Chapter 10

That Saturday, I finally found the right moment to introduce Bella to my Quidditch teammates. Although I was somewhat nervous about how she would be received, I knew that, unlike some of my old Slytherin comrades, this group was more open-minded and didn't harbor prejudices against Muggles.

We arrived at a magical pub in Diagon Alley, a place known for its good beer and friendly atmosphere. As we entered, I noticed the surprised looks from my teammates when Bella joined me with the group.

"Wow, Draco has brought company this time!" exclaimed Sarah, with a welcoming smile.

"Guys, this is Bella, my girlfriend," I announced, feeling a mix of pride and nervousness as all eyes were suddenly on us.

There was a moment of widespread surprise before acceptance and warm smiles took over. Marco, the Beater and always the most extroverted, was the first to extend his hand.

"Pleasure to meet you, Bella. Any girlfriend of Draco's is a friend of ours!" he said enthusiastically.

The conversation flowed easily and, to my relief, Bella was warmly welcomed. She joined us at the table, laughing and sharing stories. At one point, the topic of Quidditch came up and Bella, always curious, asked about the sport.

"Draco has never invited me to see a match," she playfully complained.

Marco intervened with a wink: "We'll have to remedy that soon. I promise you a seat in the front row."

"Be careful, Marco," I chimed in with a smile, giving him a friendly pat on the shoulder. "Remember, I'm the one who casts spells at practice."

Marco raised his hands in surrender, still smiling. "Easy, man! I'm just making sure our new fan gets the best first-game experience," he replied, laughing.

Bella leaned in and whispered in my ear, "Besides, I only have eyes for the team's Seeker," giving me a quick peck on the cheek, making me smile like an idiot.

"Someone's in love," remarked Chad, witnessing our exchange. This caused the others to laugh.

In the bustling atmosphere of the pub, as laughter and conversations filled the air, the topic of our relationship inevitably took center stage.

Then Stephie commented, "You know, I'm still surprised that of all of us, Draco, you ended up with a Muggle girlfriend."

Her comment made everyone at our table stop their conversations and laughter, creating a moment of palpable tension. The others exchanged uneasy glances, aware of the delicate subject Stephie had touched on.

I sighed, ready to respond. However, Bella beat me to it, her voice firm and confident. "Draco has changed a lot since the war. I don't think it's fair to keep reminding him of that past. We're all trying to move forward." With that, my heart filled with gratitude, how did I ever deserve someone so good?

Stephie, noticing the discomfort her words had caused, hurried to clarify. "Oh, I didn't mean to offend anyone, just curious. But really, I'm very happy for you, Draco. If someone like you can open their heart in that way, then maybe there really is hope for change in our world."

I smiled at her words. Stephie's sincerity helped dissipate the tension, and gradually, the atmosphere relaxed again. Laughter resumed, and the conversations continued.

During the evening, the group started sharing some of their fun experiences, most of them at Hogwarts. Although we all graduated in different years, most of us met during one of our years playing Quidditch for our houses.

"Was it a huge shock to learn about the magical world?" Sarah asked curiously.

"Not as much as you might think," Bella replied with a calm smile. "In fact, I had already had contact with the supernatural before."

"Oh, like what?" asked Sarah, leaning forward, interested.

"Vampires," Bella revealed casually, causing a variety of surprised expressions around the table.

Bella briefly shared her story with the vampire Edward, which made everyone look at her with wide eyes. "Wow, you're incredibly brave, Bella," commented Chad before continuing, "If you were a witch, and had been born here, you surely would have been a Gryffindor," he said, winking and then high-fiving Sarah, both Gryffindors.

The idea of Bella as a Gryffindor made me shake my head. I know it's ridiculous, but old habits die hard, and throughout my life, I despised that house.

"That must hurt, Draco," Sarah said, laughing as she noticed my reaction. "Seeing your girlfriend as a potential Gryffindor?"

"Maybe a little," I admitted with a relaxing smile, accepting the joke. "But she definitely has the courage that characterizes Gryffindors."

I realized that, surrounded by my teammates and with Bella by my side, I was more comfortable with my past and the old rivalries that once dominated my school years.

"And the tenacity!" added Marco, raising his glass in a gesture of acknowledgment towards Bella. "Anyone who can deal with vampires and then jump into the magical world as if it were nothing definitely has courage."

Bella smiled, clearly pleased by the compliment, and thanked them by raising her glass in a toast as well.

The night continued with more stories and laughter, and as I watched Bella interact with my friends, I felt a deep gratitude for how easily she had been integrated into this part of my life. When it was time to leave, we all insisted that it had to be repeated soon.

After everyone left and I was about to disappear with Bella, she pleaded with me to walk back to her apartment, instead of apparating. Somehow I had to get her used to traveling like this, or maybe try other modes of transport. Perhaps the Floo Network would be a good option next time.

Reluctantly, I agreed, and together we left the bustle of Diagon Alley, crossing through the Leaky Cauldron towards Borough Market in London. Just as we crossed the threshold into the Muggle world, Bella's phone started vibrating frantically. I explained that cell signal often gets lost in the magical world due to magical interference.

Bella checked her phone and frowned. "It's Edward," she told me, somewhat worried.

"And what does he want with you?" I asked, somewhat annoyed by his intrusion into our night together and, let's face it, a bit jealous.

