Distance // Draco Malfoy

Chapter 49

A/N
I am aware I said I was taking a break for part of my NYR, but I was talking to my mum and she said she didn't think that I should give it up because it's not really social media, and she says she doesn't want me to, so I've decided not to give it up. I am, however, inactive on all other social media. I don't think I could have done it in the first place! That is all, people!
Mazzie.

Hogwarts is changing, to say the very least. The new rules and regulations are driving me around the bend, and they are out of hand. Umbridge has now taken over the whole school, and it feels as though Dumbledore no longer exists to us. Umbridge has spent the last few weeks interrogating the teachers, and today, her decision has left us all in serious shock. She's kicking Trelawny out. I stand in dismay with my best friends, watching the scene in front of me. Oh, poor Trelawny! I understand that she is pretty much a big fraud, but even so, it is insane for Umbridge to be kicking her out. When Harry and Ron got back from their lesson of Divination, grumbling, they informed us of what happened during Trelawny's observation lesson, as both me and Hermione dropped Divination at the end of third year.

McGonagall rushes forwards out of the crowds and pulls Trelawny into an embrace. I exchange looks of equal sympathy and darkness with Hermione - sympathy for Trelawny, darkness on Umbridge's behalf. And then, Dumbledore shows up. 'Professor McGonagall, will you please escort Sybill back inside.' I let out a breath as Dumbledore says it, and turn to Hermione during the start of the chafe between Umbridge and Dumbledore. 'The bitch. You know, if she'd gotten away with that -'
'I know, I mean, Trelwany is a fraud if you ask me, but it's just so brutal.' We look back at the scene, and there is a slight silence as Dumbledore observes all of the students. 'Don't you all have studying to do?' Dumbledore snaps, turning. Harry runs off after him, and at that, I feel a pair of arms around my waist.

'Fuck, I'm disappointed.' Draco huffs, and Hermione and Ron exchange looks, making me beyond pleased that Draco does not see the facial expressions. 'Why?' I ask, frowning.
'Bloody hate Trelawny, she's a big old fraud!'
'Fair enough, but I don't think Umbridge had any right to attempt to dismiss her in the way she did.'
'Speak for yourself.' Draco mutters, and although I roll my eyes, Draco doesn't notice. 'I wish she'd left.'
'Draco! Don't be so mean!' I scold him, and he smirks down at me. 'Poor Trelawny was heartbroken.' Draco laughs at my exclamation, and I glare at him.
'Sorry.'
'Yes, you'd better be.'

Together, we make our way down the green, sitting under the usual tree by the Black Lake. Draco slumps against the tree, pulling me with him, so I end up on his knee, and I chuckle at his stupid grin. 'Happy there?' I smirk, glancing out over the lake.
'Very.' He smiles, kissing my head. We're silent for a moment, just watching over the Black Lake, before I whisper, 'This is nice, you know. When you're not being a twat.' I smirk.
'Hey, I'll have points for that.'
'Points my ass.' I roll my eyes and sit up, turning to face him, placing a kiss on his lips.
'Same.' Draco mumbles back.
'Alyssia - oh! I'm terribly sorry to interrupt.' Hermione smirks, and I spring away from Draco, blushing. Draco is smirking against the tree, relishing my embarrassment. 'But Dumbledore sent me. For the both of you, actually.'
'Dumbledore? Why?'
'Your sister. She's awake!'

-*-

I sprang up and dragged Draco to the office, knocking loudly, and once we entered, Dumbledore smiled and held out his arm. Currently, we are hurrying along the corridors of St George's after being given directions to Morgan's new ward. I see my mum waiting for us outside the ward, and she smiles when she observes me, pulling me into an embrace, a one which she also gives to Draco. 'You're allowed to see her, and then you'll be going back to school. Dumbledore will be here for you in an hour.'
'Okay, okay.' I grin, my vehemence about me. I give Draco's hand an extra tight squeeze, before we make our way through the big double doors in front of us, Draco wrinkling his nose, yet he looks thrilled, and me so excited I am almost sure to be losing my patience in waiting.

The walk to the end of the ward itself seems unbearably long. I fiddle with the hem of my jumper, as once again, me and Draco had to go through the procedure of removing our robes, so as to look like we are wearing normal, muggle uniforms, before we entered the hospital. My mum pulls back the curtain that is drawn in front of someone's bed, and I peer around it, smiling when I see Morgan lying in her bed. She is looking down at a book which she is reading, and looks up when she sees my mum. I retreat around the corner so as to surprise her, and Draco gives me a quizzical look, a look which I can only simply reply with, with a nod. He stoops down and holds my face, and kisses my lips gently, and very briefly, at that. 'Morgan, someone's here to see you.'
'Who is it?'

I step around the curtain, pulling Draco with me. My sister squeals when her eyes settle upon us, and the heart monitor which she is hooked up to beeps faster for a few seconds. Draco, clearly startled, looks up at the machine, but I give him a reassuring squeeze. 'Alyssia! Draco!' She breaths, her smile brightening.
'Hi!' I cry, my tears running. I rush forward and give her the biggest, longest, and yet most gentlest, hug that I can possibly give a person. She sucks in a breath, and I try to be lighter with her, only to release her immediately. Draco steps forward and very lightly embraces her, so as to be gentle. 'I can't believe you're both here!' She whispers, grinning.
'I'm just glad you're okay.' I chuckle. She gives me a smile, and I look around, whip out my wand, and conjure a vase of flowers on the bedside table. 'You had us all worried.' Draco mutters to her, and a grin is plastered on her face. A grin which I have been longing to see for what feels like centuries.