January

The coldest winter was slightly hanging onto January.

It felt refreshing at the start of a new year. We held a party in the Slytherin common room that lasted until three in the morning. There was some Firewhisky involved too; this was probably my second time to drink it. Personally, I didn't really like it; although Draco and I drank it together. I finished about 4 cups of it, only because – if Draco's happy, I'm happy. His smile makes me smile.

After the noise died down for a while, most people went to just sit down and take a rest while others decided to dance to some slow music. I felt really pathetic just sitting there watching everyone have a great time. Draco was nowhere in sight, and even if he was, I wouldn't be able to ask him to dance, I thought.

But it was a one in a million chance. I didn't even notice him coming; I was just staring at my glass of Firewhisky in my hands; the delicate amber color it possessed. It wasn't until Draco had come up to me. "Pansy, may I have this dance?" He asked me in a graceful voice. Time seemed to pass by for hours and hours until I finally got up to my feet and joined him.

A new song started to play; one by Celestina Warbeck. He placed one of his hands on my waist which sent a thousand jolts up my spine. I held his hand in mine; my head against his chest. I could smell his delicate, musky perfume as I leaned closer and closer. The atmosphere was perfect – everything was perfect – if only it lasted longer.

By the end of the second song, everyone had stopped and started to wander around for a while. But not me. Not Draco. His movements were far more elegant than any those I have ever seen.

But, as with all good things, they come to an end. Nothing lasts forever. The night ended after for what seemed an eternity. I would never forget this night – the glistening chandelier dangling just above us; the beautiful emerald curtains…

The next following week I've been noticing he's been canceling his personal plans to kill some time with me. I was appalled and didn't know what my next move should be. The corridors were filled with students and I barged my way through, looking for Draco, but I couldn't find him anywhere. These insignificant children won't get out of my way, I thought.

As I walked my way through the students, my friend Millicent Bulstrode came up to me. You wouldn't call her the most beautiful girl, but she's a good friend. I can remember everything like it was only yesterday.

"Pansy, Draco wanted me to tell you something…"

"Yes, what is it?"

"I'm not entirely sure what it means, he didn't tell me any details whatsoever –"

"Oh, come on, Millicent, just cut to the chase?"

"He said Cherry Blossom Tree, nine o'clock; make sure no one sees you. That's it."

And with that simple sentence, she left. I was left there, pondering its meaning.

Somewhere in the courtyard, they laid a beautiful pink, cherry blossom tree. When night had arrived, the petals seemed to be illuminated in the moonlight. With everything else finished on my agenda, and although it was only five thirty, I raced to the Slytherin Common Room.

I've spent probably the longest time in the bathroom that day (besides the night of the Yule Ball, possibly) – spending extra time on my hair and makeup. Well, I had to look appealing, didn't I? If it was going to be a romantic night, I might as well make it worth the time.

It was about eight forty five by the time I was finished. I've just made it in time to the tree. Draco was not there. One minute. Five minutes. Ten minutes – I sank down to my knees. I wonder if he had forgotten me.

But I was wrong. When he was about to reach eleven minutes late, his figure came out of the dark shadows and into the moonlight. He smiled at me, I felt myself smile back. Walking slowly towards him, my legs felt wobbly and I couldn't keep my balance. I fell. He ran up to me in cue and caught me as I barely touched the ground. Blushing in embarrassment, I hesitated and started to fix my hair until his hand stopped mine. "Pansy, don't fret, you look beautiful," he said.

And for the rest of that night; we talked about old memories and our childhood lives. Like how he used to run away from me thinking I had cooties. Like how I went up to our mothers while they were drinking tea; telling on him. I liked sitting down at the bottom of the tree, next to him, with the petals flying in front of us. For one precise moment, he placed his hand on my knee; fingers encircling around them. I didn't stop him. I placed mine on top of his and we sat there for a couple of minutes, hours, days, I don't know how long it was – but it was faultless. Absolutely stunning. Perfect enough to impress even a Parkinson.

Just when I thought this night couldn't get any better, when it reached exactly eleven fifty nine, he stood up first. I followed. He placed his hand on my shoulders.

"Thanks for being there for me, Pansy."

And with that, he leaned closer and closer. I saw his blonde hair swing over his forehead as our noses almost touched and finally did. He kissed me and I kissed back. My arms entwined around his neck. It felt magical. I didn't know it was a dream, or some endless fantasy. I suddenly smelled his perfume, and this was it – this was real.

I felt like I was living a fairy tale. Sneaking out at night, being with the one I loved, and a kiss. Not just a kiss, but my first kiss. Midnight made it seem extra special to me.

After jumping into bed that night, I couldn't sleep. I relived how it was like, the feeling of his lips on mine, the wind blowing slightly around us. As I slept, I wanted to have a good dream. The outcome was, I didn't dream about anything. But it's the thought that counts, right? I didn't need a good dream. January already satisfied me.