"I don't know. I have a lot of missed calls and messages. He says it's urgent," she paused before adding, "Something must be wrong."

Bella quickly dialed the number, and after a few rings, Edward answered the phone. He said something, as Bella listened attentively before responding.

"Yes, I'm fine, Edward," she replied, activating the speakerphone so I could also hear. "What's going on? What's so urgent?"

Edward sighed on the other line. "I tried to track your scent to talk about this in person, but it was like you had disappeared into thin air. I thought the worst when I couldn't find you."

Bella gave me a significant look, recalling how we had vanished from one place to another using magic, which would explain Edward's difficulty in tracking her. "I'm fine, Edward, really. But what happened?"

"There's trouble," said Edward, his voice low and urgent. "Can we meet? I'll explain everything there."

The seriousness in his tone made me nod at Bella, signaling that this seemed serious and that we should attend to it. She agreed to meet Edward and suggested they do it outside her building.

"Alright, see you there in a few minutes," Bella said before hanging up.

She looked at me with an apologetic expression. "We'd better apparate. I want to get this over with quickly."

"Are you okay?" I asked as I held her in my arms.

"Yes, just a bit worried," she hugged me back. We stayed like that for a few seconds before finding a secluded spot to disappear, and we appeared a block from her building.

We walked hand in hand, and as we came into view of the building, we saw Edward pacing back and forth, his expression full of concern. He saw us approaching, and his gaze went directly to our intertwined hands. I couldn't help but smirk mockingly in his direction. A flicker of annoyance passed across his face, which he quickly masked.

"Draco," he said with a tone bordering on hostility.

"Edward," I responded with equal coldness.

"Hold on a second," Bella said, looking first at Edward and then at me. "When did you two meet?"

Edward looked at me with a smug smile now, as if he had somehow won. "Didn't he tell you?"

His words carried an accusation that irritated me. What does he think he is? I stood firm and said, "Our relationship," I responded firmly, looking him directly in the eyes, "doesn't revolve around you, Edward. I saw no need to bring up an insignificant encounter." Then I looked at Bella, who was watching me with an expectant look, "Do you remember when I wanted to end things?" She nodded, and I continued, "You know the reasons, and I don't plan to repeat them in front of the vampire," I remarked dismissively, glancing sideways at Edward, "but one of the reasons that triggered me to make the decision at that time was that Edward told me part of his story with you, and I tried to protect you." With my free hand, I gently caressed her face, a gesture Bella responded to by resting her cheek on my hand, "I'm really sorry I didn't tell you before."

Bella looked at me intently as I told her this, and although I could see the annoyance in her eyes for having hidden this small detail, she simply sighed and said, "It's okay, but I hope it's the last time. You know how I feel about people making decisions for me." As she said that, she glanced sideways at Edward.

After that intimate moment, we turned our attention back to the vampire, who was looking at us with disbelief. He quickly shook off the emotion and looked directly at Bella again, with concern.

"Let's go upstairs. Laura isn't home tonight, so we can talk quietly."

We went up in silence, me by her side, and Edward walked behind us. Although it goes completely against my instincts to turn my back on a vampire, and despite all our differences, from what Bella told me he isn't a heartless creature. Probably the animal blood has humanized him over the years. Still, I always keep my free hand in my pocket, holding my wand just in case of any imminent threat.

Once inside, I pull out my wand and cast a silencing spell as a precaution, "Muffliato."

Bella smiled in my direction before motioning for both of us to go to the living room. She sat on the sofa, and I sat beside her. Edward stayed in a chair in front of us.

"Alright Edward, we're listening," said Bella, expectantly.

Edward took a deep breath before speaking, clearly trying to organize his thoughts. "Alice had a vision," he began, his tone serious and urgent. "But it wasn't clear as usual. At times, I simply couldn't see you, Bella."

Intrigued and somewhat worried, Bella briefly looked at me and explained, "Alice sees the future. Although it's not an absolute future, it's based on the decisions people make."

"That's right," confirmed Edward, nodding. "But this time, her vision was intermittent, fragmented. She clearly saw the Volturi heading here, to London, but then... you just disappeared."

Bella frowned, processing the information. "It must be because of Draco," she concluded after a moment. "Something similar happened years ago with Jacob. His presence near me affected the clarity of Alice's visions."

Although not completely surprised by the influence my mere presence might have on a vampire's magic, the idea left me thoughtful. The connection between supernatural creatures and their interactions has always been a gray area, even in the magical world.

With that idea settled, Bella and I exchanged a look, a tacit agreement that we will face whatever comes together.

"When?" I asked.

"A few days. A week at most," he responded.

"So, what do you propose?" I asked, ready to put our differences aside for Bella's sake.

Edward straightens in his chair, his expression becoming one of determination. "We need a plan," he said. "The Volturi are not known for their mercy or patience. If they're coming, it's to make sure we've complied with the law."

Bella took my hand, intertwining her fingers with mine. "We'll have to work together," she said, looking first at our hands and then at Edward.

"That seems to be the case," said the vampire.

After a brief pause, filled with resolution, I nodded first, acknowledging the gravity of the situation and the need to join forces, despite my reservations. Then, with a heavy sigh, Edward also nodded, accepting the reality that we must collaborate for Bella's sake and potentially for the greater good.

"Let's start planning," proposed Edward.

I hope you liked it!