I looked at her with begging eyes, my hands tugging at hers, '' There must be something you can do — that I can do?'' I pleaded the woman before me, she stared at me with shocking eyes, '' Please, please Narcissa, let them do this to me instead, he can't—, I can't—,''

Complete silence as her eyes flew wild over me, still standing petrified in my steps, '' Narcissa, please.'' I begged once more, the thunder outside banging louder — the crystals hanging from the ceiling clinked,

A flash of light ripped through the room as the rain smashed at the windows around us. Her sights snapped back to mine, wide-eyed as she gripped my arm, yanking me back up the stairs, and without a word, she pulled me into Draco's room, shutting the door closed behind us,

I turned in my steps, feeling small by everything that's been going on around us. I looked at her, her eyes dropped to the floor, deep into her thoughts as another flash of light scored over us, and for a fleeting moment in the hast of the thunder, the whole room lit up, my eyes flickered over the blond-haired boy, cluelessly sleeping in his bed,

I caught Narcissa whispering to herself underneath her breath, causing me to hug the sheet around me, taking a step closer, '' This may work,'' Her darkened figure spoke, quietly, '' This may work,'' She repeated herself, louder this time — and I wanted to ask, I wanted nothing more than to ask what she meant — if she found a way to spare Draco all the hurt and suffering it takes to be a death eater, but the second my lips parted — oud shouting heard from downstairs, muffled by the thunder,

Both Narcissa's and my eyes snapped to the door, both swallowing thickly, '' I have a thought but only if you feel comfortable-,''

'' Anything,'' I hewed her off, my eyes begging hers, '' I'll do anything,'' and I would — somewhere, deep inside — I shared my father's mind, but I wasn't scared. I know that he's capable of many cruel things — but also what he's not, and killing me — isn't one of them,

Her jaws tensed as she sent me a slight nod, ''I know what to do,''

Narcissa told me the truth — that I couldn't be a death eater until my blood was unpure. Harming someone wasn't enough — I had to take an innocent life, and only then could his mark, my father's mark, be imprinted on my skin, and I could never do such a thing. And the only way for Draco not to be one was to be linked with me. I had to swear on my life to protect him, and if I ever failed to do so, even in the slightest way —

I would die,

Tears flooded down my cheeks as I stood frozen before her, '' He can never know, Narcissa.'' I pleaded her, '' He can never know this, you have to lie to him — you have to come up with something that he'll believe in — but he can't know that my life is combined to his.'' My voice cracked in despair — the thought of lying to him shattered my heart because I know how much he values honesty, but he can't know — not this,

'' You must understand what this means, dear —'' Her eyes caught her son turning around in his bed and then quickly back to mine, '' When they start the process of giving Draco the dark mark, you will—''

'' I don't care what they'll do to me, just— promise me that he'll never find out about this.'' I knew that I asked a lot of her, possibly more than she could ever provide me with, but I have to make her promise.

'' I promise, dear.'' She agreed, '' Wake him up — we don't have much time,''

I tumbled over to Draco, kneeling beside him — I felt my heart shatter once more when I stroked a few strands of hair off his forehead, lightly pushing my lips against his cheek, '' Draco,'' I breathed out,

Silence,

He didn't move a muscle, '' Draco, please,'' I whispered, louder this time, taking my hand in his; finally, after almost shouting his name, he jolted up, his frozen hand intertwined with mine,

Blue eyes darted between his mother and mine, '' What?'' He gasped, seating himself on the edge of the bed before he caught up with presence, noticing me standing in nothing more than a sheet,

'' What the fuck —mother, leave,'' He shouted, tugging me closer in between his legs, arms wrapped around my body to hide my almost naked self, '' I'm sorry, but she's—, you know—, almost—,'' His cheeks blushed at his last words, gesturing to my choice of outfit,

Narcissa merely rolled her eyes at his acts, walking up to us, '' Oh please, Draco.'' She sighed, '' We don't have a lot of time — get dressed, and meet me in the study.'' She spoke before pouring off; the door closed behind her,

I stood frozen, feeling Draco's hands squeezing around my figure, but I couldn't think — my mind was clouded by that dark, feeling of hatred — it chewed my bones, pained my nerves, the feeling made everything unbearable,

'' What was she talking about?'' His raspy voice brought me back to being — my eyes snapped to him as he scratched the back of his head, his eyes heavily tired.

