Choices

Silence overtook the table as everyone ate breakfast. It seemed as if everyone was on edge, for some reason or another. A Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Slytherin was scheduled for later that day, and Ron could barely touch his food. Ever since being given the position of keeper, Ron had performed inconsistently. Harry was thinking about the game as well, and Hermione was lost in her thoughts. But Allison was silent for a different reason. She knew that at some point during the day, she would have to see Draco. She wasn't sure how to react. She planned many things she might say or do but soon realized it could all change in a second. There was nothing to do but wait and see.

Allison paced through her daily routine with as much enthusiasm as she could. She expected to see Draco come around every corner, but she didn't seem to cross paths with him. She counted down the time until Potions, when she knew she would no longer be able to avoid him. She walked as slow as she could manage, dreading every step that took her closer to a confrontation. As she reached the door, she took a deep breath and organized herself before entering.

As she walked in to the room, she was completely at a loss. Draco's usual seat was empty. She glanced secretively around the class, but he was nowhere to be found. To her surprise, not seeing him in the room was more upsetting than having to come face to face with him. It prolonged the awkwardness she feared would occur when they finally did meet again. Where was he anyway? she wondered. Professor Slughorn briskly sauntered in to the room and Allison was forced to take her seat next to Seamus, pushing the thoughts from her mind.

After class, the whole school was buzzing about the Quidditch match. Allison changed into her supportive scarlet and gold sweater and headed to the pitch with Seamus, Luna, and Hermione. They climbed into the stands and found their seats just as the first players flew out on to the field. They began cheering as Gryffindor scored the first points. Ron performed well, but Hermione thought it was all too convenient. She believed that Harry slipped some Felix Felicis in to Ron's cup that morning, and she was appalled at the breach of rules. Either way, Gryffindor was winning, and everyone was in a good mood.

Allison was cheering after an especially good save by Ron when she began to feel dizzy and confused. She blinked several times to try to clear her head and held her face in her hands, but to no avail. She felt faint and lightheaded. "Excuse me," she muttered under her breath as she tried to make her way towards the exit.

Seamus noticed her strange behavior. "Allie, are you okay?" She looked up at him through blurry eyes and saw concern on his face. She tried to straighten herself and smile at him.

"Yes, I'm fine. I'm just going to go clear my head for a moment." She turned away, knowing her excuse was not strong but not caring. She walked to the bottom of the stands and sat on the cool, damp grass, out of sight from the crowds above. Her head was spinning, but it seemed to lessen the longer she remained still. After a few moments, she realized she was not far from where she had met Draco the other day. The thought made her head swirl again, and she closed her eyes.

Crunching in the wet grass made her mind return to the present. Before she could turn and see who was approaching, someone swept her off the ground and carried her under the stands. She kicked and squirmed, but could not break free of the strong hold. She tried to scream, but a powerful hand covered her mouth. As she was being set down, she came face to face with Draco, her alleged captor.

Draco stared deep into her eyes with a look of desire. His hands were on her hips, and he pulled her closer until their bodies touched. He lowered his head so that his lips could meet hers and pressed softly against them. His hands ran up her body until they reached her face. One hand held her head steadily against his, while the other ran through her swaying hair. She felt his chest strong against hers, and she had the brief urge to wrap her arms around him and never let him go. When they parted, she stared up into his eyes, her jade green locked on his silvery gray.

As the shock of her abduction and the kiss subsided, she pushed away from him and slapped him across the face. Draco's expression turned to a look of confusion and horror. "What is the matter with you?" Allison hissed. "Why the hell did you sneak up on me and do that?"

She could tell Draco had the urge to make a snide remark, but he restrained himself. "I just needed to get you alone," he responded with a frown.

"And you thought that was the way to do it? Just steal me away whenever you got the chance?" Allison asked stubbornly.

"I didn't wait for a chance. I cast the Confundus Charm on you." He smiled and seemed pleased with himself. "I knew you wouldn't stay in the stands once you felt dizzy and confused so I waited for you down here."

Allison's initial passionate feelings melted away and became anger. "You what?" Her eyes narrowed, and she glared at him. "You cast a charm on me to get what you wanted? Do you think this is really helping you right now?"

"Well, how else was I supposed to get you alone?" Draco looked frustrated and confused.

"How about ask me?" Allison retorted irritably. "Where were you in class today?"

"I was… out," he responded unconvincingly. He looked down at his feet and was clearly hiding something. "Besides, I wasn't sure I could take another day of staring at you and Seamus together."

"Listen, if you want to talk to me, you better talk quickly. Right now, I'm close to walking away and never seeing you again," Allison snapped.

"Okay, fine. I wanted to say… I'm sorry." Draco struggled to get the words out. "I'm sorry about staring at you, I'm sorry about casting a charm on you, and I'm sorry for kissing you unexpectedly. I'm sorry for everything. You didn't deserve what I did to you."

Allison stared at him, waiting. She knew there was more he wanted to say, but he was fighting to find the words. She was patient and didn't rush him. He finally cleared his throat and began again. "Allison…" he managed.

"Call me Allie," Allison interrupted.

"Right, Allie… I want you to know that what I said before, about being attracted to you, is still true. But I also wanted to tell you that I really like you. I can't stop thinking about you. I've tried fighting it, but it does no good. I know we're not supposed to be together, but please consider what I've said."

Allison opened her mouth, but found her voice missing. She finally managed to say, "I'll have to think about it. You know, you confuse me, too. You kiss me and say you can't stop thinking about me, but at the same time you are casting spells on me and glaring at me in the hallway. It's hardly how someone typically acts when they like someone."

"I'm not typical," Draco said, smiling. That's true, Allison thought to herself. Draco's words broke through her thoughts. "Will you think about it and meet me here at the edge of the forest, tomorrow at dusk?" He looked hopefully at her.

"Okay, I will. Tomorrow at dusk. And no more spells on me!" she warned. She began to walk away but paused and turned around. She could see his back as he began to retreat. "Oh, and Draco?" He stopped and turned around. "You don't have to apologize for kissing me." She smiled and returned to the stands, while Draco stood frozen in place, grinning to himself.

When she reached her seat, Hermione turned toward her, clearly concerned. "Allie, are you okay? You've been gone for quite a while," she said.

"Yeah, I'm fine. I just felt dizzy, that's all. I feel much better now," Allison responded. Seamus embraced her and held her tight. She felt warm, but the comfort she had known in his arms was gone. She couldn't focus on being true to Seamus knowing that she had been with Draco, even if it wasn't her fault. She had nothing to do with being ambushed, but she did enjoy it. This fact made her feel guilty, and she wriggled out of Seamus's hug.

Allison continued to watch the match, cheering half-heartedly for her team. Once she thought she spotted Draco on the other side cheering for Slytherin, but it only reminded her of the choice she had to make, and she averted her glance. When Gryffindor scored the final points, everyone jumped to their feet and screamed. Seamus grabbed Allison and kissed her happily. Allison felt lost in the excitement of the moment, and her mind drifted away. She suddenly felt conflicted and dejected. She knew it wouldn't be long before she had to make the decision.