fervere

Chapter Twenty Six

Draco wasn’t stupid.  

He knew the expectation to make it up to Millie in some serious or grand way he just didn’t know how , especially now. Since their return to Hogwarts, Umbridge had grown a tad more paranoid and domineering. She was now inserting herself into lessons, asking the most mundane or insulting questions to their professors. Even following students out of classes if she didn’t particularly like something they had said or even wore. 

It only made her crack down on her decrees even more that they became insufferably hard to keep up. Even Daphne, who Draco believed could fly under the radar on how carefully calculating she was around Umbridge, also had found herself in detention twice since holiday break.  

It also meant that her detentions were always jam packed that they had to start scheduling slots for students to fulfill. Not a single person, student or professor, understood how she even had the time to do anything.  

“Well she bloody well isn’t marking her own assignments that’s for sure.,” Ron said once, grumbling over his morning tea, yawning from a night of terrible sleep. “Can’t even work on our own homework in detention.” 

Ginny rolled her eyes, “Have a bit more restraint, then. Then maybe you and Daph wouldn’t have to be dragged to detention on account of your public snogging.” 

Draco had been sitting next to Neville that morning, letting him copy his Potions notes since he was caught up in a lengthy lecture that cut into Potions lessons the day before. Hermione smiled into her copy of the Daily Prophet, hiding her stifle laugh.  

If Umbridge saw any sign of happiness during Breakfast, she’d swoop down towards them and hand out detention to anyone within a two meter radius. 

Daphne, who was equally as tired looking as Ron, glared at Ginny.  

“Do you want me to tell your brother why you got detention two days go?” Daphne frowned at Ginny. Ron’s head snapped back to Daphne who distracted him with a small peck. Ginny tensed up. As cruel as it was of Daphne to call Ginny out in front of her brother, Daphne was also kind enough to distract Ron with a few tender neck scratches. 

Draco turned to Harry who looked just as tired as Ron and Daphne looked.  

“Umbridge locked you in detention too, Potter?” Draco asked under his breath. Harry closed his eyes gingerly and shook his head, peering over Hermione’s shoulder to read the newspaper.  

“Snape.” 

Draco immediately understood. Draco’s suffered through that exhaustion before and he honestly would never want to go through Snape’s lessons again.  

However, Umbridge rule was a worthy rival. She reigned with a fist of fury appointing herself a step-in Headmaster since Dumbledore hadn’t returned from holiday yet.  

Still, Draco tried his best to break a few of those stupid rules to pursue Millie, trying to catch her hand mid walk to their classes that she’s promptly swipe away. Or corner her unaware, placing his hand on the wall behind her as suavely as possible to catch her lips with his. 

Millie would cave in for a slight moment, giving Draco the sense of an early victory, before some sense was knocked back into her and pushed Draco away to run off with her friends.  

Draco couldn’t help but to feel like something wasn’t adding up.  

Or perhaps he was just as clueless and stupid when it came to girls as any other lad. He knew he had royally screwed up with not writing to Millie, but he didn’t think it was a big deal and, if he was being honest, he thought her gift was sufficient enough. 

All of his other friends really liked the gifts he had found, despite being crummy and last minute. And Draco had put a lot of thought into the significance of that patch because he wanted, now more desperately than ever, to be close to Millie’s heart.  

It didn’t make sense that he wanted her. He knew he didn’t want to lose her because he was afraid ot that special connection he needed for the Archives, however, he was surprised how driven he was to gain her trust back. Between the pitiful heartbreak that she stifled or the decent company that she was, Draco had grown a bit fond of her.  

Truth be told, it was driving him crazy that Millie resorted to childishly ignoring him for a week straight since returning.  

Draco didn’t know why he felt compelled to try to win her back, but he quietly did whatever she wanted him to do. He’d often trail behind Millie as she giggled with her friends in between classes. Not that he wanted to look like he was stalking her, but he quickly noticed how moody she was one day when he thought giving her space was a better option. 

It seemed like she wanted Draco to participate in her active ignoring of him and she couldn’t quite do that if Draco was giving her space. 

It might have been pretty pathetic to those witnessing it but it was not time wasted.  

Draco took this momentary break and channeled it into prodding into her friend’s minds while he followed loosely behind them.  

Most of the time Draco suspected that Millie’s friends had no idea he was amateurly jumping into their minds. They’d have a physical response to it, but surely, they wouldn’t know why they suddenly felt the pressure inside their skulls.  

Truthfully, Draco wasn’t good enough to tell what they were thinking of. It was only when they had strong active emotions when Draco had a clearer picture of their thoughts.  

Beatrice Fawcett was one of Mildred’s friends often was thinking of her homework and a nameless boy from Hufflepuff. Draco didn’t like prying into Sarah Selwyn’s thoughts too much after he saw himself there too often.  

