Shadows of Redemption

Chapter 19: A Moment of Weakness

Harriet's POV

The narrow escape from Bellatrix left me shaken, but it was the sight of Draco crumpling onto the floor that broke something inside me. He had been strong for so long, carrying burdens that no one should have to bear, and now he was barely holding it together. I wanted to comfort him, to tell him that we would get through this, but all I could do was stay close, my small body pressed against his chest.

Draco held me tightly, his fingers buried in my fur, his breathing ragged. I felt the warmth of his tears soaking into my fur, and it made my heart ache. This wasn't the Draco Malfoy I had once despised. This was a boy fighting for his life, a boy who had been thrust into a nightmare he couldn't escape from.

"I can't do this," he whispered, his voice breaking. "I'm not strong enough. They're going to find out. They're going to ruin everything."

I lifted my head, looking up at him, and wished more than ever that I could speak. I wanted to tell him that he was stronger than he realized, that he had done more than I ever could have expected. Instead, I nuzzled his neck, trying to offer whatever comfort I could.

He took a shuddering breath, his grip on me loosening just enough for him to look down at me. His eyes were red, full of despair, and I felt helpless. But then his gaze softened, and something in him seemed to steady.

"You're not giving up, are you?" he murmured, a weak smile flickering across his lips. "Even now, you're still fighting."

I met his eyes, hoping he could see the determination I still carried. We couldn't give up. We had come too far, risked too much. Somehow, we had to keep going.

Draco wiped at his face, taking a deep, shaky breath. "Right," he said, his voice steadier now. "We have to keep fighting. For you, for me... for everything that's at stake."

He sat up, carefully setting me down beside him. I watched as he composed himself, his hands no longer trembling. The fear and vulnerability were still there, lurking beneath the surface, but he was pushing it back, finding the strength to stand once more.

"We can't stay here much longer," he said, his eyes flicking to the map of the escape routes. "If Bellatrix or the Dark Lord become suspicious again, we'll need to leave. I'll make sure we're ready."

I watched him carefully as he moved around the room, his steps more confident now. The weight of our situation hadn't lessened, but Draco was holding on, and that was what mattered.

Draco's POV

Harriet's quiet strength had become a lifeline. Even as a Kneazle, she reminded me that I wasn't alone, that there was still hope, even if it felt fragile. I couldn't afford to let my fear consume me-not when she was counting on me to keep us both safe.

I gathered the supplies we might need if we had to make a quick escape: food, water, the old communication mirror, and a few potions I had managed to collect. Every movement felt like a countdown, as if the walls were inching closer, but I forced myself to focus. We had to be ready.

Harriet watched me from the bed, her green eyes full of worry. I hated that she had to see me like this, so close to breaking, but I also knew that hiding my fear would be impossible. She understood more than anyone the stakes we were playing for.

Once everything was packed, I sat down beside her, my head in my hands. "If we make it to Hogwarts," I said, my voice low, "we'll have to act normal. We can't let anyone know what we're planning until we have a real chance to fight back."

Harriet hopped down from the bed and landed softly on the floor, pacing in front of me. I could see the wheels turning in her mind, the way she was already thinking of ways to protect us. It was strange, the way we had come to trust each other, but I couldn't deny how much she had come to mean to me.

A sharp knock on the door made both of us jump, and I quickly stood, my heart racing. The door creaked open, and I braced myself, but it was only my mother. Narcissa's face was pale, her eyes filled with worry.

"Draco," she said softly, stepping into the room and closing the door behind her. "It's time."

My blood ran cold. "Time for what?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her hands shook as she clasped them together. "The Dark Lord has called for a meeting," she said. "He wants you there."

Harriet let out a low growl, and I felt my stomach twist. My mother stepped closer, her eyes desperate. "You must be careful," she whispered. "Do whatever he asks. Show no fear. We can't afford any mistakes."

I nodded, my throat tight. I didn't know what Voldemort wanted, but the thought of standing before him again made my knees weak. Harriet looked up at me, her eyes full of worry, and I reached down to touch her, drawing strength from her presence.

"I'll be back," I promised, though the words felt hollow. "I have to be."

My mother placed a gentle hand on my cheek, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Be strong," she whispered. "We will get through this."

I took one last look at Harriet, then forced myself to leave the room, every step feeling like it was leading me to my own execution. The Dark Lord was waiting, and I had no idea what he would demand of me this time.

But whatever it was, I would have to survive it. For Harriet. For my mother. For everyone depending on me.

Back in the room, Harriet paced anxiously, the silence heavy in the absence of Draco. The air seemed colder, and she curled up in a ball, willing him to return.