Imperius | draco malfoy

Chapter 2

Eloise and Draco arrived at Hogsmeade. They looked around inspecting the place. It seemed quiet and empty. They assumed that everyone was forced to evacuate the area.

"Malfoy?" A faint voice from behind called.

Astoria Greengrass.

Astoria had her hair sleeked back in a neat bun. Her make up fresh and thick. She wore a long lavender dress up to her ankles, enough for her heeled boots to be seen.

Eloise and Malfoy turned their heads towards Astoria. She walked towards them slowly with a basket swinging in her arms.

"Fancy seeing the two of you here. On a date?" Astoria says quirking an eyebrow.

Eloise rolled her eyes at Astoria. "You seem pretty clueless, but I doubt you're not updated with the recent news. Why aren't you in Hogwarts? You're missing out on all the fun" Eloise says with a faint smirk.

Astoria scoffs. "Shopping." She says casually lifting her basket filled with her replenished potions and fruits.

Malfoy and Eloise nodded, cringing inwardly. "Yeah, seems like the perfect time to go shopping." Malfoy says with a sneer.

Astoria shrugged.

"Seen Potter by any chance?" Malfoy was studying Astoria carefully; his eyes landed on her scarred wrist.

Astoria pulled her sleeve down. "Came across razor sharp quills earlier at the shop." She looked away and pressed her lips together for a moment. "Anyway, I haven't seen Potter or Granger or Weasley, best you check somewhere else." A hint of nervousness cut into her tone as she said it, she started fidgeting at the handle of her basket.

Eloise noticed Astoria's uneasiness and looked over at Draco who seemed suspicious.

Astoria drew a short breath and felt tension growing from the three of them.

"Very well then, I must be going. I'm experimenting on a potion. To brew it is the challenging part." Astoria straightened her sleeves once more.

Eloise gave a small resigned nod.

Astoria turned to leave. She was halfway through the door when Eloise spoke.

"Astoria."

She turned and found Eloise staring at her.

"What potion are you experimenting on if I may ask?"

Astoria swallowed hard. "Draught..." She hesitated for a moment. "Draught of the Living Dead.."

Eloise's expression flickered. "What would you need that for?"

Malfoy tilted his head to the side and didn't believe Astoria could have any knowledge on that particular potion. He noticed Eloise's corner of her mouth quirked slightly as she raised an eyebrow. "Well?"

Astoria gave her a sad smile and let out a deep sigh. "It's supposed to be for me."

Eloise studied her for several seconds while Malfoy's eyes widened.

Astoria was silent for several seconds before she gave another low sigh. "If you hadn't asked, you may have found me unconscious back in my dorm. I just-I can't be part of this war."

There was a long silence at the revelation.

Astoria turned to her heel and walked away quickly leaving Eloise and Draco still taken aback with her response.

"We need to go after her-" Eloise cuts Malfoy off, "No, we can't waste time. She'll be fine." Eloise' tone was serious and firm. "I'm certain we'll be back on time to stop her from consuming that potion if we hurry." Her dark eyes rested briefly on Draco. "Let's go."