At the End

IV

A/N - After the long delay. 😔 sorry about that.

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Y/N's POV

I sat in the Hogwarts Express, returning home for Thanksgiving. Across me Theo and Blaise sat, chatting about the latest quidditch match. Pansy was reading a book to my right and Draco was with his minions, getting the newest information about Hogwarts. I was just there, staring out of the window, in my own world, while aboard the Hogwarts Express, en route to my Thanksgiving destination, I observed Theo and Blaise engaged in conversation about the most recent Quidditch match. Pansy was occupied with a book to my right, and Draco was gathered with his minions, gathering the latest information about Hogwarts. My preoccupation found me gazing out the window, enveloped in my contemplations.

Upon our arrival at the station, I found myself lacking the determination to return home and engage with my relatives, a situation that consistently brought about discomfort. Alighting from the platform, I bid my farewells and proceeded to locate my transportation back. Observing the absence of my car, I expressed my bewilderment, to which Draco responded, "We will travel in my car, Y/N. We will both be present for Thanksgiving." He then shouldered my bag and headed towards his vehicle. "Very well," I muttered and followed suit. The journey home was marked by discomfort, my idle presence proving to be quite agonizing. Upon reaching my destination, I promptly disembarked from the car, evincing a level of eagerness that was perhaps excessive.

Upon our arrival at my manor, we received a warm welcome from both my mother and Draco's mother. "Welcome home, Draco, and Y/N," my mother greeted us with a warm smile, displaying curiosity in her glance as she addressed us. As we proceeded toward the parlour, Narcissa inquired, "Did you both have a pleasant time at Hogwarts?""We did," I replied, placing my belongings down. Subsequently, after some familial catching up, we were granted permission to prepare for the evening, at which point my father intervened, stating, "Y/N, you will not be using your room. You and Draco are to share a room, the one to the right," before we could depart.Perplexed, I questioned, "What? Why can't I use my room as usual?" To which my mother responded, "As a married couple, you cannot sleep separately."Expressing my desire to use my room, I reasoned, "I want to sleep in my room."Firmly, my father asserted, "You may use your room when Draco is absent; it's a clear understanding. Your belongings have already been relocated there."

After hearing my father's directive, I stood in disbelief, trying to process the sudden change in sleeping arrangements. Sharing a room with Draco was not something we had discussed or anticipated. Turning to Draco, I searched his eyes for any hint of objection or discomfort, but he remained composed, though his expression mirrored my own surprise.

My mother sensed the tension and stepped forward gently. "Y/N, dear, it's normal for married couples to share a room when they visit. It's a sign of unity and respect," she explained, her voice soothing yet firm.

I glanced around the room, feeling the weight of everyone's expectations settling on my shoulders. The notion of sharing a room with Draco felt both foreign and intimate, and I struggled to reconcile it with the familiar independence I cherished.

Draco finally spoke, his voice calm yet tinged with underlying tension. "It won't be for long, Y/N. Just for the visit," he reassured me, his words more for himself than anyone else.

Feeling a mixture of reluctance and resignation, I nodded slowly, accepting the situation despite my inner turmoil. "Alright," I murmured, trying to sound more composed than I felt.

With a nod from my father, Draco and I quietly made our way towards the room he had indicated earlier. The hallway seemed longer than usual, each step echoing the uncertainty and unspoken questions between us. As we entered the room, I couldn't help but notice how neat and ordered it was, a reflection of Draco's meticulous nature.

Draco closed the door behind us, the sound cutting off the outside world and leaving us in a bubble of awkward silence. I glanced at him, unsure of what to say or do next.

He gave me a small, reassuring smile before turning to unpack his own belongings. I followed suit, mechanically placing my things in the designated areas, the atmosphere still heavy with unspoken tension and the weight of our new reality.

That evening, I lay in bed engrossed in a book, the quiet of the room broken only by the sound of pages turning. Draco emerged from the adjoining shower, casually shirtless as he often was—a familiar sight in our shared living space. Despite my accustomedness to such scenes, on this particular occasion, I found my gaze inexplicably drawn to him.Draco, perceptive as ever, caught my lingering stare and quipped,
"What? Can't stand the view?" He reached for a shirt from his closet and effortlessly slipped it on, all while maintaining a teasing smirk.A flush crept up my cheeks as I quickly averted my eyes back to the book in my hands.
"I wasn't looking at you," I retorted, though the feebleness of my denial betrayed the truth.
"Are you sure?" he persisted, his reflection meeting mine in the mirror.
"I... Nevermind," I murmured, abruptly rising from the bed and making my way towards the door. Leaving the room behind, I sought refuge in my brother's quarters, where I often found solace and a sense of grounding amidst the unanticipated unease of the moment.

I slightly knock on his door getting a 'come in', going in I find him sitting at his desk, engrossed in a sketchpad filled with intricate designs. He looks up as you enter, noticing your flushed cheeks and slightly flustered demeanor."Hey," he greeted me softly, setting aside his pencil. "Everything okay?"I nod, trying to dismiss the embarrassment still lingering from my encounter with Draco. "Yeah, just needed a break from reading.""Are you certain?""Actually, no.""Is this related to the arrangement with Draco?" he asked, guiding me to take a seat on his bed opposite him."I simply long for things to return to normal between Draco and myself. I feel as if a part of me is missing... It feels strange not having him around, like a best friend," I expressed, tears slowly welling up in my eyes. Managing emotions has never been my forte, and this situation is proving to be overwhelming for me."I'm so sorry I don't have a solution to this situation. But I am always there for you," reassured my brother as he embraced me and provided a comforting shoulder to cry on.That evening, I shed tears for several hours before retiring for the night.

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                                                                                    -Nora<3