Her Protector (Draco Malfoy)

Chapter Seven

After she'd taken me to the Hospital Wing, she'd let me spend the rest of the day in her office, simply listening to me. I hadn't realized until then that all I'd needed was to talk to someone about what I was going through. She'd let me in on a secret about herself once I'd cried my eyes out over Malfoy.

She'd told me that she'd lost her husband years ago, but even if she could have him back alive and well, she wouldn't take him back simply because she needed that heartbreak in order to become who she is. The words resonated with me, and even now I still think of them.

That night, the detention had sucked as I knew it would, but once it was over, I'd told Harry to wait for me outside as I needed to speak with Umbridge alone.

"Yes, Miss. Williams?" She asks, sipping her tea.

"I'd like to apologize to you," I admit, heeding McGonagall's advice. Umbridge's eyes widen, her grip loosening on her teacup. Obviously, this is the last thing she expected me to say. "What I said yesterday was wrong, but today I crossed a line that I had no business in crossing. While I can't promise that I won't say something idiotic in the heat of the moment, I can promise that I will do my best to stay quiet, pay attention, and not start any arguments with Malfoy. I'm sorry I disrespected you in the ways that I did. It was very, very disrespectful of me. Insolent, if you will." I crack a tiny smile, looking at her finally, "I'll see you Monday evening, professor. Have a good night."

I move to leave the classroom, but her voice stops me, "That won't be necessary, Miss. Williams. That apology was sincere and honest, which is all I've wanted from you. While you did cross a line, you served those consequences tonight. There's no need for Monday's detention."

I turn, nodding at her respectfully, "Thank you, Professor Umbridge."

The next morning, I was awake far earlier than I'd planned and ready an entire hour in advance. I couldn't help but admit that I was excited for my first date without Draco's shadow looming over me. Even more than that, I was excited to be going on a date with Harry.

I walk down to the Common Room at nine sharp, the time I'd agreed to meet Harry. Of course, Hermione's already here, reading a book while she waits for me, Harry, and Ron. I sit next to her with a huge smile.

"What did you end up doing for the last hour?" She asks in amusement.

"Writing in the journal that McGonagall gave me," I say happily. "It's really helped!"

"I'm glad that you're doing better," Hermione says, smiling at me. "I've missed you."

"I've missed me, too," I admit with a laugh.

"Good, you're in a good mood too," Ron mutters grumpily, pushing a grinning Harry towards me. "He's been way too bloody happy this morning, and it's annoying me half to death."

I stand as Harry approaches, hugging him, "Come on, let's go eat so we can go!" Pulling him to the exit, I wave at Hermione and Ron, "Bye, see you at dinner!"

At breakfast, we'd eaten in record timing. It's a wonder we didn't get stomach aches. Our date had gone amazing, and for the first time in five years, I went an entire day without thinking of Draco Malfoy. It had seemed too good to be true. And it was.

Three weeks after my date with Harry, I woke up early to go to the owlery to send my parents a letter, letting them know that I was doing very well. Before sending my owl off, I pulled her into my lap, stroking her feathers.

"How are you doing, Willow?" I ask in a low voice, not wanting to wake any of the sleeping owls around me. A tabby cat curls around my legs, purring. The feeling of happiness washes through me. "I'm sorry I haven't been to visit in awhile. I haven't been myself. But I'm better now."

"Can we talk?" Malfoy asks from the entrance of the owlery.

When I look up, I see the bags under his eyes and the way his hair lacks its usual perfectness. His hands are stuffed haphazardly in his pockets, and his tie isn't even tied properly. He just knotted it. I nod.

"Alright, Willow, go give this to my parents," I encourage, handing my owl the letter. "When you come back, I'll give you extra rubs." She hoots before flying out. I gently pick up the cat at my feet, kissing its cute little head before placing it beside the chair, "Find me, soon, and we can nap together."

The cat cocks its head to the side, a strange intelligence resting in its eyes. It nods before licking its paws. Did I... I imagined that, right? Shrugging it off, I walk out of the owlery, following Draco into an empty classroom.

"How did your date go?" He asks, sitting down.

I perch on the desk, not wanting this to take long, "Good."

"I don't know why I asked," he sighs. "Elaira, I can't do this."

"Do what?"

"I can't watch you be with someone else. It is killing me," he says, voice raw.

"Draco," I start, putting my hand on his shoulder, "I refuse to be alone simply because you can't handle it."

"I love you," he whispers, voice tight. "Why isn't that enough for you?"

"If you could be with me, it would be enough," I admit slowly. "But you can't be with me, not in the way I'd need you to be."

"What if I left my family?"

"You'd be leaving your mother," I point out sullenly. "You love her too much."

"She wants me to be safe. To be happy," he mutters. "I can't do that at Malfoy Manor."

"He wouldn't allow that."

"What He doesn't know won't hurt him. Elaira, I just know He'll make me a Death Eater if I stay. I can't become that," he begs me, a tear rolling down his cheek. "If I become a Death Eater, I will never be yours."

I feel tears rising in my own eyes, "What do you want me to do, Draco?"

"Help me. Please, help me," he cries.

"I tried to help you third year and you broke my heart," I say warily, sniffing. "What's to say you won't do it again?"

"My father found out that I loved you over the summer," he finally reveals the truth. "He refused to let me be with you. But if I leave, I can be yours, and I can choose the right side for once in my life, Elaira, please."

"Say I help you," I start, unable to bear the sight of him like this. It's breaking my heart. "Christmas break is covered because we can stay here. But what about over the summer? My parents want no affiliation with Him, and I'm sorry I have to say that so bluntly."

"You could stay with me, Mr. Malfoy," Professor McGonagall suddenly interjects, shifting into her human form. Had she been spying on Malfoy and me? Dammit, that tabby cat was her all along. "I would keep you safe, you'd be able to see Miss. Williams, and you'd have freedom. But there would be conditions and rules."

"Yes," Malfoy says instantly, not even bothering to try to hide his broken state. "Anything, professor."