Chapter 14

Sunday was just as relaxing as Saturday; hiding out in the library with Hermione doing homework was productive. The morning and afternoon blew by as we tackled all our homework and chatted in between.

I was nervous to see what Monday would bring since Draco and I's agreement. I knew people wouldn't be happy at first but they'd eventually come to accept it. At least that is what I hoped and prayed for. I tossed and turned Sunday night, unable to sleep from worry.

Before I realized it, the sun began to stream through our dorm windows, warming up our beds and waking us up in the process. Groaning I shuffled out of bed to shower.

'Eva! There's some bloody bird in here and won't let us touch the note!' Lavender yelled into the bathroom.

'All right. Just finished showering.' I yell wrapping a towel around me as I walked out into the room.

Indeed, there was a barn owl sitting on my night stand, hooting at any of the girls trying to come near him.

'The damn bird bit me!' Lavender huffed as I walked towards my bed, 'I tried to grab the note because none of us knew who it was for and it bit me!'

'I'm sorry.' I remark glancing at the bird. 'Hey there cute thing.'

Padma mumbled under her breath about a bloody nuisance, but I just ignored the girls and cooed at the bird who hooted at me. After feeding him a treat and grabbing the note he settled patiently waiting.

'I must have to send a response huh?' I remark settling on the bed

'Ooo, who's sending you secret notes this early in the morning?' Lavender teased. She was still trying to dig out who gave me the necklace and she didn't like being told no.

'Hush.' I remark my cheeks turning slightly red.

Hermione rolled her eyes and grabber her stuff to shower, ignoring the rest of the girls that were teasing me.

'OH!' Lavender exclaims, 'Having you been keeping something from us?!'

'My lips are sealed.' I mumbled earning pillows get thrown at me.

'Evangeline!' Padama exclaims

I wince as the pillows hit me and the owl hoots in annoyance when one comes close to him. I glare at them but turn back to the letter while the girls start to get ready for classes.

Rise and shine Edwards.

Today is the day that you get the full effect of what it means to gain the attention of a Slytherin.

I hope you're ready.

DM

Heat and butterflies swarmed my stomach at his note. He always seemed to have that effect on me. I fold up the paper and grab a quill and parchment to respond back to him.

Morning as well.

I must say your owl is very persistent in not letting anyone intercept the note. It bit Lavender's finger when she tried to grab the note!

I look forward to the challenge of accepting a Slytherins attention… I wonder which Slytherin is it?

Your Only Lion Friend.

Folding up the note and attaching it back to the owl. Hooting in response he flies back out the window. I start to change into our uniform and the girls continue to talk about their Valentine's weekend.

'Eva how was your Valentines. I heard that Malfoy was getting pretty cozy with you up at the bar on Saturday.' Padama teases with a sly grin.

'What?!' Hermione sputters turning around to look at me, 'Who ever made that rumor? She was with us at a table Saturday.'

'I wish Malfoy was cozying up with me! He might be a Slytherin but he's so hot!' Lavender gushes as she lays on her bed.

'Lavender!'

'What. You can't say he isn't attractive.' Lavender exclaims.

'Well. H was up at the bar with me.' I state quietly as all the girls stop and stare at me.

'Wha… how did this happen.' Hermione exclaims looking at me as if I grew two heads

'I knew it!' Padama shouts triumph.

'I left the table to get another drink and I ran into him there.' I remark causally, slipping my shoes on hoping they would just drop it.

'You ran into him?!' Lavender states, 'No one just runs into Draco Malfoy if he doesn't approve.'

I stare at Lavender, 'Somehow I don't believe that.'

'I heard he even paid for your drink.' Padama remarks coming over to us sending more whisperings about the dorm.

'What?!' Hermione shouts with bug eyes.

'Eva!'

Lavender catcalled before they all surrounded me. I tried to not blush from embarrassment as they asked me a thousand questions.

'So, a guy paid for my drink. What of it.' I remark pushing past them to grab my school bag.

'Not just any guy paid for your drink. Draco Malfoy paid for your drink.' Padma states pointedly 'There's a difference.'

'I still don't understand and we're going to be late to breakfast.' I mumbled trying to push back them.

'This is serious. A Slytherin doesn't just buy a drink and get cozy with a Gryffindor.' Lavender states as the girls follow me out the door.

'I think you guys are reading way too much into this.' I remark walking into the common room.

Thankfully they finally dropped pestering me and were soon distracted when the boys came out and began talking to them. The group of us walked down to breakfast chatting about the next Quidditch match and how to get under Umbridge's radar. I rolled my eyes in disgust as Ron ate with half his mouth open and still trying to shove more food in his mouth.

The morning classes dragged on, Professor Binns lectures always put us to sleep. After our break I followed Harry, Ron and Hermione to Potions listening as Hermione lectured them about during their homework.

'You might as well save your breath Hermione.' I state before she began another rant towards them. 'How many years have you been yelling at them and have they ever listened?'

'But-'

'You know they'll still come to you to help them.' I remark getting a shove for the comment.

'Hey!' Harry and Ron exclaim

'What? It's true though.'

We all fill into the dark, freezing Potions room, trying to find seats next to each other. Harry and Ron sit at a table together and then Hermione and I take our usual spot close to the boys.

