The Noctis Codex | DRARRY

EIGHTEEN

As soon as their friends' shocked faces registered, Draco took a step back, then another, before swiftly turning and disappearing down the corridor without a word. Harry watched him go, unable to move, his heart racing from both the kiss and the sudden, icy realization that they'd been caught. Ron, Hermione, and Ginny stood frozen, processing what they'd just witnessed, their expressions a blend of shock, confusion, and disbelief.

After an awkward silence, Hermione finally cleared her throat. "Harry... we should... probably talk."

With a quick nod, said boy followed them back through the castle, his mind reeling as they walked. Through the Great Hall doors, music and laughter spilled out, where the ball was still in full swing. But Harry felt worlds away, the weight of his friends' silent glances pressing down on him until they finally arrived at the Gryffindor common room.

Once inside, they rounded on him, their eyes filled with questions that spilled out almost immediately.

"What was that about, mate?" Ron asked, still looking as though he'd seen a ghost.

"Are you... in love with Malfoy?" Ginny's voice held a mix of bewilderment and a tinge of concern.

A deep flush crawled over the wizard's face. "I... I don't know," he admitted, struggling for words. "I've never really thought about it like that. Ever since... well, since these marks showed up, it's like there's this pull. It just... keeps bringing us together. I don't understand it myself."

"You mean that curse? And that book?" Hermione's eyes narrowed.

He nodded, thinking back to the ancient, enchanted tome that he and Draco had reluctantly worked through together. It had been a while since they'd consulted it, and its dark magic seemed to be intensifying. But before he could say more, a wave of dizziness hit him, sending the room spinning. He stumbled, barely hearing Ron's concerned voice before his vision went black, the floor rushing up to meet him.
-
When Harry finally blinked awake, he found himself in the familiar, sterile surroundings of the hospital wing. The edges of his vision swam, and he realized Hermione and Ron were seated by his bed, deep in whispered conversation. Relief filled their faces when they saw his eyes open.

"Harry, you're awake!" The girl exclaimed, leaning forward, her voice full of worry.

"Blimey, you had us worried," Ron added with a weak grin.

Before he could respond, however, the sound of familiar footsteps caught his attention, and he turned to see Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape standing at the foot of his bed. The headmistress's face held a deep concern, while Snape's expression was, as always, guarded.

"Mr. Potter," the woman called out softly. "Draco will be here shortly."

Frowning, the boy tried to make sense of her words. "Malfoy? Why should he... be here?"

Snape, arms crossed, sighed as if he'd rather be anywhere else. "Because, Potter, Draco Malfoy was also found unconscious in the corridors earlier. It would seem the enchantment upon you both has taken a dangerous turn."

The realization struck Harry like a jolt. "You mean... it's because of the book? The spell?"

"Precisely," McGonagall replied gravely, her brows furrowing. "It seems the dark magic has progressed further than we anticipated. You and Mr. Malfoy may now be bound in a way that's become... physically limiting. It appears that when you're separated by too great a distance, the spell exacts a toll on both of you."

Snape's gaze was piercing, his voice low. "In short, if you stray too far from each other, Potter, the two of you may once again lose consciousness—perhaps more severely each time. This bond is deepening, and we need to address it before it leads to more dire consequences."