𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥? 〚𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚏𝚘𝚢 〛

Chapter 37

Four traps, a few curses and one backfired jinx later, I was running on pure adrenaline alone. 

We had marked the trapped corridors with a purple chalk borrowed from a classroom, to make sure that no member of the Order would find themselves maimed or sprouting eals from their mouths. 

We walked the hallways in silence, either lost in thoughts of what was happening to others or tense at the thought of what was awaiting us. Draco walked barely a step ahead of me, glancing back every so often, while Charles walked behind, close enough so I could feel his presence. 

I had gotten used to the shallow beating of my heart, camouflaging the steady sound of our footsteps. 

I had the very distinct feeling that muggle weapons would be much more efficient, but for some odd reason, wizards preferred their own battle techniques. I really wish I had at least a knife, or something to throw. I don't think I would be able to get close enough to aim a good uppercut. 

I frowned, my senses perking up. Our footsteps seemed quieter. 

I grasped Draco's wrist, tugging him to a stop, his grip tightening on his wand. He didn't dare speak out loud. I gestured worriedly towards Charles, who had frozen in the middle of the hall.

"Urquhart?" carefully asked Draco while I observed his expression.

The colour had drained from his face, his hand twitching as if they were held under ice cold water. 

I could no longer hear my heartbeat as fear flooded through my systems. I ran for the nearest window, immediately stumbling back as I took in the sight. 

Dressed in the ruins of black cloaks, they merged with the night, their skeletal hands reaching out towards the castle, gradually sinking through the walls. 

Frozen in fear, I felt despair seep through my skin as the Dementor floated closer. 

Arms wrapped themselves around me, pulling me away from harm's way until we were both backed into the wall, the Dementor choosing to pray on the weaker one. It floated towards Charles, who gaped at it, his wand falling to the ground in a loud crash.

"Charles!" I choked out, trembling despite Draco's usual warmth.

The blond headed boy was also frozen, as if his last reflex had been to protect me. And now that this was done, he had gone into a state of lockdown, his mind rebelling against the cold and despair. 

Charles was left on his own. 

Tears pricked my eyes, my heart sinking into sadness and desperation. This was my plan, my idea, I couldn't lose him because of that. 

I remembered my first time in Diagon Alley, my friends and how it felt to be loved. 

I swallowed back a sob, trapped against Draco and raised my hand, crying out the only words that come to my mind. "Expecto Patronum!"

The Dementor paused, distracted by my distress, and that moment saved the dark haired boy that I considered a brother. 

A silver fox sprouted from the palm of my hand, hurling itself towards the cloaked figure, who screamed, as if burnt. 

Charles fell to his knees, the Dementor turning to dust. 

I scrambled away from the wall, Draco supporting the boy and allowing him to sit up. I asked no questions, hugging him instead. 

My fox snuggled itself against our quidditch captain, transferring a bit of its light. The colour slowly returned to his face. 

I straightened, hearing crashes and curses coming from behind us.