "Anna- what do you mean- what are you saying?" I asked. She stood up, tears filling her eyes. "I'm saying that I made a mistake." she said. She turned to leave and I grabbed her arm. "What the hell does that mean? You made a mistake?" I exclaimed. "Draco, let go." she said, tugging her arm away. "No! You're saying you made a mistake in protecting me? What? I wasn't worth it?" I yelled. "No- I- I don't know-" she started. "Would you rather they kill me? Or maybe I should've been sent to rot in Azkaban!" I yelled. "Draco- listen-" she started. "I thought we were friends! But now I see all you care about is keeping your hands clean and your conscience even cleaner!" I yelled. She shoved me back so hard, I fell to the floor with a thud. "You bastard! All I've done is protect you. I've betrayed my friends, my family, everyone I care about... for you! I could have told them. I could have told everyone. It would have been a lot easier for me and yeah, I would have felt better. But instead I protected you. I kept you safe because I care about you!" she yelled. "Anna, I-" I started. "I'm sorry I feel guilty but I can't help it." she said. I nodded, slowly standing up. "I'm sorry, Anna." I said. Tears filled her eyes and spilled down her cheeks. "I'm sorry. I am. I can't imagine how hard this is for you and I'm grateful to have you." I said, pulling her into my arms. "I'm trying so hard, Draco. But I'm scared." she said. I nodded. "Me too. I'm scared too." I whispered. She nodded. "Please don't tell anyone. I know I'm asking a lot. But please, just don't tell anyone." I pleaded. "Ok." she said quietly.