I stood for a moment on the steps Harry, Fred and George had just left me on. Was i ready? Was it really the right choice to wear the necklace? Even if it was beautiful, it was a sign of weakness. But it was too late to change it now, as i could hear the faint taps and echos of people coming down for breakfast. So i pulled my hair straight, took a deep breath, and continued towards the doors. I opened one just a crack and slipped through, not wanting my entrance to be too clearly known. It still amazed me how easy to move those doors were. I slowly started walking towards the Slytherin table, my boots tapping the floor as i went. I was trying not to look at the seats available, as i knew nearly all of them would be, so i kept my head down. I sat at the end of the table, with a few spare seats either side of me, and fixed myself a bowl of cereal. I had barely begun to eat, when a familiar voice spoke above me.
'Mind if i sit here?' Draco said, sitting down. I didn't have all that much choice in the matter, but i didn't mind. I shook my head and carried on eating. Draco didn't appear to have any food, simply a book, which he opened and lay on the table in front of him and began to read. I noticed the Crabbe and Goyle had stayed sitting where they were, which was odd. Draco didn't normally go anywhere without them.
'I see you're wearing the necklace then.' he said, after a while. I glanced at him. His head was facing down towards his book but his eyes were swiveled sideways towards me. I swallowed the mouthful of food i'd nearly choked on, thanks to his sudden comment.
'Yeah. I guess i changed my mind.' i mumbled, staring back at my food.
'I guess you did.' he replied, and i could hear the slight happiness he was trying to mask in his voice. I started to eat a little quicker, embarrassment flooding my face. Draco went back to reading, whilst i shovelled food into my mouth. I must have looked a total pig, but i didn't care right now. All i wanted to do was get out of there. Today was one of the days we rarely had that were completely free, so i tried to concentrate on that. As soon as i'd finished, i wiped my mouth with a napkin and walked hurriedly out of the hall. As i went, i heard a a book snap shut behind me. Oh no, he's coming after me, i moaned in my head, quickening my pace. I heard the door of the Great Hall open and close behind me. And then, well, he had to, didn't he?
'Cleo! Cleo, wait, please!' called Draco from behind me. I heard him start to run, and, sighing, i stopped where i was. He caught up with me quickly and turned me gently round to face him. I looked into his eyes, and knew this had to be quick. i wasn't going to last much longer. 'I have to know,' he continued, 'you, wearing the necklace. Does it mean anything? ' I froze for a spilt second, not knowing what to say. Then i managed a few, shaky words.
'I...i wore the necklace...because i...i thought, it would be a waste of money if i...if i...didn't. Thats all. Sorry' i half whispered, turning to go. I couldn't stay, i was about to snap..
'Really?' he called. I stopped a few steps away from him. We were stood inside the doors onto the grounds. Snow covered everything we could see. I glanced sideways for a moment, at this beautiful scene, then I squeezed my eyes shut, trying to compose myself, but it was no use, my heart was thumping away like a bird in a cage. I bit my lip in desparation. And then I snapped. I spun around and flung my arms around his neck, clinging onto him tightly. He was a little stunned at first, but after a second or two wrapped his arms around my waist and straightened up, pulling me up on tip toe.
'What made you change your mind?' he whispered in my ear, causing me to tingle.
'Weakness.' i mumbled into his grey fleece. He laughed quietly to himself, as he pulled me away from him, tilting my head to look at his face.
'Weakness? What do you mean?' he said, smiling, confused. I rolled my eyes in embarressment, trying to shove my head into his chest, but he held me where i was. He looked at me, expectantly. I sighed.
'I've liked you since i first started here.' i mumbled. He laughed a little more, putting his warm hands on my cold cheeks.
'Then why didn't you tell me? You knew i liked you!' he said. I looked at him sincerely.
'I couldn't be sure you did,' i said, and a look of astonishment crossed his face, 'i couldn't be sure that you...that you weren't just treating me like every other girl. You could have any of them, it just didn't make sense that you wanted me.' i continued, getting quieter as i did, fading away into a sad silence. I was looking at the floor by this time. He tilted my head back up, looked into my eyes and sighed.
'To you, maybe it doesn't make sense. But to me it does. You're friendly, funny, cheeky, mischievious and beautiful. But most of all,' he said, looking deeply into my eyes and letting his forehead rest on mine, 'You're perfect.' he whispered, and he leaned down slightly, gently pressing his soft lips into mine. It felt...magical.