Author's note: I wanted to write something lighter since it's the holidays! Happy New Year's to you all! Thank you for reading this story! xoxo
Chapter VIII:
"I have never seen you look so awful, P. And I have seen you get sick over the prospect of Blaise snogging Daphne in his bedroom-" Draco chuckled, crossing his arms. "I dislike seeing you like this so, how about you don't get in trouble again, hm?"
The witch's back was pressed against the headboard, a few pillows were carefully placed to support her back, a tray with soup she hadn't touched, was placed by the bedside table and she stared at the wizard who was leaning against the door frame.
"Did you really think we will live happily ever after, when you decided to save her?" Pansy looked to the side, at Hermione's sleeping figure. Her arms were folded on the bed, to support her head.
Draco raised his brows when he noticed a red shawl around Hermione's shoulders. "Didn't know red was your favorite color, P-" he continued teasing.
Pansy rolled her eyes and picked up the Witch Weekly that lay on her lap, enough for Draco to see, "When I woke up, she was reading this- something about a certain Malfoy heir getting engaged to a Greengrass girl, sounds familiar?" she asked, her tone demanding answers right away.
"Not you too, P-"
"Just for how long were you planning to keep this a secret, Draco?" Pansy frowned, showing him the pictures of his mother smiling to Astoria Greengrass.
"I didn't know you got the latest issue of that pathetic journal"
"Please, as if I would miss the latest society gossip. The elves make sure I get my copy as soon as it is out for distribution but, you can't avoid my questions forever Draco-"
No, he couldn't. He stood, staring out of the small, humble window into the garden that was spread across the back of the house. His hands in his pockets, he cracked his neck once to the left, and once to the right, rolling his shoulders after.
"I thought you of all people would be pleased, P. Plus, she is Daphne's sister and Daphne has been a friend of ours since we were in diapers. Or is it her past with Blaise that is clouding your judgment?"
Pansy winced, trying to sit up because she visibly wanted to protest. She covered her stomach with her hand when she was bent over in pain. Draco immediately turned on his heels and sat on the bed beside her, pulling out his wand, he ran the diagnostics with a frown on his face.
"You need to eat and rest, and we can talk about this later"
"You don't want to marry her, Draco" Pansy spoke, reaching out to hold his free hand. "What happened to- we will fight to enjoy our freedom for as long as it is possible? Did you forget the promises you made?"
"No, I didn't" he sighed, but avoided her gaze, "I will make sure to hold on to my promise for as long as possible but, I know that you and I both understand that this is beyond some pureblood arranged marriage. Plus, not all of us are lucky as you and Blaise-"
"Maybe but, I also know that Narcissa would never go along with something that she knows would make you unhappy. Not after the war and everything we have been through in the last couple of years. I know that she agreed to this because you told her too, Draco. And please don't try to convince me otherwise. I know you better than anyone"
Draco put his wand away, and leaned to place a kiss on Pansy's temple. There was an undeniable truth that he could never hide from Pansy Parkinson who could smell his intentions from a mile away, no matter how much he tried. And as he stared at her pale face, he could read the concern that shadowed her features. And there was nothing more in life that he hated than making his loved ones worry.
"So, will you tell me the truth?"
Draco's eyes fell on Hermione's sleeping figure, "I will" he got on his feet, "We will have a talk, you and I but, not now and you need to rest."
Pansy reluctantly sighed, throwing her head backwards. She watched Draco pick Hermione in his arms, and carry her out of her bedroom. Something didn't feel right and for the first time in months, since the end of the war, she felt like she was being left out.
Draco Malfoy had never kept any secrets from her.
Not until then.
Hermione was woken up by a few pops and commotion in her room. She reluctantly opened her eyes, feeling the strain in her muscles from the day before. It had been a long time since she found herself running and hiding from the bad guys, and a part of her felt regret that she was so out of shape even though the logical part of her mind reminded her that it wasn't her fault.
Rubbing her eyes, she stared at the elf that was staring right back at her, holding a few dresses in her hands. The elf was small, and had an emerald green dress with ruffles on, and a matching headband with a bow.
"Miss, I brought all your clothes from the castle on Master Draco's orders-" the elf placed the dresses on bed, moving closer to check on Hermione's bandages.
"Me will change the bandages, after you freshen up, Miss-I will prepare a bath for you-"
"What's your name?" Hermione asked, slowly moving to get out of the bed.
