you were mine

nine - the last resort

I smile as I lean against the doorway with Draco beside me, Theo is coming back today. He wrote and said he would be back before the first ball and he made it just in time. The ball is tomorrow. "Do you think I should say something to him? You know, since we both--well you know." I look up at Draco and he shrugs.

"If you're comfortable with saying something I think it would mean a lot to him. But you know you don't have to do anything you don't want to, and he might want to know how your mother died," he answers and I turn my head to the boat approaching the school. I can see Theo's dark hair, grown out some since I last saw him.

Of course, I would like to say something to him, but that brings questions that I don't know if I'm ready for. I know Theo's family is part of the Voldemort crew, but he's never really given his opinions on Voldemort. He's never really been all for him, but he's never joined in on Draco and I's hatred.

Theo reaches the doorway and I look at him, I try not to give him a pitiful look. I hate when people do that to me, but as soon as I see the tired bags under his eyes and the way he lacks the usual sparkle I want to burst into tears for him. He looks at me and his eyes fill with tears as he drops his things and wraps his arms around me. I look at Draco, panicked, "Hug him," he mouths. I wrap my arms around Theo and he relaxes against me, sobbing on my shoulder. I lean my head against his arm and let out a breath, holding back my own tears.

"I'm so sorry, Theo. We're here for you. Whatever you need just tell me." I whisper and he sobs some more.

After a while, he gets himself together and gives Draco a slight hug. "I'm sorry, Anna. I just--it's been so hard, and I know you will understand." he shakes his head, looking down at the ground. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said that."

"It's okay, Theo. Everything is alright. Come on, we can get you settled inside and you both can stay in my room tonight." I shoot a smile at Draco, who nods and grabs Theo's things, before walking back inside the school.

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An hour later Draco and Theo are both in my room, Theo brought his blanket and a pillow while Draco, as usual, "forgot" his things.

"Next time, we're sleeping in your room." I groan as I throw my extra blanket along with a pillow from my bed at Draco.

"I already knew you would have extra for me so I just took advantage of it."

"What if Theo had forgotten his things? Then what? I don't have enough for both of you."

"We fight. To the death." Draco says but quickly glances at Theo, "Sorry."

Theo shrugs and throws his things on the ground next to my bed, "I'll be back."

Draco and I watch him walk out, the door slamming behind him. "Did I do something?" Draco asks, concerned, and looks at me.

"Never be afraid to say the word death. Or any other word like that. It's embarrassing when someone walks on eggshells around you, no matter what you're going through. Just act normal and be here if he needs you." I breathe out and Draco nods, plopping onto my bed beside me.

"Have you heard anything about Voldemort lately?" he asks, fidgeting with his hands in his lap.

"No. The last I heard was that he was back. Nothing else, you?"

"No. My father won't tell me anything." he turns his head to me, "Speaking of, how is your father?"

I sigh. Now it's my turn to fidget with my hands. Draco deserves the truth, but my father deserves to have someone to keep his secrets.

Draco's hand slides over, sitting on top of mine gently, "Belle, you know you can tell me. What is up with you not telling me things recently? I basically had to force my way into your house over the summer and now you won't tell me anything."

"I don't have to tell you things, Draco. I tell you what I want to." I scoff as I look at him. He acts as if he tells me every detail about his father. All he ever says is "not a good time."

He pulls his hand away and shakes his head, "I was just asking. I wasn't trying to start anything. Is it so wrong for me to worry about you?" he scoffs.

"No. I'm just saying, some things I would like to just keep to myself for a while."

"That's not what we do though. That is what you and Theo do. Not you and I. We tell each other what is happening." he looks at me like I'm being crazy. Is it so wrong for me to want to keep some things to myself?

"Draco, please, I'll talk about this later. Just not right now."

"Fine. I'm going to get my things from my room." he stands up and goes toward the door with a huff.

"I already gave you my things, Draco."

"I would like my own things." he shrugs and walks out the door just as Theo walks in.

"What's wrong with him?" Theo asks, looking back at the door and then at me. I roll my eyes and lean back onto my pillow, "He's Draco, who knows?" I laugh.

He laughs and it makes me smile, knowing I can make him laugh at a time like this. I look at him and he lets out a breath, "Will you go to the first ball with me?"

I look at him, not knowing what to say. Theo and I have never been the type to just go to balls together as friends, or as anything else. And he definitely has never shown any interest in being that type.

"I mean, if you already have a date that's alright, I'm just wondering. I got here pretty late so I haven't really had time to find anyone else."

"So I'm the last resort?"

"Oh no, no, not like that. I was just explaining. You're not my last resort, you're honestly my only resort. I didn't mean to offend you."

I smile, letting out a small laugh, "Yes, Theo, I'll go with you. Don't worry."

He lets out what looks like a sigh of relief and nods, "Okay, great, thank you."