Chapter 9: Pretty One

Two weeks crawled by and the couple hadn't seen each other. Hermione impatiently checked the Room of Requirement for Draco's notes. She was worried she'd missed one over the weeks. But the place he left them remained empty—until now. Her fingers twitched with excitement as she unfolded the parchment. This note had been written with more care than the others. It was far neater, and Hermione got a sinking feeling in the pit of her stomach.

Hermione,

I apologize for allowing two weeks to pass without giving you a note. Unfortunately, Crabbe and Goyle are starting to poke their noses where they don't belong. While I don't think they pose too much of a threat, I fear that my letters and our future meetings will be far sparser, at least for the time being. I can't risk the news of our relationship reaching my father's ears. I don't mean for that to sound harsh, though I know it does. But you understand the risks I'm already taking by caring about you as much as I do. I'm doing my best to protect both of us.

Draco

PS. Next meeting: 7:30 tomorrow.

She hugged the note to her chest and sighed. While she knew why they had to keep the relationship a secret, it didn't make it any easier. She spent her time in class thinking of way she could meet with him other than their place outside. Her mind frequently entertained idea of her sneaking into the Slytherin common room and somehow making her way to his bed just so they could cuddle for a few minutes. If she didn't figure something out quickly, her marks were going to start noticeably slipping. I need to relax, she thought.

Hermione closed her eyes and begged the room for a broomstick. When she opened them, there was one hovering before her. She climbed on and flew a few test laps around the room. Satisfied, she took off through a window and out into the night. Cool air licked her face, turning her nose and cheeks bright red. Her eyes watered as she flew, faster and faster through the trees until she come to their meeting place. She eased the broom toward the ground and landed gracefully. Now why can't I do that when Draco's watching? Hermione thought. She shrugged and laid in the freshly fallen snow, looking up at the sky. Stars twinkled against the inky midnight. A smile tugged at her lips. She'd always loved the sky; the way it's unattainable, natural beauty hovered above her, not gloating, but not humble either. A noise in the trees pulled her from her thoughts. She stood and took a few cautious steps closer, clutching her wand tightly in her hand. The sound got louder and she saw a hooded figure flying toward her. She raised her wand and waited. The hooded figure dismounted from the broom and pulled off his hood. Hermione smiled as she recognized the blonde hair. "Draco," she said happily and walked closer.

He turned around with a sly grin and pulled her into a hug. "I didn't expect to see you until tomorrow." Her fluffy hair tickled his nose as he rested his head on hers.

"Surprise," she said, her voice muffled by his coat.

Draco chuckled and rubbed her back. "How did you know I'd come?"

"I didn't," she replied, stepping back to look into his beautiful gray eyes. "I wanted to look at the stars," she continued, gesturing to the sky. "They're relaxing."

"What do you mean?" He inquired, frowning slightly.

"Staring at them makes me remember that there's more out there… It makes it seem like my problems are as monumentally huge as I originally thought them to be."

The Slytherin nodded and looked up at the sky. "Does that mean something's bothering you?"

She sighed. "Yes. I guess it does."

He sat in the snow and patted the place next to him. "Saved you a seat."

Hermione giggled and joined him. She leaned against him as she looked up at the stars once more. He put his arm around her and noted the sparkle in her eyes as she stared at the sky.

"Spill."

"Alright, well… I was thinking about my marks. Don't laugh!" She said as his mouth twisted into a smirk. "They're going to start falling if I don't do something."

"Why?"

"Because I've been too focused on—" Hermione stopped. She didn't want to say 'you'.

"On?" He pressed, genuinely interested.

"You," she whispered. This time he did laugh, and she joined him. "Shut up!" Hermione said and playfully swatted him on the shoulder.

"Okay, okay! I'm sorry. I'll stop being so devastatingly gorgeous so you can get your work done like a good little Gryffindor," he teased with a triumphant smirk.

She glared at him in jest before bursting out laughing again. "Just because you're the pretty one…"

"I'm not the pretty one!"

"Oh you so are," she teased.

"Am not!" He pouted.

"Alright, what do you want to be?"

"The pretty one," he replied with a sly smile.

"You… You….!"

"Me what?"

"You Pretty One."

"We can both be the pretty one," he offered, trying to not laugh.

"I guess that's fair," she said, smiling.

He pulled her into a hug once more. His strong arms wrapped around her and held her tight to his chest. She leaned into him, inhaled his scent and took comfort in listening to his heartbeat. A small smile crossed her face as she wrapped her fingers in his soft, smooth hair. She looked up at the stars before closing her eyes and focusing on how safe she felt with his arms around her—protecting her from everything outside that moment. Hermione sighed as she felt her muscles relaxing, releasing the tension that had been there for the past weeks. "I miss you," she mumbled and looked up at him.

Draco was staring at the stars. "I miss you too," he said softly and held her tighter.