Monsters

thirty eight

Draco guides me down the river a little further until we reach a cute spot where a blanket is already set up with a picnic basket.

"Did you do this?" I ask him and he nods.

"That's so cute." I say as a smile tugs on my lips. This kid really planned a whole picnic by the river for me.

"So you like it then?" He asks me.

"Of course." I say and sit down. He sets his head in my lap and I run my fingers through his hair. His hair is always so soft and it smells like mint.

"I'm scared that I'm almost done the cabinet Maya." He says randomly.

"Why are you scared? Isn't that a good thing...?" I ask.

"Well... I guess but there's more to it than just fix the cabinet." He explains. "I don't want you to get hurt and I don't want you to hate me."

"Tell me." I demand.

"Maya..."

"No, you can't bring it up and then not tell me."

"I- Once it's fixed, the death eaters will be able to get into Hogwarts and then i'm supposed to kill Dumbledore..."

I didn't say anything.

Kill?

He's supposed to kill someone... that's what his task is...?

"Maya...?" He says but I don't answer.

How could the dark lord ask him to kill someone...? He's... He's only 16...

"Maya, please say something..."

"He wants you to kill Dumbledore?" I repeat.

"Yeah..."

"You're only 16."

"That doesn't matter to him." He says as he studies me.

"What happens if you don't do it?" I ask. "If we run away."

"He'll kill my mother." Draco says.

"Oh."

"I have no choice, Maya." He says. I see tears forming in his eyes.

"I know, love." I say as I gently play with his hair to calm him down.

"Does nothing scare you away?" He asks, now sitting up and staring at me.

"Not really." I say with a smile.

"How did I get so lucky to be with you?" He asks.

I shrug my shoulders and lean into him to kiss him.

"Would you run away with me?" He asks in between kisses. "If we could, I mean."

I pull away and look him in the eyes.

"Yes."

"Where would we go?" he asks as he pulls me onto his lap.

"Somewhere in the country, away from everyone." I say.

"That sounds peaceful."

"A small town kind of place where the neighbours are friendly." I continue as he runs his fingers through my hair.

"Mm"

"A small house with a big yard."

"Kids?" he asks.

"Four." I say.

"Four?"

"I don't like odd numbers because then ones left out but I want more than two."