BETWEEN REVENGE AND LOVE

31

Thursday, 03/10/1995

I nearly trip over it as I open my door. A small, crinkled envelope lies there, waiting for me. At first glance, it looks so ordinary, as if it's just been mistakenly delivered to my room. But as I bend down to pick it up, something in my gut tells me this isn't just some harmless piece of mail.

Once inside, I turn the envelope over, noticing my name written on the front in unmistakable handwriting. Draco.

Penelope

I tear open the envelope and unfold the letter within. But it's not from Draco - the letters are looping, neat, painfully familiar.

Pansy wrote this. Whatever it is.

I sit down on the edge of my bed, scanning the first few lines.

Draco,

I've been wanting to write this for a while now, but I've been going back and forth in my head about what to say. It's strange how something so clear in my mind can feel so hard to put into words. But I can't keep pretending like I'm not thinking about it, about us.

Do you ever think about us, Draco? I mean, about how we used to be back in November? I can't stop thinking about it. Especially about how easy things felt back then. Just you and me.

I miss it. I miss you.

My hands tighten around the parchment as I read further. Back in November? How could I never realise?

Sometimes I wonder if you even think about those times the way I do. We had fun, didn't we? You made me feel like I was the only one who mattered.

A sceptical laugh escapes my throat, isn't this kind of hilarious?

It's hard to ignore those memories when I see you now. You've changed, but in all the best ways. You're stronger, smarter... hotter. Honestly, every time you walk past me, I feel my heart speed up, and I hate that I'm too proud to just say it out loud.

I like you, Draco. I always have, and I think I always will. I've been telling myself that it's all in the past, but lately, I've been wondering... could we be something again? Could we pick up where we left off? Or even start fresh?

I don't know if you feel the same way or if you've moved on for good. Maybe you're too focused on everything else going on, and I understand if you are. But I can't shake the feeling that we could be more than just another part of the past.

I'm not expecting anything from you, but I had to ask. I had to know if you've thought about it too.

You know where to find me.

Yours, Pansy

A wave of satisfaction, so deep and powerful it nearly knocks the breath out of me, floods my brain. This is what I needed. Confirmation. Evidence. Proof that my revenge plan could just be falling perfectly into place.

A smaller note falls out from the envelope, and I unfold it slowly. More of Draco's handwriting, this time sharp, almost taunting.

Maybe you should keep a closer eye on your little sister sometime.

- D

I sit there, staring at the letter for a moment, letting the reality of it sink in. He decided to tell me about it, to put his cards on the table. And that is everything.

He trusts me, he's on my side. It's more than enough for me to see my vision through. It's a new hope, entirely. Draco has, unknowingly, handed me the ammunition I need.

He's put me in control.