Chapter Eight: A Beautiful Day... Almost
It was a beautiful day outside, the grass still lush and green from the summer, but
the beginnings of color change evident in the leaves of trees in the Forbidden Forest. The
lake was like a glass mirror, reflecting everything. The sun shone brightly, bathing
Hermione in warmth, until several clouds came over it, and the crisp autumn breeze sent a
chill down her spine. She shivered, and as if in answer, felt two arms wrapped around her
shoulders. Looking down into the lake, she could see her reflection, and that of a boy not
much older than she, with light blond hair, and penetrating gray eyes.
"I didn't see you in the Great Hall."
"I know. It's just that it's such a nice day and all... Staying inside seems like such a
waste."
"What did you have in mind?" Hermione looked at him quizzically.
"Well..." replied Draco, with a mischievous look in his eyes, grinning. "You want to
have a picnic?"
She looked at him hesitantly, before finally returning the grin with an "Alright..."
The shade was pleasant, comforting, and gazing up at the sky, Hermione could see
the clouds drifting by like popcorn, seeing the shapes of castles, and dragons, and even an
eagle. Draco and she had walked to the top of the Astronomy tower, one of the taller
towers of Hogwarts Castle, and the view was absolutely spectacular.
"Look, it's an upside-down ghost, with a peace sign!" he said.
"What the...?!"
"Sure, look," replied Draco, lying next to her, their bodies barely touching, but just
enough to tease. He pointed to the cloud, and she looked puzzled at first, and then let out
a giggle.
"Oh now I see it!"
"And you thought I was making that up..."
Hermione sighed, "Draco, you're such a dork!!" and then after a brief pause, "I
mean that in the most doting way possible, of course..."
"Yeah, I know, but what can I say, I'm not doing so bad; I'm quite lucky, actually,
because you see, this dork happens to be alone atop a castle tower with breathtaking
scenery all around, delicious food, and let's not forget, arguably the most gorgeous girl in all
of Hogwarts..." He chuckled, and then gazed into her eyes, a deep, penetrating gaze, which
she returned, seemingly searching his soul, seeking reassurance that what he said was
perhaps not just playing around, but maybe, just maybe, meant to be taken seriously.
"You really mean that?"
"I wouldn't say it if I didn't." As those words left his lips, he tilted his head, and they
closed their eyes, as their lips touched, if for a brief moment, before Hermione pulled away.
"Draco, I..."
"Hermione, it's okay, I'm sorry, if I did anything..."
"No, it wasn't you... it's just... I..." She looked away from him.
He sighed. "I'm really sorry..."
She turned away and went quickly downstairs.
"Hermione, wait!" He bit his lip. What had he done wrong? He had been decent,
right? Had he overstepped his bounds? What was he thinking? Kissing her? Was she mad
at him? Why had she reacted that way? She would never want to be with him. If she did
before, she probably wouldn't now.
One thing was certain, however, he had not seen the tears that streamed down her
cheeks as she turned to leave, avoiding his gaze...
Author's note
Sorry for the short chapter, but I really wanted to get this up, and it just seemed to flow
this way. Yes, there's a cliffy, sorry about that, but I'll be updating, don't worry ; )
I hope this chapter was interesting... Finally a bit of Romance! sigh I'll get more up,
promise... For now, please Read and Review – and thanks to my reviewers!!
E. Caddy Compson (persephoneia)