Heirs of darkness || Theodore Nott

When the silence speaks

The sun had climbed high in the sky, casting beams of pale light through the tall, narrow windows of Malfoy Manor. Noon had come and gone, but there was a quietness that seemed to linger in the air, a stillness that was unusual for the large, echoing halls. Draco Malfoy paced the length of his study, his thoughts troubled as he reflected on the events of the previous night.

Theo had sought him out early in the morning, his expression tense and worried. Aurora hadn't come out of her room, not even once. Theo had tried to give her space, hoping she would calm down on her own, but as the hours passed, his concern had only grown. He knew she was struggling he had seen it in her eyes, heard it in her voice as she had pushed him away. But this silence, this complete withdrawal, was unlike her.

"What do I do, Draco?" Theo asked now, his voice laced with frustration and helplessness as he stood in the doorway of the study. He looked to Draco as if hoping his friend might have the answers, might know how to reach Aurora when he couldn't. "I don't want to push her, but I can't just leave her like this."

Draco paused in his pacing, his sharp features softening slightly as he turned to face Theo. "Aurora's been through a lot," he said quietly, his tone thoughtful. "But she's strong. She just needs to know that she's not alone, that we're here for her no matter what."

Theo nodded, though his worry was still evident in his eyes. "But how do I do that? She wouldn't even let me stay last night."

Draco considered this for a moment, his gaze distant as he weighed the situation. "Bring her something to eat," he suggested finally. "She hasn't eaten, has she?"

"No," Theo admitted, guilt creeping into his voice. "I didn't want to push her."

"Then start there," Draco said, his tone decisive. "Take her something. Show her that you care. And talk to her. Even if she doesn't want to, just being there, just listening, might help."

Theo took a deep breath, nodding slowly as Draco's words sank in. It wasn't much, but it was something something that might break through the walls Aurora had built around herself. "Alright," he said, determination settling into his features. "I'll try."

Draco gave him a small, encouraging smile. "She's lucky to have you, Theo. Just be patient with her. She'll come around."

With Draco's advice in mind, Theo made his way to the kitchens, where he found Kreacher busy with the day's meals. The old house-elf eyed him with a mix of disdain and grudging respect, but he didn't protest when Theo asked him to prepare a tray for Aurora. Kreacher had never been particularly fond of anyone, but he had a certain loyalty to those who had shown him kindness, and Theo had always treated him with a measure of respect.

It wasn't long before the tray was ready, laden with simple but nourishing food a bowl of soup, some bread, and a small plate of fruit. It wasn't much, but it was enough, and Theo hoped it would be a small comfort to Aurora.

Balancing the tray carefully, Theo made his way to Aurora's room, his heart pounding a little harder with each step. He paused outside her door, hesitating for a moment as he gathered his thoughts, then knocked softly.

There was no response.

Theo waited a few more seconds, then knocked again, a little louder this time. Still, there was only silence from the other side of the door. He took a deep breath, steeling himself, and gently pushed the door open.

Aurora's room was dark, the heavy curtains drawn tightly shut against the midday light. The air was thick, almost suffocating, and Theo could immediately sense the weight of the despair that lingered in the room. Aurora was lying on her bed, curled up on her side with her back to the door. She didn't move as he entered, didn't acknowledge his presence at all.

"Aurora," Theo called softly, his voice barely more than a whisper. He set the tray down on the bedside table and slowly approached the bed, his heart aching at the sight of her so still, so withdrawn.

She didn't respond, didn't even stir at the sound of his voice. Theo felt a pang of helplessness, but he pushed it aside, determined to reach her. He sat down on the edge of the bed, careful not to jostle her, and placed a hand gently on her shoulder.

"Aurora, I brought you something to eat," he said, his voice gentle. "You need to take care of yourself."

For a long moment, there was no reaction, and Theo feared she might not respond at all. But then, slowly, she turned her head just enough to look at him. Her eyes were red and puffy from crying, her expression blank, as though she were looking through him rather than at him.

"I'm not hungry," she whispered, her voice hoarse from disuse.

Theo's heart twisted at the sound of her voice, so hollow and devoid of the warmth that usually characterized her. He wished he could take her pain away, could somehow make things better, but he knew that all he could do was be there for her, even if she couldn't see it now.

"Just try to eat a little," Theo urged gently. "Please, for me."

Aurora's gaze flickered, something akin to guilt passing through her eyes. She sighed softly, the sound filled with exhaustion and resignation, and slowly pushed herself up into a sitting position. She didn't protest as Theo handed her the bowl of soup, though she stared at it for a moment as if unsure what to do with it.

With a small nod of encouragement from Theo, Aurora finally lifted the spoon and took a small sip. The warmth of the soup seemed to draw her out of her numbness just a little, and she continued to eat in silence, her movements slow and mechanical.

Theo watched her with a mix of relief and sadness. It wasn't much, but it was a start. He waited patiently as she ate, giving her space, but not leaving her alone. When she had finished about half of the bowl, Aurora set it aside and leaned back against the pillows, her eyes fluttering closed as if the simple act of eating had drained what little energy she had left.

"You don't have to do this alone, Aurora," Theo said quietly, reaching out to take her hand. "You don't have to carry all this weight by yourself. I'm here. We're all here for you."

Aurora's eyes remained closed, her hand limp in his. For a moment, Theo thought she might have fallen asleep, but then she spoke, her voice barely audible.

"I'm so tired, Theo," she whispered, her voice trembling. "So tired of everything. I don't know how to keep going."

Theo's heart broke at the sound of her words, but he didn't let go of her hand. Instead, he shifted closer, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and pulling her gently against him. She didn't resist, allowing herself to be held, and after a moment, she rested her head on his shoulder.

"You don't have to have all the answers right now," Theo said softly, his voice steady. "Just take it one day at a time. We'll figure it out together."

Aurora didn't respond, but Theo felt her relax slightly against him, as though some of the tension had left her body. He continued to hold her, stroking her hair with gentle, soothing movements. The minutes stretched on, and slowly, Aurora's breathing began to even out, her body growing heavier against him as sleep began to take hold.

Theo stayed with her, cradling her close as she drifted off to sleep. He knew that this wasn't the end of her struggles, that the darkness would continue to loom over her, but for now, she was at peace. And that was enough.

As he watched her sleep, Theo made a silent promise to himself to be there for her, no matter what. To help her through the dark times, to remind her of the light that still existed, even if it felt far away. He didn't know what the future held, but he knew that he would face it with her, by her side, for as long as she needed him.

Outside, the sun continued its slow arc across the sky, and the shadows in the room gradually shifted with the changing light. But inside, for the moment, there was a fragile calm, a small reprieve from the storm that had raged in Aurora's mind.

And in that moment, it was enough.