Two Sides of the Serpent // Draco Malfoy

Chapter Nineteen: Embrace the Order

In the days to come, as I continued to wait for Luna's owl, Draco and I wore our masks. However, it was different now. The masks we had worn previously to conceal our true feelings about our betrothal had transformed into something serious and genuine. We had both been thrown into this world of darkness, but had been determined to fight against it, finding strength in each other.

Draco and I had found a way to mend the rift that had been created between us over the years. This last one had brought us closer than ever before. I wouldn't know if what we felt was truly love for each other, but I did know that the comfort of not fighting this battle alone brought a comfort like nothing else.

Continuing to live life unsuspected, we ventured to the Leaky Cauldron, maintaining our face of innocence. The pub was eerily quiet, its usual lively atmosphere was almost nonexistent. Many chose to hide away with the encroaching darkness. Death Eaters and snatchers always lurking, just waiting to attack unprovoked.

We found a table tucked away in a dimly lit corner, a glass of fire whiskey in hand to help ease our frayed nerves. Gazing out the window looking into Diagon Alley, it was clear how much has changed. So many shops and businesses I never paid mind, now closed and boarded up. I couldn't help but feel so much sympathy for the families along with the actions I had made furthering the cause of this occurrence.

Sensing my unease, Draco reached for my hand, intertwining his fingers with mine, offering comfort and a silent reassurance.

"It's hard to believe how much has changed.." He said nostalgically.

I nodded, remembering all the times in our first years walking the bustling streets, taking it all for granted. I sipped at the whiskey, feeling its comforting burn slid down the back of my throat and licking my lips clean of its aftertaste. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something odd in the threshold of the pub.

A silver-blue hare.

As I noticed it, it dashed and disappeared through the doorway. I rose from the table sprinting after it. Draco quickly tossed the galleons on the table and followed close behind, protective and just as curious. It's ethereal dust leaving a trail, I was sure to keep an eye on our surroundings and remained inconspicuous.

It led us through a winding path behind the rundown buildings into a hidden passageway. At the end of the street, it disappeared, now leaving us alone in the secluded alley.

"Well that's just great. What was that all about?" Draco sneered.

There had to of been a reason. I was almost certain that was Luna's patronus. I scanned up and down the street, searching for a clue of what this possibly meant. Just as I was about to give up, I noticed a small piece of folded parchment tucked under a rock hidden in the bushes. I reached for it, unfolding it meticulously. It was definitely a message from Luna.

Draco stepped closer, his curiosity brimming as he looked over my shoulder. "What does it say?"

The note was brief but laden with significance: "The Room of Requirement. Come alone."

I exchanged a perplexed glance with Draco. "The Room of Requirement? Why there?"

"It's summer," he pointed out confusedly. "Isn't the school closed?"

I considered his words and then the note in my hand, a thousand questions swirling through my mind. To ensure our secret remained hidden, I set the note on fire turning it to ash, leaving no trace behind.

Draco placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder, his eyes filled with concern. "Promise me you'll be safe."

I smiled at him, my heart warmed by his concern. "Of course, Draco. I promise."