Shadows of Redemption

Chapter 26: The Calm Before the Storm

Harriet's POV

The final days at Malfoy Manor passed with a suffocating sense of anticipation. Every moment felt like a fragile, ticking clock counting down to the inevitable. Draco and I had gone over our plans so many times that I could almost predict his next words, but the repetition kept us grounded. It reminded us that there was still hope, however faint.

Draco had taken to speaking to me more openly, even though I couldn't respond. It was almost as if talking helped him steady himself, as if it gave him the courage to face the darkness we were about to step into.

He sat on the edge of the bed one evening, the dim light from the candle casting long shadows on the walls. "Potter," he murmured, running a hand through his hair, "do you ever think about what it'll be like when this is all over? If we make it out alive?"

I padded over to him, sitting down and looking up at him intently. His eyes held a weariness that went beyond the fear of Voldemort and the Death Eaters. It was the weariness of someone who had been fighting for too long, someone who desperately wanted a glimpse of a better future.

"I do," he continued softly. "I think about what it might be like to walk through the halls of Hogwarts without looking over my shoulder. To not have to prove myself to my father, or to anyone else. To just... be."

He let out a small, bitter laugh. "Funny, isn't it? All my life, I've wanted power and status, and now... now I just want peace."

My heart twisted at his confession, and I wished more than ever that I could speak. I wanted to tell him that he deserved that peace, that he had changed in ways he probably didn't even realize. But instead, I rubbed my head against his arm, offering what comfort I could.

Draco's expression softened, and he placed a gentle hand on my back. "Thanks, Potter," he whispered. "I'm glad you're here. Even if you are a Kneazle."

The moment of quiet companionship was broken by a sharp knock at the door. Draco stiffened, and I tensed beside him. He stood, his face hardening into the careful mask he wore around everyone else. "Come in," he called, his voice steady.

The door opened, and Lucius Malfoy stepped inside. His face was as pale and stern as ever, but there was a flicker of anxiety in his eyes. "We leave for Hogwarts in the morning," he announced. "Make sure you are ready."

Draco nodded. "Yes, Father."

Lucius's gaze lingered on the Kneazle by his son's side, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned and left the room, the door closing behind him with a heavy finality.

Draco let out a shaky breath, and I felt his hand tremble slightly as he rested it on the bed. "Tomorrow," he whispered. "It all begins tomorrow."

Draco's POV

The final night in Malfoy Manor was sleepless. I lay on the bed, staring at the ceiling, my mind racing with the knowledge of what awaited us. Voldemort's expectations hung over me like a guillotine, but beneath the fear, there was something else: determination.

Harriet curled up beside me, her small body warm and comforting. I had grown so used to her presence that I couldn't imagine facing any of this without her. She was a constant, a reminder that even in the darkest moments, I wasn't alone.

I turned my head to look at her, a small, wry smile tugging at my lips. "You really are stubborn, you know that?" I whispered. "But I'm glad. I don't think I could do this without you."

Her green eyes flicked open, and she let out a soft, sleepy purr. It was a simple sound, but it made something inside me loosen, if only for a moment.

The hours crept by, and as dawn approached, I rose from the bed, feeling the weight of the day settle over me. Harriet followed me as I gathered the last of our supplies, her presence a silent reassurance. We had one goal: survive long enough to make a difference.

A knock at the door signaled that it was time. I squared my shoulders, took a deep breath, and opened it. My mother stood there, her expression composed but her eyes full of worry. She reached out, her hand cupping my cheek.

"Be strong, Draco," she whispered, her voice breaking. "And be safe."

I nodded, my throat tight. "I will."

We made our way to the entrance hall, where the Death Eaters were gathering. The atmosphere was thick with tension, and Voldemort himself stood at the center, his presence a dark, inescapable force. I kept my head down, clutching the bag that held Harriet close to my side.

Voldemort's gaze swept over us, and a cruel smile curled at his lips. "Today, we take another step toward victory," he announced, his voice smooth and commanding. "Do not fail me."

The command sent a shiver down my spine, but I forced myself to stand tall. We had a plan, allies waiting at Hogwarts, and the determination to fight. We would see this through, no matter what it took.

With one last glance at Harriet, I stepped forward, ready to face whatever awaited us.