To Be A Malfoy
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 3.
~*~*~*~
I stared at my kitchen table, stunned.
It had been over half a year since I had moved to America, and I was now quite used to muggle mail. But this wasn't muggle mail. A snowy owl sat calmly on the table in front of me, staring at me with intelligent black eyes. I had seen this owl many times before.
It was Potter's.
The owl stuck it's foot out towards me, indicating that I should remove the parchment tied to it's leg. I slowly did as it implied, and then stared at the paper in front of me. The owl gave a soft, slightly annoyed hoot, before turning it's attention to the four creatures who had just entered the kitchen. The four cats stared at the large bird cautiously, then deciding that it wasn't worth the effort of trying to make it their next meal, they walked over to their food-bowls and began to eat. My attention, however, was quickly reverted back to that parchment.
I admit, my hands shook slightly as I untied the string around the parchment and unrolled it. I immediately recognized Potter's handwriting, and decided to get it over with. The parchment went as follows:
//Draco:
I don't know exactly why I'm writing this, but I feel that you might like to know what has happened here since you've gone.
Arthur Weasley has become the British Minister of Magic. Granted, he still works with the Muggle Department closely, but he is taking his new role seriously, and I believe that he will become a much-liked Minister.
I have become the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Strange, I know, and certainly not the career I had in mind, but I am enjoying it. The students arrived four months ago, and to my surprise, they are rather behaved this year, thankfully. (Yes, if you're wondering, I am engaged to Ginny Weasley. We plan to get married when she is out of school. And don't you dare smirk and make some crude comment about the Head Master having an affair with a student.....).
Professor McGonagall has announced her wish to retire, soon. She has taken Hermione Granger.....excuse me. Hermione *Weasley* as her apprentice, and Hermione will be taking over the job next school-year. Yes, Hermione and Ron got married and are the happiest people I've ever met, practically.
Ron Weasley has become the Keeper for the Chudley Cannons, and his team is going to the Quidditch World Cup next year, thanks to him.
Neville Longbottom has become the new Herbology teacher, since Professor Sprout retired. I think you would find it amusing to know that he is one of the best-liked teachers in the school!
Gregory Goyle has taken a job as an Auror. He comes and visits every once in a while, though I believe that he visits more to see Rayana Moore, than anything.
Your sister, Cassia, is engaged to Shane Biederon (a little early, I know, but we all approve). She is doing well in her studies, and I'm sure you would be proud of her.
All-in-all, everything here is peaceful, and returning to normal. But if is not too personal a question, how are you doing?
Just curious.
Sincerely yours,
Harry Potter//
I stared at this letter for some time, trying to figure out what on earth he had been thinking when writing this letter. But then again, I was almost grateful that he had. At least now I knew what was going on in my birthplace, and the happenings of the Ministry. I had almost smiled when I read that Cassia was going to marry that Shane boy. I had expected it, but I didn't know that he would move so fast.
But on another front, the letter sent a pang of something close to longing, though my heart. Everyone seemed to be getting along fine without me, especially my sister. Though she didn't know it, I cared for her a lot more than I showed. And knowing that she hated me to high-heaven and back, did not make me feel any better.
I was more than relieved when my doorbell rang and forced me to answer. When I opened the door, I was greeted by a cheerful face that I had grown to know almost as well as my own over the months.
"Hello, Dragon!" Kaitlynn chirped cheerfully, shooting me a melting smile. I grinned, but obviously the letter still had an impact on me, because she noticed.
"What's wrong?" She asked softly, coming inside. I sighed and shut the door.
"I just got a letter." I muttered.
"From who?"
"Potter."
Obviously, she knew who I was talking about, because her face filled with realization. I had told her about him numerous times, mostly when answering her questions about my past.
"What did he want?" She questioned. I motioned her to the kitchen and showed her the letter. She read it quickly, then smiled.
"That was nice of him. You should respond. It's obvious that he wants to know how you're doing." He informed me. I raised an eyebrow.
"How do you know?"
