My Promises To Captain Malfoy || DRARRY

Chapter 7

"Do you remember the days you took your first riding lessons with your father, Harry?"

Mrs. Potter asks with a sweet smiles on her pinkish lips. Actually, the moment was planned by Mrs. Potter to spend her precious time with her eldest son who haven't been together for serval years.

The autumn breeze is blowing gently and wraps Harry mind and soul. Harry’s boots crunch softly on the gravel as he us walking with his mother, Lily Potter, along the desolate country road in Brockenhurst. The early morning mist clung to the ground, veiling the trees in soft gray hues, while the first rays of the sun filtered through the branches, casting a golden glow over the landscape. The silence of the countryside, broken only by the occasional call of birds and the distant lowing of cows, enveloped them like a blanket.

As Harry gazes at the familiar surroundings, his thoughts drifted back to memories of him and his twin sister, Hermione,, taking their fist riding lesson with their father and two uncles- Uncle Moony and uncle Pad, during their unforgettable childhood. He could almost feel the reins in his hands as they galloped through the New Forest on their ponies. The wind had whipped through their hair as they laughed and raced each other down the same country lanes. Hermione’s pony, a sprightly chestnut, was always ahead, her wild curls bouncing as she urged the animal on with fierce determination. Harry, never far behind, had admired her skills, her natural affinity with the animals of the forest.

They had spent countless summer afternoons together, exploring the hidden trails, racing against time to find secret clearings, and watching the forest animals. Brockenhurst had been more than a home; it had been their sanctuary. Each ride through the forest had felt like a magical adventure, a world of their own where they could be free. But now, they all left as precious memories. If Harry bumped into a chance to be young again, he will definitely not let it go.

"It didn't change, Brockenhurst"

Harry whisperes with a deep sigh.

"Of course my dear, it didn't change, like you. Forever young and i still see you as a 5 years old boy who was always eager to do new things."

"No, I changed mentally, mom. Besides, Mione changed the most. She became so demure, I can feel it, she is not a little girl anymore. I mean ...I don't know when she said, she doesn't want to study abroad but learn our family bussiness"

Harry says with a lower voice.

"Yes, she actually did so. At first your dad didn't accept but your uncles hood winked him. And, it is generally accepted that, society placed strong expectations on women to prioritize family life, marriage, and domestic roles rather than pursuing higher education or careers. The idea of women traveling abroad alone for education was often seen as unconventional or even inappropriate"

Mrs. Potter says with a smirks. But, she is also one of the women and she have the same life as other women.

"Oh look!"

Mrs. Lily Potter, her face lit with surprise, whispers,

"Is that...?"

as her gaze locks onto the approaching figure. Harry, following his mother’s line of sight, turns and sees Captain Malfoy striding toward them. Dressed in a crisp, immaculate military uniform, he looks nothing short of breathtaking, every step commanding attention.

"Oh yes"

Mrs. Lily Potter and Harry stood quietly by the tall, iron fence of the barracks, peering through the narrow gaps. In the distance, Captain Draco Malfoy was a striking figure amidst the rows of soldiers. The crisp, autumn air tugged at his uniform as he moved with purpose, commanding the men with sharp, precise gestures. His platinum hair caught the fading sunlight, gleaming as he corrected a soldiers stance. Each movement was fluid and confident, his presence magnetic, demanding respect. Harry noticed his mothers eyes lingering on the scenean unexpected softness in her gaze as they watched Malfoy guide his troops through their rigorous drills.

Mrs. Lily Potter and Harry stand quietly by the tall, iron fence of the barracks, peering through the narrow gaps. In the distance, Captain Draco Malfoy is a striking figure amidst the rows of soldiers. The crisp, autumn air tugs at his uniform as he moves with purpose, commanding the men with sharp, precise gestures. His platinum hair catches the fading sunlight, gleaming as he corrects a soldiers stance. Each movement is fluid and confident, his presence magnetic, demanding respect. Harry notices his mothers eyes lingering on the scenean unexpected softness in her gaze as they watch Malfoy guide his troops through their rigorous drills.

Harry feels a flutter in his chest as he watches Draco, a mix of admiration and yearning that he can’t quite shake off. There’s a magnetic pull to the way Draco moves—confident and effortless—that draws Harry’s gaze and keeps it there. His stomach twists with a strange combination of pride and envy, wishing he could be closer, somehow part of that world Draco commands so easily. It’s a bittersweet sensation, knowing his feelings are one-sided, but he can’t help the rush of warmth that spreads through him whenever Draco’s voice echoes in the barracks. There’s a longing there, deep and unspoken, that Harry tries and fails to bury.

"Oh god, why it is happening to me"

🍂🍂

The sliver smoke from a expensive cigarette between Draco's strong fingers flying away and faded in the darkness of the autumn night. The whole barrack is quite even he can't hear and pin drop as almost all of the soldiers are resting in their slumbers.

Draco receives a letter from his family in London, and a wave of regret washes over him for staying away so long. His absence weighs heavily on his mind, but duty binds him, leaving him no choice. He knows he cannot linger in London longer than his service allows. Yet, even as the city calls to him, his thoughts drift back to his barracks, where unease settles deep in his chest.

"Dear Son"

He notices the address scrawled on the brown envelope resting on the desk. Draco recognizes the handwriting instantly; it’s his mother's. He hands it over, then tears it apart. The rich scent of the paper drifts into the air.

"Dear Son

I miss you deeply. We were informed of a military event in London and had eagerly anticipated your return afterward. Though you were unable to come, we understand that your duties may not permit extended leave from the barracks.

Our home has felt unbearably empty and sorrowful since your departure. However, I am immensely proud of you, my dear Captain.

Your father and I have considered visiting you, but we understand that you are occupied with your duties and do not wish to disrupt you. The business is thriving under your father's management, so please do not worry about us. If you require additional funds for personal needs or for your soldiers, do not hesitate to write to us, my dear.

If you find yourself with some free time or receive a holiday, please come home.

With all my love and warmest regards,
Your devoted mother"

The letter concludes. He carefully places it back into the envelope and slides it into a drawer. Inside the drawer, several similar envelopes lie scattered. His mother starts writing to him once or twice a month since he left.

He lets out a sigh as a cool breeze sweeps through the curtain. Suddenly, he realizes he hasn’t seen him today. Caught up in his duties, he finds himself almost forgetting. Yet, he knows Harry will not share his feelings. He sighs again, feeling the weight of the moment. This autumn night stretches longer than usual.

🍂🍂