It had stop snowing when he left memory-land and returned to the present.
There was a fine layer of snow covering the once green grass. He kneeled in
front of his willow and caressed the icy material that covered its roots. It
melted after a moment and tiny water droplets remained in his hand. He looked
at them for a while before standing up.
Someone was coming, but he didn't have to turn around to see whom it was.
He inhaled deeply so he could smell his scent. A mixture of apples and pumpkin
juice. So Harry. He had it memorised by now. It was like a soothing song he
used to drive himself to sleep. It was like coming home after a hard day of
work. It made him feel warm and protected. He smiled, he could feel Harry's
presence behind him. His breath coming from his mouth in small puffs and the
sound he always made with his shoes when he was waiting for something. Finally
Harry decided to begin the conversation.
"Goodnight Drake. Hermione said you were here. Is something wrong?" asked the
Gryffindor very gently while putting a hand on the blonde's shoulder.
Draco shivered almost imperceptibly. Although he had been friends with Harry
for more that two years now, he couldn't get used to this closeness. It was too
much for him. And lately, Harry had been using that nickname he hated so much.
Drake. It wasn't a name for a Malfoy. It sounded weak, though he
had to admit that he liked how it sounded coming from Harry.
The Gryffindor knew he didn't like it, but he continued calling him Drake just
to infuriate him.
He gazed at the landscape in front him again. Now he knew why Hermione had left
so quickly.
"No, just thinking. This is a good place to do so. And you, what have you been
doing? Losing to Ron in a game of chess again?" asked Draco smirking. Harry
hated losing, but it was the perfect excuse to tease him mercilessly.
"Ha, ha, ha." said Harry, irony dripping from his
voice." Actually I was in a date with Lavander." at this Draco closed his eyes
painfully. He admitted that Harry would probably never feel the same, but it
hurt nonetheless.
Moonlight was reflecting Harry's black hair, and his eyes were sparkling like
polished jades. He was very good-looking and half of the school was chasing
after him. Everytime he entered the Great Hall, countless heads were raised
just to catch a glimpse of him. He was very popular among the female
population, but he had only dated a few girls.
It was common knowledge that Lavander wanted by any means to get Harry, and
from what he was hearing now, she'd got it.
"So our Golden Boy is finally settling down, uh?" asked Draco sarcastically.
"Didn't think I'd see that happening."
"Thank you Drake" replied Harry lingering evilly on
the last word. "I can't see it happening to you either." said, his eyes
glistening madly.
"It's not my fault if I'm not taken yet. I'll be if it
depended on me." replied the blond.
Draco couldn't stop himself from saying it. He was very furious when he
realised what he had done. But it was worthy. Harry's face glowed even more, if
that was possible.
".... Well... what do we have here? Little Draco is in luuuuuuve? Are you going
to invite her to the Ball?"asked the Gryffindor.
"What are you talking about Harry? I haven't heard
about any ball." said Draco trying to remember the mention of this dreaded
word. He hated balls. Since he was a little boy he had assisted to countless
parties and celebrations. And going to one of them implied having a partner. At
least when you're a Malfoy.
"If you listened to Dumbledore's speeches before
meals- at this part Draco rolled his eyes."... you'd know that next week a ball
is going to be held at the school. It isn't sure what will be the theme, but
the school staff is deciding between a masked ball and a kind-of-Halloween
one."
"The theme? Since when Hogwarts balls have a theme?"
asked Draco very confused.
"Since this year ok?. Are you going to ask me more
ridiculous questions or you'll finally stop avoiding my first one?"
"Uhh.... Can
you give me five minutes just to think about it?- replied Draco trying to
stifle his laughter."
Harry looked at Draco very annoyed.
"Ok, Ok I surrender Golden Boy!" shouted Draco while rising his arms. He was
trying to make up some pathetic excuse just to avoid Harry's question but he
couldn't and he said the first thing that came to his mind, although not for
this was the best. "Yesss... I'm going to invite Pansy to the ball. I hope
she's not taken yet." said Draco while trying to digest his own lie.
Harry was shocked with Draco's confession but he didn't let it show. He barely
heard him talking, but he got to listen to the question directed to him.
Something about Cho and the ball.
"Yes, I'm going to invite her too. I think she'll agree. But I hope she doesn't
make me dance. I can't dance. I C-A-N-T.
It's too much for me. Give me a broom and I'll be the king," he smirked, but it
suddenly faded." but dancing... I don't think so."
"Oh, don't worry. I can teach you. As a well-trained
gentleman, I know everything about dances. What do you think? Are you willing
to try?" asked Draco very surprised with what he was saying.
"... Oh.. I think it could help. I don't want to be
the one they laugh at. So, yes I'm willing." said the raven-haired boy.
"Ok. So we can begin on Saturday if you want. We'll
have all the time we need." Draco's brain was trying to process all the
information.
"It's ok with me. But now I think we should be getting
back to the Great Hall. Dinner is going to begin soon."
"Mmm.. You go first. I'll be there in a few minutes."
promised Draco.
"Ok. See you there mate!." And Harry run to the
castle.
When he was out of sight, Draco dropped on his knees with his hands covering
his face.
And the only thought invading his mind was: What have I done?