REBEL

19. GREYISH BLACK - SILVER GREY

19. GREYISH BLACK - SILVER GREY

Considering that we're currently in a pretty tense situation, I like the lack of physical distance between Malfoy and me far too much. My back is pressed so tightly against his chest that I can feel each of his controlled breaths not only vibrating against my spine, but also as a puff of air against my cheek. Furthermore, with every step we take, I register the flexing of his well-toned thigh muscles. And his wand arm, which he has raised slightly so that in an emergency he can react quickly, is wrapped around my upper body in a kind of half-hug.

There is a slight hint of the security I always felt around him before he occluded himself. However, the desire to feel safe (with him) again is not the reason why I made sure that we had to cuddle up together like this. Nope, that is simply part of my new strategy; of the aforementioned activism on my part.

During our last heated argument in the briefing room, I noticed once again that he still seemed to be interested in my body, so I decided to use it to break down his reserve. However, I was aware that it wouldn't be easy to convince Malfoy that The Narcissa Mission required a lot of physical contact, which is why I got Harry and Blaise on board:

I cast a glance over my shoulder, then open the door to the equipment room and poke my head in. Harry and Blaise are already there, whereas Malfoy isn't. Perfect.

"Hey," I hiss, causing both men to look over at me. "I've had an idea regarding the problem with Malfoy's Occlumency. Can you do me a favor?"

"Sure," Harry says immediately, while Blaise gives me a curt nod.

"When we try out the Invisibility Cloak, just pretend you can see our boots. Until we're really, really close together, you know?"

Blaise's eyes flash with amusement. He seems to have grasped what I'm up to straight away — so very Slytherin. Harry, on the other hand, looks like he doesn't understand a thing.

"Huh?" he asks, confirming my assumption. "The two of you will easily fit under the cloak. You know how often Blaise and Ron have used it together and they're just as tall as Malfoy. And considerably taller than you, I might add."

I suppress an annoyed eye-roll.

"It's not about whether or not we fit under it, Harry," I snap at him. "Just do what I say, okay? I'll explain it to you later."

Harry pouts, jutting out his bottom lip, but eventually nods. Blaise gives me a casual thumbs-up. He still looks extremely amused.

"Good," I whisper. "Thanks."

Then I pull my head back, close the door and scurry into the dining hall to wait for Malfoy to join Harry and Blaise. I don't want him to think that most of the conversation has already taken place without him. (And besides, I'm a sucker for dramatic entrances.)

The prickle of magic on my skin brings me back to the here and now. Although there's nobody around who could hear me, I suppress a triumphant clearing of my throat, for what has just swept over us is very likely to have been a revelation spell. So I was right in assuming that the Death Eaters have magically secured the entrances and exits of Diagon Alley. Even apart from our physical proximity, which will (hopefully) play into my hands once the mission is over, the Invisibility Cloak was the right choice.

"Did you feel that?" I whisper as the tingling sensation subsides.

Malfoy nods, causing his cheek to brush against my temple. That alone is enough to make my heart skip a beat or two.