Chapter 5
Lydia,
You’ve been gone for all of five minutes, and I’m already bored. The Manor is unbearable, as usual. Father’s been in a mood since I got back. Mother tries to soften it, but even she can’t keep him from ranting for long.
I’d much rather be at Hogwarts. Or, more specifically, with you. I keep thinking about everything we found, everything we still don’t know. There’s still so much to uncover, and I hate that we have to wait until next year to do it.
I hope you’re at least somewhat entertained at the Burrow. Though I don’t know how you stand all the noise. Tell me you’ve claimed a quiet corner for yourself somewhere.
Write back soon. Or find me in a dream. Save me from this dull, miserable summer.
Draco
—
Draco,
If you hate being at the Manor so much, why don’t you just run away? I’m sure the Weasleys would be thrilled to have you here. You could share a room with Ron. Kidding. Mostly.
It’s strange not seeing you every day. You’ve somehow managed to make yourself a permanent fixture in my life, and now I don’t quite know what to do with the space you’ve left behind. But I’ll survive, even if you don’t think I will.
The Burrow is exactly as chaotic as always. I nearly broke my ankle tripping over one of Ginny’s books, and the twins have turned the garden gnomes into some kind of entertainment. I think they’re trying to teach them how to duel. No one here has any sense of self-preservation.
I’ve been trying to reach you in a dream but it’s been difficult. I think the distance between us is the issue. I’ll keep trying.
Lydia
—
Lydia,
You have to come stay with me this weekend. I’m bored out of my mind. My parents are having a dinner party Saturday night and I need you there. Draco and Theo will most likely be attending since their parents are invited.
I will not take no for an answer. Write back immediately.
I’ll see you soon,
Pansy
—
Molly was sitting in the living room when Lydia went downstairs. She looked up when Lydia entered, offering a warm smile.
“I was wondering if it would be alright if I visited my friend this weekend?” She asked hesitantly. If she wasn’t able to, Pansy would freak.
“Which friend dear? Hermione?” Looking hopeful it wasn’t anyone else.
Lydia kept an annoyed expression off her face at the insinuation. “No, Pansy Parkinson.”
Molly's hands stilled. She blinked up at Lydia, her brows drawing together. “Pansy Parkinson?” Her voice was careful.
“Yes,” Lydia said quickly.
“I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”
Lydia tried to keep her frustration in check. “ It’s just for the weekend. It’s not like I’m moving in.”
“I know you have your Slytherin friends, but their families… I don’t trust them.”
“Pansy’s my best friend, I want to see her at least once over summer holidays.”
“Alright,” she said, though her tone was reluctant. "But you write to me as soon as you get there. And if anything feels off, you come straight home. No exceptions."
Lydia grinned, relief washing over her. "I promise."
Molly shook her head, picking up her knitting. "I must be mad for agreeing to this."
Lydia was excited to see her friends, she needed something fun to do. She ran up the stairs to the room she shared with Ginny and started packing. Ginny watched her curiously.
“Where are you going? She questioned.
Lydia looked at her with a grin. “I’m going to Pansy’s tomorrow night."
"Mum is letting you go?"
"Yes, surprisingly." She grinned.
“I see.”
Lydia rolled her eyes at her and pulled out parchment and ink. She sent a letter to Pansy telling her she would be there. Then she wrote one to Draco.
Draco,
I’m going to Pansy’s this weekend. You better be there.
Lydia
Short and sweet.
—
Pansy’s house was just as grand as Lydia had expected—polished marble floors, towering chandeliers, and a staff of house-elves that scurried at the slightest gesture. But she barely had time to admire any of it before Pansy grabbed her arm and dragged her upstairs.
“Theo’s already here,” Pansy said, leading her toward her bedroom. “Draco’s arriving soon.”
Sure enough, as soon as they reached Pansy’s room, Theo was lounging on her velvet chaise, flipping through a book with a bored expression. He glanced up when Lydia entered, grinning. “Took you long enough.”
She rolled her eyes, dropping her bag onto the floor. “Good to see you too.”
Before anyone could say anything else, the door swung open, and Draco walked in, looking as put together as ever.
Pansy was already rummaging through one of her drawers. “We need to do something fun while our parents pretend to like each other.” She pulled out a crystal bottle filled with deep amber liquid, holding it up triumphantly. “My father’s best Firewhisky.”
