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At thirteen, Draco Malfoy can see the Red Strings of Fate.
It wasn't really anything special. It was a hidden talent, of some sort. He can't very well flaunt he sees them lest he gets flood to St.Mungo's. He knows for sure that this gift bestowed upon him is rare from all the books in the library he's read. He doesn't think he'll find someone who can see them the way he does.
I mean, why else would Blaise become the Slytherin Casanova when Harry Potter is his Fated?
Why else would his Mother be together with his Father when the other end of her string can be found in his Uncle Sev's pinky?!? (Aside from the arranged marriage, of course.)
Pansy's string stretched out from afar and her Fated is clearly not from Hogwarts so Draco supposes he's glad to have a Fated-less companion for the time being.
The only downside in this arrangement was that he couldn't see his.
Not yet.
Not when he isn't of age yet.
Apparently, he's still too young to know who he's Fated to.
Not that he'd want to know. Pssh, of course not.
...but sometimes. Just, sometimes... It'll be nice to know who will love him for being Just Draco. Not Draco Malfoy the Perfect Heir. Not Draco Malfoy the Prefect. Just Draco.
It must've been nice to know Fate gave you someone who'll fight Life's hurdles alongside you.
At fourteen, Draco can feel two strings tugging at his pinky finger. It was something that come off as a shock because he didn't think he'd ever be deserving of two people who will love him and accept him for being Just Draco.
Oh, Draco also met Luna Lovegood.
The blonde was taking a walk by the Forbidden Forest and saw the Ravenclaw feeding the Thestrals.
"They've always liked apples." Draco commented as he passed by the herd. Lovegood smiled at him dreamily from the circle of Thestrals, eyes bright and enchanting.
"You have nice red strings on your finger, Malfoy. It's so vibrant and full of life."
Draco froze, trying his best not to drop his jaw in shock. Luna Lovegood can see the Red Strings of Fate!!!
"You have no one." Draco stated after a moment, his eyes immediately locking towards her left pinky and finding a grey dangling string. Draco's seen a lot in Hogwarts and it doesn't hurt any less whenever he catches a glimpse of it.
"Yes. Good observational skills."
"Why?" Draco asked weakly, willing his heart not to hurt at what he's seeing. Really, he should be desensitised by now.
Grey strings were strings willingly cut away. It was humanity's last chance to defy Fate. Either that or Death has already taken away their Fated.
The smile on Luna Lovegood's face was nothing but sad and full of sorrow.
"I cut it away because there was nothing but a gravestone waiting for me." Luna said simply as if talking about the weather. "I can see my string. I followed it. It lead me to a graveyard where I found my Fated."
Dead soulmate.
"I'm sorry for your loss."
"Don't be." Luna's smile brightened as she put her weird quirky glasses. "In this life, it wasn't meant to be."
In Fourth Year, lots of things happened.
Draco gained another friend.
Blaise locked onto Harry Potter and is intent on wooing him. Harry Potter just looked unconvinced or is playing hard to get, Draco wasn't really sure.
Granger and Ronald Weasley's strings split into two and connected to Viktor Krum from Durmstrang who was visiting for the Triwizard Tournament. Draco didn't know it could do that! It was fascinating and dreadfully annoying seeing the three of them dance around each other.
Quidditch is cancelled! What joy!
Diggory got picked as the Hogwarts Champion, his string wildly tugged when it was announced. Cho's excitement shone through as she cheered when her boyfriend joined the other champions. Draco wondered if they could feel how taut their strings are as if it didn't want them five metres apart from each other.
Fleur Delacour's string was blinding the moment her eyes met Bill Weasley's that Draco had to squint. It shows what a strong bond they'll have. Draco prays to the Four Founders their relationship will stay strong.
And as if drawn to the two-thirds of the Golden Trio, Viktor Krum proposed to Granger and Weasley before the Yule Ball, inviting them as his partners. Draco had to resist a victorious cheer when Granger and Weasley accepted.
Draco also got introduced to the Weasley Twins' products earlier on and bought products after products after it amused him to no end. Crabbe and Goyle had became too wary of the treats he continues on offering them. The twins were amused to have him as a regular buyer but did not complain and indulged his whims on buying their 'smuggled goods'. It was something of an investment in Draco's eyes. Something to amuse him since the tournament is proving to be a bore.
Weeks and months later, Draco's strings became even more active, tugging him to random directions. He still wasn't able to see where it connected to and Luna says he just wasn't ready. Countless nights passed by and Draco dreamed of people taking him on adventures and keeping him safe like he promised to do if he met them.
Dear Merlin, heed his prayer.
At fifteen, Draco learned that even if soulmates are Fated, it takes a lot of work to balance a relationship.
Word along the grapevine was that the Weasley Clan forbid Fleur and Bill's relationship and caused an outrage. After finding out that Ron Weasley was also involved in a polyamorous relationship, they've migrated to Romania and there were talks that they'll never return to England. It was proven false when the youngest Weasleys were seen in the Hogwarts express.