Draco blamed Millie for that. Sarah was particularly imaginative when it came to him. 

It was the end of January and Draco still hadn’t won back the favor of his own girlfriend and during a lonesome and rather dead patrol, Draco found himself up in the Astronomy Tower.  

He had secluded himself up there to selfishly finish up a bit of his homework. He’d unfortunately landed himself in a detention for not tucking in his shirt after a Quidditch practice a few days prior. Like Ron had mention, Draco was stuck grading a few first year assignments for over an hour which ended up cutting into his Charms work he really wanted to knock out.  

Although Draco knew he was abusing his power as a Prefect, he allowed himself a bit of respite from his duties and took refuge in the tallest tower at Hogwarts solely based on the fact that nobody wanted to climb three hundred steps to check if someone was messing around in the Astronomy Tower. 

It was an oddly calm and clear night. The Forbidden Forest felt still and the Lake was almost a mirror of the vast expansion of the night sky. It was a frightfully chilly and, although puffs of vapor would escape Draco mouth, he was delightfully toasty after he charmed the thick window ledge to warm up.  

Draco sat still, contemplating what his next move was with Millie as he beheld the vast landscape dress in the void of light. He thought of sending flowers or even a public soliloquy of his apology.  

However, he knew exactly what she had asked for so Draco sent an owl to his mother explaining his situation. Draco had a small hope that he’d see a delivery for him in the inky night sky for him. 

While Draco loitered in his seat, his charms book long abandoned and tucked into his bookbag by his feet, he observed more of the landscape, recalling all the memories he had running amok around the school. There was something rather enchanting about the school grounds at night as he used his  occlumency to shuffle his memories around. 

As he sorted through each year, Draco pushed memories to the front that seemed safe enough. It wasn’t until fifth year that Draco ran into some trouble. He had come across a few of Millie as she gripped him tightly, their skin slick with a thin layer of sweat, and her breathy choppy moans in his ear.  

Draco shamelessly sat in the memory replaying in his head. He was shallow enough to enjoy the private physical aspects of having Millie’s company but he wasn’t quite sure of how to deal with her rejections of apologies.  

Draco licked his lips as he recalled the way Millie rocked her hips against his, a blush burning at his cheeks at how vividly he could see their nights in his head. He could see how completely enthralled she was in her intimacy, yet he wasn’t sure if he had been mirroring her excitement. Draco sighed.  

He wasn’t exactly sure what to do with that memory. 

Just as Draco questioned himself, the dissonance of his reasoning had pulled him out of his deep contemplation. 

Well.  

At least that's what he first thought pulled him out. 

“Ah,” A sweet voice called out from behind him, “It’s you.” 

Draco didn’t have to turn towards the door to know who it was, but he did so anyways to see Hermione in the flesh. Her head was peering into the Astronomy classroom before she fully stepped in.  

Draco took off his headphones and pushed the pause button on his walkman. Draco hated the idea of being caught with a muggle item at Hogwarts but he couldn’t help but to carry around Hermione’s gift.  

Anytime he knew he was going to be alone, he slipped the headphones on and listened to music to distract his already fuzzy brain. 

The silence overwhelmed Draco when he stopped the music as Hermione slipped in like an angel from his dream. He had been enjoying the stylistic vocals of a Stevie Wonder but her voice was a charm stronger than any music. 

Draco frowned at his inner thoughts. He truly was pathetic the way he pined for someone who was impossible to have. 

“Hey,” Draco greeted back, “Stalking again, are we?” 

Hermione already accustomed to Draco teasing, simply rolled her eyes, “Well, perhaps this time. Just this once.” 

Draco frown was wiped off his pitiful face perking up.  

“I noticed on Harry’s map that you were up here for a while.” She began, “I was using it to make sure everyone from the DA meeting got to their dorms safely tonight.”  

“The DA?” Draco asked.  

“Dumbledore’s Army,” Hermione reminded.  

“Right.” Draco winced. 

Draco felt like a total ass but before he could whine about not helping out that night Hermione was already explaining away.  

“You seemed a bit preoccupied with other matters. I thought it best to not worry you. Greggory was quite helpful tonight.” Hermione shrugged, crossing the circular room to join him at the window where he sat by, “How’s everything?” 

“Shit,” Draco bluntly admitted to which Hermione let out a small dry light, “Is it not obvious enough?” 

“Well I thought maybe things were improving with you and Millie,” She scrunched her nose, “Enjoying your gift?” 

She pointed at Draco’s headphones hanging around his neck. Draco felt a slight prickling at his cheeks.  

“Yeah... I think you were right,” Draco frowned, “I do like Stevie Wonder.” 

Hermione held back a proud smile.  

“And you?” Draco asked, “What of my gift?”  

Hermione instinctively took out the book he had given her for Christmas from her robes. She cracked it open and thumbed it to the exact spot she was currently at while Draco felt a rush of happiness that Hermione had been carrying it around. She licked her lips and quickly glanced at Draco.  