None of them had ever drank before.
Theo sat up properly, raising an eyebrow. “We’re really doing this?”
“Obviously. We’re not sitting here all night talking about politics like them.” Said Pansy.
Draco crossed his arms. “And what, you nicked that from your father’s collection? You do realize if we get caught, we’re all dead.”
“Only if we get caught.” Pansy poured, filling each glass generously. Theo took his first, sniffing it hesitantly before making a face. “Smells like fire.”
“It’s called Firewhisky, genius,” Draco muttered, taking his glass.
They all raised their glasses in an unspoken toast. Lydia hesitated for only a second before tipping hers back, the liquid burning all the way down her throat. She coughed, eyes watering slightly.
“Bloody hell,” Theo wheezed, setting his glass down like it had personally offended him. “Why do people drink this?”
Pansy grinned through her own coughing fit. “Because it’s fun.”
Draco exhaled sharply, shaking his head. “This is horrible.”
Pansy, always the instigator, clapped her hands together. “Alright, let’s play a game.”
Draco groaned. “This can only end badly.”
Theo grinned. “That’s the point.”
“What kind of game?” Asked Lydia.
“Truth or Dare. I’ll go first. Draco, truth or dare?” Pansy said, looking smug.
“Truth.”
“Do you have a crush on Lydia?”
He smirked and confidently said, “Yes.”
Lydia choked on her drink, staring at him wide eyed. He just admitted he has a crush on her? She had tried to ignore any hint of it but hearing it so openly made her heart flutter. He was staring at her with his piercing grey eyes. Studying her. Trying to gauge what she was thinking. Drinking her in. She didn’t give in and stayed silent. She couldn’t become so flustered. She had a boyfriend.
“Ahhhh!! This is getting good.” Pansy shrieked.
Draco turned to Theo, “truth or dare?”
“Dare.”
“I dare you to go downstairs and steal another bottle of firewhiskey.”
Theo looked excited at the prospect and practically apparated out of the room.
Pansy asked Lydia. “Truth or dare?”
“Dare.”
“I dare you to kiss Draco.” She gave her a mischievous look.
“Uh—Pansy!!! What the fuck?? You know I have a boyfriend?” Her cheeks flushed. Glancing at Draco she saw he was watching her with an unreadable expression. He wasn’t smirking, wasn’t rolling his eyes or making some snide comment. He was just… waiting.
“It’s just a dare, it's not like it means anything. Besides, he'll never find out.” Pansy said as she laughed. Lydia heard the muffled clink of the firewhisky bottle being set down, the slight rustle of fabric as Draco shifted where he sat. Everything else in the room felt too far away, too blurred, like she had been pulled into a moment that existed outside of everything else. It shouldn’t have been a big deal. It was just a dare. It didn’t mean anything. She and Draco had always been close—they hid it outside of the safety of the Slytherin common room—but still closer than the Slytherins probably thought was normal. He flirted with her constantly, but it was always in that teasing, smug way that made it easy to brush off. Easy to pretend it meant nothing. Lydia took a deep breath, trying to ignore the way her heart suddenly pounded against her ribs. It was just a stupid dare. It wasn’t a big deal. But as she leaned in, closing the small space between them, time seemed to slow. She could feel the warmth of his breath, the hint of firewhisky lingering on it. She leaned in, barely giving herself a second to hesitate before pressing her lips against his. At first, it was just a kiss. Just the brief, tentative press of her lips against his, meant to satisfy the dare and nothing more. His hand found her waist, fingers curling around the fabric of her shirt, anchoring her against him. The warmth of his touch sent a slow, electrifying shiver down her spine. He tilted his head, deepening the kiss, his lips softer than she expected but just as confident, just as deliberate. Her breath hitched, her mind going completely blank. Then, just as quickly as it started, she pulled away, breathless. It had lasted about 5 seconds, but in her head it felt like minutes. She blinked, mind spinning, trying to gather her thoughts, but all she could focus on was the way Draco’s eyes had darkened, the way his breathing had changed. He looked at her like he was seeing her for the first time. Like he wanted to kiss her again.
“Bloody hell,” Theo muttered as he walked into the room, breaking the moment. “Aren’t you dating Potter?”
Pansy was grinning.