"The tone of the letter. I think he really wants to know." She answered, putting down the letter. I saw her eyes widen as she spotted Potter's owl.
"What a gorgeous bird!" She cried, holding out her hand towards the animal. Hedwig (I think that was the owl's name), allowed Kaitlynn to pet her gently.
"You should write back." She repeated, looking at me. I looked helplessly at the letter, then back at her.
"What do I say?"
"Anything. Tell him how you're doing. Tell him about Nora and the kittens. Tell him about your job, your friends.....me." She added teasingly. I managed to grin.
"I might just do that."
~*~*~*~
Later that night, after Kaitlynn had left, I responded. Potter's owl was still resting in the kitchen, so I figured that I might as well. (I had un- formally given my eagle-owl to my sister before I left, so I couldn't use him.)
//Harry:
I don't know why you wrote, either. But.....thank you. I appreciate being updated on what's going on over there.
You may not know it, but your bird (Hedwig's her name, correct?) had to fly clear to America to deliver that letter. She's one tough bird, let me tell you.
Yes, I'm living in America. I work at the AMM (American Ministry of Magic), in the financial department. I have found a comfortable wizarding condo to stay in, and I have gained a family of four cats who live with me as well.
I'll admit, I have found the muggles here to be quite.....decent. My condo is in a muggle neighborhood, so there is no avoiding contact with them, no matter how 'Malfoy' I am.
So there you have it. My life as of yet. I hope you're satisfied.
Sincerely,
Draco//
I might have been willing to tell Potter about my life, but I was *not* going to tell him about being close friends with a muggle woman. That was my little secret.....for now, at least.
~*~*~*~
"He wrote again?" Stephen asked two months later, as he leaned over my shoulder at work. I had been promoted to his level in the department, and now had two people working under me.
"Yes. He wants to keep me updated on the news from there." I muttered, quickly reading through Potter's latest letter. It was short and to the point, but it fulfilled my desire to know what was going on.
"Are you going to write him back?" He asked, a teasing note in his voice. I glared at him and folded the parchment back up, placing it in my pocket.
"Don't I always?"
"Yup. So, have you got any plans for tonight?"
"Actually, I do. I invited Kaitlynn over for dinner and a movie." I informed him, putting my things away and getting ready to go. Stephen shot me a sly look.
"Why don't you just ask her out, already?! I mean, you two are practically a couple anyway." He said, leering at me as he leaned back in his chair with his arms folded. I looked up, startled, and then realized just how correct his statement had been. Over the Christmas holidays, I had spent the majority of my time either at her house, or at Stephen's with the rest of their family. I had found a strange and comforting acceptance among them, and grew to like being in their company.
After the hols, I began to spend even more time with her, taking long walks on the beach and spending my weekends in her company. I got a strange thrill out of going shopping with her, especially because she tended to window-shop more than actually going into the shops and looking around. I admit, I appreciated this highly! I suppose that I became so unconsciously used to having her around, that I never actually realized that I was practically dating her anyway.....
"This is uncomfortable." I mumbled, as I slumped back into my seat. He laughed.
"Yeah. A Malfoy falling for a muggle. Admit it, man. You're in deep." He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. I groaned and buried my head in my hands.
"Do you think that she'd actually accept me?" I finally asked, my voice muffled by my hands. He smiled.
"Hell yeah. I get the feeling that she's been waiting for you to ask for some time now. Go for it, boy. You've got my blessing, and I'm sure that Rachael won't mind." He crowed, slapping me on the shoulder. I groaned silently and shook my head, standing up.
What had I gotten myself into?!?!
~*~*~*~
That night, I found myself sitting on the couch in my living room, watching 'Pride and Prejudice', with Kaitlynn. She was the one who had brought over the movie, and had insisted that I would like it. Granted, the characters were portrayed well, and the story line was believable, but the underlining stupidity of the younger sisters got to me after a while.
Nora and her kittens (who were now about eight months old), were sleeping peacefully near the end of the couch, except for Ebony, who had taken to sleeping on Kaitlynn's lap. Ebony had taken to Kate vary quickly despite her normally detached attitude. Several times over the past few months I had thought about just letting Kaitlynn take Ebony home with her, but then I would reconsider. I didn't think it was right to separate the kitten from her family.
