Redamancy || Draco Malfoy

Post-War // 44

I lay awake.

Sleep was the last thing on my mind.

It has been days since the Battle of Hogwarts, probably even weeks. I've been stuck in this bubble, this trance ever since. I've stopped understanding the world.

Beside me, Draco shifted in his sleep, unaware of my troubled mind. He sleepily draped an arm around my waist, pressing his face into the pillow. His touch was comforting, but it couldn't take my mind off the war.

The deaths. Their faces. Every one of them, who had died with honour, fighting for Hogwarts, and for the good of our world.

I thought about Remus and Tonks.

Did Teddy have to grow up the same way Harry Potter did, without the guidance of parents?

It broke my heart.

Small Teddy, who had been crying the last time I saw him. Who wanted nothing more than his mother to pick him up in her arms, and tell him everything was going to be fine. His father to smile gently down upon him, teach and guide him the way he had done with his students.

I thought about Crabbe and Goyle, Lavendar Brown, Colin Creevey. All of them had fought with such valour.

I could only hope that we did them proud.

My mind wandered to my brother, my beloved brother, who had lost his life too. His body lying amongst the rest, eyes closed, peaceful.

A tear rolled down my cheek.

I missed him.

Fred Weasley, who had raised me almost as much as my parents had. Fred, who would always sneak treats into my room at night. Fred, who could always manage to cheer me up. Fred, who meant a great deal to all of us. A brother, a son, a best friend.

And I thought of George.

My brother who I left, alone, when he had needed me the most.

George, who never once failed to be by my side, telling me that I could do it, even when the rest of the world was against me.

A few more tears trickled down my cheek. I let them.

"Aria," Draco muttered softly, startling me. "Are you awake?"

I didn't turn to him. I didn't answer.

Draco soon saw my tear-stained cheeks, and propped himself on his elbow, facing me. He gently wiped an escaping tear away with his thumb.

"Are you going back?" I asked quietly, not wanting to discuss the battle. "To Hogwarts?"

We had yet to complete our seventh year.

Draco hesitated, "No."

"I'm not going back either." I told him.

We fell into silence.

"Maybe one more time," I started. "Tomorrow."

And tomorrow, we would head back home.

♔ F L A S H B A C K ♔

It had been two days since the nightmare ended.

I stayed in Hogwarts, helping out with the relief efforts.

Pansy and Daphne had both gone home, their parents wanting them away from the warzone.

Marcus remained behind to help out as well. He was involved in mostly helping to rebuild the grounds, while I tried my best to comfort the upset and anguished.