Hello, friends! I hope this chapter finds you well; it's Lucky Chapter Thirteen! Finally, the moment we've all been waiting for! Well, sort of! I hope you all enjoy this, and please do let me know what you think! Thank you for all of the continued support! Sending love! -Lillie
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Chapter Thirteen
The Slytherin common room had always been a comfort to Draco. Beginning his first year, he would walk in with a confident gait and smirking face as he traveled to his favorite chair, and everyone would make way. Even the older students obeyed this silent order; they knew the power behind the Malfoy name and the consequences, both social and physical, in not respecting such. However, though he still sat in his favorite chair, the oversized emerald chaise with the best view into the Black Lake, and he continued to plaster the self-satisfied smirk on his face, Draco felt anything but at ease. Every scratch of quill on parchment, every crackle of the fireplace, every time the door closed, Draco felt as if he was going to jump out of his skin. Despite his internal fright, Draco remained cool on the outside as he'd practiced for nearly seventeen years.
Feeling the velvet cushion beside him sink, Draco lifted his eyes from the book he was staring at to peer at the person beside him. He should have known; he smelled her sweet violet and summer rose perfume before he saw her. Beside him sat Pansy Parkinson; her black hair gently floating above her shoulders as she peered at him with her dark olive eyes. He stared back at her noticing her pursed lips and raised eyebrows. Knowing the girl as well as he knew himself, Draco waited for her to speak knowing her expression meant she either knew something or she wanted to. Eventually, she released a small sigh and her face softened fractionally. Her hand reached over to rest on his covered arm; her smooth, pale flesh starkly contrasting with his black robes.
"Draco," Pansy said softly. "Do tell me what's wrong."
"What are you talking about, Pansy?" he asked with an uninterested tone; he watched her eyes harden slightly.
"Don't play dumb," she said. "I know you. I know you as well as anyone. Don't shut off from us again."
"I'm fine, Pansy," Draco snapped; a thread of guilt plagued him as she wrenched her hand away from his arm and her eyes darkened even more.
He knew he had hurt her feelings in that moment, but it was unavoidable. This was another reason he dreaded being back within the Slytherin common room. Pansy had watched him since his return; for nearly a week, her dark eyes had followed him everywhere observing his behavior and gauging his moods. He could feel her everywhere. Though he knew she was merely concerned for his wellbeing considering how his health had declined the year before, he found it suffocating. She'd always watched him, for they grew up together. They were as close of friends as either would allow, and he had to admit he held some token of affection for her. However, he couldn't indulge in her; it was too dangerous. She was right in saying she knew him; however, she didn't know how he had changed in his absence. That was dangerous for them both.
"Malfoy," Theodore Nott greeted with a nod before burying his face in the scrolls of notes before him. From the corner of his eye, Draco saw Pansy close her mouth keeping whatever she was about to say silent. Draco had never been more thankful for Theo's quiet presence.
Closing his book, Draco stood up from his spot and turned to observe the scene beyond the windows. Though most would deem it miserable to take notice of a society one could not participate in, Draco found the depths of the Dark Lake fascinating. Though Ravenclaw and Gryffindor students were able to observe Hogwarts grounds from their tower dwellings, the Slytherins were the only students permitted to see within the lake. It was special and a luxury the other houses were kept from. As a silver fish swam by, its glistening scales shining from common room's light, Draco saw a Grindylow jet by; its skin was sickly green and eyes bright yellow. Draco thought he saw a semblance of a smile on the creatures face as its sharp fingers caught the fish tearing off its head. The blonde Slytherin boy looked away immediately.
"Blimey, those creatures are sickening," Blaise Zabini said as he sat down beside Theo. "I do wish the mer-filth would keep them on tighter leashes. I nearly lose my appetite when one of them scurries by. Disgusting," he scoffed taking a delicate sip from the steaming mug he held.
"Watch it," Theo said as Blaise nearly placed his mug on the scrolls he had spread across the table before them.
"Why do you even bother, Nott," Blaise scoffed. "You know the Carrows are going to give us high marks."
"Some of us actually enjoy succeeding on our own rather than relying on our good looks to get us by," Theo smarted as he etched more words onto the scroll before him.
"You think I'm good looking?" Blaise smirked.
