The bite of an Apple

Enchanted vows

Draco had never experienced such tranquility, such a sense of belonging. Familiar with Alin's residence, the prospect of an extended stay filled him with anticipation. Unlike the solitude of past Christmas breaks, where only the company of house elves punctuated the silence, now he relished the thought of sharing breakfasts and lunches with her.

As he stood before the imposing gates of the Forest mansion, Draco was struck by the grandeur that surrounded him. The meticulously manicured lawns, the elegant architecture, and the artfully placed greenery all contributed to an atmosphere of opulence and refinement. Alin exuded confidence, her poised demeanor and radiant countenance commanding attention.

Under the hospitality of Mr. and Mrs. Forest, Draco found himself welcomed with warmth. His accommodation adjacent to Alin's room offered a sense of comfort and security. Unlike previous years, where the specter of his father's cruelty haunted his dreams, this winter break passed without incident.

Yet, on one fateful night, darkness descended, shrouding the world in obscurity. Memories of past traumas resurfaced, tormenting Draco's slumber. The echoes of his father's abuse reverberated in his mind, both physical and psychological scars refusing to fade.

He didn't dare open his eyes, his hands curled into fists around the sheets. There was silence, then a knock. For some reason not opening his eyes to the darkness of the room and residing in the safety of his closed eyes. The knock came again. But he couldn't move.

From her bed she could hear Draco restlessly turning and helplessly screaming. She was lying wide awake wondering what she should do. The floor felt cold against her feet, a feeling that had always comforted her, but not this time. When she was face to face with the door she hesitated. Draco's shaky breath trembling its way to Alin's ears made her decision easier. Maybe deep down she knew how important this decision was, but at that moment she didn't give it much thought. The door opened silently, moonlight pouring out of the room as if illuminating the path for her to walk. Her naked feet never made a sound as they strode towards Draco's shadowed figure. She was tempted to enter his mind, see what was troubling him, put an end to it, but she decided against it. Instead, once she was right in front of him, she laid a cold hand on his shoulder. His shaking ceased.

"Draco?" His name on her lips, so desperately calling out to him. She shook him once, twice. It was abrupt, with a shaky and desperate exclamation he lounged forward. Platinum hair was stuck on his forehead with sweat, his pale eyes lost their focus as they  recognized their environment.

Draco knew she was there, but he couldn't look at her. His hand wiped the sweat that had accumulated on the top of his brow.

"I'll make a sleeping potion." Alin stared long into his eyes before beginning to walk away.

"There's no need. I'll probably be asleep when you get back." His voice had acquired that cold tone he used when there was something he didn't want to talk about.

Alin's heart ached at the sight of Draco, disheveled and broken, struggling to regain his composure. The once proud, aloof boy who had walked into her home just days ago, now sat before her with a vulnerability that shook her to the core.

"No, Draco." she whispered, her voice soft but firm. She sat down on the edge of the bed, closer to him, and reached out, gently placing her hand on his arm. "You don't have to be alone in this. You won't be alone in this."

Draco flinched at her touch, a reflex born of years of conditioning. But when he looked up and met her eyes, he found no pity there—only concern, and something else he hadn't dared hope for: understanding.

His throat tightened as he struggled to form words. He had never spoken about the nightmares, about the memories that clung to him like a shadow he could never escape. They were memories of long, cold nights in Malfoy Manor, where the only sounds were the crackling of the fire and the venomous words of his father. His father's cruelty was a poison that seeped into every corner of his life, leaving him constantly on edge, constantly afraid of not being enough, not being strong enough, not being worthy.