"Izzy-" the elf replied without any hesitation. She held Hermione's hand to help her stand on her feet while she sighed deeply feeling the soreness of her muscles, "Miss should wear the red dress today, it's Master Theo's favorite color but, no one is supposed to know" Izzy covered her mouth to suppress a giggle and Hermione stared at her in shock; this was the first time, an elf that worked for a Malfoy had giggled in front of her, a part from Dobby and she had no idea that Theodore Nott's favorite color would be red. In fact, Hermione was sure that she hadn't seen any of the boys or Pansy ever wear a color different than black, white or Slytherin green as she liked to call it.
"Why am I dressing in Master Theo's favorite color, Izzy?" she asked cautiously.
"Well, it's his birthday today. The elves from the castle are moving the party to here because-" the elf blushed, lowering her large doe eyes, "- Master Draco forbade us to take you back to the castle. He left instructions that the party will be thrown here instead. You wouldn't want to go back there because, we haven't fixed the wall or the window- "
Hermione bit her lip, and stared awkwardly at the elf. "I am invited to this party, too?"
Izzy nodded, jumping up and down, twirling in her spot. "Yes, Miss- it's a birthday brunch but we call it a party and it's a tradition of sorts. Masters and Miss will be returning to the Nott residence tonight for the big party, they always do and Miss is not invited there" the elf shook her head, and pushed Hermione towards the bathroom.
Despite her protests, Hermione let Izzy run a bath for her and pour a few essential oils, promising the witch it would help with the muscle ache. Reluctantly, Hermione obliged. She realized that she had to learn to play nice and by the rules. She had tasted power once again, this time in the hands of a man she believed to be her enemy if one could call him that. And this was her chance to blend in and get to know each and everyone of them better. She had to try, in order to be able to assess the chances she had. Because, if yesterday's events proved her anything, it was that she was an asset. And she was determined to use that to her advantage.
She stared at the small mirror in the bathroom, she hadn't worn red since her days in Hogwarts, and the wrap dress, despite sitting so well on her figure, felt too luxurious to her touch and that made her feel out of place. She had to remind herself over and over, that she needed to do anything she could, to be in the good favors of Draco Malfoy and his friends because this could be her chance to find out more about her friends, if there were any alive out there.
Running her fingers through her very slowly growing hair, Hermione sighed before stepping out of the bathroom.
Walking down the hallway, she noticed that Pansy wasn't in her room. She became worried but she took a few deep breaths to hide her emotions away, and focused on not tripping while wearing those shoes. Even though, they were wedges, and the red ribbons around her ankles kept her stable, her nerves had made her stumble a few times thankfully, there was no one around to notice but, Izzy the elf who had chuckled a few times finally decided to charm her shoes to be more comfortable.
Hermione murmured a soft thank you and stepped out into the gardens.
By the looks of it, yesterday's events were long in the past. And she wondered if these four were used to living their lives surrounded by death and sorrow and then, enjoying life as if blood hadn't been spilled the day before. She frowned, stepping on to the grass, of course they were.
All of them were two halves of a circle, Hermione and everyone she had ever loved on one side and Draco and everyone he had ever loved on the other side but, both had gone through the same amount of pain and suffering, albeit in different ways. And both had complemented one another ever since they were kids. Maybe, that was why it didn't feel so terrible to be around them. Ever since that realization had hit her, Hermione had looked at all of them in a different light.
"Well look at that, my guest of honor" Theodore stepped forward, taking Hermione's hand to give it a kiss.
She flinched but forced a polite smile even though she caught the disappointment written on Blaise's face.
"Red looks good on you, Granger" she felt him lean closer, to whisper, "I always forget you have such a nice figure under all those muggle clothes-"
"Theo-" a warning came from where he stood.
"Excuse me, it is my birthday" Hermione didn't pull her hand away and she let Theodore lead her down the few steps to join the others.
Under the large three, there was a table set for five. Some steps to the right, there was a table with glasses, pastry and drinks. There were elves making drinks and fixing the silverware. Hermione locked eyes with Pansy who was eyeing her with a smug look on her face. She was in a half sitting position on a wooden chaise, covered in soft blankets. Beside her stood Blaise, who refused to meet Hermione in the eye.
And then, there was Draco.
Hermione seemed to have missed the memo on the dress code, because all four looked quite charming in their green and beige clothes and she stood, like a lioness, in red flames.
"What do you say, Granger? Let's have a mimosa?" Theo snapped his fingers and an elf brought over two glasses.
Hermione stared at the glass in her hand, and then, she looked at the wizard, "How did you- I mean, forgive me but, do you know this is a muggle drink?"