"That would be the only thing you got from that statement," Theo huffed not looking up from his parchment.
"Really, Nott," Blaise smirked. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say you were acting like that Mudblood Granger," he said flicking his dark eyes to Draco for approval; Draco forced a smirk onto his face.
"Don't compare me to her," Theo said half-heartedly. Though one could reduce his nearly platonic reaction to his focus, Draco didn't miss the lack of offence Theo took at Zabini's remark. In that moment, Draco began to wonder if Nott Sr.'s excuse of his son not being ready was true or merely a cover story to Theo's less than eager desire to join the ranks.
Although they were his friends, Draco felt unease around Pansy, Theo, and Blaise; they were sharp and attentive. They noticed something was off with him, and they weren't afraid to point it out. Because of this, Draco found himself spending more time with Crabbe and Goyle when he forced himself out of his bedchambers. They tended not to notice any thing off with him, nor did they feel the need to voice opinions or thoughts in general. Both of the imposing Slytherin boys were content in mocking anyone they found worthy, or rather unworthy, and applauding Draco for merely existing. Around them, Draco could allow himself to breath properly. Unfortunately, they were nowhere in sight.
"Have you seen Crabbe and Goyle around?" Draco asked nonchalantly as he scanned the room with lazy grey eyes. "I'd like to hear about their cursing the Hufflepuff girl again," he smirked.
"Last I saw, they were in the Great Hall stuffing their fat faces with piles of tarts," Blaise shrugged. "I'm sure they are out lurking the corridors. They've been trying to catch the Weasley girl alone for months in hopes of revenge."
"Revenge?" Draco asked with a raise eyebrow.
"Oh, the oafs haven't indulged you with that tale?" Blaise grinned mockingly. "The second week of school they were practicing the Imperious on Lavender Brown, attempting to force her in removing articles of clothing in the hallway. The Weaslette hit them both with a hex that had bats flying from their noses for hours!"
"It was repulsive," Pansy shuddered.
"Truly," Theo Nott agreed. "Although you don't have to share a room with them, Parkinson."
"Don't think we couldn't hear their whining in the girls' dorms," Pansy replied haughtily. "I nearly lost my wits with Millicent Bulstrode's complaining."
"Poor you," Theo deadpanned not looking up from his scroll; Draco envied his calm demeanor and his seemingly lax outlook on life. Nott Jr. had nothing to worry about; at least that's what it seemed.
"I'm going out for some air," Draco said feeling the collar of his shirt rub against his neck making him antsy to unbutton the stiff fabric.
"It's nearly after hours," Blaise commented.
"As if anyone will reprimand him," Pansy smirked; the pride in her voice was evident. "He shares a similar marking as those who rule Hogwarts now. Right, Draco?"
"Right," he nodded heading for the door feeling his palms sweat; though he knew it was only in his mind, he could feel the Dark Mark burning.
As he reached the final stair on the top of the staircase, Draco stepped into the hallway as he gulped in a large breath of cool air. Reaching up, he unfastened the top two buttons of his oxford shirt and loosened his green and silver tie. Slowly, Draco closed his eyes and released a breath feeling as if he could do so freely at last. After a few moments, Draco allowed his feet to carry him away from the entrance of the Slytherin dorms. He wandered through the empty corridors allowing the burning torches to light his way. Draco had avoided using the wand he now carried, for it belonged to his mother. He didn't want to admit to his friends his wand was now in Harry Potter's possession. Due to his aversion to using the wand, Draco had grown accustomed in doing things without magic. Walking without a Lumos guiding his way was one.
As he walked on, Draco noticed his feet had carried him across the castle. He now stood near Ravenclaw the staircase leading into Ravenclaw tower. With a deep huff of annoyance, Draco turned to walk away irritated that his feet had brought him there; however, the sound of voices caught his attention. Quickly, Draco ducked beside the staircase allowing the tall shadows it created to shield him.
"Minerva," the distinctive voice of Severus Snape sounded. "This is far from Gryffindor Tower is it not?"
"Am I no longer allowed to walk within the castle, Severus?" Professor McGonagall replied with her usual stern tone.
"I cannot keep you from doing so," Professor Snape replied. "Though I do wonder what has brought you to Ravenclaw Tower. Looking for Filius, perhaps?"
"And why would I be doing so?"
