(Draco POVs will be in next chapter! Sorry, I had to get some of this stuff in Natiley's POV. It just worked a lot better, thanks for making it this far!❤️)
This will be in Natiley's P.O.V
The crunching of snow under your feet was so satisfying, as you both drew farther away from Hogwarts. The frosty air nipped at your nose, turning it a shade of bright red making you tuck your chin further into your Ravenclaw scarf while clutching on to Draco's arm tighter.
Hearing nothing but the crunch of under your feet and both your breathing was so relaxing to you. As you happened to notice that it was almost as if life was returning to Draco every step away from Hogwarts. It was making you happy to see him looking better, but the happiness brought a tinge of sadness, that a place that you knew as your second home had made it so hard for him to function as of late.
For once, his eyes did not seem so dark, as they started to turn that into a bright silver as you both crossed the cobblestone bridge. It made you feel better though, seeing the dark circles under his eyes fade a little bit into his ivory skin.
Feeling your gaze, he looked down at you, noticing you were staring up at him which caused him to make you both stop.
'What are you looking at?'
You blushed slightly, trying to pull your head further under your scarf but managed to blurt out some words.
'I... umm...sorry I just love looking at your eyes.'
This caused him to smirk slyly at you and roll his eyes. It was like he could never take a compliment or knew how to really give them back. He pulled his gloved hand out of his black jacket pocket, making you release his arm as he took your hand in his. He let you place your gloved fingers in between his and pulled them into his jacket pocket, pulling you closer to him with a small jerk.
Even with the darkness you both have been battling the past month, he still tried to show some sort of display of love to you. His depression had been eating him up, along with everything else you both have been going through so it was hard to be intimate with one another.
It seemed he always did these small little things for you though, that you figured was him trying to show some sort of affection towards you.
Occasionally, he would pull you close to him with his arm instead of holding hands around school. Then he would have his mother constantly send books to you that he would recommend, many you have never heard. That was one thing you both had a great appreciation for, books. It was an escape into other worlds for both of you and you both enjoyed having so much knowledge just in your hands.
Draco was much smarter than you realized at first, he just did not ever get the chance to show truly smart he was or be able to apply it in school properly.
The pressure of upholding the Malfoy name and keeping his bad boy appearance seemed to overshadow his book smarts. He did not need his father's money to buy his way through school, he had the smarts to excel in anything he put his mind too. It was kind of sad that no one knew how smart Darco Malfoy really was.
Draco's father constantly compared him to Harry Potter and how he needed to be better than him. It sounded more like Draco was constantly belittled by his father, which caused his mind to be cloudy with jealousy and having to constantly try to prove his worth every year against the golden trio.
The only true time it seemed Lucius Malfoy showed any support towards his son was in fifth year when he was head of the horrible The Inquisitorial Squad, that Professor Umbridge formed. The group tormented the other houses, bullied students, took away house points and helped made the students show respect to the Ministry of Magic.
He did not try to speak ill of his father, but you could tell he did have the highest respect for him. Draco respected his father to a degree, unlike his mother. You could tell he loved his mother very much, without saying it. It sounded like she was the only one to show any real form of love towards Draco and was able to help keep him on his feet. She seemed to support him and was always there when she could be. Just like when you remember seeing them in the Diagon alley, she was so beautiful and graceful. You could tell he cared for her very much, by how careful and protective he was with her.
Lost in your thoughts, you finally noticed you were both approaching Hogsmeade and coming upon a crowd of students. You both ignored everyone as you could feel the eyes catch you and the whispers swirl around in the icy air. You used to hate the attention you both brought, but you had finally grown accustomed to just dealing with it.
You squeezed Draco's hand in his pocket, as he brushed his thumb over your Ravenclaw gloves slowly trying to ease your anxiety.
The both of you finally arrived at the Three Broomsticks, pushing your way through the crowded entrance as everyone was piling in to get some warmth.
It was a relief as you could feel the warmth brush your cheeks. Draco led you to a far darker corner of the inn, away from most people. He asked what you wanted and rushed off, disappearing into the hustle and bustle of the tavern.
You took your gloves off, pulled your beanie off and slid off your jumper as you wrapped it around your waist. Once you brushed your browns curls out with your fingers, you placed your beanie back on your head to see Hermione in front of you. You almost jumped at the sight of her.
'Hi Natiley...I...' She trailed off, looking around the room almost like she was searching for words. You knew she was nervous as she stuttered, so you picked your hand up to point to the chair by you and slowly tried to fake a smile her way. She nodded in agreement, dragged the chair over and sat by you.
'I miss you so much...So does Ron and Harry. Are you okay? What happened to your head?! There is so much going on. Are you going to Slughorns Christmas party before break? Did you hear about his famous guest he invited?'
You were shocked at her words and questions, seeing tears form in her eyes so you opened your arms to her without replying. She leapt right into your arms, squeezing you tightly almost sounding like she was crying.
