**
Tuesday, 30th April, 1996
Sitting in our first lot of Herbology lessons of the day, I sat at the small 2-set desk in Professor McGonagall's classroom waiting for Draco to arrive as well. McGonagall had stepped out of the workroom for a few short moments, and it's the first time I've been sat amongst the sixth years ever since Draco rejected Riley.
She was sat in the corner of the classroom next to her friend, them both glaring at me and whispering things to each other. I started twiddling and fidgeting with the French braid that laid over my shoulder, my anxiety building up with every second that passed by.
He finally walked in the classroom, his almost-white, blonde hair gelled back, looking as handsome as ever. He pulled his lips into a tight line as he looked at me, not before his head looked over into Riley's direction. She clamped her mouth shut and looked forwards, as though Draco's look had made her nervous or something.
"Alright, Parsons?" Draco muttered as he slumped into his chair, sighing slightly.
He ran his fingers through his hair and clasped his hands together on the desk, still leaning back, looking at me. I was sat upright, resting my elbows on the table, aware of the fact Draco's knee was touching mine.
"Yes, thank you, Draco. How are you? Did you sleep well?" I said to Draco as I looked back at him,
"Did I sleep well?" he arched his brows at me,
"Sorry, that was a stupid question to ask," I shook my head, cursing myself silently,
"No, it wasn't. I just don't get asked it very often, that's all. The best way to have a good night's sleep is a good fuck and then a Firewhiskey or two," he shrugged his shoulders,
"Oh, is it?" I mumbled, the nerves starting to fill me up.
Draco talking to me sexually made me tense, it didn't matter what the context was. My heartrate felt like it had doubled, and my skin felt like it was on fire.
"Yeah, it is. Maybe you'll see why one day," Draco said in an almost dangerous purr.
He pulled on the sleeve of my robe and gestured for me to sit back. I slowly did so, realising Patrick was looking over at me and he smiled, waving. I waved back at him.
"Are you okay, Maddie?" Patrick shouted over.
My cheeks blushed crimson as most of the sixth year's heads snapped towards me. Riley included. She was staring at me intently, scowling. Turning towards her friend, a beautiful black girl, they laughed as they said something to each other at the same time. I couldn't help but feel like it was something about me.
"He wants you, Parsons," Draco whispered in my ear as I nodded at Patrick, too anxious to shout anything back,
"He doesn't," I looked round to Draco, knitting my brows,
"I know men and I know when one wants to fuck, and he definitely wants to fuck you," Draco said to me quietly,
"Oh, well, that's nice to know, I guess," I nodded slightly, not knowing what else to say,
"Sorry I'm a few moments late, everyone. I was setting up Mr. Malfoy and Miss. Parsons' meeting with Professor Sprout as well as collecting their work for today. In your lesson this afternoon, you'll be walking on over to the Herbology greenhouses to see Professor Sprout," Professor McGonagall said to us as she passed us a piece of parchment.
Professor Sprout had given us a 500-word essay on the Herbivicus Charm to complete by the end of our lesson today to hand in when we saw her later on in the afternoon.
**
Herbology and Astronomy passed by pretty quickly, and it was now time for our break time. Throughout Astronomy, however, all I could concentrate on was Draco, as it was one of Professor McGonagall's free periods. I think I read the same paragraph in our Astronomy textbook about ten times.
"Where are you spending break, Parsons?" Draco asked me as he was tucking his chair in,
"I'm probably just going to sit in the library," I shrugged my shoulders, "What about you?"
"Same here, wanna come join me?" he cocked his head,
"Sure, that'd be nice, thank you, Draco," I smiled at him.
Walking on over to the library, the corridors filled with small groups of students, I couldn't help but feel like there was many sets of eyes on me and Draco. I knew I was probably imagining it, but that didn't stop me thinking it.
Arriving at the library, I opened one of the heavy, wooden double doors and stood aside to let Draco through. As he walked past me and in the direction of the smaller tables at the back of the room, my eyes were glued to the blonde Slytherin boy. I tried to look away, but I couldn't help myself.
After Draco had chosen one of the 2-seat tables near the Restricted Section, I took out my Herbology workbook and started skimming through the text. I noticed that Draco had gotten out his black, leather journal and started writing something in there.