"I only wonder if you're looking for him due to news of incoming guests; I have heard reports of students entering the castle through your office."
"Have you now?" the Transfiguration teacher questioned.
"I have, yes," Snape drawled lazily. "If they are to be true, you do understand that I can have you removed from your position immediately. Such acts will not be tolerated at Hogwarts under my watch, Minerva."
"Of course not, Severus," Professor McGonagall replied coolly.
"I'm happy we understand each other. If I so much as lay eyes on Miss Lovegood or Mr. Thomas, I will remove them from the castle myself. Permanently. Good night."
At the news he heard, Draco felt his mouth go dry. She was here; she was here within the castle walls. The items he carried within his robe pocket seemed heavier; her Butterbeer cap necklace and vegetable earrings seemed to pull at the fabric they were within. Draco felt a pulling within his stomach; a sensation he rarely experienced. He felt as if he needed to find her, to see her with his own eyes. His feet itched to find their hideout, to barge in there and see her misty eyes and hear her voice. However, the more logical and reasonable side of him knew he would not be welcomed where ever she may be. If he were to turn up there, he would surely be cursed into oblivion. He remained motionless as a rush of ideas and emotions surged within him; he lost track of how long he stood there beside the Ravenclaw stairs. It wasn't until a deep voice sounded that he snapped back into focus.
"An odd place to wonder around at night, Mr. Malfoy" Severus Snape drawled with his slow voice as he stared at Draco who was still hiding within the shadows of staircase.
"I was looking for Crabbe and Goyle," Draco replied calmly as he stepped into the warm glow of the torches. "They hadn't returned to the common room."
"How noble of you, Draco," Snape deadpanned. "I just passed them in the corridor however, so your efforts will no longer be needed."
"Of course," Draco replied with a heat burning his cheeks. "Thank you, Professor," Draco said turning to leave; however, a cold hand reached out and touched his forearm, the one with the jagged scar.
"Have you anything to tell me, Draco?" Professor Snape asked with narrowed eyes. "Anything at all?"
"No, Professor," Draco said, his silver eyes finding Snape's black; though his mother told him to trust Severus Snape, Draco felt that his response to Luna's returning to Hogwarts was not something he wanted the Headmaster to know.
"Very well then," Snape nodded releasing Draco's arm. "Be on your way."
Draco turned from his Head of House and made the long walk back to the Slytherin dorms silently. At every noise, Draco scanned his surroundings for long blonde hair or willowy, pale limbs. He could feel his jagged scar tingling though he knew not whether it was a mental reaction or a legitimate feeling. He felt a simultaneous relief and fear in knowing she was at Hogwarts. He also felt a bolt of anger towards Potter; the Gryffindor promised he'd keep her safe, yet she had returned to the castle where dangers lurked at every corner for a personal of her allegiance. However, Draco knew Potter would keep her under his protection as long as she wanted it; however, he did not have the means of controlling her. Draco knew Luna would want to be with her friends; selfishly, he wondered if his return to the castle had influenced her return as well.
On the first floor, he passed the room he'd spent a great deal of time within the year prior. He wasn't sure why, but something told him to enter the room. For once, Draco didn't think about consequences, but rather he listened to his instincts. Walking into the dark room, he heard singing coming from one of the stalls. After clearing his throat, the voices stopped and a silvery head peaked over the top of the wooden door. With a loud shriek, Moaning Myrtle soared above him happily. After circling him quickly, she stilled before him with a wide smile on her translucent face.
"Draco, dear," she squeaked. "I thought you'd forgotten about me and our long, tender moments together last year," she sighed wistfully floating closer.
"I don't think that would be possible, Myrtle," Draco said honestly.
"I knew they meant as much to you as they did to me," she said with closed eyes. "You're so sensitive and sweet, Draco, dear. So many tears."
"Right," he blushed remembering his hysterical sobbing and Moaning Myrtle's constant attempt to sooth him; several times he'd confided in the ghostly girl when he felt particularly lonely in his impossible task.
"Oh, don't worry, darling," Myrtle cooed. "I'd never tell a soul, never."
"I appreciate that," Draco nodded genuinely.
"How have you been, my sweet," Myrtle giggled as her fingertips disappeared within Draco's cheek as she attempted to dust his skin; it felt cold and invasive. "You look loads better; though you could never look bad being the handsome man that you are."
