Say Something

Chapter 20

I had decided not to attend Divinations as scheduled and instead walked towards my special tree that overlooked the Forbidden Forest. It was only there I hoped to find solace.

My mind was so occupied that I didn't think I could actually read my book without causing my head to implode, but I pulled out my battered copy of "Pride and Prejudice" anyways. I leaned comfortably against the trunk of my tree and desperately hoped I could be taken away by the words on the pages. But it was to no use. All I could think about was my baby and our future together.

McGonagall's questions lingered in my mind. Could I return to school with an infant? By the start of my seventh term, I won't have even given birth yet, it would still be another few weeks until my due date. Delivering a baby at Hogwarts seemed ridiculous enough, but how could I actually care for the baby and focus on my course work at the same time? My seventh year was the most crucial and having a baby would certainly be a distraction. As much as I desired to be a professional Healer, that option didn't seem feasible anymore.

I laughed dryly as I wondered if anyone would even be safe returning to Hogwarts after this term? I had no idea what Draco was doing for the Death Eaters but he had claimed himself it would cause irreparable damage, but what exactly could it be? Just how many people would it effect? According to Harry, Voldemort was at the brink of completely taking over the world, was Draco going to be an accomplice to that? I cringed at the thought of Voldemort defeating Harry with Draco at his side.

I jumped when I felt Iris sit next to me. She chuckled loudly at my stunned expression. Her face hardened when she realized she had actually startled me and she patted my leg.

"Sorry Mel, gave you a fright did I? What the hell is going on with you?"

"Shouldn't you be in class?" I asked hoping to deter Iris.

"I have a free period, I assumed you'd know that, being my sister and all. I feel like we haven't spoken in ages, you aren't avoiding me are you? I know you're not thrilled about my physical relationship with Bradley but--"

I watched Iris speak but my ears had gone numb. Because I had been avoiding her all this time. I feared her reaction above all the others, I was supposed to be her role model. We had already been through so much after losing our grandmother, I couldn't burden her with any more stress. As my sister, I knew Iris would feel obligated to help me through this and I didn't want to age her too quickly. This was my burden to bear, not hers.

Iris stared at me confused, she had finished speaking and I was completely oblivious to everything she said. "Melody Andorra Everard, what is going on with you? Have you heard anything I said? Draco was absolutely right, there is something wrong."

My head perked up the moment Iris mentioned Draco. She rolled her eyes at my sudden interest in the conversation.

"You--you--spoke to Draco?"

"Yes, about a week or so ago. He seemed desperate for some kind of answers but I had no idea what he was talking about, I felt awful for not really being able to help him. He looked terrible. Are you back with Oliver or something? I feel like I see you with him more than Hermione, and you've been nowhere near Draco. I thought you two were perfect together, you seemed really happy. Don't let Oliver make you feel guilty about that. Besides, wouldn't a relationship with him be against some kind of rule now since he works here?"

"We're just friends Iris. As for Draco, we're broken up, but it wasn't my decision."

I struggled to restrain the tears as I said the words about Draco. I didn't want to be broken up, it was tearing me apart. I held my stomach tightly, the baby missed him too.