"I don't know how to write this letter, Selma," Kaitlyn whispered to her friend that night. She had told both of her best mates about what happened in the owlery, and while completely shocked at the events, they'd quickly grown accustomed to the fact that Dameon Malfoy was not, in the figurative sense, a true Malfoy. It took a couple hours of explanation, but Kaitlyn was happy to think that she'd finally made her friends see reason. Now she had to write to her parents and tell them. She couldn't keep it secret for long, especially since her mother would want pictures.
"Your mother will understand if you explain it the way you did to us," Selma told her, flipping through her books on Kaitlyn's bed.
Kaitlyn leaned back, letting the feather of her quill pen gently tickle her face. "My father's going to have kittens when he reads this."
"Then word it properly," Selma said. "Your father's just the type who overreacts. You've always known that."
Kaitlyn sighed once again, and then began to write. She couldn't stop herself. The words flowed onto the paper and before she had a chance to chicken out, she closed the letter and sent it with Selma's owl.
Closing her eyes and propping her head on her pillow, Kaitlyn felt her body tense. Knowing how her parents reacted to things like this, she knew she was going to receive a reply within the next day.
Kaitlyn knew her parents well. The next day at breakfast, Selma's owl came back with a letter. It appeared to be three parchments long. She was just happy not to receive a Howler.
Selma scooted over closer to her. "I hope they're not too hard on you, Kate."
Kaitlyn only gulped as she opened the letter with trembling hands. She knew as soon as she opened it that her mother had written as calmly as possible. Her father had not been as calm. She could see his large, loopy script at the bottom in practically all capitals. Heather looked over as well. They read it silently.
'Kaitlyn,
I'm ever so glad someone asked you to the Ball. Although… I was surprised at who had asked you. It is common knowledge that our families are not the friendliest, for reasons almost everyone in the wizarding world will tell you. Darling, if he's as different from his family as you say he is, of course I will believe you.
Know that I am not angry with you, dear. I have not met this boy so it would be completely unfair of me to pass judgment on him. It just seems so odd to me that my daughter, a Weasley, would fall for someone with that kind of a reputation.
I know his family, darling, and I feel it is my duty as a mother to protect you. So now I have to warn you about the Malfoys, even though I'm sure you've heard all of it.
Lucius Malfoy, Dameon's grandfather, was a Death Eater for Voldemort, and I've explained all of that to you. It all ended when you were just a toddler, so you have no reason to remember any of it. Lucius was a true supporter of the Dark Lord, and his son, Draco, only followed in his footsteps. Draco had, on many occasions, tried to murder your father, your uncle, and me while he was still at Hogwarts. Your uncle and he were constantly in fights about different things, and your father (being the irrational person he can be) lost his temper quite frequently around him.
I haven't even begun to tell you the extent of all the encounters we've had with Draco Malfoy, and I don't know if I want to. I just want you to know… the Malfoy family is a dangerous one, and you should be well aware of that.
Now I can understand why Dameon would feel alone. After all, Draco is not a very loving person, nor would he make a loving parent. I'm not sure if you knew this, but Draco fell for a Hufflepuff at school, a very sweet, kind girl that turned Draco into a loving person as well. She died while delivering Dameon, and Draco became angry and bitter. Dameon reminded him of his wife and that made him loathe being a father even more. Draco holds Dameon responsible for his wife's demise, and that is very unfair to Dameon.
It sounds to me like a lot of his mother's traits passed to him, because he sounds nothing like Draco. Other than the fact that he has a very forceful and eloquent tongue, he doesn't possess one quality that his father does.
Just be careful, love. I don't want you to get too deep into a relationship with a Malfoy without realizing the repercussions. If Draco were to find out that Dameon was dating a Weasley… there's no telling what could happen.
Also, be very gentle with Dameon. It sounds to me like he has never received any love whatsoever. Too much at once could possibly scare him. You are a very loving, caring person and I know you are dying to let someone know they mean that much to you, but be careful. Don't lay on the love too thick right away. He'll run away.
I've said my piece, my dear. I expect to see pictures!