“Ignara is in here.” Hermione chewed on her lip, “That constellation story you told me about over the summer? The Runes are quite difficult to decipher but the few that I have figured out, I’m astonished.” 

Draco smiled at the memory of them back in the summer, at his bed as Draco explained of the only magical constellation in the wizarding world: A story of a mated pair of phoenixes.  

Hermione licked her lips quickly and used her finger to slowly read out what she understood.  

“It says here,” She began slowly translating the runes, “Ignara’s mate sang in a tune that only his-” 

“His heart understood,” Draco nodded in confirmation, “That their love spoke a language only their souls could comprehend.” 

Hermione pressed her lips together and nodded, “I thought perhaps I was mistranslating it but the way it was worded seemed too romantic for a children’s story that I doubted myself.” 

Draco held Hermione’s gaze for a suspended moment before he tore his sights off her to look back at the night sky.  

“Ignara’s love was so grand that it rivaled the heavens.” Draco recited the version his mother had often quoted when he was a waddling toddler, “And was doomed to the very skies in search for her.”  

Hermione let out a small laugh, “You seemed to know the story well enough.” 

Draco shrugged, “Mum would tell me story when I was a kid. Bedtime. I was quite fussy if you could believe it.” 

Hermione snorted, “You? Fussy?” 

She let out a loud sarcastic gasp and Draco responded by rolling his eyes, landing back on the landscape.  

“It’s quite a romantic story, isn’t it?” Hermione sighed out looking out into the night sky as well, “Reads much better in Runes.” 

Draco shrugged, “I suppose. Whatever speaks to your heart the most, Granger.” 

She huffed, “Don’t know why I’m so surprised to know that you, of all people, seem to gravitate to this story. You’re probably the biggest romantic of all.” 

Draco frowned, “Am not.” 

She straightened up the second she saw Draco’s agitation.  

“Oh no?’ She challenged, “Don’t think I haven’t seen how you trail after Millie, waiting for her to forgive you for your terrible indiscretions.”  

Draco scoffed, “Oh so you fancy yourself a comedian, do you?” 

Hermione laughed, ignoring him, “No, actually, I find it endearing.” 

“I think you really mean you find me endearing,” Draco corrected without thinking. It simply had slipped from his mouth a lot faster than he could process. It was then Draco realized that a lot of their conversation was him and his inability of filtering the first thoughts that popped into his head. 

“Shut up,” Hermione laughed out loud as Draco struggled with the fact that no matter what, Hermione was the worst kind of weakness when it came to him because as much as he tried, he couldn’t keep his guard up.  

He didn’t want to nor felt like it. 

Not when Draco felt a sense of pride surge through him making that smile grow on her face. Hermione threw her head back and sighed out, settling into a pensive state.  

They were both silent for a stretch of time before Hermione spoke up again.  

“I was surprised you started dating Millie, if I’m honest,” Hermione closed her eyes, “And I know it’s none of my business whether someone changes their mind.” 

Draco cocked his head to the side, his eyes closed as he recalled a memory, “Wasn’t it in this very room when you asked me if I fancied her a while back, Granger? You seem quite invested in my private affairs..” 

Hermione rolled her eyes, “Prat. It was just a question.” 

Draco smirked, “Wouldn’t you find it rather interesting if I had a sudden interest in Krum’s involvement in your life?” 

Hermione frowned.  

“What’s the oaf been up to lately?” Draco asked, lightly joking, “Was he mad you didn’t go to Bulgaria for the holidays?” 

“He was actually,” Hermione admitted quietly after a small pause. Her face hardened, forcing herself to stare out the window, ignoring Draco’s stare. Draco felt himself straighten up a bit, waiting for her to elaborate.  

“He's been rather cold in his letters,” Hermione’s eyes fluttered shut as she gave a half-hearted shrug, “So I proposed to spend Valentine’s together to make up for it.”  

Draco watched her carefully, as she tried to put up a strong front.  

“He was rather nasty about not visiting and how it ruined his training schedule,” Hermione sniffed, “But it seems like he’s warming up to Valentines considering he’ll have to come down. I don’t know exactly how I’ll be able to make it up to him...” 

Draco sneered at the one way she could, and he hated the image.  

“...but I have to try, right?” Hermione looked up, her face crumbling at how pathetic she felt, “Ginny suggested to rub my letters with the sweat from the back of my ear on the days I’m most...” 

Hermione winced as she trailed off. She gulped down the shame that she even contemplated it.  

“She said it was quite primitive magic,” Hermione crossed her arms, “The scent of mates.” 

Draco could feel the heat burning at his cheeks from a spurt of jealousy mixed with anger. He couldn’t believe that Krum was being an asshole to Hermione. But, then again, it’s not like he was a complete gentleman to his own girlfriend.  

