𝐀 𝐦𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 [Draco×OC]

46: HARRY RETURNS TO HOGWARTS ⏃

Ángeles' POV

Walking through the streets of Hogsmeade had never felt so strange. With each step, I felt the tension tightening in my shoulders, as if the village itself, covered in dust and mist, was silently accusing me. The last time I was here, the streets were bustling with students and visitors; now, there were only shadows and the echo of my own footsteps. But I wasn't alone. Dolohov followed closely behind: Voldemort had let me go, but under certain conditions. I was starting to worry that he doubted my 'loyalty' and might kill me, though, to be honest, nothing would free me quite like that... Living with everything I had already done was becoming very difficult, and even though I tried not to think about it, the memories always came back, from that woman I was forced to torture for the first time in the Malfoy's basement to all the staff at Gringotts... It felt like there was no forgiveness left for me.

I turned the corner by Honeydukes, trying to ignore the dim windows that were once full of sweets and color, and passed by The Three Broomsticks. I couldn't help but smile, remembering it was where Draco and I had our first date. I still remember how nervous I was about it, that Theo had helped me pick out my clothes, the cold that day that made Draco lend me his scarf, which I still hadn't returned, and that firewhisky that was too strong even for me...

-

"So, do you know what you're going to order yet?"
"What? Oh, right, yes! Maybe a firewhiskey, what about you?"
"Isn't that alcoholic? It's only four o'clock..."
"Yeah, I know, but it's Saturday, and I think it would be good to... relax a little, you know? Besides, you're the one who shouldn't be drinking here, not me."
"Still not over that, are you? Sorry for throwing up on your clothes."
"Don't worry. If that hadn't happened, I never would have known that you wanted to kiss me..."
"Do you want the truth? I've wanted to since I first saw you at the Slytherin table."

-

I had to quickly erase the smile. Any expression could give me away. Here, I couldn't afford that luxury.

The silence between us grew heavy. Dolohov stayed close, in a subtle but unbreakable circle, and I could feel his gaze shifting from different places back to me. I tried to ignore it, keeping my pace and composure. Everything was fine until an alarm cry shattered the silence of the village like thunder. My stomach twisted: this was the signal we had all been waiting for. Harry Potter was here.

"It seems the prey we were expecting has arrived," Dolohov said with a cold voice.

Yes, it was definite. Harry Potter was in Hogsmeade again, surely on his way to Hogwarts. His aura was always very strong, and I could feel it from afar. I couldn't let Dolohov notice this, so I kept a neutral expression, nodding with just a small tilt of my head.

"We should head to the Hog's Head. That was the area where the alarm went off. Besides, its owner is Dumbledore's brother; it's obvious he'll help Potter," he added.

My eyes scanned the street as we made our way toward the alley leading to the Hog's Head. We were in darkness, and most of the Death Eaters wore those ridiculous cloaks. Well, maybe they weren't ridiculous, or maybe they were, I don't know... why didn't I have one? It wasn't fair. With the current state of my face, a mask wouldn't hurt.

As we walked, I tried to note possible escape routes, any option that might be useful if things went out of control. The tension tightened in my chest, and my mind debated silently. Dolohov was one of the cruelest Death Eaters I knew, and if he detected any trace of betrayal in my actions, Voldemort would know in no time. Upon arriving, the place looked dark, as if no one was there at that moment except the Death Eaters and Snatchers running around frantically.

"Rasmüssen," Dolohov said, "you're going to patrol the path from here to Hogwarts, understood? It's obvious that will be Potter's next stop. If you find him, you can get rid of his friends, but not him."