Frozen Hearts, Unspoken Truths

Olivia Montgomery's POV

"You know Slughorn's having his Christmas party the day after tomorrow," I murmur into Draco's chest. "Mhm," he hums, pulling me closer like I might float away if he doesn't. "And we're meant to bring someone..." I trail off, tilting my head up to look at him. "Will you be my date?"

He hesitates. "Er—"

I sit up immediately, the warmth of the moment dropping like a stone in my chest. "I just thought—" I pause and shake my head, covering up the sting with a soft smile. "Never mind."

"Darling," he starts gently, placing a hand on my back, "you know I never say no to you. For any reason. I just—"

"It's okay, I understand." I cut him off, still smiling like I haven't just taken a blow to the ribs.

That night, I sleep like a baby anyway. Somehow, just being with him softens the sharp edges. I don't talk to anyone else—just Draco—and now I still need a date.

I sigh into my pillow the next morning. I could ask Rafael. We're friends. We'd go as friends. But if Draco found out I went with him, he'd probably pile drive me into oblivion.

...Why do I like the sound of that?

Blaise is going with Daphne, obviously. Maybe Theo would be up for it. I spot the boys in the corridor—Blaise, Draco, and Theo. "Theodore!" I call out, making all three of them turn.

"Wait up!" I jog a few steps and stop in front of them, brushing my hair behind my ear. "I was wondering... would you be my date for the party tomorrow?" Theo glances at Draco. I glare. "You don't have to look at Draco for approval, you know," I mutter, folding my arms.

Theo smirks. "I'll go—but on one condition. You stop calling me Theodore and say Theo, like everyone else." I groan dramatically. "Fine. Only because I'm desperate." Draco chuckles softly, and I shoot him a sideways glance.

Later, I'm making my way to the common room when Ron blocks my path like a wall of judgment.

"Liv," he says stiffly. I don't stop. I shoulder past him like he's nothing more than an inconvenient piece of furniture. "Livia," Hermione says the second I enter the common room. "What, Mione?" I flop to the floor near the fireplace, too drained to be annoyed.

She sits beside me and bites her lip. "I... I wanted to apologize." I glance at her, unsure if I want to hear it. But she continues. "I should've asked you first. But I let Harry get in my head. I started thinking badly about Malfoy too. I should've just... listened."

I stare into the fire. My voice is small but steady. "He's been having nightmares. Bad ones. I know how to take them away. Blaise asked me to help."

She listens silently.

"There's nothing else. I stay a little longer so he doesn't have another one." I look over at her. "That's all."

Hermione throws her arms around me, toppling us both to the floor. Her weight knocks the wind out of me, but I laugh and hug her back. "You're so kind, Liv," she mumbles into my shoulder. "Forget Ronald. He's an idiot."

"Yeah, one step ahead of you," I say, giggling. "Hello, ladies," Ginny says, walking in and raising an eyebrow. "Get a room." Hermione scrambles upright, face burning. "Shall we, Mione?" I tease. "What?" she squeaks, eyes wide as saucers.

Ginny and I burst into laughter. Eventually, Hermione joins in too.

The next day, I help Hermione return a mountain of borrowed books to the library. Her arms are overflowing, and I'm trailing behind, handing her one at a time. "He's at perfect liberty to kiss whoever he likes," she snaps louder than necessary. A few heads turn.

I glance at Harry. He's trying not to laugh.

"Was I under the impression that he and I would be attending Slughorn's Christmas party?" she rambles on. "Yes," she answers herself bitterly. Harry and I exchange looks as we follow her down the row of shelves.

"But now I've made other arrangements," she says triumphantly. "Have you?" Harry asks casually, raising an eyebrow. "Yes. Why?" He shrugs. "Well, since neither of us can go with someone we actually like, we could go together. As friends."

Hermione pauses. "Why didn't I think of that?" she mutters.

They both look at me.

"Don't look at me," I say, hands in the air. "I already asked Theo, and he said yes."

Harry sighs.

"You two figure it out. I'm heading back to the common room," I say with a skip in my step, my heart a little lighter.

I get ready for the party with more effort than I'll admit. The green dress I choose ends just above my thighs and leaves my back completely bare. It's bold—maybe too bold—but tonight, I want to feel confident.

I twist my hair into a bun, letting two strands fall in front to frame my face. Winged eyeliner, a touch of blush, highlighter on my cheeks, Draco's black heels, and a pair of gold hoop earrings complete the look.

