Differences of habit and language are nothing at all if our aims are identical and our hearts are open. ~J.K. Rowling, "The Beginning," Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, 2000, spoken by the character Albus Dumbledore

Disclaimer: Everything belongs to J K Rowling.

Of Friendships and love

"Hey Samantha", I said sleepily, "would you be able to point me towards the Owlery sometime today?"

The new word slipped off my tongue awkwardly. I had slept quite well the past few nights considering the weeks drama. Draco hadn't changed much since that one dinner. Sometimes he was so sweet and then other times he would completely ignore me. it was unnerving. Now I stood brushing my hair in front of the large oval mirror, as I waited for Samantha to answer me.

"Sure thing", she answered as she dashed on some mascara.

As we walked out of the dorm room I glanced behind me. I wondered if Draco had left to breakfast yet. Then I shook my head. I was being silly. I couldn't get involved with such a guy. He was trouble. I sighed.

Draco didn't show up to breakfast, and as hard as I tried I couldn't help but glance over at the door every few seconds to see if he was coming. If any of my friends noticed they didn't comment. Although, I did see Millicent smirking at me at one point.

After breakfast, which was completely delicious and had more food than I could ever begin to eat, we all headed out to the hallway. First period was a break, and our classes would only be starting much later. Samantha walked me halfway to the Owlery, and then remembering that she had told someone she would meet up with them, she gave me directions for the rest. I almost got hopelessly lost, but somehow I made it in one piece.

The Owlery was magnificent. I walked in and was blown away. Owls. Loads of them. And they all seemed to be watching me. And none of them were in cages. It was completely nerve-wracking. I tried to recall Professor McGonagall's instruction. What had she said? Just walk up to one, tell them where you want them to go, and give them your letter. It had seemed pretty simple then, but now I was feeling extremely incapable. I heard a noise that sounded like footsteps from right outside, and I turned around nervously. Hermione. I smiled. Saved. Phew.

Hey there", she said noticing me; "need some help?"

I nodded desperately. She walked over to me and spread her hand out for the letter. I dropped it into her hands with a thankful smile.

"Hey there sweets", she said walking over to a rather small white owl, "where to?" she asked as she turned her head towards me. I told her my address and looked on in amazement, as the owl nodded to Hermione, and then took off with my letter in its beak.

I watched by the window as it grew smaller and smaller and then disappeared. I wondered what my parents were up to. Were they scared for me? I wondered if they had called a police in a panic. I was their only daughter. And we had just lost grandma. What kind of daughter was I? I should have just gotten off the train when I had a chance. Except now I don't even know if I could have. Because how does one even go back to Kings cross from platform Nine and Three quarters. My head started hurting from all my hopeless thoughts and I felt tears pricking at my eyes. I felt a hand touch my shoulder and I looked up with teary eyes.

Hermione looked at me with concern in her large brown eyes. I looked up towards the owls.

"I miss then", I said my voice thick with emotion.

"It's okay to", Hermione said softly.

The two of us slid to the ground by the window and sat looking out towards Hogwarts vast grounds. From our view we could see many students milling around. I thought I spotted Ginny but I couldn't be sure. There was a huge lake and I saw a couple kissing holding hands. They looked perfect. Everyone's lives so perfect. Everyone, but mine. Hermione started speaking and startled me from my reverie.

"You know last year things got pretty rough with Ron. I think we were both pretty young and unsure of what we wanted. We were in this relationship but neither of really knew what a relationship meant. He kept on trying to force his feeling and ideas on me and I tried to change him all the time. I wanted to make him more mature. With all the fighting and arguing we lost the spark that had brought us together. I thought we would never be the same. I was so hurt. He was so down. And Harry, poor thing, was all lonely and trying to deal with his own issues. His whole existence had been obsessed with bringing Voldemort down. Once he was defeated he had to take a look at himself, and figure out who he truly was. We were all such a mess. Everyone thinks of us as these incredibly brave heroes. Perfect. But at the end we are all just human. Magic, or no magic. Everyone falls prey to the same problems. And we were no exception".

I looked at her as she spilled out her soul to me. This was a side to Hermione that I hadn't seen before. This was raw. It almost felt like I was looking in on something private. Like I was peeking into a private conversation. She looked towards me with a sad smile. I took a deep breath.

"When my grandma passed away", I began softly, "I felt like life would never be the same. My dad was so quiet all the time and my mom was down. Everything was just so depressing. I barely smiled. It took all my energy just to get out of bed. At one point I considered killing myself. Then I could be with my grandma and I wouldn't have to deal with all the tension at home. I almost did it. I was so close. But then I couldn't. I couldn't leave my parents alone. I couldn't do that, because I knew it would destroy them. And I loved then both too much to do something so selfish. I feel like I'm hurting my parents now by not being with them. I'm here in school and now they are back in London alone".

We both sighed. Life could be such a burden. But burdens were best shared with others. Already I felt a little better. No, I hadn't told Hermione the complete truth, but I had shared with her something I hadn't shared with anyone. There was a connection between us now.