"I've been fine, Myrtle," Draco replied trying not to flinch away from her nonexistent touch. He looked away from her eyes hating the adoration that showed in her lifeless gaze. Looking down, he noticed the tie around her neck. Though her entire existence was silver and transparent with no distinguishable color, he noticed an eagle crest on her robes. The question tumbled out before he could stop himself.
"You were in Ravenclaw," he said staring at the eagle on her chest.
"You noticed my pin, I see," she grinned sticking her chest out slightly. "Naughty boy."
"Do you have access to Ravenclaw tower?" he asked ignoring her flirtations. "Can you get inside?"
"What for?" Moaning Myrtle asked defensively, her eyes flashing angrily. "You have another girl up there? You want me to spy for you? After everything we've been through?"
"Myrtle, no," Draco said hastily in attempt to stop her yelling. "No, please. Nothing like that."
"You're gone for months, and you only come to visit me when you need something! Typical! Typical boys! You're all the same!" she wailed floating up and diving into her stall. Draco heard the water splash angrily as he released a sigh of frustration. After waiting for her to reappear to no avail, Draco turned around and walked out of the bathroom. He didn't stop until he reached the stairs leading into the Slytherin dorms.
Walking into the dungeons, as the chill of the Black Lake permeated into the common room, Draco saw that his companions had not moved from their spot beside the window. However, Crabbe had taken over Draco's chaise; he was so massive that Pansy was perching on the very edge in attempt to keep her place. Goyle was beside Blaise pushing the dark Slytherin closer to Theodore Nott who had seemingly abandoned hope in completing his essay. Crabbe looked up with his beady eyes and upon noticing Draco stood up from his spot immediately and traded it for an armchair. As Draco sat down in his previous spot, Pansy shifted more steadily onto the chaise and closer to Draco than she was previously, her pinky finger lightly touched his.
"Enjoy your outing?" Pansy asked him quietly.
"It was nothing special," Draco shrugged though his stomach tightened at the thought of the news he heard in the shadows.
On the other side of the castle, Luna Lovegood was growing increasingly restless. She'd been within the Room of Requirement for only a few days, yet she felt as if it had been a lifetime. The dreamy Ravenclaw was thrilled to be reunited with her friends, yet she felt confined within the room that was constantly gaining inhabitants. Hammocks were hanging from every feasible surface, and food was running short. Aberforth never seemed to have quite enough food, and none of the students had perfected the multiplying spell. However, they all made it with what they had.
Sitting in her hammock, Luna swung her legs over the side and kicked making the fabric bed swing back and forth. Her dwellings hovered above Ginny's hammock that hovered above Neville's. Luna was the highest, and she enjoyed the feeling of floating while she slept. In the mornings, she felt as if she were flying; the thought never ceased to put a smile on her face. Looking down, Luna saw Dean Thomas looking up at her; smiling, she waved her hand beckoning him to join her. As he made his way up, Luna scooted over to make room for his long figure. Once he was seated, Luna grabbed his hand and continued to kick her feet too and fro.
"I feel like I'm going to be sick if you keep doing that," Dean laughed.
"Oh don't be such a Zaggering Lumpskig; they're scared of heights, you know," Luna grinned.
"Is that so?" Dean challenged with a raise of a dark eyebrow.
"Of course, that's why they bury themselves within the ground. They prove to be very difficult creatures to find."
Dean said nothing more, but merely nodded at Luna's admission. He had never heard of such a thing, but he knew saying so would not deter Luna's belief in the slightest, nor would he wish to do so. He liked that she believed in everything so wholly, everything and everyone. With her long, pale fingers wrapped around his, Dean felt completely at ease; his previous restlessness and claustrophobia forgotten.
"I do wish we could walk through the castle," Luna said looking at the people below them. They seemed much smaller than they were.
"Same, but you know it's dangerous," Dean sighed.
"It seems that everything is dangerous now; simply being here is dangerous," Luna said turning her misty silver-blue eyes to his black orbs. "I just want to get out of this room."
"I know," Dean said giving her hand a squeeze as he shifted their grip so her hand was encapsulated in his.
