From Wiltshire, With Love

Chapter 83

Daphne.

Draco's heart skipped a beat.

He knew that whatever was coming would be directed at him. Just as he turned around to shield himself, Hermione barreled into him, slamming him back against the wall as a yellow streak of light shot by. Her hazel eyes gazed up at him in horror as the curse zoomed past and towards Tonks' exposed back. Before either of them could shout a warning, his cousin turned around and swatted the hex right back at Daphne. The blast of light careened through the air, landing right in the center of her mask.

Daphne clutched at her throat and made gurgling noises. After staggering around, she dropped to her knees and fell over.

Tonks sneered and disappeared around the corner.

"Daphne!" Blaise cried and raced down the hallway after her.

"What did she do!" Pansy gasped while covering her mouth, and ran after him with Millie and Theo.

Draco blinked down at Hermione and swallowed, knowing that Daphne's hex was meant for him and he just narrowly avoided death.

"That could have been you," Hermione whispered in a trembling voice. Still in shock, she leaned her head on his chest and fisted his jumper with a shaky exhale. Thinking how close it had been, his heart thundered against his ribcage, as did hers.

"She's dead!" Pansy sobbed. She bent over Daphne's body and pressed her forehead into her stomach. "She fucking killed her!"

Confused, Hermione creased her brow as she watched his friends kneel down and remove Daphne's mask. She turned up to him, eyes glassy with unshed tears. "But she tried to kill you."

Hermione didn't understand.

Draco sighed and closed his eyes as he thought of the friendships crumbling around him. He killed Vince, he turned on Greg, and he may as well have killed Daphne. Thinking back on happier times, he remembered her devious smile after successfully guilting his mum into serving them ice cream when they locked themselves in the Manor dungeons.

He released a wry laugh at the memory. "She's still our friend. And Blaise still loves her."

They turned to watch Blaise take Daphne's limp hand and raise it to his lips. Draco was reminded of Yasmine's warning that Daphne would betray them, and wondered where she was.

Heart still pounding furiously in his chest, Draco stared at the petite brunette who just saved his life for the third time that day. He tightened his arms around her. The protective fire in Hermione's eyes warmed his heart and spread throughout his limbs. He would keep that memory of her with him, always.

"Are you two coming?" the Weasel called, ready to jog off with the other Order members. Draco warred with himself, wanting Hermione to stay with him here for a few more moments, but knowing he should let her go off with Weaselbee. If Voldemort's Army was surrendering in the courtyard, she wouldn't want to miss it.

After wiping away some of the blood and grime streaked across her face, he leaned down to press a light kiss on her forehead, and let his lips linger. "Go on," he whispered against her skin. "I need to be here."

They would have to part paths soon enough. There wasn't a future for them together, and it was best she head off with the Order. Hermione glanced forlornly after her friends running in the same direction as Tonks down the corridor. She creased her forehead in concern when turning back to him.

"We should stay together," she insisted. "We don't know for sure if they're surrendering, and look what just happened."

"I'm going with Tonks, Hermione," the Weasel said, warily backing up a few steps.