FAILSAFE

Chapter Eleven

With the edge of the courtyard now at his back, he swiftly descended the steps towards the lake, his feet rhythmically pounding against the ancient stone as he took them two at a time. He continued to travel further, noticing that the intensity of the fighting gradually decreased, although he still skillfully evaded the backfired spells that ricocheted around him. As the power of the sounds waned, he could nearly distinguish Pansy's gentle voice calling out, or maybe it was just the wind playing tricks on his ears. When he reached the bend in the path, he executed a sudden turn, deftly seizing the light post to help him make the quick manoeuvre. The sound of a whimper captivated his attention, prompting him to divert his gaze towards a young boy who appeared to be seeking refuge within a small rock formation. His steps came to a halt. His eyes flickered between the boy and the path, as he took a slight step towards the young child. It was no longer just a distant conflict; the war had become an internal battle. As he edged closer to the boy, his foot unexpectedly slipped, drawing the boy's attention and revealing that he was not alone. Startled, the boy retreated from Theo, who raised his hands in a gesture of peace, but the fear on the boy's face soon transformed into inconsolable sobs. Fuck, he didn't have time for this. Perhaps he could quickly snatch Pansy and then return to get the boy. She had a talent for coaxing Theo out of his hiding places. Her calming presence might make her the right person to earn his trust, allowing them to grab him and leave. Theo quickly cast a disillusionment and silencing charm, desperately hoping that this combination of spells would provide enough protection to keep him safe from harm.

He surveyed the surrounding area, hoping to glimpse her. Realising that the path ahead is both long and exposed, he devised a new plan. While Blaise and Draco could easily change their course with little deliberation, he couldn't. Instead, he painstakingly contemplated every single outcome, thoroughly assessed how each issue could go awry, and meticulously planned what he would do if it did. Yet, as time passed, his fear grew that he might stumble upon another person. The thought of lifting his wand in a battle became daunting, especially if he were to encounter a Death Eater. It was uncertain whose eyes he might meet behind the cold, unforgiving mask. They could be the eyes of someone he knew or loved, and there was even a chance that they could be his father's. Opting for a more covert approach, he deftly cut through the grass and stealthily made his way towards the shelter of the trees.

As he inched his way towards the treeline, a loud and piercing scream resonated throughout the air. With a burst of energy, he began sprinting off the path, his feet pounding against the ground. However, as he ventured deeper into the forest, the floor became overgrown with tangled vegetation. Suddenly, his foot caught on a hidden obstacle, causing him to stumble forward. To regain his balance, he instinctively reached out and grabbed hold of the rough bark of a nearby tree, feeling a sharp pain shoot through his hand as he did so. As he pulled the splintered wood out of his palm, a hissing sound escaped his lips. In an attempt to regain his composure, he closed his eyes for a moment, flexed his injured hand, and took a deep breath. A wave of unease engulfed him as he noticed that the once lively sounds of chirping birds and rustling leaves had vanished, leaving behind an unsettling stillness. It was as if the very essence of the forest held its breath, waiting for Theo's next move. The silence was unnerving, and he couldn't help but long for the chaotic sounds he had left behind. As he carefully slowed his descent down the hill, he couldn't help but notice the tension in the air growing thicker. Approaching the Black Lake, Theo could feel the weight of the atmosphere weighing down on him. The moon cast a ghostly glow on the rippling waters, revealing shadows dancing along the shore. He moved quietly, footsteps muffled on the damp ground.

That's when he saw it.

Through the obsidian curtain of night, Theo witnessed a scene that sent a chill down his spine. Lucius Malfoy's dark figure stood against the moonlit surface at the edge of the lake. Pansy Parkinson, her silhouette painted against the inky backdrop, struggled in his grip. From a distance, Theo couldn't make out the words as Lucius's mouth moved, but he could see the fear in her wide eyes. There was a moment where she shrank back before attempting to release herself from his hold.