Love,
Mum
PS The news has been broken to your father… very gently. Please don't take any of what he has to say to you personally.'
Kaitlyn sighed. Selma and Heather smiled at her. "Your mum understands! That's enough," Heather said cheerfully.
Kaitlyn shook her head. "It… it really isn't. My father is everything to me… and what if he doesn't want to accept this, ever? I don't know if I'm even going to be able to read his note to me." She set the other two pages of the letter, which appeared to be her father's rant, down on the table. She felt tears well in her eyes as she looked up toward the Slytherin table.
Dameon was staring right at her again. His face brightened when he saw her and he flashed her a tiny grin. His smile soon faded when he saw the look on her face. He nodded his head toward the doors of the Hall and both he and Kaitlyn got up from their seats to go talk.
Kaitlyn stopped outside of the doors and leaned up against the wall. Dameon frowned. "What's going on?" he asked.
She sighed and then looked up at him. She couldn't help but smile. He cared. That was all that mattered. Just the simple fact that he cared was enough to send her heart reeling. Her tears subsided.
"I told my parents who I was going to the Ball with," she whispered and she could hear him sigh as well.
"I figured as much," he said just as quietly as she had. He leaned against the wall next to her. "That's the reason why I haven't written home… nor will I."
"I don't blame you, Dameon," she whispered. She looked up at him and saw his tender face. He was smiling gently at her, as if he understood and wanted to help. She couldn't help but feel completely floored. "I know things are harder for you than I could ever imagine for me. I'm sorry."
"Don't apologize. Our family is not something we choose in life. It's how we choose to live it."
Kaitlyn looked up at him, her eyes twinkling magically. "I've never heard a wiser word spoken, Dameon."
He said nothing but looked down at her hands, took one in his, and brought it to his lips slowly. Kaitlyn closed her eyes and relished in the tingling sensation she felt in her hand, being that close to his heart. She opened them and saw his face hovering very close to hers, peering into her eyes.
"Kaitlyn," he whispered quietly. "I… I've never known anyone like you. Can I ask you something?"
"Anything," she managed to choke out. Her breathing was somewhat labored, being this close to him.
"Will you promise never to leave me?" he asked, peering at her. He put his forehead on hers, sighing. He wanted to be as close to her as possible.
"I promise, Dameon," she said, putting her hand on his cheek. "I'll never leave you as long as you never leave me."
"Never, never," he whispered, wrapping his arms around her waist. They stayed like that for a long time before Dameon smiled mischievously at her.
"What?" she asked, smirking. She was suddenly struck with how unbelievably irresistible Dameon could make himself, especially when he was happy. She found her knees weakening just staring into his sparkling midnight blue eyes.
"I have an idea," he whispered. He pulled his head off from hers, took her hand, and led her up the stairs of Hogwarts.
Kaitlyn peered over her shoulder. "What are you doing?" she whispered harshly, though she had a smile stuck to her face all the while. "We're supposed to be at dinner, in the Great Hall."
"Sh!" he said, laughing and half dragging Kaitlyn up the stairs. "Since when has a Malfoy ever listened to a Granger?"
She scoffed and rolled her eyes, allowing herself to be directed up the stairs. She looked over her shoulder and giggled. Dinner was over and the rest of the student body was spilling out of the Great Hall.
Dameon saw what she was looking at and pulled her closer as he proceeded to run faster. "What!" Kaitlyn squealed, but Dameon covered her mouth with his hand quickly. This sent a tingle of delight up her back. His hands were warm and soft against her lips, and they smelled heavenly.
Dameon felt the sensation and drew his hand back slowly. They took a moment to smile at each other until he looked over her shoulder and started to run quickly in the opposite direction.
"Dameon! What are you doing?" she asked, running after him.
"Trust me," he said, not stopping.
They ran up the stairs for a few more minutes before Dameon reached the floor he wanted. Pulling out his wand and looking over his shoulder cautiously, he pointed his wand at the wall, whispered something Kaitlyn couldn't hear, and the wall opened up.
