Surviving Through You | D.M x Y/N |

CHAPTER TWO

Y/N's POV

I find myself in this dreary place known as Diagon Alley, standing alongside Bella, her sister, and the infamous young Mr Malfoy. He's far too well-dressed for a place like this. But then it hits me—ever since Mr Lucius Malfoy was carted off to Azkaban, it seems young Malfoy has taken it upon himself to be the head of the family. Is that why he's so keen to remind me that I'm in his house?

Fascinating, really.

From what Bella told me, Diagon Alley used to be a much livelier place. Now, though, it's as dead as a doornail— thanks to the Death Eaters. Still, there's the faint sound of something pleasant coming from a distant corner.

I turn my head, following the melody. It seems there's still one shop open. A bit of light shines from within, and I can just make out the outline of a man, his body half-formed in the doorway, continually placing a hat on and off his head as a rabbit appears and disappears on his head.

The alley's nearly empty— save for a few odd-looking characters, all of whom seem as out of place as I do. Bella's dressed me in something much more... ladylike, compared to my usual, more comfortable clothes.

The black dress clings to my frame with long sleeves, while black gloves and stockings cover the rest of me. There's no sunlight here, yet I've still been made to wear a black hat, matching the rest of the ensemble. Bella even made me put on black sandals with a modest heel.

Bella and her sister are dressed in similar fashion, and Mr Malfoy is all posh in a smart black suit, his hair perfectly combed, a ring glinting on his finger.

We're being escorted by a pair of Death Eaters— one of whom is named Greyback. He looks a bit... odd, but Bella and the others seem to trust him.

He leads the way through the alley. Bella and her sister follow behind him, with Malfoy trailing and me bringing up the rear. The place is eerily quiet, save for the occasional cries that echo from the farthest reaches of the alley. We walk with our heads down, just as we've been instructed.

I notice a woman crying and conversing with a wall, a man being dragged along by a pair of dogs, and several people casting strange looks our way. There's more, too— things I never imagined I'd see. But amongst all of it, something stands out. It's difficult to put my finger on it, but there's something odd... familiar.

Then I hear it.

Footsteps.

Where are they coming from?

Behind us.

I whip my head around quickly, careful not to be seen. The alley's dim, the walls are blank, but I can't shake the feeling that someone's following us. I keep my eyes on the darkened passages, straining to hear, but the footsteps stop.

This place is far too poorly lit to make out any hidden figures. Still, I'm certain someone was tailing us.

I glance back down the alley, scanning the shadows, when suddenly a hand lands on my shoulder, making me jump. It's Malfoy.

"What's wrong?" he asks.

"I think someone's following us," I murmur.

He glances into the darkened passages, his eyes scanning them carefully. Without sparing me a look, he mutters, "There's no one. Come on."

He tugs gently at my arm. I give the alley one last glance before turning back. It seems Bella and the others have carried on without us. Malfoy pulls me along as we hurry to catch up, his hand firmly gripping my arm.

***

Draco and Y/N, along with the rest of the Death Eaters, are inside Borgin & Burkes. The place is as dreary as most of the other shops in Diagon Alley, now shut down and forgotten. The Death Eaters have probably turned it into their own hideaway, a place to stay out of the Ministry's prying eyes.