Who Are You? (Draco Malfoy)

Chapter 28: We've Reached the End

My foot anxiously tapped against the floor as I looked out the window. Nightfall was almost upon us all. People were walking around Ravenclaw's common room without a care, chatting with each other and laughing. If it weren't for the knowledge I had, I would be laughing with them.

I almost wanted to tell them something horrible was about to happen. That their world was about to be turned upside down. But I couldn't. I couldn't betray Draco's trust in me. Besides, why would they believe me anyways? 

I grabbed the small backpack with supplies I gathered and slung it over my shoulder, slipping out of the common room. I had to be out of here before it all started. And I had to be sneaky enough so that I wouldn't be caught by a teacher. 

I looked over my shoulder as I made my way to an exit, knowing I would end up around the area with Hagrid's hut. As I walked, Professor Snape rounded the corner and my eyes widened.

In a flash, I jumped behind a pillar, concealing myself. My heart was pounding in my chest as I prayed he would go by without noticing me. I sank to the floor and curled into a ball, trying to make myself as invisible as I could in the dark corner. 

I heard his footsteps get closer and I took in a deep breath, backing into the wall as far as I could. Everything was completely still. I wouldn't allow myself to breathe. My eyes followed Professor Snape as he walked by the place I was hiding.

His lips were turned down in a frown, his eyebrows furrowed. He looked deeply distressed. It was only natural, I suppose. I had a feeling I knew where he was going. 

After he was a good distance away, I let out the breath I was holding. Of all professors, I could not be caught by him. It would ruin everything. 

But, if Snape was already heading towards Dumbledore's office...that means...

It's time.

I scrambled to my feet and gripped my bag tightly. I was running out of time to get out of here. 

Without another thought, I ran down the corridor. I had to keep moving. If I stayed here too long, I'd be caught. And I couldn't risk that. I had to get out of here. I promised Draco.

Draco.

My heart sank as I ran out of the castle. He must be absolutely terrified right now. I take in a breath and let it out, slowing to a walk. I turned to look at the castle. The skies are pitch black. Draco should be facing off with Dumbledore right about now. The pounding in my chest wouldn't stop. 

I swallowed hard, stepping back slowly, before shaking my head. I can't worry about Draco now. It's too late to do anything. I have to trust him and get to the place we said we would meet. 

I forced myself to keep going, walking past Hagrid's hut, slipping into the woods next to his house. Looking around one last time to make sure no one spotted me, I crouched down in the bushes. I took in a deep breath, let it out, and looked up at the tower in the castle.

My hand traveled to my waist, where I felt my wand. Oh how I wish I didn't have to use this weapon. But I knew I would. There was no way I would escape this. 

I heard something coming from the castle and I looked up. My eyes widened as a flash of green sparked across a section of the tower. I covered my mouth with my hands as I saw a body fall out of the tower towards the ground.

I wanted to scream.

I wanted to cry.

I wanted to run away.

Tears filled my eyes as I lost sight of the body. My chest was tight as I tried to force myself not to cry. It was starting. 

The next thing I knew, I was hearing screams echoing in the castle. I could hear the sound of breaking glass from here. My body shook with horror and despair. I put my head down, crying silently to myself. I knew I didn't need to be in the castle, but I didn't think about what I would be seeing, or hearing, while I waited for Draco.