Despite his own discrepancies, the thought of anyone being anything less than perfect towards Hermione, heightened his defensiveness, especially after hearing her consider these tricks to lure Krum back in. 

“You know you deserve a hell of a lot more than letters from your boyfriend without doing some hogwash magic on him,” Draco pointed out, secretly hoping she hadn't done it already, “Don’t care if he’s a famous quidditch player. You’d think he would put in the effort if he was courting you seriously.” 

Hermione watched him intently before she slumped over, “Draco, don’t. You’re going to make me feel horrible.” 

“Honestly, Hermione,” Draco added, “It would be easier if he was present, wouldn't it? I don’t mean physically. If he was constantly thinking of you and...”

This time, it was Draco that gulped down his own shame that was about to unleash a load of hidden truths to Hermione. 

“Well, it would be easier if he was here physically,” Hermione muttered under her breath. 

“He’s finished school, right?" Draco immediately asked, "Didn’t you mentioned once that he’s considering switching teams?”

Draco rolled his eyes up in thought. Another fuzzy memory around their first game came into mind. 

“ Was ,” Hermione emphasized her correction.  

“What happened?”  

“I dunno,” Hermione huffed, bending one of her legs towards her chest to wrap her arms around it, “Never mentioned it again.” 

Perhaps Draco and Hermione were in the same boat. The cracks in their relationship seemed obviously beyond repair, yet they both seemed to be waiting it out in limbo, in hopes that it would straighten itself out.  

“You know when I’m up here and I see all of this,” She began softly, “I can’t imagine my life as a muggle, although, I think I could have lived a pretty successful life as a muggle." 

“You were meant for grander things as a witch,” Draco blurted out.  

Hermione gave him an appreciative smile, the apples of her cheeks tinting a darker color on her complexion. Silence again filled their air and just as Draco let out a long sigh appreciating the way Hermione’s face glowed under the dim light of a dying moon, there was a slight curse that escape from Hermione’s lips that sounded like seraph and sin.

He had only caught sight of that tattered looking parchment before he felt the heavy fabric of a large cloak thrown over him.  

Draco was about to question Hermione until he heard the very distinct footsteps echo right at their door. Draco remained still. Someone had climbed all the way up the tower. 

“Hello?”   

Draco froze at the familiarity of the voice. Despite recognizing it in his being, Draco was still shocked to find Millie step into the class with her wand out illuminated to ease her path. Her sharp eyes landed on Hermione who was anticipating her presence in apprehension, folding the parchment away after she tapped it with her wand and whispered some concealment charm.

“Granger,” Millie piped up, her eyes steady on her. Draco waved at her to test if he was truly concealed. Millie didn’t tear her eyes away from Hermione.  

Hermione cleared her throat, “Millie Clearwater, surprising to see you up here.” 

“Me? What are you doing up here?” Millie responded in a snap.  

“I- uh, I needed a place to breathe,” Hermione gulped.  

“You’re not patrolling.” Mildred narrowed her eyes, “You’re not on today’s list.” 

Hermione gulped, “I know. I’m just a tad overwhelmed with school. Couldn’t shake off the feeling so I thought a late stroll would help with the nerves.” 

Millie straightened up, watching Hermione closely.  

“Are you alone?” She inquired, “I thought I heard voices.” 

“Talking to myself,” Hermione quickly explained away, clearing her throat lightly, “It’s how I ground myself.” 

Millie, unable to fault Hermione further, huffed, “Well best you be on your way Granger. If you’re not on duty then it’s past your curfew, you know.”

"Yeah, sure," Hermione nodded stiffly, "Sorry about... this." 

Hermione wheeled around to the space where Draco was now standing. She gave a confused look as if she wasn't sure if Draco was still there or not but her eyes scanned around towards the door purposefully as if she was sending a message to follow her. She quietly gathered her things and paused in horror. Draco followed her horrified expression to discover Draco’s book bag on the floor propped against the giant arching window's parapet. He squeezed his eyes. He’d have to return for them.  

“Leave it,” He whispered to Hermione. She paused in surprise at the sound of his voice but she continued to carefully gathered her own things, while eyeing his.

“Bottom of the stairs.” He informed briefly. Draco quickly stepped away, concealed by the cover of the clock, rounding a good distance from his girlfriend as he walked towards the exit. When Draco did reach the bottom, it felt like an eternity waiting for both girls to descend. He paced back and forth for a full agonizing minute, before he spotted the flickers of shadows coming down and then the girls appeared.

Both Hermione and Mildred were silent as they reach the final steps of the spiral stairs. Mildred gave Hermione a long look before she stalked off leaving her with parting words.  

“Hurry a long before I take points away Granger.” Mildred huffed, before heading back up the Astronomy tower again.