I carried on a small conversation to Hermione about our Charms homework while trying to keep an eye towards the door. My heart was racing a bit in nerves about what would Draco do since this is the first time we would interact in public.

Soon enough he strolled in with Crabbe and Goyle. Following was Pansy, Nott and Blaise who all shared the same look of annoyance to be in classes with Gryffindor's. However, Snape came out from his office and began the lecture. When we broke to start our potion, I glanced over at Draco.

He was concentrated on his potion, his hair falling forwards framing his face. While he was a bully for a lot of people there was no denying that he took his studies serious. He was second in the class behind Hermione which I found admiring.

'I wanted a 17-inch essay on your potion by next class.' Snape drawled ending the class.

Groans were heard throughout the classroom but everyone kept their mouth shut. I packed up my Potions book and shoved my notes in between before getting up from my desk.

'I'm heading to the library to work on our essay. You should do the same.' Hermione remarks to Ron ahead of me.

'Ugh, Hermione. I'm starving. I can't skip lunch!' Ron moans shaking his head

'Oof!' I stumbled forward when someone bumps into me.

Turning I find Draco standing next to me with a smirk on his face and a mischievous glint in his eye. Behind him I found his friends watching curiously.

'Careful Edwards. Wouldn't want your friends to think you're fawning over me.' Draco remarks winking at me.

I roll my eyes in response but I groan when I see the annoyed faces of Ron and Harry.

'You ran into her Malfoy.' Ron retorts.

'Coming to her rescue Weasley.' Draco drawls glaring at Ron next to me.

'Shut up Malfoy!' Ron shouts.

'Ron. Please, there's no need to overreact.' I state glaring at the two boys hoping to avoid a fight.

'You should listen to her Weasley.' Draco egged on with his friends chuckling behind him.

'How da-'Ron begins before I shove him back.

I glance back and look at Draco who just winks at me again before turning to go to the Slytherin common room.

'I hate him!' Ron mutters angrily

'Hates a strong word to use.' I remark glancing at Ron, who was red faced from emotions

'I still hate him.' Ron huffed before looking at me. 'Why didn't you even retaliate?'

Hermione looked over at me curiously as I responded, 'Was it worth getting riled up by him?'

He just shakes his head in confusion before we all head to lunch. After lunch, we groaned and complained about how we had to sit through Divinations. As we were crossing through to get to the courtyard we could a bunch of students crowed together and others moving towards once central location.

'What's going on?' Harry asks one of the students walking by

'It's Professor Trelawney.' The Hufflepuff states walking away

We all glance about but follow the students until we can see what is happening in the courtyard. Peering in between other students I shifted over until I found a spot I could see out of. From there I could see that the pink fluff that was Umbridge looking over at someone with satisfaction written all over her face.

I tried to see who the other person is but can't with so many tall people around. I knew this had to do with Professor Trelawney.

'Edwards.' I hear someone whisper before I feel a warm hand grips my waist to pull me towards them.

Looking up I find Draco staring over to the spot I cannot see. 'Who is over there.' I whisper up to him.

He glances down at me and pulls me slightly closer so that our sides are touching. When I don't flinch away he grins, 'It's Professor Trelawney. Looks like she has all her belongings with her.'

'What? What is Umbridge doing?' I ask trying to peek over as I hear the Professor crying.

'Umbridge fired her and is kicking her off Hogwarts grounds.' Draco whispered back

'No?!'

I listen as everyone grows silent as I hear Professor Trelawney begging to be allowed to stay at the castle; that she has no other place to go. I might find her subject a joke but I felt bad for her. Umbridge only laughs and remarks that it wasn't her problem.

'I cannot believe this.' I whisper utterly shocked at scene before me.

I fell Draco grip my waist a bit more, reminding me that he never let go. He leaned into my ear, his breathe tickling me.

'Is this that surprising? Umbridge goal is to revamp Hogwarts.'

'True but the poor thing doesn't have anywhere to go.' I whisper back

He was saved from having to respond when a boom interrupted us talking. The doors were opened to reveal Dumbledore strolling into the courtyard.

'She will not be leaving!' Dumbledore states grimly as he comes over towards Professor Trelawney.

'I have the authority, Headmaster!' Umbridge exclaims

'I agree with you, Professor Umbridge. You do have the authority to dismiss my teachers.' Dumbledore begins, 'However you do not have the authority to banish them from this castle.'

I stand in awe as I watch Dumbledore battle with Umbridge unflinchingly. Umbridge was beyond furious, her face now matched her pink robes as Dumbledore stopped her from dismissing Trelawney. The moment they disagreed Dumbledore motioned Professor McGonagall to help Professor Trelawney with her suitcases before yelling at us students to get to class as he walked back into the castle.

'Man.' I remark looking up at Draco, 'I can't believe that just happened.'

'Things are getting serious here Edwards. You and your little side business should keep a low profile.' Draco whispered into my ear leading me away from the crowd.

'Yeah I know I'll talk to you more about it. Wait so does that me we don't have Divinations?!' I remark with a grin.

'I highly doubt we would get out of it that easily.' Draco remarks rolling his eyes at me. 'I'll see you in class Eva.'

He lets go of my waist as I see Lavender and the Patel Twins spotting me and walking over. A part of me missed the feeling of being wrapped in his arms and another was nervous on how much the girls would freak out; especially taking account their speech earlier today.