Enclosed

Chapter Thirty-One: Descent

Rose forced herself to walk at a normal pace. The desire to lower her shoulder and knock through the crowd at a sprint was alarmingly high. One foot in front of the other. Each step brought them one step closer to finding Scorpius. 

Draco appeared poised and confident as they strutted through the streets of foggy London. The city was more quite than usual with tourist season finally slowing town. A few tourists wandered around, excitement radiating, as they pointed out various sites. Orange and yellow leaves crunched under their shoes, as they walked in silence, neither wanting to risk blowing their cover.

"We're here." Draco nudged Rose's shoulder as they turned the corner. 

Rose sucked in a breath. She'd seen the cathedral many times throughout her life. When things become common, it becomes so easy to appreciate their beautiful.

Looking at the church, Rose was seeing it in a new light. A light that would get her Scorpius back. 

The church was gothic style, with two towers standing proudly in the front so that anyone who passed by would know what they represented. The London flag hung from the left tower, swaying delicately in the light breeze. 

The towers were connected to the nave which extended behind them. There were glass window panes with floral designs ran throughout the nave, where famous graves and memorials rested peacefully inside. 

The clock on the left tower struck 1:00pm, meaning they had about twenty more minutes until they'd need to take more polyjuice potion. Rose pointed out the clock to Draco. He nodded in understanding, reaching in his pockets to pat the vials of polyjuice potion. 

"Let's go." They walked straight toward the towers where a line of tourists were already waiting to enter the building.

Rose made sure to transfigure old parchment into admissions tickets before they left. The tickets weren't perfect but she hoped they would be good enough to get them in without suspicion. 

They got in line behind a young family of four. The mother was trying to console the toddler attempting to wiggle out of her grip while the father stood obliviously on her side entertaining their son. As the line moved forward, the family stayed in place too distracted by their children to take a step up.

Draco coughed loudly, drawing the father's attention. He glared at him and tugged his family forward.

"These blasted muggles have no consideration for our time." Draco whispered, bouncing anxiously, as he stood on his toes to peer at the line.

There were four groups ahead of them all moving leisurely, as they admired the outside of the cathedral. Draco burned holes into the back of their head, as if staring would make them suddenly combust and move them up in line.

"Be patient," She hissed, gripping his arm to stop the bouncing. "I want to get inside just as much as you do but acting like this is only going to draw attention."

Draco mumbled out an apology and ceased standing on his toes. Which only increased his anxious tapping.

"When we get inside-" Rose began, hoping to distract Draco from the short wait, "-keep an eye out for any spaces that other visitors look to be avoiding."

"It'll be faster if we split up."

"We need to stick together. We can't risk getting separated. If they really are here, we are in enemy territory. It'll be too dangerous. I'm not letting someone else get t-." Rose cut herself off, squeezing her eyes shut to block out that last image of panic on Scorpius's face. She'd never forget that image as long as she lived. It was all her fault.