The Same Mistake

“Shouldn’t you be headed home, Draco?” Professor Snape lifted a suspicious eyebrow.

Draco rose from the winged arm chair to face his Professor. “What concern is it of yours if I stay, Professor?”

“Have you thought more about my offer, Draco?” Professor Snape lowered his voice. “Your mother wants me to help you.”

“I have already told you,” Draco hissed. “He chose me. This task is for me alone. The glory will be mine alone.”

“Don’t be a fool! This task is dangerous, if only you would let me –“

“No!”

“Draco, listen-“

“I’m done listening to you! This is my time, my chance! And I won’t have you ruining it!” Draco shoved past his professor, stalked from the room and out the portrait hole. Once in the dark hallway of the dungeons, he broke out into a run. Up several dizzyingly spiral staircases, down long low lit hallways, and eventually to a deserted room.

Ellie sat with her knees legs crossed, stretched out across an overstuffed purple couch. She smiled when he entered, her face brightening and her arms outstretched for him. Draco returned the smile walking straight into his embrace. He enfolded Ellie into his arms, scooping her off the couch and placing her on her feet.

“How long have you been waiting?” Draco asked propping his chin on the crown of her head.

“Not long.” Ellie’s hands disappeared up the back of his shirt drawing intricate designs upon his cool skin. “Was your mere against you staying?”

Draco shook his head. “No. She believes I’m staying to further my efforts.”

“Well . . .” Ellie placed her lips against his neck. “You are staying to further some efforts.”

Draco laughed deeply. “I’m not sure my mum would want to hear about those efforts.” He laced his fingers through Ellie’s, “Let’s go.”

They raced through the hallways edging ever closer to the dungeons he had only recently left. As the lighting grew dimmer, the temperature dropped lower. Their footsteps echoed down the winding corridors.

“Are you sure no one is going to be there?” Ellie asked squeezing Draco’s hand anxiously.

“If there is, I’ll get rid of him,” he promised.

They reached the outskirts of the Slytherin house. “Wait over here,” Draco led Ellie to an unlit corner with a statue of armor. Ellie fit easily behind the statue. Draco kissed her cheek, “I’ll be right back.”

Draco moved quickly. He entered his common room and immediately swept the vicinity for any stray Slytherins. A single arm chair before the fire was occupied by a Fourth Year Draco had never bothered to speak to. Well, there was always time for a first.

Draco strolled in front of the chair fixing his cold gaze on the boy occupying it. The boy leaned father back into the chair as if trying to disappear. “I believe you have somewhere else to be, don’t you?”

The boy quaked. “N-no.”

Draco grinned threateningly. “I would change my mind if I were you.”

“R-right!” The boy leapt from the chair scurrying off to his dorm.