"One thing you need to learn about the snake pit, Granger. We love to have a good time, whether it is in the wizarding side of Britain or the muggle side-"
Hermione looked at Draco incredulously, when she heard him chuckle, and passed his glass to Blaise so he could fill it.
"You are kidding, right?" she asked again, "I mean you are- you four-"
"What are we, Granger?" Pansy spoke, lifting a brow. "Don't be shy, do tell us"
Hermione blushed, and reminded herself that she needed to play nice no matter what. Be kinder. Be nicer. Learn about them.
"I didn't think pureblood wizards and witches would consume muggle drinks let alone venture into the muggle world. You are supposed to hate muggles-" she chuckled, slightly in disbelief, "You mocked me for my blood status for years so, you can imagine how confused I am right now seeing you drinking mimosas at a brunch. That is one of the most muggle things you can ever do-" it was ridiculous really and Hermione didn't know whether to laugh or to cry.
"Remember, Granger when I told you that not all of us are like our parents?"
Silence fell between them. Hermione noticed the pairs of eyes that stared at her just seconds prior were averted and stared at their surroundings instead. Pansy's chocolate orbs were the only ones holding Hermione's attention.
Be nice, she reminded herself.
"I do remember," she nodded, "My parents used to invite their friends over on Sundays for brunch and they'd have mimosas. I was too young of course but, I wouldn't blame you for enjoying them. They do taste nice-"
Finally, she heard a chuckle, and a laugh. Her awkwardness had managed to break the barriers between them, Pansy was laughing, and Draco had a smirk on his face, and she felt Theodore link their arms to bring her closer to others.
"Now, Granger. We will be nice and try not to corrupt you but, it's my birthday so, how about we don't talk about our parents, or the job" she had noticed Theodore give Draco and Blaise a look, "or anything that could spoil this brunch. Rule number one, Granger" he continued, "whenever we are here, we never talk about our lives back at home."
Theodore had a smile on his lips, but it was different than his usual, it carried no charm. She didn't have to look closer to realize the darkness his smile carried along with his words, and she nodded in silent acceptance.
Izzy appeared out of nowhere with a few heart shaped letters in her hand, and Theodore earned a few howls from his friends, and a comment on what a playboy he was from Pansy and he stepped to the side to read them.
"Don't mind him" she heard Draco, and she looked up to stare him in the eyes.
"I don't, I promise I am fine-"
"You shouldn't make any promises when it comes to Theodore Nott, or you will regret it Granger just like all the witches and wizards that have done so, before you" she could feel the teasing behind his tone, and she blushed, and then, cursed herself for doing so.
"I didn't get him anything for his birthday well, how could I really?" Hermione gave him an awkward smile.
"Don't worry, there will be no gifts" Draco whispered, and then, stared at her drink. "I can assure you the drink is not poisoned. I made it myself and made sure Blaise had nothing to do with it" he threw the tall man a playful glare who rolled his eyes in return. Blaise slightly elevated the chaise that Pansy occupied towards the table instead, giving them some space.
"Why no gifts? Is it a pureblood tradition?" she couldn't help but sound as if she was mocking him. She cleared her throat right away, murmuring a quiet sorry.
"Don't apologize. I am sorry we had to drag you to our little party. You can imagine how awkward it would have been to have you upstairs while we celebrated plus, Theo insisted for you to be here and he is rather insufferable when he doesn't get what he wants-" he paused, frowning. And Hermione saw him put up walls, through his eyes. "To answer your question, we don't do gifts since the seventh year-"
Hermione didn't need him to finish the sentence, she could understand from his silence all the unspoken reasons. And she realized her thoughts carried no blame.
"I heard there will be a big party later-" and he nodded, looking back at his friends who had gathered around the table.
"Ever since his mother passed away, Theo's father makes sure to throw the biggest birthday party. It's one of the society's biggest events to much dismay of my dear friend who will always remain somewhat misunderstood in his own household" Draco's honesty caught her by surprise, "Come, let's give Theo his moment and a piece of mind" gently, he grabbed her elbow and led her to join the others.
Hermione sat next to Pansy, and helped to fill the witch's plate to Blaise's surprise who remained empty handed until Theo made him fill his plate instead. Her little act of "thank you" was welcomed without any protests by the pureblood witch who, with a flick of her wrist, filled Hermione's glass with more mimosa. "You are not a drinker, aren't you? Don't feel pressured to keep up, Granger. You might regret it later-"
"You can never compete with the snakes, in that regard" Pansy had a devious smile on, impenetrable.
