Even at Our Worst

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September 1st, 1996

Diagon Alley should have been bustling with activity, but, when I arrived to collect my school materials the streets were nearly empty. Families huddled close together, rushing between shops. Half of the shops, usually bright and filled to the brim, were boarded up. The wood covering the windows was plastered with photos of confirmed Death Eaters, including those who escaped from Azkaban earlier this year. I felt like I was betraying myself, but not giving up the information I knew about their whereabouts. But I could never put Draco at risk.

Waiting on the platform for the Express feels much the same. Even with everyone surrounding me, it feels empty. There's a quiet over the students and their families that can't be placed, but it's felt by all of us.

I wait anxiously beside Daphne, shuffling from foot to foot. My parents have been avoiding leaving the house— an attempt to avoid any awkward conversation— so I've come along with the Greengrasses. Daphne's Mum watches me with sad eyes, a hand on my shoulder comforting me when words cannot.

"Do you think they'll be here soon?" I whisper, watching as more and more students pop through the brick wall, none of them who I'm looking for.

Daphne nods, "Nott couldn't say much, but, they'll be here."

Neither of us had had much luck keeping up with Theo or Draco. After Theo's Father was taken to Azkaban, he was left without a guardian. I tried to get my parents to take him in, but they refused due to his 'association'. Everyone's family who hadn't been caught felt much the same. Negotiations that had begun between the Greengrasses and the Notts for Daphne's betrothal were abruptly halted, one thing we could at least be grateful for.

Narcissa was the only one who would take him, seeing as they were already damned.

I only hoped he hadn't met the same fate as Draco.

By the wall, I see the crowd begin to part, the parents ushering their children away towards the edge of the platform. As the sea thins, it becomes clear why.

Narcissa stands tall, her chin held high against those cowering. Two boys stand before her. She has a hand on each of their backs.

Every rant I had planned in my head falls away as my eyes meet his. All of the times this summer I've thought of screaming at him— "I've been worried sick" or "You've scared me half to death"— seem silly now, the anger clouded by pure joy that he's here— he's alright.

I sigh in relief, dropping my bags in an instant and running towards them.

"Thank Merlin," I breathe out, pulling them both towards me. I crush them into my shoulders, holding the back of their heads. I feel Theo's arm wrap around my back, Draco's coming beneath his and settling lightly on my waist. I shift my head, burying it as far into their shoulders as I can— confirming they're here. They're in one piece. They're okay.

"Never knew you would be so happy to see me," Theo mutters, his voice muffled in my shirt. I hit the back of his head lightly, letting out an exasperated laugh.

I pull back, a hand on either of their cheeks. I smile, breathing out. The weight I had been carrying all summer lifts slightly, my heart racing with adrenaline.

My eyes lift and meet Narcissa's. She has a soft smile on her face, her eyes wracked with worry. The weight settles again, lighter, but ever-present.

"Hello, Violet." She nods her head. I give her a small nod back, drawing away from the boys. I can feel Draco's eyes on me. Not yet, I think. I can't fully process him being here until we're alone for fear I might burst.