Echoes of Magic & Blood

Chapter 8: A Cry for Help

The evening was cool and calm, a stark contrast to the turmoil brewing within Anna's heart. The compound was settling into a quiet night; the sounds of conversation and laughter gradually faded as people retired to their rooms. Anna, however, couldn't shake a lingering sense of unease. It was as if an unseen shadow loomed over her, whispering that something was terribly wrong.

Anna stood on the balcony outside her room, staring out at the darkening sky. She wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the chill that had nothing to do with the temperature. Her mind drifted back to her time at Hogwarts, and more specifically, to Draco Malfoy. They had been inseparable during their school years, partners in mischief and confidantes in secrets. Despite the darkness that often surrounded his family, Draco had always shown her a side of vulnerability and loyalty that few others saw.

A sudden flash of silver light interrupted her thoughts. Anna's breath caught in her throat as she recognised the shimmering form of a patronus—a magnificent eagle, its wings spread wide. Draco's patronus. It soared toward her, landing gracefully on the railing of the balcony.

"Anna," the eagle said in Draco's voice, urgent and strained. "I need your help. I'm in trouble. Follow the signs."

Before she could react, the eagle dissolved into silvery mist, leaving Anna standing there in stunned silence. Her mind raced with questions and fears. Draco was in trouble, and he had reached out to her. But where was he? What signs was he talking about?

Panic began to rise within her. She needed to act quickly. Without wasting another moment, she dashed inside to gather her things. She grabbed her wand, a cloak, and a small pouch of essentials. As she turned to leave, the door to her room burst open, and Elijah stepped in, his expression serious.

"Anna, what's going on?" he asked, his voice steady but concerned.

"Draco's in trouble," Anna replied, her voice trembling with urgency. "He sent his patronus. I have to find him."

Elijah's brow furrowed. "Where is he?"

"I don't know," Anna admitted, her frustration evident. "He said to follow the signs, but I don't know what that means."

Elijah placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "Calm down. We'll figure this out together. You're not going alone."

Anna nodded, grateful for his support. "Thank you, Elijah. I don't know what I'd do without you."

"We'll find him," Elijah assured her. "Let's start by trying to trace the patronus. It should leave some magical residue that we can follow."

They hurried to the library, where they found Freya, who had an extensive knowledge of tracking spells and magical traces. After explaining the situation, Freya immediately set to work, her hands moving deftly as she cast a series of spells.

"There," she said, pointing to a glowing trail of silver light. "The patronus left a trace. We can follow it."

Anna's heart raced as they followed the shimmering trail, which led them out of the compound and into the dense forest. The silver light guided them through the trees, winding and twisting as if reflecting Draco's own desperation. They moved quickly but cautiously, the silence of the forest only amplifying Anna's anxiety.

After what felt like an eternity, the trail led them to a clearing. In the centre stood an ancient stone archway, covered in vines and glowing faintly with magical energy. Anna recognised it as a portal, an old and powerful one.

"This must be it," Anna said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Draco must have gone through here."

Elijah nodded, his expression determined. "Let's go."