Shadows of Redemption

Chapter 9: Dangerous Games

Harriet's POV

We were walking a fine line between hope and fear. Draco's plan-if it could be called that-was a thin, fragile thread that could snap at any moment. But I clung to it, because we had no other choice. The idea of pretending, of playing the part expected of him, was dangerous, but it was the only way to buy us time.

The days passed in a tense blur. Draco acted as if everything was normal, moving through the halls of Malfoy Manor with the practiced ease of someone who had been playing a role his whole life. But I could see the strain in his eyes, the way his hands clenched into fists when he thought no one was watching. It was only in the quiet moments, when he came to see me in the guest room, that he let the mask slip.

He confided in me, and it was a strange, vulnerable connection we shared. I found myself caring more than I should have, my heart aching for him in ways I hadn't expected. It was unnerving, this growing bond between us, but it also felt necessary. We needed each other.

One afternoon, as sunlight streamed through the window, Draco brought a stack of books into the room. He set them down on the table with a heavy thud, and I jumped up onto the chair, eyeing them curiously.

He raised an eyebrow at me. "What? Did you think I'd leave you to suffer in boredom?" His voice had a teasing edge, but his smile was tired. "I figured some light reading would keep you entertained."

I stared at the books, my heart sinking. They were old texts on Transfiguration, Animagus transformations, and even a few ancient tomes on cursed forms. Draco was trying to help me, in his own way, and the realization filled me with both gratitude and sadness. He was doing everything he could to give us a chance.

I pawed at one of the books, silently urging him to open it. He did, flipping through the pages until he found a section on Animagus accidents. "I've been reading up on this," he said, his voice thoughtful. "There might be a way to reverse what's happened to you, but it's complicated."

I perked up, my ears swiveling forward. Complicated or not, it was still hope.

Draco continued, frowning. "It says that forced Animagus forms can sometimes be reversed with the right combination of spells and potions. But we'd need resources from Hogwarts. And even then..." His voice trailed off, his eyes darkening. "It's risky."

I knew the risks, but I would take them. I had to. I couldn't stay trapped like this forever, not when there were people counting on me, not when Hogwarts needed me. I pressed my head against his hand, willing him to feel my determination.

He sighed, his fingers brushing through my fur. "I wish I could hear what you're thinking," he murmured. "I bet you'd be yelling at me to hurry up and fix this."

I would have been, yes. But for now, I had to trust him.

Draco's POV

The days felt like a countdown to something inevitable. I spent every spare moment I could researching, poring over books and trying to find a solution for Harriet. But as much as I tried to focus, the pressure from my family and the Death Eaters loomed over me like a storm cloud.

Father called me to the drawing room one evening, his gaze piercing. "Draco," he said, his voice sharp, "have you made progress with your preparations for Hogwarts?"

I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay calm. "Yes, Father," I replied, lying through my teeth. "Everything is in place."

He studied me for a long moment, and I felt like he could see right through me. But then he nodded, his mouth curving into a thin smile. "Good. The Dark Lord expects nothing less."

I nodded, my heart pounding. As he dismissed me, I made my way back to the guest room, my mind racing. Every lie I told felt like a ticking time bomb, and I didn't know how long I could keep this up.

When I opened the door, Harriet was waiting for me, her green eyes full of questions. I closed the door behind me and leaned against it, the tension in my shoulders finally easing. "I told them what they wanted to hear," I said, my voice shaking. "But it's only a matter of time before they want proof."

She jumped onto the table, her gaze intense. I knew she was as worried as I was, but we couldn't give up. Not now.

I sank into the chair, burying my face in my hands. "I can't keep lying forever," I whispered. "But we're running out of options."

Harriet padded over to me, placing a gentle paw on my hand. Her touch was soft, but it grounded me, reminded me that we still had a chance. I lifted my head, meeting her eyes, and in that moment, I made a silent vow: I wouldn't let them win. I wouldn't let the darkness consume us.

No matter the cost, I would protect heir.