Back to Black- Draco Malfoy

23| house of the rising sun

I stood in the dimly lit room of Malfoy Manor, the shadows dancing eerily on the walls as I paced back and forth. The air was thick with tension, and my mind raced with thoughts of Briar, a witch whose name I had kept hidden from my closest confidant besides my parents.

I remembered the way she looked at my, eyes shining with defiance and warmth, a stark contrast to the icy world I inhabited. But now, that warmth felt like a liability. Voldemort’s voice echoed in my mind, a chilling reminder of the Dark Lord’s ambitions. The Order had been whispering about a new recruit for the Death Eaters, and the implications gnawed at my gut.

“Draco,” came a voice from the shadows. It was Bellatrix, her eyes glinting with a mix of madness and excitement. “You’ve heard, haven’t you? The Dark Lord wishes to expand his ranks. He has his eye on your little witch.”

My heart raced. “You’re lying. He wouldn’t dare touch her,” I snapped, feeling the heat rise in my cheeks.

“Dare?” she scoffed, stepping closer, her smile sinister. “He’s already made his intentions clear. She possesses something valuable—potential. And you know how he values potential.”

My mind spun with dread. The thought of her being recruited into the Death Eaters was unfathomable. I had fought so hard to keep her safe, to shield her from this world, yet here they were, on the brink of losing everything.

“What can I do?” I whispered, desperation creeping into my voice.

Bellatrix chuckled softly. “You can either convince her to join willingly or watch as the Dark Lord takes what he desires. You know he’s not one for subtlety, dear nephew.”

I clenched my fists, feeling the weight of my family’s legacy pressing down on me. I knew I had to act quickly. If Voldemort had truly set his sights on her, there was no time to waste. I couldn’t let her be pulled into this dark world.

As Bellatrix left me alone with my thoughts, I felt the fire of determination ignite within me. I would protect her at all costs, even if it meant confronting the Dark Lord himself. With resolve, I set off to find her, knowing that the shadows of their world were closing in, and time was running out.

"Malfoy! Hello?" Briar snapped in my face. Why..why now would I think about that memory from years ago. The more I push her away the less Voldemort wants her...

I can't do that to her again. I just can't. I can't lose her, or make her suffer like that. I want her to be safe, I do...but safe with me.

Throughout all of my thoughts, I looked at her in the moonlight. She did look good. She always does, I still believe that we shouldn't try to be closer than where we are right now before we both pay the consequences for it.

"He was calling my name, trying to lure me. It felt so real, like I could actually hear him.” Briar explained. She was going on about her nightmares she had. I had them too, but they were mostly just about joining him in the footsteps of my parents, but Briar didn't need to know that.

“What did he want Briar? If it's anything short of death than you are in the clear for now." I stated to her, I could see a soft smile cross her face and it almost made my heart stop but I couldn't show it.

“He kept saying I belonged to him, that I had something he wanted. I felt so powerless.” She continued. I furrowed my brows instantly because that was all bloody bullshit. She was not powerless.

“You’re not powerless, Briar. He’s just trying to manipulate you. You can’t let him get inside your head.” I told her with the most truth I've had all day in my voice. I was certain he was trying to get in her head more, by making her weaker.

“It’s hard, Draco. In the dream, I felt trapped, like I was drowning. I woke up in a panic again, and… I just wish I could escape it.” She explained and I could immediately see her get more shut off than usual. It made me hint at a frown on my face.

"I get it. But you have to remember it’s just a dream. You’re safe here, with me. I won’t let him hurt you.” I said in a soft tone, making sure to make her feel better about her situation. It's true, with me and her, I refuse to let her get injured. Let alone get taken to the other side.

“What if he tries to come after me? What if he knows about us?” When she said this I couldn't place together what she meant.. About us? I quickly shook off the feeling and inquiry, focusing on what the matter at hand was.

"He won’t. You’re not a target; you’re stronger than he thinks. We can face this together.” The truth I spoke. I was confident that she had this in the bag, shes Sirius Black's daughter after all. Shouldn't be too hard for a skilled girl like herself..

"It’s just so terrifying. I can’t shake the feeling that he’s always lurking, waiting for a chance.” She spoke. My face almost dropped, the feeling of her getting sucked into the same world I was trapped in..it terrified me.

“Then we make sure he doesn’t get that chance. Talk to me whenever it happens. You don’t have to face this alone.” I threw out of my mouth. I felt like stuttering, taking her into a large embrace so she didn't have to feel the way she did. I felt bad if this was my influence.

“I promise. I’ll try to be stronger. Just… don’t let him take you away from me.” The second Briar spoke this sentence, I took my action. I pulled her into me and hugged her tight. I was done with feeling like I was the catalyst for all the nightmares since I am tied with Voldemort by family name.

In this embrace, we found a fleeting sanctuary, a promise that together we could face whatever shadows awaited them.

Until we cant.