don't let me go || draco malfoy

forty

Aside from the sweet nothings I whispered in his ear, I didn't say anything, letting him seek solace in my presence and I just held him. I let my fingers run through his hair slowly, trying my best to provide any comfort I can. Without a word, he picked up the letter from his mom, handing it to me with shaky hands.

My Dearest Son,

I hope things are well at school. I am so happy to hear you and Valerie got together. I can't wait to meet her. I miss you dearly and am hoping the Easter break comes quickly so I can see you again.

I have some news that I am reluctant to put into a letter, but I need you to hear it from me before the rumor mill at Hogwarts. I had a visit from Minister Fudge earlier this week. The visit started out pleasant as he asked about you and your wellbeing, etc. However, this discussion soon turned to the topic of your father. It has been decided amongst the Minister and the Wizengamot that death eaters in Azkaban will be tried again. I was happy to hear this at first, knowing there is hope that Lucius could have a chance at freedom. But, Fudge continued. If the court decides the defendant is innocent, they will be freed from any and all charges, not to be questioned again. If found guilty, however, it has been decided that the dementors of Azkaban will preform the kiss. Meaning, if your father is not found innocent, he will loose his soul and ultimately his life.

I am so sorry that you had to find out this way. I wish I could have told you in person and be there with you. Fudge said that the trials will be happening in April, though they haven't sorted out specific dates yet. I will be attending of course, but I will not make you go. You are free to make this decision on your own. I will not subject you to that torture if things don't go our way. Nevertheless, I will update you as soon as I get word of when the trial will be.

I love you Draco and again, I am so sorry to have sprung this on you. Please don't seclude yourself. Don't hide from your friends, especially not Valerie. From what you've told me, she sounds like your safe space. Please cling to her and keep her close in this time of need.

I love you always, never forget that.

Love, Mum

I lowered the pieces of parchment, tears falling from my eyes as I processed what I had just read. "He could die Valerie. He could die and it's my fault," Draco croaked, his voice hoarse and small as he spoke. "Oh my love, it's not your fault. Please don't think that. I- Merlin I don't even know what to say as I know nothing will make this any easier. But Dray, please know I am right here. And I will be through it all, no matter the outcome."I pressed, pulling his face to mine so I could look him in the eye. The stormy gray had completely taken over. His nose and eyes red from the countless tears that had fallen.

In this moment, he looked so vulnerable, a fear he once opened up to me about. "Please," he stuttered out, the words getting caught in his throat, "Please don't leave me. I can't do this without you." I clung to him tighter.

"Oh Draco. I am never leaving. Not for a second." I pulled him impossibly closer, doing my best to hold together the broken boy in front of me. I could hear his mind screaming as thoughts of his father dying flashed in his eyes. We stayed there until the stars came out and fireflies starting dancing in the air around us.

"Come on my love. Let's go get some sleep," I murmured, pressing a reassuring kiss to his forehead. He slowly untangled himself from me, stuffing the letter into his back pocket before looking up to face me. I engulfed him into a hug and he buried his face in my neck. "Thank you," he whisper, his voice hoarse. "I will always be beside you," I promised, meaning each and every word.

We walked back to the castle in silence, my hand never leaving his as we descended the stairs to the dungeon. I didn't question his actions as he followed me to my dorm where he showered silently, changed silently, and crawled into bed silently.

Normally Draco would be the one to pull me to him, my head resting against his chest as we fell asleep. Tonight, I did. I pulled the fragile boy towards me, his head resting in the crook of my neck as his arms encircled my waist. Our legs tangled together beneath the sheets as the lanterns faded and I ran my hand up and down his back soothingly, pressing kisses to his forehead every so often.

I stayed awake until I knew for sure he was asleep, listening to the sound of his breathing growing steadier. I allowed myself to let a few tears slip, my heart aching for him and Narcissa as they shouldered the weight of this news alone.

I woke up the following morning before Draco did and I watched him sleep. He looked peaceful as little puffs of air left his mouth and his face was relaxed and not screwed up in pain. His under eyes were puffy, swollen from the tears yesterday and his cheeks were red. 15 minutes after 6, I decided to wake him up so we weren't late for the day.

"Dray," I whispered pressing a kiss to his forehead. He shuffled slightly squeezing his eyes shut before opening them and I stared into the beautiful blue. "Good morning handsome," I greeted and he smiled softly before burying his head further into my chest as he let out a yawn. "Good morning angel," he hummed pressing a kiss into my neck.

I carted my fingers through his hair slowly feeling him smile as I did so. "We need to get up and get ready," I stated after a few minutes and he groaned in disagreement but eventually got up. We got ready quietly, the comfortable silence looming over us.

"Hey man, where were you yesterday?" Blaise asked as we sat down for breakfast. "I'll talk with you later," was all Draco said and Blaise accepted the answer, continuing to eat. "Hogsmeade is next weekend correct?" Enzo asked and Gabi confirmed.

"I'm excited. Tomes and Scrolls is supposed to have gotten new books over the winter!" We talked about the following weekend while Draco picked at his food mindlessly. I intertwined our fingers under the table, offering him some comfort.

That night he spent a couple of hours with the boys and he told them about the letter. They offered him comfort in different ways than I could, being able to empathize with him.

We all went to breakfast, the atmosphere lighter and happier as the sun beamed down on us through the windows. Draco's fingers were tapping against the table. "What's on your mind," I asked lowly as to not attract the other's attention. "I think I'm going to ask mum to meet in Hogsmeade next weekend."

"That would be great Dray. I know you want to see her," I smiled and grabbed his hand off the table, running my thumb over it. "I want you to meet her too." My breathing faltered, but I quickly collected myself. "Oh, okay. Definitely," I smiled and he caught on to my nerves. "Don't worry. She'll love you," he grinned pressing a kiss to my forehead.