"I've known about this since my first year," he said, holding out his hand. "Come in."
Kaitlyn did as she was told, stepping into the hole in the wall. She gasped at the sight she saw. It was obviously one of the many undiscovered rooms at Hogwarts. It would have been completely pitch black if not for the dancing faeries and the low, pulsating glow of light coming from the center of the room.
She stood transfixed for a few seconds before Dameon addressed her. "Can you believe how wonderful this is?"
"No," she sighed. "When did you ever find this?"
"It was a long time ago," he said, taking a spot on the floor. "It was right before Christmas when I was eleven… I received a letter from my father. It was the first time he'd ever said he wanted to spend Christmas alone. I was so devastated. I wanted to just escape from the world. I ran up as far as I could go, and I sat against this hole. I started to practice my Charms and the next thing I knew, the wall opened up and I fell backward. That's when I discovered this place. It's magical, isn't it? I come here every single time I feel distressed. I came here every time you and I had a fight this year."
Kaitlyn looked at him, completely surprised. "You did what?"
The light cast an ethereal glow on Dameon's face. His dark eyes turned shades of purple and green. He nodded, leaning his head back against the wall as he watched faeries dance. "It's just like I told you before, you are the only person who treats me like Dameon instead of a Malfoy. The first time we fought, I expected you to back down automatically, but you didn't. When you retaliated, I got really angry. I thought it was me, something I had done wrong. I thought I was losing my touch. But then… we started fighting more and I became hopeful, almost too hopeful. I'd get angry when we fought and I'd come up here to reflect. I thought there was never going to be a chance to turn everything around. I was sure that if you and I became friendly, you'd be the only real friend I ever had."
Kaitlyn couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her mother had warned her not to push, but what was she supposed to do or say when he started spouting off his feelings?
"Oh… Dameon… I…" she began, but stopped when he looked right into her eyes, their intensity burning fiercely into hers.
"Kaitlyn," he stated. He took his hand in hers and whispered, "Just watch with me."
And she did just that. Her head lazily lolled onto his shoulder and he let his fall on top of hers. They watched the faeries dance for an immeasurable amount of time. Kaitlyn slowly drifted off to sleep.
The Christmas season came around in full swing. The students and teachers alike were getting into the spirit of the holiday. The large, decorated Christmas trees were being put up in the common rooms of all the houses. Garland and lights were strung up in all of the classrooms, mistletoe was placed at random places throughout Hogwarts, and the rush to shop in Hogsmeade became rampant.
Selma ran down the stairs to the Great Hall excitedly, clutching her school robes and her books against her chest protectively. She raced into the Hall, unseen by the multitude of students who were eating dinner.
She rushed over to the Gryffindor table and sat in the seat Kaitlyn had saved for her. Heather sat across from her, gazing at her curiously. "Why are you so late?"
Selma turned a distinct shade of pink and looked down shyly at the table. "Merrill and I got caught under the mistletoe."
Kaitlyn spit out her pumpkin juice and started laughing. This caused an explosion to erup along the Gryffindor table. The other tables looked over to see what was so funny and laughed at the mere enjoyment of it all.
"Only you, Selma," she sputtered over the roar of laughter. "I can't believe you. That's too funny."
Selma said nothing and only turned redder. "I can't believe…"
"What? Can't believe what?" Heather asked, reaching over for some mashed potatoes.
Selma looked at her friends anxiously. "That was my first kiss… and it was forced."
Kaitlyn laughed at her friend and looked up to see Dameon shooting her warning glances. She frowned, but before she could say anything, John Wood sat down next to her. She smiled weakly at John. Was he going to ask… or was he just trying to get near her? Whatever it was he was trying to do, it was making her feel very sick. Her eyes landed on Dameon's as he tried not to look at her. He was doing a horrible job.
John cleared his throat. "Uh, Kate?" he asked timidly.
She grimaced at her plate. "Hullo, John."
He took a seat next to her and looked at his hands nervously. "Kaitlyn… I was uh… I was wondering…"
Kaitlyn turned away quickly so as not to hear the rest of the question.