"Ooh-ooh-ooh! This is one of my favorite parts!" Kaitlynn giggled, sitting up straighter and clapping her hands. I turned my eyes from staring at her, back to the screen. On it, Miss Elizabeth Bennet had just agreed to her aunt's proposal to take a tour of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy's estate. I had to admit, the grounds were impressive.....almost as impressive as the Malfoy estate, although, not so full of evil.
"That looks like my old home....." I muttered softly, feeling a wave of strange nostalgia wash over me. Sure, I hated the place because of what it represented to me, but at the same time, it was the place that I had grown up in.....
"It does?" Kaitlynn asked unbelievingly, with a raised eyebrow. I shook himself out of my thoughts, unaware that I had spoken loud enough for her to hear. She had paused the movie, and turned to stare at me. I sighed.
"Well, my home was more of an old castle, but the grounds were similar to those." I pointed at the screen, where a picture of Pemberley Manor was frozen. Kaitlynn's mouth dropped open.
"Just how rich were you?!" She asked sarcastically. I winced. So far, I had avoided talking about the subject of his home with her, but now was the time.
"You mean, 'just how rich *am* I'." I stated, turning towards her. Her eyes widened even more.
"What?" Her voice was slightly shaky. I sighed.
"After my father died and my mum got sent to St. Mungo's (she went insane, you know), I inherited the manor and all the money that belonged to my family. I could even access it here, if I wanted to, but I'd rather try and live on my own money for a while, just to see if I can."
"You're rich, and you never told me? You live in this two-bedroom condo when you could be sleeping in a richly furnished *palace*?!" Her voice was a near shriek. I grinned, unable to help myself.
"Do I look like I want a palace?" I asked slyly, raising an eyebrow. She glared at me.
"Well.....no....."
"I'm content here. I have a great house, a good job, four warm and cuddly house-mates, friends, you....." I trailed off there, unable to think of what to say next. A smile appeared on her lips.
"Oh? I'm not a friend?" She asked teasingly, tilting her head. My face became serious, and I realized that this was the moment I had been waiting for.
"You are more than just a friend. You pulled me out of something that could have devoured me. You saved me from becoming like the other Malfoys. You showed me a way to let go of my past. I will never be able to thank you enough for that. Now do you see why you mean so much more to me?" I asked quietly, though nervously. I watched as a blush rose to her cheeks and she looked down at her lap.
"Really Draco?"
"Really." My voice was no more than a whisper. Her eyes returned to mine, and I saw that they were twinkling with.....something. Something that drew me in and made me forget myself. Something that made my entire mind spin and my body lean towards her.
The kiss was something that I will never forget. Soft, warm, perfect. Not too long, not too short, just right. And it was with her. Sure, I've kissed girls before, but nothing compared to this. This was perfect. This was RIGHT! And it was at this moment, that the most frightening and wonderful thought entered my head and stayed there.
I was in love.
She pulled away, and looked at me, head cocked slightly.
"That was nice." Was all my muddled brain allowed my mouth to say. She giggled lightly.
"It was." She murmured, her blue eyes boring into my blue-grey ones. I struggled to find the words that I wanted to say, but nothing came to mind.....luckily, she seemed to sense my dilemma, and stayed silent.
"Kaitlynn.....will you.....will you be my girl?" I finally asked, feeling entirely stupid. And I mean, my entire body tingled with how stupid I felt. Then I saw her smile.
"'My girl'. I like the sound of that." She murmured, moving closer, her eyes sparkling at me. As she spoke those words, I felt a delight unlike any I had ever felt before, enter my body.....and my heart.
"My girl." I murmured, putting my arms around her. She grinned and rested her head on my shoulder.
"Your girl."
With that, she pushed the 'play' button on the remote, and the movie continued. And for the first time since it had started, I honestly enjoyed the entire thing. And I realized something.
