The week seemed to never end. Draco made no notion to contact me and was very scarce. He didn't show up to breakfast, lunch, or dinner (not that I was looking). Pansy was about to burn a hole though my skull if she stared at me across the Great Hall any longer. At first, I tried to hide from her gaze but she didn't pursue anything. She was wound too tightly. She can have him. I kept telling myself, but I know that that was something I couldn't live with.
Harry wasn't making it any easier to try to forget him either. After the dud of an evening with my uncle, Harry insisted on reconnecting again to find more information. Even after telling him about my run in with Pansy, he was still persistent. Luna had to finally step in to ask him to lay off for a while. I couldn't handle it much longer. I needed to live my life out as a normal sixteen year old. That was never going to happen.
Who was I kidding? I barely even knew what day it was. Even without Draco and Harry, I was up to my eyeballs in studies. I already had to ditch the last Ravenclaw Quidditch match. Luna was devastated, but she knew she couldn't drag me from the library.
And here I sat, on a Saturday night, curled up in 'my' corner of the library, with a stack of books on my right and a pile of notes on my left. I pushed a desk over to a window so I could look out onto the lake. The way the light hit the fog cast an eerie shadow over everything it touched.
I looked over at the wall clock. Twenty past two. I had been here for hours and still only made it through three classes of homework. I rested my head on the windowsill and imagined lying in a boat on the lake, letting the current rock me to sleep. Soon I was out.
The dense fog cleared as I pulled to shore. The trees swayed in the midnight breeze. Chill covered everything, casting small ice crystals all around the fauna of the shore. The moonlight cast a silver path for me off the boat and into the woods. I was pulled by a magnetic force reaching at me from inside the darkness. My bare feet seemed to glide over the forest floor as I pushed my way through shrubs to find a clearing encircled by trees. In the center of the clearing rested a stone slab shimmering from a liquid-like substance.
I went over to the stone slab to only be interrupted by a shrill sound. My feet hit the ground and started running in the opposite direction of the noise. Suddenly my foot caught a root on the floor, paralyzing me.
The rest of the dream played out as it always had; Draco dragging me off the ground, pleading me to go, to follow him as the darkness consumed us.
There was a rapping at the window. I awoke from my dream, lifting my head and squinting my eyes in the sunlight. Drool drippled from my mouth as I gained full consciousness. I wiped my face clean with my robe and looked up to see a scrawny owl struggling outside the library window. What time is it?
The owl rapt at the window again then flew full force into it. I quickly opened the window and grabbed the owl by the leg, pulling it into the library. Around it's leg wrapped a note in golden string. I untied the paper and threw the bird back out the window, closing the window from the cold.
I turned the note over in my hands. I wanted to throw it into the fireplace. I also wanted to rip it open and see what this prick actually wanted. It's honestly about time! But in the back of my head I was worried. No one had seen Draco for days and Harry swore he had been leaving the school nightly due to his disappearance on this ridiculous secret map he had been clutching for the past week.
Fuck it. I ripped open the letter and read:
Tonight 9pm greenhouse
Why was he always so fucking vague? I sighed and cleaned up my surroundings. I had officially spent another night in the library. And this dream kept creeping into my mind every chance it got. It sent chills down my spine. I needed to eat.
I threw my books down on the bench and loaded up my plate full of heart shaped cookies and breads. Mid-mouthful deep, Luna popped up out of nowhere sporting an extravagant pink headpiece. I shook my head and continued to eat.
"Happy Nester Day Lyra." She sat down and gave me a lolli.
I swallowed. "Nester Day? Making up holidays now are we? What is all this stuff anyways?"
"Lyra, it's Valentine's Day, or, as I like to refer to it as, Nester Day." She loaded a heart shaped pie onto her plate.
Great. I had forgotten all about Valentine's Day. Fitting as it was such a great day so far.
"I have to ask; what is Nester Day?" I bit into another bun.
"Never regret yesterday for today you may parish. Nester," she said quite simply with a smile.
"That's a little dark, isn't it Luna?'
"Not as depressing as spending the whole day sulking alone." She made a good point. Harry must have really ticked her off for her to create an entirely new holiday to celebrate.
"Well can I be your Nester then?" I asked, smiling.