**
Throughout break, Draco and I didn't speak at all, but our eyes certainly kept meeting. It seemed as though every time I glanced up at Draco as he was writing in his notebook, he then in turn looked at me.
One time, I could have sworn he curved his lips into a small smile, which made my tummy twist away. But it was only for a very short moment, so I wasn't 100% sure whether or not he did.
A part of me would love to know what it was he was always writing in that journal of his. Whatever it was, he was very protective and secretive about it.
As the bell rang for our third period of the day, Muggle Studies, and Professor McGonagall's second free period, Draco and I got up from our library seats and walked slowly over to the Transfiguration classroom.
Once we finally arrived, Professor McGonagall sighed and smiled at us both. Draco and I took our seat at the back of the workroom and the Professor gave us our Muggle Studies work for the day.
"Ahh, Miss. Parsons, whilst I remember. I have an owl here, it's from Miss. Abbott, Hagrid sent it yesterday," Professor McGonagall said to me as she passed me the wax-sealed envelope,
"Thank you so much, Professor," I smiled to her gratefully.
She bowed her head and walked back over to her desk, writing something on a piece of parchment. I put the letter in my bag to read later, and Draco pulled his lips into a tight line as I looked back at him.
"I bet you're missing Abbott, aren't you?" Draco said to me,
"I am, yeah-"
"I'm ever so sorry, Malfoy and Parsons, but I just need to step out for a few moments. I trust you'll be okay in here on your own?" Professor McGonagall said to us, clutching an envelope of her own,
"Of course, Professor," I smiled to her,
"Very well. I shan't be too long," she bowed her head at us and walked out of her classroom.
Draco leant back in his chair and took a deep breath, I leant over my work and tried to calm my rapidly beating chest. The classroom now felt like the size of the Quidditch Stadium. I was suddenly very aware of the quiet and the fact that Draco and I was alone.
I looked down at my bag and thought of the Honeydukes sweets I had brought Draco at the weekend. I picked at a piece of skin on my finger, trying to muster the courage to actually give them to him.
How would he react? Would he think I was really weird for buying him some stuff from Honeydukes? Or that I remembered his favourites from Honeydukes? Would he laugh at me? Would he sneer and turn nasty again? My stomach lurched at the thought.
Now was as good a time as ever, get a grip of yourself, Madeline...
"Draco, whilst we're on our own, I have something for you," I said to him, being mindful of my tone,
"Okay..." Draco knitted his eyebrows as he looked at me.
Bending down to my bag, I grabbed the paper Honeydukes bag and slid it across the desk in front of Draco.
"What is this, Parsons?" Draco asked me, his voice laced with both confusion and suspicion,
"Look in the bag and you'll see," I smiled to him, clasping my hands together, trying to conceal my nerves.
Draco looked me up and down before peering into the mint green paper bag, and then cocked his head.
"I don't get it..." he said, almost scowling,
"Well, it's partly to pay you back for the Peppermint Toads you bought me and the others- well they're just because I know you like them," I said to him,
"But I didn't get you anything. Is this just your way of asking for some kind of favour? Is it Galleons you want? Something else?" Draco said to me in a tone verging on cold,
"No, of course not, Draco! If you don't want them, then that's okay. It is literally just to pay you back," I said to him kindly,
"You're being serious?" he asked,
"I am, I promise you. Why do you think I'd want Galleons off you?" I asked him,
"I guess that's what's expected of me," Draco shrugged his shoulders, "I've never been given a gift just because... are you sure?"
"I said I would pay you back for the Peppermint Toads. I just remembered what you like, that's all," I smiled at him,
"Um- thanks, Parsons. That's-" Draco cleared his throat, "That's really nice of you. You really didn't have to though,"
"I know I didn't have to, but I wanted to," I said to him honestly.
I looked round to Draco, and he was staring directly at me, I couldn't quite work out how he was feeling, and it felt like my anxiety had tripled. He looked out through the glass in the classroom door and lent forward to kiss my cheek. He then put his hand onto mine and our fingers interlaced.