"Maybe I could go for a walk soon when everyone is asleep," Luna mused. "I'd love to visit with Helena; I'm certain she's been exceptionally lonely."
"Luna, no," Ginny voiced as she climbed within her hammock getting settled for the night. "Absolutely not."
"I'm rather good at disillusionment charms," Luna said ignoring her friend.
"Luna," Ginny said in a warning tone that made her sound more like Mrs. Weasley than she cared to admit. "No one knows you're here. What would happen if you stumbled into Snape in the hallways or the Carrows?
"Well, I will decide what to do should that happen," Luna responded with a shrug.
"What if you ran into Malfoy, Luna?" Neville asked as he peered up at her from his low hammock. "You know he's got to be livid you escaped the Manor; he'd attempt to curse you or tell the others to take you back. You know how he is; he's scary when he's been beaten or feels the need to prove himself."
"Yes, I do know how he is," Luna agreed; she could feel Dean's sharp look though she didn't turn to look at him.
"So you won't go?" Ginny prodded hopefully. "We can't lose you again, Luna."
"I'll stay," Luna said. For tonight, she added silently within her mind.
Ginny nodded before telling the others it was time for lights out. With a swish of her wand the lights were dimmed followed by grumbling. Dean gave Luna's hand a tight squeeze before jumping off of her hammock landing on the floor below with a loud thud. Once everyone was settled in their hanging beds, the lights were extinguished. Soon, the only sounds filling the large room were the rustling of sheets and soft snores. Luna found herself tossing and turning all night, her restlessness seeping into her attempts to fall asleep. Instead, she found herself staring at the ceiling above as she tried to create a plan that would allow her outside of the room. Though she'd never admit it to the others, even Dean Thomas, she just wanted to see him, if only a glimpse to insure that he was all right. She needed to know; she had to know.
"Luna," a voice sounded as she felt her arm being shaken. "Luna, wake up."
"But dreams are so much more pleasant, don't you think?" the blonde Ravenclaw sighed in her sleepy state. "I rather liked the one I was having."
"I know," Ginny giggled. "You were mumbling in your sleep."
"Well, I suppose it's better than sleepwalking," Luna shrugged as she sat up stretched her arms. "Floating is such a wonderful way to sleep; it lends itself to marvelous visions," she smiled dreamily before yawning.
"I'm glad you approve," Ginny smiled. "Come on now, sleepyhead. I believe you said you had something to teach us. A bit of learning would be great around the school about now."
Luna smiled back as Ginny lowered herself back into her own hammock before hopping down onto the stone floor. After another stretch, Luna climbed down landing next to her best friend. The girls went to the bathroom facilities the Room of Requirement had provided and took quick showers and changed clothes. After the morning routines had been completed, Ginny rounded everyone up in a circle around her, Luna, and Neville. Looking at her two friends beside her, Luna felt a swell of joy knowing that she was back where she was meant to be. With a nod, Ginny silently told her to begin.
"Hello, everyone," Luna smiled brightly. "It's so wonderful to be back again. For those of you who don't know, while I was away, I was kept within Malfoy Manor by You-Know-Who—" she began before the crowd of students started booing and yelling foul names about the owners of the mansion.
"Bleeding cowards," someone shouted.
"Bastards to the wizarding world!"
"Bloody no-good ferret!"
Luna stared back at the people before her feeling nervous as they continued to yell, yet she kept the dreamy smile on her face. She waited for the shouts to die down before she cleared her throat to speak again. Catching Dean's dark eyes, he gave her a nod and an encouraging smile.
"Though I appreciate your support, I do wish it wouldn't be so negative. I learned a great deal while in the Manor. Wonderful things, and though there were times of great darkness, there were times of light as well. The things I learned are vital. I want to share them with you, so that when the time comes, we are prepared.
"The Death Eaters are each fond of particular spells; I was exposed to many of them in my time. With this knowledge, I want us all to learn how to block such curses. It is vital that we learn how to protect ourselves against such things, so I ask that you all take these lessons seriously."
"What's Malfoy's favorite? I'd love to reflect it back to that bloody wanker! Give him a taste of what he's put us through!" a voice shouted followed by sounds of agreement.
"That's enough!" Dean Thomas shouted from the crowd as he looked to Luna's shocked face. "Luna wants to help you lot; the least you can do is pay attention!"
