Dark Secrets

Chapter 31:

I ran down flight after flight of stairs, my wand flicking wild spells at anyone that posed a threat. I don't know how I could think through all this chaos but I'm glad I was. Tears clouded my vision and I had to bat my eyelashes to be able to see a few feet in front of me. I couldn't get the image of my grandfather falling down over the railing, just after the spell had hit him. And Draco. Oh, Draco. Just the thought of his name made my eyes fill with more tears and my gut to fill with an odd mixture of nausea and hatred.

Draco, who I had thought had loved me, who had told me multiple times, who I had trusted more than anyone, turned out to be a traitor. A traitor that I hate to say I still love. My heart was swelling with loss and heartbreak. I was so overwhelmed I felt as if I might pass out. I felt like I should be crying my eyes out, over my grandfather and over the love that had caused me more pain than I thought imaginable. But the hatred that was buried deep inside of me wouldn't allow me to break down, not until the reason I'm feeling this way is gone. I ran out into the courtyard, surprised that I was somehow not out of breath. My eyes scanned the surrounding area, looking for the one spot- 

Then I found him. My grandfather lay in an awkward heap a few yards away from me. I sprinted towards him, the rage and hatred deep inside of me seemed to have flared for a second then burnt out, as if I had thrown water on a fire. I collapsed next to the body of my grandfather and a great sob escaped me.

My grandfather's eyes were wide open, still holding the same brightness that I had always envied. I could still see the sparkle in his eyes whenever he used to smile or laugh and it just made me sob harder. He couldn't just be gone, it was too soon. I had just lost my father only a few months ago and now, besides my great uncle that I had barely spoken to in my life, my whole family is gone. I've never felt so alone in my life. I rested my hands on the sides of Dumbledore's face, his skin ice cold to the touch and fought the urge to cry harder.

"Grand pappy, you can't leave me. You're the only parent I have known, what will I do without you? Who will give me advice on homework? Who will care for me as much as you do? Who will be there to walk me down the aisle if I ever marry? Who will give me advice on my own future children? Who will be there when I am feeling overwhelmed? There is so much that I'm not prepared to do alone. There's too much I can't even think about doing without you. I'll never be able to go to Hogwarts without seeing you on every corner. I don't think I'll be able to handle it. Hogwarts will just become a jail to me. You always brought light in this school and without you it will dim. No one will be able to replace you. It's too soon. I've lost too much. I can't lose you too. Please, please come back to me. This is too soon, I need you now more than ever. Please. I love you. Come back to me." I rested my head on his chest and sobbed.

I hugged my grandfather tightly, like I was trying to squeeze the life back into him, but he remained motionless. I lifted up my head and closed Dumbledore's eyes before placing a kiss on his forehead. I laid down next to him, huddling under his arm like I always used to when I was scared or sad.

I remember my grandfather would always hold me to his chest and read to me when ever I had a nightmare. He'd stay will me until I'd fall asleep and if I ever asked him to stay the whole night he always would. I pretended that this was one of those moments. That this was all a nightmare and Dumbledore was comforting me. That he was asleep and would wake up. 

Footsteps made me turn away from my grandfather. A man in a dark cloak was approaching me. I could slightly see his face under the shadow of his hood, round faced with a big nose and a thick black mustache. I got to my feet and was about to lift up my wand-

Then the man moved with inhuman swiftness and in seconds he had my back against his chest and my throat in a choking hold. He made me drop my wand on the ground as I clawed at his arm to get him to let go. His arm was pressed against my air way and I gasped to get air to my lungs.