Enchanted By The Thought

TWENTY SIX: GIVE A GIFT TAKE A GIFT

Everything I've never done, I want to do with you

Beth waited beside the knight, her bag over her shoulder. She'd lied to her friends and said that she needed to study for Flitwick's upcoming test. She had bought herself valuable time and by the looks of it, just enough time to wait for Draco and corner him. She knew he walked this way often; all she had to do was wait.

Sure enough, she heard his voice talking to someone else. "I don't need you following me around like a lost puppy, Pansy. I need to focus and I can't with you hanging around me constantly."

"I know Draco but I'm just trying to make sure that you're not getting distracting by Potter. She's just risking your family, Draco. Your family. There's so much at stake here."

They came around the corner, too close for Beth's liking. As if hearing her thoughts, Parkinson looked up at her. "Speak of the devil." She sneered and Draco's head snapped up, following his friend's line of vision.

"Beth." Draco said breathlessly and it took all her willpower not to throw herself into his arms. She wrapped her arms around herself to restrain herself and she bit her lip, staring at him. "Go on ahead Pansy. This will only take me a couple minutes." He told her and Parkinson sent him a look before she walked ahead, leaving them alone.

Beth stood there, unsure of what to say or do. Draco stepped close and she held her hand up. "Stay away." She warned, knowing that if he got too close her rational thinking would go out the window. "I know you slept with Maggie." Her voice shook as the tears threatened to spill onto her cheeks. She knew that she shouldn't be as offended as she felt but she couldn't help it. "I thought you were different." She whispered and Draco looked tortured. Suddenly, she wanted away from him. Why did she think confronting him was a good idea? All she could think about was how she wanted to feel his arms around her, securing her in place. "Merlin, Draco, I thought you were different. But I was wrong, so wrong."

A little part of her waited for him to explain himself, to come up with excuses but he said nothing, watching her. She took a shaky breath and closed her eyes, steeling herself. "I thought that maybe we could make this work but our differences are too great. I think... I think it's best if we're not friends anymore. I'll go on ignoring you and you can go back to tormenting my friends." She whispered and heard his sharp intake.

Without another word, Beth stepped past him and walked down the corridor. Every step away from Draco felt like complete agony. Every fiber of her body was screaming at her to turn around, to run to Draco and to throw her arms around him. But she kept walking, afraid of his rejection again.

~

Rumors spread around the school in a short time; everybody seemed to notice how Draco Malfoy and Elizabeth Potter's truce had broken. Slytherins were back to tormenting and Beth was back in Harry's shadow. Her brother had forgiven her when she explained that she was done with Draco. Hermione even seemed to accept her again, becoming another close friend. It was a habit for Beth's eyes to stray to Malfoy but she trained herself not to think of him.

It wasn't as hard as she thought it would've been and she watched as Malfoy went back to being a playboy. It seemed that once Draco was out of the way, George's letters began to pour in. Every night at dinner, his owl delivered a letter to her. She wasn't too keen on talking but she liked the fact that George listened to her everyday problems and worries. Their letters exchanges were short but full of meaning.

LizzyLiz,

Despite the fact that I am miffed that you kind of dated the weasel git,

I'm sorry that it didn't work out. I've always wanted the best for you.

Wishes,

George

George,

It was a mistake anyway; he didn't turn out to be who I thought he was.

Don't worry, I'm sure it was bound to happen. Maybe I have the Potter disease.

Love,

Beth

LizzyLiz,

Potter disease? I'm intrigued. What bizzare idea have you come up with this time?

Wishes,

George

George,

I've realized that my dad and brother have a thing for redheads, so maybe I do too?

Perhaps that's why things didn't work out with Malfoy; he's a blonde.

Love, Beth

LizzyLiz,

Don't tell me you're in love with Ron.

Have you heard of that muggle saying that blondes are complete airheads? Sound familiar?

Wishes,

George

George,

I completely agree with that. Draco is definitely an airhead.

I love Ron but as much as I love Harry. Hope that answers your question.

Love,

Beth

LizzyLiz,

Glad I don't have my little brother as competition; we all know that I'd win that war.

Excited to see you for Christmas... you are coming down aren't you?

Wishes,

George

George,

Of course I'm visiting for Christmas. Haven't I always?

Love,

Beth

Beth couldn't help the way she was drawn to Malfoy anytime he was close to her. And despite his attempts to stay away, she noticed how his body always shadowed her movements. She was walking down to Hagrid's, knowing that he'd be able to listen to her problems. "Hey, Potter!" She heard that too familiar voice and turned her head, catching sight of Malfoy.

He was walking towards her, his hands in his pockets. She debated on running but decided it was childish and he'd probably easily catch her. So she stayed where she was, crossing her arms to protect herself from his touch. "What do you-"

Malfoy grabbed her and crushed her against him, planting his lips on hers. She'd been unprepared and her body gave in right away. They were caught up in a heated embrace, both of them desperate to feel that fire. Beth loved Draco and she needed him now, with her, in her life. He'd snuck his way around Harry and found the little shadow hidden behind him, terrified of the light. "I love you, Beth. I love you and I'm so sorry." Draco was saying between kisses. He was pulling her back and she stumbled after him, drunk from his kiss.

They stumbled into an empty classroom and then he was all over her again, his hands igniting the fire in her that ate away at her senses. He was all she could see, smell, touch, hear and feel. His hands were everywhere, exploring, teasing. They were lost in their own world, separated from reality. Her whole mind was filled with how much she loved Draco. And when the time came, the pain was overridden with pleasure. She was his now, forever. She gave and he took willingly.