Emerald Waters

Chapter Eight: The Library

I awoke the next morning in a state of fogginess. Willow was wrapped around my legs and laying on her back while touches of sunlight danced on her fur. The dorms were quiet but I could hear hushed breathing from the other girls who were fast asleep. I could hear the wind howling outside but everything inside was calmer and eerier than usual. I tried opening my eyes wider and stared up at the ceiling. As soon as I remembered the conversation with Graham I had last night, I realized how suddenly sick I felt. I closed my eyes tight. I wished it was a dream so badly but I knew it wasn't.

I turned over to look at my clock, 7:03am. Willow  stayed sleeping by my feet. I sighed lightly and laid down for what seemed like hours. Replaying everything Graham had said to me. After replaying over and over again in my head I had this sudden urge of feeling like I had to protect Draco. Protect him from everything he could become. I shuddered at the thought of seeing Draco with the dark mark Harry had described to us that Draco's father had on his forearm. I thought about Maeve. I thought about how Graham must have felt realizing he may have been able to save her, but didn't. I felt even more sick.

Just then an owl appeared at the window right next to my head. It was pecking at the window so I would let it in. I looked around at the other girls still fast asleep hoping it didn't wake them. I didn't recognize this brown barn owl and then it dawned on me that this may be a school owl which meant whoever sent the letter was also a student. I opened the window quietly and the owl stuck out its leg where a small piece of parchment was attached. I carefully untied it and the owl flapped its wings and turned away to fly off into the distance. I shut the window before the cold air could make its way into the room. The front of the envelope read

Juliette Monroe
Gryffindor Tower Girls Dormitory
Hogwarts

I knew the handwriting at once. It was Dracos. My heart fluttered and started beating faster than ever. I fumbled to open the letter as quickly as possible. I tore off the top and pulled out the letter. It read,

"My darling,

I know today is a big day for us. You are bound to be nervous, as am I. But I want you to remember that you will always be protected by me. That includes by whatever people will say about us. I promise I will shield you from whatever happens. Although.. I know you can take care of yourself, I still want to know I am protecting you always.

I will see you in the library soon. I can hardly wait.

Yours always,
Draco"

My heart was melting. I felt like I was 200 degrees and I could feel my face flushing a crimson red. Willow was sniffing the piece of parchment as I held it close to my chest. One of the girls rolled over and I stuffed the parchment into my pillowcase next to where I had put Draco's ring for safe keeping and so no one would find it until we were ready. I sat up in bed and stretched my arms out. As I sat up, Hermione slipped out of her bed and started to get dressed.

"Morning" she whispered as she pulled her cardigan over her arms and wrapped her self in it. "Morning" I whispered back as I slid my feet onto the floor and started getting dressed myself. "Want to head to breakfast?" Hermione whispered to me. I nodded and followed her out the door after I slipped my shoes on. We walked down the spiral stairs together into the quiet common room where a few Gryffindors were reading the bulletin board about the Yule Ball. We slipped past them and headed down to the Great Hall.

"Any plans for today?" Hermione asked. I could tell she was curious if I was seeing Draco. "Yes, big day" I said very low so only she could hear me. Her eyebrows shot up in suspicion. "Oh?" She asked, waiting for me to say more. "I.. I'm meeting Draco in the library". I said very low again. Her eyebrows now smooshed together. "Are you sure about this?" she asked me firmly. "Yes. There's a lot I need to talk to you about". We entered the Great Hall and Hermione beamed at me to go on. I sighed as we sat down and took heaps of eggs and bacon.