Lydia swallowed hard, forcing herself to sit back, to pretend her hands weren’t still shaking, to ignore the way Draco was still watching her. “Yes. It was just a dare… it doesn't mean anything.” She looked pointedly at all of them, “this doesn’t leave this room, if anyone finds out I will personally make all of your lives miserable.”
Just then, the sound of heels clicking against the marble floors outside Pansy’s bedroom made all four of them freeze. Lydia’s heart jumped into her throat. Theo, who had just reached for another drink, nearly knocked the bottle over in his haste to shove it under Pansy’s bed. Then, Narcissa Malfoy’s voice. “Draco. Theodore.” Draco swore under his breath and immediately stood, straightening his clothes and running a hand through his hair. Pansy, moving fast, kicked the remaining glasses under her dresser before rushing toward the door and opening it with an air of practiced grace. Narcissa Malfoy entered Pansy’s bedroom.
“Theo, Draco,” Narcissa said, her voice smooth but firm, “we’re leaving.”
Theo groaned, rubbing a hand down his face. “Already?”
Pansy shot Lydia a quick glance before shifting to her best innocent expression. “Mrs. Malfoy, do they have to go so soon? We’re having such a lovely time.”
Narcissa’s eyes flicked over them again, lingering on Draco. “Do you truly want to stay?”
Draco barely hesitated. “Yes.”
Theo, emboldened, leaned forward. “We can just floo back first thing in the morning.”
There was a long pause. Narcissa’s lips pressed together, Lydia thought she would refuse. Molly would. Well, Molly would have lost her shit at the sight of her in a bedroom with the children of death eaters. Narcissa sighed, clearly not thrilled, but relenting. “Very well. But I expect you both back at the Manor before noon.” Narcissa took one last glance at the room, then turned gracefully and disappeared down the hall.
Lydia finally relaxed, shaking her head with a grin. “We are so lucky she didn’t notice that we’re drunk.”
Draco smirked. “She noticed. She just didn’t feel like dealing with it.”
—
Lydia woke up to the sharp, unwelcome glare of morning light coming through Pansy’s massive bedroom windows. Her head pounded in protest, her mouth dry. The floor beneath her was cold, uncomfortably hard, and there was a weight wrapped around her waist. Blinking groggily, she turned her head—only to come face-to-face with Draco Malfoy. For a moment, she didn’t move. Didn’t breathe. His face was much closer than it should have been, his arm still draped lazily around her. His platinum hair was a mess, and his usually sharp, composed expression was softened by sleep. She could feel the warmth of his breath against her cheek, and Merlin, when had they even ended up like this? Draco stirred, it took him exactly two seconds to register their position before his body went rigid.
“Bloody hell,” he muttered.
Lydia sat up quickly, too quickly. A wave of nausea hit her, and she groaned, pressing a hand to her forehead. “What the fuck happened last night?”
From across the room, a muffled groan sounded from Pansy’s bed. Lydia turned just in time to see Pansy stretching her arms, looking utterly unbothered. Theo was lying beside her, his face buried in a pillow, groaning in pain.
Pansy blinked blearily at them. “Morning, lovebirds.”
“WE’RE NOT LOVEBIRDS PANSY. I HAVE A BOYFRIEND.”
Draco shot Pansy glare, rubbing his temples. “Don’t.”
“Oh, but it’s so interesting,” Pansy said, smirking. She pointed lazily at the two of them. “You fell asleep together.”
Theo finally lifted his head just enough to peer at them. “On the floor?”
Lydia groaned again, flopping backward onto the carpet. “I don’t even remember falling asleep.”
Draco sat up as well, his expression carefully neutral. “Neither do I.”
Pansy stretched again, then glanced at Theo. “Why the hell are you in my bed?”
Theo let out an exhausted sigh. “I was too drunk to move.”
Draco groaned, rubbing his face. “I need water.”
—
Lydia stepped out of the fireplace at the Burrow, barely managing to stay on her feet. Her head pounded, her stomach churned. Everyone was sitting at the table for breakfast. Molly turned as soon as she heard the Floo. “Oh! You’re back just in time for breakfast, dear! Come, sit down.”
Lydia froze. Every instinct told her to make an excuse and bolt upstairs. “I’m not really hungry,” attempting to edge toward the stairs.
Molly shot her a sharp look. “Nonsense. Sit.”
