BANALITY : Draco Malfoy

24

He asks me about the next book that I've started. It's Lord of the Flies, but with the last whirlwind of a week since the museum, I have not even read a full chapter. He tells me about his plans for the new flat in Beauly, which will be available in a little over three weeks. It's only fifteen minutes from here by train, but neither of us live near either station, so it will be a bit of a pain to get to and from each other's flats. Regardless, he talks about the ways that he would like to decorate the space.

I hadn't expected him to care about décor. Well, he does and doesn't care. For someone who has been staying at inns and hotels in Inverness for the past three months, he has high standards for furniture. I suppose it is a side effect of being unfathomably wealthy.

We walk as the sun continues to set. It gets dark early in November. Just a month ago, there were two more hours of daylight at this moment. We get to the harbour when the sun is about to dip over the horizon. It shimmers across the water.

We approach a line of people, all also wearing more formal attire. I know where we are. Sometimes, when my body has chosen to cooperate that day, I will read tourist brochures in the lobby to keep myself occupied. They have jazz nights on the river a few times a month, complete with dinner.

I glance over at him. The brochure must have mentioned the cost of the tickets, but I cannot remember it. He was right to think I would feel underdressed if I hadn't changed. My coat feels out of place here. At least we will be sitting on the boat soon enough. The wind will be worse on the water, but the first level of the cruise is enclosed. Hopefully, that's where we will be eating. I do not see any tables on the top floor, but it is dark, and my eyesight isn't particularly spectacular.

"Is this a date?" I ask, glancing over at him.

He scrunches his nose, "is that a problem?"

"We just, haven't been on a date," I shake my head.

He chuckles, "what would you call the highland tour? The bookstore?"

Though he does have a point, there is a difference between buying books and a romantic night on the water.

"Why this?" I finally ask.

"They're serving wine, so we can drink without being stuffed into that awful club," he points out. "You shouldn't be surprised. You're the one who said I look like I only listen to smooth jazz."

We get to the front of the line, and he gives our tickets to a woman. Once we are on the boat, we find a table near a window with only two chairs. It's better not to be joined by guests who might hear our conversation and find it appalling. Most of the other guests are upstairs on the main deck while we wait to move. Since we were near the back of the line, the captain begins introductions to the cruise shortly after we sit. People make their way down. Everyone claps at the end of his speech.

Then, the music starts. I've never been the biggest fan of jazz, but with the lights of the cruise ship and its glow in the water outside the window, it feels right.

After looking over the menus, the server comes with two bottles of wine. Draco chooses the white. Then, the server takes our orders. There are only three options, choosing between fish, mutton, and a vegetarian pie. It all comes with potatoes, as well as a dessert and soup. Soon enough, the waiter has moved on to the next table.

Draco uncorks the bottle of wine and pours us both a glass. He brings his glass up to his lips, smells it, and grimaces.

"You picked it," I almost laugh.