Shadows of Slytherin Book 1

Draco

As I make my way up the stone steps of the astronomy tower, I feel a sense of nostalgia wash over me. This place holds so many memories for Dani and I. It was during our first year here that I had stumbled upon this hidden spot, and I had eagerly brought Dani here, excited to share this secret with her. Since then, we have spent countless late nights perched on the edge, gazing at the stars and talking about life.

I remember how this place had become Dani's sanctuary, especially after her breakup with Mattheo. Whenever she was feeling upset or overwhelmed, she would seek refuge here, wanting the quiet solitude of the night sky. It had become our special spot, a place where we could escape from the chaos of the world and find comfort in each other's company.

As I approach the top of the stairs, I spot Dani sitting with her feet dangling off the edge, her head resting on her arms that are wrapped around the cold metal bar. Her posture speaks volumes, revealing that she has a war going on inside her head. I can tell she's lost in her thoughts, her eyes fixed on the twinkling stars above.

"I had a feeling I'd find you up here," I say softly, my voice carrying a mix of concern and familiarity.

Dani doesn't look back. "When am I not up here, Draco?"

I reach her side, the chilly wind brushing against my face, and I sit down next to her, our shoulders almost touching. The silence between us is comforting, and I know that sometimes, words aren't necessary. We've spent enough time together to understand each other without having to say a word.

I glance at Dani, taking in her profile against the backdrop of the night sky. Her usually bright eyes are dull, and her shoulders are slumped, weighed down by the burden of her emotions. I want to reach out to her, to offer her comfort, but I also know that she needs her space right now.

"We don't have to talk if you don't want to," I say softly, my voice barely above a whisper. "But I'm here for you, Dani. Always."

She doesn't respond, but I can see a flicker of appreciation in her eyes. We sit in silence for a while longer, the stars above us shining brightly in the vast expanse of the night sky. The familiar constellations that we had learned about in our astronomy classes at Hogwarts are a comforting presence, a reminder of the stability and beauty that still exist in the midst of chaos.

After a while, Dani shifts slightly, lifting her head from her arms and turning to look at me. Without saying a word, she leans into me, and I wrap my arms around her, pulling her close. She doesn't resist, and I can feel her body relax against mine, as if finding solace in my presence.

We sit there for a while, wordlessly watching the stars and finding comfort in each other's company. The tension in Dani's shoulders slowly eases, and I can feel her breathing becoming steadier. 

"I heard about the first task," I said cautiously, breaking the silence that had settled between us. My words seemed to hang in the air as Dani remained silent.

"Dani," I said, trying to reassure her. "I will make sure nothing happens to you."

But she didn't respond. Instead, she sat up from where she had been leaning against my shoulder, and looked at me with an expression of defeat.

"You can't guarantee my safety, Draco," she said. "None of you can."

I felt slight frustration at her words, but I refused to let it show. "I can, and I will," I said firmly. "I would do anything to protect you."

As I spoke, I lookedinto her eyes, trying to convey the depth of my feelings for her. And then, unable to resist any longer, I slowly leaned in towards her, hovering over her lips for a moment before finally pressing mine to hers.

The kiss was soft at first, tentative, as if we were both unsure of what to do. But then, as our lips began to move together more urgently, I felt a surge of passion that I had never experienced before.

For a few moments, we forgot about everything else, lost in the intensity of our feelings for each other. But eventually, we broke apart, gasping for breath.

"I'll keep you safe, Dani," I whispered, still holding her close. "I promise." 

I leaned in to kiss her again, but it wasn't as passionate as a moment ago. She pulled away from me, a sense of confusion overcame me. I couldn't understand why she was suddenly so hesitant.

"What's wrong?" I asked, searching her eyes for any signs of discomfort.

She shook her head slowly, as if trying to make sense of her own thoughts. "Nothing," she whispered, her voice barely audible over the sound of the wind rustling through the leaves. "I... I just need some time to think."

My heart sank at her response. Was it something I had done or said? Did she have feelings for Mattheo still? "Is it because of Mattheo?" I ventured tentatively.

Her eyes widened in surprise, as if I had hit the nail on the head. "No," she replied, shaking her head firmly. "It's not about him. It's about me. I have a lot going on in my head, Draco. It wouldn't be fair to you if I didn't figure out myself first."

Before I could say anything else, she got up abruptly and started running down the Astronomy tower stairs. I stood there, watching her disappear into the darkness, feeling confused. What had just happened? Was it something I said or did? Whatever the reason, I knew I needed to give her space and time to sort things out, even if it meant putting my own feelings for her aside.

As I turn back towards the darkness of the night, my heart racing with fear and guilt, I find myself muttering under my breath, "God... Mattheo is going to kill me if he finds out." The weight of my actions weigh down on me heavily as I contemplate the consequences of my actions.

I had known Mattheo for years, and he was someone I deeply respected and looked up to. I couldn't help but wonder what would happen if he discovered the truth about what I had done.

But a part of me didn't regret kissing Dani at all...