Transfixed: A Draco Malfoy Fanfiction

Chapter 49

In my final two days at the Manor, I wanted to leave on good terms with Draco's family. I knew they were devastated about losing him, and even thought I knew they would never accept me, I did not want them to resent me either. The next morning, I woke up before Draco and went downstairs. Narcissa was the first person up, as she often was, and she was drinking her tea at the kitchen table while looking out the window.

"Good morning, Narcissa," I said as I sat down to join her. She nodded, but didn't look at me.

"Narcissa, I wanted to talk to you about Draco," I started. "I know you're upset about him coming with me to Hogwarts, but I need you to know that I'm not trying to take him away from you and Lucius."

She finally looked at me, and her eyes were sullen. "You two are in love, aren't you?" she said in a hoarse voice. I looked down at my hands, which were twisting nervously in my lap.

"Yes," I whispered.

She shook her head and went to look out the window again. "That's what he said, too," she mumbled to herself. I raised my eyebrows, unaware that she had asked Draco the same question.

"He did?"

"Yes. He said you're the love of his life." She turned back to face me, but this time, there was an intensity in her gaze. "He's never spoken about anyone the way he spoke about you."

I blushed and felt my heart flutter. "That's... that's very kind," I stuttered.

"It's true. So I just have to ask you..." she trailed off before continuing. "Please take care of my son."

I stared at her, searching her eyes for understanding. This woman was so different to me, so vain, so snobbish at times. But in that moment, she looked just like any other mother I had ever known. She was a mother who loved her son. And I felt sorry for her.

"I will, Mrs. Malfoy. I promise," I said, reaching over to take her hand. She flinched in surprise at my touch, but then squeezed my hand tightly.

"Thank you, Audrianna. And I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I truly am."

...

After speaking with Narcissa, I took a quick detour to the cellar to check on Mr. Ollivander. I could feel dread growing within me as I descended the steps. What if I hadn't done enough before to save him?

"Lumos." I got my bearings as I adjusted to the pitch-black dungeon. There was barely any light down there, even during the day. I approached the bars and gripped them tightly.

"Mr. Ollivander?" I called.

"Miss. Cliffton!" Ollivander exclaimed. I beamed. His voice sounded ten times stronger than the day before. I held my wand in his direction, and the paleness had gone from his face. He was still too thin from lack of food, and the wound on his head needed tending to, but he was better.

"Secretum telum." The door swung open and I ran to his side.

"Did they feed you breakfast yet?" I asked. He nodded.

"Wormtail came about an hour ago. Brought some bread and water. Not much."

Just as I opened my mouth to reply, the sound of footsteps drifted towards us, and I ducked into the shadowy corner of the cellar, my heart racing.

"Nox." The light on my wand went out with a flash as I huddled, waiting to see who had come. Ollivander looked straight ahead, trying to mask his fear. It felt like we waited for an eternity before the person reached the cellar. There was a pause as they looked at the wide-open door, and then they stepped inside. I squeezed my eyes shut and worked with every ounce of strength I had to silence my breathing.