Love How It Hurts - Draco Malfoy Fiction

Chapter 38- Under the Influence

Fiend-like adolescents streamed throughout the corridors. It took several attempts to detach myself from the hungry packs that were desperate to reach the great hall where a usual banquet of tenderly prepared food awaited them. Following my usual routine now, I swiftly entered the library.

Since Skyler’s absence, I had taken to creeping down to the kitchens at ‘lights out’ hour and being served by the kitchen elves who were only too happy to help. The conversations which took place in the great hall, referring to Skyler’s fate, had been just too much; Draco too avoided the place even more now.

“You’re late.”

My head snapped to the side to see Damon sat a mere few steps away, at the table closest to where I was stood, browsing through a shelf of books. He had his usual devilish glint in his eye and half smirk resting upon his lips. It puzzled me how I hadn’t seen him earlier but, then again, I suppose it showed how much I paid attention to my surroundings these days.

“Or perhaps you’re just infuriatingly early, as always.” I retorted, snatching the first book my hand came across before sliding into the seat opposite him; his perfect row of pearly whites made an appearance. It had become common for us now to unintentionally meet up.

“Interesting choice there,” he said, glancing down at the book in my hand. “But if you want to capture my heart, I doubt you’d find anything in there to help you.”

My cheeks blushed furiously when I realised I had chosen ‘A Witch’s Way to magically capture his heart’ of all possible books.  “I have someone else in mind actually.” I said, straightening my posture.

Damon leaned forward, clearly extremely amused by my absolutely awful deceiving skills. “Who?” he asked.

I quickly cast a glance to the side. “Neville Longbottom.” I said, blurting out the first person my eyes settled on.

“Didn’t think he was you type Alexis.”

“Oh yes.” I said, feeling more ridiculous by each passing second “I like guys that show an interest in…plants.”

“Why don’t I call him over? “Damon asked “It might help you in, ah, how was it you phrased it?” He glanced down at the book again “capturing his heart.”

“Oh shut up!” I fired at him, in between laughs.

A long silence lapsed aftwards, the hours ticking by, as Damon focused on his work and i was forced to open the ridiculous book i had  inadvertently chosen. 

I had just been about to suggest it was time to leave when my stomache made a hearty growl.

“There's the bell.” Damon said flashing me a grin before placing his belongings back into his bag and  levitating my book back to its place.

Glancing up at the small clock that hung on one the walls, I said “hopefully, we’ll get to the kitchen without any bother from filch.”

“No one will, I promise.” He assured me and It was times that Damon phrased things like that, that I couldn’t help but feel completely safe. It was odd how I had clicked with someone so quickly, especially considering the hat had roared ‘Slytherin’ before it had barely scraped his head and I was a loyal Gryffindor. Even Skyler and I hadn’t grown so close so fast.

“By the way, you’re a terrible liar.” Damon told me.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” I replied. “I do actually find Neville rather attractive.”

But Damon seemed to not have heard me, for when I looked up at him, he was staring empty-faced at the spot where Neville was sitting. And if I hadn’t been mistaken, something close to guilt flashed rapidly through his eyes.

**

Damon and I were sitting before the fireplace in the Hogwarts Kitchen’s, whilst house elves happily informed us on humorous events in Hogwarts as they poured all matter of delicious foods upon us.

“Forgive me Miss Gilbert, Mr Harvard,” one elf said, wiping tears from his eyes as he roared with laughter.

I began to join in a little too and I saw Damon had a faint smile on his lips just as a loud crack echoed throughout the kitchen. A small elf rushed through the gathered crowd, who had been delighted with our presence, desperation in its eyes.

“Miss Gilbert, Mr Malfoy sent me to tell you Skyler has returned. He needs you urgently!”

We were upon on feet in a mere second.

**

By the time we had reached the Slytherin common room, night time had long since fallen.

Skyler was sat, appearing completely disheveld on a green leather sofa, a collection of cuts staining her body. Draco stood over her, appearing to be broken himself. “I’m ok, Draco.” She said, and in that moment my chest tightened heavily for it was quite clear nothing about her or the situation was ‘ok’.

“YOU THINK THIS IS OK?” Draco roared.

A silencing charm must have been cast for I guessed it wasn’t the first time Draco had raised his voice and if it hadn’t been, half of the castle would be piling in the portrait hall- which they weren’t.

“It is!” Skyler said, desperate to make him understand. “Don’t you see? I can help you now! We can complete the mission together.”

"Mission?" I whispered, completely dumbfounded, but it was immediately drowned out as Skyler continued. 

"It is to take place soon. You know what you have to do, Draco."

Damon was beside Draco now, who had paled so much I thought he may actually pass out. And it was then that my eyes trailed along the arm that Skyler wasn’t even bothering to conceal; the dark mark shone triumphantly.

“We need Dumbledore.”

A/n- So these chapters are now counting down to the big finale. Any predicitions? And, what do you think of the new cover i made? -Ne X Ps. Damon on the side..