The Life of Isabella Potter (COMPLETE)

Chapter 13

Draco's POV

"Mr. Malfoy."

I looked up at the sound of Professor Snape calling my name. "Yes, Professor?"

"The Headmaster has just informed me that you are to find Mr. Potter. You are excused from the rest of the day's classes as well," Snape watched me, his eyes full of curiosity.

I stood up and gathered my things, leaving the dark room Snape taught his classes in. As I walked down the hallway, I couldn't help but wonder why I was supposed to meet Potter. The minute I turned the corner, however, I got my answer. 

Bella's POV

I heard footsteps heading toward us, though they were just around the corner. Looking up, I noticed Draco standing there, a confused look on his face. A small smile hinted at my lips, and Draco's face brightened when he saw me.

Then he was serious. "Potter, why did Dumbledore want me to find you?" Draco's face was full of disgust, yet there was a hint of curiosity there as well.

My brother pulled me closer, not wanting to let me go. "There was... a problem in Lupin's class today."

Draco's eyes narrowed slightly. "What sort of problem?"

"Have I or Bella ever told you what happens when we aren't at school?" Harry asked him.

"No," Draco responded. "Why would you?"

I looked up at Harry, only to see him fighting to hold in his anger and frustration. He took a deep breath after I placed a hand on his arm. "When we aren't in school, we stay at our uncle's house. But Bella is terrified of our uncle, because he thinks she needs to be punished for doing nothing at all."

Draco's eyes flashed to my face, his eyes widening a bit. "He abuses you?"

I quickly shook my head, fear spreading through me as the thought crossed my mind.

Harry's face was suddenly in front of mine. "Bella, stop. You're fine, it's not going to happen. I promise." I took a few deep breaths, trying to soothe myself. When I felt I was calm enough, I gave Harry a nervous, yet assuring smile.

He nodded and stepped back before turning to Draco. "Anyway, she can't be around him at all."

Draco cut Harry off before he could say any more. "What does this have to do with Lupin's class?"

"I'm getting to that," Harry said, giving him an exasperated look. "Professor Lupin wanted us to see what our deepest fears were. So he had us all face a boggart. I'm assuming you know what that is..."

Draco nodded. "Yeah, I've faced one before."

"And now that you know more about Bella, you can understand where this story is headed..." Harry trailed off, most likely hoping he wouldn't have to explain any more.

Draco nodded then. "Yeah. She saw your uncle, didn't she?"

Harry nodded. "Yes. Well, I took her to Dumbledore and he said he thinks it's best if she spent the rest of the day with you," At Draco's confused expression, he continued. "He thinks that Bella's taken a liking for you, and you to her. Honestly, it's really not that hard to see. Clearly, you two fancy the other so... I'm going to class now..."

Harry turned to me. "You know where to find me if you need me."

I nodded, giving him a reassuring smile. When he was gone, I turned to look at Draco. "So..." I tried to think of something to say to him.

Draco flashed me a warm smile. "I have to run my things to the Common Room, seeing as I don't have any more classes today. Do you want to come with me?" I nodded, walking to his side. 

Draco and I were walking around outside the school. At the moment, we were walking in silence, but it wasn't awkward. Actually, it was sort of comforting; we were just enjoying the others' presence. But when Draco's hand brushed against my own, I felt a shiver run up and down my spine. 

I suddenly found myself facing Draco, my eyes searching his face. He was searching mine as well. Draco took a small step closer to me, and I felt my cheeks heat up, a small smile playing at my lips. Is he going to kiss me? I thought. At the moment, I desperately wanted him to. As he took another step closer and began to lean in, the temperature dropped drastically. It was suddenly colder than freezing, and I felt my body go numb. My eyes left Draco's face and fixed on something over his shoulder.

A Dementor, as Harry had told me they were called, was floating in the air just behind us. Its torn cape was blowing furiously in the wind, and it was reaching out a bony hand towards me, or rather Draco. I felt my breath leave me in a rush. My body was suddenly burning because I was so cold.

"Bella?" Draco called out to me. But it was distant, like he was far away rather than up close. When I didn't answer, he turned slowly around and jumped back in alarm. He gripped his wand tightly in his hand, ready to use it for protection against the demon before us.

Draco turned his head slightly, his eyes still on the Dementor. "Bella, we need to get out of here."

But I still did not answer. I couldn't. My body could not function correctly, due to the fact that I was beyond freezing at this point. My fingers, and the rest of my body I'm sure, were turning blue. What made things worse, was the fact that I only had on a short-sleeved shirt and jeans with tennis shoes, nothing else.

"Bella!" Draco called out my name again, but it sounded even further away than it had before. Suddenly, my legs gave out and I collapsed to the ground. I would have fallen on my face had Draco not caught me in time. He knelt down next to me, gripping my hand in his own. He placed his hands around my own, trying to keep them warm.

"Draco..." I somehow managed to say.

"Bella, please, don't close your eyes," Draco responded. His face was full of concern and worry. He was terrified and had every right to be.

"Get..." I couldn't say anything else, however, because at that moment, my eyes drifted closed and I was surrounded by the darkness that had been looming on the outskirts of my vision.