p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"My steady breathing was synchronized with Draco's as his fingertips circled my bare back. My body was huddled close to his, there wasn't a sliver of space between us, I didn't want there to be. My head was spinning while my heart refused to slow down, it hadn't stopped racing since I first saw Draco across the street. I felt like my soul was being ripped in half; while part of me felt completely blissful being in Draco's arms again, another part despised myself for betraying Oliver after all he had done for me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Draco shifted beneath me after hearing my thoughts. He had been trying not to think of my em style="box-sizing: border-box;"dreadful/em marriage. I kissed his chest softly not wanting to hinder this time together, I wasn't sure how long we had. Draco reached for my left hand and sighed as he glared at my wedding ring./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"We /emcould have had forever Melody. Why'd you go and marry him anyways?" Draco asked sorrowfully./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I moved out of Draco's arms and scooted away from him, this wasn't a question I wanted to answer. I withdrew my hand from Draco's grasp and held it over my face. I couldn't stand looking into his tortured eyes anymore. I jolted as Draco kissed my arm repeatedly, his lips traveled to my face and I could feel him hovering above me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""You could come back with me Melody. I could sneak you through my bedroom window, we've done it before."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I smiled crookedly as I moved my hand away from my face and touched Draco's cheek, he kissed my hand. I closed my eyes and sighed, desperately wishing I em style="box-sizing: border-box;"could/em go with him. That would be all my dreams come true./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Let's go then. Let's go em style="box-sizing: border-box;"now/em. We don't even have to go back to my bloody house, it's not even mine anymore. We could go anywhere you want."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I'm married Draco. Whether I am questioning it now or not, I can't just make it undone. I'm so sorry."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Tears welled in my eyes as I stared into Draco's, he was devastated. All he wanted to do was take me away and never return to the Death Eaters again. I touched Draco's frown, he smiled immediately./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Why don't you go then Draco? On your own?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Draco sighed and sat up against the headboard. "They'd find me in a heartbeat Melody. I could never hide as well as you have. Besides, I don't want a life outside the Death Eaters that doesn't include you. I love you Melody, I haven't stopped."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Tears welled in my eyes again as I comprehended Draco's words. I pulled the sheet tighter around myself and rested my head against Draco's shoulder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I haven't stopped either Draco."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I wish that was enough."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Me too." I stated simply./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Draco sighed loudly before speaking again. "So other than adultery, why have you brought me here?" Draco teased./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I pinched Draco's side and he laughed loudly. I sat up and turned towards him, he did the same, he wasn't laughing anymore as I stared at him seriously./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I'd like to see him."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Who?" Draco asked confusedly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""You-Know-Who."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""What?" Draco shrieked. "Are you bloody mad Melody? Why the hell would you want to do an idiotic thing like that?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Because he'll find me eventually and I'd much rather do it on my own terms."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""That's where you're wrong Melody. He doesn't make arrangements or compromises, once he has you he will em style="box-sizing: border-box;"never/em let you go again. You'll be just as much a prisoner as I am. I want you so badly but I won't imprison you. I won't let you join them and you won't have a choice."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I don't want to spend my whole life in hiding Draco."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Everyone/em is hiding Melody, there aren't many other options. I don't know the outcome of this war but I won't see you become a Death Eater. I won't let them brand your beautiful arm with their horrid Dark Mark."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Draco's lips were frantic as he pressed them against my arm, where a Dark Mark would be if I had one. He was distraught by marriage to Oliver but he preferred that over seeing me become a Death Eater. I held Draco's face with my hand and stared into his perfect eyes. I wasn't sure where I belonged anymore. I knew I should leave because Draco had made it clear he wasn't going to help me like I had been hoping for, but I couldn't force myself out of the bed. I kissed him again, I didn't want to talk anymore./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"After a few hours had passed, I reluctantly pulled my sweater over my head, I watched Draco as he pulled his gray t-shirt over his. Neither of us were voicing our feelings but I knew we felt the exact same. We couldn't stand the thought of leaving each other but we both had realities we needed to return to. Draco sat beside me and rested his hand against my thigh, despite how nice my jeans looked he much preferred my bare skin. I smiled as I laced my arm through his and rested my head against his shoulder. I didn't want to go home. I was terrified. It'd be impossible for me to regret these precious hours with Draco but I felt terrible about the inevitable pain it would cause Oliver./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""You were mine first." Draco sighed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I know, I'm still yours."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Why'd you bother marrying him then? You never answered me before."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Draco's shoulders were slumped forward and I could tell he was fighting back tears. I pressed my lips against his neck. His skin felt so warm and smelled so sweet, I would miss that./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I was scared Draco. People do all kinds of insane things when they're afraid. I had no idea what happened to you after that night and Oliver persuaded me that the only way to stay safe was to marry him. I needed protection."