The Darkness Between Us

Chapter Three

The compartment was filled with the low murmur of conversation and the occasional burst of laughter as Adrian and his friends talked about girls, upcoming plans for the year ahead and Quidditch. I sat in silence, staring pointlessly out the window, feeling increasingly out of place amidst their distasteful jokes and boastful stories trying to boost each other ego.

Marcus Flint, who was lounging in the corner, moved the conversation towards Daphne. "I've got my eye on Greengrass this year," he said with a smirk. "She's looking fine, don't you think? I'd like to see her begging."

A sudden surge of anger rose within me, and before I could even stop myself, I spoke up. "Leave Daphne alone, Flint. She's not interested in you and she wouldn't ever be."

The compartment fell silent, all eyes turning to me. I slowly sank in further to my seat. Forgetting where I was and who I was with. Marcus's smirk faded, replaced by a look of annoyance. "And who asked you, Nott? Huh?" he sneered. "Mind your own business you tramp."

Adrian's hand clamped down on my wrist, his grip painfully tight. "Charlie," he said in a low, threatening tone, grabbing my jaw and forcing me to look at him, "keep your mouth shut or I'll find a better use for it."

I swallowed hard, the pressure of Adrian's fingers a harsh reminder of my precarious position. I glanced quickly at Marcus and Graham,
seeing a mix of amusement and disdain. The comfort I had felt with Draco, Theo, and the others seemed a distant memory.

Marcus leaned back, an evil glint in his eyes. "Looks like someone's getting a bit too big for her boots," he said, addressing Adrian. "You better keep your girl in line."

Adrian's grip tightened in my wrist, and I winced. "Don't worry, Flint. I've got it under control."

I bit my lip, feeling the sting of humiliation and fear. The rest of the journey passed in a blur, I tried to retreat into myself, tuning out the conversation as best I could, but every now and then, Adrian's grip would tighten, a silent warning not to speak out again.

By the time the train finally pulled into the station, I felt drained. As we stepped off the train, I caught sight of Draco and Theo waiting on the platform. Leaning against the pillars, hands in their pockets. Their eyes met mine, concern and anger evident in their expressions. I subtly shook my head at them. Pleading with my eyes for them to not make a scene. Blaise seeming to understand, whispered to them. They slowly moved off the pillars. Draco lingering slightly before following the other and I let out a sigh in relief.

Adrian's hand on my back was a constant reminder of his control.

The Great Hall was alive with the excited chatter of students, the air buzzing with the energy of a new school year. The enchanted ceiling mirrored the night sky, stars twinkling. Despite the festive atmosphere, I felt a heavy weight pressing down on me as I walked into the hall beside Adrian.

As we made our way to the Slytherin table, I make my way over to my usual spot at the table.

"You're sitting with me tonight," Adrian said, his tone leaving no room for argument. His hand rested possessively on my lower back as he guided me towards the Slytherin table.

I cast a quick glance towards where Draco, Theo, and Blaise were sitting, their eyes following my every move with a mix of concern and frustration. Theo's brow furrowed deeply, Blaise's usually calm demeanor tinged with anger, and Draco's gaze was a cold, hard mask.

As I sat down next to Adrian, I could feel their eyes on me. The weight of their concern only added to the suffocating pressure I felt.

The feast began, murmurs of excitement and disbelief as plates and platters started appearing magically on the table, but I had no appetite. Adrian, as always oblivious to my discomfort, chatted with his friends, occasionally casting me a glance to ensure I wasn't straying from his side.

Across the hall, I saw Draco lean in to whisper something to Theo. Theo's eyes flickered with a mix of anger and worry as he nodded in response.

"Charlie, why aren't you eating?" Adrian's voice cut through my thoughts, and I looked down at my plate with the food untouched.

"I'm not hungry," I mumbled, hoping he would let it go.

Adrian's grip on my arm tightened, his eyes narrowing. "You need to eat something. You're starting to look like a ghost and I'm not having you walk around by my side looking like that."
I forced myself to take a few bites, until I felt him look away to rejoin his conversation.

As the feast went on, I felt more and more alone, the noise and laughter around me only emphasising my loneliness. When the feast ended, I stood up quickly, eager to escape.

"Just where do you think you're going?" Adrian's voice was sharp, his grip on my arm preventing me from moving.

"Just... I just want to get some fresh air," I said, my voice barely above a whisper.

Adrian watched me for a moment before nodding reluctantly. "Fine. But don't take too long."

As I walked towards the entrance, I felt a presence beside me. I turned to see Draco, his eyes filled with determination and a hint of softness.

"Draco? What are you doing?" I murmur, looking straight ahead.

"Come with me," he said quietly, leading me out of the Great Hall and into a more quiet corridor.

Once we were alone, Draco turned to me, his expression softening. "Charlie, what's going on? With Adrian. I knew he was slightly dickish but
controlling and possessive."

Tears welled up in my eyes, but I forced them back. "I'm fine, Draco. It's just... everything's a bit much right now."

Draco reached out but I stood back, fearing we will get caught. "You don't have to go through this alone. We're all here for you.

I nodded, feeling the weight of his words, the warmth of his touch offering a brief respite from the darkness. "Thank you, Draco."

He pulled me into a hug, his arms offering a sense of security I hadn't felt in a long time. I vowed to find a way to break free from Adrian's grip and reclaim the strength and freedom I know I deserve.