Little Miss Diggory || A Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter 57

Layla

-

Charles height wasn't the only thing that had changed since I left for Hogwarts. Charlie, Charlie Weasley, to be clear, was spending plenty more time at the burrow. And it was as I had predicted, Jemma, was the reasoning behind that decision. Jemma had hooked herself a Weasley.

They were truly perfect together. Jemma could deal with his constant dragon rants, and he was willing to accept her past and the trauma that came hand in hand. Turns out they had begun dating just after I had left but had decided it was best to share such news in person.

I was happy for them both, but my mind kept veering to Draco. I hoped one day I could tell everyone the boy I cherished so dearly. There was nothing I wished for more. But I knew now that was it was impossible. We were on opposite sides of the war. If anyone knew, it would get around. Then eventually, one or both of us would find ourselves dead. So I would wait. As long as it took for the war to be over. But how long would that be?

It was now Christmas morning, and I had been awake for at least two hours now, so I sat and read. Due to Jemma's new romance, I no longer was to share a room with her. So I was sharing a room with Ginny. Which I loved, but she certainly wasn't an early riser... Or a quiet sleeper. I had finished most of the books Draco had recommended, so I turned to a personal favourite, Pride and Prejudice. It was a beautiful book. And I found myself deeply intrigued by the journey Elizabeth had taken to settle for Darcy.

Such a story made me wonder. Many had objections towards the two, yet somehow, they made it in the end. It seemed far too perfect.

Flipping the final page, I sat back against the headboard and let out a sigh. I hadn't slept so well due to the swirling feeling in my gut. I had a feeling something dreadful was to happen. It seemed every time one of these feelings arose in my stomach, it was scarily accurate.

So, in a worried dazed, I headed downstairs, to where Molly would be up, having it been six by now. Both Molly and I had found great company in one another, often awake at least an hour or two before anyone else. She was amazing. She had taken me in as her own, made me feel welcome and given me a place outside Hogwarts to feel safe. Molly meant a lot to me. She was almost like my mother. Well, at least more of one than mine could have ever been. "Oh, morning Layla," she gasped as she cast a few spells to wash the dishes and began kneading a ball of dough. I smiled warmly at her and walked over to join her. "Ah yes, could you work on the other one? I could use a hand." I grabbed the ball of what looked like bread dough and began to work it in a similar way to Molly.

"Now, how did you sleep, dear?" She said, continuing to roll the mixture. I sighed, channelling any unwanted emotion into what I was doing. I had woken up at half-past three, meaning I had gotten five hours.

That wouldn't have been so awful had it not been constantly corrupt and interrupted by nightmares. Luckily Ginny hadn't woken.

"As good as it getting at the moment." Placing the mixture on the oven pan alongside mine, she turned to me, looking on with sympathy before replying.

"Here, come give me a hand with the cake, and you can say what on your mind." I smiled, walking over to where Molly had hustled over too.

She was quite literally perfect.

-

Dinner had concluded now, and most of the Weasleys and guests were talking amongst themselves. I had just finished helping Molly wash up when I came across a curious discussion. One between Harry, Remus Tonks and Arthur. It took me a moment to realise who they were talking about. But when I figured it out, my face grew uncomfortable, and I cringed furiously. The main topic of the conversation was Draco being a Deatheater and Snape helping with a task.

"Voldemort has chosen Draco Malfoy for a mission?" I leant against the wall and listened carefully, anger rising in my blood. Of course, Harry was spreading these. Remus appeared doubtful Snape would be helping Draco, but the others all seemed to like the chances. My ears started ringing, and the rest of the conversation would be unbeknownst to me. I passed through where the four of them sat and out through the door.

I walked for a minute or two before I came across George and Fred. I furrowed my eyebrows at them as I snuck over, inspecting whatever they were doing. I couldn't say I understood what was going on. But based on their hush-hush approach, I could tell they were plotting.

Suddenly, I made a sudden noise, causing them to jump, and Fred let out a girl-like scream. I giggled, as did George, which made Fred's cheeks grow red from embarrassment. "It's ok, Freddie. I can hold your hand," George teased. "Besides, it's just Layla!"

He was quick to change the subject, pointing out that I looked upset. George quickly chimed in, stating it looked like boy troubles.

"Draco?" George emphasised. I nodded my head, thinking about the moments we had spent with one another. George and Fred began giving me advice, quite useful stuff at that. They assured me that my feeling toward Draco was mutual and that they had seen it first hand. I told them that I worried for him and his deteriorating health and happiness. They told me that I must just be around for him. The conversation went on for a while, but I'd be silly to attempt to recount it.

In the end, I knew that the feelings I had for Draco weren't temporary. Instead, they would stretch on. Because despite being friends, they had stretched further than just a crush. I think I love Draco Malfoy. As crazy as that may all sound. And as Henry Louis Mencken wrote,

Love is like war: easy to begin but very hard to stop.