The Noctis Codex | DRARRY

THIRTY-THREE

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The world around Harry was a blur of darkness and cold air as he slowly regained consciousness. Blinking against the soft light, he realized he was laying in front of an enormous, foreboding mansion. Its tall, spiked gates and sprawling, oppressive architecture were unmistakable—Malfoy Manor.

To his left, Hermione and Ron stood silently, their expressions tense. Just as he was about to question their presence, the girl spoke first, her voice laced with urgency.

"We used Apparition to follow Lucius," she explained quickly, her words tumbling over one another. "We had to. We couldn't just let him take Draco."

Harry stared at her in disbelief, his mind racing. "You brought me here? To Malfoy Manor? Of all places?"

"It was the first thing I thought of. We couldn't leave you there unconscious. Besides, it worked. You're awake, which means Draco must be nearby."

Nodding, Ron darted his eyes nervously to the looming mansion. "Yeah, and if this is the right place, it means we've got a shot at finding him."

Harry looked up at the towering structure, a sinking feeling settling in his chest. Memories of his dreams, the vivid images of Draco's torment within these walls, played in his mind. The atmosphere around the house felt heavy, suffocating.

With Hermione and Ron's support, he pushed himself upright. Together, they approached the massive front door. The air between them was thick with unspoken fear, each step echoing loudly in the silent courtyard. As Harry raised a hand to knock firmly, the sound shot through the stillness.

Moments passed before the door creaked open to reveal a small, wiry house-elf. His sunken eyes and weary expression gave him a menacing look. He glared up at them, eyes narrowed. "Harry Potter..."

He instantly wanted to shut the door, but before the elf could do so, Harry quickly wedged his hand in, forcing it open again. "We need to see Draco," he insisted, his voice firm.

The elf's face twisted into an angry scowl. "Harry Potter is not allowed in this house," he growled, trying to push the door shut a second time.

This time it was Ron who stepped forward, an exasperated sigh escaping him. "Enough of this." He shoved the door wide, forcing their way inside despite the elf's protests.

The vast entry hall stretched out before them, cold and dimly lit. The size of the manor was daunting, with endless corridors and towering staircases. They weren't sure where to begin looking for the blond.

But suddenly, amidst the scary silence, Harry caught a faint whisper—not a sound, but a thought.

"Wait, is he here? I can feel him. But how... and why?"

Harry's heart jumped. He focused his thoughts, sending a silent message back. "Malfoy, we're here."

Almost instantly, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed down the staircase. Moments later, Draco appeared at the top of the stairs, his face pale and damp with sweat. His eyes widened as they locked onto Harry, Hermione, and Ron.

Without wasting a second, the Slytherin rushed down the stairs, his steps frantic. He reached them and immediately began shoving them toward the door. "You can't be here!" he hissed, his voice low and urgent.

"Why not?" Harry shot back, resisting Draco's attempts to push him out.

"If my father finds you, I can't... I don't know what he'll do."

He wrestled the door open, trying to force them outside, but Harry held his ground. "This can't go on, Draco. I already fainted once. We can't keep doing this. It's too dangerous."