Sorry for the wait! There's a time jump this chapter by a few months, so obviously their relationship has progressed a bit. And thank you so much for the reviews :)
"I feel ridiculous." Draco mumbles, looking in the mirror and tugging at his now-red hair. I laugh, pulling on my dress robes and walking over to the gloomy boy.
"You look adorable, Draco, don't complain." I wrap my arms around the boy, who grins despite himself. I love being able to make him smile, it's one of the things I'm going to miss about him when I'm gone. But he doesn't know that yet, we still have a few more days.
"Well, you look alright, I guess. Although I'm not a fan of redheads." Draco says, jokingly analyzing me.
"Oi!" Ron shouts from the corner, and we both laugh. We have to go join the guests soon, which I know Draco isn't looking forward to. He's not much for crowds, especially when it's a bunch of people he doesn't know. But we'll stick together, and I'm determined for him to have fun, because it may be our last nice day together.
My birthday had been one of the best birthdays ever, save the visit from Scrimgeour. Draco had given me a bracelet that he had a matching one of. Whenever one person touched theirs, the other person's bracelet would glow gold. And he may not have known it, but it was the perfect gift, because now when we're apart, I'll know he's alright. That's all that really matters to me, now.
Draco pulls me out of my stupor by kissing me softly, and I reciprocate willingly, mindful of the glares Ron is giving us. He feels different, because of the polyjuice potion, but he tastes the same, and moves the same. I can't help but love Draco, even though it would be better for both of us if we ended it.
We head out, and because he looks so uncomfortable, I try and keep us out of everyone's way. Fleur looks beautiful, and Bill looks strong. I see Fred and George flirting with a group of french girls, and I talk to Luna and Victor for a few minutes while Draco gets drinks.
Just as I think I'm going to get stuck in a conversation with Muriel, Draco taps me on the shoulder.
"Do you want to dance?" He asks me, smirking, a look that is far less impressive on this redhead muggle's face, but still very attractive.
"I can't dance, you saw me at the Yule Ball, it was a disaster."
"Well that was with that Patil girl, you had nothing to work with!" I roll my eyes, but let myself be dragged onto the golden dance floor. The music is slow, and I wrap my arms around his neck, and he places his arms on my waist. I smile, looking into his temporarily brown eyes, and realize just how much I love him. I carefully twist my bracelet behind his neck, and he smiles when the one on his wrist glows gold.
"You know I love you, right?" Draco says casually, looking away and blushing. I grin and nuzzle him playfully.
"Feeling especially sappy today?" Draco laughs and kisses me, and for that second everything is perfect.
But suddenly the patronus arrives, and there's panic. I look around desperately for Hermione and Ron, not letting go of Draco's hand. We have to leave, and I know it, but I can't let go just yet.
"Harry!" Hermione calls, and I see her and Ron standing, waiting. I force myself to let go of Draco's hand. Instead, I grab his shoulders desperately.
"Draco, I have to go, and you can't follow. Please, please, stay safe. I love you." I pull him tightly into a quick kiss, and then I let him go, knowing I could have just held him for the last time. He calls after me, and I ignore him even though it breaks my heart.
I run, because I have to to keep him safe, but I can't help but look back and squeeze my bracelet that's glowing gold.
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