Two Sides of the Serpent // Draco Malfoy

Chapter Seventeen: Resisting the Darkness

The cold marble interior inside Malfoy Manor offered little comfort as Draco and I arrived, having Disapparated from the Forbidden Forest. The grand foyer, decorated with oppressive chandeliers, bore witness to a congregation of Death Eaters, covered by their ominous cloaks. Their presence was a reminder of the perilous world we had willingly stepped into, and the gravity of our actions weighed heavily upon us.

Narcissa Malfoy and my own mother stood among the gathering, their expressions a perplexing blend of pride and fear. In their eyes, our presence here represented both loyalty and a dark commitment to the Dark Lord's cause, but beneath the facade of familial pride, a silent understanding of the darkness that surrounded us lingered.

My mother approached me with a look that mixed pride and concern, speaking in a hushed whisper. "You've done only what you need to, but you must stay alert."

Draco's father, Lucius, approached him with a nod of approval, though his gaze bore the weight of the responsibility Draco now carried. "You've taken your first steps into a world only a few are chosen to enter, son," he said. "Now, you must navigate it with the grace and determination expected of a Malfoy."

Amidst the sinister atmosphere of the manor, Bellatrix Lestrange moved closer, her dark eyes locking onto Draco. Her manic laughter and the sight of her recently incinerated Hagrid's hut still lingered in our minds.

"Well, well, Draco," she purred with a disturbing smile. "Tonight, you've shown your true colors. It's about time you did your family proud."

The gathering of Death Eaters continued to murmur in low tones, relishing the havoc they had wreaked at Hogwarts. The severed connection to the vanishing cabinet was a bitter victory for our side, yet the burden of our irrevocable commitment to the Dark Lord's cause remained.

Draco's hand found mine, our intertwined fingers a symbol of the unbreakable bond we had forged in this dangerous path we had chosen. As the weight of our choices and the gathering of Death Eaters pressed upon us, we exchanged a silent understanding of the rocky journey that lay ahead.

In the center of the manor, we had been bound by dark forces around us. We stood silently as the Death Eaters basked in the events unfolded and celebrated. The tension in the air was thick as we clung to each other, observing the cheers and merriment. My face reddened with a mix of emotion; anger, sadness, and the desire to break away. I gritted my teeth, bitting my tongue hard enough the metallic taste slid down the back of my throat.

Narcissa, seeing the gravity of the situation etched on our faces, approached us once more. "Everything will be alright. Chin up," she commanded gracefully. "This is just the beginning."

Draco's grip tightened around my hand, and we slipped away from the gathering as she rejoined, our footsteps muffled on the grand staircase. Up we went, climbing the imposing stairs that led to his room, a sanctuary from the ominous presence of the Death Eaters and our parents. The air grew heavier with every step, our hearts pounding in synchrony as we ventured further into the heart of the Malfoy Manor.

Finally, we reached his room, a chamber of shadows and secrets. The door creaked softly as Draco eased it open, allowing us to enter without a sound. The silence was deafening around us as he closed the door. Once inside, he began to pace back and forth, running his fingers through his hair, causing it to fall just over his brow.

His voice was panicked and strained as he started to speak, "I have a feeling we'll never escape.."

I stood silently for a moment, searching for the proper words to ease his troubled mind but all logic had eluded me. I was just as lost as he, unsure of where or how to free ourselves from the suffocating grip of the Dark Lord. After some contemplation, I found it best to speak from the heart.

"We were raised in this world, surrounded by darkness and hatred. Our bond is our strength."

He stopped pacing as his eyes met mine. A glimmer of hope reflected in his grey eyes. With a soft nod, he understood my implications. Looking away, he stared at the marble floor as if trying to decipher a hidden message within the patterns.

"Did you ever manage to make contact with the person at Hogwarts you mentioned during the holiday?" He wondered aloud.

I took a moment to respond, my thoughts racing through the multitude of obstacles and dangers that had consumed our lives since that conversation.

"No," I admitted with a heavy sigh. "There hasn't been a moment to spare, and being discreet takes precedence. But perhaps, once the chaos settles down, we can create a plan."

"This dark path we've chosen is unforgiving," he muttered. "We must act soon.. time is no longer on our side."

I nodded in agreement, our shared resolve growing stronger by the second. "I know. I will figure out a way to contact the Order," I assured him.

He turned to me, grabbing my wrists firmly. "I need you to promise me you'll be safe. Don't do anything.. reckless."

The concern in his voice had spoken volumes at how far we gone together throughout the year. His continuous jabs at my actions use to hold a certain distaste but had now been replaced by genuine care.

Nodding once again looking into his eyes, I responded. "I promise"

His hands slipped from my wrist, intertwining his finger with mine. His voice low and collected as he spoke.

"Come on. Let's get back before they notice we are gone."

We descended the stairwell to rejoin the congregation of Death Eaters within the grand hall. They stood around the fireplace, gathering around the Dark Lord. His presence commanding submission and dread as he scanned with room with his crimson eyes. He raised a hand, silencing the murmurs and hushed conversations among his followers.

"My loyal servants, our time is drawing near. The darkness we sow will soon shroud the entire wizarding world."

Voldemort's voice cut through the room, a sinister blend of satisfaction and power. "My plan is working flawlessly, my faithful followers. The Order of the Phoenix is ignorant of our true intentions, and they stumble blindly into our traps. I congratulate you all on your unwavering dedication."

His red eyes turned to Snape, his voice laced with a twisted sense of gratitude. "And I must offer a special commendation to Severus. You have proven time and time again to be ever faithful to our cause."

Professor Snape didn't flinch, or move a muscle. Just stood silently while he accepted the praise. The air in the room grew heavier as the plans for his future were outlines. The followers gathered here today continued their cheers as each idea, more sinister than the last, were announced.

As it came to an end and the room had emptied, Draco and I were left behind. Staring at the floor in utter disbelief. Our hands bound to each others, grounding ourselves in this moment and finding a semblance of peace in one another during this dark time.