The Fall of Darkness

Chapter 15

Harry went back to where he'd been, sitting on the bed next to Draco who moved to sit closer to him, staring at Millie. She watched them both curiously, standing by the door till Draco motioned for her to come and sit with them. Even then she sat at the foot of the bed.

"Hullo, Draco." she said quietly, looking ashamed of herself.

"How long?" Draco snapped, crossing his arms tightly across his still bare chest. She glanced curiously at Harry and Draco scoffed, "ignore him, we're friends now. Answer me."

"Since I've been gone, that night."

"That's been two weeks, Millie." Draco snapped.

"We've been bonding, Draco... I'm sorry. I wanted to come and tell you, I did. I missed you, and Kestral and your mum."

"Bet you did," Draco hissed and Harry nudged him with his shoulder. Draco merely glared back.

"I did, Draco."

"It doesn't take two weeks to bond, Millie!"

"It's a new bond! We just found each other, and never talked in school! We were getting to know each other- I'm sorry, Draco, but I did the right thing. Maybe not by you, but by him I did. He approached me, wanting to talk about my being the watcher. The kids all gave me that name, very endearing children... I couldn't run, Draco, I couldn't. I was just stuck to the spot."

"That must be nice," Draco snapped, leaning forward. Harry reached out and pulled him back, preventing Draco lashing out at her and she gave him a grateful look.

"It was Draco, he touched me, moving back my hood. He knew who I was. No one else has recognized me as the fat quiet girl from school right off, except him. He knew. We had tea and he told me what a crush he'd had on me and it just escalated..."

"Then why are you here? Go home with him, to Hogwarts. Minerva will allow you to stay, no doubt. I don't want you here, that's for sure."

"Draco... you don't mean that." she said, tearing up. He scowled at her.

"I do. You go do whatever you please, I don't care!" his voice was rising now, getting louder and shaking, "go get married and have your babies and make your own damnable brood. I'll be here! ALONE! I'll care for them and I'll watch out for them, just like the others. Just like we were supposed to, together!" he was obviously near tears and Harry didn't know whether to hug him or let him get it out or what.

"You don't have to be alone, Draco, go to him." Milli whispered and Harry stared.

"Oh don't get excited Harry, I already slipped that part to Hermione." Draco snapped, glaring at her, "I won't, Millie. I'll keep my word. I've already decided to start dating anyway. Wizards, of my own choosing. I'll never go to him, never."

"Draco-"

"No. Do not bring him up again. Not in front of Harry. I mean it." Draco said, now visibly shaking himself, as well as his voice. Millie just smiled and looked at him.

"I love you, Draco. You're my best friend. So was Blaise. We can not give this up, not now. We must stay banded together against the rogues."

Draco sniffled and Harry realized at that moment that he was already crying, glaring at Millie through his tears. Sighing, Harry put his arm around the pale shoulders and Draco leaned back into his chest- still glaring at her.

"I'm going to destroy them," he said quietly, "for everything they've done. For ruining my blasted life. For my wings and for Hestia and Blaise. For poor lonely little Kestral, sprouting too fast. For her lost family. You will gaurd the school. Do not lose your wings again and stay in the wards. Stay safe. I will be accompanying Harry and company, watching them. They're planning something Millie, we were attacked tonight." She grinned madly and dove forward, wrapping him and Harry in a tight hug.