May 2002

It was their six month anniversary and things were running smoothly for Draco and Astoria. They often stayed over each other's houses and tried to see each other twice a week but due to Draco's job at the Ministry, it sometimes proved to be quite tough. His relationship with Tori was rather different than his relationship with Pansy, for one thing Tori was rather laid back and recognised when he needed some space whereas Pansy was always by his side and giving him attention, something which during his teenage years he had liked. Tori wasn't as clingy as Pansy had been either, someting which he rather liked about her. They spent the right amount of time together.

It was one night that he was stuck at the office and when he checked the time, it was nearly eight-thirty in the evening and he had completely forgotten about his dinner plans with Tori which had been over an hour ago. As he began to curse himself silently, he waved his wand to tidy his desk and pulled on his travelling cloak, fastening the clasp when the door to his office opened and Tori stepped inside; shutting the door lightly behind her.

"Tori, I was just-

"You could have wrote to me that you were working late."

"I forgot-

"Instead I was sat there for an hour looking like an idiot because my boyfriend hadn't shown up."

"I'm sorry, it's been a hectic day."

"It wasn't the first time Draco, this is the third time it's happened now."

Draco sighed heavily, rolling up the sleeves on his shirt when he realised how hot and stuffy it was in his office. Tori had a point, this was the third time that it had happened and this time he doubted he could make up for it by buying her flowers or chocolates. He hadn't been keeping track of the time and the disappointed look on her face didn't ease his guilt.

"Tori, I apologise about missing our dinner date. I've just been swamped here today and I haven't been checking the time."

"Draco, I like that you're apologetic about missing the dinner but I need to know if I'm wasting my time here." Tori stated, and the look on her face told him that she didn't want the relationship to end but she didn't want to be messed around with either.

"You think you're wasting your time with me?"

Tori shrugged, "I don't know Draco, missing dates and forgetting to check the time and not writing me a letter to let me know doesn't exactly say in this for the long haul, does it?"

"I've already apologised, what more do you want?" Draco yelled.

She blinked, anger coming out now.

"I want to know where I stand with you."

"You should."

"Well I don't!"

"We're in a relationship aren't we? We go out on dates, we stay round each other's houses, I even make you a bloody cup of tea each morning I wake up with you!"

"That's your idea of commitment?!"

"It's more than I did for Pansy!"

"Oh bloody typical you have to bring up her!"

"I'm stating an obvious fact Astoria! I liked her yeah, of course I did. But she never meant to me what you do. I do those things because I'm in love with you and-

Tori's eyes widened in surprise and Draco failed to finish his sentence. Draco hadn't intended to tell her that he loved her just yet, he still thought it was too early for that. But it was true, he had fallen in love with her. He had never felt that with anyone until he had officially gotten together with Astoria. She did so much for him and had helped him to shape himself into a better person.

The atmosphere was slightly awkward for a few minutes as Draco poured himself a small glass of firewhiskey, draining it in one go before turning back to her. He didn't know how she had taken his outburst, for he hadn't wanted to tell her that he loved her by shouting during the middle of their first argument.

"I'm sorry, just forget I said anything. Please."

She shook her head, "You love me?"

"Just forget-

"Dammit Malfoy!"

The next thing he knew, Tori had flung her arms around his neck and placed her lips to hers. Draco wrapped an arm around her and hoisted her up onto his desk as his other hand cupped her face as the kiss deepened. He felt her smile against his lips as they continued to hold onto each other, kissing each other a little bit more passionately. The smell of her perfume filling his nostrils and making him aware of the fact he hadn't breathed in for a few minutes. He pulled away from her, gasping for breath. Tori looked up at him, smiling widely.

"I love you." Tori whispered, running her fingers gently through his blonde hair.

Draco smiled as he caressed her cheek, hoping that the argument wouldn't start back up again.

"Am I forgiven?"

Tori nodded, "Did you mean what you said?"

"I did."

"Just don't stand me up a forth time otherwise I'll hex you."

Draco laughed, "I'll bear that in mind. So now that we've kind of made up, can I tempt you to a bite to eat at the manor and spending the day with you in bed tomorrow?"

"That depends, do you have the day off tomorrow?"

"No, but that's what sickie's were invented for."

Tori rolled her eyes but laughed slightly, "Okay but we go to dinner at the weekend when as we're both off." she replied.

"Great."

"What do I do about clothes?"

"I'll have the house elves wash them for you."

"And if I want to walk around the manor?"

"You're lucky my parents are on holiday this week, I wouldn't mind if you chose to wear one of my shirts or chose to walk around naked."

Tori got off the desk and hit him playfully on the arm, "Let's get going, I want to get this night started."

Draco took hold of her hand, flicking his wand and the lights in his office went out. As he locked the door to his office and headed towards the lifts, he thought to himself that this relationship was definitely for the long haul and he hoped that one day he could show Tori just how much he wanted to be with her.