Harry Potter had given Blaise a chance! After an intense interrogation from Sirius Black and Remus Lupin, Harry's guardians, Blaise was allowed to court The Boy Who Really Was Playing Hard To Get. Months later, Draco tossed five galleons at Pansy for winning the bet on who'll kiss the other first. Of course, of all things to be proper about, Blaise chose to be a gentleman and let Harry Potter initiate the first kiss! Bummer.
At this age, the person who is giving him immense pain and suffering wear pink and has an impressive collection of cat plates situated in their office. Draco is absolutely tired of being a prefect serving under the ironclad fist of Madam Dolores Umbridge. It was a farce, Draco lamented, to be hired because the Ministry is afraid that Lord Voldemort is alive once again.
As if Cedric Diggory's death wasn't evidence enough.
As if Cho Chang's vibrant red string didn't become frayed, tattered and grey right in front of his eyes.
It was ridiculous. Unnerving. Frightening.
It just shows he will never be able to be with his soulmates.
If a war ever breaks out, his Father has made his decision clearer than any marble floor in the Manor.
Draco wonders if his soulmates will ever forgive him for what he'll be doing in the near future.
At fifteen...he saw glimpses of red on his pinky and even if he knows it'll hurt in the long run... He can't help but be happy that his soulmates are still alive.
The moment of reprieve he gets comes in the form of a box that is filled with Weasleys' Wizarding treats. The twins were skeptical to give him some at one point but Draco availed for a monthly subscription and they've caved in. Draco was immensely touched as the redheads indulged his requests. He custom-ordered a weather ball, one of Draco's suggestions come to life, according to the twins. When Draco received the Summer Ball before the Holidays, no one has to know he cried as warmth seeped into his being. It felt like being enveloped into a warm hug he didn't know he absolutely needed.
Months passed by under the reign of terror, Draco purposefully turning a blind eye on Harry Potter's spell club and Draco was all the more ready to just give in and offer to teach some stuff as well.
But he couldn't. He was already given orders to follow Umbridge, even though she is absolutely hungry for power. Greedy for more. Typical government kiss-ass employee. The Minister must love her company...
He was tired. Tired of keeping up a façade, of mind numbing 'by the book' teachings, of doing Potions alone because his Uncle Sev's busy being a spy -a double spy, Draco suspects-, of everything, really.
But at fifteen...just by a few months before he turns sixteen, he already knew who he was Fated to even though he couldn't see his strings.
It gave him hope and the utmost joy he's ever felt that year. They've brought together Hogwarts better than anyone could ever do so.
They came in like fireworks, uncontrollable and flashy, bright and strong. They swooped in and flew from brooms that have seen better days but their laughter already tugged Draco's heartstrings.
The Weasley Twins absolutely thrashed the Great Hall, flying in all directions and screaming, hollering and enjoying the chaos they were brewing.
Draco is fascinated.
He looked at his hand in wonder, feeling his strings taught and moving in the directions the twins flew. He already knew which direction they'd go to before the twins could fly over!!
It's an amazing feeling having a massive lead on who he's Fated to love and cherish.
And if it was the Weasley Twins, Draco was glad. He wouldn't say it out loud but really, a tiny sliver of hope wished it would somehow come true.
At sixteen, Draco experienced pain and heartbreak like no other.
Take note that he's never been in a relationship before, either. Yet he still managed to get hurt in ways he didn't see coming!
He fought for his right not to be Marked so suspicions would not arise when he's back at Hogwarts. The Dark Lord praised him for this logical thinking after a series of excruciating pain caused by the Cruciatus Curse. He thanked Salazar he's excused after being saddled with a Task he'd rather drink poison than do.
Blaise Zabini, his friend and confidant, did not return to Hogwarts. Even when, during the last day of Fifth year, Blaise had promised he'd come back. Draco probably should've learned not to trust anyone could keep their promises. No one else does. Draco's deathly afraid where he's hidden and only Harry Potter's composed face was an indication that his friend is alive. His heart cracked at the possibility of never being able to speak to his friend again.
Pansy's been inconsolable as well. Draco hated to be the bearer of the news but he's seen it happen in front of his own eyes and Pansy had caught his expression before he could even compose himself. A single question Pansy asked, "Did it change, Draco?", and the whispered answer of, "To grey.", was enough to make the indestructible Parkinson Lady that Draco's known since childhood reduced to a distraught woman he couldn't even comfort properly. It added another crack to his bleeding heart. It was the first time Draco wanted to curse Fate.
For some reason, Ronald Weasley's besotted with Lavender Brown. It hurt his eyes watching the youngest Weasley son shove his tongue down the gal's throat. Months later, Luna assures him he did the right thing on dragging her to see Hermione Granger, moments before the girl could unknowingly cut her Red String of Fate due to green-eyed jealousy. Draco watched from the shadows on how Luna shared their gift to the unbelieving muggleborn and walked away as relieved sobs wracked through the Brightest Witch of Their Age. Knowing Gryffindor bravery is out of the norms, Draco figured the messy tangled strings will smoothen itself out. That or he could wait until Montague snogs Brown properly and steals her away from Ronald Weasley. Either works.
