So Say We All

Mark Rothko Untitled, 1969 signed (on the reverse) acrylic and ink on paper mounted on canvas 78 ½ by 58 ½ in. 198.8 by 148.6 cm. Collection of Jean & Terry de Gunzburg

Chp 68

“”Hermione, I’m tired.”

She looked up at him and saw it in his eyes.

The war had eaten him; there was so little of him left. The ghosts in his eyes, the war, it was almost all there was.

The other Death Eaters had retired from the war after the Battle of Hogwarts, but Draco hadn’t had the ability, had never been afforded the luxury. He had continued, because he couldn’t find her, because he’d made a vow to defeat Voldemort.

His best to defeat Voldemort.

His best.

Always his best.

Day after day.

He just wanted an endpoint to look towards.

“Draco… I—”

He took her hand in his, running his thumb over her ring. “I would like to say goodbye to you before you’re leaving.”

Mark Rothko, Untitled, 1969 acrylic on paper, mounted on canvas 71 1/2 x 41 in. Collection Kate Rothko Prizel Estate Number: 2029.69

Cover art for Manacled by senlinyu.

Inspired by Penguin Classics covers.