Draco Malfoy and the Girl Who Hid

51

The journey back to Malfoy Manor was both quieter and heavier than the last time Draco and Yn had traveled together. The looming walls of the estate, darkened by shadows as they arrived, seemed more foreboding than ever, but Yn held her head high as she followed Draco through the entryway.

Draco's hand stayed firmly on her arm as they passed the house-elf who had been awaiting their arrival. Though she appeared calm, Yn's heart raced with each step they took toward the darkened hall. Draco squeezed her arm lightly, an unspoken reassurance, as they reached the doors to the main chamber where the Death Eaters waited.

A murmur of voices filled the hall as they entered, and the atmosphere changed. Yn could feel the weight of dozens of eyes on her, some curious, some wary, and others hostile. The dim lighting cast eerie shadows across the faces gathered, but she maintained her composure, matching Draco's stride. He led her forward, stopping before the inner circle, where Lucius and Narcissa stood at Voldemort's side, flanked by the familiar figures of Bellatrix, Severus Snape, and others she recognized only from whispered rumors.

Voldemort's red eyes settled on them, gleaming with interest. His gaze moved from Draco to Yn, his lips curling into a smile that did little to ease the tension. "Welcome back," he said, his voice a low hiss that carried through the room. "I trust your time away has been productive?"

Draco dipped his head in deference. "My Lord," he began, keeping his tone steady, "I've returned as you instructed, with Yn ready to aid in our mission."

Voldemort's attention shifted to Yn, his head tilting as he studied her, assessing. "Ready, are you?" he mused, his voice dripping with quiet malice. "It seems my young Draco has worked well on you. Do you feel as though you belong, little Yn?"

She felt a ripple of unease spread through her but maintained her composure. She gave a small nod, lifting her chin. "I'm here to help fulfill your plan," she replied evenly, choosing her words carefully. "To do what's necessary."

The room fell silent as Voldemort regarded her, his eyes narrowing slightly. He glanced back at Draco, his gaze filled with something akin to approval. "Clever work, Draco," he said softly. "But tell me—what do you suggest we do with our new recruit? She has a rare power, but that does not exclude her from the obligations that come with loyalty."

Draco tightened his grip on Yn's arm, feeling the need to intercede. He took a step forward, addressing Voldemort with confidence. "My Lord," he began, his voice clear. "If she is to infiltrate and sway others as we intend, it would be prudent to keep her unmarked. Her loyalty will be known to us, but visible proof of her allegiance might work against our goals. For now, it is wiser to let her operate under an air of freedom."

A few whispers broke out among the Death Eaters, and Bellatrix's laughter rang through the room, high and sharp. "Are you suggesting she's too valuable to bear the Dark Mark?" she sneered, eyes gleaming with the excitement of a predator. "Is she truly so delicate that she cannot be branded like the rest of us?"

Draco met Bellatrix's gaze, unflinching. "Her strength lies in what she can accomplish without suspicion, and a mark would only hinder that. If we expect her to deceive and manipulate, it would be counterproductive to make her stand out as one of us."

Voldemort's smile widened, and he raised a hand to silence the murmurs of protest. "You have a cunning mind, Draco," he said, his gaze drifting back to Yn. "Your loyalty is commendable, as is your willingness to protect her. Very well—she will remain unmarked... for now."

Draco exhaled subtly, and Yn resisted the urge to show her relief. Voldemort's decision held the weight of finality, and she understood that his agreement was a temporary one, contingent upon Draco's continued success.

Lucius stepped forward, eyes narrowed. "You have made a compelling argument, Draco," he said, voice carefully measured. "But remember, your protection of her cannot overshadow her responsibility to our cause. If she falters—"

"She will not falter," Draco replied, his tone unwavering.

Yn could feel Lucius's disapproval in the silence that followed, but Draco held his father's gaze, refusing to back down. After a moment, Lucius gave a slow, reluctant nod and stepped back, conceding to Voldemort's decision.

Voldemort lifted a hand and gestured for them to take their place among the inner circle. "Now," he began, his voice growing louder, "let us begin. We have much to discuss, and our plans are on the verge of fruition. Each of you has a role to play. And as for our newest recruit..." He cast a glance in Yn's direction, his smile curving into something far more sinister. "Do not disappoint us."

Yn felt Draco's hand guiding her toward the seats at the table, a place now set for her among the most dangerous people in the wizarding world. The realization struck her with sudden clarity—she was truly one of them now, as much a pawn in this game as Draco was. She took her seat beside him, doing her best to steady her breathing and calm her nerves.

The meeting progressed, each Death Eater giving reports and receiving instructions. Draco remained by her side, his presence a steady anchor, and she noted how he seemed to subtly deflect certain questions away from her, protecting her as they maneuvered through the labyrinth of Voldemort's plans.

Eventually, the meeting came to a close, and Voldemort dismissed them with a wave of his hand. The Death Eaters filed out, murmuring amongst themselves. Yn stood, preparing to follow Draco out of the room, but Bellatrix stepped into their path, blocking their way.

"Don't think your protection will be enough to save her if she proves to be a liability," Bellatrix sneered, her eyes wild with malice. "The Dark Lord's mercy is... fleeting."

Draco met her gaze coolly. "Then it's fortunate that she won't be a liability," he replied, his tone edged with challenge. He placed a hand on Yn's back, steering her past Bellatrix and out of the chamber.

As they walked down the long hallway, Draco let out a quiet sigh. "Well," he murmured, "I think that went about as well as we could have hoped."

Yn glanced up at him, searching his face. "Did you mean what you said? About not wanting me to be marked?"

Draco looked at her, his expression unreadable for a moment. "Yes," he replied softly. "It was the only way to keep you safe. The Dark Mark is... a bond that's difficult to break. It's not something I wanted for you, especially given what we have to accomplish."

She nodded, grateful for his honesty, though the realization left a lingering unease in her chest. It was true that she was still far from safe, and the line they walked was a precarious one, but Draco's protectiveness gave her a small sliver of reassurance. He was her ally, for better or worse, and she knew that for now, she could rely on him.

They reached her chambers, and Draco paused outside the door. "Rest," he said, his gaze serious. "You'll need it. We're being watched now, and we have to be ready for anything."

Yn nodded, watching as he turned to go, but before he could leave, she reached out and placed a hand on his arm. "Thank you," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. "For everything."

Draco's eyes softened, and he offered her a small smile. "I meant what I said, Yn. I won't let anything happen to you." He reached out, gently tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear, his fingers lingering for a moment before he pulled back.

As she stepped into her room and closed the door, she leaned against it, feeling the tension in her body slowly begin to ebb. For the first time since her return, she felt a glimmer of hope, a fragile but persistent spark that maybe, just maybe, she wouldn't be alone in this. Draco was more than her protector; he was her ally in a world where trust was a rare and dangerous commodity. And as she prepared to face the trials ahead, she knew she would need that alliance more than ever.