The Half-Blood Princess- d.m

XV

serena's pov:

"Hey Draco, can we talk?" was the last thing that slipped out of my mouth.

He tossed his hair back and adjusted his towel around his waist, making sure it was secure. His expression remained guarded, his annoyance evident as he waited for me to speak.

"We just got back from the dance and playing games, Rena, what's up now?" he huffed, clearly impatient.

"I know you might not feel the same, and I know I'm a little drunk right now, but Draco..." I paused.

He looked at me with confusion in his eyes, hastily adjusting his towel before I could continue.

"Draco, I think I might like you. Not just as friends, but maybe something more," I said, looking down nervously, feeling myself sober up from the weight of my confession.

His eyes shifted from confusion to realization. The silver of his gaze softened as he adjusted his stance, suddenly standing beside me.

"Rena, even though you might be drunk and might not remember this by morning, I think it goes without saying that I like you too," he said, his gaze shifting towards the clothes he had yet to put on.

Draco then got dressed. I sat there in silence, trying not to watch him change, twiddling my thumbs. I glanced up as he coughed, ruffled his hair, and left his room without saying a word. I assumed he wanted me to follow him.

I walked out of that dreary room and headed to the common room, where I found Pansy and everyone hanging out again tonight, arguing about something stupid.

"Guys, how many times do I have to explain? The swirly ones are way better!" Pansy shouted.

"Pansy, I believe the circular ones are," Crabbe tried to argue.

I walked over to the couch where everyone was sitting around and plopped down in an open spot next to Pansy.

"Pans, what's all this about?" I asked, shaking my head in disagreement.

"We're discussing which lollies are best from the trolley on the Hogwarts Express. These two numbskulls think the round ones are better than the swirly ones!" Pansy exclaimed, playfully shoving them.

"Crabbe, Goyle, the swirly ones are definitely better," I giggled, agreeing with Pansy.

I chuckled at the thought of their inevitable sarcastic demise. Pansy had always harbored a strong dislike for Crabbe and Goyle. To be fair, they were incredibly dim-witted, and it was astonishing how they managed not to get held back every year.

After a moment of laughter, the loudspeaker crackled to life. The loudspeaker never seemed to work properly. Even when it did, it always crackled, usually heralding bad news.

"All students who wish to register their blood purity status, registration is now open for those who wish to do so. Good night!" Dumbledore's voice suddenly crackled through the PA speaker.

"What? That sounds absurd. It seems like it's only meant to be used against us," I exclaimed.

"Oh Rena, don't be a wuss. You're not sounding very Slytherin right now," Pansy said teasingly.

"But Pansy..." I started to say, my voice trailing off uncertainly.

"Rena, no buts. I'm sure it's fine," Pansy said confidently.

"Well, I'm going to go do it," Crabbe and Goyle said in unison as they marched out of the common room. It wasn't surprising; they were extremely gullible and always did whatever they were told.