His Meadow

Chapter 4

The way his cheek bones felt underneath my lips was intoxicating. They weren't soft and puffy like mine, but firm and warm. I always kissed his cheeks, whispered 'I love yous' in his ear. Anything to feel his skin against mine. He was an addiction. 

I could barely sleep. I sat up until 1 thinking about what would come in the morning. Potions was my fifth period class, so I had to sit through all the morning classes which I already knew would drag on forever. Whenever I'm looking forward to something, the day seems to take forever. 

I didn't realize I fell asleep until I was being shook by the shoulders. Pansy was standing over me screaming about making it to the great hall. "Alright, Alright!" I said, annoyed. 

I was ready in 15 minutes, and Pansy was practically pushing me out the door. She had been rushing me all morning, and I had forgotten about Draco. But when we passed the threshold into the great hall, I was reminded by piercing grey eyes watching Pansy and I walk toward them. 

"Hey Drakey," Pansy cooed.

"Get bent," Draco swiftly retorted. She ignored him and sat in her usual spot, right next to him. I sat in mine, across. "Good morning." I said without looking up from the platters of food that lined the middle of the table. 

"morning"

I looked up surprised before I could control my reaction. Draco smirked at my expression. We said nothing else while we ate, but it was enough. I tried keeping my face down to hide the redness in my cheeks. It wasn't that I was embarrassed, or blushing over his acknowledgment. Rather it was due to my pale skin, revealing every emotion through my cheeks. I was quite content, and it seemed the only person that could ruin my day is Draco himself. 

My classes went painfully slow, which I had predicted. My fourth period class was with Professor Trelawney who taught the Divination class, and I hated it. I'd rather spend the whole day dragging on about the history of magic than spend the period in her classroom. I swear she makes it all up. I was nodding off when Trelawney announced the end of the lesson. As I stacked my books eager to leave, a wave of anxiety rushed over me. Fifth period was next, which meant I would be walking with Draco. I slowed down a bit, trying to collect myself. Taking a deep breath, I walked across the hallway where he said he'd meet me. 

I only stood alone for a few seconds before he caught my eye as he approached me. "ready to go to potions?" Draco asked flatly. I nodded with a smile, "lead the way."

We had been casually walking, even though the class still felt like a mile away. But before I could question his route we turned down an empty hallway. "I found this shortcut when I was first trying to reach the astronomy tower," Draco stated.

"The astronomy tower? I've never heard of it."

"Its just over there." He pointed out a passing window to the highest tower in the castle. I instantly felt stupid for not knowing about this massive structure, but his tone when showing me wasn't condescending, but innocent and almost kind. We turned down a narrow side hallway, that instantly twisted and turned back and around. I was beginning to get worried about this so-called 'shortcut' when we could just barely squeeze through the space between the walls that seemed to never end. 

The narrow passage way soon opened up into the grand hallways that line Hogwarts. Draco etched his way out first, and then did something that sent a feeling through me that I knew I had to feel again.

He extended his hand and took mine. Just for a minute, just to help me through the last of the passageway. His hands were so much bigger than mine, so masculine. My hand looked so fragile and small in his grasp, but I loved how it looked. Draco's hands were callused, probably from the quidditch broom. The contrast felt nice against my soft hands. The contact was brief, but I wanted it to last longer. I've never felt this way before about someone- wanting to keep their embrace. Even if it's as small as a quick touch of hands.

We didn't start towards the classroom immediately. Draco was right about the shortcut, the class was down the hall and there was still plenty of time. He just stood there, staring at me for a second before turning in the direction of the classroom, walking at a very slowed pace. I walked next to him, and right when I reached his side he turned to me.

"Is it alright if we walk together everyday?" Draco asked.

"I'd like that." I said with a smile. On the inside, I was having a full on girl freak out. The jumping and loud pitched squealing included. If everyday became grey and miserable, I wouldn't notice because I'd get to walk with Draco. Seeing him everyday, alone, made me melt. 

Before we reached the doors Draco slowed almost to a stop and asked me a question that genuinely made me blush. "Hey, um- is, is it ok if I call you Em?"

I stopped and turned to look at his face. The light from the windows was bright as the morning sun mingled with the afternoon. Draco was turned away from it so it shined all around him spilling from every corner, outlining his body. His hair shined bright white, and his cheeks were the the same blotchy red color that I'd noticed when we first met. He was so beautiful. 

I looked deep into his eyes as I lightly said, "of course, I would love it if you called me that."

He smiled and turned towards the door. We made it with just enough time to take our seats next to each other.