Defend

Chapter Forty-Seven The One Banner

 I sit in the common room with Daphne and a few other Slytherin girls, who are comforting me. Professor McGonngall instantly helped clean my wounds as well as supply me with calming draught to get me to stop shaking. She was seething at the Carrow's for their treatment, and was happy to know Harry, Ron, and Hermione got away safely.

After a few minutes however, I finally fainted. I woke up in the infirmary, a sheet drawn around my bed. Madame Pomfrey took care of me for a while, and I slept through that night quite well.

"So, you think Harry and the others are alright?" Daphne asks in a hushed tone, and the other girls lean in as well.

"I believe so." I reply. "I think I'm going to head upstairs and rest a bit more." I say, eager to rest as much as I can for the rest of the Easter holiday.

The break slowly grinds along, and I only confide in Neville what happened, too terrified of scaring the younger students. He flinches at the slit on my cheek, but what really makes him uncomfortable is the scar on my arm reading 'BLOOD TRAITOR'. I know Bellatrix tortured his parents as well, and they probably had the Crusiatius curse used on them way more than she used it on me. He hugs me reassuringly, and recommends some plants to help fade the scarring.

~~~~

I sit in the common room, awaiting the students to return from Easter holiday. I have classes tomorrow and who knows what will happen in the Carrow's classes. Eventually, a few younger Slytherin's enter, and I sit on the edge of my seat waiting. Draco eventually steps through the concealed wall, dragging his trunk, and I leap off the couch to sprint into his arms.

"Eliza!" He exclaims, dropping his trunk and holding me close. I don't say anything, just focus on the feeling of his body against mine, glad for the comfort. "I was so scared after you disappeared..." He whispers. "What you went through —"

"Shhh." I shush, remaining attached to him. "I'm alright now."

We move over to the couch where I force myself into his lap, almost as if I'm not touching him, he'll disappear. He wraps his arms around me as I rest my head on the shoulder of the black suit he's wearing, as I didn't let him change or even go up to his dorm yet. Draco slowly takes my right hand, and glances into my eyes for permission. I nod slowly, and he lifts my sleeve to reveal the scar.

'BLOOD TRAITOR'

He sighs deeply, a pained look in his eyes. "I'm so sorry." He gently takes my arm and places it on his shoulder, allowing me to rest against his chest again. "The only reason I didn't step in sooner is because I was a coward—"

I glance up at his face, tangling my fingers into his hair. "Don't say that."

"No, I was scared if I stepped in... that.... She'd kill you." Draco whispers. "I was terrified if I said something or stepped out of line, she'd kill you, knowing it would get to me." He holds me tighter, and I listen to his heart pound.

"I'm safe now." I murmur, and I'm telling the truth. I feel safe in this dimwit's arms.

~~~~

The classes weren't too terrible. I didn't speak out much, and I mostly kept to myself, trying to focus on the subject matter.

A few weeks later however, Neville and I are sentenced to more detentions with the Carrow's. I had been going on walks to talk with Hagrid, but now it's impossible to even leave the castle. I faced the Crusiatius curse more times than I like to admit, since everytime we're supposed to practise it on first years, we don't. Which in turn, leads to us receiving the punishment.

~~~~

I walk into the room of requirement and embrace Neville upon entering. As Ginny hasn't returned, he's my closest friend. I miss her so much, and I even tried sending an owl, only to find my letter in the confiscated post pile the next day. A group of Ravenclaw girls enter hurriedly, panicked looks on their faces. Behind them, practically held up by two other Ravenclaw's, is someone I recognize. It's Michael Corner, Ginny's ex from fourth year. He's crying and shaking terribly, his robes, hands, and face scared by what looks like knife marks. I subconsciously touch the scar on my cheek, which has healed to the point of a faint white line.