That Darcy was a pretty great guy!
~*~*~*~
"I can't believe that you finally made your move! About time, buddy!" Stephen crowed, as he bounded into the office the next morning and slapped me on the back. I shot him a glare, but it melted into a grin. I hadn't been able to find a single reason to get mad at anyone this morning, for some odd reason.....
"How did you know?"
"Rachael came upstairs screaming last night. I thought she was being killed, but she just bounced on top of me and started to shriek about how her cousin was finally dating. When I finally managed to calm her down, she told me that Kaitlynn had called her, telling her that she was dating you." Stephen laughed, as I unsuccessfully tried to suppress another grin.
"So what happened? How'd you do it?" Stephen asked. I rolled my eyes, but his eagerness got the best of me.
"We were watching 'Pride and Prejudice'....."
"What?!?!"
"Her idea. Anyway, we got to the part where Elizabeth Bennet has just spotted Pemberley, when I began to think about how much it reminded me of home. I must have said something, because she paused the movie and then we got into this big discussion on how rich I was."
This caused Stephen to snort, and I grinned again.
"Well, we talked a little more, then we kissed, then I asked her out, end of story." I finished, not wanting to share *those* details with him. Stephen shot me a funny look, but didn't ask any questions.
"Well, at least you finally asked her. You'd better be good to her, too, now that you have her, or I'll....." He trailed off threateningly, and I gulped a bit. He could be scary when he wanted to!
"I won't. I.....I love her, Stephen. I really do." I muttered. I watched his eyes widen and his mouth fall open.
"Now that, I didn't expect." He stated numbly, still staring. I smiled slightly. To tell the truth, it wasn't exactly what I had expected to say, either. But if the shoe fits.....
"I have one piece of advice, Malfoy. Don't let her go." Stephen murmured, before standing up and wandering to his own desk. I watched after him, my smile widening.
I was planning on taking that advice. I wasn't going to let her go, no matter what I had to sacrifice in the process.
~*~*~*~
by: Daphne Li
Chapter 3.
~*~*~*~
I stared at my kitchen table, stunned.
It had been over half a year since I had moved to America, and I was now quite used to muggle mail. But this wasn't muggle mail. A snowy owl sat calmly on the table in front of me, staring at me with intelligent black eyes. I had seen this owl many times before.
It was Potter's.
The owl stuck it's foot out towards me, indicating that I should remove the parchment tied to it's leg. I slowly did as it implied, and then stared at the paper in front of me. The owl gave a soft, slightly annoyed hoot, before turning it's attention to the four creatures who had just entered the kitchen. The four cats stared at the large bird cautiously, then deciding that it wasn't worth the effort of trying to make it their next meal, they walked over to their food-bowls and began to eat. My attention, however, was quickly reverted back to that parchment.
I admit, my hands shook slightly as I untied the string around the parchment and unrolled it. I immediately recognized Potter's handwriting, and decided to get it over with. The parchment went as follows:
//Draco:
I don't know exactly why I'm writing this, but I feel that you might like to know what has happened here since you've gone.
Arthur Weasley has become the British Minister of Magic. Granted, he still works with the Muggle Department closely, but he is taking his new role seriously, and I believe that he will become a much-liked Minister.
I have become the Headmaster of Hogwarts. Strange, I know, and certainly not the career I had in mind, but I am enjoying it. The students arrived four months ago, and to my surprise, they are rather behaved this year, thankfully. (Yes, if you're wondering, I am engaged to Ginny Weasley. We plan to get married when she is out of school. And don't you dare smirk and make some crude comment about the Head Master having an affair with a student.....).
Professor McGonagall has announced her wish to retire, soon. She has taken Hermione Granger.....excuse me. Hermione *Weasley* as her apprentice, and Hermione will be taking over the job next school-year. Yes, Hermione and Ron got married and are the happiest people I've ever met, practically.
Ron Weasley has become the Keeper for the Chudley Cannons, and his team is going to the Quidditch World Cup next year, thanks to him.