"Thank you, Dean," Luna said softly. "Let's start with Bellatrix," she said looking to Ginny who gave her a nod.
For hours they practiced under Luna's guidance. She warned them about the scalding ropes Bellatrix could cast from her wand and the steel chains Dolohov preferred. She warned them about Greyback and how they should do their best to never let him close enough to touch them. His use of magic was subpar, but his physical strength was nearly unbeatable. As she was explaining, she could almost feel his arms crushing her again, the stench of him, and the nauseating feeling of his tongue against her throat. She told them of Rodolphus' preferred method of blinding or deafening the person he was attacking to make the pain even more unbearable and to never allow them to see or hear what he was going to do. She warned them of Lucius Malfoy who enjoyed breaking bones only to mend them back to break again.
As she explained everything she'd learned, Ginny and Neville both stared at their friend, the dreamy girl who talked about her capture as if she were on a short vacation, with a mixture of admiration and guilt. Though they knew Luna was a strong girl and capable of defending herself if needed, the utter strength and dexterity she showed in surviving the Manor was beyond anything they thought possible. Ginny watched Luna with slightly misty eyes realizing that everything Luna learned was from experience. She had gone through terrors unimaginable, yet she was still the wide-eyed, lovely girl she was before. It amazed Ginny to say the least.
Once Luna was finished and lunch was being passed around, the blonde Ravenclaw sat next to Ginny on the stone floor with a cup of vegetable soup and bread in hand. She gave the red headed Gryffindor a smile before digging into her soup. Slowly, her appetite had started coming back, and she was able to eat a little more at each meal. Luna knew she had gained a two or three pounds back, and she was thrilled at the thought, for she knew she looked sickly thin. Neville, Dean, and Seamus soon joined the two girls, yet no one spoke as they ate. Eventually, Seamus broke the silence and stated what they were all thinking.
"They did all of that to you?" the Irish boy said looking at Luna. "All of it?"
"Yes," Luna said quietly.
"How are you not angry?" Seamus asked with a perplexed look in his blue eyes. "I would be boiling over if I were you!"
"I don't think that would do any good," Luna said with a serene smile. "I'm not angry at all, really. Like I said, it wasn't all bad."
"You were in a bloody dungeon! With Malfoy living above you," Seamus responded. "I can't think of things much worse than that."
"You should work on your imagination then," Luna said. "As soon as I can, I'll have you some Dirigible Plums; I'm sure they'll help," she smiled brightly as Seamus looked at her dumbfounded.
For a moment, the circle of friends was completely silent until Ginny Weasley let out a peal of uninhibited laughter. Soon, they all followed suit until their sides were splitting and Ginny had tears in her eyes from laughing so hard. Luna simply tilted her head to the side and wondered what she'd said that was so incredibly funny.
That night, sleep came much easier to everyone than the night before. There was hardly any grumbling as Ginny dimmed the lighting, for everyone was exhausted. After lunch, their lessons had resumed and everyone worked together to come up with the best counter spells and blocks for each obstacle Luna described. It was tiring work, but it was of upmost importance. As she lay in her hammock, Luna had hardly closed her eyes before she plummeted into a deep sleep.
Across the castle and down several floors, Draco Malfoy was having a rather difficult time falling asleep. Each time he closed his eyes, he saw visions of Dumbledore falling from the Astronomy Tower; though he was away from the Dark Lord's presence, Draco's sleeplessness had not subsided. Just as the Manor, Hogwarts held very troublesome times in his mind. As both Crabbe and Goyle snored at a deafening volume, Draco stood up, wrapped a black cloak that reached the floor around himself, slipped on his shoes, and crept out of their shared room undetected. Neither Theo nor Blaise stirred an inch as the door shut silently behind him.
Out in the common room, not a sound was present. Everyone had retired to be hours ago; looking down, Draco's watch, a gift from his father, read a few minutes past one. It was late, dreadfully late, but Draco's mind would not let him rest. With a sigh, Draco fastened his cloak tighter to hide his silken pajamas and walked up the stairs to exit the Slytherin dungeons. Once he reached the main floor, Draco wasn't sure where to go. He started walking much like the night before letting his feet carry him with a blank mind. Not a soul was in the hallway, not a ghost, or even Peeves. He supposed if he should come across anyone all he would have to do is show his Dark Mark and they would leave him be. It was tragic really how much he'd desired that sort of power only a few years before; now, he wished he had anything but.