We were leaning into each other, our faces slowly getting closer and closer, when the Transfiguration door burst open. We separated our hands quickly and I looked down at my work as Draco put the Honeydukes sweets into his satchel.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Malfoy and Miss. Parsons, that took a little longer than I was expecting," Professor McGonagall said to us both,
"That's okay, Professor," I said.
Draco and I both looked down at our Muggle Studies work, the most stupidly big grin plastered on my face, my tummy filled with butterflies.
"You don't need to sit there in silence if you don't want to, you're welcome to talk quietly amongst yourselves if you wish," the Professor said as she sat down at her desk.
**
The bell rang for lunch time and a part of me was disappointed about having to leave Draco for an hour. The remainder of our Muggle Studies lesson, Draco and I had a relatively pleasant conversation. I made a mental note to myself to remember later to thank past me!
Making my way over to the Hufflepuff table, I looked over at the Gryffindor table and caught eyes with Ginny and Harper, and I waved at them. They smiled and waved back, which caused Louise to look back as well.
My eyes wandered from the Gryffindor table to the Slytherin table, and more so the blonde boy who had completely overtaken my thoughts. Draco nodded his head at me ever so slightly. I looked down at the wood of the table to hide my pathetic grin.
As I looked back up over at the Slytherin table, not only was Draco looking at me, but so was Riley and her friends. She must really hate me now, and all I wanted to do was apologise, I never wanted Draco to turn so cold towards her. I never expected him to.
**
Making my was back to Professor McGonagall's classroom for our penultimate lesson of the day, Charms, my mind elsewhere – fixed on a certain fifth year Slytherin, I heard someone coughing behind me. I looked round to see it was Ginny, which was a nice surprise. She was walking alone, and I wondered where Luna, Harper and Louise were.
"Hello stranger! How've you been?" Ginny said, linking arms with me,
"Ginny! Hi! I've been okay thank you, how have you been?" I smiled at her,
"I've been alright I guess," she sighed slightly,
"Are you sure? You don't sound very happy," I cocked my head at her,
"Well... I received an owl from Dean today. In it he says how badly he misses me and that he can't wait to see me, I guess I'm just still conflicted on what to do about him. I just feel like an awful person," Ginny shrugged her shoulders,
"You're definitely not an awful person, Gin! You'll have a better idea of how you'll feel when you see him in person again. Don't make any rash decisions whilst he's not here, take some time to really think of what you want to do," I put my arm on her soothingly,
"Thank you, Maddie, you really are such a good friend. So... tell me about Malfoy," she said to me.
My heart dropped and my skin went cold. How on earth could Ginny know about Draco and me? Had she seen something? Has something told her? Riley? I felt like I had been set in a block of ice.
"What? I- I don't know what you mean," I said to her as unassuming as I possibly could,
"Well, unless my eyes deceived me, he sat at the Hufflepuff table with you on Sunday and I can't say I haven't noticed your little conversations," Ginny arched an eyebrow at me,
"Oh," I laughed slightly, immediately calming down, "He just needed to talk to me about some work we were doing. We just had a normal conversation that Friday we were in the library all afternoon, he's actually quite pleasant on his own,"
"Right, okay... I'll just take your word on that one," Ginny sniggered,
"Honestly, he is surprisingly nice to talk to if you take away all the Pureblood supremacy bullshit," I said to Ginny honestly,
"That's the issue I have with the Slytherins, I'm a Pureblood and honestly couldn't give less of a shit about what your blood status is. If you're a kind and decent person, then chances are I'll like you, whether you're a Muggle-born, Pureblood or Half-blood," she shrugged her shoulders.
We arrived at the door to Professor McGonagall's workroom and Draco was already sat at our desk. He craned his neck to look over at me as I was saying my 'see you laters' to Ginny.
"Good afternoon, Miss. Parsons, your work is over there with Mr. Malfoy, he'll tell you what to do. Oh, and don't forget that next period you're walking on over to the Herbology greenhouses to have a meeting with Professor Sprout," Professor McGonagall bowed her head slightly before looking down at a textbook on her desk,
"Thank you, Professor," I said to her as I sat down next to the blonde haired Slytherin,
"Parsons," Draco nodded his head at me, "Flitwick has given us a chapter read through about Locomotor Mortis and there's like fifteen questions to answer about it,"
"Thank you, Draco," I smiled to him softly.
