Can He Save Her? (Draco Malfoy)

145.) Betrayal: Laylas POV

(A/N: I'm sorry I haven't published in a while 🥺 I went through a break up after 5 years, and I've just been trying to work on myself. But finally, here's a chapter 😋)

The chill of the winter air nipped at our cheeks as Lily, Pansy, and I strolled through the snowy streets of Hogsmeade. The cobblestones beneath our boots were dusted in a blanket of pristine snow, glistening in the soft light of the sun that hung low in the vivid blue sky, unmarred by a single cloud.

As we walked, the sound of our laughter mingled with the crisp air, filling the busy thoroughfare with warmth and friendship. The quaint shops and cozy cafes of Hogsmeade bustled with students and townsfolk alike, their breath visible in the icy air.

Amidst the hustle and bustle, Pansy's gaze flitted down a narrow alley, her expression shifting from curiosity to shock in an instant. Without a word, Lily and I followed her line of sight and saw what had rendered her speechless.

There, hidden in the secluded alleyway, stood Blaise and Daphne, locked in a heated embrace. My breath caught in my throat as I watched, a mixture of surprise, disbelief, and perhaps a touch of amusement swirling within me.

Pansy's hand flew to her mouth as her eyes widened, a gasp escaping her lips. "Merlin's beard," she whispered, her voice barely above a murmur.

Lily's eyes widened in surprise, her cheeks reddening as she realized the scene before us. "Blaise and Daphne?" she muttered, the shock evident in her tone.

While the reality of what we were witnessing sank in, I felt a mix of emotions wash over me. Blaise and Lily had dated before, and seeing him now entwined with Daphne, Lily's close friend, was a revelation that none of us had expected.

I exchanged a glance with Lily, a silent understanding passing between us, before turning back to Pansy, who looked like she had just seen a ghost.

"What do we do?" Pansy whispered, her eyes flitting between us.

I took a deep breath, my mind racing with the implications of what we had just witnessed. "Let's give them some space," I suggested, my voice holding a touch of uncertainty.

As we slowly made our way back to the main street, the shock of the unexpected encounter lingered in the air between us. The day that had started so idyllically had taken an unexpected turn, leaving us all grappling with the newfound knowledge that would undoubtedly change the dynamics of our group in ways we couldn't yet foresee.

After the unexpected encounter in the alleyway, Lily, Pansy, and I sought refuge in the familiar warmth of the Three Broomsticks. The crackling fire casted a cozy glow over the pub, and the scent of butterbeer and roasting chestnuts filled the air.

While we settled into a secluded booth, the clinking of glasses and the murmur of hushed conversations surrounded us. I took a sip of my butterbeer, the rich taste soothing my frazzled nerves.

Pansy broke the silence, her eyes wide with astonishment. "I still can't believe we saw Blaise and Daphne like that," she exclaimed, her voice barely above a whisper.

Lily looked thoughtful, her gaze flickering between us. "It's a bit... unexpected, to say the least," she said, her brows furrowing in contemplation.

I couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt at the mention of Blaise and Lily's past relationship. The idea of them now being involved with Daphne added a layer of complexity to the situation.

"Do you think we should talk to them about it?" Pansy asked, her eyes darting around the table.

Lily sighed, her expression conflicted. "I'm not sure if it's our place," she admitted, her voice tinged with uncertainty.