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Like you couldn't have taken care of yourself." Draco spat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I sighed and kissed the side of Draco's head. I hoped he would understand eventually. I wanted to em style="box-sizing: border-box;"make/em him understand right now but I didn't want to jeopardize either of us. I knew some day he would understand my reasoning for everything./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I guess you need to get back then?" Draco asked sullenly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I peeked down at my watch, it was nearly five. I had been gone far too long and I knew Oliver must be worried sick about me. I took a deep breath and removed my arm from Draco's grasp and stood up. Draco held onto my hands and pulled me between his legs./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Please don't go Melody. I don't know how much longer I will survive after this, not without you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I touched Draco's forehead. There was still a small scar at his hairline from the gash I had first healed at the beginning of our sixth term. em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Everything/em changed between us after this encounter. I wished I could go back to that time, even though our relationship was so complicated, it was far easier than it was now. At least back then I could be with Draco freely and not be terrified that someone would use me as leverage against him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Is that what you're so scared of?" Draco whispered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I nodded as unexpected tears began to form in my eyes. Draco stared at the floor now, because he em style="box-sizing: border-box;"did/em understand now. He knew exactly what the Death Eaters could do to both of us because of our relationship. He knew he would do anything to keep me safe from them and right now that meant letting me go back to Oliver./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I took Draco's face between my hands and kissed him firmly. I held tightly to his jaw, not knowing em style="box-sizing: border-box;"if/em or em style="box-sizing: border-box;"when/em I would be able to kiss him again. I couldn't change my marriage to Oliver and he couldn't change his position with the Death Eaters./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I love you Melody, I always have."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I love you too Draco, I always will." I whispered through my tears./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I begrudgingly released Draco's face and stepped backwards. My eyes lingered on his as I envisioned Oliver's home. I knew the apparition would soon pull me away from Draco, I kept my eyes wide open to cherish every single moment I could./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I wanted to drop to my knees the moment I resurfaced at Oliver's house but I couldn't because my heart had instantly plummeted into my stomach. Oliver's front door was hanging off its hinges and all the windows of the house were shattered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I ripped my wand from my bag and sprinted towards the front door. My heart raced painfully as I frantically searched the house for any sign of my family. There wasn't a single soul left in the house. Tears welled in my eyes, something terrible had happened to them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I jumped backwards when someone cloaked in black appeared at the front door, their face was shielded by their hood. They held their wand above their head, ready to strike at me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""No-no please-wait-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"A flash of light surged straight to my chest and propelled me backwards against the wall, I heard my skull crack against the edge. My vision was blurry as I attempted to reach for my attacker. They laughed as they stood over me and another flash of light knocked me completely unconscious. /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Draco shifted beneath me after hearing my thoughts. He had been trying not to think of my em style="box-sizing: border-box;"dreadful/em marriage. I kissed his chest softly not wanting to hinder this time together, I wasn't sure how long we had. Draco reached for my left hand and sighed as he glared at my wedding ring./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"We /emcould have had forever Melody. Why'd you go and marry him anyways?" Draco asked sorrowfully./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I moved out of Draco's arms and scooted away from him, this wasn't a question I wanted to answer. I withdrew my hand from Draco's grasp and held it over my face. I couldn't stand looking into his tortured eyes anymore. I jolted as Draco kissed my arm repeatedly, his lips traveled to my face and I could feel him hovering above me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""You could come back with me Melody. I could sneak you through my bedroom window, we've done it before."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I smiled crookedly as I moved my hand away from my face and touched Draco's cheek, he kissed my hand. I closed my eyes and sighed, desperately wishing I em style="box-sizing: border-box;"could/em go with him. That would be all my dreams come true./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Let's go then. Let's go em style="box-sizing: border-box;"now/em. We don't even have to go back to my bloody house, it's not even mine anymore. We could go anywhere you want."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I'm married Draco. Whether I am questioning it now or not, I can't just make it undone. I'm so sorry."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Tears welled in my eyes as I stared into Draco's, he was devastated. All he wanted to do was take me away and never return to the Death Eaters again. I touched Draco's frown, he smiled immediately./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Why don't you go then Draco? On your own?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Draco sighed and sat up against the headboard. "They'd find me in a heartbeat Melody. I could never hide as well as you have. Besides, I don't want a life outside the Death Eaters that doesn't include you. I love you Melody, I haven't stopped."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Tears welled in my eyes again as I comprehended Draco's words. I pulled the sheet tighter around myself and rested my head against Draco's shoulder./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I haven't stopped either Draco."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I wish that was enough."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Me too." I stated simply./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Draco sighed loudly before speaking again. "So other than adultery, why have you brought me here?" Draco teased./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I pinched Draco's side and he laughed loudly. I sat up and turned towards him, he did the same, he wasn't laughing anymore as I stared at him seriously./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I'd like to see him."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Who?" Draco asked confusedly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""You-Know-Who."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""What?" Draco shrieked. "Are you bloody mad Melody? Why the hell would you want to do an idiotic thing like that?"