Draco pushed the parchment in front of me and our hands grazed. The coldness of his skin made my spine shiver slightly. I could have sworn he deliberately held contact for a few seconds longer than necessary.
"What were you talking to Weasley about?" Draco mumbled,
"Just girly stuff, why'd you ask?" I asked him,
"No reason, it just looked like she gave me a dirty look as she walked in, when you were talking," Draco shrugged his shoulders,
"She did ask why you were sat with me on Sunday-"
"And what did you say?" Draco interrupted me, sounding slightly cold and almost dismissive,
"Just that you needed to talk to me about some school work we were doing," I said to him, feeling slightly disappointed at the tone of his voice.
I felt tempted to tell him I had told Ginny that he was nice to talk to, that he was different on his own, but I quickly decided against that.
"Oh, well, that's alright then," Draco nodded, clearing his throat.
**
The rest of our Charms lesson was spent in silence and Ginny, Louise, Harper, and Luna all waved to me as they were walking out to their last lesson of the day.
"Mr. Malfoy, Miss. Parsons, Professor Sprout is expecting you in the Herbology greenhouses now, if you would kindly make your way over there. Take this piece of parchment with you just in case anyone stops you," Professor McGonagall said to us both, handing me the parchment,
"Thank you, Professor," I smiled to her,
"See you both tomorrow. Take care," she said as looked down at her desk, fixing her spectacles.
Walking down the empty corridors to the greenhouses to see my Head of House, Professor Sprout, I locked eyes with Draco. We hadn't said anything to each other since the conversation about Ginny. So, I decided to be brave and say something first.
"Have I upset you, Draco?" I asked him,
"No, what makes you ask?" he cocked his head,
"You just seem a bit pissed off with me. Did I say something wrong to Ginny? I thought I was doing the right thing by telling her what you told Riley," I cleared my throat, feeling my cheeks glow scarlet,
"No, you didn't say anything wrong, sorry, it's my issue. I was just-" Draco snapped his mouth shut, "I was wondering if you wanted to come up to the Astronomy Tower with me tonight after dinner?" he said to me,
"That would be nice, I'd love to, Draco," I said to him.
Draco looked behind us and held my waist whilst we walked. I had to conceal the hitch in my throat as he brought me closer to his body. His cologne was enough to take my breath away, but essentially being in his arms out in public made my legs go to jelly near enough.
Knocking on the glass sliding door, Professor Sprout led us into the area with desks and stools where we did our written work. She was sat at her desk with a big, but tired smile on her face.
Professor Sprout's desk was completely different to Professor McGonagall's. McGonagall's was always pristine, everything was lined up to perfection, nothing was out of place. Each piece of parchment and quill had a place, and it was always in its place. Whereas Sprout's desk was covered with parchment of all kinds, textbooks were strewn everywhere, there was about six coffee mugs that had clearly been there for a while.
"Ahh, hello there you two, it seems strange you coming back here after those few weeks of being in with Professor McGonagall," Professor Sprout took a mouthful of coffee from one the mugs on her desk, "Miss. Parsons, I've been meaning to come and see you, but I've been swamped with grading papers and sorting out O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s revision, as well as helping the other years with revision for their end-of-year tests. How have you been?" she smiled at me,
"That's okay, Professor, I understand. I've been okay thank you, I'm just taking each day as they come by," I said to her honestly.
As I said 'just taking each day as they come by' Draco grazed his hand over my knee. I don't know if he done that on purpose or not, but it sure made my stomach flip, butterflies flying everywhere.
"And how about you, Mr. Malfoy, how have you been getting on?" Professor Sprout said to Draco. I couldn't help but notice how her tone had shifted into a little more brash and abrupt one as she spoke to Draco,
"I've been okay, thanks," Draco said simply,
"Okay, well, that's good to hear," Sprout adjusted in her chair slightly, "Well, I can gladly say that you've been doing very well in the work I've been setting for you. Parsons, your work is still at an Acceptable, but I reckon with some one-on-one sessions before your O.W.L.s we could raise that to an Exceeds Expectations. Malfoy, your work is still at a high Exceeds Expectations, I think you could easily achieve an Outstanding, however,"
"I'd be happy to give Parsons a few tutor sessions, see if I can help," Draco said nonchalantly.