Lydia swallowed her groan and reluctantly sank into a seat at the table. She avoided everyone’s eyes, hoping to eat a piece of toast and escape before anyone could take a proper look at her.
“Are you sick, dear?” Molly frowned, stepping closer. “You’re pale.”
“I’m fine.” Lydia grabbed her toast as casually as she could, hoping that eating normally would throw them off.
Ginny wasn’t convinced. “You look like you got run over by the Knight Bus.”
Arthur finally looked up from his newspaper, his eyes narrowing. “Did you not sleep well?”
Lydia forced a small shrug. “I guess not.”
Ron, who had been too busy eating to care, suddenly squinted at her.
Molly hummed, watching her too closely. “What did you and Pansy get up to?”
Lydia kept her tone casual. “Just—normal stuff. Talking, catching up—”
Arthur folded down his paper. “No trouble, I hope?”
“Of course not.”
Arthur leaned forward, his expression expectant. “Who all was there, Lydia?”
She hesitated. “Just Pansy. And Theo.”
Molly raised an eyebrow. “That’s all?”
Lydia hesitated again. “And… Draco.” Her hungover brain was too foggy for lying.
Arthur set down his cup, his face darkening. “Draco Malfoy?”
Lydia gritted her teeth. “I was at Pansy’s house—he was just there. It’s not like I wanted him to be.”
Ron sneered. “What do you mean he was just there.”
“Her parents had a dinner party, so Draco and Theo came with their parents.”
Arthur’s stare bore into her. “Lucius Malfoy was there?”
Ugh why did she not think that through. Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.
“I—he—well—technically—” She sighed, knowing there was no way out. “Yes. He was there. But only for the dinner party! I didn’t even see him.”
“And Theodore Nott’s father?”
Lydia groaned. “Yes, he was there too. I didn’t see them, we were hanging out in Pansy's room.” Fuck. She needed to shut up before digging herself into a hole she couldn't come out of.
Ginny, who had been quiet, suddenly said, “You still look awful, by the way.”
Lydia winced. “I told you, I just didn’t sleep well.”
Fred and George made knowing looks with each other.
They seemed to accept this and she finished her breakfast as fast as her stomach would let her. She had to suppress the urge to vomit, and as soon as she was free, she laid on her bed carelessly, hoping sleep would take her. She wasn’t so lucky. At that moment, Fred and George walked in like they owned the place, sitting on Ginny’s bed.
“So, dear cousin.” Fred said mischievously. “What were you really up to last night?”
She groaned and told them to get the fuck out. Dealing with those two was not what she needed. Of course they knew what she was really up to. They were probably the only two of the kids who had drank firewhiskey before. Percy was too much of a prude. The idea would have never even occurred to Ron and Ginny. They’d most likely drink butterbeer if it was offered. But firewhiskey? Enough to make them feel like they were dying the next day?
“Did you have a fun time getting sloshed at the prestigious manor of Parkinson?” George said as he laughed.
“GET OUT.” She yelled and threw a pillow at them.
—
The summer passed quickly. She spent most of her time playing quidditch or working on her summer homework. Draco had sent her two letters before she finally responded.
Draco,
Sorry for the silence. I just needed time to think. But I haven’t forgotten about you, and I don’t want you thinking I have.
I’ll see you on the train.
Lydia
She felt kind of bad for practically giving him nothing in the letter, but so be it. They could figure things out in person. She stopped trying to dream visit him, her goal was to avoid as long as feasible.
—
Lydia hopped onto the Hogwarts Express, the typical rush of excitement combining with the subtle nervousness that always accompanied the start of a new school year. It was the beginning of her third year, and she was thrilled to return to school. She adjusted her bag on her shoulder and peered into a compartment near the rear of the train. Inside, she saw a familiar sight: Draco, Pansy, Blaise, and Theo lounging in their seats. Draco was already mid-conversation, gesturing animatedly as Pansy laughed. Blaise, as usual, sat in a relaxed manner, one leg crossed over the other. Theo was leaning against the window, arms crossed, looking deep in thought but clearly listening to the conversation. She took the only open seat—next to Draco. They greeted each other awkwardly, but eventually it faded. Realizing she was overthinking what happened over the summer, she relaxed and everyone fell into their usual rhythm. Pansy was already launching into a dramatic story of some scandalous gossip she’d heard. Draco seemed just as willing to let things go unspoken. As the train sped towards Hogwarts, the conversation drifted to classes, Quidditch, and speculations about the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. By the time the trolley came around, it almost felt like nothing had changed at all.