"Will you go to the Yule Ball with me?" he blurted quickly. Kaitlyn didn't want to hear it. She really wanted to leave. Selma and Heather were looking on very interestedly.
She looked up at John's expectant face and grimaced. "Listen, John," she began and his face fell instantly. Her heart pounded in her chest. "It's not that I don't want to go with you…"
"No, no, I understand," he said, standing up. "I guess I waited too long to ask. Do you already have a date?"
"Yes," she said, looking away and nodding. "Yes I do."
"It's just as well," he sighed. "All right then, I guess I'll see you around, Kate," he said, walking away dejectedly.
Selma looked at her friend and smiled half-heartedly. "Don't worry about it. He'll get over the rejection."
Kaitlyn only felt worse. How was she supposed to feel? John was a good guy, but he never had been and never would be her type. Too fanatical about Quidditch for her taste. She looked up and saw Dameon's eyes searching out her own. He gave her an encouraging smile and she was half tempted to get up and leave so she could talk to him when she heard her mother's owl squawk above her.
The tawny owl landed in front of her, and she couldn't help but notice the red envelope he was holding. She gulped, grabbing it.
"I can't believe it!" Selma gasped. "Why would your parents send you a Howler?"
Kaitlyn took the letter in her shaking hand and gazed at it. "It's from my father. I didn't write him back or read his letter when they sent it three weeks ago. I wrote my mother back, but I felt my father didn't deserve a letter. I have no doubt that this is from him."
Heather sighed. "My mother sent me one once, so you'd better open it and get it over with."
Rolling her eyes and holding her breath, she ripped the letter open and the school became silent as Ron Weasley's voice penetrated the walls of the Great Hall.
"KAITLYN MARIE WEASLEY! I CANNOT BELIEVE YOUR AUDACITY! MAKING ME SIT AROUND FOR THREE WEEKS, WONDERING IF YOU WERE EVER GOING TO SPEAK TO ME! AND THEN DELIBERATELY SENDING A LETTER TO YOUR MOTHER AND NOT ME! I WAS WORRIED SICK!
"FURTHER MORE, YOUNG LADY, I WILL NOT HAVE ANY DAUGHTER OF MINE COVORTING ABOUT WITH A BLOODY MALFOY!"
Kaitlyn felt her cheeks flush. Her eyes once again found Dameon's. He looked upset and just as flustered as she felt. Her eyes filled with tears. Why couldn't her father just understand?
"THE NEXT TIME YOU MAKE ME WORRY FOR THAT LONG, I'LL FORBID YOU TO EVEN SET FOOT INTO THAT BALL!"
The letter fell to the table, burst into flame, and blew away. Selma and Heather had been holding their breath. Kaitlyn looked around at the still hall. No one was saying anything. Her eyes were blurred with tears and she couldn't keep her mind focused. Thoughts were running all over the place.
She couldn't stay still any longer. She pulled away from the table and ran quickly out of the Hall. She knew where she needed to go.
Once Kaitlyn reached the owlery, she broke down. Why didn't her father get it? Dameon was not just 'a bloody Malfoy.' Just because their fathers had bumped heads in school didn't mean that she and Dameon were that way. Sure, they had started off like that, but it was a completely different reason… wasn't it?
She dug into her bag, pulling out a piece of parchment and her quill pen. She had a few words to deliver to her father. A few nasty words that would probably get her another Howler. It didn't matter, anyway. She was perfectly fine with getting yelled at about not writing to her father up until he mentioned Dameon.
What did he know about Dameon? He hadn't even met him! It didn't matter what Draco Malfoy was like when he was at Hogwarts, Dameon was not dumb enough to make the same mistakes as his father. Then again, her father had never met Dameon… maybe that was what he needed to do.
Does it even matter? He's being stupid and pigheaded. I hate that, she suddenly thought to herself. She began to write all of her feelings, word for word down on the paper and not even thinking twice about it, she sent it off with her mother's owl and watched it disappear. Tears clouded her eyes once more and she felt the sobs escape her body.
