Draco Malfoy, Note, 1997 Winter

[the_pureblooded]

Name: Draco Malfoy
Format: Note on scrap of parchment
Date: 1997 Winter
Relevance: Later proof of the existence of the Elder Wand.

Comments

[harriedpotter]

*is grateful that he's a light sleeper...and that Draco didn't write a very long letter*

*flies out of the tent, wand drawn*

Expelliarmus!

*catches Draco's wand in one hand and swings at Draco's jaw with the other*

*snarls* What the shit do you think you are doing? Do you think they'll just let you sit by the fire when you get home, Malfoy?

*points at the tent*

Get back in there. Now.

[the_pureblooded]

*doesn't think so now, but will be grateful later that Harry's a light sleeper*

*is caught off guard; watches as his wand flies out of his hand*

*isn't expecting the right hook and is knocked back a few steps*

What part of my letter did you not fucking understand, Potter? And don't order me around like a dog!

*snarls and rushes Harry for his wand*

[harriedpotter]

*shifts to his side, jabbing his elbow into Draco's chest*

*shoves their wands into his pocket*

I understood that you're a coward, and while I always knew that, I'm not going to let that get us both killed.

*grabs Malfoy by the collar and backs him up against a tree, not wanting to wake Ron or Hermione*

*glares into his eyes*

And you do know that they'd kill you, right? After they tortured you.

[the_pureblooded]

*glares right back as he's shoved against a tree trunk, wincing at the pain in his side*

So, you always knew I was a coward? Those were just words to try and encourage me? Is everything that comes out of your mouth a fucking lie?

*smirks; thinks of the one thing to say that will hurt Potter where it counts*

At least I have parents to come home to.

[harriedpotter]

*pulls him from the tree to slam him against it again*

*pushes his forearm against Draco's neck*

You can be brave, but this isn't the brave thing to do. This isn't the right thing to do.

And do you think you'll have parents to come home to for long if you don't tell the Death Eaters everything you know?

You're not leaving. I don't care if I have to tie you up and drag you along with us for the rest of this war, but you made a choice, a commitment, and you're not backing out on it now.

[the_pureblooded]

*is slammed against the tree again; the vibrations unsettling to the perched birds*

*wraps his hands around Harry's forearm to prevent being choked*

I can do this. I can play both sides. I need to see them. Why can't you see this?

*digs a heel into Harry's instep to try and escape Harry's grip*

Give me back my wand you four-eyed fuck! You talk about bravery and cowardice? Duel me!

[harriedpotter]

Malfoy, you can't. You made a promise. You took a Vow.

*steps back to sort out his feet, flexing his toes, but doesn't return his wand*

No. You cannot have your wand back. You can't be trusted not to run away. You're going to get yourself killed.

*grabs Malfoy's hair and twists it around his hand and pulls Malfoy's face close*

I'll drag you the whole way kicking and screaming if I have to.

[the_pureblooded]

*glares at Harry*

You'd leave me unarmed? What if we're ambushed during the night?

*snarls when Harry grabs him by the hair; is reminded of his father's rough manhandling*

You forgot 'biting', you prick!

*clamps down on Harry's arm*

[harriedpotter]

*hisses through his teeth and lets go of Draco's hair*

*smacks him on the side of the head to get him to let go of his arm*

You'd better hope we're not ambushed during the night, then! You should've thought of that before you tried to run away.

Did you think about the Vow? Did you think about what would happen if you were compelled to betray me? You can't play both sides, Malfoy.

You'll die! I won't lose you! I can't!

[the_pureblooded]

*is aware of the head smack but doesn't really feel it*

*sinks to his knees*

*quietly*

I haven't forgotten the Vow. I just miss them. What if I never see them again?

*buries his face in his hands*

I'm sorry, Harry.

[harriedpotter]

*sinks to his knees in front of him and wraps him up in his arms, clinging tightly to him*

*grits his teeth not to scream or cry or lose control again*

Don't leave. I can't do this without you. I need all three of you.

Maybe we can... peek in on the Manor.

[the_pureblooded]

*clings back tightly, shaking and rocking*

You'd do that for me? After I behaved like such a prat?

[harriedpotter]

*smooths his hair back, then clings to him again*

I'd do anything for you. Anything but let you kill yourself.

I should've known you'd want to see him, to know he's all right. I just wish you would've told me instead of trying to run.

[the_pureblooded]

*melts in his embrace; the shaking begins to subside*

You're right. I should have come to you. I got scared. I panicked. It was a mistake.

*pulls away a moment to look into his eyes*

Make me forget this, Harry. Obliviate this memory. I-I can't bear the shame of this.

[harriedpotter]

*cups his face and leans in to kiss him softly*

*sits back and caresses his cheek*

I can't Obliviate you. I don't want you to do it again. What if I don't catch you?

I need you, Draco. I'd go out of my mind with worry.

[the_pureblooded]

*leans in to the caress; kisses Harry's lips softly*

You're right. I'm such a fool. I need you too, Harry. To keep me on the straight and narrow.

*lingering kiss*

And to love.

*pauses a moment*

Keep the wand. I'll have to earn your trust again.