'I miss you all so much. More than you know. Just know, I am alright. The cut is from being clumsy going down the stairs of the Ravenclaw Tower. Umm yes, I planned to go. I was not aware a famous person was attending!'
You squeezed her back, hearing her sniffles and slowly let go. Her face was tear stained, as she wiped under her eyes trying to catch a breath.
'Brilliant! We should meet up for it. ' She paused, looking back to the boys who tried to hide their gazes in their Butterbeers. 'I hate to do this but please show me your arms, with the sleeves up.' She wiped a tear that was attempting to escape.
You felt a little offended at her last sentence. But you knew this is what would give them all some happiness that you were still just Natiley Fleet in their eyes.
So you pushed up your sleeves on your turtleneck, so they could all see that you have not become a Death Eater...yet.
She gave a big sigh and a look of relief, but you knew your arm would not be bare like this for long. Pushing your sleeves down you saw Draco head for the bathroom, but it was the women's bathroom. Odd.
'I'm still me. I am sorry for being distant, just my situation has got to me is all. Everything is fine though, I promise. '
Hermione reached up to grab your hand, scooting closer in her chair. 'We are very worried for you Natiley, we don't want you to be on the wrong side of this war. I wish we could protect you, somehow. We just cannot think of a way to get you out of this. Harry is extremely fixated on Draco being a Death Eater, I am not sure what to think anymore...' She trailed off.
You sighed, looking at her serious face. 'We will figure this out, okay? I can tell you, that neither of us are Death Eaters. Let us talk later?' Hermione nodded silently, squeezed your hand, and got up as she walked past Draco who was heading your way. Who you were surprised to see so soon.
Draco brought both of you some stew and Butter beer. It was nice as we sat in silence for a while just eating, then we started to talk about a recent book his mother sent me. It was almost just comforting to sit with each other, with no worries and just talked almost like we were a normal couple.
He dropped his spoon and pushed the bowl away from him as I noticed he had eaten every drop. I was shocked at this, but happy he had finally after a normal meal for once.
I flashed him a smile, sipping my Butterbeer and wiped away the foam from my mouth. He put his arm up on my chair and scooted me closer with annoying noise from the chair legs, seeing that no one took a notice too. Everyone in the inn seemed to be lost in their own loud conversations.
Draco leaned over to me, brushing my long curls over my shoulder, and whispered softly into my ear.
'I cursed Katie Bell, she has the object and went on her way. Now we wait. '
He leaned back in his chair, dragging his arm across my back, and softly tugging at my hair till the last strained escaped his fingertips.
I looked to him, almost dropping my mug, and sighed with a nod.
We seemed to have been there for hours after he told about the dark deed, when we both decided we better go before the sun goes down.
We proceeded on a walk through the snow, till Draco demanded we take a detour by the Shrinking Shack. We went by it, approaching the fence and stared at the odd building and he told about the history he discovered about it.
After a silence fell, a question popped into my head and I could not help but ask it.
'Why did you want me?'
His eyebrow raised and he brought his gloved hand to his mouth for a moment. He turned around, took a few steps away and looked back at me.
'I assume you mean, why I decided to marry you and get you out of the Diggory situation?'
I nodded to him, not breaking my gaze from him as he seemed so nervous at the question I asked. He finally walked back over to me and looked me in my eyes, as the snow started to lightly fall on us.
'Seeing you stand up to Umbridge in fifth year was the start of something that I cannot explain. Then in the library that summer morning just seemed to take it a step further as you stood up to me. ' He paused, looking at the forest then back to me.
'When I saw you at the Leaky Caldron, trying to stand up for yourself again against a Death Eater, I lost it. You were so freaking drunk, trying to punch that guy and it was clear you had it handled. ' He laughed, making me smile for once as he continued.
'The things you make me feel, Natiley...I hate it but grown to love it. I knew what waited for me in sixth year and was terrified to do them alone. It sounds horrible, but your so smart and strong that...you seemed to be the perfect person to help me through this. Romantically involved or not, I just needed someone and now I regret it so much. I wish I never got you involved, you could get...hurt and it would be my fault. If you want, I can call this entire marriage off so you can escape before it gets worse. '
He walked a few steps away, hands in his jacket pockets as the falling snow littered his back. I bite my cold lip and ran after him, trudging through the snow.
'Draco! ' He turned around and I leapt into his arms, he squeezed me tightly.
'I want to be with you. '
Draco laughed, pulling me back from him shaking his head and searching my eyes.
'After everything that has happened in the past few months, you are still willing to marry me? '
I reached up to his neck, pulling him to me for a kiss. We looked at each other for a second and dove into a deep kiss. It almost felt different this time as he grabbed my face, pulling it as close to his as it could possibly be.
We broke apart staying in each other's arms, feeling the heat we had created between each other.
' Awhile back, you asked me to promise you that I would be there for you when you needed me. I plan to keep that promise. '
Christmas decorations covered every inch of Hogwarts as December arrived with the snow covering the castle grounds.
Ever since the last time you spoke with Hermione, you found yourself constantly running into her or she would find you to simply talk. You knew this was not a good idea, you should still be pushing me her away, but you missed her so much.