Kaitlyn absolutely hated crying. She loathed it entirely. Her mother had always been somewhat of a sympathetic woman. But she couldn't bring herself to be like that, and every time she felt herself start to cry, she immediately closed up. She had to. If she cried, she wouldn't appear as strong as she always did. But did that matter all of the time?
A creak sounded behind her and wiping her tears away quickly, she whirled around and saw Dameon. The look on his face nearly broke her heart. He was so concerned about her. His dark blue eyes were searching her out.
"Kaitlyn?" he called quietly.
Kaitlyn wasn't surprised that he'd followed her into the owlery. It seemed as though he'd finally figured her out, like he knew her so well. They had only known each other for the duration of their fourth year, and throughout that time, they had mostly fought. What did it all mean?
She stood up and walked over to him, forcing her tears back. His eyes found hers as he gripped her hand tightly in his.
"I'm not allowed to know Muggle traditions," he whispered, and Kaitlyn couldn't help but think that it was the strangest way to begin comforting her. "But I took Muggle Studies anyway. We've been studying classic Muggle literature, about an old British author, Shakespeare."
"Oh! I know Shakespeare!" Kaitlyn yelled excitedly. Whatever he was doing was working. She had completely forgotten why she was upset.
"Then you know Romeo and Juliet?"
Kaitlyn's eyes widened. Of course she knew it. It was only one of her mother's favorite stories. She read it all the time. "What about it?"
"May I quote it?" She closed her eyes and nodded, listening to his melodic voice pouring into her ears. "I take thee at thy word. Call me but love, and I'll be new baptized. Henceforth, I never will be…" he paused, ready to say 'Romeo,' but instead whispered, "Malfoy."
"Oh, Dameon," she whispered. Her eyes fluttered close and she could feel his hot, sweet breath on her face. He was getting closer, the heat from his body radiating onto hers. Her lips felt hot and ready, wanting desperately to be touched.
"Kaitlyn?" the door to the owlery burst open.
Dameon and Kaitlyn jumped apart at the last second. Ben was looking around frantically as he called her name.
"Ben, I'm over here," she called exasperatedly.
"I, uh―" Ben stopped when he saw Dameon, but said nothing about it. "I just wanted to see if you were okay," he finished, frowning.
"Yes, I'm fine, Ben, thank you," she said, her cheeks flushing as she looked over at Dameon. He was uncomfortable and very upset about having been interrupted.
"Did you write Dad?"
"Yes, yes, I did," she replied quickly.
The three stood in silence for a while longer before Kaitlyn ducked out quickly and ran back to the common room. It had been a very confusing night… the Yule Ball was a week away. Everyone else (including Ben) was returning home for the holidays the next day. Kaitlyn was growing excited.
Scanning through the events of the night, she found her thoughts centering on what Damon had quoted to her.
"Call me but love…" Did it mean what she thought it meant? Could it be that she'd finally found what she needed? What she wanted? Or had she stumbled into something forbidden?
"Selma," Heather breathed. "Merrill is just going to die when he sees you!"
"Oh, Heather! Put on your robes, I want to see you all done!"
"All right," she exclaimed, disappearing into the bathroom.
Kaitlyn opened the door to her dorm and gasped when she laid eyes on Selma. She had just come from the library where she had been studying with Dameon. Things had gone surprisingly smoothly since the fateful night she received the Howler from her father. He had still not responded to her nasty letter. She guessed he was probably too angry to write… or rather yell at her. It didn't matter. She was getting on very well with Dameon whether she had talked to her parents or not.
Her mother was actually quite excited. Kaitlyn had written her several different times to ask advice about the Ball. They corresponded almost daily about it, Kaitlyn continually expressing her fear of doing something wrong or slipping up somewhere along the way. Her mother only told her to follow her heart with Dameon and she wouldn't be led astray.
So far, her mother was right. Ever since the night Dameon had spouted off Shakespeare to her, she'd seen him in a new light. Maybe it was finally coming true for her… maybe it was all clicking into place. She would probably see it all culminate at the Ball.