"Oh, my Sheble? Of course!...But, don't you have Draco?" I choked on my food. Since when was there any inkling of Draco and I being together?
"I mean, with the gift and everything..." she continued, motioning toward the necklace. I stuffed the necklace back in my shirt and took another bite to refrain from continuing the conversation. I honestly didn't know what was in store for our future. He had proven to be a useful necessity but after the other night, I had to reevaluate.
I remembered the note I had received earlier that morning. My hand went to my cloak pocket but the notion was suddenly interrupted by the daily mail. Owls surrounded our heads, dropping small gifts and packages wrapped in pink in red. I glanced over to Pansy, who had a mountain of blood red roses dropped in front of her. She had a group of girls surrounding her, giggling and blushing with excitement. Who gave her those? I had one guess as I searched for the scrawny owl who had visited me earlier this morning but to no avail. There were too many birds circling over us. The thought of Draco playing both of us infuriated me. But then again, I was using him too. This entire thing is just a big mess.
Luna looked over to me and then followed my gaze towards Pansy. She turned back to me and placed her hand on mine, giving me a smile. I tried to smile back at her but so many other emotions had flooded my brain, making it hard to focus.
I took another bun and shoved it in my cloak pocket. I needed a shower and some clean clothes. I couldn't keep looking at that girl flaunting her roses.
"Happy Nester Day Luna. I'll see you in a bit," I said my farewells and headed to the dormitory.
Luna had made a point to try to cheer me up all day and keep my mind off of things. We even headed to Hogsmeade to grab a butterbeer and shop for a couple of little odds and ends but my mind was constantly drawn to Draco as I watched all the couples snogging in corners of the pub and snuggled together keeping warm from the cold in the streets.
The end of the day had finally came. Finally. I lay posted up on my bed, reading the note over and over again. The clock read half past eight. If I was going to make a move, I better decide soon. After the day I had, my heart longed for some interaction with him but the image of Pansy kept knocking me down to Earth.
I finally convinced myself to go. It wouldn't hurt to see what he wanted. Maybe he would decide to give me some insight. I highly doubted it, but I wouldn't know unless I went. I could always leave if I wanted.
I quickly wrapped up in a scarf and my cloak, heading down the stairwell to the common room. I stopped briefly and spotted Luna curled up by the fire with her spectrespecs on, reading a copy of the Quibbler. I quickly pulled my hood up and over my head, continuing discretely down the stairwell, hoping she didn't notice.
Not many students knew about the secret passage that lay at the base of the Ravenclaw Tower. It was said that Rowena Ravenclaw had prime influence on much of the floor plans while Hogwarts was being built. She secretly hid an underground passageway that exited the tower, out onto the grounds. I had stumbled upon this information only in the depths of a biography, tucked away in one of the most desolate areas of the library. I hadn't told anyone of this discovery and had almost forgotten about it until a couple of months ago. I never had any reason to use it, however, tonight was an exception.
The cool air hit my face as I stepped out of the shrubbery that covered the exit. It was a convincing argument that January and February were some of the coldest months at the school. I buried my nose into my scarf as I headed around the school to the greenhouses.
A hooded figure stood at the top of the hill as I approached. The figure turned to meet my gaze, allowing the moonlight to hit the blonde hair under his cloak. Draco smiled at me as I came nearer.
"I'm glad you came to meet me. I was afraid... " he trailed off. I stood with my arms crossed, awaiting his next move.
"Bloody cold out here," he said sheepishly, trying to change the subject. He had the most perfect opportunity to apologize for the other night and he wasn't going to do it. I sighed in frustration and turned to leave.
"Lyra, wait," Draco grabbed at my cloak, preventing me from moving. I turned around and snatched it back from his grip. At this point, the moonlight lit his pale face. His eyes looked tired, baring evidence of sleepless nights.
"Look, about the other night..." he paused and rubbed his forehead.
"Where have you been Draco?" I spat. He looked at me puzzled but didn't deny my accusation.
He looked down at his feet and pushed the hair out of his eyes. "I've...been busy."
Really? "And you wonder why I cannot trust you!" I replied angrily. "Why are you always so vague?" A frustrated growl escaped from my throat. Draco stepped closer to me. His tired eyes lightened with faint life as he looked at me.
