A Future Uncertain

Chapter 19: The Clouds

Hermione bolted upright in the bed. For a moment she had forgotten where she was and last night's events. Blaise had stayed up all night with her. She fell asleep first, knowing he'd soon follow.

She delicately removed the arm draped over her. If she had moved her face even an inch closer, she would have kissed Blaise in her sleep.

She pulled the blanket closer to her chest and took in a deep breath. It was just Blaise, she reasoned. He was her friend, and even if a mishap had happened, she had made her intentions clear a month ago. He knew she wasn't looking for anything more than friendship.

She made her way over to the dresser, picked her suitcase up off the floor, and placed it on the dresser. A sharp creek escaped the drawer from the wood on wood contact. She looked over at her friend. His arm was stretched over the now-empty space, but he wasn't awake. She sighed in relief.

After she finished packing, she left to make breakfast. She hadn't cooked since summer, and although she didn't pride herself on being a great cook, it was refreshing to have the option.

The prior day Blaise had taken her on a tour around the house. He hadn't lied when he said there were interesting artifacts in their house. There were statues, books, various pottery, even simple objects like stones and coins... some were even non-magical. It was an impressive collection, and Blaise knew the history behind all of them. She knew he was smart, but he was even able to answer the abstract questions she asked.

She thought back to the conversation they had before bed.

"Draco's promised to tell me everything he knows about the rebels the day before the ball. I even threw a tickling hex at him- he was curled in a ball for ten minutes- but he still refused to tell me anything about what's going on."

"He's a stubborn one," Blaise chuckled. "Has he asked you to the ball yet?"

"No. I don't expect him to."

"I wish I could take you," he said, flipping over to face her. "You're too beautiful to go alone."

She grabbed his hand and smiled. He always made her feel precious.

Draco sat in front of the fireplace of the study. He'd finished the book he was reading, and was waiting for the hole in the wall to spark green at Hermione's arrival.

He missed her, but he would never admit it out loud. Waiting for her to come home should be enough proof that he cared.

The floo would only be open for ten minutes, and there was only three minutes left.

She's really pushing her time limit, he thought. He began tapping his fingers on the armrest and counting the seconds in his head.

Hermione appeared in the fireplace with her bag at the last possible second. Her cheeks were rosy, and it looked as though she had done her hair differently. She let out a sigh, and the large grin she had entered the house with was fading rapidly.

Draco watched her through slitted eyes. She looked like she really enjoyed her time away. Sure, the situation wasn't ideal, but he hadn't seen her smile like that during her entire stay here.

He needed her much more than she needed him, and right now, that was the last thing he wanted to realize.

He expected to feel better once he saw her. He had felt so empty when she left, and although he didn't feel empty now, he couldn't say he felt much better.

She noticed him before her excitement completely faded and directed part of her lingering smile towards him.

He felt a chill run up his spine. He didn't want the remains of whatever made her happy- he wanted her happiness to be because he was there, taking time out of his day to greet her.