Little White Lies | Book 4

Chapter 16: To Protect You

Ever since the incident at the Burrow, I knew I hadn't been the same. Harry's been a lot more distant as well, and only talked to the Weasleys most of the time. I told Draco about the what happened, and all he seemed to show was remorse. He told me he wanted to stop it, but he couldn't. None of what happened was in his control.

The only possessions of mine that survived the fire, were some clothes, and Draco's Christmas gift, which I carried around with me so no one would find it. I decided that it was about time to give it to him. With all the stress he seemed to be under, he looked like he could use the protection the pin I bought apparently provided. So, we met up outside by the Black Lake, and curled up under a tree.

"Everything okay?" Draco asked me, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. I nodded, and leaned into him. "I just wanted to give you something, since I didn't have time before Christmas break." He looked down at me, as I pulled the pin from my coat pocket. "I'm sorry it's not much, but times are hard." I said sheepishly, holding it out to him. "Riley, it's plenty. I love it!" I grinned, placing it in his hand. "It's supposed to protect you. You know, keep you safe and all. I know some pretty bad times are ahead of us, and you'll need it. I just hope it works."

He wrapped his fingers tightly around the pin, and without a warning, slammed his lips onto mine. I kissed him back, feeling happy that he liked his gift. Finally, we pulled back for air, and rested our foreheads together. "Don't think I didn't get you anything, beautiful." He told me. I smiled, sat up, watching as he reached into his pocket. He pulled out a small velvet box, and handed it to me. When I opened it, I gasped.

Inside, were a beautiful pair of diamond hoop earrings. "Draco...I don't know what to say..." I breathed. He smiled, as I took them out. "They're made of real diamonds and silver. They cost nearly a fortune, but I managed." I examined them closely, admiring their beauty. "They're almost to beautiful to wear, but, there too beautiful not to wear!" I exclaimed, making him laugh. I removed the earrings I was already wearing, and replaced them with my new ones. "How do I look?" He leaned in, and kissed me softly. "Gorgeous," I grinned, pulled him into a hug. "Good, because I'm never taking them off."

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When I got back to the common room, I found Harry in there, flipping through the worn pages of his Advanced Potion Making book. He didn't even notice that I walked in, considering how focused he was. I walked over, and sat down beside him, making him look up. "Hey, love. You're still up?" He said. I nodded, as he closed his book. "I just couldn't sleep."

"Neither could I. Have you always been wearing those earrings?" I felt my shoulders go completely tense, but quickly relaxed them. "Yeah, actually. My grandmother gave them to me before she passed away. She said I'd look nice wearing them." I lied. He smiled, and kissed my cheek. "She wasn't wrong," I blushed, as he moved a strand of my hair behind my ear. "Oh, before I forget, I have something for you."

He reached into his pocket, and pulled out three small charms. "I forgot they were with me during the fire. Hopefully it's not too late to give them to you." I sighed, and shook my head. "I don't have anything for you, though. At least, not anymore." He kissed me, and stroked the side of my face. "The fact that you're here with me, safe and sound, is the only gift I need. Now, are we gonna sit here and sulk, or do I have to tickle you to cheer you up?" I laughed a little, and crossed my arms over my stomach. "Anything but tickling, Harry Potter." He laughed as well, before reaching over, and using his arm to put me on his lap.

I leaned into him, and looked down at his hands, which he held in front of me. He opened one of his hands, revealing the three charms again. There was a star, a lion, and a Doe and Stag together. First, Harry pointed to the star. "This was the first thing to stand out to me. The star represents wishes, basically. You, my love, are everything I could ever wish for." I smiled, as my heart practically melted right out of my chest.

Next, he pointed to the lion. "I knew I had to get this the moment I found it. A lion symbolizes bravery, loyalty, wisdom, and ferocity. You are by far the bravest, most loyal, wise and ferocious girl I have ever met, and I absolutely love that about you." My melted heart sank when I heard him call me loyal. Little did he know, I was the complete opposite of that. But, I decided to ignore that, and playfully glared at him. "You think I'm ferocious?" He chuckled, and kissed my nose. "In the best way, love. When someone you care about is in danger, I consider you ferocious." I smiled, and pecked his lips. "You're way worse than I am for that."

Finally, we looked down at the Doe and Stag charm. "Our Patronus'," I stated. "Yeah, that's what I thought of. This one is the most special. It's to protect you. No matter what, you'll always be safe when you have this on. Our Patronus' will always keep you safe, and I'll make sure of that. Do you like them?"

"Like them? Harry, I love them! I don't think I've ever received anything more meaningful in my entire life! I'll probably never take them off." I exclaimed. Then, I turned my head, and gave him the most passionate kiss I think I've ever given. I know I said I loved Draco's gift, but Harry's meant a lot more.