"I stick by my word, Lyra, no matter what or with who. You are NOT the only one I have made arrangements with. You must understand this." His voice sounded weak with his last words.
My mind started to whirl. Arrangements? Who else had these 'arrangements'? My mind flashed to Pansy and her pile of roses. I glared at Draco.
"So you DID send her the flowers then? UGH! You are impossible!" I pushed away from him.
"What? Who?" he stammered.
"But who else?" He still stared at me, confused. "Pansy?"
Draco scoffed. "Someone brought Pansy flowers? Ha! That was NOT me. I swear." He chuckled and then stepped closer to me again. "I meant what I said the other night. I truly care about you Lyra and after what happened, I'm determined to make you see that." He took my cold hand in his and smiled down at me. "Let me make it up to you."
His caress melted me. He pulled me in closer, warming my body with his. The sweet smell of sandalwood flooded over me, calming my nerves. How did I always get wrapped up in this? But this is what you wanted, wasn't it? my consciences asked. It was true. I may not have gotten an apology, but it was close enough.
"I have something to show you," he whispered into my hair. Pulling me out of our embrace, he drug me back down the hill, towards the lake.
As we approached the boarder of the Forbidden Forest, I finally had to speak up. I didn't feel comfortable about this.
"Draco, we're not supposed to be down here." He continued to drag me towards the forest. I started to resist.
He turned and looked at me, "We're also not supposed to be out past dark, but you still met me. Don't try to play innocent here Carrow. We're almost there."
The journey continued. As we approached a steep decline down the side of the lake, I could hear a faint sound of running water. A small glow appeared as we rounded a grove of trees, finally arriving at our destination. My heart stopped as I looked up at the cascading waterfall, twinkling in the moonlight. It pooled at the bottom forming a private lagoon, completely surrounded by Nightshades. Steam rose into the cold night from the water.
Draco turned to look at me with a huge grin on his face. He tugged at my hand again but my legs would not move. I was too entranced by the sight to realize his notions. "C'mon. The water is warm," he went to removed his shoes and socks, exposing his bare feet. He flung off his gloves, scarf and cloak, making his way towards the water.
I finally realized what he was about to do. "Are you bloody insane?" I inquired. It had to have been in the negatives tonight.
He looked at me shivering, "What? Don't tell me you're afraid." He slowly trudged into the lagoon, water lapping at his now soaked pant legs. He turned to me and fell back into the water, extending his arms as he did so. The water rippled away from his body and back again. Draco reappeared from the depths of the pool and shook the water and hair from his face. He swam to me and I couldn't help but smile at his silly nature.
"You're mad," I reinstated, stepping closer to the edge of the water. My shoes rested on the smooth pebbles and I allowed the water to gently reach the tips. The water seemed to glisten and sparkle with it's movement, giving the lagoon it's natural glow.
"Maybe so." Draco replied. I stood at the edge of the waters, watching him. "Well? Are you not getting in then?"
A gust of wind blew through the grove, sending chills down my spine. "I am quite fine right here." There was no way I was about to get soaked in this temperature. Draco had lost it.
Draco chuckled at my remark. "Could've fooled me." He kicked his feet back, splashing me with water. I tried to jump back to avoid the stream of water but my calculations were off, covering the front of my sweater.
"In about fifteen seconds this water will be warmer than your body." Draco smiled.
"No thanks to you!" This boy really knew how to get his way. "Fine! Turn around," I demanded. Draco raised his eyebrows in amusement but didn't budge. "Go on now," I shooed at him. After a second he finally turned his back. "Don't get any ideas. I'm not getting nude."
He looked over his shoulder, "Why are you so worried? You forget that I've seen you in less." My mind raced back to the morning I awoke in his bed wearing his shirt. I blushed.
After removing my shoes, stockings, cloak and scarf, I slowly waded into the steaming pool. The waters thawed my frozen toes and feet. It felt amazing. When the liquid reached my knees, I stopped. I had never swam fully clothed before. I wasn't a fan of the idea either. But my mind changed fairly quickly as Draco came towards me, shirt soaked, clinging to his body. My heart quickened as he approached, water dripping from his clothes. He reached out and grabbed my hand and quickly pulled me into the water. I practically fell into his arms as we drifted into the warm depths of the pool.
