A/N Most of the story in from Beth's POV, but I thought you might enjoy a look from Draco's side up to this point. After this there will be more interaction between the two characters.

Chapter 4- Inside Draco's Head

May 2, 2003

"I just want to be alone," Draco said begging Harry with his eyes to let it be.

Harry studying him, "Okay, how about this, we can meet at the cafe around 2. We can have breakfast and I can make sure you are okay."

Draco knew Harry meant well. Harry had become his best friend over the past five years. Every year as the anniversary came around Draco hoped it would get better, but it didn't. The hurt and anger that Draco had always managed to seep to the front of his mind. It felt like yesterday he watched as they took his father away to Azkaban. He nodded his agreement to Harry.

Draco had seen the pub a few times when he was over by the cafe. He liked the idea that it wasn't in a big bar area. He strolled slowly up the street. He pushed the door open. He saw her. She was smiling as she talked to a customer. Her chestnut hair fell in her face as she laughed. She placed her hand in her hair and pushed it back. Her eyes were shining like dark blue sapphires. He drew in a deep breath and slowed his thoughts. He wasn't looking for a companion, he was looking for his memory to be removed for one night. He saw the booth in the back, so he headed that direction. The girl yelled over her shoulder that she would be right with him. He sat down in the booth and felt a connection. He couldn't describe it but he felt all the anxiety and excitement of the woman who had been sitting here. He shook off the feeling, what are the chances of ever meeting the witch that left this mark here?

He watched the girl with curiosity. Most muggles didn't strike him the way she did. That is why he sought refuge in muggle pubs during this time of year. No one knew him or the struggles he had faced. He could face his demons alone.

When she reached the table, he was drawn back to the sapphires that looked at him. She was even more stunning the closer she came to him.

"What can I get you?" it was a simple question, but her voice reached in and touched his soul. His stomach did a small flip. He answered with his normal whiskey. When she walked away he looked at his hands. He was trying to control his breathing. When he glanced up she was looking at him. She quickly turned back around. Was she blushing? Did she feel something too?

He kept ordering drinks just to get her close to him, if even for just a moment. He watched as she helped customers. Every time she smiled or laughed in the direction of another man he felt angry, almost possessive. He wanted her to be his, but he couldn't she was a muggle. He no longer had negative feelings towards muggles or muggle born wizards, but he could never have a muggle as more than a way to fill a temporary need. This girl was more than a one night stand, but she could never be that. As the night ended she brought his credit card and slip to be signed. When he handed the slip back his finger grazed her hand. It wasn't much of a touch, but a spark actually happened. She was in his head now. There was no escaping it.

As he sat waiting for Harry on the porch of the cafe he watched the street. It was peaceful, only a couple of cars drove by. The girl from the pub was in every thought. He wanted to know who she was, what her name was, where she lived, he more than wanted, he needed to know. He actually thought he saw her walking across the street, or was he really imagining this, he thought to himself. Maybe he had too much whiskey.

The next afternoon Draco and Harry had stopped for lunch at the cafe.

"Draco," Harry said to the man as he stared off in space.

"Huh, oh sorry." Draco snapped back to the conversation and out of his thoughts. "I finished the report this morning."

Harry looked at his friend, "What is up with you? You have been off since last night; did you forget to take the hangover potion?"

Draco drew in a deep breath, "No, nothing like that. I have just been thinking about some things. Last night I met a girl. And now I can't seem to get her out of my head."

Harry grinned, "You didn't say anything about meeting a witch last night. What was her name? Do you plan on seeing her again?"

"That's the thing. I don't know anything about her. And I think she is a muggle." Draco took a breath trying to slow his heart down. "Harry, we touched, just a simple graze and there was a spark. I could feel her emotions. She isn't a witch, but there is a connection to magic. I just don't know what it is."

"Do we need to make a trip to St. Mungos after lunch?" Harry laughed.

"Don't make me hex you. It would be too much paperwork." They both laughed and finished lunch.

As they were leaving they passed the muggle Ambassador. There she was, those same sapphires looking right at him. He tried to keep all emotions in check as he shook her hand. The connection was so strong, she was rushed and slightly stressed. How can I know this?

"Harry," Draco called his friend's name as they left the cafe, "that was the girl from last night."

"The ambassador daughter?" Harry asked in amazement. Draco nodded and his answer and walked off.

Draco thought his contact with her was over, but she still consumed his every thought. He would find reasons to talk about her to his friends. He knew it amused Ginny, but he couldn't help talking about her. It frustrated him that he was showing such a weakness. Two weeks later when he and Harry were called to Kingsley's office he had no idea what to expect. They nodded at Granger, he couldn't get used to calling her Weasley, as they walked past.

