This chapter contains mentions of self-harm, blood, violent actions, and emotional trauma. Please read with caution.

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''Let me help you.''

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''We need to leave now,'' Narcissa pleaded the brunet. Her eyes glistening in tears as she wrapped her fist around the door handle, ''They can't know, Theodore. You know that they can't.''

Theo huffed out a sigh, clenching his jaws as he straightened his shoulders, looking over the lady in front of him, ''I know they can't, Narcissa. Don't you think I know that? I feel awful about this.''

She nodded towards the stairs, sending the upper floor a swift look, ''Then you better go tell them that you have somewhere to be. Draco knows that I won't be home this evening,'' She paused, letting go of the doorknob and turning around fully, ''I'll wait here, but if you leave without Draco knowing, he'll lose it.''

''I know—'' Theodore muttered, using long strides as he marched up the stairs, stumbling his way through the gloomy hallway. Cursing underneath his breath as he went, and he halted, right outside the door leading into Amelie and Draco's room.

A quick knock with his knuckles, he shoved it open, poking his head through the crack, and his eyes instantly caught the Amelie, sitting up against the headboard of the bed. A book in her hand and the blond wrapped around her chest.

''Teddy?'' She whispered, lowering her novel and pushing a finger up to her lips, bowing her head to the boy sleeping heavily on top of her. Her touch rested over Draco's spine, and she kept brushing her hand across it, comforting him in the world of imagination, ''What can I—''

''I have somewhere to be,'' Theodore mumbled, looking away from their tangled bodies, and he dragged his hand through his hair, scratching his neck after, ''And I'll be back in the morning.''

Amelie tilted her head, her hair gently followed as it fell over her shoulder, ''Again?'' She asked, knitting her brows and a concerned look rose upon her, ''We just got back—''

''I have to, Amelie, please,'' The brunet begged her, silently, his voice hoarse, ''I know, but please, don't question this.''

Looking down at the boy, glued to her body, she nodded slowly and brushed her hand through the blond strands, earning a groan from him as she did. He buried his features into her chest, tightening his arms around her.

''I won't...'' Amelie whispered, her eyes matching his again, ''Did you tell Narcissa? She always gets so worried—''

''It's taken care off,'' Theodore cut her short, nervously in case she decided to keep her questions going, ''She's not home tonight, she left—''

''Oh right...'' She shook her head lightly. A soft curl came upon her lips, ''Draco said his mother would be gone, but Teddy—''

He tipped his head back, looking at her restlessly, ''Yes?'' He gulped, his fingers gripping the collar of his white shirt.

''Be careful, please?'' Amelie let out in a half plea, gripping the spine of her book, ''I don't know where you're going, but wherever that might be, please, you need to be careful.''

Warmth flushed within Theodore as he shoved the door wide, taking steps into the room until he was standing next to her. Bending down, he placed a kiss on the top of her head, and her face hid into his torso.

Theo held onto her for a few minutes, just standing there in their dimmed room. He didn't have the chance to hold her as often anymore, to feel the calmness she always brought him as he wrapped an arm around her.

''I love you,'' She said, lowly and her neck arched, peering up at him, ''Be careful, please.''

''I always am,'' Theodore settled another kiss on her head, smiling as he shot Draco's sleeping body a look, ''I'll see you in the morning.''

Theo walked out hesitantly. He loathed telling her any untruths, but he couldn't be honest about this. It was her and Draco's life on the line, and that wasn't a thing he'd toy with.

He took the tasks the Dark Lord cursed him with seriously. He didn't afford to mess anything up or trick Voldemort.

''How did it go? Are they awake?'' Narcissa looked frightened, opening the front door rapidly as they marched outside.

A nod fell off his head, ''Amelie was, Draco is asleep,'' He said, quietly, ''But she's not a fool, Narcissa, you might not have known her for long, but she's clever, she'll figure this out—''

''I know she will,'' Narcissa sighed, bringing her wand out and raised it as Theo folded his arm around hers, ''But they can't know. Not yet.''

Loops of light trapped them for the briefest of minutes before they landed, in front of the same castle Theodore had been taken to — the manor he'd spent his nights at, healing Death Eaters.

''This will come back to haunt us, you know that.'' Theodore spoke up as they hurried their way up the stairs, flicking his wand to fling the doors wide magically, ''They will find out sooner or later and when they do...''

''I know,'' Narcissa's curls danced lively in the nightly wind. Her note broke, slightly in pain at the reality as it hit her, ''My son will never forgive me.''

''Neither will Amelie. She'll hate me,'' Theodore whispered underneath his breath, and his skin shivered as he thought of it, ''And Draco will probably beat me to death for hurting her.''

Narcissa laughed out, below her breath as their steps echoed through the dungeons, ''He wouldn't—'' She paused, peering over her shoulder, and she caught his eye, ''Well, if you hurt her...''

''Terrific!'' Theodore rolled his hues, groaning to himself as they rounded the last corner, stopping altogether outside the two massive doors, ''Well, ladies first.''

Stroking her hands across the length of her skirt, she strode through the doors. Her chin held high, and her wand firmly wrapped in her fist. Theodore wasn't slow to follow as he walked in right after her.

''Ahhh...'' The man, seated at the far edge of the table, rasped out, raising a brow towards them, ''And being on time doesn't mean a thing anymore, I suppose?''

Narcissa pushed her lips together tightly and bowed her head at the Dark Lord as he narrowed his sight at her, ''My lord,'' She whispered, taking place where she usually would sit.

Theodore swallowed the doubt he felt and the conscious he'd be damned for having as he did the same thing, bowing his head and dropping down onto a majestic wooden chair next to Narcissa.

''So...'' The Dark Lord raised his voice, high pitched as he stood tall on his bare feet, ''We have some matters to discuss.''

Everyone held utterly silent. Not a breath interrupted the man as the lights darkened.

''It has come to my attention that your son and his pathetic little lover didn't give up the hunting of her mother, isn't that correct?'' Voldemort stared straight at Narcissa, and she could feel how the heads around them snapped to watch her as well.

''My Lord—''

''Isn't that correct?'' He shouted, losing his temper within seconds, ''Isn't it correct that he once again slaughtered a dozen of my men without—''

Narcissa pinched her eyes shut, ''My apologies, my Lord...''