When Draco was sure they were completely alone, he reached for Hermione’s shoulder. She jumped at his touch and Draco snatched off the invisibility cloak to hand it over to her.  

“That was close,” Draco admitted as Hermione was pulled out the map once more.

"I solemnly swear I am up to no good," Hermione whispered out to the old parchment, and Draco witnessed the map come back to life like lines untangling themselves to etch out the school again. Hermione was already pushing Draco towards a shadowy spot behind a statue, slipping out another swear word from that mouth of hers.

In a swift motion she pulled the cloak over both of them, once more, just in time to witness Mildred jog back down the steps she had just taken up to look around. 

Mildred stood there for a brief moment scanning the area, her face twisted in concern. She even looked around the corners, as if expecting to see Hermione on her way.  

It had only been a few seconds, hadn’t it?  

Realistically, Hermione would still been within eyeshot. Confused, Mildred jogged back up. The pitter patter of her steps growing faint. 

She was suspicious.

Draco was breathing hard under the concealment of the cloak but not as hard as Hermione. Draco had to hunch over to make sure that the cloak properly covered them both.  

Even Hermione had naturally hunched down, making herself small so that the risk of their shoes wouldn’t be seen. They watched in suspense, hands over their mouth, as Millie disappeared before either of them was brave enough to move. 

“Dungeons,” She mouthed out to him.  

Draco nodded and was invisibly escorted to his dorm by Hermione. They both didn’t dare utter a word until they reached Slytherin. When they did, Draco felt a wash of relief come over him as he pulled the clock off of himself. 

“I’ll have to get my things tomorrow morning.” Draco sighed out.  

Hermione waved the map around, “I can go get-” 

“No need,” Draco waved off, “We both should get to bed. Or else, I fear that Millie was the least of our worries.” 

Hermione took him in, almost as if she was looking at Draco for the very last time before she silently agreed with him. 

Hermione stepped away and, within a second, she disappeared. Draco lingered and looked on at the spot she was at. He wondered if she was still there and if she could really through him at the moment.  

“Night Hermione,” Draco softly called out, his eyes scanning around the entrance of the dungeons hope she had been able to hear him.  

Then like a shock through his system, Hermione spoke up. Her voice in the exact same spot Draco had last seen her.  

“Night Draco,” The stale air said.  

It was enough to warm him up for the rest of the cold drafty night.  

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=- 

“Mind explaining this ?” 

There was a loud thud that reverberated early in the morning during breakfast. Draco, who had been enjoying his cinnamon oats, glanced up, his spoon lifted by his mouth. Millie was standing over him with a seething look on her face as if she had found something that was worth getting angry over.  

Draco noticed that it was his book bag that was the evidence Millie had brought forth on this very fine but cold morning. 

Fuck.   

He had meant to fetch his things right after breakfast before classes started for the day. It was the reason he woke up early to be one of the first to have breakfast. 

Draco decided not to react, even if he believed his shock read all over his face. Still, he kept his composure even if he all the reason to panic. After all, there wasn’t much to speculate if she had stumbled across his bag. She technically never saw him and Hermione together. 

Draco licked his lips, “My bag?” 

“In the Astronomy Tower!” She huffed, her cheeks puffing out slightly.  

He blinked and, for once, he had enough sense to do a very shitty thing. Much lower than simply lying to her. He thought of the word, the incantation, just as he inhaled and he was teleported into Millie’s mind.  

It was then he knew he was uncomfortably going to have a very public conversation about Hermione. She had been at the very front of Millie’s mind when he took a peek into Millie’s thoughts. He pulled away from her mind and Millie blinked her eyes hard, as if there was a tightening pressure pressing down on her eyes.

“Ah,” Draco nodded slowly, “I’ve must have left it there.” 

“Clearly!” Millie scoffed loudly. A few professors had looked up from the head table. Even Umbridge looked terribly annoyed that her desired peaceful morning were now suddenly being interrupted. As much as Draco knew he was going to have to have this unavoidable conversation with Millie, he also thought it wasn't worth getting detention for. 

Draco decided to be brave.  

“Am I missing something?” He shot back with a bit of edge in his tone, feigning cluelessness. He wasn’t particularly proud of it but at this point with Millie, Draco was hoping to bypass any more public scandals.  

Millie scoffed, crossing her arms, “Guess who I found up in the tower during my patrol?” 

Draco chewed on his lip.  

“Who?” He asked, although he knew the answer before she even uttered her name. 

“Hermione Granger,” She immediately answered, her voice edging past the volume of discreet, “Is that not suspicious to you at all?” 

The soft murmurs of the morning became silent. It was stark and uncomfortable that even Millie, shocked, looked around tentatively at the growing number of eyes on them. Umbridge rose to her feet. Draco lightly pulled Mildred to sit down and, thankfully, she was perceptive enough to lower her voice.

“Why would it be?” Draco asked.  

