Two Sides of the Serpent // Draco Malfoy

Chapter Thirty: The Phoenix's Path

The next morning, as the sun began to rise over the serene and picturesque rolling green hills, I stirred from my sleep. The uneven ground, ridden with dirt and rocks didn't agree with my back. My shoulder was stiff while I pushed myself up to a sitting position with my knees against my chest. A thin tendril of smoke rose to the air, dissipating just inches above it. The fire had died out, leaving its charred wood aroma behind.

Looking beside me, the spot in which Draco slept was empty. I glanced over to the edge of the lake, buttoning his now dried shirt down the front. His fingers were slow and deliberate as he moved. Once he finally looked up and noticed I was awake, he approached sitting beside me.

"Morning," he muttered, glancing over briefly before turning his attention to the remains of our fire.

Though it was reassuring to be reunited with him and brought a sense of ease, I couldn't but feel as if everything had changed. We were no longer the same people we were just weeks ago.

Sitting with my knees pressed against my chest, I offered a gentle smile nonetheless. "Morning," I responded, my mouth feeling dry.

We sat silently for a few moments before I inched forward across the uneven surface down to the edge of the water. Cupping my hands, I splashed its cooling water onto my face. Its refreshing touch dripped down my cheek down to my dry mouth, causing me to lick the droplet from the corner of my lips. I dunked my hands into the water again, drinking the contents from them before it could fall between my fingers.

Finally, Draco spoke, his voice low but curious. "So, what happened after you escaped?"

At first, I wasn't sure how to respond. Whether or not I should tell him about what Harry had decided to do because I worried about what he may do with that knowledge. Taking a deep breath, I began.

"A lot.. After I left... I ended up at this ghastly cottage. The place was barely standing, and the decor..." I gave a small, almost bitter laugh. "There were shells everywhere. Every corner, every shelf. It was as if the entire ocean had washed up inside."

Draco sat silently as he listened to what I had to say.

"It was.. awkward to say the least. Having to stay in the same house as Ron and Harry felt like a war itself. Even though they found me chained and covered in filth they still doubted if they could trust me. But Luna being there," I added, my voice softening, "She... she helped ease the tension. Made things bearable."

I took a pause, collecting my thoughts. Draco remained attentive as I continued.

"Though.. as much as I hated being stuck there, that wasn't the worst of it." I turned toward him, my eyes reflecting the gravity of my words. "You-Know-Who stole the Elder Wand. He now has it."

"He actually got his hands on it?" He wondered in disbelief.

I nodded with an annoyed sigh, "Yes. And Harry believes there is something important he needs that is in Bellatrix's vault within Gringott's."

His brows furrowed and he pondered. "But how does he manage on getting-- whatever it is?"

"Well, by now, let us hope they already have it."

Leaning forward and clearly in distress, he ran his finger through his hair. "What are we suppose to do?" He mumbled.

I thought hard about his question. My main mission had been to reunite with him but I didn't think what would happen next. The darkness that had been encircling us for so long had dulled my mind and I was unsure of what to do or say to ease his pain.

"I always leaned on my family, or even Snape, but I am not sure where his loyalties lie anymore," he continued.

Resting a hand on his shoulder, I offered a suggestion. "I think we need to go to Hogwarts. Get as many people to safety as we can."