''I don't want your apologies. I want your confession. Once I have it, I can take that ungrateful little boy and throw him into a dungeon, and he'll never see the light of day again!'' Voldemort slammed his fists into the table, causing several of the Death Eaters around them to gasp.

Narcissa tried to breathe through it. Not an emotion showed on her pale skin.

''He's been nothing more than thankless towards the dark side, and I won't have it anymore. He was given a fair chance to heave his madness, but he refused, and now it's time to put an end to it.'' His tone laced evilly, and not once did he take his eyes off Narcissa.

''Enough has to be enough and if it wasn't for our dear boy, Theodore, over here,'' A hand gestured in the air, pointing at the brunet, ''Draco Malfoy would've been dead, weeks ago—''

''They attacked us!'' Theodore yelled out, feeling as his blood boiled and his skin fumed, ''They attacked Amelie and me twice. They came for us, and if it weren't for Draco, both of us would've been dead—''

Voldemort blinked slowly. Not showing a string of fear, ''So I've heard...'' He shot the man across the table a dangerous glare.

''I held my end of our deal,'' Theo nervously stated, his nails digging into the wood, ''I have done everything you asked of me, but you failed to keep your part. They attacked us, nearly killed us twice and how Draco reacts to that — is on you.''

Theo knew it was a wild move to confront the Dark Lord as he did, but he couldn't say nothing. He needed him to understand why Draco had brought hell upon the Death Eaters that night because they hurt Amelie the day prior to that one.

When they attacked the mental hospital, they searched — she was wounded, and there wasn't a way to go for Malfoy to let that go. Everyone knew that.

Voldemort raged within the coat of his own skin, but he didn't speak a word — all he did was eyeing the man at the end of the table, down.

''I believe...'' He said, lowly, ''I'll let Draco have that one, but one more, one more time, and I'll have no other choice than to end him.''

Both Theodore and Narcissa nodded in sync, wide-eyed and terrified.

''Onto the next matter...'' Voldemort growled out, pacing back and forth in front of his chair as his cloak dragged after him, ''I have a plan for Mr...''

Theodore cleared his throat loudly as he frowned at the name the Dark Lord was on his way of speaking.

''Patient 012,'' Voldemort corrected, annoyingly, ''I want him to attend the Death Eater's ball. If your son and the girl chooses to show up, we know he'll recognize them.''

''Is that truly—'' Narcissa hushed, lowering her head, ''Is that truly necessary? My son won't attend that gathering. He knows better than to—''

Voldemort simply laughed out, darkly, ''If I took you for your word every time you gave it to me, Narcissa, I'd be dead by now, don't think you can fool me. I want patient 012 on sight and ready,''

He stared straight at Teddy now, ''Is that a problem? Will he be ready by then?''

Theodore knew this would be the end of him. He knew there was no going back after doing this to them, but he had to. It was either hurting them or them dying.

''I'll prepare him.''

''You better,'' Voldemort slipped down onto his seat again, leaning back in victory, ''And what goes for Draco if he indeed chooses to show up, it's fair play. He has been warned.''

A Death Eater pushed his chair back, standing shakingly on his legs, ''And what goes for the girl?''

Smiling, wickedly, Voldemort narrowed his sight onto Theodore, '' She's been promised away to someone, if Malfoy ceases to exist, she'll be handed over, unharmed and untouched.''

''What?'' Theodore gasped out, stretching his spine to lean over the table, facing the Dark Lord fully, ''I never agreed to—''

An iced look climbed Voldemort at Theodore's disrespect, and he aimed his wand right at the boy, ''Perhaps you recall the night you begged for dark magic?'' He seethed, ''When you fell to your knees to make your precious little friend aware of her missing memories again?''

Theodore looked away.

''Precisely, boy,'' Voldemort continued, gritting his teeth, ''Everything has a price in this world, and the girl's life was the cost for that. So when Draco fade from this world and believe me, he will—''

Narcissa couldn't listen anymore. She simply forced her chair back as she stood tall, keeping her sight grounded, and marched towards the entrance — but a man rose just as fast, and with a flick of his wand, the doors slammed shut.

The Dark Lord lifted his hand, wavering it slightly for the man to back down, ''Let her go, she heard everything relevant to her and if I might say it myself... she got the message.''

Narcissa left, tears shredded in her eyes as it burnt, and Theodore wished to leave too, but he knew them not to be finished with him yet.

''The girl has been promised away,'' He completed, snickering to himself, ''From what I understand, her life isn't hers to determine.''

''Who?'' Theodore asked silently. His shoulders sunken, and his head hung, ''Who did you promise her to?''

The quietness nearly suffocated him as he so impatiently waited for an answer, but nothing came. The shadowed room seemed to darken for every minute that passed, and his skin felt as if he'd been stabbed by daggers.

''I'm afraid that's nothing I can tell you, boy,'' Voldemort taunted, and Theo sensed a nauseous feeling as it sickly twisted within.

He could never tell her, any of it. He knew he'd never be able to let her in of the secrets being held over her head. People bargaining on her life and her being sold out.

It drained him. Every last ounce of bravery he still kept within himself faded.

''I suggest you keep the two under control, or this will befall sooner than later. Now, check up on the patient,'' The Dark Lord threatened, and he turned away from Theo, looking out over the crowd of Death Eaters seated around the table.

He drew a breath, deeply as he gripped the armrest of his chair, and he forced it back, standing plain on his feet. He stilled, just for a second or two, staring down at the Dark Lord in the wishes of saying something, but he didn't.

Simply, he nodded, and he walked out.

Narcissa stood leaning against a wall. Her hair spilled wildly across her shoulders to hid her breaking self. The words spoken about her son hurt her tremendously — she knew him to be in trouble.

He'd done unforgivable things, both for the Dark Lord and for saving the girl he'd surrender it all for. Narcissa was well aware, but she couldn't stop him. Her son wasn't anyone to be stopped.

''I have to...'' Theodore hushed, grounding his view as she flinched, quickly wiping her tears away and standing tall in front of him, ''I have to take care of a patient, and then we can leave.''