Draco's been tasked with an impossible task this year. His already cracked heart is close to being shattered as he watches his Aunt Bellatrix cast an unbreakable vow on his Uncle Sev's. He needed to kill Dumbledore before his Uncle Sev does. He's already been through enough and Draco doesn't want to burden himself on his uncle anymore.
He's already tried everything he planned on doing and every single one was foiled.
Katie Bell, Madam Rosmerta and Professor Slughorn suffered injuries and were sent to St. Mungo's for recovery. They weren't cursed severely and are now out and about again, although all the more wary than ever. Constant vigilance, Madeye Moody once said.
Riddled with pressure and expectations, Draco needed a moment.
He lied down on the snow, just a few ways off of the Shrieking Shack where no one ever went to anymore and breathed. He never had time for anything else lately. Fixing the Vanishing Cabinet was taxing and even though his personal training from his Aunt Bella was hellish, this was a whole new Quidditch pitch to familiarise with. It's okay, it's okay. He'll get through it. He has to.
At sixteen, he took a leap of courage out of nowhere and decided to see the Weasley Twins. Perhaps, Fate deemed him ready. Draco just wanted to confirm if his suspicions are correct, you know? It wouldn't hurt to know. For research purposes, Draco Malfoy entered the Weasleys' Wizarding Wheezes.
Fate is indeed kind.
Draco's heart almost leaped out of his chest as his strings glowed bright red and he can see it.
He can see his strings!!!
His eyes followed the strings, tears pricking his eyes as he blinked rapidly, not wanting to miss the moment he could finally see where his strings ended. A small smile quirked up his lips at the possibility.
He's dreamt of this moment too many times to count. Daydreams of cheerful grins sent his way, joyous laughter he jostled out of two people he wished he'd be Fated to.
At sixteen, Draco found out that Fate is also cruel.
Draco can feel his smile diminish into nothing as he watched Katie Bell tiptoe to plant a kiss on Fred Weasley's cheek. The smile was gone by the time Angelina Johnson tilted her head towards George Weasley's and getting a kiss on her forehead in turn.
His vibrant Red String of Fate in between the two couples was painful to look at.
Draco's eyed his strings once again. Maybe he'd seen it wrong, it might've been the lighting. He stared at his pinky and followed its trail, eyes staring at Fred and George Weasley's left pinkies where it was connected.
He huffed a soft hollow laugh, adjusting his scarf and leaving the establishment in hurried footsteps he didn't see the twins chasing after him. Draco stomped off towards the castle, avoiding using the main road lest he blows off a Hogsmeade building in anger. Since he was not focused on his surroundings, Draco tripped on an unassuming tree root and fell on the cold, snowy terrain.
Nothing ever prepared him for the pain he was feeling, his scraped hands and knees be damned. Not even his childhood can compare to it, not all the hardships he had been through. Those were different kinds of pain and memory that Draco didn't really needed to be hashed out right now as he tried to compose himself.
This pain was fresh, like an open and deep, bleeding cut. Draco stared at the blood in his hands and wondered why his heart hurt more. Like his heart was stabbed painfully by a Pureblood Knife and was taking away his will to live. His heart was clenching so tightly in pain that he couldn't even regulate his breathing. His pinky finger felt like it has pins and needles, as if the strings were trying its best to restrict his blood flow but it was unlikely. It's all in his mind, isn't it?
Draco never wanted this gift but he honoured and treasured it because it might give him happiness. There was a heartrending sob and Draco realized it came from him. Taking a deep breath, Draco forced out a laugh as he realized he's not meant for happiness.
Sitting up and staring unseeing at the trees, Draco found that he couldn’t even cry; what he was feeling was too great for tears. He suddenly feels he has no energy left to move on, no power left to fight anymore. It was all over for him. His Fated did not choose him. They didn't feel a pull at all.
The Red Strings of Fate is a cruel thing, his mind repeated over and over again.
"It's better this way." Draco muttered to himself, blinking away the haziness in his vision as he stood up and slowly started on walking. "It's okay, Draco. It's better this way."
At least, they were alive.
At least, they will be living the best days of their lives once the war was over.
Draco clung on to silver linings and put an effort on picking up the pieces of his shattered heart.
He was so tired.
So tired.
But if he didn't move, he won't be able to give the life the Twins deserved to have. Gritting his teeth, Draco fixed his posture and appearance. The blonde locked away his mourning self and the Malfoy Mask remained.
He has things to do and plans to make.
This will be the last thing he'll do for his Fated: stop the war then disappear.
Because after the war, there is no way they'll even look at him anymore.
It's better this way.
It's better this way.
At seventeen, a day before the Battle of Hogwarts, Draco looked longingly at his vibrant red strings with a sad, sorrowful smile. With a heavy heart, he glanced down at his hands caressing the ice-cold handles of scissors that would change his life.
A lone tear fell from his eye as he closed it so he wouldn't see.
So he wouldn't regret.
Snip.