𝑻𝒉𝒆 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅𝒆𝒏 𝑮𝒊𝒓𝒍 | 𝑫𝒓𝒂𝒄𝒐 𝑴𝒂𝒍𝒇𝒐𝒚 | 𝟏

𝟏𝟗*

Over the weeks that had passed, Olivia and Draco spent every waking moment they could together—even amongst their friends where they just pretended they were mere house mates. Their story was one that resembled that of true love. It had hit them thick and fast but neither of them knew it was love—not yet. They didn't know what it was, they didn't understand it properly. The only real experience they had with that particular emotion was what they were currently experiencing, the constant want to be near one another, looking for the other when they weren't around, seeking reassurance and validation to feel important...

Olivia knew what love looked like, she just had never felt it before whereas Draco did not have a clue. His parents didn't love one another, he hadn't grown up in the same loving household as she had. He had to learn everything and it was a big deal.

They had gotten creative in their ways of hiding and sneaking. No one had suspected a single thing and the weeks had moulded into months and they had flown by without anyone ever suspecting a single thing. Their close friendship group of three knew but only because they spent virtually every waking moment with one another. The five Slytherins made the best of friends all conveniently brought together by Alexis and Blaise's relationship. It made it easier for Olivia and Draco to spend their time together.

All anyone in Hogwarts knew was that they had finally put their rivalry behind one another and had formed somewhat of a friendship. They still liked to have open arguments where they teased and taunted the other but it was mainly for their own entertainment.

As the month of May drew into a close Olivia had finally began to feel like she was getting a grip on her wild life. It had taken some time and an unbelievable amount of focus but she'd managed to push past her fear and excel with what Remus and Professor Snape had been working to teach her.

Shortly after discovering her magic she was too afraid to even participate in her classes, especially Defence Against the Dark Arts. They couldn't tell the difference between what should be the normal level of magic for someone her age and the magic she possessed. The notion of slipping up and revealing herself to the world before she was ready terrified her. She refused to participate in her lessons for well over a month until Professor Snape could help her overcome her fear.

She did it, eventually. But it took some time before she ever cast a spell in front of her peers.

On the final day of May on her way back from a particularly intense lesson Olivia happened to bump into Cedric Diggory. Her mind had been in a far away place and she mumbled several incoherent apologies until Cedric took her by the shoulders and spoke to her. The second their eyes locked she burst into a fit of tears and it all came spilling out. The strain of keeping it so close was starting to ruin her. Never had the weight on her back been so heavy before, even if the threat of Barty Crouch Junior had seemingly disappeared.

Olivia was many things but she had never been a liar. Sly, cunning? Yes. A lair? Never.

Cedric had been in sheer disbelief. From her true heritage to the power she possessed. Her choice in boyfriend though? He could hardly say he was surprised. The rumours had been flying around for months. Olivia and Draco knew it, they just fought tooth and nail to make it seem fake. But to Cedric, it made sense. He wasn't particularly thrilled in her choice of boyfriend but if Draco was who Olivia had explained him to be she seemed like a lucky girl. Cedric had confidence that Draco would take care of her.

It had taken him some few minutes to formulate a sentence good enough to lessen her worries and in true Cedric style, he offered Olivia wise words of wisdom and comfort. He didn't pry, didn't question her on the type of magic she could produce. He just offered her a comforting shoulder and listened to everything she had to tell him. They sat under the shelter and listened to the summer rain pounding down on the pavement around them until darkness fell around the castle.