Her breaths ragged as she nodded, doubtfully and Theo turned around in his shoes, ''It will be quick, I'll be back in just a minute—''

''Is it...'' Narcissa cleared her throat, a pained look in her dark eyes, ''Is it—''

''Yes,'' Theo halted, peering over his shoulder, ''It is.''

''Can I—'' She delayed her words, gathering herself as she took steps up to the brunet, standing close as they both looked down the dimmed hallway, ''Can I see—''

Theodore shook his head at first, not agreeing to anyone meeting the patient who took up most of his time, but the way her voice cracked and her sight flickering in uncertainty, he exhaled sharply.

''You won't be able to see much, the body is covered, and the head is...'' He felt a rocking wave of sickness within, ''You can't see much.''

''I just—'' Narcissa let her eyes drag across the boy next to her, and she lightly gripped his arm, keeping herself steady, ''I just want to see it for myself.''

Accepting her request, he nodded, suspiciously and they made their way down to the room in question. He brought out his wand, mumbling something inaudible underneath his breath and the locks on the massive metal door started to make a horrible sound.

It tore through the both of them, forcefully, until it stood completely wide, and he walked inside, letting her arm go as she faltered in the doorway.

Watching with tears in her eyes as the body on the metallic bed wrenched and tossed in the handles bored to the sides of it. Loud shouting was heard as she pinched her eyes shut.

Theodore didn't waste a second, his wand swept over the body, and he hummed to himself quietly. Tiny spells of magic ripped through the flesh and lightly scored around them in all different colors.

''Calm down—'' Theodore had to shout, stopping the figure from moving as he read the signals coming out, ''It's simple spells, I know it doesn't hurt you.''

Still, the figure on the bed moved so roughly that it rattled against the stone-covered floor, and Narcissa couldn't take it anymore. She stepped outside, her spine colliding with the rocks, and she felt as if she couldn't breathe.

She saw it with her own eyes — something she never believed she'd see again.

And if her son found out, he'd never forgive her.

_____

Amelie felt the dawn as it tickled her nose.

The sunbeams stroked across her bare spine, gently and the wind scored lightly around them as she felt Draco moving underneath her.

A curl arched on her lips, spreading across her whole self as she smiled at the feeling and the remembrance of last night.

''Morning...'' Draco rasped out, his voice throaty and low. He gripped the sheets firmly as he pulled them back over their bodies, ''Did you sleep?''

Amelie sensed his skin as it gently brushed along hers and her bones caved into his, feeling heavy on top of him, ''I did,'' She whispered, her eyes falling shut, ''Did you?''

He merely hummed in response yet failed to peel his lashes wide as he wrapped his arms tightly around her, holding her close.

Tilting her head back a bit, she peered up at him, seeing as his jaws held sharp and his eyelids flickered. She smiled even broader. She couldn't possibly hold it back.

He was so beautiful to her, his ashen skin as the sun kissed it, and his hair tousled upon his head. Pushing her lips into the side of his chest and he finally looked down at her, rolling his eyes playfully.

''Let's go inside before your mother and Teddy comes back. They can't find us like this,'' Amelie pushed herself back slightly. Threading the nightdress over her upper body, but he wasn't slow to meet her gesture, and he dragged her right back, locking his hold of her.

''Draco, what are you—''

''Let them see,'' He smirked, bowing his face to her level, and he caught her lips in a swift move, kissing her deeply, ''I don't care.''

Amelie felt a shaky breath as it left her throat, melting right into him without question. His hand traveled across her spine, down to her lower back. He gripped her thigh, tugging it over him.

''Draco—'' She whimpered, her body moved with his until she was straddling him, her hair tickling his bare chest, ''We can't—''

''Yeah?'' He groaned into her mouth, pushing one palm into the blanket underneath them, and he sat up, with her glued to him, ''Fucking watch me.''

Malfoy gripped her waist, making her whine out as his muscles flexed against hers, and he couldn't restrain himself.

She was a divine fusion of heaven and hell to him. Never could he get enough.

Amelie quickly gave in, her lips moving with his as he kissed her, over and over. His hand on her jaw tightened as she began to slowly shift over his hips.

Draco hissed, ''Mine,'' He said, hoarsely, ''All mine,'' He helped her gently rock against him, and both of them ran out of breath, ''Damn it, Amelie—''

Tearing away as he looked at her, intensely, her fingers combing through his hair, ''I can't get enough of you,'' He breathed, licking his bottom lip to savor the sweet taste of her, ''I want you, all the fucking—''

She connected their lips once more, making him tilt down on his back again as she bent over him, his hands running wild across the silky material of her nightdress and her own fingers brushed over his toned chest.

''I want you all the fucking time,'' He repeated himself, groaning against her skin as he tipped her head to the side, leaving kisses down her jaw, ''How will I ever stop wanting to feel you—''

''I would say get a room, but you guys already have one, and still, you're out here acting like two hormonal teenagers—''

Amelie jolted back, falling off Draco as fast as she possibly could, and she dragged the blanket over them both. Her face buried into the material as her whole body felt as if it lit on fire.

Draco shot an annoyed glare over his shoulder, watching how Theodore stormed closer. Rolling his eyes as he spat, ''Piss off, would you?''

Theodore merely chuckled at that, grinning broadly as he crossed his legs, hunching down onto the grass next to them, ''No,'' He taunted, looking down at Amelie still hiding underneath her blanket, ''Are we playing hide and seek, or what is—''

Draco cursed below his breath as he sat up more properly, discreetly folding the cover over him, ''What do you want?''

Theodore ignored the blond, placing a hand on Amelie's head. His voice high pitched and filled with mockery, ''We have all been there, Amelie, it's alright, young and in love and all that—''

''Can you stop it?'' She sighed, flipping the sheet off her as she huffed out, ''Stop mocking me, it's not funny—''

''Well...'' Theo grinned, amusingly, ''Be happy it wasn't Mrs. Malfoy—''

''Shut up!'' Amelie yelled out, dragging the covers back over her head as Draco looked away, knitting his brows and pushing his lips together not to laugh at her, ''Just go away, Teddy.''

''No need to be rude, Amelie, is it—'' Draco chuckled, scratching the back of his neck as he found the situation funnier than he should've, ''It wasn't that bad, was it?''