I felt my body slip out of his grip as I walked with quick steps towards his dresser, roughly tugging the drawers open. I felt my patience leaving me as one drawer hitched, ''Bloody hell,'' I grunted out in frustration, forcing my palms into the dresser as a trail of curses repeatedly left my lips,

'' Stop, what are you—,'' He rose, catching a step closer to me — but immediately stopped when he saw the startled look on my face, his brows furrowed as to why I was acting this way,

I flung out my wand, mumbling a spell below my breath, and with a click, the drawer was pulled open. I picked out clothes for Draco before throwing them onto the bed, '' Put this on,'' I mumbled, stumbling into the bathroom to seize my clothes — we got dressed in silence, meeting his stare as I was done, '' We have to—,'' I spoke,

'' No, not until you tell me what the fuck is going on,'' He shouted across the room, his jaws clenched so as his fists — he looked angry as he narrowed his eyes in mine, '' It's the middle of the fucking night, why—,''

The sound of shattered glass from downstairs caused me to cringe as a confused look rose onto Draco's profile. I felt my chest breathing heavy, '' We need to find your mother, right now.''

His hand tugged me back, as he wrapped his cold hands around my waist, '' Not until you tell me—,''

'' No, Draco, we need to go, right. now.'' I endangered, knowing what was about to happen if we didn't make it to Narcissa in time — knowing that his life would forever be changed.

He rose a brow at my words, parting his lips to argue me once more, '' No—,''

But he didn't have the chance to speak his mind before I stood tall on my toes, pushing my trembling lips onto his, kissing him gently. His hands traveled to my waist as he pulled me in, closing every inch of space between us.

I needed to feel him, to touch him, one last time before the unknown had the chance to take my everything away,

The door swung open, making us jump apart, '' My apologies,'' His mother mumbled as she shoved the door shut behind her again, '' But there's no time.''

Draco shook his head, his jaws clenched as he took a step back from Narcissa and me, '' Do you remember what I told you about your father and the mind you're sharing?''

Her question iced my veins as I sent her a slight nod — knowing that she's dishonest, '' I was wrong. I read about it now—,''

'' Mother, what are—,'' Draco started, but both of us snapped our heads, looking annoyed at the blond one, making him roll his eyes as a trail of scoffs left his lips,

Her hands found my arms, holding me steady, '' We need to do a spell to save your life from Draco's mark.'' She lied, staring into my eyes, '' You need to be connected to Draco,''

I closed my eyes, feeling dizzy as the room around me spun - inhaling sharply through my nose, '' If you swear, on your life to protect Draco — both of you will be safe, '' She lied once more, eyes flickered up to her offspring,

I felt numb — I knew exactly what this meant. I was about to promise Draco, with the unbreakable vow to die if I wasn't able to keep him safe and he didn't know,

Because we both just lied to him,

I heard Draco and his mother argue, foul words and arms being thrown out in the air, '' A death eater, what the hell are you on about?'' His voice scored through the dull embrace,

'' Draco, stop,'' I gulped, sights raised to meet his as I clenched my fists — scrambling together the last pieces of courage left within me,

'' I'll do it,''

'' No — I won't fucking let you,'' He took a harsh step towards me, nostrils flaring in anger, making me take one back, '' Don't fucking do that to me right now, ''

My brows furrowed, '' Do what?''

He rolled his shoulders, visibly annoyed with me, '' Stop walking away from me, just — fuck —'' He shouted, both of his ring coated hands rushed through his sleek hair, '' Stop, just—, please. Don't walk away from me,''

I shook my head as I stood my ground, sucking my lower lip in between my teeth, '' It's not your choice to make, Draco.'' I muttered, my emotions forsake me, '' Let me make one fucking choice for myself - you can't keep-,''

I hushed down, chewing my lower lip — doing everything possible not to cry,

'' What am I supposed to do? What the fuck am I supposed to do if something happened to you? If you —, If you—,'' He stuttered, my pooling eyes caused his face to soften, his words hushed.

But Draco Malfoy was a bloody fool, not even concerned with the fact that he's deemed to be a death eater — he doesn't care. All he cared about at this moment was me, and that angered me, that he was so reckless with his own life — the life I will promise to protect with mine,

'' I'm sorry,'' I cried out as a tear rolled down my cheek - he shot me a guilty look —

'' Please, forgive me for this.'' I clutched his hand in mine, ignoring his attempts of yanking it back, nodding for Narcissa to whisper the spell, and the second her wand rose, our hands linked — a trail of light rose between us,

Narcissa cleared her throat; eyes flickered between Draco and me,

'' Will you, Leiah — promise to protect Draco with your life?''

