The Dragon and The Wolf

12

Ellie sat straight staring down at her lap as she played with the ring on her middle finger. Draco sat next to her. His eyes watched her fidget with the ring as well.

"I'm glad that you kept it." Heat rose to Ellie's cheeks as she turned her head to look at Draco. The tender look in his eyes made her heart falter in her chest.

"I'm not heartless." The corner of Draco's mouth twitched as he fought a smile.

"I know little wolf." Ellie rolled her eyes and looked away from him.

"Please stop calling me that." Draco leaned forward and tilted his head trying to catch her eye.

"Ellie-" Ellie sniffled, and it stopped Draco cold as he slid off of the couch and knelt down in front of her.

"It hurts to much when you call me that. You hurt me and now-" Without much thought Draco reached up and cupped her face in between his hands making her look at him.

"I never meant to hurt you. Not even a little. I can never tell you just how sorry I am that you heard the things that I said to Harry that day, and I wish that I could take them back." Ellie swallowed the lump that had formed in her throat.

Ellie opened her mouth to say something, but footsteps drew their attention and Draco stood as Sirius walked into the room.

"Dinner is ready." Ellie sighed and stood careful not to graze Draco as she did. She made her way into the kitchen and sat down in an empty chair as she noticed the grilled chicken and veggies sitting in the center of the table with a side of potatoes and gravy and even the homemade mac and cheese that she loved.

Remus glanced back and forth between Draco and Ellie as they ate silently. Sirius reached over and took his hand. Remus arched an eyebrow at him. But Sirius just shook his head. Remus frowned and looked back at his daughter.

He could see the lingering hurt in her eyes as she picked at her food.

"Draco. First and only warning. If you hurt my pup again, not even Merlin himself can help you." Ellie choked on her own spit and coughed as she glared at her Papa.

Draco turned his attention to Remus. His expression serious and his filled with determination.

"I will never do anything to intentionally hurt her. You have my word." Ellie sighed heavily and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"This is completely unnecessary. Draco, I apologize for my Papa." Draco smiled faintly and shrugged.

"I understand wanting to protect someone precious." Ellie scoffed and rubbed her face roughly. The clock behind her chimed eight and Draco stood up from his seat.

"El we have to go." Ellie blinked rapidly realizing that this would be the last time that she saw her parents. Sirius and Remus stood, and Ellie bolted from her seat and into their awaiting arms.

"I'm so grateful to the both of you and I'm proud to be daughter." She whispered to them, and they both squeezed her a little tighter

"We love you pup. Remember that. We are so proud of you." Sirius replied into her hair. Ellie smiled and took a step back. Her heart ached knowing that she wouldn't have them at her wedding if she had to marry Draco.

Draco wrapped an arm around her waist and with his free hand he dropped the time turner around her neck.

"Turn it." He whispered. Ellie inhaled a shaky breath and took the time turner in her hands. Silent tears slid down her face as she turned the dial, and their surrounding shifted around them.

"Right on time." Ellie's eyes widened as she pulled the chain free from her neck and turned around to the sound of her father's voice.

Sirius stood there next to Minerva. Both of them smiling. Draco pulled the chain free from his neck and handed it to Minerva.

"I have to go. I have some work to catch up on." He stated in a neutral tone. Ellie stood there staring at the back of his head as he walked away. Sirius shook his head in disbelief. She's too much like Remus for her own good.

Ellie glanced at Sirius, and he jerked his head toward the door and that was all that it took for Ellie. She took off in a full run out of the Great Hall she looked down the corridor. She could barely see Draco's outline, but she was off again.

"Draco!" She yelled as loud as she could. Draco froze mid-step but didn't turn around and face her.

Ellie panted as she made it to him.

"Dray." Her tone was breathlessly, but the nick name alone was enough for Draco to spin around on his heels and look down at her. His soft expression, melting her icy heart.

"Say that again." Ellie's eyebrows drew together in confusion.

"What?" Draco cracked a smile and took a step toward her.

"The nick name say it again." Ellie's lips parted as she stared up at him.

"Dray, Thank you. It was extremely risky what you did." Draco hummed and took a step toward her leaning down so that their faces were closer together.

Ellie's breath hitched at his nearness and the corner of Draco's mouth turned up.

"I'll do anything for you little wolf." Ellie blinked as Draco straightened and nodded at her before he apparated. Ellie let out the breath that she was holding and just stared down the empty corridor.