Amelie threw her arms put, straightening her spine as she sat up just like them, staring at the blond wide-eyed and her lips parting in disbelief, ''Are you the one to talk?'' Gasping out as she shoved him to the side, ''You're literally the one who made me—''

''Stop!'' Theo burst out laughing, ''No need for me to hear this, please,'' He clutched at his stomach, falling down on his back as his hair fused with the grass.

''Then don't start it?'' Amelie muttered, folding her arms over her chest and glaring at the brunet, ''What if I started talking about the night I walked in on you and—''

''No!'' Theodore flew up, his hand pushed against her mouth, and she chuckled, ''Don't you dare go there, fine I'll stop, just don't—''

Draco looked more than startled. Still, he couldn't help but enjoy this moment. He didn't get too many of them, and being close to the friendship the two carried caused some sort of warm feeling to swirl within his chest.

''No, no—'' Draco hauled Theo's hand off of her as he nodded for her to keep going, ''Who? I'd love to hear this—''

''Don't you dare, Amelie,'' Teddy endangered, his face held in pure panic, ''We don't talk about it, remember, we do not talk about this—''

Her eyes flickered playfully across the two, and she smiled, cheekily at the power she now held, ''Well...''

Theodore growled out, making a strange sound as he bored his stare into her body, ''Or, we can talk about that time when I walk in on Malfoy and this other girl in the common room—''

Her veins iced, and her breaths hitched.

It turned utterly quiet, and Draco caught Amelie as her smile slowly faded, her eyes fell to watch her fingers in her lap, and her whole persona shrunken.

Only that small sight of her, feeling insecure and doubting him, caused his heart to drop to the pit of his stomach, sensing as if someone had ripped it out entirely.

''No, it wasn't—'' Draco said, reaching for her arm, but she quickly drew away, clearing her throat mutely. Pain rushed through him at the way she didn't want him to touch her, ''Amelie, don't—''

She stood up hastily as she brushed her dress down, and not once did she look at the blond, her lips arched into a faintly forced smile, both of them could tell, ''I just—'' Amelie shook her head, backing away, ''I'll see you later.''

''Amelie, fuck, don't—'' Draco called out for her, but she was already sprinting her way to the kitchen entrance. The warm wind scored thickly around her as she ripped the door open and stepped inside.

''Fuck!'' Malfoy shouted, gripping the strands of his hair as he tugged it back. It ached violently inside of him, ''Why would you say that?'' He hissed at the brunet, sitting confused in front of him, ''Hell, Nott! Why would you—''

He flew to his feet, his chest exposed and heaving as he rushed after her. He tried as he ran to thread and knot the twine of his night pants together, and just as he marched inside, his breaths stuck in his throat.

''Oh dear, what happened?'' Narcissa stood behind the kitchen counter, looking startlingly at her son as he was half undressed, ''Is Amelie alright? She just ran straight—''

''No, I—'' He halted, throwing his head back as he cursed lowly to himself, ''I messed up, I have to—''

He didn't stand in the kitchen for long before he simply bolted up the stairs. Hurried steps echoed after him as he stormed through the corridor leading into their room, and he shoved the door wide.

To his surprise, the room stood empty.

His neck snapped to the locked bathroom door, hearing as the water had been turned on, and Draco didn't think his heart could hurt more than it did now.

He knew she was crying when she did that. When she let the water run, muffling the sounds of her sobs. He'd heard it so many times before but not once did he cause it as he'd done now.

Draco never came clear to her about what he did before being with her. She had asked him once, but he didn't answer. He simply let the question slip, and he didn't think more of it — yet it came to haunt him now.

Amelie was honest with him, and he wasn't.

His knuckles struck the door lightly, and he caught the tiny, soft noises she made as she cried into her hands. He'd give his life if it meant she'd never cry ever again.

''Amelie, please,'' Draco pleaded, leaning his forehead against the wood, ''I'm sorry, I don't know why he would say that—''

She didn't say anything back.

It crushed him.

He said he'd never hurt her.

His fingers gripped the doorpost, his tone held low, pleading, ''Amelie, please, I'm sorry.''

Still nothing, not even the sounds of her whimpers.

''I'll explain it to you, I promise, just open the door,'' He felt a lump as it grew in the back of his throat, and he was so scared, ''Amelie, open the door, please.''

Malfoy was terrified. He'd never had anything with anyone in the ways he did with her. No one in this life — any life could ever compare to the brown-haired girl he poured his soul into, and only this small thought of losing her broke him.

He'd been through a lot in his eighteen years on this earth, but nothing would ever wound him as much as hurting her did.

They were good together, they had the most heavenly connection of them all, and she trusted him to the fullest — but Draco also knew how fragile that was. How frail trust was to her and how it could be broken and shattered to pieces with one misstep.

Amelie had given him too many chances already. Malfoy knew that.

''Please, Amelie, just open the door and let me explain,'' He was begging her now, his voice throaty still laced desperately, ''Amelie.''

He flinched back, his eyes pierced through the wood as his chest moved roughly by the slam heard from inside, ''Amelie—?'' He yelled out again, ramming his palms into the door, ''Amelie for fucks sake, did you fall?''

Feeling as his heartbeat swelled in his ears, he took a step back, booting his foot into the timber, ''I will kick this damn door down, right now if you don't—''

Another boot into the door, ''Amelie, I swear—''

He stepped back further, shaking his head and freeing himself from the vicious thoughts he held. She told him yesterday that she was fine — yet he could sense that something was incredibly wrong, and he didn't push her.

Even if Draco understood that somewhere in all the strength Amelie had gathered, he was also scared to death that she'd hurt herself again. He knew the scars coating her wrists. He'd seen the marks carved into her inner thighs.

Draco knew that she was capable of punishing herself if she felt the need to, she'd even pushed a knife into her own chest, and that thought haunted him. It followed him everywhere he seemed to be, and every time she was alone — he couldn't help but worry.

Just as Draco meant to stretch his leg forwards again and knock the door down — he watched as the tiny red color shifted into green and the handle gently pushed down. Amelie let the door fall wide as she stumbled back.

''What was that?'' Draco questioned, leaning his shoulder against the doorpost to catch his breath, ''Amelie, what did you—''

Peering over the floor, he locked his stare at the mess of shampoo bottles and soap flasks that spilled untidily over the tile, and he nodded slowly at the sight.

