Defend

Chapter Forty-Nine Redemption For My Brother(s)

 Distracted by the spells flying every which way, Draco and I are separated. It's alright however, as I remember my main reason for fighting besides defending my loved ones.

My brother.

Cedric's death was completely unjust, his being referred to as 'the spare' causes my blood to boil as I shoot well aimed jinxes at the Death Eaters.

I can only pray that Draco isn't among them, and instead has realised not just who he really must fight for, but why he's fighting. I make my way through the deteriorating castle, unable to fathom the school I loved so much being forced into such desecration. I slowly somehow make my way back up towards the room of requirement where I see my boyfriend sprawled on the floor, a visage of terror plaguing him.

"YOU TWO-FACED BASTARD!" Ron yells, punching him square in the face. My eyes widen in surprise at the blow and I rush towards the group of the trio along with Draco and Goyle. Surprisingly, Crabbe was absent as he was usually ever present at Goyle's side.

"Everybody just calm down!" Hermione yells, before turning and spotting me. "Eliza." She whispers, and I run forward to hug her. My arms still around her, I turn towards my boyfriend who's staring at the closed room of requirement doors, a haunted look on his face.

"What happened?" I ask, moving over to hug Ron. As he exits the hug, he grimaces.

"Crabbe killed himself with his own Fiendfyre." Ron informs me and my jaw falls open. I didn't like Crabbe by any means, I barely liked him any more than I like Parkinson, but the fact he just died so suddenly—

Suddenly Harry grunts in pain and clutches his forehead. His scar must be causing him intense pain again, and Hermione and Ron rush over to him. The trio bids me goodbye and to stay safe as they sprint to their next destination.

"Draco." I whisper, sitting on the floor beside him. Goyle gets up and sprints away, and I run my fingers through Draco's tangled hair. Flecks of ash cling to the blond mass, and I gently turn his chin towards me. "Are you alright?" I know I hated Crabbe, but Draco and him were friends, and to see someone you've known your whole life die is scarring. I don't know what Ron was on about, and while he probably had a valid reason, this isn't the time to be interrogating my boyfriend about it.

"I think so." He whispers, grabbing me tightly. I stand up and grip his hand as we wander back down to the castle, and on the second floor I see Ginny and Tonks aiming jinxes out of a window onto Death Eaters below.

I nod my head in their direction. "I'll see you soon. You better stay safe." I whisper, grabbing the lapels of his suit and yanking him against me for a kiss.

His lips lock onto mine for a lengthy moment before he slowly pulls away, scanning my face with the most gentle, loving gaze I've ever seen.

"You stay safe too, my love." He whispers and against my will my stomach fills with butterflies like the first time he asked me out, a rebellious smile stretching my lips.

"I will." I peck him on the lips once more before sprinting over to Ginny and Tonks, pulling them both in for a tight hug.

"I love you two." I cry as I squeeze them tighter.

"I love you lots, Eliza." Tonks smiles as I join them in firing curses.

"I saw you snogging." Is all Ginny has to say, and we smirk at each other, despite the circumstances, still being playful.

"I can't wait for you two to meet Teddy." Tonks says, referencing her newborn son.

"I bet he's adorable." I reply, nonverbally casting Depulso on a Death Eater below.