Enchanted By The Thought

THIRTEEN: Can't Keep Secrets

We accept the love we think we deserve.

Beth searched high and low for the prince but he was nowhere to be found. She'd even followed a couple second years, hoping they'd give her a clue. But once they figured out that she was following them, they managed to lose her. Neglected, she went to the library. It was her safe haven. She often studied Astronomy when she was there and was hidden behind piles of books about the alignment of stars. As she stepped inside, she grew aware to the electricity that seemed to ignite on her side. She glanced over quickly and with delight, spotted the prince. He was leaning against a bookshelf, muttering lowly to Parkinson. The black haired girl was running her fingers along the spines of the books, looking for something. "Malfoy!" Beth called and they both looked up at her.

"What does Potter want?" Parkinson called and dropped her hands from the books, looking curious despite her hostile tone. As per usual, the librarian made a loud noise of protest and Beth turned away, walking outside of the library. If they didn't follow, she would've felt very foolish. At first, she thought that they'd stayed inside. But Draco slowly trailed after her while Parkinson grabbed a couple books and went to check them out.

"Yes?" Draco drawled, his intense gaze on hers. She felt drawn to him and she unconsciously stepped closer to him. Her eyes were on his shoulder and she watched as his stance went rigid. She heard his breathing grow heavy and she felt a thrill run through her. As hard as she denied it, she knew that something was blooming between the two sworn rivals. She shuddered as she felt his hand on her arm, pulling her closer to him. They were visible to anyone that walked by and Beth couldn't care less. Her gaze was drawn upwards towards him and she wanted to feel his lips against hers.

Draco's lips were a drug and she was already addicted to them. Now she understood why so many girls were always latching onto him. And with her stomach sinking, she realized that she had joined the flock of admirers that he couldn't care less about. For one, she was a Gryffindor and for two, she wasn't a pureblood. Discouraged, she turned her face away and stepped away from his hold, although her body screamed at her to be near him again. "I'm failing Potions." She muttered, avoiding his questioning gaze.

Beth knew it was only a matter of time that they had before the halls would fill with students and then her chance would be gone. Draco was still staring down at her expectantly, his eyebrows raised. "And that affects me how?" He answered, a touch of sarcasm in his voice. Beth felt herself bristle at the tone of his voice but she grew aware that someone else had entered the hall; Parkinson. She knew that whatever soft side she brought out in Draco would disappear when his friends were around. And it stung.

"Professor Slughorn wants you to tutor me." She answered, meeting the glare of the Slytherin girl. Draco's eyebrows rose at her statement. "He said he'd give you extra credit for it." She added quickly, picking at her robes. She just wanted to sleep. It was a shame that the party had been on a school night; the professors couldn't have been aware that some student had snuck fire whiskey into their drinks.

Draco and Parkinson shared a look that clearly stated they didn't believe her. Beth felt her annoyance flicker and she rolled her eyes. "Fine, turn down a chance for extra credit. Doesn't hurt me." She shrugged and turned around to leave but Draco intercepted her, looking torn.

"I'll do it." Draco agreed, shooting Parkinson a scowl when she snorted. "Extra credit would really help me, actually." He emphasized and she shook her head once before she turned and began to walk away. Once she was out of hearing range, Beth was thrown off guard when Draco's lips were suddenly on hers, hot and heavy with need. Her body responded instantly and she was clinging to him, feeling his hands in her hair. His hand shoved her bag straps off her shoulders and she reached up for him. A forest fire was raging between them, destroying everything in their path. But just as quickly, he was pulling away with a smirk. She grew aware of her surroundings and saw the oncoming rush of students. He picked up her book bag and held it out for her. "You must've dropped this." He teased and she shakily took it from him, breathless. With a final wink, Draco turned around and easily slipped in with the students.

What was she getting herself into?

~

The rest of the day was a bit of a bore and Beth was distracted from her classes. All she could think about was Draco. He was constantly in her mind and she hated herself for it. She knew it was only a matter of time her brother figured out about her friendship with the Slytherin. And when he'd find out, she knew that she would face the consequences. But for right now, while he ignored her, she didn't care.

At dinner, she poked at her mashed potatoes and made a face. Her eyes were drawn upwards and she glanced over at the Slytherin table. Draco and Blaise were sitting close to each other, whispering. Draco looked a little bit torn while Blaise looked ecstatic. She wished she knew what they were walking about. Parkinson was sitting on the opposite side of the table and as if sensing Beth's gaze, she looked up. Beth quickly turned away and exhaled, wishing that the hat had placed her in Slytherin. Maggie put her hand on her shoulder and she flinched, surprised. "Quit staring at Malfoy!" Maggie whispered, raising an eyebrow.

At her friend's startled expression, Maggie's eyes cleared. "Oh my MERLIN!" She whispered, her eyes wide. "You and Malfoy?" She asked, leaning towards her friend. Beth felt her stomach drop and she wanted to lie but she knew that it wouldn't get her anywhere. But she didn't want to admit it outloud. So instead, she stared at her friend. Maggie looked around them and leaned back, closing her eyes. "So the rumors are true? You're with a Malfoy?" Maggie asked loudly and Beth wanted to shrink away. But thankfully, nobody heard her friend.

"We're not together." Maggie answered quickly. "We're just friends. I guess. Acquaintances is more like it. We're not dating and I haven't become a death eater." Beth sighed and rubbed her forehead. Maggie looked confused and Beth shook her head. "He kissed me. We've kissed. Twice." Beth admitted quietly and Maggie looked like someone had just told her pigs could fly. Not speaking, Maggie grabbed Beth's hand and practically dragged her from the Great Hall. And she continued to pull her until they were far away from ears.

Maggie released her hand and turned around to face her, looking excited. "Details, Beth! I want details!" She exclaimed. And so Beth told her best friend everything that had happened and she confessed her feelings for the Malfoy boy. There's just something about him. She'd told her dreamily. I can't seem to get him out of my mind.