''I'm sorry,'' Draco swallowed, looking back at her, ''I didn't realize—''

Huffing out as she was resting with her lower back against the sink, she mumbled, ''Stop apologizing, Draco, you have nothing to apologize for. You didn't do anything wrong.''

He noticed how she refused to look at him. Not once did her eyes match his, and he could feel how that caused his chest to tighten, and the wind in his lungs restrict.

''I do,'' He said, silently, ''I hurt you earlier, and I have everything to apologize for—''

''No, you don't. I'm not...'' One of her hands gripped at her wrist as he caught onto it straight away, ''I'm not mad or upset I just—''

She wasn't.

Amelie wasn't troubled or keen about what Theodore said downstairs. She simply got insecure, nervously unconfident at the thought of Draco being with someone else but her — she'd never imagined it to be like that before.

Never had she felt jealousy.

Adrian would constantly cheat on her, and she got hurt, indeed, but it wasn't a feeling similar to this one. When her fallen former boyfriend had been unfaithful, she'd take it, and she'd process it to move on.

Amelie always did that. She let herself feel the ache of it until there wasn't one anymore.

It faded with time.

Every time she caught him, walked in on him, heard him, she simply let go of that piece of herself, slowly, a little at the time, but this wasn't anything like it — this was maddening.

This caused her insides to twist and her bravery to fail her, but she didn't want to admit to it. She didn't wish to be the person who'd doubt him, who'd question the boy standing in front of her as he, around the clock, would give anything up for her.

''What happened?'' He quirked a brow, scowling at the sight of her hiding her wrist from him, ''Did you hurt yourself?''

His pulse quickened, feeling as his skin fumed.

Her head shook, in denial of what he saw, and she tried her best to ignore the question he'd asked, ''I'll be out in a bit, Draco.''

''No,'' He frowned, taking a step into the bathroom as he kept his sight hooked with the hand clenching around her own flesh, and he noted the blood slipping down her fingers, ''Amelie, what did you do?''

Keeping his voice low, airy, he sought to place his hand upon hers, but she jerked away.

''Amelie, please—'' Draco whispered, his whole body aching at the way she was acting now, ''Don't shut me out.''

''I'm not—'' Her eyes flickered, anxiously, ''I wasn't— I just,''

''Then let me see. You're bleeding, let me see—'' He tried again, his face stoned and emotionless. He felt sick, ''Please, let me see, and I'll go... I just don't want you to hurt.''

Amelie stood frozen in front of him. Her eyes pinched shut as she drew a deep breath, and she let her hand slip off her wrist, revealing the wound tearing through her skin.

Seeing how his pupils darkened and his jaws gritted, she quickly covered it again. He stared despairingly at her now, ''Did you do this?'' He asked, severely, ''Amelie, did you hurt yourself—''

''I didn't. I wouldn't do that,'' She mumbled, her head tilting back to look up at him, and for the first time since he'd walked into the bathroom, she met his miserable gaze, ''I was turning off the water, and I slipped, so...''

Turning his head, he caught the mess of bottles and flasks on the floor again, and it felt as if a weight had been lifted from his chest. He could breathe properly.

''Let me help you—'' He whispered, so close to her that she sensed his heated pants as they fanned her shoulder.

Shaking her head, hair spilling all around her, she tipped her chin forward, looking down at the floor, ''It's alright, I'll ask Teddy—''

''Amelie,'' He spoke up, louder this time, more power in his tone, ''I'm right here, and I can help you.''

A hesitant glimpse welled over her but withered as she saw how desperate he was to help her. How guilty he seemed to be for this.

Nodding, softly and he bent down, spreading his hands under her thighs, lifting her up so that she'd be seated on the counter. Striving in between her legs and he faltered, just for a second, watching her nightdress as it hitched up over her hip.

He groaned, wordlessly within his own mouth, and he took her wrist in the large palm of his hand, ''Does it hurt?'' He mumbled, reaching for a towel as he wettened it, stroking it along her skin to collect the pouring blood, ''You have to tell me if it hurts.''

''It doesn't hurt,'' Amelie whimpered slightly, ''It's alright.''

Draco used slow, gentle movements as he cleaned her wound, standing perfectly in between her thighs, and he couldn't help but peer up at her from time to time.

Scanning every piece of her as she sat there, the cream-colored silk smeared to her, her brown wavy curls as they framed her face.

Her lashes as they battled the twitching corner of her eyes, her parted lips, her blushed skin. He could never stop looking at her.

''About—'' He cleared his throat, awkwardly and her head rose, leveling his as he was already looking at her, ''Earlier, out in the garden—''

''Draco—'' She huffed out a sigh, shaking her head at him and her thighs lightly tensed around his hips, ''We don't have to talk about that, I don't mind—''

''If you just—'' He cut her short, reaching for the soap, pushing a drop onto the towel, ''It wasn't fair for you, hearing that in the way you — Nott had no right to say what he did.''

Malfoy let his hand hold her wrist steady. Bubbles fused from the towel as he began to cleanse her skin again, ''But since he did, I might as well explain it to you...''

Amelie blinked quickly as she gawkily stared back at him.

''There was this quidditch party after we won a game once, and I was drunk. I can't even remember with who—'' His cheeks brunt, gritting his teeth at the shame he felt for treating that girl poorly, ''It was my first...time, and I haven't been with anyone after that.''

Nodding, understandably, she kept her lips pushed together, gasping silently at the stinging feeling of the soap mixed with her blood, ''I see.''

''I should've told you when you asked. I just—'' He let the towel fall to the floor, his face cloaked in agony, ''I felt ashamed for how I was with her, we both got drunk, and I can't even remember who it was—''

''Draco—'' Amelie bucked her hips, slightly to move closer to him, and the relief she felt washed over her, ''You don't have to—''

Placing his hand on her waist instead, he helped her shove closer, pressing his body into hers, ''I know. I feel awful, that's why and I didn't want you to think that I'd ever treat you like that.''

''Forgetting our time together?'' Amelie shyly arched her upper lip, feeling as a smile tugged in the corners of it, ''Did you? I was away for a long time.''

Letting his tongue roll over his bottom lip, he sucked his cheek in after studying her, ''Are you crazy?'' He mumbled, ''How could I ever forget those times with you? You're unforgettable.''

