Chapter 1:
It was one of those times when I want to be alone that he arrives. I keep lashing out at him for ruining my peace though I was secretly glad that he came. He seems to sense this and sees to it that he never miss pointing it out to me. Of course I deny it but we both know the truth though that doesn't mean I'll admit it, especially to him; it would only feed to his already inflated ego. Though I am grateful for his company, God knows he's the only one keeping me sane these days; it angers me that he knows I find his presence comforting.
Our meetings usually consist of insulting each other half-heartedly and smoking. At most times when we were depressed, one of us would bring firewhiskey or wine or whatever struck our fancy. At rare times, when we were suicidal, we would talk of our lives at Hogwarts and our summers. One of the things that I've noticed was neither Lucius nor Narcissa was ever a part of his summers. He says he goes alone or at times with Blaise. Though I was dying to ask him about it, I didn't push since it was a very personal matter and we both hate personal questions.
This time, however, was different from the others; not that meeting Draco Malfoy in this god-forsaken shack in the middle of a war was usual, but it became our weekly routine after he found me here the first time, smoking, shortly after the war broke.
I was halfway through my cigarette, a habit or a vice rather that I had picked up before the war, when he came walking stiffly with his face stark white that I was afraid he would pass out any minute. But it wasn't that that worried me; it was his eyes, which was usually cold and calculating, was now wild with panic and worry that it instantly alerted me. He scanned the whole room probably looking for me and when he didn't see me, I saw the worry and panic turn ten-fold. It struck me so much that I threw my cigarette away without thinking twice and stepped out from the shadows.
"Malfoy, are you alright?" I asked, now worried myself. He turned to me but didn't seem to understand what I said though I saw the tension release from his shoulders and relief showed in his face and eyes. Well, then, I guess he really was looking for me.
He took three long strides then gave me a bone-crushing hug that could beat Hagrid's any day.
"M-Malfoy…" to say I was shocked would be the understatement of the year. I was stunned, thunderstruck, astonished, bewildered, amazed, befuddled… gosh, I can't even think of a suitable word for how I feel!
"Dear Merlin, Granger. Don't ever scare me like that again." He said chokingly. My shock, befuddlement, astonishment, or whatever was easily replaced with confusion. What the hell was that? Last time I checked we weren't even on first name basis even more on hugging terms but now, he's even stroking my hair, for Merlin's sake!
"I don't-" I didn't even get the chance to finish because he hugged me tighter if that was even humanly possible and kissed my head. My heart jumped a little and it was only then that I noticed that he was shaking. My hand was on his chest; and as soon as I felt his wild heartbeat slow down and his shaking cease, I pushed him gently away.
"What happened?"
He shook his head. "No time to explain… let's go…" he took my hand and started to turn then, stopped. "Did you bring anything with you?"
"What? Why should I?" I asked, baffled. What the hell is he on about? He shook his head again and held my hand tighter.
"No time." He repeated and determinedly started walking out. Just resting by the wall beside the door were two brown paper bags; he picked them before we stepped out. "Hold on to me. We're side-apparating."
I sighed and took hold of his upper arm with my free hand but he had another idea of holding on, so he put his arms around me and apparated to………….
Hey! This chapter was recently edited. I want to thank hellakat for correcting me. If any of the reviewers find any grammatical errors or whatsoever on my fic, it will be much appreciated if you tell me. Again, thank you hellakat and all the reviewers. Enjoy:D