Thicker than Blood (Draco Malfoy love story)

Chapter twenty-eight: Details

Draco's POV

I casually sit in a chair as Phoenix explains everything. I look around, play with my hands, do anything to keep from looking at Dumbledore or Snape. Guilt from everything piles up in my mind, until I'm sure they can see it on my face.

I listen to Phoenix explain what happened as best as she can. Luckily, she didn't recognize Bellatrix. They'd both wonder how she got inside. Hell, I'm not even sure how she did it.

"This story is unbelievable and incoherent. There is no way she is telling the truth!" Snape says angrily. He continues to glare at me. Looks like I'm in a lot of trouble with big guns.

"Silence, Severus. Let the girl explain," Dumbledore responds quietly. Always the peaceful one.

Phoenix stands up, looking pissed off. "I have already explained, twice! This bitch broke in the school somehow and used Draco to bait me to the chamber, then tried to use me to bait him into whatever she wanted from him! It's not that complicated!"

Snape glares at her and opens his mouth, probably to yell at her for disrespect, but Dumbledore cuts him off.

"Enough, Severus! You will let me speak to them and hear their side!" He thunders loudly. Almost immediately, he's calm again. Bipolar nut job...

"Watch your language, Phoenix," Dumbledore reminds her absentmindedly. He stares into space, deep in thought.

"Of course. Sorry, Albus," She says quietly, sitting down. I'm surprised at the sudden heat that comes into her face. I swear, this girl is... Weird. Weirdly perfect. I don't know.

"It's fine, sweetheart. Now, who was the... Woman you saw?" He says, the word not coming out easily. I have a feeling he's not quite as calm as he lets on.

"I don't know," she says slowly.

I keep quiet, not mentioning who she is. That would be suspicious of me, and Snape is the only one who knows about my connections with the Dark Lord. Well, aside from the rest of the Death Eaters.

Snape doesn't look at me, which I'm thankful for. There's enough pressure in the room as it is.

"Okay. We will look into it and shut the chamber. For good, this time. Go to your dorms and get some rest. I'm sure your peers are worried about you," Dumbledore says to me, standing up. I look at him in confusion.

"As for you, Phoenix, I need to show you something before you leave," he says to her. She nods and stays seated. So that's why I was the only one dismissed. No way in hell I'm leaving her here alone!

"Draco, I'll be fine. Go ahead. And make sure to pick up some food on your way back. I'm absolutely starving," Phoenix says, trying to sound confident. I can hear her voice shake a little, but I know she's brave enough to handle whatever happens.

I lean over and kiss her on the mouth, not caring if the adults say something. They don't.

"I love you, baby. Don't forget that, okay?" I say quietly, stroking her cheek. I feel it heat up under my touch.

"I love you, too. Now go. I'll meet you in the common room," she says back, smiling.

I stand up and walk out, faking a confidence I don't feel. I look at Phoenix one last time before I leave, but her gaze is on Dumbledore.

I walk down the hall, cussing under my breath. Then I smile. Despite everything, I did get to tell her how I feel. The rest are just details.