« THE TRUTH »
Every day seemed like a challenge for Anastasia, waking up got more difficult as the days passed by and without having the constant need of taking care of Teddy, she felt like the negative thoughts we slowly making their way back to her head. She didn't have anything to distract herself with, it was only her thoughts taunting her every minute of the day.
The only thing she could notice was that Draco never showed up to the shop again, and every time Mrs. Weasley invited him and Astoria for dinner, he'd decline the offer with kind words. And the girl understood why. He was still mad at her for blaming Narcissa and Lucius, but she knew the truth and if he wasn't willing to believe her then it was time to move on.
The point was that Draco didn't know what to think of the accusations she made of his parents, he knew they were capable of doing such things, but after the war they showed an incredible change of behavior towards him that it seemed almost impossible for them to try and take away his happiness from him. The thought seemed almost silly.
That morning, Draco decided to make some arrangements for the wedding invitations his parents were urging him to send out as soon as possible, which seemed stupid knowing that the wedding wasn't until December. He suspected they were excited because their only son was tying the knot with a girl that is, not to brag, very beautiful and from a wealthy family.
He walked through the busy streets of Diagon Alley with the envelope in his shaky hands and a noticeable hesitation with every step he took. Did he really want to send out those invitations? If he did, the wedding would be official and there would be no way to get away of it.
"Hey, Draco!" He shook his head rigorously as he turned his head to where the voice came from. Ron and Hermione. "Nice meeting you here. Where are you heading to?"
"To Eeylops Owl Emporium, Mother insisted on buying a new owl to send out the invitations for the wedding." The boy rolled his eyes, gaining a laugh from the couple. "What about you?"
"We are on a date, although Annie came with us—" Ron began but trailed off as soon as he realized Draco wasn't in the mood to talk about her, and Anastasia was, again, nowhere to be seen. "Well, she was." Hermione half-smiled.
"Yes, I'm afraid that we should go." Hermione interfered, tugging Ron's sleeve. "Have a nice day." She said to Draco before walking around him to walk opposite ways.
Draco sighed. It seemed like no matter how hard he tried to get away from her, she always managed to come back to him. Although, he had to admit she looked gorgeous and very grown up, it was a change he saw through the months from the Daily Prophet pages, but seeing it in front of his eyes made his heartbeat quicken. Stop thinking about her, he thought.
Shaking his head to erase those thoughts from his head, the heir of the Malfoy fortune made his way through Diagon Alley in search of the shop. Of course, he had to stop by Quality Quidditch Supplies because no matter how old he was, he would always find himself entering the shop with the same excitement he had when he was 11 years old. The entire shop smelled like coffee and fresh wood, it brought a smile to his features.
"Hello, I was looking for a Broomstick Servicing Kit." He froze at the sound of the quiet voice he knew too well. For some reason, Draco found himself hiding between the shelves, eavesdropping the conversation he knew he shouldn't be listening. "It's kind of urgent."
"Isn't this Anastasia Rosier..." The cashier said with a rather cheery tone, excited almost. "It's been a while, isn't it? The last time you came here you were 16! Now look at you! Winning Cups here and there." The corner of his lip turned upward in a half-smile. "And yes, I must have a Servicing Kit somewhere."
"Thank you." She said quietly and sighed.
"I heard that the Holyhead Harpies offered you a deal to be part of their team." The man said as he checked the kit.
"Yes. I'm not accepting, though. I'm going back to play in America." She announced and Draco felt his heart sinking to the floor. "I've received an owl that our seeker left the team so they need me to fill in instantly."
"That's bad news!" The man exclaimed. "I'm sure you will be missed here in England, Ms. Rosier. I must say that you going to America was a big topic to talk about during tea time." Anastasia half-smiled. "A bright witch and amazing Quidditch player using her knowledge for the Americans!"
"I'm aware. But I have to admit that England doesn't feel like home anymore." Her words felt like a knife cutting his heart in pieces. "I'm afraid I don't have anything else to do here, the only thing that holds me back was my godson."
"Sorry to hear that." He heard the man point and before he could do anything else, Anastasia was already walking out of the shop with the kit in her hands. Draco exhaled deeply and held back his instincts of going after her. "I know you're there Mister Malfoy."
Draco frowned as he stepped back from the shelf and walked to the counter where the man was resting his arms on. The boy followed the imaginary path Anastasia left behind her, and soon after he found himself sending a polite nod to the man and walking out of the shop.
▲ △ ▲
"Are you sure you're alright, Mister Malfoy?" It was almost the fifth time Tom asked him and the boy always nodded slowly with his hand holding the glass of liquor. "Shall I give you a little tip?"
Draco exhaled deeply and looked up to meet the old man's gaze. "For a broken heart?"
"It's not particularly for that situation but, go home. Get some rest. Tomorrow is a new day."
"A day without the girl I love? Totally." He grunted.
"Is the engagement with Miss Greengrass broken?" Tom questioned with surprise and confusion. Draco shook his head. In that moment, he wished it was broken. "Then what's the matter, then?"
"The girl I love is leaving to America soon, and I want her to stay, to let her know how much I love her, but I'm afraid my engagement is pulling me back from doing so." He felt a lump forming in his throat. "Why is life so unfair?"
"Ask yourself why your life is unfair, Mister Malfoy. Is there a reason why your happiness is at stake?"
Draco frowned. "Yes. I think I know what the reason is."
▲ △ ▲
At exactly midnight, Draco stumbled into the manor with clumsy steps and loud movements. He wasn't completely drunk, but the liquor inside his system was enough to make him feel dizzy.
"You're finally back." He turned his head to where his mother was, she ran to him and hugged him tight. "I was so worried!"
"I'm here now, aren't I?" He snapped, breaking the hug almost instantly. "I'm tired."
"Of course you must be tired, dear. You were out the whole day!"
"Emotionally tired, mother. Not physically. Don't get mistaken." He exhaled quickly.
"Why are you saying that? Is everything okay with Astoria?" She asked almost instantly, making Draco stop passing his hands over his face to look at her.
"She's okay, mother. And the engagement it's still on, if that's what you're worried about." The young man inhaled and exhaled several times.
"What's happening to you, Draco? Your behavior towards your mother is unacceptable!" Narcissa exclaimed, clearly offended.
"I'm going to ask you a question and you have to be completely honest with me, mother." Draco said sternly, not moving his gaze from his mother's. "When Anastasia left, did she send me a letter?"
"Why are you still thinking about that little blood-traitor? She's gone!" The woman frowned. "You're about to get married with a beautiful lady, you better stop thinking about orphans like her and—"
"Answer the question, mother." Draco ordered, catching the woman out of guard. "Did you hide the letter?"
After a long pause, Narcissa finally spoke. She stood straight, raised her chin up and casted a last glance at her son. "I burned it."