'' Yes, I promise,''

'' Do you promise to be bound to Draco and face the consequences if you fail to succeed?''

'' Yes, I promise,''

The shining thread of light meanders around our intertwining hands, and every time a promise is made, it shines even brighter, '' What consequences? '' Draco's voice scored the silence — my eyes snapped up to his as he shot me a hurtful look, trying to yank his hand out of mine,

'' It's done,''

My sights fell, not daring to look at him after I disobeyed him— ready for him to shout - scream - yell, but nothing,

Only the sound of pouring rain and muffled thunder cooed around us — I shut my eyes closed, releasing a shaky breath as the voices downstairs grew loud,

" We should join our guests," She spoke, softly as she tucked a curl behind my ear, probably noticing how scared I was — how much all of this frightened me, " It's alright, dear,"

I peeled my eyes open as she opened the door, gesturing for us to walk downstairs, and just as I was about to catch a step, Draco's cold hand tugged my wrist, pulling me in,

His head rested on mine for a fleeting moment, feeling his chest heavily against mine, " I love you," I blurted out - fuck,

I pushed myself back, avoiding his shocked eyes -— why in the hell did I do that? He wasn't supposed to know that, not yet,

But at this moment, there wasn't a thing I wouldn't do for him. I would do anything to look into those sparkling blue eyes for the rest of my life, to feel his breathtaking touch until the second I suffered mine,

I would bleed myself dry, in a heartbeat — I would give everything up without a second thought - and I would do it all, for him,

And that's when I realized that I had fallen deeply and utterly in love with him in the most heartbreaking way — I fell in love with his pain, and the pain he had caused me,

" Please, we have to go," Narcissa begged once again, and I did as she asked. I walked out of his room — leaving him petrified behind me,

My sights searched the darkened stairs, trying to recognize the two figures standing at the fall of them,

" Miss Riddle, such a pleasure," His hoarse screeching voice talked,

My eyes narrowed in his; my blood began to boil by looking at his pale features, the sleek blonde hair resting entirely on his shoulders, " Lucius." I spoke quietly - flinching by the cold hand that sought comfort on my shoulder,

" And, my dear, dear son," Lucius smirked, devilishly, stretching a hand out to greet his offspring, but Draco didn't move a muscle — he's placed behind me, with his hand resting on my shoulder,

" Father," Draco uttered coldly, as the figure still lurking in the dark catches a step forward,

His black, greasy hair messy over his temples and a black cloak dragged vividly behind him, " Malfoy," He nodded towards the blonde-haired boy behind me, before eyes snapped to mine, " Miss Riddle,"

" Professor," Draco greeted Snape as the grip of my shoulder tensed, my eyes grew wide by his words — "Miss Riddle," he has never called me Riddle before, but I guess that's all changed now,

I tore my sights away from Snape's as they snapped to Narcissa storming out in the hallway, " Professor? " She stared confused at the man before her, " I thought my sister would—,"

" She's not — " He paused, peering over at Draco and me standing close before his neck snapped back to Narcissa's, " — Available,"

Her eyes hooded as she caught onto his words, and I could tell that she was worried — I had only met her sister once, and that one time was more than enough for me to wish that it wouldn't be a second time,

I turned my head to Draco, standing behind me on the last step of the stairs — even if he granted me with an encouraging shy smile — I could tell that he was scared to death,

'' Son, please,'' Narcissa begged her son, stretching an arm out for Draco to follow her,

_____

Draco Malfoy,

''I love you,''

Her eyes shunned mine the second those words left her pure lips, every concern I held in this life faded — because she was everything — everything I could ever need. I love her more than eternity could ever imagine.

I could see all the regret she consumed after speaking those words, but I didn't — I was dying for years, and she saved me, her love freed me,

I had dreamed about telling her how much my skin craved for hers when she walks out of the room — how much I needed her to feel alive — how much I love her,

That's when I realized that I had fallen in love with her in the most heartbreaking way — I fell in love with her pain and the pain I had caused her,

And then, she walked out — without even looking at me,

_____

'' Draco,'' Leiah whispered as she gazed at me with wide eyes — the eyes that caused my knees to turn weak, '' We have to do this,''

I felt my jaws clench at the hatred of not knowing — not knowing what's about to follow, not knowing if she'll be alright. I blenched at her touch as her fingers found mine, tenderly hauling me down the last step of stairs, '' Go ahead.'' I spoke, subtly bowing my head at her, '' I'll be right there.''

