Entranced (Draco Malfoy)

•twenty-nine•

Dove Taylor emerges from the fireplace, looking around in slight confusion. This isn't Professor Dumbledore's office. A door behind her opens, Professor McGonagall walking in harriedly. Relief falls onto her face when she sees the Hufflepuff.

"Miss. Taylor," she says with a thin-lipped smile. "It's good to see you."

"It's good to see you too," she says genuinely. "Where's Professor Dumbledore?" 

"He's currently off the grounds on business."

"Where's Harry?" 

"With Dumbledore," the professor admits.

Shock runs cold through Dove, "No, that can't be right. Professor, Death Eaters are about to be swarming this castle to kill Dumbledore," she utters urgently. "I... Where's Blaise Zabini?" 

"Probably in the Slytherin Common Room," Professor McGonagall replies faintly, putting her hand over her heart. "Miss. Taylor. Tell me you have back-up."

"Yes ma'am. Draco should be right behind me, but others are coming," she informs her. In response, the fireplace roars and out walks her boyfriend. "Draco, come on. We have to find Blaise."

"Miss. Taylor, what should I do?" 

Hesitating, she turns, "Put the castle on lock-down. I don't know how they're going to get in, but it might be somewhere in the castle. Make sure everyone stays in their Houses. But honestly, you might want to get some seventh and sixth years ready to fight just in case things go awry."

Nodding, the Head of Gryffindor says grimly, "I'm assuming I'm correct when I say this is why you and Mr. Malfoy left Hogwarts?"

"We weren't safe here anymore," Draco admits. "Dove was being targeted."

"So were you," she says, miffed. "Professor, we have to go. I promise we can discuss this later."

"Go on then," she encourages.

Dove grabs Draco's hand, and then the two are off, running through the halls of Hogwarts as if the final battle is about to happen. And maybe it is. She has no idea what is to happen and what the outcome will be. She can only hope.

"You know the password, right?" She asks, slightly out of breath as they reach the Slytherin Common Room.

"Of course, I do," her boyfriend responds, as if offended she'd had to ask. She rolls her eyes. "Pureblood," he whispers.

"Now that's offensive," she mutters under her breath.

He chooses not to answer, a smart move on his part. The portrait swings open, glaring at Dove suspiciously. Draco enters first, gently tugging her in as well. She looks around in slight awe, taken aback by the decorations. 

It's dark, so unlike her bright and homey Hufflepuff Common Room. However, she doesn't feel dreary. She doesn't know if she would be able to get used to this, but if she'd been put into this House six years ago, she would've liked it. 

Green surrounds the room, which is to be expected. On instinct, she looks down at the ring on her left hand, smiling when the color matches perfectly.

"Stay right by me," Draco instructs in a low voice. "I don't trust anyone, especially not with you."

Her heart warms, and she moves closer to him, "I will," she promises. "Where is he?" 

"Blaise?" Draco calls lightly. 

Another thing strikes her suddenly: there's no one in the Common Room. Where are all the Slytherins? Professor McGonagall couldn't have spoken to them so soon. Footsteps sound, and Draco suddenly shoves her behind him, his muscles tight and tense.

"Hello," Blaise greets, coming into view. He's currently sporting a nasty black eye, causing her to gasp slightly. "I'm glad you came. Did you bring people to fight?"

"We brought quite a few," her boyfriend responds, sounding on edge. "What happened to your eye?"

He laughs shortly, "Oh, this?" He points lazily to his eye. "I got that from the prince of Hufflepuff."

"Ernie?" Dove can't help but exclaim. "Why?"

"He found out I'm the one who cursed you," he admits. "Shouldn't you know that Hufflepuffs are good finders?"

She chooses not to respond. 

"What's your plan?" Draco asks, giving her a look.

"What do you mean what's my plan?" Blaise laughs. "I have to act as if I'm going through with it or they'll kill me." 

"Where are you going to do it?" Dove asks instead.

"The Astronomy Tower," he mutters. "I don't know when Dumbledore is returning." 

The couple exchanges a look. Does he not know that Harry is with the Headmaster? She nods only enough for him to see, ensuring the two doesn't reveal that just in case Blaise lets it slip. They don't have much, if any, trust for him. Dove definitely doesn't forgive him for cursing her, and she knows for a fact that Draco doesn't forgive him. 

"Blaise--" 

He cuts Draco off immediately, "I have to go. I have to let them in."

"So soon?" She gasps, checking the time immediately.

It's eight o'clock. So much time had passed since she got his letter. She swallows, looking outside automatically. It's dark. 

"I'm sorry," he mutters, going to step forward. Draco moves faster than lightning, grabbing her gently and pulling her tightly to him, a clear indication the friendship is over. "I'm sorry to both of you. Try to stay out of the fight. They're gunning for you two." 

He leaves without another word. Dove swallows, wrapping her arms around her boyfriend as tightly as she can. She can feel herself shaking, the impending battle scaring her. She knows she will be strong, but right now, she just wants to hold her boyfriend.

"We're going to get through this," he tells her. 

"You don't have to be so strong," she utters seriously. "I know you. I love you. And I am always here for you. There is no need to be strong around me, Draco Malfoy."

"I know," he whispers, voice going hoarse. "You're strong enough for the both of us. But I still want to be strong and brave for you."

"You are," she says, voice raw. "You are the strongest and bravest person I know, my love. You've been through hell this year. Losing your mother--" She has to stop to ensure she doesn't begin to cry. "Losing your mother was the hardest thing you've ever had to go through. But tonight, we avenge her."

"For her."

"For her," Dove confirms.