Blood to Love | 5th year

14- Harsh Reality

The wind picked up, blowing my hair into my eyes. I released my hand from Draco's for a second to tuck the loose pieces behind my ear, instantly linking arms once more, fearful we would lose each other in the astir streets.

Draco walked next to me as I guided him through the crowds of people, smiling at a few as we passed by. He constantly asked me where I was taking him, but I remained silent.

The Muggle city was vibrant and each building lit up, contrasting the dark sky. People of all variety whizzed past us, their faces instantly deserting our minds.

We finally approached a large cinema, movie titles flashing in bright frames on the wall. Draco's eyes lit up and he looked at me, his eyes asking what we were watching but his mouth refraining, as he knew I would say it was a surprise.

I led him indoors, the patterned carpet ceasing our creaky footsteps and the smell of popcorn traveling into our noses. A line of people were buying tickets, however, we passed them up considering Snape already purchased two.

Snape was sure to be shocked when I got back to his house, saying that he knew something was going on with the pair of us even though he would be incorrect.

I handed my tickets to a man who was hunched over and had a cane in his left hand. He ripped our ticket in half, handing us the remaining piece before pointing in the direction where our movie was playing.

Before we made our way towards our assigned room, I pulled Draco towards the long counter where the workers were serving food. Previously, in Diagon Alley, I exchanged wizarding money for Muggle money, allowing me to purchase drinks and a bucket of popcorn with extra butter.

Draco and I walked into the room, families following after us. We sat near the top in the center. An older couple sat a few seats down and a family of four piled in on the opposing side, still leaving a few seats in between us.

After what felt like an hour of previews, the lights slowly dimmed and the movie began. Draco held the popcorn in his lap, reaching for some with his left hand while his right intertwined with mine. To prevent fighting, I allowed it. At least that's what I convinced myself.

Throughout the movie titled Jumanji, Draco handed me some popcorn and looked at me while I laughed or reacted to a scene. When I furrowed my eyebrows, a grin formed on his face and he turned back to the screen. Although I was confused by his actions, he was happy and that made me happy too.

One of the kids next to us began crying and Draco's hand tightened its hold on mine. I looked at him and he apologized quietly for a moment, his free hand rubbing his temple before holding the popcorn bucket steady.

The end of the movie approached and the Muggles left out of the room, but I held Draco back for a minute.

Names of actors, producers, musicians, and more were scrolling down the screen while a soft instrumental jazz piece played in the background.

"Are you okay?" I asked him. "You became — timid, perhaps — when the kid was crying. Did it startle you?"

"Yeah, just got freaked out for a second," he dismissively said, pulling my hand and dragging me out.

We threw our trash away in silence and walked back outdoors where the streets were practically empty, a few vehicles surpassing us on the road.