"I have no intention to, but I am glad you feel better. '' Hermione was gentle with her words, leaning towards Pansy as if they were having a secret conversation of their own.
"Careful, Granger. I am not the nicest Slytherin you have ever met. Please don't act like I am"
"You are right, you are not the nicest if I have to put all of you on some kind of scale to rank you from least awful to most awful-" and Hermione paused when she heard Pansy's chuckle.
"You are insufferable, you know that? Are you really going to sit here and construct a logical argument to support my words?"
Hermione frowned, and took a long sip from her mimosa. She was going to need that liquid courage to actually talk to Pansy without feeling defensive or aggressive or something in between.
"No, let's not do that. I am glad you feel better Pansy and I mean it"
"Thank you" a small smile curled on Pansy's lips and the witch hesitated at first, "I guess I normally don't do this-" Pansy tugged a piece of her long hair behind her ear to expose bright emerald earring she had on, "I am sorry I was a little bitchy that one night- but it's no surprise to you that I can get defensive when it comes to him."
Hermione nodded, cautiously accepting the witch's apology.
"We are not friends, Granger. I don't expect us to be but, I hope while we share the same roof, we can at least try to get along?"
"Get along? If you play nicely Pansy, I am sure I can play nicer" the words earned Hermione a smirk of approval.
She watched as the witch filled Hermione's glass full, and didn't flinch when Pansy leaned closer to whisper, "Also, thank you for reading to me, Granger. I know it must have been hard to read the gossip instead of a book on advanced arithmancy" Pansy smirked and pulled away.
"You heard?"
"Of course, I did. I was not that unconscious just resting-"
"Why didn't you stop me?"
Pansy laughed, and let Blaise cut the meat on her plate into smaller pieces.
"And not have the pleasure of listening to Hermione Granger read on latest fashion trends and Draco's upcoming engagement? Please-"
Hermione gasped covering her mouth and she noticed the three sets of eyes staring at Pansy. The pureblood witch raised her glass towards Draco with a smirk, and took a sip. "Come on boys, I know you don't read the Witch Weekly but, surely among your Death Eater circles, you have heard all the buzz. Even the men would understand the significance of such a union"
"Is this true?" Blaise spoke, putting the knife and fork down, pushing the plate in front of Pansy.
"You are getting engaged? To whom?" It was Theodore's turn.
There was an awkward silence. Hermione didn't know what to do with herself but, stare at Draco then, at Pansy and then, back at Draco. The two were engaged in a silent war, and no one seemed to dare to interrupt them.
After a few insufferable minutes when she felt like she was about to suffocate, she heard Theodore clear his throat.
"I am sure there is a reason why Draco hasn't told us yet, right mate?" he joked lightly, nudging Draco's side with his elbow.
The silence lingered and Draco's face never left Pansy's. "Shall I tell them? Or would you do the honors, since you are the groom to be"
Hermione flinched when Draco's fist came crashing down the table, she saw him lose control for five straight seconds. Pansy smirked and took a sip from her glass as if she had just gotten the reaction she wanted.
"It's Astoria Greengrass-" he finally said.
Theodore's jaw fell and Blaise began to rub his temples. Pansy shrugged her shoulders and dug her fork into the meat Blaise had just cut for her, humming in delight.
"I swear to Merlin, Izzy knows how to cook" she commented as if she hadn't just started a war.
"Astoria!" Theodore finally exclaimed. "Isn't that like incest? We have known Daphne since before we began to crawl. She is Daphne's blood-" he looked confused, and utterly lost, running his fingers through his brown locks, pulling on them. "Isn't she like a kid?" his eyes widened in horror and Hermione nodded her head with a deep, loud disapproving sigh.
Everyone stared at her, and before she could say a word, to explain her reaction, she had noticed the horror in Draco's eyes. It was Pansy laughing and choking on her mimosa that made her cover her face and shake her head.
"No, it's not incest. We are not related" Draco began to reply, staring at Hermione with a frown. Pansy nudged Blaise's side and motioned in the direction of Draco. Blaise frowned more when he saw how Draco's gaze never left Hermione.
"And it's just in the talks. There will be no engagement until she turns eighteen and I didn't tell you because I was waiting for the right time" he sighed, rubbing his face with his hand.
"I need a stronger drink. Izzy!"
The elf popped at his side, and Draco ordered a bottle of fire whiskey and four glasses.
