Boundless

𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟑𝟗

This morning, when Mattheo grumbled sleepily and begged for us to stay in bed all day, I should have listened. I should have stayed beside him, wrapped in warmth and oblivious to the storm brewing outside our sanctuary.

When Theo asked if I wanted to join him in Hogsmeade to grab supplies for the party tomorrow night, I should have taken my purse and left with him. Maybe then, I would have avoided the nightmare that was about to unfold.

If I had done those things, perhaps I wouldn't have the muffled cries of Draco hiding behind me. Maybe the wand in my hand wouldn't be pointed at Dumbledore.

**

"It's a Saturday, nothing happens until later. Stay in bed," Mattheo pouted, his face pressed into the crook of my neck.

"You're insufferable, you know that?" I chuckled, trying to move his arm off my waist. He grumbled but forced it back down, his warm breath tickling my skin.

"It's not a crime to want to spend time with my girlfriend," he huffed, his voice a mix of annoyance and affection.

"I see you all the time. You'll survive," I said with a teasing smile, getting out of the warm bed and picking up my scattered clothes. I locked myself in the bathroom, trying to escape the comfort and warmth that now felt so distant.

The dark circles under my eyes were a stark reminder of the restless nights I'd endured. Draco had knocked on my door last night with the grim news: a group of Death Eaters would be infiltrating the school tonight.

Too on edge to rest, I had found solace in Mattheo's arms, curling up under the covers while he cradled my silent sobs until exhaustion finally claimed me.

I went about my day as normal, forcing myself to adhere to the routine. My Saturday typically involved a morning run for cardio and working on cheer routines to teach my team for our next sessions.

At lunch, I sat with our friends, trying to keep up appearances despite Draco's absence, which put me on edge.

Theo's announcement pulled me from my spiraling thoughts. "I've put some things on hold down in Hogsmeade. Got to grab them before three."

A few of them, including Mattheo, Blaise, and Pansy, offered to accompany Theo. Theo's attention turned to me. "You coming?" he asked, now standing up.

I hesitated. I should go; they'd expect me to. But Draco might need me, and someone had to be there for him. "I have to stay behind and work on my assignment. I'll catch you guys at the party."

Later that evening, as I sat by my desk trying to do my makeup, I struggled to muster enthusiasm.

Draco stayed beside me in my room, silently mumbling spells to himself as he prepared for the night's events. Each time I caught his gaze in the mirror, my heart ached.

Draco was strong, but he had a heart, more than anyone else I knew. He cared deeply, and I knew that killing someone would destroy him.

"They believe I'm ill, right?" Draco asked, his voice trembling slightly.

I turned off my curling iron and nodded. "They don't suspect a thing."

Draco nodded, straightening his suit as he prepared to leave. He walked over to me, his face a mask of sorrow. "Promise me you won't look at me differently after tonight, S?"

I stood up and brought my hand to his cheek, my heart breaking at his vulnerability. "You'll always be my best friend, Dray. Nothing will change that."

Without hesitation, he pulled me into a tight embrace. His breathing was shallow, as if he was trying to suppress his panic. With one last, lingering squeeze, he pulled away and left.

The party was in full swing when I arrived. Enzo was pouring fire whiskey straight into Theo's mouth, and the atmosphere was boisterous and chaotic. Mattheo's arm draped around my shoulders, and he stole kisses whenever our friends were preoccupied.

Trying to push down my worries about Draco, I joined the girls for a dance. But when Hermione and Ron appeared, I felt a jolt of anxiety.

I slipped out of the circle we'd formed and made my way over to them. "What are you guys doing here?" I asked, gently pulling them into the hallway. "Where's Harry?"

"Harry's not with you?" I asked, my face pale. They both shook their heads.

"Where was he last?" I pressed, my heart racing.

"He went to the Astronomy Tower," Ron said, his voice laced with worry. "We checked; it's empty."

Fear surged through me. I told Hermione and Ron to stay put while I went to find Harry. The Astronomy Tower was a popular spot with us students, but that didn't stop the Professors either.

Rushing through the dungeons and up the castle's winding stairs, I cursed myself for wearing heels. The click of my shoes echoed through the hallways as I sprinted toward the tower.

I paced up the stairs quickly, my breath coming in short bursts. When I heard voices from above, a hand suddenly landed on my shoulder, halting my steps. My mouth was covered, and for a moment, I feared this was the end. But then I saw blue eyes staring back at me.

Harry put a finger to his lips and gestured for me to stay quiet as he removed his hand. I nodded, my heart pounding as I peered through the gaps in the roof.

Draco was up there with Dumbledore and a group of Death Eaters. My gaze met Harry's, who had curiosity and concern etched on his face. I wondered if I had told Harry enough, if we had enough information.

I heard Draco's voice, trembling, as he pointed his wand at Dumbledore. The sound of his voice breaking filled me with dread.

I fought to stay grounded, to keep hidden, but I was never one to sit back. Leaving Harry behind, I crept up the stairs, careful to stay silent despite my heels. I hid behind a pillar, recognizing several of the Death Eaters.

Dumbledore spoke to Draco, his calm demeanor in stark contrast to Draco's visible turmoil. My eyes locked with Snape's, who made no move to alert the others of my presence. Bellatrix forced Draco to kill Dumbledore, and I watched in horror as Snape intervened.

If Dumbledore survived, Draco wouldn't. My life flashed before me—my father, my friends, the summer, Mattheo. If it were to end now, I'd be content with how my life had panned out.

I took a deep breath and stepped forward, reaching for my wand. Snape's eyes widened in horror as he saw me, trying to step in my way, but I was resolute. My wand was aimed at Dumbledore, with Draco's muffled cries echoing behind me.

The weight of the moment was unbearable, but I was committed. The fate of everything hung in the balance, and there was no turning back.