When I step out of the common room, Theo is waiting. He's in a dark emerald suit that fits him way too well, holding a single flower like some kind of fairytale. "Looking good, Nott," I say, smirking. "You look lovely as well, Olive," he says, kissing my cheek. Smooth.

"Let's go, shall we?" I say, and we head off together.

The party is warm and elegant. Slow jazz flows through the air, students mingle and laugh, some dance, others sip from gold-rimmed glasses. Cameras flash in the corners as students immortalize their youth.

"Ah, Olivia," Slughorn beams as we enter. "Sir," I say politely, offering a small curtsy. "And who is your charming date?" he asks, turning to Theo. "My lovely friend, Theod—" I start, but Theo nudges me.

"Theo Nott," I finish with a grin.

"Delightful. I had a piano arranged especially for you tonight, Olivia. I do hope we'll be hearing you perform?" Slughorn's eyes sparkle with excitement. "It'd be my pleasure, Sir," I say with a nod. He leaves us with a pleased hum.

We're chatting with Blaise and Daphne when Hermione arrives—with Cormac McLaggen. I tense instantly. My hand instinctively wraps around Theo's arm tighter, and he notices. "I think Slughorn's calling us," Theo says quickly, gently pulling me away.

Once we're out of earshot, he turns to me, his hands settling on my shoulders. "What did he do?"

I hesitate. "W-When he didn't make Keeper, he thought it was because of me... and he—" My voice breaks as a tear slips down my cheek. "Hey, hey, hey," Theo whispers, pulling me into a hug. His chest is solid and comforting.

"Whatever he did, he can't hurt you now. I'm here. So are Blaise and Draco," he says, rubbing slow circles on my back. "Thank you, Theo," I whisper, resting in his arms.

No matter what I say, the boys in my life—Fred, George, Draco, Harry, Ron, Chris, Rafael, Theo, Blaise—they've always protected me. Always. And I'm grateful.

Slughorn clears his throat nearby. He's grinning. "Am I interrupting something?"

"No, sir, of course not," I say, pulling away quickly and wiping my tears.

"Wonderful, Olivia," he claps. "Would you like to play now?"

I nod, trying to steady myself. As I walk to the piano, the room quiets and claps. I spot Snape actually smiling and clapping. My heart lifts at the sight.

A/N – Please play 'Firework' by Katy Perry

After I sing, Theo greets me with a glass of something sparkly. "Very beautiful," he says softly. "Thank you," I reply, smiling as I take the glass. That's when I feel a familiar hand snake around my waist.

"Nott, can I steal your date?" Rafael asks with a grin. Theo nods, releasing me.

He pulls me toward the dance floor. Hermione's already there, dancing stiffly with McLaggen. But when she sees me, she relaxes and mouths thank you. I give her a small nod. I'm only doing this for her.

One hand on Rafael's shoulder, the other in his. His free hand rests on my bare back, his touch gentle. "You look beautiful," he says, voice low. "Thank you. You look handsome too," I reply, playing the part.

We dance close. Too close. Then—

BANG!

The doors burst open. "Take your hands off me, you filthy squib!" My stomach drops. I know that voice. Filch is dragging Draco in by the collar. His eyes scan the room—he's looking for me. "Sir, I just discovered this boy lurking in an upstairs corridor," Filch explains.

My heart clenches. Upstairs corridor—he was near the Room of Requirement. Why?

"He claims to have been invited to the party," Filch says. Draco's eyes finally meet mine. I see the moment his rage dies into hurt. "Okay, okay, I was gatecrashing. Happy?" he snaps. Why? Why didn't he just say yes when I asked him?

Snape steps forward. "I'll escort him out." Draco straightens, yanking away from Filch. "Certainly... Professor," he adds with venom. His gaze locks on mine one last time before he turns away and follows Snape out.

"Alright, carry on everyone," Slughorn says, trying to smooth over the tension.

Harry quietly follows them out. My instincts scream. "Raf, you'll have to excuse me," I mutter and slip away behind Harry. I find him pressed against the wall, eavesdropping. "Maybe I did hex that Bell girl," Draco says. Harry glances at me—i-told-you-so written all over his face.

"Maybe I didn't. What's it to you?" Draco snaps.

We hear a thud.