As the train ride continued, the conversation took a more serious turn when Theo unfolded a copy of the Daily Prophet and tossed it onto the seat beside him. The front page bore a large, moving image of a gaunt, wild-looking man with long, tangled black hair and hollow eyes. Below it, bold letters read: Sirius Black Escapes from Azkaban!
Lydia leaned forward, scanning the article. “So it’s true? He really escaped?”
Draco scoffed. “Of course it’s true. My father’s been talking about it for weeks. He says the Ministry’s panicking.”
“Well, obviously. No one has ever broken out of Azkaban before.” Said Blaise.
Pansy shuddered. “And they say he’s completely mad. I overheard my parents talking about him before I left. Apparently, he was one of the Dark Lord's most devoted followers.”
The train suddenly lurched. The lights flickered, and the air grew unnaturally cold. The warmth and laughter of the compartment seemed to drain instantly, replaced by an eerie silence.
“What the hell—” Blaise muttered, sitting up straight.
The windows frosted over, and a chill settled over them. Then, the door to their compartment slid open. A towering, hooded figure loomed in the doorway, its skeletal hand gripping the frame. A deep, rattling breath echoed through the compartment as the Dementor glided inside. Lydia felt her stomach drop, a wave of cold washing over her like ice water had been poured over her. Draco stiffened beside her, his usual arrogance vanishing in an instant. Pansy let out a strangled gasp, clutching onto Blaise’s arm. Theo looked frozen, his jaw clenched tightly. The Dementor seemed to suck all the happiness from the air. “Get out,” Draco’s voice wavered slightly, but there was no real strength behind it. He shielded her body with his arm. The Dementor didn’t move, its hollow face seeming to turn toward each of them in turn. Lydia squeezed her eyes shut, forcing herself to breathe. Then, just as suddenly as it had appeared, the Dementor turned and glided away. The group sat frozen for several moments, all of them shaken. It was Pansy who broke the silence first, voice unsteady. “What… was that?” “A Dementor,” Theo muttered, still looking pale. “Merlin, I don’t ever want to see one of those again.” Lydia shivered, rubbing her arms to get rid of the lingering coldness.
—
Lydia wandered through the aisles of the Hogwarts library. It didn’t take long to spot them huddled at a table near the back, stacks of books spread out between them. Harry, Ron, and Hermione looked deep in discussion, but welcomed her. She gave Harry a hug and he kissed her on the cheek. Ugh, she felt guilty for kissing Draco. Her first kiss, and it wasn’t even with her boyfriend.
“Are you okay Harry? I heard about what happened on the train? I should have sat with you.”
“You mean the Dementor.”
Lydia nodded. “Yeah. I saw it come into our compartment too, but it—” she hesitated, remembering the suffocating chill. “It affected you worse than the rest of us.”
Ron crossed his arms. “Yeah, he collapsed.”
Harry shot him a glare, then turned back to Lydia. “I heard… screaming.”
Lydia frowned. “Screaming?”
Harry swallowed hard. “A woman’s voice. I think it was my mom, but it felt like—like I was there. It was happening again.”
She reached out, touching his arm gently. Hermione spoke, “Harry, the Dementors bring out the worst memories people have. They feed on fear, sadness… they make you relive things.”
“You don’t remember anything else?” she asked carefully.
Harry hesitated before shaking his head. “Just the screaming. Then everything went black. When I woke up, Professor Lupin was giving me chocolate.”
Lydia raised an eyebrow. “The new Defense against the Dark Arts professor?”
Hermione nodded. “He was in our compartment. He fought the Dementor off.”
Ron scoffed. “More like blasted it away. One second it was there, the next it was gone.”
“Lupin knows his stuff,” Lydia mused. “He must be powerful to get rid of it so quickly.”
Hermione leaned forward slightly. “He said Dementors are stationed at Hogwarts now. They’re looking for Sirius Black.”
Lydia’s stomach twisted. “Well, that’s just fantastic.”
After their conversation she bid them farewell and made her way to the common room, still queasy about her actions that summer.