𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥? 〚𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚏𝚘𝚢 〛

Chapter 42

It turns out that the Slytherin house had a great liking for weird drinking games. 

After having searched through Snape's ingredient cupboard, we had the pleasant surprise of finding dozens of bottles of every possible kind of alcohol. 

We all knew Snape detested alcohol --then again, he also detested children-- but after a day of dealing with homework and kids who caused potions to explode, he was bound to drink away his worries at one point or another.

The younger students had gone to bed at midnight, and now, the older students were rounded up in the middle of the common room, laughing and enjoying their last night together. 

Cards were taken out and since I didn't drink, I dealt with the cards and called people out when they didn't follow the rules. 

Of course, to make things interesting, there was a catch at staying neutral. Everytime someone could finish their drink before the countdown, they were allowed to ask me two questions, and I would choose one to answer. 

They all found it quite amusing, but I laughed along with them. They understood my limits. 

An eight was flipped on the main deck and an eighth grade student slammed down her card, grinning wickedly. "Fuck you, Black."

The already tipsy girl sighed and raised the glass to her lips, draining the glass at a scary pace. She smirked my way. "Finally. Alright, Collins... biggest turn-on or are you a virgin?"

Such a classic question, I was expecting it sooner.  

I rolled my eyes. "I'm a virgin."

Malfoy, who was sitting across from me, smirked, intensity burning in his steely eyes. "Wonderful."

A few guys whistled and whooped, while Urquhart glared. Pansy came to me aid, requesting a change of game.

"A muggle game!"

I shrugged. "Fuck, marry, kill?"

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Really?"

Blaise grinned and refilled his glass with cinnamon scented whiskey. "Let's do this!"

It was great to watch the look of pure horror on the faces of certain people when they heard their names called out and the satisfied smirk of others, which made me wonder exactly how many people would boast about this till the end of time. Most likely the people who were not drunk enough to forget. 

But after a while, the common room seemed too crowded. 

I said something about getting some fresh air, shot Draco a look that told him not to worry and left. 

When reaching the top of the staircase, the freshness of the night washed over my skin, getting rid of the stench of alcohol and causing me to sigh in contentment. 

Strong arms wrapped around my waist, pulling me against a hard chest. I relaxed, recognising the familiar cologne. 

Draco nuzzled my neck. "Tired?"

I smiled, letting him brush my hair aside. "Slightly."

His breath smelled like firewhiskey, but I knew him well enough to know that he wasn't drunk. He'd barely drunk half a glass, managing to make others drink and escaping the same fate. 

His lips brush my neck, sending a jolt of electricity course through my body. I could feel his smirk against my skin as I tilted my head to the side, my breath hitching with his every touch.

"Awake now?" he teased.

Oh how I wished I could roll my eyes and make a sarcastic comment about his ego. Instead, my eyes fluttered shut, making me realise exactly how much power he had over me. 

He pulled me down on his lap, sitting on an improvised couch the students had created with cushions of different shades of green. I tucked my head uder his chin, getting comfortable.

"Where will you be going when we get back to Diagon Alley?" he asked after a moment of silence.

I could tell the question had bothered him. 

I moved back in order to be able to look him in the eyes. "My parents own a cottage somewhere in Scotland. I'll live there for now, but my parents will be staying in Australia. I don't want them involved."

He nodded somewhat stiffly. 

I sighed. "Draco, your parents are living in the Order of the Phoenix's headquarters. I... I think you need a break from this war. You will most likely want to fight but.. not now." I gently grasped his hands. "Come live with me. Voldemort won't bother us there, and we can always apparate to give help to the resistance."

For a moment, I was afraid to have overstepped our bounds. That he wasn't ready yet. 

But the large grin on his face caused relief to flood over me.

"Rose, that would be wonderful!" Then, his features darkened. "But you'll want to fight, won't you?"

I smiled sheepîshly. "You know me too well. It won't be right away, though. First, I'll stay with you."

He sighed but agreed, knowing full well he would not be able to keep me from fighting for what I thought was right. I was only doing what was necessary for the survival of all. 

I cupped his face in my hands and pressed a soft kiss to his lips. I was going to be happy, as long as he was by my side.

"We should go back," he reluctantly said. "Urquhart is going to get suspicious."

I laughed, entwining our fingers together. 

As we descended the stairs that lead back to the common room, I couldn't help but look back, taking in the night sky and filling my lungs with its air. I was suddenly overwhelmed with a sense of peace, my eyes closing on their own. 

Everything was going to be alright. 

Because light always defeated darkness. 

A/N I wonder if it's normal to feel slightly sad when finishing a book... sigh. 

Hope you're enjoying! 

-Aella