Even at Our Worst

Chapter Four

He looks pale and awfully tired, far more drained than he appeared this morning. Worry sets in as I watch him finally break free of Filch's grasp, tugging down the jacket of his suit defiantly to straighten it.

"Professor Slughorn, Sir, I just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor. He claims to have been invited to your party." Filch sneers, hitting Draco roughly in the back. I wince, images of Lucius ushering Draco around with his cane flashing in my mind. I see the memory blink across Draco's eyes as well before he smooths his features over in indifference. He rolls his shoulders back and puts on a straight face, meeting my eyes. I worry my brow, asking 'Are you alright?' not presently concerned with what the hell he was doing outside at this hour.

He gives a subtle nod, tucking his hands behind his back. "Okay, okay. I was gate-crashing— happy?" He says roughly, knocking Filch away from him again. I feel a hand on my shoulder— Theo— and retreat back towards him, feeling a few eyes in the room landing on me.

Professor Snape parts the crowd, appearing beside Draco with a disappointed scowl on his face. They lock eyes, an unspoken conversation exchanged between them before Snape announces he'll escort Draco out, grabbing his elbow and hauling him out of the limelight.

I swiftly grab the sides of my dress and lift the hem, weaving through the crowd to follow them on light feet. I keep against the wall, wanting to follow to check that Draco is alright, having seen the hurt behind his eyes.

"Maybe I hexed Bell, maybe I didn't," Draco's voice rings out in a harsh whisper. "What's it to you?"

I stop my footsteps, now just around the corner from them. I feel my heartbeat pounding against my rib cage. A pit forms in my stomach, an amalgamation of guilt, fear, and curiosity. I know I shouldn't eavesdrop, my mind screams at me to turn back or reveal myself, but my feet won't obey.

"Listen to me," Snape says sternly. "I am trying to help you. I swore to your mother I would protect you." He almost sighs, more sympathetic than since ever heard Snape be. I begin to turn on my heel, knowing I've stumbled on something truly not meant for my ears, when— "I made the Unbreakable Vow, Draco."

I cover my mouth to conceal a gasp, my heart clenching. An Unbreakable Vow. That's serious business. For Narcissa to come to Snape about whatever it is Draco is tied up in— he hasn't been exaggerating in the slightest. This is life and death.

"Looks like you'll have to break it, then," Draco spits out. "I don't need your protection. It's my job— he's given it to me and I'm doing it. It's settled." His voice breaks slightly, exhaustion coloring the edges of his tone.

"You're afraid, Draco," Snape says in a whisper. "You attempt to conceal it, but it's obvious. Let me assist you—"

"I've got a plan and it's going to work. It's just... taking a bit longer than expected." Draco says slowly. "I have it under control." He says with an air of finality, and I hear his footsteps stalk strongly away. I wait a few minutes until I'm sure Snape has left as well, before peeling myself away from the wall. My throat feels tight and my feet sluggish as I force myself to move forward, tracing the path I heard Draco take back down to the dungeons.

I run my hands through my hair, pulling it behind my back as I utter the password, the stone door to the common room puffing away for me to walk through. I tune my ears, listening for motion. I hear steps at the top of the boys' stairs and instantly follow, stopping at the base.

"Crabbe? Goyle? You up there?" I shout up, leaning a hand on the pillar bordering the stair entrance.

A door clicks open and Crabbe's head emerges, a smile on his face. "Burke, hiya!" He waves, "Thought you had Slug Club tonight." He frowns, looking behind me for the others and coming up empty.