I sat up a little straighter and looked at Draco, my heart was pounding, and it felt like it was beating so hard, it was going to burst out of my chest. I couldn't believe he'd just offered to give me tutoring.
"That is very generous of you, Malfoy!" Professor Sprout beamed, looking genuinely surprised, "What do you say to that, Miss. Parsons?"
"Oh, thank you, Draco. I would really appreciate that, are you sure?" I said to him, trying to conceal my shaky breath,
"Yeah, I wouldn't mind," Draco nodded his head.
I could have sworn his lips curved into a subtle smile as he looked at me, but I wasn't sure. All I knew was everything inside me was basically screaming.
**
A couple of hours had passed after our Herbology lesson, and it was now time for dinner. I had begun reading through the Lord of the Rings, so I had just been sat curled up in one of the armchairs, with a blanket over my legs, making a start on that.
Lord of the Rings was my dad's all-time favourite piece of fiction. Even though he was brought up with wizarding fiction, he would always say that Muggle fiction was far superior. So, with every re-read of that specific book, I was always comforted. Especially as in the copy I owned, there was a note written on the inside page from my dad. He gave it to me when I was a baby.
"Madeline, my beautiful ray of sunshine. You have no idea just how loved you are. I give you this copy of my favourite book so you will always be reminded of that you're my favourite person. I love you so much, always, and forever. Daddy."
**
I went and put the massive book on my bedside table, alongside my owl from Hannah, which I planned on reading later on before going to sleep. I felt bad for receiving that when Draco didn't get one himself. He tried to hide it, but I saw the flash of sadness in his eyes as Professor McGonagall passed me the envelope.
Making my way down to the Great Hall, all I could think about was Draco, as per my new usual. I still had this thought deep inside me that he was going to go back to Riley and leave me alone... and that's the last thing I wanted.
**
As I settled in my seat on the bench of the Hufflepuff table, I was yet again at eye-level with Draco. He was already sat there with the Slytherins, his chin rested on his palm. He looked up at me as I walked through the big double doors, and he immediately sat up straighter.
Draco pulled his lips into a tight line and nodded his head ever so slightly at me. I smiled at him softly, making sure no one noticed. However, he wasn't the only one to be looking over at me.
Riley Yates and her group of friends were all looking directly at me and whispering to each other. One girl must have said something particularly funny because they all started howling with laughter.
I tucked my hands in my lap and looked away, towards the front of the Great Hall, to where all the staff were sat. Of course, they were all laughing about me. I was definitely an easy target.
Looking back at Draco he was still looking over at me. My eyes kept wandering between him and the group of sixth year girls. Draco soon looked over at them as well, I think to see why I kept looking at them. With one glare, they all shut up and stopped looking at me. They were still whispering amongst themselves, of course, but they'd stopped laughing at least.
"You alright?" Draco mouthed.
I just nodded my head slightly, wanting more than anything for him to come and sit with me so I wasn't alone. It was like Patrick could read my mind, as he soon came sliding down the Hufflepuff bench.
"Hey, Maddie. Want some company?" Patrick asked kindly,
"Thanks, Patrick, that would be lovely," I smiled as I told him truthfully,
"You had a good day today, then?" he cocked his head,
"It's been alright, I suppose-"
"Oh shit, sorry, I forgot that the start of your meetings have started. I know you were worrying about them," Patrick interjected, "Did you have any today?"
"We had Herbology, it went well, thank you, Patrick. Sprout said that with extra tutoring, my Acceptable grade could be moved up to an Exceeds Expectations!" I beamed to him, feeling a little proud of myself,
"That's amazing, Mads. I knew they'd go alright," Patrick nodded,
"Well, that was only one of them... I've still got the rest to go," I chuckled, "Draco even said he'd be the one to tutor me," I added, feeling glad I had an excuse to say Draco's name,
"Malfoy?!" Patrick gasped, "Seriously?"