“She didn’t have patrol last night.” 

“So?” 

“So?” Millie huffed, “Why would she be at a place she shouldn’t be and alone with your belongings?” 

Draco shrugged, “Did she know it was mine? Not like I have my name scribbled on it.” 

Realizing that her apparent accusations would need a massive leap of faith for Millie, she suddenly pivoted that conversation towards Draco.  

“Where were you yesterday?” Millie pouted, “I know you had patrol last night and I never saw you. Not once.” 

Draco had finished his breakfast during Millie's interrogation. It was the first direct interaction they’ve had since their winter break was over. Midchew on his final bite, Draco raised a questioning brow at Millie, wanting her to explain. He had been persistent enough since she was very explicit on her disapproval of him, but this, this was a one eighty.  

“What does it matter where I was,” Draco began, “I doubt you would want to speak to me if we patrolled together.” 

Millie opened her mouth to argue back but nothing came out, causing Draco’s brow to lift in interest. 

“Does this mean your finally speaking to me?” Draco asked out loud, cocking one eyebrow up.  

“Don’t start with me,” Millie huffed.  

Draco, slightly offended, was not one to just allow things to happen to him. Not after the mortifying punishment she had him go through.  

“No, I think I will start,” Draco pushed back, “You’ve ignored me the past days after my numerous apologies and now you want me to openly answer to you inquires to my whereabouts yesterday?” 

“Answer the question. Where were you?” She hissed out.

“No,” Draco made a face returning to his finished breakfast. 

“Draco-” 

Her voice scratched the inside of his eardrum, setting him off. He stood up abruptly and faced her.  

“I have made a fool of myself begging you to accept my apology and all I get is you wondering where I was or- or why my things are not with me, as if you had any concern for me in the past week.” Draco glowered harshly in a low tone. 

She flinched at the action but immediately stood her ground albeit the confidence she once had was crumbling.  

“Would you rather just break up if your intentions are just to drag out the fact you won’t ever forgive m-” 

“Iforgiveyou!” She blurted out, her eyes wide in shock, her word echoing through the Great Hall. 

Another hush of silence, plagued the Great Hall and this time, Umbridge rose to her feet once more determined to extinguish this lover spat herself that was irking her peaceful morning. Unfortunately, the mail owls began to swoop in just in time. The flapping of their wings and the soft thuds of their deliveries, began to pitter patter all around the room distracting the early morning students to something other than Draco and Millie.

They stared each other down fiercely 

It was not the kind of forgiveness that felt true to Draco noting the desperation in Millie’s voice when the choice of breaking up had been mentioned. Either Millie had been relishing in her over exaggeration of Draco’s errors, or she was that fickle to think that within a blink of a second, she could suddenly hand Draco his forgiveness he had been actively pursuing for days now.  

None of them sat well with Draco. 

Draco scoffed, feeling his eyes narrowing at her. When Draco began to grab his book bag that Millie graciously delivered to him, she jumped on him, tightly clinging on to his arm. 

 “Wait. Draco. Wait, give me time to explain,” Millie cried out.  

“Should I?” He questioned, “After all the time you wasted ignoring me, you’re expecting me to accommodate more of my time to explain yourself.” 

“I- I was just really angry and when I heard that you were with my parents and-” 

Draco tried to shrug her off but her grip was iron clad, “You’ve said it a handful of times Millie, and I’ve apologized every time for it. I don’t have an excuse for it, but if you're having trouble looking past it then I don’t understand the point of staying togeth-” 

“Holy. Fucking. Shit ,” Crabbe voice floated down the table and soon a few curious eyes tore off the bickering couple over to Crabbe. 

Draco was on edge, hoping that their little spat wasn’t going to be commentated by his friend but Crabbe hadn’t been paying attention to them at all. In fact, he was holding the Daily Prophet that had just been delievered to them, his eyes wide in shock. Goyle was looking over his shoulder, his mouth parted. 

There was something in their face that caught Draco’s attention. A look of pure horror that bypassed any fear of being hounded down by Umbridge's threats. Draco left Mildred mid-argument and stepped over to his friends to see exactly what had been that appalling

The headline read: 

“Mass Azkaban Breakout”  

Crabbe had already been reading it out loud to Goyle.  

“...Said to be the plan of mastermind Sirus Black who had escaped the prison only a few years back,” Crabbe bit his lip, pausing, “Amongst the ten who escaped, the known Deatheaters Dolohov, Rookwork, and the Lestranges were some of the prison's highest security habitants.” 

Draco felt his world slow and suddenly his little public spat with Millie wasn’t anything he cared about at all. 

He blinked back trying to steady his breathing.  

It was like the rush of anxiety had thrown sludge into his mind, slowing his thought process and for a moment he heard nothing but silence. A group of Slytherins began to gather around Crabbe and then the whispers began to infiltrate his mind.  