She did as I prayed and marched after my father — my mother thought to do the same, but my hand grasped her wrist as I stretched her back,

'' I need a word,'' I silenced, my eyes watching after the girl my frozen heart arose warm for, before they locked back to my mother, holding shocked beside me,

Her hand cupped my cheek as she remarked how fearful I was — not for myself, but her. ''Draco, we need to do this. The dark lord—,''

'' I don't care about the dark lord, mother — don't you see that?'' I raised as my temper failed me, forcing my mother's touch of mine, '' I couldn't care less about what he will do if I don't become a death eater.'' She looked at me wide-eyed by my confession,

'' Can you promise me that this will work? That she will be out of harm's way?"

Her face lowered at my words as her hand stroked my back, " I know you love her, Draco — I do too, but you also need to have faith in her.'' I sent my mother a sparse nod before she seized me by the arm,

We stepped into the hall, and there she was, terrified but in some way, still breathtaking — her fingers nervously braided a lock of her hair as eyes caught mine. I took immediate steps towards her — I needed to be close to her, settling behind her as we overheard my father bicker with Snape and my mother — peering down at the girl in front of me as she leveled my look — giving me the softest of glances before she leaned her back to rest into my chest,

God, I love her,

Even at the worst times — she made everything feel safe.

'' Draco — it's time,'' My mother spoke softly, greeting for me to come to her — every bone in my body told me not to, every nerve urged me to stay with her, but I had to, deep down, I knew that I didn't stand a chance against her father,

I pushed my lips against the back of her head, breathing her in one last time before uncertainty seized us; my hands found their way to her arms, hugging her steady before she poured around, facing my stare.

Her hand brushed my skin, seeking to comfort me, and it caused my insides to twist — my heart ached, '' It's okay, Draco,'' She spoke, '' You'll be fine,'' I gawked deeply into her blue eyes before she stepped away and I did as my mother asked,

I walked over to my father and Snape, shoving my hands in my pockets, '' Draco,'' My father talked, planting a bare hand on my shoulder, '' Do you know what Professor Snape and I are doing here?'' I felt my jaws tense, sending him a slight nod, '' Good, son — then you know how not to disappoint me,''

My sights caught the professor as he took a step closer to me, his wand tightly held in his hand, ''Then let's begin,'' His voice provoked me to wince, peering back at Leiah, standing small in the spacious room, my mother's arms swaddled around her - good, she has someone to comfort her if all of this goes to hell,

I seal my eyes closed, my heart pounding out of my chest as the room shaded, everything became quiet, " Wait," Leiah begged, and just as I flayed my eyes open, she flung herself in my arms, " I'm sorry, Draco — I'm so sorry for this," Her sobs sounded throughout the quietness, " Please forgive me," Her chest fanned heavy against mine, for a brief second until she tore away, faltering steps back to my mother, devising me empty by her touch — confused,

My father let out a muffled snicker, " Young love," He taunted me as I shot him an evil glare, " It's time Draco, stop acting foolish,"

I shifted back to Snape, watching into his black eyes as shivers fled down my spine, " I'm ready," - but I wasn't — I wasn't ready — I was scared to death, but I couldn't let anyone see my weakness, especially not her.

My father snatched my arm, straggling the sleeve up, " Not a sound, Draco." He endangered as Snape raised his wand to my arm, and I once again shut my eyes closed, preparing for the pain.

I felt my heaves heavy as his wand stung into my pale skin and then, all hell burst loose within me — my cores bent in torture, cries of pain left my lips as tears flowed down drained cheeks, '' Stop — please stop,'' Was the only words my lips could form,

The hurt was unbearable as my eyes peeled open, witnessing the mark rising to form on my arm — I tried tearing away, but my father's hold of me was too strong, '' Be a man, Draco,'' He seethed as his nails dug into my bruised skin, '' Show the dark lord your allegiance,''

My bones ached as the wand dug deeper — and then — my heart froze,

Hearing my mother's outcries behind us as I snapped my eyes to hers — only to see,

The girl my skin craved,

The girl my heart needed,

Dropping pale and lifeless,

To the ground.

_____