As dark clouds gathered above the Castle, an increasingly heavy gloom shrouded the fortress in a somber dusk, and an indescribable oppressive atmosphere filled the corridors. Snape and Lucius, following the faint trace of residual magic left by Draco, stepped deeper into the third floor of the Castle. Finally, their steps paused before an ancient and mottled clock, where Draco's presence abruptly ended.
The two men exchanged a glance, then began to scrutinize the old clock, carefully using charms to search for any clues that might reveal Draco's whereabouts or the cause of his disappearance. The anxiety in Lucius's heart surged like a tide; he gripped his cane tightly while his other hand instinctively rubbed his right arm. After a long silence, he finally mustered the courage to speak in a near-whisper.
"Severus, do you think Draco has been taken... by them..." Lucius's words trailed off, but the unspoken fear and worry quietly spread between the two men.
Chapter 191