Chapter 12: Epilogue
Longest. Conversation. Ever.
That's what it had felt like. Harry didn't speak to her for almost a week. Michelle had been patient. She knew he wouldn't like what she had to tell him. But, she told him anyway. Told him all about Draco and his parents, about the Death Eaters, about the kiss, she told him everything. Michelle said over and over that she only loved him, that she did what she did to save not only Draco, but herself as well. She wasn't sure which hurt Harry more, the fact that she'd kissed Draco or the fact that she said he wasn't all evil.
During her week in the doghouse, Michelle received a package from Draco. Thanks to her mysterious "disappearance" from the Malfoy house, her bookbag had been left behind along with her wand. The note from Draco was short and didn't say much. Michelle wasn't sure if he didn't want to talk to her or was afraid his parents would read the note. It was a bit of a toss up really.
Michelle had met with Dumbledore to explain her version of events. He didn't seem surprised by any of what had happened. He'd sent someone to the Malfoy estate to look for signs of the portkey. They found nothing. There was no evidence to point at the specific Death Eaters involved. There was nothing around that hinted at the Malfoy's involvement. Dumbledore told Michelle it wouldn't be fair to assume Lucius and his wife were behind the events of the evening, but it would be foolish to let one's guard down around them. The Malfoy family had been able to keep their image seperate from their actual behavior for years now. They were good at what they did.
A few weeks before the start of term, Michelle ran into Draco in Diagon Alley. She had gone to the bookstore to check they had ordered the correct books for Divination. Needless to say, she and Prof. Avilas had trashed Trelawney's old reading list. Draco had been inside waiting for his father who was purchasing a rare book.
"Draco, how are you?" Michelle came over to where he was standing.
His head lifted from the book he'd been skimming through. "Fine."
Michelle frowned. He couldn't still be annoyed with her. "Good. I was worried your parents were going to do something to you when you got home."
"Why would you think that?"
"I don't know...probably every experience I've ever had with your parents leads me to such a conclusion."
"Nothing happened. They barely spoke to me about that night."
"Really? Well, that's weird, but as long as you're okay..."
"Like I said, I'm fine."
Michelle waited for him to continue the conversation, but he fell silent. She studied his face as he looked back at his book. He was very difficult to read right now. Michelle sighed and shifted where she stood.
"I guess I should be heading out. I have tons to do before school starts. I'll see you in a couple of weeks then." She began to back away.
"See you at school..." Draco's eyes lifted and followed her progress towards the door. She gave him a brief smile before leaving.
Draco could hear his father's voice working its way through the bookstore. He was almost done with his transaction. Draco moved closer to the front door and watched Michelle through the window as she walked down the street. He fought the urge to go bolt outside and catch up with her. He had wanted to talk to her, really talk to her. But with his father so close, he couldn't take the chance at being overheard. It had taken all of Draco's skill at lying to convince his parents he had no clear recollection of what had happened that night. He couldn't risk them knowing he had helped Michelle. They couldn't know that he had decided for himself that he didn't want to be a Death Eater. All he had to do was get through the next few weeks till school started. Then, he needed to make it through the final school year. Then, and only then, when he was 18 would he be free. He could do what he wanted to do. He would be an even stronger and smarter wizard. He would be able to take care of himself completely. He could live his life, not his family's.
Draco heard Michelle's voice in his head telling him he had to make his own decisions. He may not have her for his own, but he thought he at least had her in his corner. And for now, that would have to be enough. He smiled to himself as he ran his finger over the scar on his palm. Funny, he now had a scar of his own...maybe he and Potter weren't so different after all.
xxxxxxxxx THE END xxxxxxxxxxxx
A/N Okay, it's not the strongest ending, but I didn't want you guys to wait for me to re-write it when I was already a little stuck. Thanks again for all your reviews, etc. I always enjoy hearing from you and appreciate the positive feedback. It may be a bit before I get another story up. To save you from having to check constantly, if you go to your log in page, chooseEmail Alerts and put me down. That way when I put something up you'll get an email. It's handy to use if it may be awhile before I come up with a story idea. I did the same for several of you that write, but don't always have the time to do so because of class, tests, etc. That way I know I won't miss anything. Thanks again to FPC/Morgan, Rockbaby67, Call-Sugarhigh-Police and the newbie, Tokris. I think that's everyone. Till next time!