Selma was completely ready an hour prematurely. Heather had done her hair and makeup and was almost ready to put on her robes. Kaitlyn had found herself being so comfortable with Dameon that she didn't want to leave his company until the last possible second. That was until he decided he needed to get ready and left her to her own devices.
"Selma, you look incredibly smashing!" she complimented.
Selma turned to thank her friend and look of horror crashed onto her face. "Where have you been? You're NEVER going to be ready!" she screamed. She rushed over to Kaitlyn and pulled her into the bathroom. "We have to get your hair and your makeup… and…" Selma tutted. "I cannot believe you waited this long to get ready!"
"Selma, calm down," Kaitlyn protested.
Heather walked out of the stall she was changing in, beaming. "How do I―" she gave a strange, gargled noise when she saw Kaitlyn. "You're not ready?" she accused.
"It's not that big a deal!" Kaitlyn objected again.
"No, no, this is a huge deal!"
Within the next twenty minutes, Kaitlyn was made up and ready fro the Ball, much to her annoyance. She had wanted to take her time, but she supposed it was better if she was ready earlier. She and Dameon had agreed to meet in the entranceway of the Great Hall. She was beginning to feel nervous, and wasn't sure how to control it.
Heather had managed to curl all of Kaitlyn's hair and pile it up on her head, leaving the strands to blow against her neck. Her makeup was done so well that she barely even recognized herself. Selma was very impressed with how she handled her friend's crisis.
Kaitlyn pulled out her robes carefully, not wanting to disturb the fabric. She slipped it on and smiled as it slid down her arms perfectly. She couldn't believe how wonderful it felt to be dressed up… but she was sure the most wonderful part was dressing up for someone else.
After the long wait was over and Kaitlyn, Heather, and Selma were dressed and ready to go, the air in the room was tense and excited. Bobbing up and down on the balls of her feet. Selma was clenching and unclenching the sleeves of her robes. She turned around, and with a goofy grin on her face, asked, "Shall we?"
The other two girls nodded excitedly and followed Selma down to the common room. As none of them were attending the Ball with a Gryffindor, they spent the last few seconds walking out of the common room in a complete state of nervousness and anxiety. They stepped out of the portrait hole slowly and their hearts pounded with each step they took.
Charlie and Merrill were waiting at the bottom of the stairs for Heather and Selma. Merrill took one look at Selma and the expression on his face completely changed. He was in complete awe of the girl coming down the stairs toward him. Charlie and Heather had obviously decided to go as friends, but it was clear that Charlie wanted to say more than just, "You look nice." They linked arms with their dates, told Kaitlyn they'd see her at the Ball, and left.
Kaitlyn was then left by herself. She wrung her hands nervously, walking toward the spot where she was supposed to meet Dameon. She bit her lip, feeling her heart pound against the walls of her chest. She could now see him. He was standing at the top of a set of stairs, searching around for her. His hair was slick and groomed and he was wearing a wonderful dark blue robe with a gray turtleneck sweater underneath. He looked dashing.
She held her breath, walking up toward Dameon. He seemed to feel her presence there and turned around to look at her. His eyes twinkled when he surveyed her. "Merlin's sake, Kaitlyn Weasley!" he sighed, stepping down to shorten the distance between them. "You're so beautiful."
Kaitlyn's heart nearly stopped. She had never expected to feel so completely flattered by any face in her school. Her smile was so wide that her face hurt. She approached him slowly, holding up her robes. Her eyes met his and his fingers gently touched her face.
"If you smiled like that all the time, I'd have to start worrying," he whispered.
She frowned. "Why?"
"I don't want anyone else to steal you away," he said, taking her hand softly in his.
"Oh, Dameon," she sighed for what seemed the thousandth time since she'd known him. She closed her eyes and recited, "I shall forget, to have thee stand there, remembr'ing how I love thy company."
Dameon's face lit up and he led her into the Ball. "O speak again, bright angel."
The music in the Hall was pulsating. The dance floor was completely covered with students, having a great time. Dameon led Kaitlyn to a deserted table and they sat close together, talking.
