The Siren's Call (A Draco Malfoy Fanfiction)

56. Four

Dioleh was feeling the last of her energy drain away along with her hope. Suddenly, the top of the trunk burst open and Dioleh just managed the strength to look up. "Dray," she croaked, staring at him with a shocked expression as her eyes adjusted to the sudden brightness. He didn't respond, his wide eyes scanning over her scales. "Help me," she begged, tears in her eyes. Her voice was weakening. After hesitating a moment, he reached down and took her outstretched hand. With huge effort, he lifted her from the water, wrapping his arms around her waist as soon as she was high enough so he could carry her easier. Her skin was scalding against his.

She transformed back into human form, making it easier for him to hold her with one arm under her legs and one under her back. "Get her to the lake, boy," Moody grumbled from inside the trunk. "Don't worry about me." Draco instantly understood and dashed off. He ran with Dioleh in his arms out the door and into the grounds. She kept her arms wrapped tightly around his neck, her body beginning to shake. Paling even more, she lay her head on his shoulder. Draco crashed into the lake, his clothes instantly soaked as he continued to hold her in his arms. The moment she touched the water, her colourful scales appeared again. She stayed at the surface, held in his arms as her skin slowly gained back colour and her body temperature began to go back to normal. Finally, Dioleh's breathing became stronger, but she still felt feverish as she lay against him.

"Hey, hey, you're all right," he said, running a hand through her long hair.

Dioleh let out a relieved breath, laying her head on his chest as she said tearfully, "Don't let him hurt me again."

"I won't, I promise," he said gently, holding her against him. She nuzzled into his neck, her eyes fluttering closed.

"Dioleh!" Imani screamed, rushing towards them with Andre. She stumbled to a stop, her cheeks pale as she took in the scene before her. "Oh my god," she breathed. Every instinct was telling her to run, but the thought of leaving Dioleh was inconceivable. Andre was frozen in fear, as pale as death. It took Draco a moment before he realized what it was. They were terrified of him, if what he would do.

"I won't say anything," he promised quickly. Dioleh was half asleep in his arms, comfortably laying with her head buried in the crook of his neck, her hair streaming behind her into the water. Andre, for the first time in his life, had no idea what to do.

Finally coming to her senses, Imani said, "We need to get her out of sight."

"What about him?" Andre said shakily.

"Andre, there is no point now!" Imani said. "He knows." Draco kept holding onto Dioleh as Imani explained, "You need to carry her to the other side of the lake. There's an opening about two meters down. Swim through there. I'll help you." He walked with Dioleh in his arms to the other side and Imani jumped in. Grabbing onto Draco, she swam quickly through the opening and got to the other side. They emerged from the water, Draco instantly gasping for breath.

Andre jumped into the saltwater and came to the small part separating the two kinds of water. "She'll heal faster here," he said.

"He's right," Imani said. Coming up beside Draco, she said, "Trust me." Reluctantly, Draco let Dioleh go. Imani carried her over to Andre who took her in his arms and carried her to the bottom of the water. Draco, who had been treading water, swam over to the edge, clambering out, his eyes fixed on the figure below the surface. Imani came back up, heading over to the edge and changing back just as she got out, Andre following quickly behind.

"Will she be okay?" Draco asked shakily, running a hand through his wet hair.

"Yeah, thanks to you," Andre said, his tone uncertain. His voice was tense and he was watching Draco's every move. Sitting down beside him, Andre said, "You can't tell anyone. Especially not-"

"My dad, I know," Draco said with a nod, still looking at Dioleh. He seemed completely overwhelmed as he added, "Trust me, I would never let anyone hurt Dioleh."

"I know," Andre said. Draco looked up in surprise but Andre pretended he didn't see the question etched in Draco's eyes. "Well, I know you wouldn't on purpose."

"Nighttime," Imani said, looking up at the ceiling. It quickly shifted, showing them countless stars and the moon. Draco looked in awe all around them. "Dioleh always loved it this way." Andre, seeing that Imani was still anxious, wrapped an arm around her shoulders.

"What is this place?" Draco asked finally, looking over at the two sirens beside him.

"Dumbledore made it for us," Andre explained. "Just this year."

"So, he knows?" Draco said.

"Yes," Imani replied. "So do Harry, Ron, and Hermione. That was on accident, though. They weren't supposed to find out."

"Who else knows?" Draco asked.

"No one," Andre said. "Well, other than you. We'll be killed if anyone finds out."

"Yeah, I know," Draco sighed. "What happened to that other siren from first year?"

"Julio," Andre said. "Yeah, he's on the run. Dumbledore helped him escape, but, there wasn't much point. He can't even do magic anymore."

"Why?"

"Doesn't matter," Andre said lightly, not wanting to give everything away.

Looking back at Dioleh's sleeping form, Draco asked, "When will she wake up?"

"No idea," Imani admitted. "Where did you find her?"

"In Professor Moody's trunk with another Moody," Draco replied, the absurdity slipping past him.

"Oh okay," Imani said.

Suddenly, her eyes widened and her and Andre shouted, "Wait, what?!" Draco's eyes widened and the three of them got to their feet and rushed toward the castle.