Looking up, Draco should have known he'd end up there. The Astronomy Tower and what it represented to him was the cause of his restlessness. With a sigh, Draco began climbing the winding staircase needing to see it, needing to see the place where his life changed, where a large portion of his innocence was lost. Around and around, high and higher he walked until it was right before him. The ledge Dumbledore fell over after being hit by the Killing Curse by Professor Snape. It was this spot that he lowered his wand, this spot where he couldn't be the person his father wanted him to be, the person he thought he wanted to be. This is where it all changed for the worse and in some ways for the better. At least now he realized that; this is where he first acted on his doubts. This was the beginning of his changing, the beginning of his evolving. This one spot held it all. It was overwhelming.
Unable to take it any longer, Draco turned to leave, but a soft sigh made him freeze. Pulling his mother's wand from his coat pocket, Draco turned slowly casting a silent Lumos. He couldn't see anyone, but he knew someone was there. Now that he was no longer focused on his emotions and thoughts, he could sense another presence. Someone was here, and he needed to know who. Silently, Draco stepped to the right lighting every nook with the light emitting from his wand; he found nothing. With a racing heart, Draco walked around the railing to the other side. Immediately he saw a lump on the ground. Bare feet were tangled with each other and mismatched pajamas in all sorts of wild patterns were visible, yet, though it was different than he remembered, it was the long, blonde hair that caught his attention. He recognized her immediately as his heart jumped into his throat.
Before he could fathom what was happening, a million questioned popped into his mind. Why was she out here? Was she hurt? Had someone cursed her? Was she dead? Forcing himself to take a deep, calming breath, Draco kneeled down to rest on his knees. With the tip of the wand he held, Draco gently touched her shoulder causing her to mumble incoherently. She was shivering in her sleep, the thin pajamas not holding up against the cool winter air. With the wand, Draco lifted a section of her hair to reveal her face. He released a breath he didn't know he was holding at seeing her face once more. She was healed. No black eyes, no broken nose, no trails of blood drying against her pale skin. She looked like herself again; he'd forgotten what she looked like before.
Placing her hair back against her face, Draco reached over to press a hand to her shoulder before shaking her gently. She didn't wake, but she released a small, content sigh from her pouting lips. He nearly smiled at her; he would have if her lying there wasn't so dangerous especially in her sleeping state. Shaking her again, he said her name in a harsh whisper.
"Luna," he said hating the way his voice echoed around the tower. "Luna, get up."
She responded with nothing but grumbles and by rolling from her side to her back. He shook shoulder again as his wand shone brightly in her face. He could see her large eyes moving beneath her eyelids and her mouth pursed in annoyance at the disturbance. He shook her once more causing a loud sigh to escape her.
"Ginny, won't you let me sleep," she groaned. "I'm having such lovely dreams."
"You need to wake up, Luna," Draco said. "It's not safe out here."
Luna furrowed her blonde eyebrows and seemed to freeze for a moment as she processed what she'd just heard. After a few seconds, her eyes shot open as she bolted upright with a gasp. Draco nearly fell back at the shock of her sudden movement, but he managed to catch himself. With her hand against her heart, Luna looked over at him with wide eyes and an open mouth. She seemed to shuffle through every emotion before landing on joy. Before he could register what was happening, she propelled herself onto him, wrapping her long arms around him tightly. Draco remained motionless for a second before hesitantly wrapping his arms back around her.
"Oh, I've missed you," Luna sighed burying her face into his neck.
"Yeah," he replied lamely threading a hand into her hair. It was softer now and freshly washed. It fell past her waist in loose waves.
Pulling back, Luna placed one of her hands on Draco's cheek fanning her fingers across his sharp cheekbone. Sitting back on her knees, she trailed the other against his jawline as a soft smile pulled on her full lips. Luna laughed lightly as she looked at his soft yet guarded silver eyes.
"It's really you," she whispered tucking a loose strand of white hair behind his ear.
Draco felt exposed, shattered by her presence. He was more vulnerable now than he had ever been, and he couldn't find it within him to pull away. He'd craved her presence, her understanding, and serenity. He couldn't control himself; he pulled her against him tighter than before as he rolled back to sit on the floor. He released a shaky breath against her skin as Luna melted against him immediately as she sat in his lap.
