elysian

chapter 9

It's oddly silent in the hallways when compared to the blaring music back inside. The change in volume makes my ears ring but that's the last thing I could focus on right now. Even my own footsteps are deafening as they echo down the corridors.

Vigilant of my surroundings, I finally make it downstairs towards the dungeons. Not only did I see no students, but I also saw no teachers which made my anxiety almost entirely disappear.

I sign as I reach the Slytherin common room. "Pureblood."

The room is oddly eerie tonight. Not a single soul is around which is a rare occasion. Usually, there are students sprawled around the table in the back writing their essays last minute, or even groups of people sitting around the fireplace talking.

There are so many places this damn locket could be, I don't even know where to start looking.

I start to tear the place apart as neatly as I can, careful as to not make too much noise. 

Looking through boxes, behind mirrors and beneath tables, I start to grow impatient. I really thought I'd have found it by now.

It's not inside the pillowcases, nor the lightbulbs. I feel around the walls, hoping for a part of cement to be charmed and pop out. After fifteen minutes of doing this, I almost give up completely, frustrated.

I take a break and sit on the couch, feeling down the side of the couch for any sign of the locket, only to be met by crumbs which I could only assume were left by Grabbe and Goyle. Disgusted, I lean my head back on the couch and look at the fire as it crackles.

Out of the corner of my eye, I spot a slightly raised brick that's part of the fireplace. Curious, I get up to inspect it.

Grazing it slightly, it moves at my touch. With an inch of hope, I grab the edges and pull it out of the fireplace, careful not to get too close to the fireplace while I do it. At first glance, the hole looks empty and once again, I'm disappointed. Yet, as I move my head, a brief twinkle is seen as some light hits an object buried deep inside the space.

I reach my arm into the hole, careful as to not graze my hand on the rigid cement. I grab hold of the object and take it out, revealing Slytherin's locket. I found it.

Excited, I put the locket in my pocket and slowly place the brick back in its spot, careful as to not let it look tampered with. Not only did I find it but I even had enough time to get back to the party before it died down.

I turn from the fireplace to leave but a large hand is placed over my mouth. "Going somewhere?" The voice says menacingly. I groan against their palm and try to wriggle out of their lock as they place their arm strongly around my waist. "Now, now. What would you be doing away from the party at this time?"

The grip around me loosens and I jerk my body around to be met by a pair of grey eyes. The room is darker than it was when I first came in so the fire from behind me only accentuates his features. His jaw is locked as if he hasn't moved his mouth in days. His eyes narrow at me as I realise I've been inspecting him in silence for a few too many seconds now.

"None of your concern Malfoy so if we're done here I'd like to-" As I try to brush passed him, I'm cut off by the insisting pressure of his hands on my chest, pushing me back into the wall with force.

"No, we're not done here you little princess," He spits at me. "What were you doing?" He asks, this time more imminently.

"Let me go, Malfoy." I seethe at him, making his grip on me even tighter. I try to push myself out of his grip but that only makes him angrier.

"Answer me." He demands, ignoring my previous statement. 

"What are you doing here?" I question, making his stare harden. 

He looks conflicted, as if he's trying to find an answer himself. "Your mouth looks prettier when it's shut." He finally lets out with a smirk. His previous reaction falls behind his now stone-cold facade. 

"Victoria?" I hear a voice say from the door, making both our heads turn. The person walks a few steps closer, becoming illuminated by the dim common room light. Harry.

"Ah, Potter. Come to see the show?" Draco says tauntingly with his grip still firmly on me.

"Let her go you prat." Harry grips his wand at his side and when Draco sees this, he lets me go and walks closer towards where Harry is stood.

"Look Adams, you got yourself a boyfriend!" Draco exclaims. "And what're you gonna do with that, Potter?" He asks rhetorically, pointing to Harry's wand. "Challenge me to a duel? Let's not embarrass ourselves shall we."

Harry's face is enraged and I decide it's time to get back to the party. With Draco's back turned to me, I brush past him and grab Harry's arm, pulling him away from Draco so we can leave. He stumbles back but thankfully follows me. 

Before we get to the door, Harry turns to face Draco one last time. "Enjoy your night, Malfoy." He sneers, causing Draco's face to falter just this once.