Her heart hammered mercilessly within the cage of her chest as she thinly smiled, ''Are you sure that there aren't any other... girls?''

Draco lifted a brow, ''Other girls?''

Rolling her eyes, jeeringly as she scoffed, underneath her breath, ''Yes, Draco, other girls you might have forgotten?''

The blond strands of his hair had fallen across his eyebrows, and she couldn't help but notice how long it got again, how it nearly curled in the back of his neck, yet it was still as soft as she remembered it to be.

Draco grunted annoyingly as he tensed his fingers on her hip, ''No, there aren't any other girls. There never was anyone else but you worth to remember.''

''Have you...'' Amelie hesitated again, doubting if the question would be worth it and if she truly wished for an answer to what she meant to ask, ''Have you been with anyone after we...''

He glared at her now.

''After we had our time together before I went away?'' She blurted out, directly, scared to stumble upon the words and seem dubious, ''Or after I came back, because I know I wasn't myself when I came back, and I wouldn't blame you—''

Amelie simply rambled, ''I wouldn't blame you if you saw someone else. You have needs, and it's been months, and I couldn't hold it against you—''

Draco kissed her, unexpectedly and her lashes battled the surprise.

He laughed, raspy into her mouth, ''Shut up, will you?'' Smirking as he pulled away, watching her startled features, ''Amelie, how could you even—''

''Because everyone has needs, right? And you—'' She was cut short with his lips once again, pinned to hers.

''And I have you,'' He said, honestly, ''I have you, and I will never need anyone else, no matter how much time passes.''

Dragging her brows together, moodily, she leaned back, ''Not even when I was away?''

''Not even when you were away,'' He breathed, catching her lips again, ''How could I ever want to be with someone else after I got to feel you? When I have you?''

''Draco...'' Amelie moved her lips in path with his, kissing him back gently, ''I'm serious.''

Catching his breath, he tilted his head, staring delicately at the girl he would never get enough of, ''So am I,'' He said severely, ''I haven't been with anyone else for two years. A year before, I was with you. It's not like that for me. I don't crave...''

He paused, looking down at where their bodies met, noticing her fingers as they'd tangled, ''I don't need other people's attention like that. I haven't been with someone like I have been with you, Amelie. That one time was... unnecessary, and I regret it—''

''No!'' She shook her head, her hair dancing around her as a remorseful mantle washed over her, ''I didn't mean for you to explain yourself like this, I have been with someone else too, and I'm sorry if I made you feel—''

''Don't,'' Draco growled out, jaws gritted roughly, his muscles tensed against hers, ''Don't remind me that he had you before I did.''

Cocking his head as he cursed to himself, ''I don't ever want to think about him being with you, in any way. You're mine and this—'' He inched her closer, cupping her jaw. His thumb stroked in circles over her cheek as her head tilted into his palm.

''You're mine, Amelie. All of you is mine.''

A rosy color rolled over her cheeks, and she threaded her arms around his neck, arching her chest to his, ''I am... thank you for telling me,'' Amelie brushed her nose against his, ''And thank you for cleaning...''

She drew her arm back, lifting it up between them as she observed the tear in her skin, ''This.''

Draco folded his fingers around her wrist, bringing it up to his lips, and he kissed it gently, ''My pleasure,'' He stated, before he tipped his neck, looking at her again, ''But now that I have been honest with you — you need to be honest with me.''

Wide-eyed as she peered back at him suspiciously, ''About what?''

''Your mother,'' He said, and he could feel her body as it iced in his grip, ''I know that it bothered you yesterday, and I didn't push you with it, but I want you to tell me what's going on.''

Her lips parted, releasing a faint breath, and acceptance ruled within her.

Amelie knew she couldn't keep it a secret from the blond. She couldn't lie or keep him in the dark about a matter as severe as this one. She needed him — to do this, to be the best and most secure version of herself, she knew she needed Draco by her side. There wasn't another way to go.

It was either with him or not going at all.

''I found an address. I think it belonged to my mother and I—'' She looked away, feeling as his stare bored through her, igniting her soul ''I want to go there.''

''No.''

That was all he said before he backed out of the grip she had him in, and he aimed around, walking out of the bathroom.

Amelie gulped, shockingly as she jumped down, striding after him, ''Draco—''

''I said no,'' He marched up to his armchair, dropping down forcibly. One leg rested upon the other as he snatched the book on the table next to it, and he plainly ignored her.

Exhaling, frustratingly, she shook her head, crossing her arms over her chest, and she stood there, staring disappointingly at him for minutes.

''Well,'' She said, hushing after as she strode up to their closet, ripping the doors open, and she picked out a dress, ''I don't have to listen to you.''

Draco scoffed sarcastically at her words as he kept his sight grounded in the pages of his book, ''Yeah? We'll see about that.''

''Guess we will,'' Amelie snapped, dragging her nightdress over her head before tossing it over the desk chair. She disappeared into the bathroom for long moments, and Draco couldn't help but sneak a look at her bare spine as she did.

He shifted a bit in his position because of her exposed skin, but he tried not to cave as he caught the water turning on and her silent humming as she showered.

What he'd do to join her in the bathroom.

She cut the water off, drying herself before getting dressed, and she marched out in their room, headed towards the door.

He dryly tilted his head up, raising a brow as she passed him, and the second he trapped the dress she was wearing, her shoes on, and a knitted sweater to bind it all together, he lost it.

''No, Amelie—'' Flying up from his seated position, and he blocked her from walking out, ''Where do you think you're going?''

Crossing her arms, narrowing her eyes in his, she countered, ''To see my mom, so if you'll excuse me—'' She mumbled, striving to get past him, but Draco merely gripped her waist, dragging her back to stand in front of him, ''Draco, stop it—''

''Or what?'' He mocked her. An amused look mounted the blond as the corner of his lips curled, ''What are you going to do, yeah? Walk past me? Apparate? I think we've established that I can find you anywhere—''

Amelie gawked at him grumpily, ''Oh? Can you now? Well, wonder where you were the three months—''

''Amelie, fuck—'' He gritted, realizing what he'd said, and he let go of her, taking a boot back as he tore his sight from hers. Ashamed that he'd managed to fail her so many times and it was barely noon, ''I didn't—''

She looked away as well, her note breathy as she tried to conceal that his words threw her off, ''No, so don't go there then,'' She finished, her sight floored, ''Draco, I just—''

Lingering in silence as he studied her and how much it bothered her, feeling as if she didn't earn a say in whether they'd leave to find her mother or not — Draco caved.