"Yeah, I was surprised too," I said to him honestly,
"Maybe you're rubbing off on him a little," Patrick laughed,
"Oh, I don't know about that, Patrick, he probably just said it to look better to Professor Sprout," I shrugged my shoulders.
**
Dinner was now conjured onto the table, and I began filling my golden plate up with mashed potatoes, chicken pie, and broccoli. I also filled up my glass goblet with pumpkin and raspberry juice.
"You looking forward to all the fifth years coming back then?" Patrick asked,
"I am, yeah. But I'm glad I've found a friend in you, Luke, Ginny, Louise, Harper, and Luna," I said to Patrick, being truthful,
"I'm glad too, Mads. Who knows, maybe I'll be your Head Boy next year, then you'll just have to keep being nice to me, won't you?" Patrick whispered,
"Oh, I'd have to, would I?" I faked being shocked,
"Yep, it's sort of like the law, didn't you know?" Patrick said in a deliberately exaggerated voice,
"Law?! You wouldn't send me to Azkaban, would you, Patty?" I asked whilst sniggering,
"I will if you call me that name again, Madeline Parsons!" Patrick playfully rolled his eyes,
"Patty. Patty. Patty McPatrick," I laughed,
"You're just really lucky that I like you, Maddie," Patrick shook his head.
We were both laughing together. I was having a really nice time with Patrick. Although my tummy did flutter a little at the ever-so-slight flirtatiousness to the tone of him. It wasn't until I caught eyes with Draco again, however, that I suddenly felt anxious for an entirely different reason.
He was glaring at Patrick and me. He was craning his head to get a better look at my fellow Hufflepuff. Once Draco and I looked at each other, my laughter stopped, and my chest tightened. Draco really didn't look happy that I talking and laughing with Patrick.
**
Dinner was soon over, and all throughout, I was preoccupied by Draco and the sudden anger and spite to his face... I of course tried to act as nonchalant and unassuming with Patrick as I could.
Draco was sat still at the Slytherin table, as everyone else was rushing out. He arched his brow at me and nodded his head slightly, pointing it down, to gesture that he wanted me to stay back a little too.
"Aren't you coming, Maddie?" Patrick asked, cocking his head,
"Yeah, I'll be down there in a moment, I just need to tie my shoelaces up," I straight up lied to Patrick,
"Oh, well, I can wait for you, if you'd like," he shrugged his shoulders,
"No, that's fine," I said a little too hastily, my eyes subtly looking over at Draco, "You don't have to wait for me, I'll be a few moments. I'm sure Luke is probably waiting for you as well,"
"Okay... well, I guess I'll see you in a bit then," Patrick said, sounding a little suspicious, and rightfully so.
Draco was watching intently as Patrick walked out of the Great Hall. I looked back over at Draco, and he was now swinging his legs round and making his way towards the Hufflepuff table. I stood up myself, feeling incredibly nervous.
"Now that he's fucked off, are you coming up to the Astronomy Tower later or not?" Draco almost barked,
"Um, only if you still want me to," I said through shaky breath,
"Obviously, I wouldn't have asked otherwise," Draco sneered, "8:00pm, don't be late. See you soon, Parsons,"
I watched as Draco stormed out of the Great Hall. My stomach was in knots now, I felt sick. I don't know what I had done to make him so angry, and I was already trying to muster the courage to ask him.
**
The next hour dragged on. I went and sat out in the Courtyard, needing some air before going to see Draco. Also not wanting to speak to Patrick and lie to him again, as I'd need an excuse to go out of the common room.
I made my way to the Astronomy Tower, realising I was already two minutes late. With every step, my legs felt like they were made of lead.
Walking up the metallic spiralling staircase, my heart was hammering in my chest as all I could think about was Draco's expression at dinner, and the tone of his voice when he had asked me to meet him again.
I saw him standing at the railings, looking out at the sunset. I tried to be as quiet as I could, but he turned around as soon as I hit the top step.
