I fought myself all day trying to decide what to do with the moment I had outside this morning. Did I really want to get more involved with Malfoy and give him the satisfaction of having that little bit of control? Or did I want to completely ignore the fact he had some inkling of the situation I was faced with? Whatever the decision, I decided not to tell anyone. This needed to be based on my personal gains.
After the gut wrenching, day long debate, I decided to gather my courage and head out to the North Tower at 7pm. With wand at the ready, I climbed the winding stairwell, past Professor Trelawany's office, and into the highest peak of the tower. There was no way I hadn't come prepared. The past three hours I spent in my dorm practicing defensive spells. He would be no match for me this time.
The wind caught my cape and sent chills down my spine. As I ascended to the top of the tower, I could hear the wind whistle through the open spaces of the stairwell and room. Draco stood, facing the window, not glancing to notice anyone approaching.
"I am quite surprised you decided to join me," he said smoothly, continuing to look out onto the lake.
"I am too," I murmured, aiming my wand, ready for his next move. He seemed too peaceful, too mellow, gazing out that window. I knew something was conjuring up in his brain.
He turned to face me, balancing himself with the back of his hands on the windowsill. His long legs stretched out before him. My wand caught his gaze as he pushed off from the wall. He gave a slow chuckle, "Haha, I see that you come prepared. It is obvious where your trust lays." He stepped closer to me. I gripped my wand, steadying my hand. He raised his eyebrows and gave me a smirk as he stepped closer. "You wouldn't dare..." He grabbed the tip of my wand forcefully with his hand. "...especially since I have pretty pertinent information for you." His grip tightened on my wand as he gave a little tug. "You won't be needing this tonight." His eyes matched mine and pierced into my soul. I was lost for only seconds as he swiftly yanked at my wand and seized if from my hands. I hadn't realized this entire time he was backing me into a corner.
I quickly tried to grab at my wand, only to have him hold it above me, out of my reach. This was truly embarrassing. I felt like a child being played by their older brother. I feverishly tried to regain control.
"You have no right doing this. If I even said a word to Dumbledore..."
"And what..." he replied angrily, forcing me against the wall. "You and I have more in common than you think, Ms. Carrow." I could feel his body weight against mine. Strong. Unforgiving. "Did you forget that I have already proven to be stronger than you?" His eyes glared down at me as the images from a couple of nights ago played in my head. Tonight was different though. I had strength. Fear was no longer an option.
I looked him in the eyes and replied, "We have nothing in common," pushing him off of me. He staggered a couple of steps, taking a moment to realize what had happened. He seemed surprised at my outburst but rebounded quickly. That smirk was always a sign of trouble.
"Believe it or not, Ms. Carrow, but I know quite a bit about you." My eyes narrowed as I listened. "Carrow is quite a 'popular' name in my world." His world? The world of complete and utter assholes? "If I am not mistaken, which I usually am not, your aunt and uncle miraculously have been granted forgiveness by our Dark Lord. That does not happen often. They are very lucky."
It was true. My father's side of the family lived a separate life. Or rather, maybe it was thought of as my father leading a separate life. He never spoke of his brother or sister, deeming them outcasts, and presumably dead. We hadn't heard from them in years.
Draco seemed to enjoy the condition of this family puzzle. "So how is it that your father-dearest, is fighting for the ministry, while your aunt and uncle are fighting for freedom with Voldemort?" He caught the disgusted look on my face, "Oh, this is exciting." He gave a huge grin.
"My family business is none of yours!" I yelled back. He was clearly out of line. I was not here to discuss my family history, nor bring up past events that were not remotely relevant.
Draco chuckled again. "You still haven't gotten it, have you? I would've thought that a 'scholarly' Ravenclaw, such as yourself, would put the two together!" He was having too much fun with these riddles. My blood started to boil.
"What are you getting at Draco?" I spit through my clenched teeth. He grabbed my wrist and held it face up. The moon light that leaked through the window shone brightly on my exposed skin.
"Your blood." He said softly, "It's pure." I looked at him, waiting for the rest of the information, but it never came.
"This is what you made me come up here to tell me?!" I was furious.
He tightened his grasp on my wrist and twisted it. My skin stretched beneath his fingers. He growled in frustration and said, "You're not listening to me. Such is a benefit of being pure, Lyra."
Pure. The thought hit me like a brick. How could I have been so stupid not to put the two together? It was no coincidence I could produce spells better. Telepathy was used by some of the darkest wizards. All of which were purebloods.
Draco leaned in to whisper, "I have to tell you, I am not fond of your spitfire."
I quickly yanked my wrist from his grip and gave him a scowl. I hated the idea that we had something in common. He was filthy. "This doesn't change anything Malfoy. I am not like you in any way."
I turned and walked over to a bench on the adjacent wall of the tower. This was a lot to take in. So now I know what it is and why I have these 'forces' but...
"How can you control them?" the frustration must've read all over my face as he neared me. He sat next to me on the bench. "It wasn't easy when I first found out. It's a lot of trial and error and it relies immensely on your ability to tune into your true being." His gaze traveled to a stray owl feather on the stone floor at his feet. Ever so gently it started to lift towards his outstretch hand. I couldn't believe it! No wand, no spells. Pure magic.
He took the feather and offered it to me. I was still in shock and couldn't move. "No?' He replied, taking the feather back. Suddenly it caught flames as he let it go, falling brightly to the ground. I looked down at the charred stem of the feather and back at him. I took a deep breath in and rubbed my face with my hands.
"So, I am not crazy. And this...thing... that I (that we) can do can be controlled. What if I don't want it?"
"You cannot tell me that it hasn't come in use." He glanced down at his arm, subconsciously rubbing it.
"If you are looking for an apology Malfoy, I not giving you one." He frowned. "Even if I did realize I was doing it, you completely deserved it. You almost killed my friend. You've almost killed me! Why should I trust you?"
He looked irritated. "A game is a game, Lyra. You play it to win."
"Even if it means killing someone?!" He was insane!
There was a slight pause. He got up from the bench and looked at me, "Yes."
"You are ridiculous. This whole thing is ridiculous! Give me my wand back. This is a waste of my time." I reached for my wand in his cloak. He grabbed my hand as soon as it came near his body.
"No. Lyra, you have a gift. I can show you how to use it." I glared angrily up at him. His eyes were intent. He was determined.
"Why are you helping me?" His mood shifted and he bowed his head, taking my wand from his cloak.
"Because I owe it to you." he murmured. At that, he placed my wand in my hand and replied, "Think about it." and let go. He turned and disappeared down the stairwell leaving me alone and confused.
Author's Note: We all know that Draco is a coward, as much as he portrays himself to be strong. His acts that had happened previous were based solely on his stress levels, creating a character that we as a reader, even him and a character, are not used to seeing. The Malfoy's, however, do not know how to show remorse, like normal families. Instead they find ways to manipulate around the problem while maintaining high authority. To Draco, it is not 'helping' as much as he feels it is his duty to assist Lyra in attain her skills. More to come! Remember to give your thoughts :)