''Let me get ready, and we'll talk to Theodore about it,'' He muttered, displeasingly but soonly, the darkened pupils brightened as he watched her face shift in anticipation,

''Don't—'' He warned, ''Don't get too riled up already, I do not promise anything. We'll see what Nott has to say, and we'll go from there.''

_____

''Yeah, totally,'' Theodore leaned back in his chair, dragging both of his hands through the messy strands of his hair, ''I don't see why not. She's almost gotten herself killed twice already, so why don't make it a third—''

Draco scoffed, knowing that the boy was talking truthfully, yet he didn't appreciate the tone he used with her, ''Watch that foul mouth of yours,'' He hissed angrily, ''You went with her, don't you dare blame her for it.''

Theodore didn't seem too bothered as he rolled his neck, provokingly staring back at the blond, ''Well, if she wants to do this, then let her do it.''

Gripping the backrest of the chair, he was standing behind. He groaned out, ''So that's it then? You two get to decide this, and I have to settle?''

''Yes—'' Both of the two best friends said, in sync as their necks snapped to watch each other.

''For fucks—'' Draco sighed, rolling his eyes at them as his skin fumed in fury, ''She can get hurt, I hope you know that.''

''Well aware,'' Theodore tipped forward, his elbows against the wood, and his hand carried his chin, ''But try arguing with her. She'll make you do anything.''

Amelie blinked quickly as she rested calmly on her own seat, fading a bit into her own world as the two boys bickered. Planning a scheme in her head just in case they didn't let her go, how she'd do it on her own.

Being knocked out at her thoughts by Malfoy, gripping her chair and dragging it out, turning her around so that she'd match him.

He kneeled in front of her, his hands on her jaw, ''Don't do this. Let me go, and I'll fix it. I will search that house for you, but I can't—''

His voice slit, making a high-pitched sound as it contrasted his throaty notes, ''I can't risk you getting hurt again. I can't—''

Tracing the tips of her fingers across his ashen skin, her palm soothed against the side of his head and her thumb tickled underneath his eye, ''You're tired...'' She whispered, leaning forward, ''You are so tired, Draco...''

Her eyes snapped across the mauve circles, ''So am I, and I just want this to end. I want to find her, to know that she's alright, and then I want to rest with you.''

Malfoy let his head rest in her palm, moving his hands down to her thighs, and he bent into her lap, placing his head against her stomach, ''I can't do this anymore,'' He said, so silently, ''I can't see you get hurt.''

Amelie's head on the pad of his, bringing her hands around his head and hugging him, ''I know, Draco. I know, but I have to do this...'' She was whispering too, ''Let me do this so we can rest, alright?''

Burying his head into her lap, he nodded stiffly. He didn't want to. Not once did he wish to agree to this, but the thought of all of this to be over with — to finally have the peace he'd so well deserved with his Amelie was more than alluring.

''One more time,'' He stated, arching his neck and looking up at her, ''I'll do this, one more time and then—''

''I know,'' Her hands around his head brought him nearer again, holding him steady, ''I know, Draco, me too...''

''Well, when you got down on that knee, I thought this would go in a whole different direction,'' Theodore smirked beside them as both Amelie and Draco huffed, rolling their eyes at the brunet, ''What? It looked like—''

''And you look like a bloody idiot. Do I call you that all the time?'' Draco fired back, pushing himself off the floor as he dragged Amelie with him.

''Actually—'' Theodore began to frown, his brows furrowed and his palms slammed against the table, ''You do.''

''I don't—''

''Yes, you call me something at least once a day—''

''Oh piss off, I do not—''

Amelie shook her head, rolling her eyes as she strode past the both of them, and her hand raised in the air, getting ready to apparate herself to the mentioned address, not too far from where they were already staying.

''Are you two coming or...?'' She tilted her head mockingly as they hushed, glaring at each other, and Theodore's hand snaked around her waist, tugging her close.

''Can you not?'' Draco gritted, clenching his jaws at the sight of him, hugging Amelie so close by her waist, ''It's not necessary—''

''Oh for God's sake, Malfoy, she's my best friend—''

''Exactly, so let go—''

''Enough!'' Amelie yelled out in a half-whisper. Her stare pierced through them both as she flicked her wand, apparating them to where she believed her mother to be.

The homely, mellow light that embraced them in the manor briskly shifted into darkness, and the breeze that scored around them, cooled.

They stood on the gravel-covered ground, her shoes sunken into the tiny rocks as she looked around, fearfully and Amelie almost immediately caught onto the fallen house.

It had been attacked and stood weakly in ruins, bricks spread across the yard, and furniture that had been burnt was thrown around.

What looked to be a majestic, beautiful house now held chaotically — not a thing in order as she began to take shaky steps closer to the ruptured gate. Dust flooded around them, swirling in the wind.

Draco yanked her back, gripping her shoulder as she was forced around to face him, ''I'm not letting you go first,'' He said, harshly and she could hear how Theodore hummed in agreement behind her, ''Let me look, and then you—''

She didn't bother listening as he concluded what he wished to say. Amelie simply jerked out of the grip he held her in as she, with relentless tracks, strode up to the gate.

Startlingly, Draco gawked after her, his eyes broad and in shock at how she was acting but with a pat on the back from the brunet, he scowled instead.

''Told you she's stubborn,'' Theodore excused himself, marching after the girl as Malfoy threw his head back, growling within the flesh of his mouth. Never had he been with two people as reckless as they were.

Amelie pushed the squeaking gate open, and she hesitantly walked inside the property. The ground fumed in smoke around her and the house flawed ahead, reeking through what stood left of the roof.

''Careful—'' Theodore mumbled, gripping her arm and pulling her to the side, preventing her from almost tripping over by the remains of furniture in front of them.

Forcing a smile, faintly and she continued inside, the floorboards thudded as she stepped on them, ''They destroyed everything...'' Amelie whispered to herself, ''Do you think my mom did this before they left or do you think the Death Eaters found—''

Something caught her eye, a shiny frame standing untouched in the middle of the chaotic surroundings, and she was nearly coiled by the look of it.

