I hate that Draco looks like a true death eater, standing before me.
I don't know what it is; how proper he looks, maybe, or how similarly he dresses as his father. All black, slightly overdressed for fighting as I would assume before seeing how Bellatrix never fails to arrive for battle in a dress. His hair is gelled to perfection, and while it is objectively an attractive look, I want nothing more than to run my fingers through the strands and watch it fall into his face like it does when he smiles down at me.
"We have to go, Elizabeth."
His face is paler than normal, too, like he's been thrown back into his sickly look of sixth year when he was constantly working with the death eaters. I never understood the physical toll that comes along with the mental strain of doing something like this; not until now, when I feel that if I stand up, if I take Draco's outstretched hand and leave the manor to hunt a living, innocent human, I might throw up.
"Elizabeth?"
He'll be with you the entire time. You're doing it for him. For your father.
"Yes. I'm ready," I say, tugging my bag higher over my shoulder as I shakily push myself off the bench outside the manor. I grasp Draco's hand like I'll collapse without it, a true possibility with how sick I feel. He turns me around the side of the mansion once we get to the bottom of the steps, and I frown.
"Where are we..."
"We're flying."
My stomach drops. "I thought we'd apparate."
His hand tightens around mine as he speaks. "It's best we fly. We can't risk apparation with such little experience."
I expect him to veer toward the broom shed, shocked when we pass it and stables appear behind the house. My breath catches in my throat, and instinctively I pull my hand from Draco's grasp and take a few steps back.
"Are those-" I touch my chest, my heart beating rapidly beneath my trembling fingertips. "Thestrals?"
Draco glances back at me, his rather stoic expression faltering. "You've never seen them," he realizes. I nod wordlessly, unable to take my eyes off of the large, dark head peeking out from its confinement. My head feels a little lighter as I remember my last experience riding one. I can't tell if that's as much of a shock as actually seeing one, though. Dumbledore's death opened my eyes to them, not that I ever thought about it.
"They're nice creatures," Draco says softly, likely catching my fear.
"I know, I know," I murmur, my eyes flickering to meet his. "Draco, do we have to fly?"
His brow furrows, and he nods.
"I'm...I'm good enough at apparating, I wouldn't-" I bite my lip, curling the hand on my chest into a fist as I lower it to my side. "Are you sure?"
"Elizabeth, I..." He sighs deeply, glancing at the thestrals once before approaching me again. He grabs my clenched fist and opens it up, interlocking his fingers with mine while using the other to brush the hair back from my face. "I can't risk you getting splinched because of me. Neither of us had time to take the test, we didn't even have all our lessons. We're far safer this way. And it prolongs the trip, too. More time...just us."
My skin tingles where his fingers brush my cheek, and I stare into his eyes for a moment, knowing if I let myself get lost in them for just a few seconds I might be able to wrap my head around flying.
He'll be with you. He'll be with you. You'll be okay.
I nod, biting my lip. He offers a small smile, squeezing my hand.
YOU ARE READING
Hidden Feelings - A Draco Malfoy Love Story
FanfictionElizabeth Medlor, a third year Hogwarts student has just transferred from Beauxbatons after her parents' divorce. Chosen to be a Gryffindor, she quickly becomes friends with Harry, Ron and Hermione, therefore immediately becoming enemies with Draco...