Little White Lies | Book 4

Chapter 3: White Roses

When I opened my eyes the next morning, my gaze met a pair of winter grey orbs. "Good morning, sleepyhead." Draco said to me, brushing a strand of hair out of my face. "Good morning," I replied. I'd be lying if I said he didn't look any better. His skin was less grey now, and his eyes looked seemingly normal. But, his cheeks were still hollow, and his body was oddly cold. "Did you sleep well?" He asked, sitting up. "Yes, actually. You needed it more than I did, though." I told him, stretching. He smiled a little, and stood up. "Yeah, I guess so. This is the first peaceful sleep I've had in months." I grinned, and rolled out of bed. "I'm glad you're feeling better. Now, get out so I can get dressed." We both laughed, as he headed towards the door, and into the hall. "Well, when you're done, meet me out here. I want to show you something." He said. I nodded, before closing the door.

I decided to wear a pair of skinny jeans, and a white blouse with a black undershirt. Once I was fully dressed, with my hair brushed out, I walked into the hallway, where Draco was still waiting. "You take longer than my mother to get ready." He teased. I smacked his arm playfully, and rolled my eyes. "So, what is it you have to show me?" He held out a hand, which I took, and led me downstairs. We then passed through the kitchen, where at least 20 House Elves were working. Finally, we walked out the back door, and into a gloomy, but beautiful garden. 

Straight through the middle of it, there was a stone path, lined with black iron gates. On either side of it, there were large fountains, decorated with small patterns, and mermaids. But, neither of them were working. The rest were simply bushes of roses, all of which were either red or white. Enclosing us in this garden, was a large, dark green hedge. Spotting it, were hundreds of white roses. 

"Draco, it's beautiful," I whispered in awe, still looking around at my surroundings. He began walking, and so did I. "Mother and I used to spend our summer days out here when I was young. I helped plant the rosebushes. See that one?" He pointed to the largest bush, which had more roses than it did leaves. I nodded. "That's my bush. I planted it years ago." He pushed the gate open, and led me towards it. "You did a very good job." I said, taking in the sweet floral scent. "Yeah. It took forever for me to get it looking this good." I stroked the smooth petal of one of the roses, and admired it for a moment. 

From the corner of my eye, I saw Draco hold something out to me. I turned my head, only to see him holding out a single white rose. Blood rushed to my cheeks as I took it, avoiding the thorns. "It's beautiful, Draco. Thank you," I stared down at it, feeling my heart flutter. Then, I felt a cold hand on the side of my face, and looked up. Draco's grey eyes looked deep into mine, as though he were looking for something in them. Before I could even process it, I felt his smooth lips pressing against mine. 

Part of me said to pull back, but another part kept me from doing so. I never realized how much I missed the company of his lips on mine until now. Eventually, a feeling of guilt made me break away from him. "Draco...I can't do this. Harry needs me," I said sadly. "Riley, can't we just pick up where we left off?" He pleaded. "I mean, we were both so happy together. We were only taken from each other. But, this time, things can be different. Nobody can take you away from me now." I sighed, and put my hands on his shoulders. "Harry loves me, Draco, and I love him too. I know he would never cheat on me, and I have to do the same. It's only fair," He reached up, and took my hands. "You don't know that, do you? Think about it; he hasn't written to you at all. He knows how upset you've been, yet he makes no effort to contact you at all."

"He just hasn't been getting my letters. It's not like him to just not reply." I defended. "Riley," He said gently. "You deserve better than him. You know how he is. He takes his anger out on the ones he cares about the most. What do you think will happen now that his Godfather's gone? You'll be miserable, Riley. Trust me." Tears welled up in my eyes, but I blinked them back. "D-Do you really think that'll happen?" He only nodded, before kissing my forehead, and pulling me into a hug. I cried softly into his chest, as he rubbed my back soothingly. For once, he couldn't have been more right about Harry. I would just end up as his way to take his anger out, and I didn't want that. 

He led me over to one of the fountains, were we sat down, and stared up at the gloomy sky. I'm yet to see the sun here at the Malfoy Manor. The sky is always covered with a blanket of grey clouds, but it never rains. They just hang there, leaving a depressed, and sorrowful feeling over everyone under them. 

I looked down at the edge of the fountain we were sitting on, brushing my hand over the rough surface. Vines crawled their way up the sides of the ledge, some of them brushing against my leg. Draco kept an arm around me, as I laid my head on his shoulder. He rested his head on mine, and we stayed like that for the next couple of hours.

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That night, after I walked out of the bathroom, I ran into Draco again. He wore no shirt, but only a pair of sweatpants. I blushed a little, and smiled softly at him. "Are you actually going to sleep tonight?" He chuckled. "Only if you're there." My heart skipped a beat. Why would he want me to be with him while he slept? Words failed me, leaving me to only nod. 

Instead of going to my room, we went to his. The walls had a few Slytherin posters, and banners, here and there. The bed, which was much bigger than mine, was themed with the colors green and silver. Typical Draco, being proud of his House. We crawled into bed, and Draco turned the light off. I laid my head on his bare chest, which was ice cold. "Are you cold blooded or something?" I teased. He laughed, running his fingers through my hair. "Goodnight, Riley." I yawned, cuddling closer to him. "Goodnight,"