"I swore to protect you. I made the Unbreakable Vow," Snape says darkly. "I don't need protection. I was chosen for this. Me. Out of all the others," Draco responds. Harry storms off, but I stay frozen. "You're afraid, Draco. You try to hide it, but it's obvious. Let – me – assist – you."

"No!" Draco yells. I flinch. "You're not afraid for yourself, are you?" Snape says quietly. "He's threatening Olivia, isn't he?" Snape asks.

I gasp—my name.

"No, I can protect—" Draco starts.

Another thud cuts him off.

"If something happens to my goddaughter, and you're to blame for it, Draco—I'll kill you before the Dark Lord does," Snape says, cold and final.

Footsteps retreat.

Snape walks away. Of course he does. If he'd stayed after a mic-drop like that, it'd be embarrassing.

Does Voldemort know about me?

Has Draco risked everything... including my life?

What is this task he's been given?

No. That's it. I'm done wondering. I don't care if he says he needs space or time or secrecy.

He will talk to me.

Now.

I step out from behind the wall just in time to stop Draco mid-march. He's storming toward me, jaw clenched and fists tight, but when he sees me—arms crossed over my chest, one leg cocked forward, hip tilted, eyebrow raised—he halts.

He tenses. For a split second, I think he's actually intimidated by me.

Just a moment.

"Not here," he growls, grabbing my wrist and yanking me forward.

"What the hell, Draco?" I snap as he drags me up to the seventh floor. He doesn't answer, just paces in front of the blank wall until the Room of Requirement reveals itself.

Of course.

He pulls me in.

The room is... familiar. A large bed, the same kind I used to see at the Manor, covered in deep green sheets and mountains of pillows. There's a fireplace and couch to the side, warm like the Slytherin common room. A door on the right probably leads to a bathroom. A piano sits beside the bed. A chandelier above us glows gently, casting the room in gold.

Draco closes his eyes, breathes in the scent of the room, and exhales. Then, without a word, he turns to me and slowly rolls up his sleeve. The Dark Mark doesn't shock me. I already know about it.

But what makes my heart drop are the cuts. Scratches. Burn marks. Red and swollen and angry across his forearm.

"Draco, why—" I start, but he cuts me off like he thinks I mean the mark. "I had to—"

"No." I interrupt gently, stepping forward, brushing my fingertips over the marred skin. He flinches at first... then relaxes. Just a little. "The cuts and burns," I whisper. "Why did you do that?" He furrows his brows. "Draco—"

"I can't. No. I can't put your life in danger. Stop." He backs up, pointing his wand at me now. "Draco, don't. That's a bad move," I say calmly, hands raised. "I have to Obliviate you. If you know too much and tell someone—"

"I won't tell anyone. I swear." My voice is steady. He knows my word means something. His wand lowers. "Good. Let's sit and talk, okay?" I say softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. He nods—absently—but doesn't move. We stay standing, just near the door.

"Love... whatever you have to do, don't. You don't have to. Everyone has a choice. I can help."

"No!" he shouts, suddenly turning toward me, wild. "If I don't do it, he's gonna..." He stops. "He's gonna what, Draco?" I ask. He looks down. "He's gonna kill you." My breath catches. Voldemort knows about me?

"He doesn't know who you really are," Draco mutters, fiddling with his rings. "Just that you're my lover... if that's what you're worried about."

"Draco..."

"I'll protect you. At any cost. Even if it stamps me as a killer." He starts pacing again. "Even if you hate me."

"You have to kill someone?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

He nods. "I can live in a world where you hate me," he murmurs, "I can manage that. But I can't live in a world where you're not there." His eyes never meet mine. "Draco, you can't—"

"I can't what?" he snaps. "You think I can't protect you?"

"No—"

"You are the one thing in my life I didn't get handed. I had to chase you. Earn you. You're the only thing I can proudly say is mine." His finger taps over my heart. "I'm not letting you die. Hate me all you want, but I will die protecting you."

"Draco," I whisper, stepping closer, letting him know with just my voice—I could never hate him. "Don't push me away." And just like that, he collapses at my feet. On his knees. Arms wrap tightly around my legs.

"I can't do it..." he whispers, trying to keep it in—but it's cracking.

I sink to the floor, kneeling in front of him, hands in his hair. He tries not to cry. He fails.

"It's not safe for you," he says again, voice breaking as tears fall freely now. He clutches me harder, as though if he lets go, I'll vanish.

