They call me a criminal

Chapter 75

"Clara?" I spun around coming face to face with Dumbledore. "What do you want?" I asked already annoyed enough by Slughorn. "I wanted to check in." I rolled my eyes, "no, you wanted to make sure I was still willing to help you." He smiled, "the way I remember it was you do me a favour, I'll do the same." I shrugged, "I don't get exactly what I'm supposed to do. Hunt down horcruxes?" Dumbledore shook his head, "no. That will come later." He placed a hand on my shoulder as he passed by me. "So that's it?" I hollered after him. "The time will come." I scoffed, "ya I bet."

"Clara!" I saw Harry rushing towards me. "What was that about?" He asked looking at Dumbledore. I scoffed, "some bullshit." He nodded, "I wanted to make sure you were alright, after Slughorn." I rolled my eyes, "I'm fine, what the hell is your deal with him anyway?" He sighed, "I suppose this was something Dumbledore wanted me to tell you. Those memories you were given in the summer, the professor in them was Professor Slughorn." I met his eyes, "what?" Harry nodded, "I'm trying to figure out what he said to Voldemort that day."

I bit my lip, "I didn't realize he told you about horcruxes too." Harry sat down patting the spot beside him, "it feels like everyone keeps digging this hole we're in deeper and deeper." I pulled my knees to my chest, "no different than how I've felt any other year." He nodded, "I suppose that's true." I looked up as I heard footsteps coming towards us, Draco was walking past. I meant to break eye contact with him as soon as it started but I didn't want to look away. "What was that all about?" I shrugged, "just Draco being a dick, nothing new."

"I should get going, good luck getting that professor to tell you what he said to Voldemort." Harry gave me a small wave as I pushed myself up.

I followed quickly after Draco, grabbing his arm from behind when I was close. He flinched and ripped it out of my grasp. "What the hell are you doing?" He asked spinning around to face me. I stepped back shocked, "sorry." He sighed looking around making sure no one was near us, "let's go."

He grasped my hand leading us outside towards the forest. "I'm sorry, you scared me Clara." I stepped forward wrapping my arms around his neck forcefully pushing my lips into his. I smiled as he ran his hands through my hair bringing my face just inches from his. "What's this all about?" He whispered. I laughed, "long day, that's all."

I sat down on the ground and felt relieved as he sat directly behind me pulling my back against his chest. "This year sucks," he finally said.

"I could run away with you," he whispered. I bit my lip, "I'd love that, but it's not possible. Your father would find us, he'd know and then you'd get hurt too. I'm not being responsible for anyone else getting hurt." I felt him begin to run his hands through my hair, and shivered when I felt his breath against my ear. "You're going to want to be away from me by the end of this year anyway." I scoffed, "I don't have much of a choice."
——

A few weeks had passed and my days were pretty much all the same. I didn't bother watching any quidditch games although Ron never stopped asking me to come. I didn't go to any Hogsmeade trips or do anything outside of going to my classes, and sneaking off with Draco.

Christmas was coming soon and I hadn't written much to Remus but I smiled as a letter dropped down in front of me.

"Clara, words cannot describe how much I miss you. Christmas is coming soon and Im asking for no gift except to just hold you in my arms. I know Christmas is always hard for you, and my god how could it not be. This year will be different without Sirius but we'll get through it. You must be so scared right now, and I hate knowing there's nothing I can do to help. I hope whilst your home for the holidays you can take a deep breath, know your safe. I want you to remember I'll do anything to protect you. Anything sweetheart. I invited Tonks to spend Christmas with us I hope that's alright. I cannot wait to see you. I love you, see you soon."

I smiled holding the letter close to my heart, Remus was right I wanted nothing more than to just have one hug. I needed it more than I cared to admit.

Draco found me sitting up in the tower all alone and happily joined me pointing at the letter. "Is that from Lupin?" I nodded folding it up into tiny pieces. "I bet you miss him, Sirius too." I bit my lip unable to explain how much I missed them both. "Come here Clara." I let him wrap me tightly in his arms closing my eyes as he placed his hand against the side of my head pulling me closer. "I love you Clara."