"I thought that it would be a nice distraction, to have the Greengrass' over and have mother photographed with them. Grandmother agreed and she made all the arrangements. She began the rumor mill and it finally reached Britain-"
When Izzy returned with a pop, Draco took the bottle from her hands and filled their glasses, passing to each of them except Hermione and she was thankful that he excluded her.
"So, it's all a decoy to take the light off from Bellatrix?" Theodore asked, rubbing his temples.
Draco noticed how Hermione sulked in her seat, at the mention of the witch's name and he rolled his eyes at Theodore so he could take the hint. When the wizard finally realized so, he cleared his throat, "You are not going to marry her, right?" He attempted to return to the original subject.
"I will-" Draco's response was prompt and everyone, including Hermione stared at him.
"Oh, don't give me that look. You three of all people, should have known that a day like this would come."
"Sure" Hermione looked to the side, noticing Blaise's deep frown. Pansy's hand was on his nape, massaging it. "But, in ten or fifteen years tops. Not now. What are you thinking, mate?"
"Ten or fifteen years would have been the possibility if the war had a different outcome-"
There was tension, Hermione saw Pansy's hand freeze and the witch lowered her gaze. Everyone became uncomfortable because this was the first time they spoke about the outcome of the war out loud, in the presence of an outsider.
Draco shrugged his shoulders and downed his drink. "Let's be honest, Blaise. After what happened to my father, all eyes are on me. Is that so surprising to you that I am doing my best to keep up the image we have built for ourselves since my father has been hospitalized?"
"I haven't taken a day's break since the goddamn war came to an end and we found ourselves on the winning side. We come here, we play pretend that we weren't suddenly forced to grow up. Every single person we know from school is either dead or climbing the Dark Lord's ranks or is being hunted down like pigs to be slaughtered. Look at us, sitting here, having a jolly good time."
"What are we going to do in a few hours, Blaise? Dress in our military uniforms and parade ourselves at Theo's house, talk about the wars we are winning in Europe, our photographs taken smiling at the world we are helping to build with our hands. And everyone is going to stare at me, because I have a father who has been hospitalized in 's because the war has gotten to him and I have an aunt who has finally proven to us all that she is a lot more mad than we thought she was. The Dark Lord is not going to tolerate another failure, and he can see that Bella hasn't been herself in the last couple of months"
Draco sighed, rubbing his forehead, "Who else do I have? Aunt Andromeda who slept with the enemy? My grandmother who erased her own daughter off a family tree? My mother who is trying to keep her sanity for my sake every day? Tell me, Blaise. What would you have done if you were in my place?"
"We always joke around that I am the Dark Lord's poster boy and do you think if there is another failure on my family's part, he will forgive us? Give us another chance? The only reason he allowed my father to live and be hospitalized, is because of his pureblood status and because mother and I stayed in his ranks while Potter died. What happened with Dolohov was a test. He is testing me every bloody day. So, tell me Blaise, when the Dark Lord put you and me and Theo on the front lines, what did you expect was going to happen?"
Blaise remained silent.
"Did you think we are going to live our lives like nothing bloody happened? This is me being one step ahead of everyone. I am not going to let the Dark Lord punish my family one more time. I need to have the full control this time around"
"What do you need?" Blaise spoke, finally.
"I need you to stop judging and questioning my choices. Remember, when the war came to an end and the two of you took the dark mark, I asked you if you really wanted it, if it really was worth it to give away your life to the Dark Lord. And what did you tell me, Blaise?"
Blaise chuckled, squeezing Pansy's thigh in assuring manner before he spoke. Hermione saw light for the first time spread across the wizard's face. And it was enough to change the air between them.
"All for one and one for all"
Hermione stared in shock, first at Blaise and then, at Draco. Theodore was the first one to raise his glass, "I am disappointed we had to find out the news from the tabloids but, I respect your decision and I trust that you were looking for the right time to break the news to us. And no matter what happens, what you decide, or do, all for one and one for all"
Blaise, Pansy and Draco joined him while Hermione stared at them in utter confusion, her mind still processing the words she just heard.
"Oh come on, Granger. You know that Dumas' book fits perfectly us four" Theodore joked when he noticed the expression on her face, her jaw was wide open and she couldn't simply look away when she came to the realization that Blaise had quoted the infamous quote from the Three Musketeers. "What? You thought snakes don't read?"
