"Hello Lucifer," Heather murmured as Draco's Eagle owl nibbled on her finger as she stroked him with the other. Heather liked to volunteer in the owlery when she had a free period now and then. It was quiet here, and no one was around usually, unless there was a class being taught up here, which only happened once a quarter. It also reminded her of Draco and all their secret rendezvous. She could hear her own owl, a cute little female Saw-Whet named Merlin who was also the smallest owl in the tower, screeching from her perch. Heather turned to quiet Merlin just as she heard the telltale footsteps climbing the stairs to the owlery. When the person came in, she was already quieting the jealous Saw-Whet.

"You really should stop pampering him," Draco whispered lovingly as he wrapped his arms around her waist, "He's starting to get friendly! Honestly, what will people think? Lucifer is my owl after all," he paused for a second, and then added a little louder, "You know what you said the last night? Just before you went off into the Hufflepuff common rooms?"

"Yeah?" Heather said nonchalantly, "You… That's alright, you don't have to say it back, I just wanted to tell you," she quickly said.

Draco chuckled quietly against her hair, then took a deep breath, "Well, it was kind of rude of you to hurry off with out letting me say I love you too." He smiled and gently kissed her neck, knowing she loved it when he did that.

"What did you say?" She barley managed to breath out.

Heather turned around to look him in the eyes, to make sure he really had said it.

"I said, I love you," he repeated, and kissed her gently on her lips.

"Say it again," she almost giggled with joy.

"I love you Heather. I love you more than anything, I don't care what my father says, I'm going to tell him over Christmas break, that I'm in love with you andthere's nothing he-"

Heather interrupted him with a kiss of her own, which was soon reciprocated. "I know this means we'll have to keep quiet about us for a little longer, but can I atleast tell my friends? Please?" she begged.

"I know how much that would mean to you, but I don't think that would go over well with either Hannah or Owen… We both know Hannah hates even the slightest mention of anyone or anything having to do with my house, and Owen… Well, he wouldn't appreciate it either… I know you want to tell them because you think they will be happy for you, but I'm not just being a snotty, stuck-up Slytherinwhen I say I don't think they will be."

"Okay, I see your point about Hannah, but why wouldn't Owen be happy? He's practically my brother! Of course he's going to be happy! I'm sure he won't be too fond of the fact that you're in Slytherin, but since he'll see that I'm crazy about you, I'm sure he'll get over that. Please-"

"Heather," he said just before he kissed her to quiet her, "Owen won't be too thrilled to find out you're spending time with any guy, he'll just be more so to find outit's a Slytherin, much less me! I love you, but I'm surprised you haven't realized that Owen is in love with you! He has been since the moment I met you and before then probably, seeing as how you two grew up together…"

She kissed the Slytherin again and looked into his eyes, "I'm going to pretend likeyou didn't just say Owen is in love with me, and I promise I won't tell anyone about us. Yet. After Christmas break, though, I make no such promises!"

Draco chuckled and leaned down to kiss her soft lips then the soft spot at the base of her neck, savoring the way her skin felt against his lips.

"Say it again," she whispered, loving the way it sounded coming from him.

"I love you Heather," he whispered again.

She started stroking his hair, but suddenly went ridged.

"What is it?" Draco's voice was full of concern as he looked up at her.

"Someone's coming."

Sure enough, moments later, Draco heard the stairs squeak as someone climbed up thento the top of the tower. The young couple quickly busied themselves with theirowls.

"There you are Heather!" It was Owen and he sounded slightly nervous as he walked overto were she was standing, "I wanted to ask you something…"

Heather couldn't help but roll her eyes as she heard Draco laugh under his , Owen heard it too and spun around to face Draco.

"Is there something funny Malfoy?"

Heather watched as Draco coolly turned around and replied, "Oh, don't let me interrupt the throes of unrequited love. I find highly entertaining. Please, carry on!"

And just like that, the sweet Draco Heather had been with just moments before was gone. He caught Heather's glare over Owen's shoulder as she shook her head, begging him not to do or say anything rash that would make her upset with him. Heather saw something shift, and Draco's face softened for just a moment, but was quickly replaced by his trademark scowl. Without another word, he turned on his heel and left the tower, saving one last glance over his shoulder to the girl he loved. 'Thank you,' she mouthed, and he nodded once, barley distinguishable to anyone who wasn't watching closely. Then he was gone.

Heather took a deep breath, knowing what was coming next.

"Yes, Owen? Did you have a question about an assignment?"

"Actually, no," he confessed, "I was wondering…"