My date with Lucius starts off awkward, but as time moves on, we grow more accustomed to each other. This however, does not make the experience any nicer. Lucius is downright cold and incredibly arrogant, more so than Sirius or James. I try to focus on the positive points of the day, he hasn't made one snub at my family or blood and he bought me a really delicious hot chocolate from a cute little cafe on the outskirts of Hogsmede. Even better, as we are ambling gently in the afternoon, the clouds that have been swiftly swelling throughout the afternoon finally burst; the drizzling rain heightening into torrents, and we are caught in the downpour.
We are striding up a large hill, past the forest and the shrieking shack. Lucius had said something about there being a beautiful view of the castle; to be honest I wasn't really listening. I doubt we'll be able to see anything through the thick grey clouds and cascading water. I sprint on ahead, the water dancing on the grass and reviving my tired emotions.
"Stella, what are you doing?" Lucius questions irritably. I turn back; he is slowly trying to catch up with me, his protruding umbrella shielding him from the droplets. I race back to him, stealing his umbrella and hurrying off again. His expression melts from dumbstruck to furious. I know exactly how to push his buttons and he loves it.
"Give me back my umbrella," he growls through gritted teeth and I let out a howl of laughter. He stands, utterly rigid, glowering determinedly. I think he's trying to freeze me with his icy frown, but it won't work, I don't care. I never care when I'm in the rain. Giving up on glaring, Lucius strides forward, trying to prise the umbrella out of my tiny hands. Every time he gets close enough to reach it, I leap away, spiralling out of his reach. Giggles bubble in my stomach and erupt, echoing throughout the empty landscape. The world seems so much brighter when the sun is masked by rainclouds; even Lucius is looking nicer than normal.
"You look beautiful," he calls out, stopping me dead in my tracks. Insults fail to stop me but one word of kindness and I'm immobilised. Lucius takes the opportunity whilst I am stunned to swipe the umbrella back, shielding us both from the thundering rain. He steps closer to me, his chin brushing against the top of my head. I cautiously glance up, only to see him meaningfully gazing into my eyes with a smirk so wide that it engulfs his handsome face. He leans closer, his breath disturbing the tendrils that were lashing against my cheekbones moments before. I stand severely, thoughts storming through my mind and screaming 'this is wrong! Move!' But I can't. As he gently presses his lips against mine, a strange mixture of regret and elation thunder throughout my body.
I feel strangely lifted. The poor lonely slug has finally had someone notice her and reach out to her, and no matter how horrible he may be she is willing to overlook his faults. It's a relief to know that I'm not completely undesirable and hideous. However, I know this is wrong. I am compromising my standards and values, ignoring his hatred and so called superiority. Feeling loved, or at least mildly cared for is good, but I know that Lucius, given the chance, would completely change me. I'm not rich enough for him, I'm not pureblood and I'm not perfect. Also, I am desperately and undeniably in love with someone else. Even though Remus is obviously uninterested, I can't stop my emotions or desperate longing for him.
I lace my fingers in Lucius's pale hair, his free arm winding around my waist. I can't escape from his strong grasp, or the ominous black umbrella. I know this is wrong, the rain should be washing away any regrets and anxiety, but I am trapped, shielded, imprisoned.