Darkness And You

Chapter 7

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
Draco's POV

It was midnight when I left the dungeons. I was still fully dressed, and despite my attempts to cover the sound, my shoes still echoed on the damp cracked stones. I blindly made my way up to what I assumed was the corridor to the stairs, and was very relieved upon noticing a barred window that allowed a single shaft of pale light to cast a soft glow on the floor, illuminating my forward. A slight muffled sound came from the area where I'd just been standing — my heart started to thump faster as I slipped up the stairs and hid in an alcove close by. When I was sure nothing had followed me I once again started to creep to the Room of Requirement.

I began to ready my wand, debating whether to use a smothering charm, when the distinct tapping of flat, sensible shoes became clear, and soon it was fairly obvious that they were coming towards me. McGonagall. The moon slid behind a blackened cloud. I began to grope the walls, trying to find anything I could hide behind but with no avail — I was panicking now, my feet sliding, McGonagall at the end of the hall and the moon due to appear any minute and light up my position. But then someone grabbed me around the waist and pulled me into a stair well. I was spun around, my back to the wall, and a smooth hand put their finger to my lips, our bodies pressed together in the thin passage. They slowly slid their finger away from my mouth, and rested their hand on my stomach. McGonagall's steps drew closer, then receded: I was safe.

"Lumos" I whispered, and my wand threw light onto Livi's face. She abruptly removed her hand, and wriggled until her body was free from mine; I felt the absence of her warmth in the cool night, my heart still pounding even though McGonagall was long gone. Our breath, condensing, mingled together in puffs and I leant against the wall, relieved, but unable to release adrenaline. Until Livi shoved me.

"You idiot. Walking down the hall in plain sight! You're lucky I was here." She sighed, seemingly worried about me being caught. But why?

"I heard you earlier, didn't I? You were following me!"

"And a good job too. You're welcome, by the way." She smirked at me, regaining some of her composure.

"So why are you here Livi? You're not usually one for rule breaking."

"I was bored." She wouldn't meet my eyes.

"Bored?" I whispered, as a horrible notion hit me. I prayed I was wrong.

She made to leave, but I grasped her left hand and turned it towards me.

"Don't Draco."

I pulled her sleeve up and saw the ugly black mark staring at me. I could feel tears forming behind my eyes, lively, sweet Livia. Gone.

"What have you done?" I said, my voice breaking slightly. She looked at me, wanting to say something, but she stayed silent. I turned away and walked, walked until I had arrived back in the Slytherin dorms; my task could wait.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧
Livia's POV

He left me just as I'd left him all those years ago. I couldn't explain the lump in my throat. Or the ache that plagued my chest. But I knew, for the job I had to do, that they would have to go. My mother had always taught me to do what you must to survive, and working for the Dark Lord was a must — the alternative being death. But the image of the blond boy stayed imprinted in my mind, and the hurt that had torn into his stormy eyes. If he knew the full story he'd understand — at least, that's what I told myself.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Breakfast was somber, due to Celeste being sick in bed, and Draco openly ignoring me. Good, the more he detached himself from me the easier it would be in the future.

Once again, Snape hovered near the Slytherin table, glaring at me the whole time, and I gathered he was keen to resume the conversation we'd started. Sure enough, as I left the hall, he followed and I stopped halfway down, leaning against the nearest pillar.

"Miss Greenwood, I need to speak to you in my office."

"Regarding what exactly professor? I am awfully busy."

"Your detention that you will be attending later today, unless you come with me."

I rolled my eyes, delaying the inevitable interrogation was not going to help me, and walked into his classroom (or what he called his office).

"What is your task?"

"Task sir?"

"Yes your task, don't be smart." He hissed, becoming angry.

"I swore not to discuss it with anyone. Even his supposed most loyal follower."

"Supposed?" He breathed in and out, and then continued, "it doesn't matter. But I can protect you."

"Protect me? More like protect yourself. All you need to know is that I am working with Draco."

"That's exactly what I feared!"

His outburst was unprecedented. Draco was of no relation to him, and I couldn't fathom why he would care about a boy lost to the Dark Lord.

"Why would you care about Draco?"

"I made a promise."

"A promise...?"

"One that can't be broken." So an unbreakable vow, to a member of his family — I presumed. "So I need to know what your task is."

"Just to help him fix the vanishing cabinet. Nothing too dangerous." I smiled, but the irony could not provoke a response from Snape, not when we both knew I was lying.

✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ:* 　　 *:･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧

Just another quick thank you to everyone who has voted, you all have made me really happy!! <3

Also...
Happy New Year!

Please keep voting and commenting - especially if you have any tips/improvements for me.