Haunted whispers.  

Draco’s eyes flicked over to the Gryffindor table and he immediately found Harry.

His bright green eyes were shut tightly and he was pinching his nose bridge. Harry was fighting something and somehow, Draco knew it wasn't him but he could hear it. 

These sinister nebulous whispers Draco couldn't decipher.

Draco was struggling to push all the whispers out of his head when suddenly it turned into an awful high-pitched ring that nearly brought Draco to his knees, a fill of dark fifth sludge began to pour in him. It was stank and vile but also, familiar.

It was like Draco could feel when Harry’s defenses were low and the Dark Lord was getting glimpses of his day.  

Voldemort... 

Draco hadn’t realized he and Harry had locked eyes for a stretch of time, his green eyes now dull and empty.

It was then when a morbid realization came out of a memory. Draco blinked and blinked, somehow his feet leading him out of the Great Hall as he tried not to have his knees buckle underneath his weight.  

Draco had known, hadn’t he? 

He had warned Dumbledore of this at the beginning of the year, didn’t he? 

Draco couldn’t quite remember the exact conversation he had with Dumbledore. It felt like ages ago and the more he tried to focus on that first night back, the more he realized it felt like a fuzzy memory.  

And then things like the prison escape plan and this word Horcrux popped back into Draco’s head and he was at a loss.  

Why did he think he was doing a splendid job at helping? He had completely forgot about these small insignificant details because he was what? Heartbroken at the beginning of the year? 

Distracting himself with the first girl that showed him interest? 

School? 

Draco fled the Great Hall, rubbing his face vigorously only to find that he was wet.  

His cheeks were irritated with the salt of his own frustrated tears. There wasn’t really a plan that Draco intended to follow. He just knew his heart was thudding in a panic and he somehow had allowed his feet to guide him and it somehow led him to the dungeons.  

To Snape’s classroom.  

Draco had barricaded himself in there for safety. The bark of Aster warning his owner of an intruder had snapped Draco out of his haze and once his eyes landed on Snape, who was giving him a questioning look, Draco gritted his teeth.  

“I told you ,” He gasped out, “I told you about the planned prison break. You KNEW! You both knew!” 

Snape, who had been at his desk with a cup of hot tea, a wisp of steam swirling around in the air, slowly rose to his feet. Draco broke down.  

“Why didn’t he do something about it! Where is he?!” Draco shouted, feeling absolutely on edge. He felt like Trelawney 

A seer.  

He felt like he had given them enough warning of the future to stop what could have been avoidable and yet, everything Draco had warn them about had come to pass.  

Unable to speak up any longer, Snape shot through his mind, immediately finding what had triggered Draco before he ended up collapsing under the weight of his own stress.  

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Draco gulped, “Before Voldemort returned, there was something Father feared. If Voldemort ever found out, he wrote it was a sentence comparable to death. It’s something to do with a diary he was instructed to keep safe. That it was something he didn’t know until recently that is invaluable to Voldemort and that that’s reason the Department of Mysteries came about. It was a way to correct a fatal mistake in the case that it was revealed he had lost it.”  

Dumbledore and Snape exchanged looks.   
...

“Professor,” Draco interjected, “I remember that particular diary that he wrote about in his journal. It was second year, wasn’t it? Something to do with the Chamber of Secrets.”  

An uncomfortable silence settled once more and this time, it was Snape who looked like he was holding his breath.
...

“In his journal, Father said something about not knowing the truth of what the diary was. He thought it was just a dark keepsake to hold on to, to protect.”  

Silence grew and Draco continued when the pair of adults stared at him almost bewildered.  

"Aunt Bellatrix also received a keepsake for her to guard.” Draco licked his lips recalling the desperate scribbles of his father, piecing together his thoughts and conclusions, “He believed the diary to be a ho- horcrux?”  

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

Draco woke up in the Hospital Wing with Mildred at his side, the very blurry memory he had been re-experiencing was slowly fading once Draco was becoming aware of his surroundings. Millie had a raw ring of redness around the rims of her eyes, evidence of her crying over him. 

Madam Pomfrey had approached them just as his grey eyes fluttered open, utterly confused how he ended up in the Hospital Wing. Madam Pomfrey let out a long audible sigh, her hands falling to her side. She quickly jumped to the task she had intended to do, which was lay a warm cloth on his cheek. 

“Thank Merlin,” She grumbled, gently guiding Millie away from Draco’s bed so she could tend to Draco properly, “Here I was thinking I would have to send an owl to your father-” 

“Please don’t,” Draco said, his throat scratchy as he spoke up, “If he receives a word about this, I’ll personally make sure that-” 

Madam Pomfrey nearly smacked his face with the heated towel, jokingly of course, but ended up gingerly patting his forehead giving him a stern look, “Mr. Malfoy I’ve heard enough of your empty threats. I don't know what's going on with you but I rather not see you here again, so you bloody well start taking better care of yourself. You’re freezing, you know that?” 