Hermione and you had been sitting at the Ravenclaw table for a free study period. You both had your cat companions with you while you chatted about life.
'What are your plans for Christmas break? ' Hermione asked, sipping on her tea and petting Crookshanks.
Binx had been toying with a one of your black ribbons that you made float in the air with your wand for her, with a laugh. You broke concentration at Hermione's question causing the ribbon to drop on Binx's head.
'Oh um, well due to my parents writing me off and not being able to get ahold of my aunt, Draco invited me to stay with him at Malfoy Manor. '
Hermione nodded and gave you a sympathetic smile, till you noticed the Christmas cookie she had grabbed broke in her tight clutch. You caught on to where she was looking and saw that Lavender Brown and Ron were locked in a sloppy kiss. As you both stared with disgust, a male figure popped next Hermione.
Cormac McLaggen had sat down by Hermione and smiled at the both of us. You knew she detested him, but you always thought he was a cutie. You gave him a smile back as you pet Binx who laid next to you on the table.
'So, Hermione what are you doing tonight? ' He smoothly said, as she looked at him with disgust for a moment. She looked to Ron one more time and back at Cormac with a smile.
'I cannot hangout tonight, but would you want to go to Slughorns Christmas party with me? ' She said, quickly grabbing his hand.
My mouth dropped at her words as I stumbled to put my pumpkin juice back on the table.
'Well of course I would. Let's defiantly hangout before that, I got to go. See you later. ' He winked at her, getting up from the bench and walked off.
'Have you gone mental?!' I raised my voice a little bit in shock.
She took a deep breath and shook her head.
'I cannot believe I just did that. '
I started to giggle at her as I saw Cedric approach us. He looked at me, his face looked worried.
'Can we talk Nat? '
His tone made my laughter vanish.
You nodded at him, looking at Hermione with a questionable look.
'I'll see you later. Binx, be good or follow me. ' Binx stared at you and then curled up next to Crookshanks. So, you grabbed your book bag and walked off with Cedric.
You both walked in silence for a good while as he led you up to the Astronomy Tower. The view was incredible as you looked around, with the wind slowly blowing through with some snowflakes. Dropping your book, you looked over the edge and back over to Cedric.
'I miss you. ' Cedric said almost in a whisper, with a melancholy look on his face.
Your heart felt a small stab at it, making tears form at the edges of your eyes. He seemed to notice and came over to you, wrapping you up in his arms. His hugs were your favorite and you could tell this was something you both needed.
He held on to you, rocking you back and forth for a while as silent tears fell down your cheeks you spoke. 'I miss you too. '
Cedric pulled back from your hug, seeing your face he brushed your hair out of the way to see your tears.
'I hate it when you cry. '
You sniffled, with a smile and wiped away your tears. 'It's okay, happy tears. '
You tried to reassure him, as he took notice to the gash on your eyebrow. It was healing well, but apparently still very noticeable. He rubbed his finger over it and looked at you with worry.
'Did he do this to you? ' You shook your head no. 'No of course not, I fell. Anyways, what is going on? '
You could tell he did not believe your lie but shrugged it off.
'My parents have been sending me letters. They urged me to tell you, they have not spoken or seen your parents since school started. They were aware your family left for a week, but somethings wrong. They went to your house and it was a disaster, someone had ransacked your home, clear signs of a struggle and there was some blood on the floor. The Ministry has stayed silent on the matter, telling my father 'these things happen' and have shrugged off their disappearance. When was the last time you talked to them? '
His words shocked you as you started to pace. 'What, I...my parents sent me a letter back in the middle of September saying they did not want anything to do with me since I would be marrying Draco. '
His answer made him shake his head as you came to a stop.
'I bet they vanished due to your marriage to him. '
I gave him a pissed off look.
'Shut it, my mother kicked me out of the house and sent me away to the Weasleys before school. You know that and how much she hates me! How dare you turn this around and say it is because of Draco. I did this for YOU, Cedric! So, you could be happy! I sacrificed my life for your love to Cho, so what gives you the right to hate on him? Everything I have done since the week before school started was selfless so that my best friends could be fucking happy. I lost my parents, my friends, my right for what I want and my damn life! Apparently, that is not good enough for either of you! '
As you spoke, every word was causing the wind around the both of you to whip around fast making the snow on the ground form a prefect circle that swirled around the both of you. You could see the fear in Cedrics eyes as this happened.
You noticed what was happening, taking a deep breath, and closing your eyes. After a few minutes and feeling the wind die down, you opened your eyes to see Cedric was gone.
Looking around, you saw the now bare wood under your feet that formed a circle around you.
Dropping to your knees, you sat there in silence and shook your head. You wanted to cry, but the tears stayed put as you rubbed your temples. As all the questions flooded your mind forming a headache.
What happened to your parents? Are they okay? Why would someone be after them? Did the Malfoys or Ministry play any part in their disapprence? Would you see them again?
Would any of your questions be answered sooner the later?