Chapter 25: The First Snow
I woke up the next morning shivering. I had forgotten to cast a heating spell over my room before I went to bed. I wrapped my robe tightly around me and slipped into the slippers waiting for me by the bed. They were chilly and a cool breeze took me into its choke hold. Why was it so cold?! I grabbed my wand from the bedside table and cast a heating charm on myself. I instantly felt a surge of warmth run through me like I was sipping a steaming cup of hot chocolate.
I was on my way to the closet to change when something caught my eye. I peered out the window and gasped. The Hogwarts grounds were laced in a blanket of snow. The sky was clear thanks to an 'after storm' day. The rays from the sun glistened off the snow, lighting up the sky. I squealed in excitement. There was something so magical about the first snow. I chuckled to myself at the irony in that. My parents had always said the first snow was magical before I became a witch. I skipped across my dormitory to the bathroom and pushed open the door to Draco's room, which was surprisingly unlocked.
"Draco!" I yelled bursting into the room. He snapped up from his bed immediately, his black hair scruffy, and wand at the ready.
"What's wrong?" he urgently asked, looking around earnestly. He threw his sheets off of him and stood. I could not help myself from letting my eyes wander down his bare chest. His wardrobe consisted of forest green boxers, and nothing else. I blushed when my eyes met back to his, seeing that he was doing the same.
"Nothing silly, it's the first snow!" I said excitedly. The seriousness that was in his face dropped. He sighed and plopped back down onto his bed.
"You are telling me that you woke me up at," He paused to glance at the clock. "Seven in the morning to tell me it was snowing?" he asked, trying to calm his anger. I nodded with a smile.
"Yup. Isn't it beautiful?" I asked, moving towards his window to take another look at enchanting Hogwarts. He rolled his eyes.
"I'd rather sleep than look out a window." He said lying back against his pillow, his silver silky covers at his waist. I walked over to his bed and sat down on the edge, careful not to get too close.
"Come downstairs with me and let's take a walk," I suggested. I didn't know where this sudden suggestion came from, but I knew that I wanted to celebrate the first snow, and with Draco Malfoy; my enemy. Or was he?
An odd look washed over his face. It was foreign to his features, and the closest word I could relate to it was surprise.
"There is no way in hell I would ever get my arse out of bed on a Sunday to walk in the middle of winter." He said snuggling closer to his sheets with a slight pout of his lips. I put on my best puppy dog face and scooted closer. He rolled his eyes playfully.
"That won't work,' he said. My pout turned to a frown.
"You don't want to go on a walk with me?" I asked with a mock hurt face. He once again rolled his eyes.
"I refuse to get out of bed, Hermione," He responded seriously, folding his arms cross his pale chest. "But you could always join me," he added with a sly smile and gesturing to the spot next to him. I laughed. That's just like the Draco Malfoy I know.
"Sorry Mr. Malfoy, but I am going to enjoy my first snow OUTSIDE," I said with a smile, I walked to the door and stopped in the frame, taking one last look at the gorgeous wizard in front of me. "Maybe another time," I added with a wink and left the room in a fit of giggles. I think that was the most outgoing thing I have ever done, and I liked it. The only thing that puzzled me was how much of that was true…
I ran down to the Gryffindor common room in hopes of seeing Ron and Harry. I didn't know if I should talk to Connor if I ran into him, but my heart was aching to speak with him. If he apologizes, I will forgive him. At the moment that was all I really wanted. Maybe I will go find him later today. The snow had me in a cheerful mood, and it seemed I was up for anything.
I couldn't wait to see the other Gryffindors. I felt as if I had grown apart form them since I got awarded the Head Girl position. Every year, Harry, Ron, Ginny and a few other Gryffindors celebrated the first snow at Hogwarts with an annual snowball fight against Ravenclaw. It was a tradition, and there was no way I was going to break it. When I entered the common room I saw Seamus and Neville lounging on the chairs.
"ello emione" Seamus said in his strong Irish accent.
"Hey Seamus! Hey Neville!" I said excitedly. "Are Ron and Harry up stairs?"I asked.
"I'll go look," Neville said, getting up from the couch and going up the stairs.
"So are you up for the annual snowball fight 'ermione?" Seamus asked as I plopped onto the couch.
"Of course, I am ready to smoke some Ravenclaw arse." I said with a smile. Seamus chuckled. I then saw Harry and Ron come downstairs. They were both rubbing their eyes sleepily and were still in their night robes.
"Ey Hermione," Harry said groggily.
"Hey," I replied. "I can't believe you two are still asleep!"
"Well its barely past seven," Ron said sleepily, plopping into a chair.
"But it's the first snow!" I said. They boys' face lit up and they finally woke.
"Jeeze hermione! Why didn't you wake us up!" harry said playfully punching my arm. I rolled my eyes.
"You two get dressed and I will get Ginny." I said.
A group of seventh year Gryffindor went down to the grounds chattering excitedly when a snow ball hit Harry in the back of the head. He flinched in surprise, but then a wicked smile came to his face and he turned around.
"oy Potter!" We got a tradition to uphold!" A Ravenclaw boy yelled above the chatter. Behind him were a dozen or so of his housemates. Then the boy cracked a smile.
*
I threw a dozen snowballs from my wand like a loaded muggle weapon at the Ravenclaws. There were magical forts of snow built all around, and many more students came to support their house over the course of nearly an hour. I was about to throw another load when a snowball hit me in the back of the head. I turned around in search of the culprit and met eyes with hazel ones. A boy with shaggy brown hair, Gryffindor dressing, and a goofy grin on his face held them. It was Connor. I could not help but melt at the sight of that smile. It was too innocent for the wizard portraying it.
I then felt the snow start to melt and trickle down my neck. I jumped a little from the cold but then walked to Connor as he walked to me, and we met in the middle under a snow laced tree.
"Hi," I said with a sideways grin.
"Hi," he replied. We paused for a moment, both engulfed in our thoughts. Connor let out a sigh.
"Hermione, listen, I was acting really dumb and-"
'its fine Connor, I over reacted." I said cutting him off.
"No you were right. " Connor said. "You are the most amazing witch I have ever met." I gave him a small smile. "You are beautiful, and smart, and caring and kind and wonderful, and… a good kisser," he cheekily added. I rolled my eyes playfully. "It's just that I thought about you and Malfoy being at the concert together and I got a little, well, jealous". He said with a sigh.
The pit in my stomach started to churn in guilt. I hadn't done anything wrong technical, but that didn't mean I wasn't thinking about it… My mind flashed back to the night in the forbidden forest. I had never wanted anything more in my life at that moment than to kiss Draco freaking Malfoy. And it scared me how much I was slowly getting addicted to him. But Connor should NEVER know about my feelings towards him.
"Listen, Connor." I said looking directly into his sad hazel eyes. "I am dating you for a reason. I really like you Connor, and I will never stretch my loyalty to you." I then pulled him into a kiss. He seemed surprised at first but then caved, and gave into the kiss. I pulled away to see the goofy smile back on his face. I knew at that moment we had made up.
"Ah yes, you are definitely a good kisser," he said. I laughed and he grabbed my arm and pulled me up towards Hogwarts cheerfully.
**NON FLASHBACK**
Little did I know then, that a pair of grey eyes were a storm of anger fallowing my every move.
a/n: you guys are probably really upset with me about the long wait. :[ lo siento!
Ok so my Photoshop isn't working so I have no Chap. Image or fav reader award. I'll just annonce that my favorite reader is...
Kaykay!
Thanks everyone!
Love always,
Slitherinlove 3