𝒯𝒽ℯ 𝒫𝓇ℴ𝓂𝒾𝓈ℯ𝒹 𝒪𝓃ℯ | 𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐨 𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐟𝐨𝐲 |

#2 Reunion of the Broken

The boy's eyes were plastered on his hands, debating how he should say what he wanted to say. But I could easily think about his intention already.

Because of the drama taking place in my family and with the news spreading like a wildfire that my father was a death eater, the ball in the accusation of Theodore and me, which was planned for the summer, was cancelled. Not because his parents weren't supporters of the Dark Lord, but for the public eye.

I was relieved, of course, because I wasn't looking forward to get promised in the first place. But clearly I would've preferred other circumstances.

„Listen, Tiara.", Theodore started after a deep inhale. „I just wanted to make sure you're holding up. Even though we're not, you know, getting promised, I wanna know how you are in some way."

I tried to inhale, but it felt as if my body was challenged to hold my breath for as long as I could. Just a little bit longer than the last time. Just a second longer until the edge of my vision got blurry a bit.

„Well, my father was always the part of our family swearing on reputation.", I huffed. „He always told us that we need to behave and keep the big picture, our future and the family's name in view. And now he's the one who imploded us. He's gone, my sister is - gone - and I'm scared to go back to school by all the articles which were written all summer. I'm scared for reporters behind every corner. I'm scared that I'm going crazy. So, yes, I'm holding up, Theo."

„You're not alone in this, you know that, don't you?", his hand came up to pull my chin higher, until I was looking at him, before I nodded.

„Good.", he smiled and let go. „Not gonna lie, I was kinda relieved as I heard you would get promised to me. At least you're smart, you're friendly and beautiful. You would've been a good catch."

I rolled my eyes and brought my hands under my legs to lean a bit forward.

„Well, you will find someone fitting Theo.", I chuckled. „Someone who will love you and who will appreciate that you're a good one."

„But we keep friends, Fox, right?", the boy suggested shyly and tried to catch my gaze again.

„Of course.", I nodded. „I would love that."

Talking to Theo and feeling at least a bit as if I wasn't alone in this, was relieving in some way. He seemed to be serious about it, still in his best behavior.

Once we entered the shop again, I asked Blaise if he saw Harry and the others, but my friend assured me, that he saw them leaving the shop shortly after Theo and me.

I couldn't think that they left without me, so I kissed my goodbyes to the two boys and vanished back outside to look for them. But it wasn't until I did a few steps into the street, that I saw them rushing out and towards me from around the corner of Borgin and Burkes.

Hermione's eyes were thoughtful, while Harry and Ron were in discussion about something they quitted, as soon as they saw me standing in the street with crossed arms.

„I thought you left me behind.", I chuckled halfhearted, but my amusement fell as they didn't return my grin or said something.

„What's going on?", I asked curious, looking especially at Hermione since she was always someone speaking out the truth.

„We need to talk to you.", Harry said instead. „We just saw something."

„Okay, what is it?", I asked. „Just spit it out, I'm not in the mood for mysterious shit."

„Of course.", Hermione laid her hand on my shoulder, stroking it softly. „We just saw Draco."

****