A Magic Stronger Than Darkness ~ Book 1: Perfect Opposites

Chapter 18 ~ Desperate Times...

Draco POV

Both Veronica and I knew of the danger that still lurked in the Forbidden Forest, but neither of us had decided to stop seeing each other there. Dementors and other vile monsters are just some of the threats posed to us, yet on the night of Veronica's birthday, we did not encounter creatures of the sort. But there was certainly something out in the Forbidden Forest with us. So I should not have been surprised when my headstrong girlfriend signalled to me (in her animagus form, no less) that I should accompany her in the direction of the sounds we were hearing. "You want me to follow you to the bloody noise?" I still asked in disbelief, though I had understood what she meant even in her feline form. She dipped her head and started to walk away from me. Typical Gryffindor! I groaned inwardly.

I've always hated the forest, and the only reason I ever venture into it is to spend time with Veronica. If I did follow her into the depths of the trees, who knows what we'd encounter. If I didn't, I would be a terrible boyfriend and we'd both be alone with whatever was in the woods. I jogged after her and we crept silently through what remained of the vegetation. The further we went, the darker our surroundings became. Soon, I couldn't see my girlfriend's mottled pelt. I paused, trying to feel around to determine where she was since my vision was next to useless in the blinding darkness. "Veronica, wait. Where are you?" I called out to her faintly.

Something brushed against my leg and a furry nose nudged my hand. I relaxed a little, instinctively knowing it was Veronica. "We shouldn't go any further. I can't see in the dark like you can," I pointed out quietly. Suddenly she transformed back into her human form. "It's fine Draco, I didn't sense any danger. Let's keep going though. I think we're near the Black Lake. The air ahead is thick with the smell of freshwater." I nodded, yielding to her request, but I realized she couldn't see me now. I didn't really want to continue, but I trusted Veronica's judgment. Instead of saying anything, I grasped her hand and we continued on our way along the invisible path, cautiously stepping over the ground in front of us as we moved so that we didn't trip on any brambles or exposed tree roots.

Veronica froze after about twenty steps, staring at a break in the trees where some of the moonlight was filtering through the thick trunks. "Someone's coming," Her voice came out in a hushed tone and the sound of footfalls crunching through the dry foliage finally hit my ears. We hid behind a shrub a few feet away, still holding hands and careful to stay in the shadows that the plant was casting upon the ground.

A second later, a few people came walking through the bushes speaking to one another in muted and indistinct voices. Peering through patchy holes in the dead plant, I followed the noises and recognized the forms of the people they belonged to. It was all three headmasters and Barty Crouch from the ministry. Veronica gasped, indicating that she had identified them too. "Are you coming, Albus?" Madame Maxime asked Dumbledore, though the tall man was staring intently at the bush Veronica and I were crouching behind. "You go on ahead, I shall catch up with you in just a moment..." He insisted nonchalantly.

The others continued trudging on to their destination and Dumbledore waited to speak until they had disappeared into the darkness once more. "Mr. Malfoy, even in this darkness your hair gives away your position," He spoke gently, acknowledging my presence. I sighed and got back to my feet. "What are you doing out here at this hour?" Though his tone held no anger, I could sense that my headmaster disapproved of me being out past curfew.

Thinking quickly, I started to make up an excuse, but Veronica stood up as well and eyed me guiltily. Her shoulders drooped heavily, wordlessly indicating her shame; meanwhile, her eyes met Dumbledore's evenly, showing our headmaster that she would own up to whatever she deemed was her mistake. "It's my fault, Professor. We've been meeting in the clearing where I practice since the beginning of the school year. And Draco figured out what I am... I'm sorry we're out here, but this time of day is really the only time when we can talk and spend time together, with our busy schedules and being in different houses and all. Please don't be angry with Draco though, it was entirely my idea." Veronica's explanation tumbled from her lips like a waterfall, rushing out all at once.