"Ah, Potter, Malfoy," Kingsley said as he looked up. "I have an assignment for you. Ambassador Armstrong's daughter has requested to spend the summer here learning and seeing magic so she can be better prepared for her job come August."

"Okay what can we do?" Harry answered for both me. Draco felt light headed.

Draco didn't hear much more after that; all he could think about was the girl and he couldn't even remember her name.

Sunday night Draco was sitting in Harry's living room with Ginny, Ron, and Hermione. They usually met on Sundays to just visit.

"Seriously, Draco," Hermione gasped, "You are always in control. Get over it and talk to her. What are you 11 and afraid of girls?"

"You don't understand," he glared at her.

"What is there to understand? You feel a connection and you won't act on it because you are bloody scared of a muggle." Hermione stared back at him. She never did cower to him like most girls did.

"Quit being a git and talk to her tomorrow." Ginny added.

Draco looked at the men in the room hoping for support but neither one would ever stand against their wives. He just sat back on the couch and took another sip of the FireWhiskey he was holding.

He hadn't slept much that night. She consumed his dreams. He had told himself he would talk to her, no matter what. If only it was that easy though. Monday when they met her in Kingsley's office he couldn't even bring himself to look in her direction, let alone talk to her. He could feel every emotion she had from across the room, first she was nervous, then a little overwhelmed at the sight of everyone, then she relaxed when Mrs. Weasley took her in one of her hugs, then the excitement came, and the last emotion he couldn't quite figure out, but he thought it might have been desire. He just waited and left with Harry. He felt so weak, and ridiculous.

Dinner at the Burrow later hadn't been much better. He couldn't even get close to her. The connection was so strong. He had heard of soul mates in the wizarding world having this kind of connection, but she was a muggle, and honestly, this scared him. Really, how much could she know and understand about their world?

When Molly asked him to take her a cup of tea, he thought about saying no for a second, but the look on her face told him he better just do it. He grabbed the cup and walked towards the living room. He leaned on the door frame and just took her in. She was sitting there on the couch staring out the window. She looked like an angel the way the evening light danced around her soft curls. His breath caught in his throat as she turned and looked at him. He brought the tea to her, but couldn't speak. The words were caught on his lips. He quickly exited feeling very much like the git Ginny had called him last night. At dinner he would steal glances at her. The way her eyes lit up when she laughed, or the way she ran her hand through her hair when she was nervous made his heart swell. He still couldn't bring himself to speak to her. After Beth and Sally left he expressed his gratitude to Molly for another wonderful meal. He said his goodbyes and went to the manor.

~Her eyes were closed in front of him. She opened them for just a moment. He could feel every ounce of her desire. He placed his hands on her face, his fingers tangled in her hair. He moved closer~

Draco shot out of the bed, "What the bloody hell was that?" He had dreamed of her before but this was different. He would have sworn he could actually feel her, even smell her on his skin. He couldn't go back to sleep. He went to the kitchen to get a cup of tea and breakfast before heading into work early.

He was sitting at his desk trying to work on reports. He was still working on the same report after two hours when Harry walked in. Harry just gave him a look but left him alone. Draco was more than grateful for that. It was a quiet morning. About noon a small owl dropped a letter on his desk. Little did he know what that letter would do to him.

"I'm bored here alone, think you could save me? Elizabeth Armstrong"

The words mocked him. Her name yelled at him. And before he knew what was happening he was shaking uncontrollably and mumbling. How can she know? What game is she playing? Are Ginny and Hermione in on this? She can't possibly feel what he is feeling, she is just a muggle. Draco heard Harry call for Ginny but he didn't know she had answered.

"Draco," Ginny shouted at him, "Draco, bloody hell drink this." she poured drought of peace down his throat.

Slowly Draco started to relax and calm down, "Thank you," he mumbled towards Ginny.

"Sure, now what the bloody hell was that about Malfoy?" Ginny asked.

He just handed her the owl and she read it. Her laughter filled the room.

"Seriously, get over it and talk to her, or I will force you too." Ginny pointed her wand at him for effect.

Draco took a deep breath and swallowed hard. "I can't deal with this right now. I would make a fool of myself. Please, Ginny, give me a day or two."

Ginny thought it over then nodded her head, "Fine, I will go over there today and deal with this, but you will be at my house tomorrow night for dinner. You will talk to her then." Ginny apparated away not giving him a chance to argue.

"She can be as scary as Mrs. Weasley," Draco looked at Harry who had just been sitting there watching the whole exchange.

"Tell me about it," Harry agreed.