The night passed in a blur of colors and music. Kaitlyn had left Dameon a few times to join her friends on the dance floor. Every time she'd done that, she'd come back to a proud and smiling Dameon, armed with a full cup of punch for her.
Kaitlyn was enjoying her time with Dameon immensely. They were talking and laughing when she stopped mid sentence. "Dameon?" she asked.
"Kaitlyn?"
"It's a slow song," she pointed out.
"Great ear, Kate. Let's test your eye. What color is the punch?"
Her smile widened playfully. She was glad she'd heard the nickname he'd suddenly decided to start calling her, but moreover, she was going to make him dance.
Yanking the punch out of his hand, she dragged him out to the dance floor.
"Kate, I don't― I can't― I―"
"Hush! You owe me at least one dance."
He did just that, placing his arms around her waist as she let her fingers venture onto his shoulders. His breath mingled with hers, his heat driving her crazy. She closed her eyes and brought herself closer. His breath caught, his hands moving in a soothing motion up and down her back. She felt completely relaxed and dared to rest her head on his chest. His cheek found her hair, and it suddenly felt like they were more holding each other than dancing.
After a few tranquil and blissful moments, Dameon spoke. "Kate…"
She didn't want to speak. "Hmm?"
"Do you remember when we fought in the library, and you asked me who you are to me?"
This interested her suddenly. She lifted her head up from its comfortable position. "Yes?"
He pulled away slightly and looked her in the eye. "You… you, Kaitlyn Marie Weasley, are everything to me. You are the only person who's ever bothered to see me for me. You challenge me, you see me, and I saw hope in you. You… you're everything."
"Dameon…" she whispered, touching his face softly.
"My life were better ended by their hate, than death prorogued, wanting of thy love."
Her fingers delicately swept across the soft skin of his face. His hands ran up the length of her arms and grasped her fingers. He leaned forward, closing his eyes. Kaitlyn knew what was coming. Her eyes fluttered shut and she felt his soft cheeks touch hers.
His lips pressed against hers magically. Kaitlyn's body stiffened. Everything felt so right, so perfect. It was all she could do not to scream in complete exhilaration.
She almost cried in agony when he pulled away. His dark, magnificent eyes were sparkling brilliantly.
"I love you."
Kaitlyn gasped, holding his hand tightly. She wasn't sure what to say. "I― Dameon…"
"It's okay," he said, chuckling. "I know you do."
She closed her mouth and smiled at him. "I do."
"Kaitlyn!"
She turned around to see Selma running up to her. She appeared to be somewhere between shocked and happy. "Your parents are here!"
"They are?" she squealed. Taking Dameon's hand, she followed Selma toward the front of the Hall.
Before Kaitlyn could open the doors, Dameon yanked on her hand to stop her. She turned around and faced him. "What is it?"
"I just… it's your parents…" he said. "I don't want things to get out of order with your father."
Kaitlyn sighed. "Don't worry. He won't be blatantly rude to you with me there. My mother's done a good job of taming his big mouth."
His hand squeezed hers nervously. He was obviously not looking forward to meeting the man who'd made Kaitlyn cry. She opened up the doors, and giving his hand a very confident squeeze, they strolled out to meet her parents.
Ron, for the most part, was in distress. He was obviously feeling the blow from Kaitlyn's last letter to him. Hermione appeared to have on her infamous 'I-told-you-so' face. They looked up when they heard the door open. Hermione beamed at her daughter, but Ron looked away.
"Hello, Mum," Kaitlyn said, dropping Dameon's hand to embrace her mother.
"Hello, dear. I see you've been having fun," she said, smiling at her daughter. "And this must be Dameon." She turned her gaze to him. "I've heard a great deal about you." She stuck out her hand and Dameon took it tentatively.
"Nice to meet you, Mrs. Weasley," he choked out.
Hermione laughed. "None of that. It makes me feel like an old woman! Do call me Hermione."
Dameon flushed. "All right, Mrs. Weasley."