Mildred straightened up at the amount of nonchalant attitude that was being toss around her.  

“Take that strengthening solution,” Madam Pomfrey ordered, glancing suspiciously at Mildred who was faithfully at his side, as if she was the cause of Draco’s visit, “I’ve ought to start charging you galleons for depleting my stock.” 

Draco rolled his eyes playfully 

“Get him to his dorm, Ms. Clearwater,” She glared, “I’ll only write up an excuse form for him, but I refuse to excuse you from your evening classes.” 

Millie stiffened up, like a child who had been scolded. Draco, on the other hand, felt like he had been out for only a moment. He wanted to argue that it couldn’t be that late in the day but there was no use in disputing the time, not when the low height of the sun casted the familiar red glow of a dying day.  

“It can’t be evening already, can it?” Draco sighed, displeased he had missed an entire day of school that he’ll be expected to make up somehow. 

Mildred gulped, “Professor Snape gathered all your assignments that you missed out on today.” 

Mildred bend over to Draco’s book bag that was at her feet and took out several scrolls.  

“You’ve got Potions and Transfiguration in here,” She muttered out, “There wasn’t much in Herbology and Arithmancy had a review, so no homework for today. Astronomy-” 

Draco had been checking his watch as Mildred was counting off his missed classes. Madam Pomfrey had been picking up around them and swiftly attended another student with boils all over his arm.  

“I can still attend,” Draco mumbled quietly, flinging off the blanket without much care. He swung his legs off the bed and groaned as he stretched his limbs out.  

Mildred jumped to her feet in surprise.  

“Draco, you should rest!” She blurted out, “I’ll walk you to your dorm.” 

Draco shrugged pointing out the strengthening solution that was placed at his bedside.  

“Then what is that for?” He asked, and in the next second he took it and chugged it down in one swift motion.  

He instantly felt better, albeit not completely rejuvenated, and stood up feeling out the aches and cracks of his joints as he stretched. Mildred looked mildly horrified.  

“I’ll see you around.” Draco said, taking his cloak that was hanging by his side. He graciously took his own book bag and stalked off, heading to Astronomy before Millie could stop him. It was pretty obvious that Draco was heading towards his class a tad bit earlier than expected but it was fine.  

He needed a bit of time to think to sort out his priorities.  

Now that Draco was certain that all the intel he was getting was real, then the plan to infiltrate the Department of Mysteries was as good as fact, and this thing he remembered or dreamed of, this horcrux , had to be real. He was certain that memory was vital, he just couldn't place the pieces together. Draco was determined to find out what was so special about it. It had to be direly significant. Why else would his own father be panicking in his own personal journal over it? 

Draco was stomping towards the Astrology tower, sucking his bottom lip in thought. He had bumped into a few students coming out of an evening class.  

Fifth years Hufflepuffs in Herbology. 

Third Year Gryffindors in Divination. 

The Ravenclaw Quidditch team heading to practice. 

Draco, feeling the strengthening solution really takin effect, was suddenly walking a bit taller as he crossed these students. The sense of urgency didn’t feel any more frightening as it did before. In fact, Draco felt the determination so strongly, he wondered why he was worried sick.  

If the other side was enacting on their plans, then why shouldn’t Draco be the one to be the silent antithesis? It was what he was intending to do, wasn’t he? Why go through so much trouble to help Dumbledore and then sit back and do nothing? 

Draco’s friends came back into mind and his spark of a plan to protect them. His frustrations of school and girls had certainly side track him and he supposed that this sense of reality smacked him back to his purpose.  

He had been fruitlessly lollygagging after Millie for nearly two weeks, with nothing to show for. 

Draco’s breathing was steady and even, reevaluating what was necessary in his life. He had worked hard to have occlumency under his skill sets.

Draco wasn't convinced that he was a decent Legilimens but with the confidence of the strengthening potion, he knew was good enough.  

When Draco finally reached Astronomy class, he ignored Professor Sinistra’s long look as he strode in. Grabbing a school telescope, he began to set up next to the magical windows, occasionally glancing at the door every time a student stepped in.  

This time, Draco purposefully positioned himself at the worse spot of the class for no other reason but to cause him grievance once class started. Professor Sinistra’s confused look was undoubtably justified.  

Before long, the Astronomy class was slowly filling in with grumpy Gryffindors and sleepy Slytherins all who looked astonished that Draco was in attendance after missing an entire day of classes.  

Draco was adjusting his telescope out of habit, hoping he came off as busy, while keeping tabs of who was filling in. There was a sudden motive that filled Draco and he knew the night was the perfect time to carry out his plans.  

As the night grew darker, Draco’s lips pulled at the corners once a certain body came dragging in.  

Potter.