"Nice of you to join me, Parsons," he said, arching his brow slightly, "I didn't think you were going to show," his voice sounding a lot nicer than it was earlier,
"Hi, Draco. I'm sorry, I've been um-"
"Doesn't matter, you're here now," Draco interrupted me, before turning back round,
"It's a lovely evening out, isn't it? That sky looks beautiful," I said to him, trying to sound as nonchalant as I could, walking up and standing next to Draco,
"Not as beautiful as you," Draco said, sounding honest yet indifferent at the same time,
"Draco," I said shyly, my chest now pounding for a completely different reason,
"Was your owl good from Abbott then?" Draco asked,
"I haven't actually gotten round to reading it yet," I said to him,
"Why not?" Draco arched his eyebrow, asking with curiosity,
"Because you hadn't got an owl from your friends and I didn't want you to feel left out or anything," I said to him honestly,
"Well, aren't you just something. Look, I wanted to talk to you about something, Parsons," Draco said, now facing towards me,
"Sure... what is it, Draco? Is everything okay?" I asked him, trying to conceal my sudden onset of nerves,
"Did you want to fuck Baldwin?" Draco asked me directly, matter-of-factly,
"What?! No! Patrick is just a friend, honestly-"
"If you do, tell me now and we can stop- whatever this is," Draco said to me.
He was now standing in front of me, his hands were on the railings, either side of my waist. Very much like the way he did in the corner of the tower, just not pinning me underneath. His beautiful grey eyes were boring straight into mine, making my breath hitch slightly.
"No, please, believe me. I do not want Patrick in that way at all. I want you-"
"Because for the next few weeks, you are as good as mine. And if you do want to fuck Baldwin, then that's okay, but just tell me now, and we'll stop. I don't fucking share," Draco said, once again almost sneering,
"I don't want anyone else but you. I never have," I said to Draco honestly, maybe a little too honestly,
"So, you don't want anyone else's hands over your body?" Draco moved his hands from the railings and put them on my ribcage, "Or their lips pressed against yours?" he then ran his thumb over my bottom lip, "Or to feel the weight of their body on top of yours?" Draco cocked his head, holding my waist, bringing me closer to him.
All I could do was shake my head. My mouth opened to speak, but nothing would come out.
"Parsons, will you please just say my fucking name? You have no idea how much I love hearing my name come out of that pretty little mouth of yours," Draco asked me quietly, yet firmly,
"Draco... Malfoy..." I whimpered, my eyes still looking straight into his.
The greys of his eyes were nearly non-existent now. His pupils had dilated greatly. I was glad he only asked me to say his name, because that was about all I could manage.
I wanted to ask him why he won't call me by my first name... I would do anything to hear how he sounded saying 'Madeline' but of course, I chickened out.
"Say it again," Draco said to me, his Adam's apple bobbing, swallowing deeply. He was almost pleading, resting his hand on the base of my neck, his thumb grazing against my jawline, "Say it again, and again, and again. You can always say my name, Parsons..."
"Draco Malfoy-"
He cut me short by planting his lips onto mine. It was needy and desperate. The way his tongue kept sweeping on mine was making my stomach do somersaults. His hand had moved round slightly, and it was now entangled with my hair, lifting my head up so he could kiss me deeper.
**
Draco stood behind me, as we were both looking out at the very set sun on the horizon. I was glad Draco couldn't see my face because my cheeks were burning crimson and I could barely breathe properly. My stomach was in twists and knots as I could feel Draco's thumb graze against my hands. My skin had broken out in goosebumps and there was a gigantic grin on my face.
"That was really nice by the way, Parsons, what you had done earlier," Draco said to me earnestly,
"Which was? I said, trying to conceal my nervousness,
"The Honeydukes bag in McGonagall's," Draco chuckled slightly, "No one has ever done anything like that for me. How pathetic does that sounds?"
"It was nothing, Draco, really. I didn't want you to think I was some kind of mooch or anything," I said as I turned around,
"Hmm. I've never known anyone to be so- I don't know. So... you before," Draco knitted his eyebrows, his tone verging on suspicious,
"Thanks, I think," I said, laughing to hide my anxiety.
Draco bent down and kissed my lips again. It was a simple little peck, but even that made my stomach fill with butterflies.
**
The first warning bell for curfew had rung and so Draco and I made our way slowly back down to the corridor where our common rooms are. The whole walk down, our eyes kept meeting, and it was like all anger Draco had felt earlier had melted away. He even smirked at me whilst we were walking and talking.
