Project 137.43.M.D.

XXXIX. | ANIMUS OBLIGANDI

XXXIX.

ANIMUS OBLIGANDI

(declaration of obligation)

It had been a bloody daunting week indeed, Draco had to admit to himself. After all, walking the streets as a free man with the knowledge he now possessed was really something else.

On his first attempt to visit Diagon Alley, the mere sight of the Leaky Cauldron had caused him to panic and flee. All of a sudden, he had realized that he had to ask someone to let him through the brick wall since he no longer had a wand to enter the small shopping street on his own. That had put him off. A few days later he had decided to do it anyway, because he had been slowly but surely running out of supplies. It had been strange, for he had again noticed the curious looks of some witches and wizards, although there hadn't been as many as in the first few days after his release. But unfortunately, this time he had known why they were staring at him in the first place, and that had been a disgusting feeling. Though, thank Merlin, no one had approached him. He had fetched some gold from his vault at Gringotts and bought the things he needed, then fled back to the part of Muggle London where his flat was.

So he had survived the first seven days more or less successfully. No strange occurrences, no dead pheasants, rats or the like on his doormat, no visits from Ministry of Magic officials. He probably should have been happy and relieved about that, but Draco just didn't know how to pass the time anymore.

Flying wasn't an option, for without his wand he had little chance of Apparating to a meadow warded by Muggle Repelling Charms. Up to now, he had categorically ruled out a visit to a pub as well, knowing that everyone else would inevitably know that he was a perpetrator on probation.

All he could still do was exercise. And so, every sodding day, Draco went for his usual jog along the banks of the River Thames, then hopped in the shower and ended up spending hours lying on his bed and staring at the ceiling.

Now it was Saturday and he was sure that he would go insane if he had to spend the whole evening alone in his cramped apartment again. So at some point he stood up, got dressed and bravely made his way to Diagon Alley.

Enjoying the warm summer night air on his face, he even took a little detour before finally entering the Leaky Cauldron. Tom, the innkeeper, was again kind enough to let him through the brick wall, and a few minutes later Draco entered a packed club.

Given the darkness, the volume, and the mass of people crowding the bar and dance floor, he was barely noticed, and for that he was grateful. He ordered a Butterbeer and retreated to a booth where he could unobtrusively watch the other revellers.

It annoyed him that he couldn't help but think that he might spot her here, too. And by her, Draco meant Granger, of course. He snorted into his glass in exasperation and made a face.

Considering he was so determined never to speak to her again if he could avoid it, he thought about her bloody often. Not only was she the first vision that came to his mind when he was masturbating in the shower, she was even appearing in his dreams now.

The bint was downright haunting him.

Her fawn eyes, her slender hands on his shoulders, her laugh and the blush that crept up her neck to her cheeks whenever Draco teased her. He shook his head to push the thoughts aside but remained unsuccessful. It was almost inevitable to picture her dancing with the little Weasley, new Mrs. Potter, whatever; lolling on his kitchen worktop; standing in front of him with tears in her eyes, telling him that she had a crush on him.

Fucking Merlin. Draco slammed his beer mug onto the tabletop, earning a confused look from the next booth in return. He ignored it.

It was ridiculous. Granger was the last person he should think about. She had lied to him, used him and even made him feel bad for shagging Vivian. And now she was the one his thoughts kept circling around, although he didn't want to waste a single one on her anymore. She had already done enough harm - before and after Azkaban.