Escaping Darkness [Book 1 of Through Darkness and Light]

Chapter 12: Don't Let Go

A/N: This was a hard chapter to write...and a bit chaotic. But it was kind of necessary to develop the plot. Warning: tissues may be needed. It's pretty depressing. Refavoment!

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He had reached the library, when suddenly there was a flash of blonde hair and flapping robes down the corridor. What's Draco doing? Harry thought. His eyes narrowed as he subconsciously followed the blonde.

Draco had been surrounded by his friends during the rest of the day, so why was he alone now? And why did he keep glancing around? Once or twice, he had glanced over his shoulder, forcing Harry to duck behind suits of armor and pillars. Luckily, Draco didn't spot him.

Slowly, they climbed higher and higher, until finally, Draco stopped outside of a wooden door. The door to the Astronomy tower. Harry was puzzled, as Draco stepped into the room, leaving the door slightly ajar.

Harry waited for a few moments, before following. He was careful to step quietly, as he pushed open the door, hoping it wouldn't squeak. It didn't, and he slipped inside, hiding behind a large box full of telescopes.

What is he doing?

Draco was standing near the edge, looking out at the view. The sun was just setting, and the sky was fading from a soft rosy hue to a deep indigo. All was silent, and a gentle breeze ruffled Draco's hair. His shoulders were shaking slightly, and it took Harry a moment to figure out why.

He's crying?

Harry frowned, as the blonde took another step towards the ledge. His eyes suddenly widened, as the blonde stepped up onto the ledge, holding one of the pillars for support. Realization hit Harry, as Draco looked down.

Merlin, he's not going to-

Harry dashed forwards, just as Draco moved forward.

•••

He had come up here tonight, with one purpose in mind. End this.

For some reason, he felt like he was being followed, but there had been no one on his way up here. All the better. They wouldn't know he was gone until the next day.

He had finally reached his destination, without any problems. Now, he was standing, looking out at the landscape. It was beautiful, in an eerie way. The shadows were just beginning to form, as Nature changed from its normal beauty into a darker, more haunting view. Just like how his life was becoming. It had gone from darkness, into a happier setting, then faded into shadow once more.

He regretted so much...and he mostly regretted not being able to explain...and for hurting those who understood him best. Hurting them, when they had suffered enough hurt already. This was why it had to end...he had failed once too many times. Now it was time to end that chain of failures, by doing something right.

So, he stepped up, onto the ledge, and looked down for a moment. It would be over quickly; he would be gone on impact. He took a deep breath, and moved.

Suddenly, strong arms encircled his chest, yanking him backwards. For a moment, Draco thought it was already over, as his head collided with the ground, making him see stars. Then, he realized that he had hit the floor of the tower. "What the...Potter!"

He fixed a glare on the boy laying beside him, rubbing the back of his head. "I don't have time for this," Draco muttered, shoving off of the ground. He stepped towards the edge again, when Potter grabbed his arm.

Harry spun Draco around, his eyes confused. "Why?" he asked, in a soft voice. "Why are you doing this?"

He hoped - oh, how he hoped - that Draco still cared about their friendship. The pain that flickered in Draco's eyes before the Slytherin's face slipped into its mask sent his hopes soaring.