The Noctis Codex | DRARRY

SEVEN

"Nothing. All this work for nothing." Draco's voice was laced with frustration as he stared down at the empty pages of the book, his hand still hovering over the cover as if daring it to yield some hidden secret.

Harry's brow furrowed in confusion and disappointment as he scanned the blank pages. After all the sneaking, the planning, the risk of taking the book from Snape's private collection, it seemed like it was all for nothing. "Maybe... maybe it's hidden with a spell?" he suggested, although he didn't sound entirely convinced.

A huff escaped the blond as he paced the floor of the Room of Requirement. "Or maybe it's just a useless piece of—" He cut himself off, clenching his jaw. They both stared at the book as if it might suddenly decide to reveal its secrets just to spite them.

"We've tried everything," Harry complained, thumbing through the blank pages. "What kind of book looks like this and hides its information?"

"Perhaps it's enchanted to only reveal itself to the owner. Or maybe Snape keeps it sealed somehow, to make sure no one can read it except him."

Harry nodded, trying to think of every possibility. Just as he was flipping to another blank page, Draco, out of impatience, reached for the book again, his fingers grazing Harry's hand as he tried to pull it toward himself.

In that split second of contact, Harry's eyes widened. Across the open pages he was holding, faint, almost ethereal words appeared, hovering on the surface for just a heartbeat before vanishing the moment Draco's hand left his.

"Wait," the dark-haired boy breathed, staring at the now-empty page. He looked up at the other, his heart pounding. "Did you see that?"

"See what?"

"The words—they were there," Harry replied, excitement and confusion filling his voice. "Only for a second, but I swear I saw them when you... touched my hand."

Draco arched an eyebrow, folding his arms. "I didn't see anything."

Harry's mind was racing. "Do it again."

"Do what again?"

"Touch my hand again." He was already holding the book open in front of him, his eyes fixed on the blank page, waiting for any sign of the words that had flickered into view.

While Draco's brow furrowed, his mouth tightened in disbelief. "Right. So you're saying the book only works when we—" He scoffed, stepping back. "No. There's no way."

"I'm serious," Harry insisted, flipping back to the blank page, his pulse racing. "Just try it."

"There must be another way—this is absurd." Draco rolled his eyes.

"Just... please, Malfoy, try it again. It'll be quick."

After a long, reluctant sigh, Draco finally extended his hand, brushing his fingertips against Harry's with obvious discomfort. This time, a few scattered words flickered onto the page, though they were barely legible, faint outlines that seemed almost like a mirage.

Harry's eyes narrowed as he tried to read, but he couldn't make out more than a few blurred letters. "We need... more contact. It needs to be... I don't know, stronger."

A bitter laugh escaped the blond's mouth. "Oh, so now you want me to hold your hand, Potter?" He took a step back, as if the whole thing was a ridiculous prank. "I didn't sign up for some... bonding ritual."

"It's not a bonding ritual!" Harry snapped, a mix of embarrassment and urgency in his voice. "I just want to figure this out, and if that's what it takes..." He hesitated, feeling the heat rising in his face. "Just... trust me. Please."