"It's not safe for anyone," he continues, forehead pressed into my shoulder. "Draco... I don't know what my father gave you as a task," I whisper, "but I'm not ashamed of you. Just let me in. I can help."

He pulls away, eyes red.

"How can you not hate me?" he asks desperately. "The whole school does. How can you love a monster like me?" I cup his cheek, lean forward, and kiss him softly.

"I could never hate you, Draco Malfoy. I love you. Enough to fight for you. Compromise for you. And if I have to—sacrifice myself for you. I love you so much that I believe in whatever this is between us. Enough to stand by you through the worst. Nothing you do will ever change the way I feel. Nothing. If I could give you only one thing in life, it would be the ability to see yourself through my eyes. Maybe then you'd see how beautiful you are to me. How special. How much I— I love you."

Tears streak my cheeks as I finish. He furrows his brow and stands up slowly. He doesn't say anything for a while, just turns away from me.

I take the hint. I stand too.

I walk toward the door. My hand wraps around the doorknob.

I wait.

"Just so you know—" I start, but a familiar tune cuts me off, drifting through the room.

A/N – Please play 'Snowman' by Sia

https://youtu.be/NDqwf4n2jv8

Don't cry, snowman, not in front of me... Who'll catch your tears if you can't catch me, darling... If you can't catch me, darling...

I walk over to the piano Draco is playing.

Don't cry, snowman, don't leave me this way... A puddle of water can't hold me close, baby... Can't hold me close, baby...

I place a hand gently on his shoulder. He leans into it, his voice steady as he keeps singing.

I want you to know that I'm never leaving... 'Cause I'm Mr. Snow, 'til death we'll be freezing... Yeah, you are my home, my home for all seasons... So come on, let's go...

I sit down beside him, playing the tune on the keys. His hands wrap around me as he sings.

Don't cry, snowman, don't you fear the sun... Who'll carry me without legs to run, honey... Without legs to run, honey...

Don't cry, snowman, don't you shed a tear... Who'll hear my secrets if you don't have ears, baby... If you don't have ears, baby...

I join in, our voices blending as I look into those silver eyes staring into my green ones.

My snowman and me... My snowman and me... Baby...

We fall into silence, foreheads touching. I open my eyes slowly. He does the same.

"Talk to me," I whisper, cupping his cheeks. "Tell me everything, Draco. I want to know. I—I want to help you. I can help you. I can't stand to see you in pain anymore. Please. I will never judge you." He pulls me closer.

Hours slip away as he tells me everything—pouring out his story like a river finally breaking through a dam. His tears soak my dress while I rub his back, pressing gentle kisses to his head and temples.

He talks about his childhood—how he fought to make his father proud, how he pushed to stay in the top three of the class but still got beaten down. How his father was his worst nightmare, his boggart. How Voldemort forced the Dark Mark on him, threatening his family and me.

He tells me about the cabinet he must repair to let Death Eaters into the school, the punishments when he fails, the curse he placed on Katie Bell—and worst of all, the mission to kill Dumbledore.

I don't say a word. I just listen to the boy who would protect me at any cost—even if it means killing.

"You're so strong, love," I whisper, hugging him tight. "No, don't—don't lie. I'm not," he says, voice cracking, but I keep rubbing his back. "You are. I don't know how you survive all this. How you act so tough in front of others when you're broken inside—just like me. I wouldn't last a day bottling up so much pain," I say, brushing a soft kiss along his neck.

It's too much for him. Too much for anyone.

"How can you love me? I've done terrible things. Hurt people. Hurt you—so many times. Over and over. I'm a monster. How could you love me?" He sinks deeper into the couch where we've spent hours.

"You're not a monster, Draco. Not to me. A mark on your arm doesn't define you. You're not like them. I've loved you for a long time, and once you love someone, you don't just stop. Ever. Even when everyone calls you crazy and rolls their eyes—especially then. If I'd listened to those voices telling me we were a lost cause, I'd never have known real love. No one knows you like I do," I say, and he sighs softly.

"Did you mean it?" he asks quietly, referring to my confession.

"Yes. With all the love in my heart," I answer, and he finally smiles—a real smile after so many hours.

"Then this is my confession," he says, voice low but steady. "As dark as I am, I will always find enough light to adore you with all my broken pieces."

I cup his cheeks again, gently rubbing the pads of my thumbs over his skin.

"Oh, Draco..." I choke out, tears spilling as we stay wrapped in each other.