My Damned Lover: Third Year

Chapter 34

The weekend was here, which meant it was time for Hogsmeade. 

Harry went to practice patronuses with Professor Lupin, and Ron and Hermione went off on their own so that Seraphina could hang out with Draco. 

Seraphina laughed as Draco held the glacial snow flakes out of reach. "Hey! Come on!" 

He grinned and stretched his arm up higher. 

"Wow, really? You know, I'm not short or anything. I... can... reach..." She reached up and winced. Her fingers weren't even brushing against his. 

"Say the magic word, Seraphina," Draco cooed. 

"Arrogant prick," Seraphina shot, and Draco smirked. "Not even close." 

Seraphina jumped and lit up when she managed to catch the box. "I GOT-" 

She lost balance, causing him to topple backwards. His back slammed against the shelf, and she crashed right into him. His hands automatically settled on her waist, and she clung onto his shoulders to keep from falling over and embarrassing herself. Her eyes widened at their proximity, and she dared glance to the left. 

Seraphina spotted a tiny mole on his neck, and for a second, she was mesmerized by his signature cologne that was even stronger than ever because her nose was right where he had sprayed it. She had a flashback of the first day back at school, and her heart tumbled. Then she remembered Hermione's question about whether she liked Draco or not. So many thoughts flooded her head at once, and she just didn't know what to say or do next. 

Draco just stood there, frozen with uncertainty as well. His hands were still on her waist, and he didn't know what to do with them. He was sure the polite thing to do would be to let go of her, but it might break the spell they were in. Besides, her curves felt nice, and he liked how close she was. Her familiar scent of bubbly champagne and warm honey soothed his frazzled nerves. Her breath tickled his neck though, and he struggled not to flinch. His heart was pumping a mile a minute, and the blood rushed to his ears. He just hoped they weren't flushing red, or he'd die of embarrassment. 

Neither of them were willing to break the awkward hug, and it almost felt as if no one was in the room but them. He dared to lean in towards her, and his jaw brushed against her temple. A small smile tugged on his lips, and just when he rested his weight on her, she jumped back. 

"AHA! I GOT IT!" Seraphina triumphantly waved the box in the air with a huge grin on her face. His heart sank in disappointment, but he didn't let it show on his face. "Now get me nine more." She pointed upwards. 

Draco raised an eyebrow. "You dare order a Malfoy around?" 

"Please get me nine more boxes of glacial snow flakes... before I give you a rerun of what happened in second year." Seraphina grinned. "That better?" 

"Wow. Now you're threatening a Malfoy." Draco shook his head in fake annoyance. "You should be grateful I'm in good spirits today." 

"Quit yapping, more grabbing." She gently nudged his back with her elbow and nodded upwards. 

Draco sighed in surrender and did as she requested. He was about to pay, but she cut in and paid for herself. Draco frowned. He knew it wasn't a big deal but something nagged him in the back of his mind. For some reason, he didn't like that. He wanted to pay for her. She let him do it last time, so why not this time? 

"Can I get one more bag? Thank you." Seraphina smiled at the worker. Then she split the boxes in half and held out a bag. "Ta-da. It's for you." 

"What...?" Draco stared at her. 

Seraphina beamed. "It wouldn't be a gift if I didn't pay for it. Go on. Take them. They're yours." When he stared at the bag, she pointed out, "I know you've secretly been craving these. You're just too prideful to admit it. Come on." She put the bag in his hand and looked around. "Let's go look around." She started to walk down the street, and he watched her with eyes of awe. 

Glacial snow flakes are her favorite. She's never split them with me before. Granted, she gave me one before, but it wasn't like this. That's a good thing, right? His disappointment changed to hope, and he started smiling. 

Seraphina looked back and waved. "Come on! Hurry up! We don't have all day!"