Challenged Love

Chapter 28

I left Dumbledore's office on one mission and one mission only. I needed to find him. I needed to let him know I was here. I needed to let him know I wasn't gone. However, it proved to be practically impossible when swarms of people would surround me in hopes of learning how I survived my supposed "fall". I reluctantly explained the story to a couple of crowds; however, I got sick of being stopped every two minutes to retell that traumatic event. Because of this, I eventually started pushing past people and outright ignoring them without remorse. I was beginning to feel utterly desperate to find him. I knew I would have swam through rough waters and climbed treacherous mountains just to reach him. I was willing to do anything just to see his face again.

The sun began to set hours later, and I retreated to my dorm after an unsuccessful search. I got my own dorm room to myself just like in year 3 since I was the last person to arrive at Hogwarts. I lie in my bed defeated until dinner time rolled around. I knew that all the Slytherins would be heading to the Great Hall, which meant that would be my opportunity to catch him. I waited around in the common room for a good thirty minutes, yet I never once saw him walk past. I started to lose hope then assumed I probably just missed him amongst the many groups of people. I stood up with the intent of leaving the common room to catch up with him.

Until I finally spotted him.

I locked eyes with Draco Malfoy as he appeared at the top of the staircase which led to the boy's dormitories. He froze, studying me intently as if I were an illusion. I just stood there, staring back at him with eager eyes. I proceeded to take a few steps towards him, but he stepped back in response.

"Draco," I faintly spoke, longing to run into his arms and wash the pain away from my mind.

Draco continued to glare at me, appearing as if he was going to break any second. He had hideous dark circles under his eyes, resembling the effects of sleep deprivation. He also did not carry himself with pride and dignity as he normally did, but rather his figure appeared pitiful. He seemed to be so wretched, so grieved in his heart. I don't believe I have ever seen him in such a state as this.

Draco shook his head in denial, voice cracking as he spoke. "You're not real."

I noticed his breathing faltering, the anguish in his voice heart breaking.

"I am," I assured him, my eyes threatening to fill with tears.

Draco was still in disbelief, causing my heart to shatter.

"Whoever is doing this, you aren't funny!" he called out into the deserted room, his tone full of wrath and despair.

The common room was filled with uncomfortable silence once more except for the dancing flames crackling in the fire place. He really did not believe that I was standing before him. He was convinced that he had watched me die right before his eyes.

"I'm not a ghost or a spell!" I exasperated.

He put his hand to his forehead, mumbling under his breath. "I'm seeing things."

"I can prove to you I'm real."

That's when I noticed that glint of hope spark in his eyes. I knew then that he was willing to risk it as he steadily began advancing towards me. I held out my hand for him to take, knowing that it was impossible to hold the hand of a ghost. He grew closer, closer, and closer until our fingers were centimeters apart. Finally, his trembling hand held mine, our fingers interlocking. I watched as his eyes widened slightly at the sight. His tense countenance relaxed in the moment, and his eyes softened. Draco then instantaneously pulled me into his embrace, allowing me to finally melt into his arms.

"You're alive," he whimpered. "Bloody hell you're alive!"

He held onto me as if his entire life depended it, pulling me as close to him as possible. I laid my head on his shoulder, taking in his scent and the warmth of his body against mine. I then felt as he gently pressed his hand against the back of my head. It was a simple act of affection, yet it made me melt even more.