Enchanted By The Thought

SIXTEEN: STRESS AND DRAMA

If you're not going to speak up, how's the world supposed to know you exist?

Beth wandered up to the Astronomy Tower, a place that she often went to clear her mind. "I can't believe I'm a chaser." She muttered, staring out over the castle grounds. She'd never dreamed of being on the team. Of course, she knew that Harry wouldn't have favored her; she would've felt it. Which meant that she genuinely was a good player. The summer at the Weasley's helped her with practice and sorts but she wondered if, like her brother, she had a natural talent for the sport. Movement drew her attention and she spotted three figures hurrying to Hagrid's house. She watched as Hagrid stopped, said something to the trio and stormed into his house. She smiled fondly and tilted her head back, staring up into the sky.

Her eyes closed and she sighed, letting her thoughts wash over her. She wished Draco would talk to her; she missed his bluntness about things. She actually wanted to ask him about Kat; she wondered if he knew anything about her friends' sudden personality change. She wished that Zabini had never noticed her friend; he'd corrupted her. Her mouth tilted down into a frown and she sat, crossing her legs. "Beth?" She heard someone's voice the same time something touched her shoulder.

Startled, she jumped and turned her head, spotting Draco behind her. He was standing over her, his eyebrows drawn together in worry. She exhaled slowly, trying to calm her racing heart. "It's not polite to sneak up on people, you know." She muttered and he laughed, sitting beside her.

"I thought you would've heard me coming up the steps." He answered and she shot him a look, rolling her eyes. "No? Well then, you're as deaf as my grandma." He teased and she couldn't help the small laugh. Draco's gaze turned serious and he looked at her. "Why have you been avoiding me? Did I do something?" He asked curiously and she shook her head, looking away from his eyes.

She wanted to tell him what was going on but at the same time, she was hesitant. Oh well. "No, it's not your fault. I haven't been avoiding you." Lie. "I've just been so caught up in the drama between Kat and Maggie, I guess I've been preoccupied. I'm sorry. Have you been craving my attention?" She lightly teased him and his cheeks flushed.

"No. I just don't appreciate being ignored, especially by my friends. Although, having your attention wouldn't be so bad." He said thoughtfully, turning his eyes up to the sky. "That would be nice, actually. But too bad we can't be friends openly, right?" He sighed and she frowned, looking away from staring at him.

"We could be open about our friendship." She said slowly and Draco looked at her as if she'd grown another head. She raised her eyebrows at him, tilting her head to the side slightly.

"Uh no, we can't." He answered sharply. "I have a reputation to uphold, remember? Besides, your brother wouldn't like it." He added quickly, seeing the expression upon her face.

Beth brought her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. "I forget, your reputation is your crown." She muttered sarcastically and Draco opened his mouth before shutting it, looking torn. "I'm sorry, I won't ask you to jeopardize it again." She added, closing her eyes.

"You don't understand, Beth." Draco answered, his voice growing flat and emotionless. She kept her eyes closed. "I didn't come here to fight, I came here to talk. About our tutoring sessions. We need to set them up." He answered and she opened her eyes.

"Whenever the prince has time for a poor peasant like me." Beth answered, standing up. "I should get back, they'll be wondering where I am." She turned around, seeing his startled expression. She paused, looking at the stairs. "And Draco? Next time you want to talk to me, don't bring my brother in as an excuse for your own pathetic fear."

~

Beth sat at the breakfast table, bent over her homework as she furiously scribbled down answers. October had snuck up on her and she'd had a few sessions with Draco, all of which had been awkward. She knew that their friendship was fading and she felt herself growing more irritated with him. He seemed to get cross easily and they often bickered in their sessions, always leaving one another angry. He was bipolar and it gave her whiplash. One minute he'd be laughing and joking with her and the next, he was cold and distant. It confused the hell out of her; did he want to be friends or no? She sighed; she always ended up thinking about Draco. It irked her; what was her brain thinking? She needed to focus on her studies right now, not boy drama.

"Beth?" Maggie's voice broke through her thoughts and she looked up, blinking. Her friend was looking at her, concerned. "Uh, you spilled..." Maggie pointed and Beth looked down. Her hand was gripping her quil tightly and she'd knocked over her bottle of ink. She cursed and dropped the quil, grabbing a few napkins to soak the ink up. She gritted her teeth and rubbed her forehead, resting her head against the table. Everything was just annoying her.

"Do you need a break?" Harry's voice sounded right behind her and she felt his concern for her. "We're heading down to Hogsmeade later, would you like to join?" He questioned and she lifted her head, nodding. She needed a break from all of this; her head felt like it was about to explode. She felt the familiar prickle and looked over at the Slytherin table; she caught Draco watching her. For a second, they looked at each other before he looked away. He looked stressed. She pinched her nose, shaking her head.

Beth was tempted into telling Harry about her problem and the real cause of her stress but she was afraid of his reaction; what had happened last time she tried to confide in him? Maggie's hand was on her back, rubbing it soothingly. "What's wrong?" She whispered to her and Beth shook her head, shooting a glance to her brother, who was still standing behind them. Maggie nodded once to show she understood and Harry glanced back and forth; she felt his confusion increase.

"I'll bring Maggie along." Beth answered, turning to face him. "Don't worry about me, I'm fine." She added, wanting to ease the stress she could feel inside of him. She felt the worry lessen slightly but it was still there. She wanted to break down and cry to him like she used to but they'd both changed. She couldn't constantly rely on him. Harry left without a word and she turned to Maggie, who was staring at her. Colin tapped her shoulder, obviously wanting her attention. But one glance at Beth and he bit his lip before turning away.

Maggie stood up, grabbing her bag and books before tilting her head towards Beth. She slowly rose to her feet and followed her friend from the Great Hall, wishing that she could curl up and cry. "He's following us." Maggie said softly, looking straight ahead. Beth knew immediately who she was talking about; the prickling sensation on her back told her all she needed to know. "Do you want to talk to him?" Maggie added, glancing at her friend from the corner of her eye. Did she want to talk to him? No. But she knew he wouldn't leave her alone if she avoided him. She sighed and Maggie squeezed her hand before she continued walking forward, heading towards the Gryffindor common room.

Beth slowed to a stop, waiting for Draco to catch up to her. When he was standing right behind her, she turned around to face him. "Yes?" She asked, crossing her arms as she looked around to make sure nobody was watching them.

Draco sighed deeply and pulled her to the side. At his touch, all her nerves seemed to calm. "I'm sorry." He told her quietly, looking down at her. "I didn't mean to offend you the other day. I wasn't thinking clearly. If you want our friendship to be out there, I don't have a problem with it." He looked around and glanced back down at her.

She felt a jolt of surprise run through her at his words and she stared at him, her eyebrows raised. "What?" She answered, blinking.

Draco grinned crookedly and her heart twisted. "If you want people to know that we're friends, I don't mind. I would rather be friends with you than be enemies." He answered quietly and she grinned up at him.

"Even my brother?" Beth answered and Draco smirked, shaking his head.

"Only you, Beth."