𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥? 〚𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚏𝚘𝚢 〛

Chapter 25

"I've already started studying for the exams," stated a nervous Hermione at breakfast a few weeks later, after I had decided that she had nothing to do with Ron's outburst.

I blinked, startled out of my concentrated state of mind. 

I had pushed back my plate, much too preoccupied by this morning's announcement. The N.E.W.T exams, usually reserved for seventh years at the end of their studies, had been offered to any student in sixth year who believed themselves ready. 

Harry had jumped on the occasion, Hermione and Ron following his example, making me wonder if his weekly meetings with professor Dumbledore gave him information on events that were to come. It worried me enough to make me sign up for the exams, no matter how many years behind I was. 

"I've been revising my notes," I said, gesturing towards the paper notebooks in front of me.

She pursed her lips. "I really should buy more muggle supplies."

"They're interesting," admitted Luna, who was carefully observing my hand as I clicked my pen.

I truly needed to speak to Dumbledore. 

I looked up as owls started floating from the ceiling, spreading through the room in search of their destination. 

How they managed to travel through a thunderstorm, I had no idea. But I admired their courage. Especially when they did not bomb us with their droppings out of pure spite.

 I would definitely do that. 

I watched as an elegant --well, he must have been elegant before flying through a storm-- as an elegant gray owl glided down to the Slytherin table, landing in front of Draco Malfoy. 

Our contacts had been much more friendly since he visited me in the library. He had even disregarded all comments made about his honor, choosing to sit with me in class and tease me about my exemplary attitude. 

I couldn't help myself, I stared as Draco pushed back the silver hair that fell in front of his eyes, frowning deeply. He gingerly touched the letter, as if it contained poison, before opening it. 

His already pale face turned ghost white as he jumped to his feet, urgently looking around. His eyes met mine and he relaxed for a moment. Then, his features hardened and he turned his back to me, storming out of the great hall. 

Lune followed my stare.

"His father was released from Azkaban," she whispered.

"He doesn't look too happy about it," mumbled Ginny, seated beside Harry.

The boy who lived gave me a pointed stare.

"You, sir," I said, pointing towards him, somewhat sharply. "Have something to tell me. What is going on with Dumbledore?"

He hesitated.  "He speaks about you. The password to his office is Toffee Eclairs, you should go see him."

That was not the answer I was expecting. But now wasn't the moment. I desperately wanted to go after Draco, but I knew he needed time. 

I bit my lip, trying to distract myself.

"Hermione, would you do me a favour?" I asked.

She nodded eagerly, knowing I was still cross with Weasley. "Of course."

"Take notes for me in Ancient Runes," I said, promising myself to search for Draco after first class.

An hour and a half later, I ran out of divination and down the steps of the tower, determined to track down a certain silver haired boy. 

It would have been a difficult job if the weather was less horrible, but considering it was impossible to step outside, there was only one place where he would hide. 

I tried to keep the library doors from squeaking and kept my steps light until I saw Malfoy standing before a large window, looking down. 

Merely thinking of what might be going through his mind made my heart ache and forced me to move quickly. 

I walked behind him and gently wrapped my arms around his torso. He stiffened under my touch and tried to push me back.

"It's me," I whispered, tightening my hold.

His shoulders sagged. "Why must I be a danger to you?"

He turned around, causing me to frown and cup his face with my hands.

"Draco, what is going on?"

He touched my hands, as if they were giving him strength.

"My father is back. He wants me to finish the job, no matter what," his breathing hitched. "Rose, he's threatening me. He's threatening you."

My heart skipped a beat.

"Crabbe and Goyle are watching you," I guessed in a low voice.

His features tightened, giving me my answer.

"You're a muggle, Rose. A muggle that has managed to make purebloods question their loyalty to the dark lord. He cannot tolerate that. He wants to make an example out of you. I... I must do something."

I pressed my hands to the side of his face, trying to push some sense into him. He was beginning to scare me.

"Don't you dare say something stupid."

His lips twitched.

"I'm too selfish for that." He took a deep breath. "Tomorrow, I'm meeting with the headmaster."

I exhaled a laugh, relief flooding my entire system.

"Thank you," I said, throwing my arms around his neck.

He smiled and buried his face in the crook of my neck, sighing deeply. 

We stayed there for who knows how long, but I didn't care. I felt safe and wanted. 

Draco held on to me as if I was anchoring him to reality, as if I was the only thing keeping him sane. His skin had been cold, yet warmth seeped through mine. 

I moved back just enough to be able to look at him and smiled, hiding whatever worry and fear I felt.

"Can I have the smartest student in school help me study?" he asked, his tone teasing.

"Watch it, darling," I laughed. "My ego is growing."

We moved over to the nearest table and searched through his textbooks, asking each other random questions. 

He needed a distraction and for a while, it worked. But when it was time to perform more difficult spells, he closed his eyes a moment longer than usual, as if he needed to empty his mind of all the worries it held. 

I watched in awe as he spoke certain spells or performed non-verbal ones. 

I could tell he was growing tired. He stumbled on his words and blinked more times than was necessary.

"You're exhausted," I stated.

He shut his eyes and sighed. "I need to study. I've skipped quite a few classes this year."

"It's useless to study when nothing stays in your mind," I insist.

"I'm open to suggestions."

I grinned. "I know a quick way to the kitchen."

He waved his wand and packed the textbooks into his bag, giving me a smile that made my heart stop.

"I'm interested. Let's go grab a snack."