Neville Longbottom has become the new Herbology teacher, since Professor Sprout retired. I think you would find it amusing to know that he is one of the best-liked teachers in the school!
Gregory Goyle has taken a job as an Auror. He comes and visits every once in a while, though I believe that he visits more to see Rayana Moore, than anything.
Your sister, Cassia, is engaged to Shane Biederon (a little early, I know, but we all approve). She is doing well in her studies, and I'm sure you would be proud of her.
All-in-all, everything here is peaceful, and returning to normal. But if is not too personal a question, how are you doing?
Just curious.
Sincerely yours,
Harry Potter//
I stared at this letter for some time, trying to figure out what on earth he had been thinking when writing this letter. But then again, I was almost grateful that he had. At least now I knew what was going on in my birthplace, and the happenings of the Ministry. I had almost smiled when I read that Cassia was going to marry that Shane boy. I had expected it, but I didn't know that he would move so fast.
But on another front, the letter sent a pang of something close to longing, though my heart. Everyone seemed to be getting along fine without me, especially my sister. Though she didn't know it, I cared for her a lot more than I showed. And knowing that she hated me to high-heaven and back, did not make me feel any better.
I was more than relieved when my doorbell rang and forced me to answer. When I opened the door, I was greeted by a cheerful face that I had grown to know almost as well as my own over the months.
"Hello, Dragon!" Kaitlynn chirped cheerfully, shooting me a melting smile. I grinned, but obviously the letter still had an impact on me, because she noticed.
"What's wrong?" She asked softly, coming inside. I sighed and shut the door.
"I just got a letter." I muttered.
"From who?"
"Potter."
Obviously, she knew who I was talking about, because her face filled with realization. I had told her about him numerous times, mostly when answering her questions about my past.
"What did he want?" She questioned. I motioned her to the kitchen and showed her the letter. She read it quickly, then smiled.
"That was nice of him. You should respond. It's obvious that he wants to know how you're doing." He informed me. I raised an eyebrow.
"How do you know?"
"The tone of the letter. I think he really wants to know." She answered, putting down the letter. I saw her eyes widen as she spotted Potter's owl.
"What a gorgeous bird!" She cried, holding out her hand towards the animal. Hedwig (I think that was the owl's name), allowed Kaitlynn to pet her gently.
"You should write back." She repeated, looking at me. I looked helplessly at the letter, then back at her.
"What do I say?"
"Anything. Tell him how you're doing. Tell him about Nora and the kittens. Tell him about your job, your friends.....me." She added teasingly. I managed to grin.
"I might just do that."
~*~*~*~
Later that night, after Kaitlynn had left, I responded. Potter's owl was still resting in the kitchen, so I figured that I might as well. (I had un- formally given my eagle-owl to my sister before I left, so I couldn't use him.)
//Harry:
I don't know why you wrote, either. But.....thank you. I appreciate being updated on what's going on over there.
You may not know it, but your bird (Hedwig's her name, correct?) had to fly clear to America to deliver that letter. She's one tough bird, let me tell you.
Yes, I'm living in America. I work at the AMM (American Ministry of Magic), in the financial department. I have found a comfortable wizarding condo to stay in, and I have gained a family of four cats who live with me as well.
I'll admit, I have found the muggles here to be quite.....decent. My condo is in a muggle neighborhood, so there is no avoiding contact with them, no matter how 'Malfoy' I am.
So there you have it. My life as of yet. I hope you're satisfied.
Sincerely,
Draco//
I might have been willing to tell Potter about my life, but I was *not* going to tell him about being close friends with a muggle woman. That was my little secret.....for now, at least.
~*~*~*~
"He wrote again?" Stephen asked two months later, as he leaned over my shoulder at work. I had been promoted to his level in the department, and now had two people working under me.
"Yes. He wants to keep me updated on the news from there." I muttered, quickly reading through Potter's latest letter. It was short and to the point, but it fulfilled my desire to know what was going on.
"Are you going to write him back?" He asked, a teasing note in his voice. I glared at him and folded the parchment back up, placing it in my pocket.
