Inferno | Draco Malfoy

104 | Clandestine Midnight Meeting

"Lumos."

With a gentle flick of my wrist, I whisper the wand-lighting charm, and instantly, the path before me is illuminated; I activate my SilentSneak by tapping my wrist, feeling the familiar hum of magic ripple through me as the enchantment takes hold and muffles all of my softest of sounds. The hour is late, and the manor is enveloped in silence once more as I proceed to navigate the corridor of bedrooms with purpose.

Nearly two months have passed, resulting in a total of three and a half months of my confinement within the manor. Despite this extended period, I still have not heard any news from home, which intensifies the weight of uncertainty with each passing day. Yet, I persist in my fervent prayers for any indication of hope or contact from my loved ones during these times.

In addition to my worries about my family, I also mourn the loss of my last link to the outside world — Theo. He was my final opportunity to engage with my friends and share in the friendship that once brought me joy. However, I have recently learned from Narcissa that he has been sent away to live with his aunt for the time being, further severing my ties to the life I once knew.

In the midst of this upheaval, the surrounding world has descended into greater disorder, particularly in the wake of the recent event in which the Snatchers apprehended the Golden Trio, but, in a remarkable turn of events, all three managed to escape from the clutches of their captors.

Their daring escape has sparked a renewed sense of hope within me, as I recognise that all those previously confined in the cellar have now been freed. This flicker of optimism serves as a poignant reminder that even in the darkest of circumstances, there are individuals who courageously resist and pursue liberty.

While an overwhelming sense of dread hangs in the air, not all news has been grim. In a twist of fate, I have learned that Gideon Ollivander, the son of the renowned wandmaker, is currently evading capture. His decision to go into hiding has only served to intensify the Dark Lord's fury, as he relentlessly seeks the Origin Chest, a relic of antiquity that I know holds the secrets my parents are striving to protect, and hell, the stakes are higher than ever.

In a fleeting moment, I am drawn behind a curtain by an unseen force, and a frigid hand clasps my arm. A silent laugh escapes me, as I know all too well who it must be, particularly as I sense the chill of his ring grazing my fingertips.

Moreover, amidst this chaos, an inferno of passion has ignited my life, for Draco and I have been becoming increasingly closer, though, through clandestine meetings of course.

Each meeting has been a delicate dance of stolen moments and whispered promises, as we must exercise caution, as the threat of being discovered looms large, a constant reminder of the precariousness of our situation. Each moment we share is akin to a cherished gem, a precious respite from the harsh truths that envelop us. I take comfort in the knowledge that, even amid the troubles, we have one another for support, a beacon of light in the encroaching darkness.

I lightly tap my wrist twice, deactivating my SilentSneak, as he wraps his arms around me in his embrace from behind. Initially, I was meant to visit him in the study room; however, it appears he preferred to meet me here, at the corridor's end, shielded from the watchful eyes of the night and concealed behind a curtain to ensure our privacy.

The warmth of his body against my back provides a reassuring presence that sends a delightful shiver through me. I turn my head slightly, catching a glimpse of his face illuminated by the moonlight streaming through the window, where his eyes glimmer with both mischief and affection; they hold a spark that resonates within me, a connection that feels undeniable.

"Draco!" I whisper-shout, attempting to suppress the laughter bubbling within me as I lean back into him, feeling both safe and cherished. The way he holds me, firm yet gentle, makes me want to give my all to him.