The Hollow Beneath Hogwarts

119. There May Be Trouble Ahead

"HELP! For the love of fuck, help me!"

Theo's voice exploded through Draco's bedroom.

Draco shot upright so violently that he nearly fell out of bed. His heart immediately lurched into his throat.

For a split second he had no idea where he was.

The room was dark. Silent. Still.

Then he saw it. A bright white light hovering at the foot of his bed. Not a light. An orb. A messenger orb.

Theo's messenger orb.

Draco was already reaching for his wand before his brain fully caught up.

The glowing sphere floated higher. Theo's face appeared inside it.

Panicked. Terrified.

Covered in sweat.

"It's Theo. I need backup!"

Every trace of sleep vanished from Draco instantly.

"Sloane and Hermione have been taken."

The words hit like a Bludger to the chest.

Draco physically froze. His stomach dropped. His blood turned to ice.

Theo continued speaking rapidly. "Some sort of large beast. I can't get a good look at him."

Theo glanced over his shoulder.

Draco could hear heavy breathing. Running. Fear.

"Both girls are unconscious and being carried away." Draco's hands started shaking. "Get your ass down to the west tower now!"

Theo's voice cracked. "Bring everyone!"

The image jolted violently as Theo moved. "Bring anyone!"

Then came the words Draco would remember for the rest of his life.

"I am going to try and fend them off."

Draco closed his eyes briefly. Theo. You idiot.

"Tell Daphne I love her!" The message flickered. "Come quickly mate."

Theo attempted a smile. A terrified smile. "To rescue your girl..."

A pause.

"...and probably me too."

The orb vanished. The room fell silent.

Draco stared at the empty space where it had been.

For exactly half a second.

Then everything exploded into motion. His wand slashed through the air. Last night's jeans appeared on him. A black sweatshirt. Shoes.

No buttons. No laces.

No patience.

He grabbed his wand. Snatched the orb.

And ran.

The dormitory door slammed against the wall.

He didn't slow down. Didn't stop. Didn't think.

The only thing repeating through his head was one word.

Sloane.

Sloane.

Sloane.

Sloane.

He practically launched himself down the corridor. By the time he reached the girls' dormitory he was breathing hard.

His pulse was thundering. The door burst open.