The owlery at night was beautiful. Many of the owls left to go hunting, and those that didn't clicked quietly at each other. The grounds were quiet and the lake glistened in the moonlight.

Draco stood in silence,watching the stars glisten in the night sky, his ears straining to hear anyone that might be coming up, uninvited.

He heard a creak in the floorboards and immediately his face changed from soft serenity into his trademark scowl. He readied himself to throw insults and force whoever it was back down to their dorm room.

However, from the shadows stepped the exact person he was there to meet.

In the darkness, Heather's dark hair looked black and her robes seemed to have a mystic glow about them caused by the moonlight shining on the yellow parts of her robes.

Draco relaxed and lowered his wand. He smiled at her and walked to hug her.

They stood in their embrace until Heather pulled away gently.

"This is ridiculous, Draco. No couple should have to go sneaking off in the dark of night to see each other. It's not the 1800's!" She said, looking up at him.

Draco saw his own pained look reflected in hers, "I can't have anyone finding out. I have a reputation... and what if my father knew I was dating a Hufflepuff! A half-blood at that. I'd be disowned!"

Heather walked away from him to pet one of the owls perched close to the window, "you shouldn't care what others think, Draco. If I make you happy, what does it matter that our houses don't normally mix?" She didn't turn around to face him as she spoke.

Draco sighed and pulled her back to him, holding her close.

"What if I talk to my mother about it? Maybe she can help me deal with my father..."

Heather smiled. She knew it was hard for him, and him finally taking this first step meant everything to her. She didn't have to say anything for him to know that this meant the world to her.

"Thank you," She whispered into his robes.

Draco didn't say anything, but only responded by stroking Heather's soft, dark hair.

The young couple stayed like that for what seemed to be an eternity, but finally it was time to return to their respective dorms before anyone got suspicious and went looking for the missing students. Usually, as per agreement, one would leave the owlery and the other would wait a few minutes before following, but tonight was different. Tonight the two left hand if hand, not caring if anyone saw them as they walked up to the entrance of the castle.

"Draco?" Heather paused as Draco started to descend the stairs into the dungeons, "I love you."

With that she turned on her heel and quickly walked through the door adjacent to the kitchens, which lead to the Hufflepuff common room and then to her dorm.

The Slytherin stood there a moment, shocked. He knew she loved him, and he her, but that was the first time either of them had voiced it. "I love you too," he murmured quietly to himself, then continued down the long stairway.