Chapter Twelve

Taylor's POV

Sleep had been the worst decision I'd ever made. Not only did I get about two hours of sleep total, I felt like I was having a panic attack at breakfast. Heromine and Harry had asked multiple times if everything was alright and each time they asked, I lied and told them I was perfectly fine.

Even though I'd talked with him, I was still a little skeptical because of the rumors that had spread worse than wild fire. Deciding I needed to talk to someone, ask advice, I looked around the group. Ron and Ginny vehemently hated Draco, Harry and Heromine seemed to come to an understanding with him, but still held a grudge due to their earlier years, and Neville was indifferent. That only left Luna.

"Hey, Luna, can I ask you something?" I asked the blonde while everyone was leaving the Great Hall, pulling her aside so I could talk to her somewhat privately.

"Of course!" she smiled and I smiled back before pulling the note out of my back pocket and handing it to her.

"I wanted to know what your opinion on Malfoy was." I said as she read the note.

"Well, he's always been somewhat difficult, but as of this year, he seems to be realizing he was in the wrong. I'd be weary, but I wouldn't flat out say no." she told me after a moment.

"So, I should go, see what he's like, and then make a decision?" I asked and she laughed.

"Actually, it can be a lot easier than that." she said and took my hand, leading me down the corridor.

"I don't understand." I said after a moment, giving her a confused look and she laughed.

"Well, you two looked like you were getting along fairly well yesterday in the library." she said and I couldn't help but blush.

"I didn't think anyone saw us." I admitted.

"But, did you enjoy spending time with him?" she asked and I could slightly see where she was going with the questions.

"Yes." I answered and she smiled.

"Did you enjoy his company?" she asked and I nodded. "Then what would be so different about spending more time with him?" she asked and I laughed.

"Maybe you're right. I mean, what's the worst that could happen?" I asked and Luna laughed.

"You could end up like every other Gryffindor and hate him." she offered and I chuckled. "Don't let the rumors ruin a friendship that might be starting. If you look at the way he acts around his friends, he's no different than the rest of us." she added and I nodded.

I'd never been one to base impressions on rumors, but some of the ones I'd heard were terrible. But thinking back to what he had told me the night before, I made a promise to myself to see what he was truly like first hand. If it turned out bad, then I'd just drop him. I didn't want to do that though. I liked spending time with him. He made me feel...whole?

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Third Person POV

Draco leaned against the wall, feeling a little anxious that she wouldn't show up. He'd already gotten into an argument with Pansy about butting into his personal business about the "Gryffinwhore" and he hoped Taylor showing up would brighten his mood. Checking his watch, he still had two minutes till noon. Taking a deep breath, he calmed himself and relaxed, reassuring himself that she enjoyed his company and had no reason not to show up.

Two minutes passed like two hours and the third minute passed like a year. When he heard soft footsteps against the stone walk, he opened his eyes, sighing in relief, and smiled at the red head that was walking towards him with a shy smile of her face. "Either you get my letter or this is happy a coincidence." he remarked, grinning when she blushed.

"I got your letter. And I'll have you know that I got no sleep last night because of you." she accused and Draco couldn't help but laugh.

He was flattered that she couldn't sleep because of a simple request from him, but he felt a little bad that his simple request had kept her up. "Well, I'm glad you've accepted. I was a little worried you wouldn't." he admitted, rubbing the back of his neck. He felt completely nervous around her now. He really didn't want to screw things up with her.

"Well, I had a little talk with Luna Lovegood. She encouraged me to, so you can thank her." she laughed and he was surprised. He didn't think the ditz would put in a good word for him.

"Than I'll have to give her my thanks." he said and smiled before offering her his arm. "Now, if I remember correctly, this is your first time to Hogsmeade. How about I give you the somewhat grand tour?" he asked and Taylor laughed, tentatively lacing her arm with his.

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Taylor's POV

It was strange. Once we began the walk to Hogsmeade, I felt completely at ease with the Slytherin. Unlike the night before, he didn't hesitate to answer my questions about his family. I wasn't stupid though, I knew he was leaving things out. I had to admit it was probably better that way though.

"Alright. Enough about me." he said, giving me a light nudge in the shoulder as we walked down the streets of the small town. "What was your childhood like?"

I laughed and nudged him back before thinking about my childhood. "Nothing spectacular. No spectacular stories." I laughed and he smiled warmly, letting me know it was okay to open up to him. "I had a fairly normal childhood. The only thing close to exciting that happened was when I fell off my childhood home's roof and broke my leg and arm." I said and he shot me a confused look that made me laugh. "It had starting snowing for the first time that year and two friends and myself decided we wanted to build a snowman on the roof so aliens could see it. I slipped on an icy shingle and fell off the roof. While I was in the hospital, I kept crying because we wouldn't be able to finish our snow man for the 'little green men'." I told him, blushing a little.

That had to be my most embarrassing story. I don't know why, but I didn't even think twice before telling him. I couldn't help but cringe when he started laughing. He then took my hand in his and laced our fingers, causing me to look up at him surprised. "I think that's adorable." he said softly with a smile to match. I smiled back and he gave my hand a light squeeze. "So, do you still believe in aliens?" he asked, a smirk playing on his lips.

"Do I believe we're alone in this never ending universe? Absolutely not. But that's the way I was raised. Not to make a decision based solely on facts." I told him and he grinned.

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It was well past five when we decided to head back to the castle. When we reached the Great Hall, though, Draco stopped outside the doors and didn't look like he was going to follow. "You coming?" I asked and he shook his head. "I need to talk with...someone. Look, I had a great time today. I'd love to do it again if that's okay. I need to take care of some things, but I'll see you later." he said and before I could answer, he leaned down and kissed me on the cheek.

I was so shocked, I almost missed that he lingered for a moment before pulling away and leaving me standing there like I'd been hit with a stunning charm. I wasn't sure how long I was standing there, but I jumped and almost screamed when Luna tapped me on the shoulder. "Are you okay, Taylor?" she asked, looking concerned as she stepped back at my reaction.

"Yeah. Fine. Perfect actually." I laughed and she gave me a knowing smile.

"I take it your date went well?" she asked and started to head into the Great Hall.

"It went more than well." I laughed, following after her and telling her as much as I could before the others joined us. I knew they wouldn't understand the budding relationship I shared with their 'sworn enemy'.

A/N: Sorry for not updating the past few days and I'm afraid to say that I probably wont be updating everyday anymore. Not with the limited amount of free time I've got now that I'm starting Senior Project. I'll still update, I'm just not sure when since I don't when I'll get the chance to write.