Bound by Love

Chapter 16: A New Beginning

Harriet's POV

The final days of the term passed in a haze. Every moment was filled with the weight of what was coming—both the impending war and the decision Draco and I had made to leave. We hadn't told anyone else about our plans. It was safer that way. The less people knew, the less likely it would be that Voldemort—or anyone else—could find us before we were ready.

But keeping up appearances wasn't easy. Hermione had grown more suspicious, her questions becoming more frequent. Ron, still stinging from the news about Draco and me, had kept his distance, and I was beginning to wonder if he'd ever come around.

Draco had been more distant lately, not emotionally, but in a way that told me he was planning something. He hadn't shared all of it with me, but I knew better than to push. When he was ready, he'd tell me.

It wasn't until late one evening, after a particularly quiet dinner, that he asked me to meet him in the Astronomy Tower again. The message was short, almost cryptic, but I could sense the importance behind it.

When I arrived, Draco was already there, pacing back and forth along the ledge. His expression was serious, but when he saw me, his features softened.

"Harriet," he said, stepping closer. "We need to talk."

The weight in his voice made my stomach twist. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

Draco shook his head, though I could see the tension in his posture. "No, nothing's wrong. But... things are changing. The war is closing in, and I don't want to wait for it to find us."

I frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"

Draco took a deep breath, his gaze locking onto mine. "I've been thinking about what Snape said—about how the Dark Lord is watching. He's right, Harriet. We can't stay here, not with everything that's coming. I've found us a way out."

"A way out?" I repeated, my heart racing. "Draco, what are you talking about?"

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys, holding them out to me. "I used my inheritance. My mother set aside enough for me to be independent if things ever got too dangerous. I've bought a place—somewhere far from here, where we can be safe."

I stared at the keys in his hand, the weight of his words sinking in. He wasn't just talking about leaving Hogwarts for a break; he was talking about a new life, a way to escape the war.

"You did this for us?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. His eyes, filled with determination, softened at my question. In that moment, I realized we both knew we were walking a dangerous path, but it was one we would face together.

Draco nodded, his expression serious. "I did this for us. I don't want to live under the shadow of my family, of Voldemort, anymore. And I don't want you caught in the crossfire because of me."

For a moment, I couldn't find the words. I had known Draco cared about me, but this—this was more than I had ever expected. He was giving us a future, one that didn't involve hiding or running. A future where we could be free.

"We're going to leave," I whispered, feeling the weight of it sink in. Leaving Hogwarts, leaving the life I had known for so long—it was terrifying. But being with Draco, away from the war, away from Voldemort's reach, was the only thing that made sense.

Draco's expression softened as he stepped closer, gently cupping my face. "We'll leave after the term ends. I've arranged everything. We'll have a place to go, somewhere no one can find us."

I nodded, feeling a strange mix of fear and relief. The fear of the unknown loomed large, but with Draco by my side, I felt a sense of clarity. Together, we would make our own future.

"We're going to be alright," Draco said, his voice steady. "We'll make it."

Draco's POV

I couldn't describe the relief I felt when Harriet said she was with me. It had been a gamble, using my inheritance to secure us a place away from all of this, but it was the only way I could see us surviving what was coming. The Dark Lord wouldn't care about our feelings or our relationship. He'd see me as a traitor the moment he found out about Harriet and me, and I couldn't risk that.

But now, with the property secured and the plans in motion, I felt like I could breathe again. For the first time in months, I had a future I could control—one that didn't involve following in my father's footsteps or living under the thumb of the Dark Lord.

"I've spent so long protecting myself," I murmured, brushing a strand of hair from Harriet's face. "Building walls to keep the world at bay. But with you, Harriet, it's different. You're the reason I'm fighting to be free at all."

Harriet smiled softly, her hand gently squeezing mine. "We'll be free together, Draco. That's what matters."

"We'll have to be careful until then," I said, pulling back slightly, though I kept her hands in mine. "Snape's watching, and I'm sure the Death Eaters are keeping tabs on me."

Harriet nodded, her expression thoughtful. "We'll keep up appearances until we're ready. But once we leave... we'll be free."

The word "free" hung between us, heavy with meaning. For so long, I had been trapped by my family's name, by the expectations of the Dark Lord, by the role I was supposed to play. But now, with Harriet, I had a chance to rewrite my story. To choose a different path.

"I'll tell Hermione," she said after a pause. "She'll understand. But Ron..."

Draco sighed, his expression tight. "Ron's not going to take this well. But we don't have a choice."

I nodded, understanding. Harriet's friends, especially Ron, wouldn't be happy about her leaving, and I knew the storm we were about to face. But this was bigger than any of that. Voldemort's forces were closing in, and if we stayed, it was only a matter of time before they came for us.

"We'll figure it out," Harriet said softly, her voice filled with determination. "Together."

I squeezed her hand gently, my eyes locking onto hers. "Together."