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Because he'll find me eventually and I'd much rather do it on my own terms."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""That's where you're wrong Melody. He doesn't make arrangements or compromises, once he has you he will em style="box-sizing: border-box;"never/em let you go again. You'll be just as much a prisoner as I am. I want you so badly but I won't imprison you. I won't let you join them and you won't have a choice."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I don't want to spend my whole life in hiding Draco."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Everyone/em is hiding Melody, there aren't many other options. I don't know the outcome of this war but I won't see you become a Death Eater. I won't let them brand your beautiful arm with their horrid Dark Mark."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Draco's lips were frantic as he pressed them against my arm, where a Dark Mark would be if I had one. He was distraught by marriage to Oliver but he preferred that over seeing me become a Death Eater. I held Draco's face with my hand and stared into his perfect eyes. I wasn't sure where I belonged anymore. I knew I should leave because Draco had made it clear he wasn't going to help me like I had been hoping for, but I couldn't force myself out of the bed. I kissed him again, I didn't want to talk anymore./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;" /p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"After a few hours had passed, I reluctantly pulled my sweater over my head, I watched Draco as he pulled his gray t-shirt over his. Neither of us were voicing our feelings but I knew we felt the exact same. We couldn't stand the thought of leaving each other but we both had realities we needed to return to. Draco sat beside me and rested his hand against my thigh, despite how nice my jeans looked he much preferred my bare skin. I smiled as I laced my arm through his and rested my head against his shoulder. I didn't want to go home. I was terrified. It'd be impossible for me to regret these precious hours with Draco but I felt terrible about the inevitable pain it would cause Oliver./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""You were mine first." Draco sighed./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I know, I'm still yours."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Why'd you bother marrying him then? You never answered me before."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"Draco's shoulders were slumped forward and I could tell he was fighting back tears. I pressed my lips against his neck. His skin felt so warm and smelled so sweet, I would miss that./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I was scared Draco. People do all kinds of insane things when they're afraid. I had no idea what happened to you after that night and Oliver persuaded me that the only way to stay safe was to marry him. I needed protection."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Like you couldn't have taken care of yourself." Draco spat./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I sighed and kissed the side of Draco's head. I hoped he would understand eventually. I wanted to em style="box-sizing: border-box;"make/em him understand right now but I didn't want to jeopardize either of us. I knew some day he would understand my reasoning for everything./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I guess you need to get back then?" Draco asked sullenly./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I peeked down at my watch, it was nearly five. I had been gone far too long and I knew Oliver must be worried sick about me. I took a deep breath and removed my arm from Draco's grasp and stood up. Draco held onto my hands and pulled me between his legs./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Please don't go Melody. I don't know how much longer I will survive after this, not without you."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I touched Draco's forehead. There was still a small scar at his hairline from the gash I had first healed at the beginning of our sixth term. em style="box-sizing: border-box;"Everything/em changed between us after this encounter. I wished I could go back to that time, even though our relationship was so complicated, it was far easier than it was now. At least back then I could be with Draco freely and not be terrified that someone would use me as leverage against him./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""Is that what you're so scared of?" Draco whispered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I nodded as unexpected tears began to form in my eyes. Draco stared at the floor now, because he em style="box-sizing: border-box;"did/em understand now. He knew exactly what the Death Eaters could do to both of us because of our relationship. He knew he would do anything to keep me safe from them and right now that meant letting me go back to Oliver./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I took Draco's face between my hands and kissed him firmly. I held tightly to his jaw, not knowing em style="box-sizing: border-box;"if/em or em style="box-sizing: border-box;"when/em I would be able to kiss him again. I couldn't change my marriage to Oliver and he couldn't change his position with the Death Eaters./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I love you Melody, I always have."/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""I love you too Draco, I always will." I whispered through my tears./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I begrudgingly released Draco's face and stepped backwards. My eyes lingered on his as I envisioned Oliver's home. I knew the apparition would soon pull me away from Draco, I kept my eyes wide open to cherish every single moment I could./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I wanted to drop to my knees the moment I resurfaced at Oliver's house but I couldn't because my heart had instantly plummeted into my stomach. Oliver's front door was hanging off its hinges and all the windows of the house were shattered./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I ripped my wand from my bag and sprinted towards the front door. My heart raced painfully as I frantically searched the house for any sign of my family. There wasn't a single soul left in the house. Tears welled in my eyes, something terrible had happened to them./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"I jumped backwards when someone cloaked in black appeared at the front door, their face was shielded by their hood. They held their wand above their head, ready to strike at me./p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;""No-no please-wait-"/p
p style="box-sizing: border-box; margin: 0px 0px 24px; font-family: 'Source Sans Pro', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 24px; font-size: 18px; padding: 0px; color: #555555;"A flash of light surged straight to my chest and propelled me backwards against the wall, I heard my skull crack against the edge. My vision was blurry as I attempted to reach for my attacker. They laughed as they stood over me and another flash of light knocked me completely unconscious. /p