As we reached the spot in the hallway we were separated, I stood in front of Draco. He nodded his head and put his hand on my arm.
"I guess I'll see you-"
"Wait, Draco... before you go, can I ask you something?" I interrupted him, needing to use my courage whilst it was there,
"Always, Parsons. What is it?" he cocked his head slightly,
"Before over dinner, I just wondered what I had done wrong?" I knitted my eyebrows a little, "You seemed really angry with me,"
"No, it wasn't you I was angry with," Draco looked at me straight in my eyes,
"But it seemed like-"
"Trust me, Parsons, it wasn't you. I just don't like Baldwin and I don't like him making you laugh like he was-" Draco cut his sentence short and stood up a little straighter,
"I'm sorry, I never meant to piss you off or anything," I said to him honestly,
"You don't need to apologise for him, Parsons. It is quite hot hearing you swear though," Draco arched his eyebrow slightly.
He looked all around us and realising we were on our own, he bent down and kissed me for just a moment. A forbidden, stolen, quick kiss.
"See you tomorrow, Parsons," Draco nodded, his lips curving slightly.
**
I walked straight up into my dorm room; glad I didn't run into a certain sixth year Chaser. The common room was eerily quiet, it was rarely empty at that time, there was always someone pottering about – even if they're just doing homework.
I got changed into my pyjamas and sat cross-legged on my bed. I still wasn't used to the silence of our dormitory. I looked across at Megan's bed and sighed to myself.
Reaching across to the letter I had received off Hannah earlier that day, I carefully pulled off the red wax seal and began reading the owl.
Mads!
I miss you like crazy. We all do. I was speaking with the girl the other night and I realised we'd never spent more than ten days away from each other! Isn't that crazy?! Our trip is going amazing thank you for asking. I've been thinking of you, wishing you were here with us instead of stuck there with Malfoy. How are things with him anyway? My poor girl.
We're in the Isle of Wight at the moment, we came here the other day by Floo Powder as Hagrid as well as all the other supervisors and chaperones said Cross-Country Apparition would be too dangerous for us. We weren't even really supposed to do the small distance in the Welsh countryside, oops! Never mind. Oh yeah, I forgot you went there for a few days last Christmas, it really is beautiful.
We were allowed to Apparate because we were all bored basically, and it was the only thing Hagrid and everyone else could think of that keep us occupied until dinner time. We haven't been allowed to since, haha.
You should see our tent, they're like five star hotels, Maddie, I think you'd like it here with us. We've all been split up into boys and girls. The Gryffindors are with us Hufflepuffs and the Ravenclaws are with the Slytherins.
I've been spending more time with Seamus, and he is getting harder to stay away from. Thank you for saying I wouldn't be crazy for going back there – seems like you and the other girls all have the same opinion, so that gives me so some hope. Oh babe, I'm glad too! I would have hated not being able to contact you at all.
Susan, Megan, and Leanne say they love you and are missing you like crazy. Megan says not to worry, it won't be long before we can rescue you from Malfoy, haha!
Love you so much.
Hannah xxx
I smiled to myself as I read Hannah's words, but a part of me couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as I read what she and Megan had said about Draco. It dawned on me, I realised that I didn't want to be away from Draco ever again. I knew that me and him could never be a proper 'thing' but the fact that we'd have to stop before we could even really begin made my heart drop.
**
I tucked my owl into the drawer in my bedside table and got out my box of Peppermint Toads, smiling as I admired the box, thinking of Draco, before I placed them proudly on the top, taking advantage of being able to.
Laid in bed, listening to the flying Abraxans, and clicking of the Hippogriff's hooves in the Care of Magical Creatures enclosure close by, my hand found its way and rested on my cheek, remembering Draco's lips on my skin from earlier.
Then I felt my entire body heat up because I thought back to his lips – those beautiful lips pressed onto mine. My bottom lip falling in between his. The way he gently sucked them and the way he held me impossibly close to his body.
Just like I did back on the bridge in Hogsmeade, I felt the way his chest was hammering. The way his heart seemed to match up with mine.
Kissing Draco was always supposed to be kept a dream. A forbidden and secret dream, albeit a beautiful one. I never in a million years thought that dream would come to fruition.