Hush Little Baby

Chapter 25.

~ Laylas POV ~

My heart pounded as I walked into the Great Hall. We took a seat beside eachother at the end of the Ravenclaw table, Raelyn waved her hand towards Blaise who sat at the Slytherin table.

He gave us a confused look but got up anyways, coming towards us. I couldn't help but look at Draco, he didn't look up until he noticed Blaise got up and started walking away, his gaze was following him until Blaise reached us. Then he looked at me. I looked away, not wanting to look at him right now.

"What are we doing at Ravenclaws table?" Blaise asked as he sat. "We can sit wherever at dinner Blaise!" Raelyn scoffed. "Okayyy..." he longed out the word. "How are you Layla?" He looked at me.
"Alright I guess", giving him a weak smile.

It took everything in me to not look over at Draco, I could feel his stare burning into my face.
It was like when you eat a sugary donut and try not to lick your lips after every bite. Difficult.

I started picking the skin around my fingers, distracting me from not looking over.
"Fuck..", I looked down, pulling off a lump of skin, as drops of blood ran down my finger.

"Merlin Layla what are you doing!" Raelyn  grabbed a napkin, handing it to me. "I scratched too hard..." I lied.

"Come on eat up!" She pointed to the food that was now infront of us.

I looked around, deciding what to eat. My stomach grumbled at the sight of all the options.
Blaise instantly dug in, grabbing a scoop of everything.

"Slow down on the potatoes Blaise!" I grabbed the spoon from his hand. "Sorry!" He covered his mouth, as it was full of food. "You're an animal" Raelyn spoke towards him. He gave her a wink, mouth still full. She rolled her eyes but smiled and I laughed.

After eating 3 scoops of mashed potatoes, gravy and some chicken, I was stuffed. "Merlin I'm stuffed!" I patted my belly.

"Isn't that.. Dracos hoodie?" Blaise pointed to me.
I looked down. It was his hoodie. Fuck.
I must have opened the spare drawer in my room where he kept a few items of clothing. No wonder if felt extra big on me.

I groaned as the pair laughed at me. "It's not funny!" I hit the table with my hands. "No wonder he's been staring the last 20 minutes.." Raelyn laughed.

I grabbed the sleeves and pulled my arms out, lifting it off my body, just wearing a white vest top now. "Can you uhm.. give this to him.." I handed the hoodie over to Blaise over the table.
"So you guys are really done?" He grabbed it from me, placing it down beside him. I nodded, rubbing my arms at my bare skin, as the cold air touched it.

I felt a tap on my bare shoulder, I looked over it to my left and saw Harry standing there. "Hi Layla.. can I have a word?" He awkwardly spoke.
"Sure Harry", I got up, holding my arms, trying to warm myself up. "Cold?" He laughed, as he walked beside me heading out of The Great Hall, heading towards a stone bench a bit down the corridor. "A bit yeah.." I awkwardly laughed.
"Do you want my hoodie?" He started taking it off. "No no it's fine, I'm heading back to my dorm anyways," I gave an awkward smile. "But thanks, I appreciate it."

I knew if I walked back into The Great Hall with Harry's hoodie on, that would be Harry's final moments.

"So.. how are you? You missed training 2 nights ago."

"Oh yeah, I didn't feel okay, stomach problems." I hated lying.

"I hope Draco wasn't too hard on you when I left?" He asked as a question. I closed my eyes. Remembering Draco's hot breathe on my face as he shouted into it. I got goosebumps all over my body.

"I won't have to worry about him anymore." I gave him a smile, hoping he got the hint.

"Oh, I see, I'm sorry.." he looked around, awkwardly. "Don't be." I shook my head as I rubbed my arms.

"Will you be there tomorrow? Training?"

"Yeah, I'll think about it, same time and place?"

"Yeah, I'll let you go to your dorm now, you're shivering." He laughed, standing up as I followed.

As we both went separate ways to our different tables, when we arrived back, I just couldn't help but quickly glance over to the Slytherin table.

Dracos eyes were glued to mine, he flicked his stare to Harry then back to me. His hands were clasped together infront of his mouth, elbows propped onto the table. I could tell it was taking everything in him to not get up and punch Harry's face in.

I looked away. Sitting back beside Raelyn. "What did Potter want?" Blaise asked. "Just checking in." rubbing my arms again. "Do you want his hoodie back?" Blaise went to pick it up.
"No!" I almost yelled. "I'm going to head back now, get into my pyjamas and head to bed." I lifted myself up off the seat. "I'll see you soon?" I looked down to Raelyn, she nodded, "Maybe a bit later than soon.." she looked at Blaise, blushing. I rolled my eyes, "Gross," I laughed, walking away.

As I pulled the blanket over me, getting comfy in bed. I heard a clicking sound at the window. I looked over Raelyns bed, and noticed an owl outside. I whipped the blanket off and jumped on Raelyns bed, I opened the clasp to the window. I knew this owl. Dracos owl.

I grabbed the purple envelope from the birds mouth. "Thanks Hunter." I whispered to the bird, rubbing his head with my two fingers. He let out a squeal and flew into the twilight sky.

I closed the window shut and hopped back into my bed.

Layla was written on the front, in Dracos hand writing. I flipped over the envelope and tore it open.

Layla,

I know you want your space. I'm trying, believe me. But I thought I'd write you a letter, to say my peace until you're ready to speak with me.

I'm really sorry, I know that doesn't seem like much or mean much when it's written on a piece of paper. But I really am, I hope you will believe me and let me prove it when you're ready, no matter how long it takes, I'll be waiting for you.

I do trust you. With my life I do. It's others I don't trust.

I hate seeing other guys look at you, let alone innocently touch you or spend time with you. Especially Potter. I fucking hate him.

I promise, from now on, or when you're ready. I'm all yours, and you're all mine. I'll show the world how I'm the luckiest guy out there. I promise. I'm done hiding you. I can't lose you.

Not now, not ever.

Until you're ready, I'll be here.

Draco. X

A tear streamed down my face as I finished the letter.

I must have read the letter one hundred times. I could almost recite it if I was asked to. He really was willing to show me off? Even if it meant he'd get in trouble with his Father.

I knew I had to stick with what I said. I wasn't going running back instantly. I had more respect for myself than that. I still needed time. To process everything.

I folded the letter back up and placed it back into the ripped envelope. I opened my drawers and tossed it in. I looked at my wrist as I dropped the letter, noticing his star charm he got me for my birthday. I smiled at the memory, but I took my other hand and un-clasped the charm, placing it inside the envelope with the letter. I closed my drawer and tucked myself into bed. Soon drifting off to sleep.

----------------------------------------------------------