Her skirt fluttered in the wind. Goosebumps stabbed her skin as she hunched down, only to, a second later, be dragged up by Draco's hand, snatching her arm roughly.

''Don't fucking touch anything,'' He seethed, making sure she stood steadily before aiming his wand at the golden frame, and he, with an adjustment towards it — lifted it magically in the air.

''It can be bloody hexed, Amelie,'' He muttered bitterly as he studied it, closing his eyes and reading if it indeed had been bewitched, ''Here, it's clear.''

He dropped it, right in the palms of her shuddering hands, and he moved to stand behind her. His chest pressed into her spine, peering over her shoulder, ''Isn't that—''

Gasping, she lowered the frame, and she spun around, ''It is...'' Her brows dipped, a curve on her mouth as she thought about it.

The cabin.

All along, it's been the cabin.

She simply never thought of it before. It never once clocked her mind that the cabin, hidden deeply in the far edges of the woods — could be where she'd be sheltered.

That she went there to seek protection when the Death Eaters came looking for her.

Her spine straightened, and her head tilted back, ''It makes sense now...'' She whispered as Draco stood close, his black suit shirt strained around his shoulders, ''She has to be there, doesn't she?''

''Amelie, I don't—'' Malfoy faltered, for just a second, watching the glint in her eyes, ''I don't know.''

''It's only one way to find out, isn't it?'' Theodore strode up beside them, his face held a cold look, not amused with the fact of meeting her mother, ''We have to see it for ourselves.''

Theo didn't stall the truth of them needing to apparate again, and he was quick to raise his wand, reaching his elbow out for her to intertwine her arm with his — she did, along with tangling her fingers together with Draco's.

Her eyes flickered to watch the blond boy, and he was, as always, already looking down at her, scanning her to the fullest as he brought her just an inch closer, ''Are you sure about this?'' He asked, sounding severe.

A nod fell off her head, and Theodore twisted his wand, making them loop through reality until they were surrounded by thick layers of trees.

The woods stood around them, greenery as far as her eye could catch, and the tiny, nearly overgrown path leading down to the cabin trapped her senses.

It truly felt strange to her — being back where she hadn't been for months and everything that had changed since she left the little house behind her.

''Amelie,'' Theo tucked a wavy strand away from her cheek, seeing just how startled she looked, how weakened her persona portrayed, ''We don't have to do this today. It's more than fine to wait until you're ready.''

Her jaws ticked. The quiet air around them seeped, and she tried her hardest to think about what this meant. What all of this could mean in the end — all the types of danger it would out Theodore and Draco in if her mother, whom she believed had died seven years ago, indeed was alive.

It wouldn't be a horrifying bedtime story to her anymore. It would be real, not questionable. Nothing she could play through her mind and rearrange however she pleases.

Everything would change.

''I'm—'' She swallowed richly, ''I am ready.''

Still, she shook. Draco noticed, but he also keened that this was something she had to do. She couldn't avoid this any longer. Nearly a year had passed since she learned the truth of her mother, and never had she been this close.

''We're right here,'' Malfoy said emphatically, ''We'll be right here.''

She nodded as she slowly turned around, her fingers grasped at the edges of her knitted sweater, hanging over her dress, and she walked, unsurely down the path. Her steps were weak, her knees nearly caving underneath her as she saw the edge of the treeline.

Amelie drew a breath, gathering everything left inside her as she stepped out in the sun, and her eyes fell upon the cabin. Warmth in fusion with a stinging feeling ripped through her as she sauntered forward, over the high grass.

Movements caught her attention, and she stopped. Her chest tightened as she realized what she was seeing.

A swing hanging from the tree she used to sit and read by.

But it wasn't the swing itself that caused her doubts. It was the boy, the little, brown-haired boy playing with it, that made her falter.

It was as if she recognized him — as if she was seeing someone she'd watched so many times before. He looked just like her.

The wind grabbed her, and her hair spilled messily around her until she got a grip of it, tucking it behind her ears only to see that the little boy stood frozen and looked right back at her.

Amelie didn't dare to move a muscle, and the frightening thoughts began to cloud her mind again. Her heartbeat reached her ears, and her fingers went numb.

The little boy, who looked like he couldn't be a day older than seven years old, slowly made his way closer to her.

If she didn't know better — she'd panic.

Amelie would flee and run away, hide somewhere and be in a constant battle of denial, but she didn't do that now.

She simply fell to one knee as he closed in on her. His cheeks were rosy, and his skin flushed. Freckles coated his nose and his hair stunned in a replica of Theodore's messy curls.

The small boy didn't stop until he rested a foot away, and his eyes sparkled slightly as he gazed at Amelie, tilting his head a bit, taking all of the girl in as they stayed silent, only looking at each other.

Emotion rippled through her wildly.

As if she knew him already.

''I'm—'' Amelie cleared her throat, still with one knee sunken into the grass, her lower lip quivered. He truly was a copy of her, ''My name is—''

''Amelie,'' He said, and a shy curl came upon his lips, threading his arms in front of him, nervously, ''I know.''

He giggled as she held a terrified front. Her skin drained of color, and her bones felt as if they could crumble, dust to powder within her, ''Mom told me you'd be here, sooner or later.''

Nodding doubtfully as she bowed towards the cabin, her sight never once left the boy, ''Your mom,'' It was a hurtful pause as she spoke, ''Is she here?''

The boy shook his head, lively as the curls flew around him before nodding instead, ''She said not to tell strangers if she's home.'' His body twisted, slightly and he looked shy.

''That's very good of her,'' Her voice gentle and smooth, ''You should never tell strangers anything.''

''But you're not a stranger, are you?'' He chuckled, yet inching closer to her, ''You're Amelie.''

''I am—''

''Amelie?''

Her body iced.

Her breaths hitched as her lungs hardly filled with air.

A ghastly facade ghosted her as she stared at the boy, surprisingly at the voice speaking behind him.

''Amelie, is that you?''

It took everything of her to raise her chin, tearing her sight from the boy in front of her as she instead peered up at the lady standing tall on the porch.

''Mother?''

_____