Brave [2]

Chapter 63

"We don't change to make anyone else feel comfortable," I say determinedly into my wand, the radio lying beside us on the table. "That's not how we roll. What, we should feel guilty about something we were born as? No, because being different..."

I pause for a moment, gaze travelling to Draco, then remember all the friends I have. How diverse and complex and confusing we all are. I smile. "That's what makes us unique. It makes us stronger. I mean, wouldn't life be boring if everyone was the same? That's the thing the Dark Lord doesn't understand. He doesn't get that differences are the best thing that could happen to people. Anyone unlike him, and immediately he wants to kill them. Well, I have some ideas where he can stick his wand."

George, Fred and Lee burst out laughing at that, even Remus and Kingsley giving chuckles. Draco suddenly lets out a snort before covering his mouth, and I press my lips together to stop my laugh, although my gaze is teasing enough. "Anyway, I think that's going to be all from me, guys. Back to you, River."

"Thank you, Rebel," returns Lee's joking voice after the end of another broadcast. "Like usual, folks, there's no promising just exactly when we'll be back but keep twiddling those dials! The next password will be Prewett. Thank you, and have a good day!"

It goes to static afterwards, and Draco goes to turn it off before heading towards the door, beckoning to me. "Come on. Let's have a walk around the grounds."

Time seems to be passing both effortlessly slowly and at the speed of light all at once, and we're walking outside soon enough. For Narcissa's sake I'm wearing one of the black sleeved dresses she bought me, not wanting to make it seem like I'm pointedly ignoring her kindness. However, I am not wearing the heels, sticking with my knee-high boots. It's early January now, and while it's getting warmer a lot quicker, it's still cold enough that I'm not showing off too much skin.

"You punched me once."

Frowning, I turn to my cousin. "What?"

His hands are stuffed in his pockets, something in his eyes I can't identify. A smile plays on his lips. "I was just thinking. Back in Fifth Year, at the end of the year when we were in Umbridge's office, having caught Potter when you all were trying to sneak out. You elbowed me in the stomach and punched my nose. It broke, you know."

I can't help but smile a little at that, turning my attention to a crow in the darkening sky. "Well, you were a bit of a jerk back then." Then, "Call me an idiot, but is that bird heading for the Manor?"

Draco frowns, glancing towards the sky, then raises his fingers and suddenly lets out a piercing bird whistle, seeming to startle both me and the crow. It lands on a balcony, chirping as it glances down at where the sound came from, then soars over before landing a few feet away. "I used to whistle to birds when I was younger," Draco admits sheepishly, and the thought of a tiny Draco playing with the birds in the courtyard warms my heart.

The crow doesn't stay for long, dropping something on the ground before flying away, almost as if it senses the doom and gloom atmosphere of the Manor and wants to get away as soon as possible. I don't blame it.

Unfolding the parchment, Draco frowns as he reads it aloud. "'I've got Harry Potter. Please bring back my Luna.'"

"It's Xenophilius," I immediately say, smile gone, grabbing my wand from my pocket and starting to run towards the gate. "I'll go ahead. Get some of the Death Eaters. Idiotic ones, please."

"But I thought we weren't on their–"

"I have to at least look like I'm on their side! Don't worry, Harry'll get away fine, believe me. That's why I'm asking for idiotic ones!"