After The War : ** Shadows and Light ** :harrypotterxreader:

**Chapter 8: Shadows and Secrets**

In shadows deep, where echoes dwell,

Your hearts beat strong, casting a spell.

Together you face the unknown tide,

In unity, you'll turn the tide.

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*"In the depths of the cave, where echoes dwell, our courage shines like a protective spell."*

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The air in the Room of Requirement felt suffocating as the shadows around Draco seemed to pulse with dark energy. The cold light from the enchanted candles flickered, casting twisted, shifting shapes on the walls. The room, which had been a place of refuge for you and your friends, was now a battleground.

Harry's wand was out, his stance tense as he placed himself between you and Draco. The intensity in his gaze was palpable, and you could sense the protectiveness behind it—more so now, after your recent injury in the last battle. Harry's watchful eyes never strayed far from you, especially when danger was close.

"Who are you working for?" Harry demanded, his voice steady but filled with tension. "What do you want with the Amulet?"

Draco laughed, a sound filled with cold malice. "Oh, Potter, always the hero, always asking the wrong questions. What I want is what Hogwarts itself can offer—complete control."

As he stepped into the light, you caught the gleam of something dark in his expression. The Draco you once knew had changed. He was more dangerous now, not just because of his ambitions but because he was consumed by something darker than the boy you had once pitied.

Your breath hitched. Draco's gaze flicked to you, and his sneer deepened. "Y/N, surprised to see me like this? Or maybe you're still recovering from your little injury. I heard about it. A shame you survived."

You felt Harry tense at Draco's taunt, and he took a step closer to you as if shielding you from Draco's venomous words.

"We're not going to let you take the Amulet," Harry said firmly, his wand raised, his focus now entirely on Draco.

Draco's eyes gleamed, and with a flick of his wand, the shadows in the room seemed to come alive, swirling around him like living creatures. "You think you can stop me, Potter? You're deluded."

Before you could react, tendrils of shadow shot out from the darkness, moving faster than you could anticipate. They slammed into Hermione's hastily conjured shield, sending a ripple through the air. Hermione strained, holding the barrier, but the shadows pressed harder, cracking through the shield's surface.

"Harry!" you shouted, your voice strained as the pressure of the dark magic around you intensified. "We need to break through those shadows!"

Harry's eyes were focused, his mind racing. "On three, we attack together."

But before you could ready yourself, one of the shadowy tendrils broke free from Hermione's shield and lashed out toward you. The impact was immediate—a sharp, burning pain exploded in your side, the same side that had barely healed from your last injury. The force of the blow sent you crashing to the ground, your wand clattering from your hand.