I entered the hall with a blank expression to hide the pain inflicted by my earlier realization. I tensed when I saw William with my friends, talking casually. I huffed and walked over somberly. I saw my mother give me a worried glance at my eyes, a little red from my crying. I turned from her and sat next to Hermione.

"I need to be anywhere, but not with Will..."

The guys were talking about quiditch and such while I felt Hermione's gaze set on me.

"Esmeralda?"

I whimpered and slowly turned to face her. I saw her hold back a gasp of worry at my eyes and the faint tear stains. She turned from me and smiled innocently at the boys.

"Guys, we'll be right back."

They turned to us just as we got up. Will looked at me with worry etched on his face, but I turned away to avoid bursting into tears. Hermione led me out and into the corridor. Once we thought no one could see us, she turned to me, gripping my shoulders.

"Esmeralda, what's wrong?"

I couldn't hold the hot tears in and collapsed in the hallway, holding my forearms for strength. She wrapped her arms around me and I cried into my best friends shoulder. She rubbed my back for comfort, making me whimper when I felt Wills strong grasp there. I pulled back, looking down at my knees as she was forced to look at my head.

"Esme?"

I whimpered at her voice, transformed into Wills silky tone.

"Will..."

She got up and footsteps entered my ears, getting fainter. I sat there, crying in the cold for I don't know how long when I heard someone sit in front of me, but I didn't dare look.

"Yes, Esme?"

I gasped and quickly looked into his blue eyes, filled with fear. It made my heart ache slightly to see him like this. I looked down again as more tears threatened to come.

"Hermione, I got this."

I heard her leave and felt my chin being lifted. I resisted for a moment, then let him make me look at him. I couldn't refrain from my growing urge and kissed him swiftly. I felt him tense. Remembered Malfoy's words, I released him quickly biting my lip in worry.

"I'm sorry... I don't know what-"

He hastily planted his lips on mine, breathing heavily. I closed my eyes and leaned further into bliss. He released me a little more quickly then I would liked but stayed silent when I saw a question in his face.

"What made you so upset?"

I wanted to cry, but heaved a sigh and looked at him painfully.

"I...I heard Malfoy saying that a true Gryffindor like you wouldn't want anything to do with me... I... I'd understand if its true..."

I let a tear escape, missing the amused smile that he had. He lifted my head and kissed away the unstoppable tears lightly.

"You have nothing to fear, Esme. Malfoy's a fool for thinking I wouldn't want to be with you."

His words made me smile slightly. I hugged him tightly. We sat there for a few moments before his soft voice broke the silence.

"I wanted to ask you this in the courtyard, but I think this will bring back a smile to that lovely face of yours."

I blushed and looked up at him curiously.

"What is it?"

He kissed my cheek.

"Esme, how would you feel about officially being my girlfriend?"

I let my mouth hang in shock. His girlfriend?! My heart sped up at the thought, making me grin happily. A smile grew on my face rapidly before I leaned in and kissed him deeply. He smiled into it, making my own smile brighter. I let go and smiled lovingly into those blue orbs.

"I'll take that as a yes then?"

I giggled and he helped me get up off the ground. He hooked his arm with mine, making me grin.

"Shall I escort my lady back to her chambers?"

I laughed and put my head on his shoulder.

"You shall."

Will stood in the doorway and bowed, lifting my hand. The feeling was familiar, but not unwelcomed.

"Goodnight, my dear."

I smiled and as he left a soft kiss on my hand. When he got up, a thought came to mind.

"Why are you always so formal with me?"

His smile faltered slightly.

"I apologize for that. I was taught to always be formal when in the company of a lady. Its sort of been burned into my mind and actions."

I laughed and touched his cheek gently.

"Well you don't have to do that with me. And mark my words, I'm going to try and break that habit of yours."

He grinned and started to retreat from the doorway.

"I look forward to it"

Before he could leave, I grabbed him lightly and left a fleeting kiss on his lips. I smiled tauntingly.

"Goodnight, William"

I saw him glow red before closing the door, laughing as I went to bed.

The next morning, I awoke with a brighter smile on then yesterday. I looked at my clock and saw I had twenty minutes to get to breakfast! I rushed around the room to get ready. I enchanted my robes to be put on, my brush, toothbrush, and shoes to quickly dress me. It took a matter of moments before I ran out the door.

I got to the Great Hall in record time to see that only a few students were in. One being William. He waved me over making me smile. My mother looked confused, along with father. I laughed quietly and nodded to them for reassurance. I smiled tiredly up at Will, earning one from him.

"You seem happy and exhausted all at once, my dear."

I smirked and smacked his arm lightly.

"Well I had such a blissful sleep that I didn't wake up until a few minutes before breakfast."

He chuckled and looked over to the head table to see if my parents were looking. He kissed me deeply quickly when he saw they were talking merrily with eachother. I laid my head on his shoulder, smiling at his open affection towards me. He laced his hand with mine under the table, making me sigh in happiness. I heard the bell ring but I didn't move.

"Esme, we need to get to class, as much as I'm enjoying this."

I sighed. I soon felt eyes on us and released him from my hold, getting up and grabbing my books. I looked to my parents to see that they were gone, along with everyone else. I smiled and leaned down, kissing Will lovingly.

"I'll see you in Herbology, Will."

He nodded as I left the hall with a large blush growing on my face as I left for my mothers class.