Draco slapped Theodore at the back of his head, "The book is Three musketeers, you idiot. And yes, it fits us perfectly, three musketeers plus, our darling P" Draco sent a wink towards Pansy's way and the four of them burst out laughing, all the tension erased and replaced with nothing but warmth.
Hermione remained in the gardens, a few feet away from the table. There was still leftover cake, and half empty glasses, the elves hadn't had a chance to clear the table, being excused for the day. Hermione's mind was occupied, she had been dissecting and piecing together information since the trio had stepped inside to emotionally get ready - as Theodore put it- for what was waiting for them that afternoon.
The conflict she felt tore her to pieces and though on the outside, she didn't show, inside she felt like she had been pulled to two sides by her logic and her heart. And that day, she decided that she wasn't good at things that weren't logical.
"Careful or Theo might snatch you and try to sneak you into his father's party, Granger" she turned to look at him.
He was wearing his Death Eater uniform, the gold embellishments of his collar sparkled under the lazy afternoon sun and his boots shone as if he had just worn the uniform for the first time. His hair was brushed, and Hermione wondered, for a hundredth time, that week alone, how he had managed to put aside who he was and become someone else. He seemed to be too good at that.
"I thought even Theo would be the most sensible in situations as such" and she smiled when Draco's lips curled to the sides.
"Not always, I am afraid" he briefly looked over his shoulder to make sure they were alone. "He is the most sensitive among us, if you can believe that"
"Really? I do find him to be the friendliest-"
"Really?" Draco raised a brow and stepped closer, into her personal space. "How disappointing. And I thought I was the friendliest."
Hermione straightened her shoulders and welcomed his advances, she had changed in the last couple of days, and she could feel it in her bones. Strength and courage was running through her veins.
"I am sorry to hear about your father" she changed the topic, instead. "I had no idea-"
"You couldn't have possibly known. It's an open secret that no one talks about. You would have learned eventually-"
"Draco, I haven't had the chance to-"
"Granger" he interrupted her. "Yesterday was a really long day. Dolohov, the Dark Lord, father-" he frowned, and to her surprise, cupped her cheek.
Hermione froze but she didn't push him away. Instead, she placed her hand on his chest, feeling the outline of the snake pin he was wearing.
"I have been thinking, Granger. Since the moment I caught you on the edge of the hill, and since the moment you kissed me, I have been thinking" his eyes were closed, and she could feel him lean closer, until there was very little space left between them.
"You see, something occurred to me and I just want to see if it's true" he told her, gazing deeply into his eyes.
Hermione noticed that moment it was him again, the version of Draco she had known. He wasn't particularly nice, or kind but he was trying. And that was enough for her, for now.
"May I?" he asked, and at first she didn't know what he was referring to but she gave him consent anyway, nodding.
With wide eyes, she watched him lean closer until his lips brushed against her in the most gentle kiss.
It was different than the one they had on the edge of the cliff, she kissed him then, as a diversion, as a reflex, as an unexpected surprise. But, here he was kissing her, and it was something different. It was not a diversion, it was not a release of pent up emotions.
The kiss had been on Draco's mind for two days, it occupied every second of his free time. He was surprised to find out that he didn't dislike being kissed by her. Despite years of being annoyed by her existence, when it came down to being kissed by her, he didn't mind, he didn't dislike it. On the contrary, his body and soul welcomed it with open arms and it shocked his system. He had barely managed to get through the day ensuring she was safe, ensuring that there wouldn't be another Dolohov incident and yet, every second he could allow himself to be distracted, he thought of her lips.
So, he had to know if it was just a coincidence. Maybe, it was the distress he felt when he saw her on the edge of the cliff, assuming she'd jump. Maybe, it was the additional stress Ronald Weasley had given him. Maybe, it was hatred of the wizard that made him enjoy it, out of spite.
He had to know.
He froze before he pulled away, and he stared down at her with horror written all over his face. He had an inquisitive gaze and a deep frown as if he just learned the most horrific truth.
"Yes?" she asked, eyes wide, searching for answers he had no intention of giving her.
"I was right" he said and pulled away from her abruptly.
He was right. It wasn't the stress of her possible death, or Ronald Bloody Weasley but, it was her. Just her and the sweetness of her lips.
He had felt something he had never felt before, and to his confusion and horror, he wanted more of it.
"Draco! What do you mean? What do you mean you were right?" she yelled but he didn't respond.
He was busy putting on his gloves, and ignoring her questions.
"Draco! Malfoy!" she continued to yell but, he never responded.
He vanished before her eyes, hiding his face of pure terror.