Can He Save Her? (Draco Malfoy)

52.) Back To School: Dracos POV

As I sit here, I can't help but think about everything that happened on New Years Eve. It was supposed to be a night of celebration, but for me, it was a night of mixed emotions.

Layla looked stunning that night, and I couldn't take my eyes off her. But the fact that she was there with Regulus made me feel jealous and angry. I couldn't understand why she would want to be with him when she clearly had feelings for me.

To make matters worse, my father demanded that I introduce Layla to him, which only added more pressure to an already stressful situation. And then there was Theo, who once again hurt Layla. It made me beyond angry and frustrated.

But the moment that stands out the most to me is when I asked Layla if she was okay. The way she looked at me was something I would never forget. I could see the kindness and care in her eyes, and it made me feel something that I hadn't felt in a long time.

But the night wasn't all roses. Seeing Layla and Regulus kiss at midnight was like a dagger to my heart. It was a painful reminder that maybe she didn't feel the same way about me.

As I prepare to leave for Hogwarts, I can't help but wonder what the future holds for me and Layla. Will we ever be able to be together, or is she forever destined to be with Regulus? These thoughts weigh heavy on my mind.

I'm about to walk out of the door, and I can hear my father behind me"Draco, hold on a moment." He paused, and I turned around to face him. "There is something important we need to discuss."

I sighed a little, already knowing what this conversation was leading to. "What is it, Father? I really need to leave for the train station."

"I know, but this is important." He said sternly. "You have until the end of the school year to learn more about Layla."

"I've told you everything I know about her."

He glared at me. "There is one more important thing you need to know about Layla. Remember the ring you gave her that you charmed to see everywhere she goes?"

"Yes, I remember."

"Make sure you actually use it. If you don't, I will take matters into my own hands." He narrowed his eyes on me.

"What do you mean?"

"I mean that I will do whatever it takes to protect our family. If Layla is a potential threat, I need to know."

I nodded. "Okay." What else could I say? I have to do this.

"Good. And remember, Draco, the Malfoy name is everything. Don't forget that." He walked away without another word.

I reached the train station and made my way onto the train. I looked around the compartments, trying to find Blaise and Mattheo. I got to the back of the train and found only Blaise. I walked into the compartment, closed the door, and sat in the seat across from him.

He looked up from his book when he noticed I sat down. "Hey, mate."

"Hey, where's Mattheo?" I asked.

Blaise shrugged. "He went to talk to some Ravenclaw girl and hasn't come back yet. I'm assuming by now they are probably going to sit together." He chuckled, and I nodded.

A few minutes later, I could hear familiar voices coming closer up the aisle. Soon, the compartment door opens.

"Hey guys! Can we sit with you?" Pansy asked with a smile on her face.

"Sure." Blaise moved his things that were next to him on the seat.

Pansy sat next to Blaise, and Layla sat next to me.

As Layla settled herself into the seat beside me, a warmth spread through my chest, accompanied by an unusual fluttering sensation. In that moment, a whirlwind of emotions raced through my mind, difficult to decipher or understand. The butterflies danced within me, teasing and tantalizing my senses. It was an exhilarating feeling.

"Hi, Draco. How was the rest of your break?" Layla asked.

"It was okay. How was yours?" I forced a smile.

"It was good, can't complain."

"Her and Regulus owled each other the entire time." Pansy added with a huge smile on her face. My heart dropped a little.

"So things are going good for you guys?" Blaise asked.

"So far, yeah." Layla responded.

"Where are him and Lilly anyway?" Blaise raised an eyebrow.

"Lilly said they went early so Regulus could get sorted into his house, and Daphne is with them." Pansy responded. "It also looks like Mattheo has a girlfriend." She giggled.

"You saw him?" I asked.

"Yeah, he was in a compartment with some Ravenclaw girl. They couldn't keep their hands off each other." Layla laughed.

Eventually, the train started moving, and we were on our way back to Hogwarts.

I found myself stealing glances at Layla, unable to look away for too long. There was an effortless confidence about her, an intriguing blend of charm and mystery. Her laughter echoed through the cabin, reaching my ears as if it were a beautiful melody specifically composed for my ears alone. Each time she spoke, her voice carried a gentle yet alluring quality that enchanted me.

But it wasn't just the external allure that triggered these butterflies within me. It was the way Layla made me feel. Her presence seemed to ignite a spark within my soul, setting my thoughts and emotions free from the confines of my usual reserved nature. Her quick wit and sharp intellect challenged me in ways that no one else had before. It was as if she could see something within me, someone deeper than the labels and expectations that had long defined me.

The butterflies in my stomach were a strange and contradictory mix of nervousness and anticipation. They reminded me that I was alive, that I was capable of feeling something more than the icy facade I wore for so long. They reminded me that love and connection, even in the chaotic world we inhabited, were still possible.

❤️