PART TWO -
"you're married?" i asked, my voice thin and shaky with shock.
"yes..." he whispered, looking away like he couldn't bear to meet my eyes.
"i've got to go." the words tumbled out before i could stop them. i turned, but his hand closed around my arm—warm, familiar, desperate. i yanked myself free instantly.
"are you angry?" he asked, breathless, almost afraid.
"bye, draco." i forced out, ignoring the sting in my chest. he stood there, stunned, tears slipping silently down his pale cheeks as i walked away faster and faster, refusing to look back.
✦
"he's married!?" hermione nearly shouted, her eyes wide with disbelief.
"he left the hogwarts battle without a proper goodbye, without a single owl, without anything!" i snapped, slapping the newspaper down on the table. the headline about his marriage practically mocked me. hermione sighed, rubbing my arm gently.
"so what are you going to do now?" pansy asked, sipping her tea like this was just gossip.
"i don't know. it's been years and...i still love him." i admitted, my voice barely above a whisper.
"what!" harry choked on his cookie, coughing as ron patted his back with wide eyes.
"dear god," i muttered, rubbing my temples as if that could erase the confession.
"looks like i've got to go. i need to get ready for this interview." i said, grabbing my bag.
"have fun!" blaise called out cheerfully.
i waved goodbye and slipped out of their house, driving home with my thoughts clawing at me. once inside, i changed into nicer clothes and went searching for a pair of heels. when i pulled down a box, it slipped and smacked right into my head.
"bloody hell," i hissed, rubbing the sore spot. i placed the box on my vanity and opened it.
inside... my wand.
i inhaled sharply, picking it up like it was something fragile. "still looks the same," i whispered to myself, memories flooding in. then i noticed a folded piece of paper tucked underneath. i opened it slowly.
i love you! see you at my quidditch game ♡ – draco
my heart dropped. i folded the note quickly, placing it back inside the box with my wand. i hid it deep in my closet where memories couldn't chase me so easily.
after finishing my interview, i walked out of the building, checking my watch, ready to head home. but then...footsteps behind me. slow. deliberate. i turned around—nothing. the street was completely empty.
i turned back toward my car and walked faster.
then a hand slapped over my mouth, yanking me back.
"you're coming with me," a deep voice hissed in my ear.
instinct kicked in. i punched him hard in the stomach, twisted free, and swung my fist across his jaw. when he stumbled into the streetlight, i finally saw his face.
an old death eater.
my heart lurched. i kicked him again, hard, and sprinted to my car, locking the doors and peeling out of the parking lot. i didn't stop driving until i reached hermione's house.
✦
"no way!" harry said, eyes huge as i explained everything that happened.
"exactly!" i said, throwing my hands up.
"did you have your wand?" ron asked, eyebrows raised.
"no?" i said, giving him a deadpan stare.
"you really should have your wand with you," jay muttered, shaking his head.
"i'm a famous singer," i said, forcing a smile. "if i start waving a wand around in public, people are gonna think i'm insane. i'll be all over social media within seconds."
"uhm...now you're gonna hate me for this," blaise said, walking toward the front door.
he opened it—and there he was.
"draco," harry muttered.
"what is he doing here?" i snapped, crossing my arms.
"i told him what happened. he got worried and came to check on you," blaise explained.
"i'm fine. besides, don't you have a special someone waiting at home?" i said, smiling tightly. draco scoffed, grabbed my arm, and pulled me outside.
"okay, what is your problem?" he asked as we stood in the middle of the driveway, snowflakes catching in his hair.
"me? i'm great." i said, plastering on the fakest smile i've ever given.
"is it because i'm married?" draco asked quietly.
"no!" i scoffed, though the lie tasted bitter.
he exhaled sharply, looking exhausted.
"y/n..listen," he said softly. "it was an arranged marriage."
my jaw dropped, the world tilting for a moment as the words sank in.
