adored by him | *under editing*

seventh year × 103

The darkness had been wiped away by the rising sun, finally revealing the true damage that had been caused.

The Castle was in ruins. The bridge completely destroyed. Bodies littered the battle ground, wounded and dead. Although the sun beamed down on them like it never had before, no one was smiling.

Many hours pain-stakingly passed as students and staff fished around the rubble for anything remotely salvageable.

Neville, battle-worn and weary, reached down and picked up something. He batted it with his hand, removing the dust, to reveal the Sorting Hat. However, something glimmered inside.

Suddenly, a horde of black swept across the courtyard. Ginny rushed out, followed by almost the entire school, eyes trained on a small form being cradled in Hagrid's massive arms.

"Who's that?" Ginny asked frantically. "Who's Hagrid carrying?"

Neville didn't answer.

"Neville, who is it?" She sounded desperate now.

Ron and Hermione joined the anxious red-head, their eyes too trained on the body in Hagrid's arms. They could only fear the worst.

Nadia stayed close to the top of the steps, not wanting to believe what she was seeing. Ashton held her hand tightly.

"Harry Potter...is dead!" Voldemort yelled.

"No! NO!" Ginny cried, lunging forward but Arthur grabbed her and pulled her sobbing form into his chest.

Nadia gasped, squeezing Ashton's hand. He was gone.

"Silence! Stupid girl." Voldemort hissed.

"Harry Potter is dead!" He repeated as the swarm of black broke into laughter, Voldemort himself letting out a strange chuckle.

Draco slowly walked down the steps, surveying the scene in front of him, his stormy eyes clouded with regret and remorse.

He stood by Nadia, slipping his hand into her's. She rested her head on his shoulder, wrenching her eyes shut so her tears wouldn't spill.

"From this day forth, you will put your faith in me. Or suffer the consequences."

Silence filled the tense air.

"Now is the time to declare yourself." Voldemort stepped closer to the centre of the courtyard and spread his arms. "Come and join us...or die."

"Draco..." Lucius hissed, turning all eyes to the platinum-blonde.

He gulped, his palms sweaty. Voldemort eyed him curiously.

"Draco...!" Lucius hissed further. Draco didn't move.

"Draco. Please, darling." Narcissa called. That was Draco's weakness.

The trembling boy turned to Nadia, clutching her hand, tears in his eyes.

"Go." She whispered with a soft smile. "Go."

Draco sighed, a glistening tear rolling down his pale cheek. "I love you." He mouthed.

"I love you too."

Then, the warmth encircling her hand vanished as Draco cautiously made his way over to the army of Death Eaters.

"Well done, Draco."

Nadia let out a breath and buried herself in Ashton's neck, glaring menacingly as Draco and Voldemort embraced awkwardly.

However, Neville began to limp towards the snake-faced sociopath, Sorting Hat in hand. The girls' eyes widened as Voldemort gave a teasing laugh. "Well, I must say, I hoped for better. And who might you be young man?"