We walked out of the Owlery and towards our separate classes. I smiled at Hermione and gave her small hug. I wasn't all into touchy touchy between friends but it felt good to show her that small gesture of thanks. I walked towards Divination with a light feeling in my heart. Things were going to be alright. Hopefully this owl letter sending thing would work. I hope my parents wouldn't die of shock when they got a letter from an owl with my name. I smirked. They'd probably think some cult had gotten hold of me. In the letter I had told them not to worry about me. I wrote that I was safe and I was happy and I would continue to be in touch with them. I didn't want to give away too much information but I did want to make sure they wouldn't worry.

Divination was a really weird class. The Slytherin had it with the Ravenclaws. We had to look into these teacups and make predictions. At first I thought I'd look like an idiot making things up, and that everyone would totally realize I was lying. But then Pansy was all like, come on let's make up some crazy death stuff. It was mental. We were telling the teacher that Pansy would meet an overgrown horse which would eat us both, and then transform us into unicorns. And the old nutter totally believed us. She even praised us for having a very clear inner eye. We snorted in her face. She didn't seem too keen with us after. Draco wasn't in class. I looked. I know I shouldn't have. Argh I was obsessed with someone who half hated me. I was so going to regret this. I just couldn't help but think of him all the time.

At lunch I checked for him and he still wasn't there. He was probably going to be in such big trouble with Snape whenever he did show up. Although from the rumors I'd heard Snape really liked Draco so maybe he would let him off easily. I hoped so. Snape didn't look like the sort of man you would want to be angry with you.

I walked down the hallway to my last class of the day, when I felt someone brush by me, and slip something into my hand. I stared after the blonde hair that I would recognize anywhere. Draco, I thought shakily. I uncurled my fingers and unfolded the paper. It said: MEET ME AT THE BLACK LAKE AT 10. I gulped. Should I should I not? There were obvious reasons not to get involved and even more obvious reasons to ( like gorgeous eyes, and beautiful hair, and oh I could go on and on) . I was undecided. Or more like completely decided and trying to discourage myself. I spent the entire class watching him. He sat two seats in front of me. I saw his neck tense every so often. He kept his back straight up. He didn't slouch like the guys back in my school. He was so differnet. So refined. And then again, he could be such a jerk. I honestly tried not to think about him, but I couldn't help it.

At dinner I gave in, and asked Millicent where the black lake was. She teased me asking if I was meeting a special guy there. I tried to keep my face impassive as she explained that the black lake was a total hook up spot. She had the best kisses there from many guys in that spot. I nodded as she spoke pretending not to care too much that she hadn't told me the exact location. She finally explained how to get there.

At ten I snuck out of bed, and walked through the empty halls. It was creepy. Lights out had been a while ago, and if I was caught I would be so dead. Snape would definitely murder me. The hallway lacked the warmth that had been there during the day. I shivered. Damn. Why hadn't I thought to bring a jacket? As I stepped outside I breathed a sigh of relief. I had made it pretty far. Maybe I would be lucky. The night air was cold and I continued shivering. The grass felt wet around my ankles. Every noise I heard made my heart beat faster. As I got closer to the lake I felt like I had seen it before. At first it looked to be empty as I surveyed the area. But then I saw a shape of a person standing by a tall willow tree. It was Draco. As I neared, he turned face me and gave a small wave. I waved back, hating the way my pulse quickened just from knowing he was near.

I walked up towards him and stood facing him awkwardly. It was silent for a couple of seconds as we both stared at another, the light from the castle casting a soft glow on our faces. His hair was messy. Like he had been putting his hands through it. I liked it this way.

"What did you want then," I asked my teeth chattering.

He ignored my question. Then he reached out and touched my cheek. His fingers felt like scorching heat.

"You're cold," he whispered in that silky smooth voice of his that made me feel warm all over. He took off his jacket and slipped it onto my shoulders. I turned to accommodate him. It was moments like these that made me want to be his forever. I tried not to be too obvious as I inhaled the smell of his jacket. It smelled like him. Musky and sift. At the same time. It smelled heavenly. I wished selfishly to hold on to his jacket forever even if I couldn't have him. Because honestly there was no way a guy like him would want to be with me. He was too incredible. Too perfect.

"I'm tired of trying not to be with you. I want you so bad. You are so beautiful and so real", he whispered. When had he got so close to me I wondered. And what was he saying.

"I've tried to leave you be. I'm not good for you. Not good for anyone. But I can't anymore. I'm tired of holding back. I can't get you out of my mind," he said earnestly.

It was like he was warning me and begging me at the same time.

I licked my upper lip nervously as I stared into his face. He took my hand in his and said two words. Please. And my name. Alicia. And I was lost. I nodded as I reached out to touch his shoulder. He smiled. And it was more beautiful than anything I had ever seen. And then he leaned down and kissed my lips and then I wasn't cold anymore. His hand was only back and mine went cautiously to his messy hair. Could this really be happening? Should this be happening? And then I remembered where I had seen the lake before. From the owlery window. The couple kissing. The perfect couple. And without hesitation I returned Draco's kiss.

A/N

I finished editing it earlier than I thought I would be able to. So here is chapter 7. I can't wait to get all my ideas into paper. This story hasn't even begun Thanks for reading…reviews are appreciated.