The Darkness Between Us

Chapter Two

Charlie POV

As we steadily made our way along the tracks, the familiar landscape rolling by in a blur of green and gold. Inside the train, there was the feeling of excitement as friends caught up with each other preparing for another year at Hogwarts.

I sat comfortably between my brother Theo and Draco, their presence a comforting. Across from us, Daphne and Blaise chatted away, their laughter a soothing sound.

I'm pulled from my thoughts by sound of the compartment door sliding open, and I looked up to see my boyfriend, Adrian Pucey standing in the doorway. His eyes narrowed as he looked at me sat next to Draco, his eyes lingering momentarily.

"Charlie," he said, his tone, low, commanding and edged with annoyance, "come with me. I want to catch up with you in my compartment."

A silence filled with tension fell over the compartment. Theo's eyes darted between Adrian and me, a frown creasing his brow. Draco discreetly placed his hand on mine out of Adrian's sight and gripped it slightly, his protective instincts flaring.

I hesitated, feeling the weight of everyone's eyes on me. "Adrian, I'm comfortable here, I'll catch up with you later." I replied, trying to keep my voice steady and calm.

Adrian's expression darkened. "I wasn't asking, Charlie," he snapped. "Come with me now. Let's go."

Theo shifted beside me, and straightened his back, his eyes flashing with anger. "Adrian, you heard her! If she's comfortable here. Leave it."

However, Adrian ignored Theo, his eyes focusing solely on mine. "Charlie, now."

Draco's gaze hardened, and he leaned forward slightly, his voice low and dangerous. "Adrian, she doesn't want to go with you."

The tension in the compartment was palpable, each word charged with the undercurrent of conflict. I could feel the mounting pressure, the clash of wills threatening to boil over.

Reluctantly, I stood up, casting a quick glance at Theo and Draco. "It's fine," I said softly, trying to diffuse the situation. "I'll go with him."

Draco's eyes met mine, a silent plea for me to stay, but I shook my head subtly. I didn't want a confrontation, especially not here, not now and
not have Draco and Theo lashing out getting in to trouble before we even reach Hogwarts.

As I followed Adrian out of the compartment, I could feel the weight of Draco's and Theo's gazes on my back, their concern and protectiveness a tangible force.

We arrived at Adrian's compartment and Adrian's friends greeted me with smug smiles as we entered, their presence only heightening my unease.

"Finally," Adrian muttered, closing the door behind us. "You belong with me, not them. Do not defy me like that. Ever again!"

I forced a smile and nodded, trying to push down the knot of anxiety tightening in my chest. The train rattled on, the journey feeling longer and more uncertain than ever before.