Hermione chuckled. Kaitlyn and Ron stood next to each other uncomfortably, not saying a word. Hermione noticed this and turned to Dameon. "Well, young Master Malfoy, what do you say we take a walk? I'd like to talk to you."
Dameon looked completely startled. He wasn't sure what to say. He looked over to Kaitlyn, who just nodded. He smiled then at Hermione, offered his arm, and said, "Shall we?"
"Quite the charmer, aren't we?" Hermione mused, taking his arm. They walked off, chatting quietly. Finally, when they were out of earshot, Ron turned to Kaitlyn.
"I shouldn't have let you come to this Ball after that letter."
Kaitlyn looked down at her feet. "Would you have rather I not responded?"
"I would rather have had you written me a letter with the respect I deserve as your father!"
Kaitlyn couldn't believe this was her father. "The respect you deserve? After sending me a two paged rant and a Howler, you think you deserve any more than what I gave you?"
"It is not your job to determine what I deserve, young lady. I am the adult here!"
"Then will you please act like it?"
"DON'T YOU DARE RAISE YOUR VOICE TO ME!"
"You can't tell me who to be friends with!"
"I CAN SO. I brought you into this world, I can just as easily take you out."
"You're impossible!"
Ron stopped before he could say anything else. "My word. You know you sound exactly like your mother."
Kaitlyn laughed heartily. Ron put his hand on her arm. "Kate, I'm sorry for becoming so angry with you. You didn't deserve that. I was just surprised, is all."
"I understand, Dad," she said. Their eyes met. Blue on blue. Ron thought it was special to see his own eyes on his beautiful daughter's face. "I love you."
Ron's heart melted, as it had done so many times with his only daughter. He pulled her into a gigantic hug and kissed her forehead. "I love you, heart. You know you're always going to be my sweetheart. I just wanted to protect you."
Kaitlyn sniffled into her father's robes. "There's nothing to protect me from. Dameon's harmless."
"He's not the one you need protecting from, darling," he whispered. "I know his father, and I know what he can do to you if he doesn't like the situation his son is in. I don't want anything to happen to you."
"Father, you wanted to ban me from going to the ball with Dameon, not Draco," she pointed out.
Ron sighed. "Forgive me, love. Your mother has since reprimanded me for sending you a Howler."
Kaitlyn backed out of her father's arms, wiping her eyes. "I figured as much," she laughed.
He scratched his head, looking more like a timid young boy than a thirty-six-year-old man. "Did I ever tell you that your grandmother sent me a Howler?"
Kaitlyn's eyes widened. "What! Grandma did that! You never told me!"
"Oh yes," he said, grinning now. "It was during my second year at Hogwarts. Your Uncle Harry and I were in a bit of a crunch getting to school that year. You see… your uncle was in danger that year, and to protect him, the barrier to Platform 9 and ¾ was sealed. We took your grandfather's flying car… and crashed it straight into the Whomping Willow."
"Merlin's beard! You never told me any of that!"
"I will some other time," he said, smiling mischievously at her. "I apologize for everything, Kate. I was just trying to look out for you. I've never had this problem with my children before."
Kaitlyn smiled proudly at her father and then proceeded to wrap her arms around him again. "I love you, Dad."
"I love you."
Hermione and Dameon chose that moment to return. It was obvious that they had gotten on well. They were laughing and talking. Dameon looked renewed and completely alight with life. He smiled widely at Kaitlyn when he approached.
"Your mother is delightful, Kate," he said.
"He's just being nice. I actually whipped him into shape on our excursion," Hermione said, walking over to Ron. "Did you and Kaitlyn work everything out?"
Ron smiled at his daughter and then at his wife. "Yes, I believe we did."
Kaitlyn looked at Dameon and sighed. "It wasn't as bad as you thought it was going to be, was it?" Dameon said nothing. He looked at Ron quickly. His eyes spoke volumes. Ron finally spoke up.
"Dameon, I apologize for the way I acted," he whispered. "I don't know you and I didn't give you a chance. Obviously, if my daughter likes you, you're all right."
Dameon looked up and smiled at Ron. It was all they needed.
For the time being.