"What are you doing here?" Draco asked her as he held her against him.
"I tend to sleepwalk," she whispered. "I usually wear shoes to bed, but I forgot."
"At Hogwarts, Luna," Draco corrected himself. "Why are you at Hogwarts."
Pulling her head back from where it was resting above his heart, Luna looked at him fully. It was evident the panic he felt, for it was shining in his eyes. She felt the corner of her mouth lift slightly as she peered back at him with clear eyes.
"I wanted to help," she said simply.
"What do you mean?"
"I wanted to help my friends," she replied pulling one of his hands away from her back to thread her fingers with his. She rested their intertwined fingers on her curled up knee. "I wanted to help you."
"I don't need you here, Luna," Draco said sounding harsher than he intended. "I don't need you in danger because of me."
"It's not just for you, Draco," Luna sighed as she rubbed her thumb against the skin of his hand. "Ginny, Neville, Dean, and everyone else, I had the ability to help them; I couldn't ignore that."
"Snape knows you're here," he blurted out. "If he sees you—"
"I know, Draco. I haven't left the room in days," Luna sighed.
"You've been here for days?"
"Just a few," Luna nodded. "I've been aching to walk around the castle; I suppose my feet tricked me into doing so while I was dreaming or maybe it was the nargles."
"You should go back now; it's not safe for you out here," Draco said though he made no motion to move.
"It's safe enough at the moment," Luna said leaning her head back down to rest on the crook between his neck and shoulder. "How are you?"
"I'm fine," Draco replied immediately; even he didn't believe himself, and he knew Luna didn't either. "I'm a mess," he admitted hesitantly. "Every noise sets me on edge, Pansy, Blaise, and Theo all know something is off with me. I'm beginning to notice Blaise and Theo aren't as crazy about the Dark Lord as I thought they were but I can't bring it up without exposing myself, so I spend most of my time with Crabbe and Goyle which is like talking to trolls," he said all in a giant rush.
Luna remained quiet; she had opened his hand to lay face up on her knee as she drew lazy patterns in his palm. Every once in a while, his long, pale fingers would twitch as if she had caused a tickle though he never laughed. She waited patiently for him to let out what else was bothering him, for she knew there had to be more. With Draco, there was always more.
"I can't sleep," he said finally. "I close my eyes and all I can see is—is Dumbledore falling. Being back in the castle reminds me of that. Everyone treats me like I'm some sort of hero, that this thing on my arm is a badge of honor, and I can't take it," he added brokenly as he tightened his arm around her pulling her closer.
"What happened when we left?" Luna asked quietly after Draco remained silent for several minutes; she felt him stiffen beneath her.
"It's not important," he said sliding his fingers down a section of her hair.
"It is," Luna said lifting her chin to gaze up at him; she noticed he'd clenched his jaw. "How bad was it?"
"Bad," Draco said; Luna didn't feel the need to press for more details. She was sure her worst nightmare would match to what Draco had to endure.
"Thank you," Luna whispered lifting her fingers to trace his jaw once more; she felt the muscles relax under her touch.
"I'd do it again," Draco said fiercely. "I'd do it all again without a second thought. You're my—you're my friend, Luna."
The two students stayed in the Astronomy Tower for two hours more until Draco deemed it was too dangerous to stay any longer. The more time they spent in the tower, the more likely it became that someone would find them. He didn't want to know what would happen should they be found. After reaching the bottom step at the entrance to the tower, Draco turned to Luna with a severe look on his face.
"Please be careful," he told her to which she gave him only a dreamy smile.
"I'll see you soon," Luna replied before reaching up and placing a quick kiss on his cheek.
She said nothing more before skipping down the hall, her bare feet silent against the stone ground. Draco watched after her until she could no longer been seen. With a heavy sigh, he pulled his cloak tighter around him and made his way back towards the Slytherin dungeons. Draco was so caught up in his mind he missed the shimmering silver figure hiding behind a towering statue. He descended the stairs into the dungeons and stealthily made his way into his room. Once inside his bedchambers, he fell asleep immediately not plagued by a single nightmare for the first time in over a year.