"Don't I always?"
"Yup. So, have you got any plans for tonight?"
"Actually, I do. I invited Kaitlynn over for dinner and a movie." I informed him, putting my things away and getting ready to go. Stephen shot me a sly look.
"Why don't you just ask her out, already?! I mean, you two are practically a couple anyway." He said, leering at me as he leaned back in his chair with his arms folded. I looked up, startled, and then realized just how correct his statement had been. Over the Christmas holidays, I had spent the majority of my time either at her house, or at Stephen's with the rest of their family. I had found a strange and comforting acceptance among them, and grew to like being in their company.
After the hols, I began to spend even more time with her, taking long walks on the beach and spending my weekends in her company. I got a strange thrill out of going shopping with her, especially because she tended to window-shop more than actually going into the shops and looking around. I admit, I appreciated this highly! I suppose that I became so unconsciously used to having her around, that I never actually realized that I was practically dating her anyway.....
"This is uncomfortable." I mumbled, as I slumped back into my seat. He laughed.
"Yeah. A Malfoy falling for a muggle. Admit it, man. You're in deep." He chuckled, his eyes twinkling. I groaned and buried my head in my hands.
"Do you think that she'd actually accept me?" I finally asked, my voice muffled by my hands. He smiled.
"Hell yeah. I get the feeling that she's been waiting for you to ask for some time now. Go for it, boy. You've got my blessing, and I'm sure that Rachael won't mind." He crowed, slapping me on the shoulder. I groaned silently and shook my head, standing up.
What had I gotten myself into?!?!
~*~*~*~
That night, I found myself sitting on the couch in my living room, watching 'Pride and Prejudice', with Kaitlynn. She was the one who had brought over the movie, and had insisted that I would like it. Granted, the characters were portrayed well, and the story line was believable, but the underlining stupidity of the younger sisters got to me after a while.
Nora and her kittens (who were now about eight months old), were sleeping peacefully near the end of the couch, except for Ebony, who had taken to sleeping on Kaitlynn's lap. Ebony had taken to Kate vary quickly despite her normally detached attitude. Several times over the past few months I had thought about just letting Kaitlynn take Ebony home with her, but then I would reconsider. I didn't think it was right to separate the kitten from her family.
"Ooh-ooh-ooh! This is one of my favorite parts!" Kaitlynn giggled, sitting up straighter and clapping her hands. I turned my eyes from staring at her, back to the screen. On it, Miss Elizabeth Bennet had just agreed to her aunt's proposal to take a tour of Pemberley, Mr. Darcy's estate. I had to admit, the grounds were impressive.....almost as impressive as the Malfoy estate, although, not so full of evil.
"That looks like my old home....." I muttered softly, feeling a wave of strange nostalgia wash over me. Sure, I hated the place because of what it represented to me, but at the same time, it was the place that I had grown up in.....
"It does?" Kaitlynn asked unbelievingly, with a raised eyebrow. I shook himself out of my thoughts, unaware that I had spoken loud enough for her to hear. She had paused the movie, and turned to stare at me. I sighed.
"Well, my home was more of an old castle, but the grounds were similar to those." I pointed at the screen, where a picture of Pemberley Manor was frozen. Kaitlynn's mouth dropped open.
"Just how rich were you?!" She asked sarcastically. I winced. So far, I had avoided talking about the subject of his home with her, but now was the time.
"You mean, 'just how rich *am* I'." I stated, turning towards her. Her eyes widened even more.
"What?" Her voice was slightly shaky. I sighed.
"After my father died and my mum got sent to St. Mungo's (she went insane, you know), I inherited the manor and all the money that belonged to my family. I could even access it here, if I wanted to, but I'd rather try and live on my own money for a while, just to see if I can."
"You're rich, and you never told me? You live in this two-bedroom condo when you could be sleeping in a richly furnished *palace*?!" Her voice was a near shriek. I grinned, unable to help myself.
"Do I look like I want a palace?" I asked slyly, raising an eyebrow. She glared at me.
"Well.....no....."