"How did you find this place?" I inquired, wrapping my arms around his neck for balance.
"Just a happy stumble I suppose." He smiled at me. The moonlight lit the waters around us. I hated to admit it, but this was exactly what I wanted; to be alone together. Draco pulled me closer, forcing me to wrap my legs around his waist as we drifted closer to the falls. Sprinkles of warm droplets began to hit my face.
"So you swear you didn't get Pansy those flowers?" I inquired again. I just couldn't get her off my mind.
Draco glared at me. "You know how to ruin a mood don't you?" He shook his head. "No. I promise you I didn't. She's is completely insane. I need someone to bring me back down." Draco's face contorted. He sighed deeply and looked back up at me with his silver eyes. "This year... has been challenging. I've done things that I've regretted very much" he placed his hand on the back of my neck and rubbed the faint scarred line, forcing memories to flood back. "But I don't regret meeting you." My whole body became flushed as he continued to rub the back of my neck.
"Lyra, will you be mine?" He whispered into my ear.
My entire body froze. What? Me? Was this an official proposal to be his girlfriend? I had no idea how to respond. I just stared at him, speechless.
Draco chuckled and raised an eyebrow. "I'll take that as a yes," he responded, kissing me deeply. My breath caught finally as soon as his lips touched mine. Our hot breath formed a cloud as we kissed, mingling into the air and rising into the night sky. Draco's hand grasped the base of head, forcing me deeper into his mouth. His other hand found its way onto the back of my thigh, slowly sliding up to grab my ass under my skirt. The animal inside me was brought to life instantaneously. I had never felt so alive before in my life. My heart was pumping profusely and my mind, body, and soul were all a whirl of emotions. I should've stopped, but I didn't want to.
Our bodies entwined in the glowing waters. I grabbed at his shirt as he grabbed at me, slowly grinding my body against his. It was impossible to tell whose hands where whose as we explored each other while still treading water. I ran my fingers through his hair, tugging. A groan escaped from his throat and he bit down on my lip. I pulled away tasting blood.
"I've told you before, you can't do that," he breathed as he wiped his mouth. I touched my fingers to my swelling lip. Draco tried to stifle a smile. He was rough all around the board (quidditch, the way he acted). It shouldn't have surprised me he'd be rough in his love life. I licked the blood from my lip. Draco's eyes glued to my mouth. Putting his hand to my check, he guided me back to his mouth.
As soon as my mouth touched his, it was like fire again. I went for his lip, biting it. Revenge tasted sweet and I knew he wanted it. He winced and pulled away.
"What? I thought you liked it rough?" I giggled.
"No. It's not that," he said wincing again. His hand left my face as he clenched his fist in pain.
"Did I...did I hurt you?" He shook his head but couldn't respond. He clutched his left arm, the same arm I had destroyed. It had been months. There was no way it was still hurting, right? I stared at him worried. He pushed away from me and swam towards the shore, barely making it before another wave of pain hit him. He belted out a groan and rolled over on the cold surface.
I quickly swam over to him. As soon as my body left the waters, the air hit me like a cold brick. Chill bumps formed all over my skin as I crawled over to Draco. He lay in fetal position, shivering, clutching his soaked arm.
"Draco what is wrong?" He didn't respond, still clenching his teeth. I began to frantically pull at his right hand clutching his arm. His grip held tight and a "no" escaped from his teeth.
"Please let me help you!" I cried frantically. I pulled again at his hand, prying his fingers off his arm. Finally he left go and I ripped his sleeve up, exposing the dark ink on his inner left arm. My heart stopped and my body froze. Tattooed on his arm was the dark mark of Lord Voldemort.
Author's Note: Draco genuinely feels guilty for the things he has done but it is true to his nature to not apologize. Instead, gifts and trades even the Malfoy guilt out to where the feeling is bearable. Draco and Pansy's relationship was never fully established in the series, hence my feeling for it being geared towards a continuing and sporadic fling rather than a full-bodied relationship. But do not fret, Pansy isn't going anywhere.
Draco and Lyra's relationship now become more serious, however, due to recent events, new truths have been revealed to the couple. Keep reading for more!