"I'm content here. I have a great house, a good job, four warm and cuddly house-mates, friends, you....." I trailed off there, unable to think of what to say next. A smile appeared on her lips.
"Oh? I'm not a friend?" She asked teasingly, tilting her head. My face became serious, and I realized that this was the moment I had been waiting for.
"You are more than just a friend. You pulled me out of something that could have devoured me. You saved me from becoming like the other Malfoys. You showed me a way to let go of my past. I will never be able to thank you enough for that. Now do you see why you mean so much more to me?" I asked quietly, though nervously. I watched as a blush rose to her cheeks and she looked down at her lap.
"Really Draco?"
"Really." My voice was no more than a whisper. Her eyes returned to mine, and I saw that they were twinkling with.....something. Something that drew me in and made me forget myself. Something that made my entire mind spin and my body lean towards her.
The kiss was something that I will never forget. Soft, warm, perfect. Not too long, not too short, just right. And it was with her. Sure, I've kissed girls before, but nothing compared to this. This was perfect. This was RIGHT! And it was at this moment, that the most frightening and wonderful thought entered my head and stayed there.
I was in love.
She pulled away, and looked at me, head cocked slightly.
"That was nice." Was all my muddled brain allowed my mouth to say. She giggled lightly.
"It was." She murmured, her blue eyes boring into my blue-grey ones. I struggled to find the words that I wanted to say, but nothing came to mind.....luckily, she seemed to sense my dilemma, and stayed silent.
"Kaitlynn.....will you.....will you be my girl?" I finally asked, feeling entirely stupid. And I mean, my entire body tingled with how stupid I felt. Then I saw her smile.
"'My girl'. I like the sound of that." She murmured, moving closer, her eyes sparkling at me. As she spoke those words, I felt a delight unlike any I had ever felt before, enter my body.....and my heart.
"My girl." I murmured, putting my arms around her. She grinned and rested her head on my shoulder.
"Your girl."
With that, she pushed the 'play' button on the remote, and the movie continued. And for the first time since it had started, I honestly enjoyed the entire thing. And I realized something.
That Darcy was a pretty great guy!
~*~*~*~
"I can't believe that you finally made your move! About time, buddy!" Stephen crowed, as he bounded into the office the next morning and slapped me on the back. I shot him a glare, but it melted into a grin. I hadn't been able to find a single reason to get mad at anyone this morning, for some odd reason.....
"How did you know?"
"Rachael came upstairs screaming last night. I thought she was being killed, but she just bounced on top of me and started to shriek about how her cousin was finally dating. When I finally managed to calm her down, she told me that Kaitlynn had called her, telling her that she was dating you." Stephen laughed, as I unsuccessfully tried to suppress another grin.
"So what happened? How'd you do it?" Stephen asked. I rolled my eyes, but his eagerness got the best of me.
"We were watching 'Pride and Prejudice'....."
"What?!?!"
"Her idea. Anyway, we got to the part where Elizabeth Bennet has just spotted Pemberley, when I began to think about how much it reminded me of home. I must have said something, because she paused the movie and then we got into this big discussion on how rich I was."
This caused Stephen to snort, and I grinned again.
"Well, we talked a little more, then we kissed, then I asked her out, end of story." I finished, not wanting to share *those* details with him. Stephen shot me a funny look, but didn't ask any questions.
"Well, at least you finally asked her. You'd better be good to her, too, now that you have her, or I'll....." He trailed off threateningly, and I gulped a bit. He could be scary when he wanted to!
"I won't. I.....I love her, Stephen. I really do." I muttered. I watched his eyes widen and his mouth fall open.
"Now that, I didn't expect." He stated numbly, still staring. I smiled slightly. To tell the truth, it wasn't exactly what I had expected to say, either. But if the shoe fits.....
"I have one piece of advice, Malfoy. Don't let her go." Stephen murmured, before standing up and wandering to his own desk. I watched after him, my smile widening.
I was planning on taking that advice. I wasn't going to let her go, no matter what I had to sacrifice in the process.
~*~*~*~