Draco's P.O.V
Tonight was the night I would be seeing my neighbor face to face for the first time since she moved in.
My mother thought it would a splendid idea to have a "Welcome back" party for the Brookes and invite all the other Death Eater families.
Basically, it was a test to see if Harley Brookes was still loyal to the Dark Lord or not.
"You are nervous Master Draco, I can feel it" Ralphin smiled. "but It's good to feel something"
I tried to smile back but it only turned into a sad grimce.
Looking down, I brushed a small fuzz off my all black suit.
Hearing the door, my heart started to beat faster.
Braceing myself for the greeting, I opened my eyes to see Blaise and his family walking in.
"Hey man, you look like shit" Blaise stated, clapping me on the back.
"He's nervous" Ralphin said, elbowing Blaise.
"Nervous? To what, see Pansey?" Blaise puckered up his lips and made kissy noises.
"Dear God, is she going to be here?" I asked Ralphin.
"Yes, Master Draco. Your mother invited the Parkinsons."
After a few other families started coming in, I was getting impatient waiting for the Brookes.
They only bloody lived next door.
Sitting down in an arm chair, Pansey was quick to perch herself on the arm rest next to me.
"Pansey off" I snapped.
"I missed you" She smiled, pecking me on the cheek.
"The feeling wasnt mutual." I stated in a dull voice.
"You know, you should really come to my families summer home with us next month. It's always so bea....." Pansey went on and on, till she was cut off by Anna.
"Hey Pansey, it's really nice to see you again" Anna stated, giving Pansey a big smile.
She even gave Pansey a one armed hug.
"Draco, always a pleasure" She said, holding out her hand.
Shaking it, she released and continued on to the next group of people.
"Wow, she seemed different" Pansey stated, giving Anna a scowl.
I was shocked.
My big reunion with Anna was finally here and all I did was shake her hand.
Pansey was right though
Anna was different.
The Anna I saw today was polite and well mannered.
She only spoke when spoken to and was always at attention.
She was only going through the motions, none of her heart was behind any of it.
Getting caught in a conversation with my mother and the Parkinsons, I lost track of Anna in the crowded room.
Walking in and out of the groups of people, there was no sign of her.
I cursed myself under my breath and snuck my way back to the kitchen so I could get away from everyone.
Nearing the door, I heard the melodic tone of an amazing laugh.
Stepping inside, I saw Anna sitting atop a stool with her head back laughing.
Her shoes were kicked off and her bare feet swung back and forth slightly in the air.
The tanned skin of her long legs was exposed all the way up to a little above the middle of her calf where her skin tight, blue and pink dress started. She looked smaller then before and I wondered how that could be possiable.
The blonde wavy strands of hair hitting just below the hip swung in time with her feet as she was still chuckling up a storm.
Ralphin was sitting across from her, laughing as well.
I cleared my throat.
Spinning her head toward me, she gave me a wide-eyed look.
Finally realizing who it was, she looked relieved.
Holding her hands up in fake surrender, she stated. "This isnt what it looks like"
"It lookes like your trying to do the same thing I am." I smiled back at her.
Jumping down from the stool, she ran over to me and jumped into my arms.
That, I was not expecting.
"I know you've been a down right aweful git but I missed you" She stated touching her feet back down to the ground "No matter what, you're always going to be in my life."
"Im sorry" I said, smiling down at her.
"Smooth" Ralphin muttered, rolling his eyes at me.
Laughing, Anna pulled herself back up on the stool and patted the one next to her.
"So, Ralphin here says you were nervous about seeing me today." She winked "that intimidating?"
"You have no idea" I answered in a sarcastic voice, sitting down.
"So, Draco here has been wondering about that hug you gave Pansey" I asked in a teasing tone.
"Dont remind me. My father has been really, strict with me. Lets just say that." She said, rolling her eyes.
"Wish I could have gotten it on video" I chuckled.
She leaned over and messed with my hair.
Doing the same to hers, I ruffled her blonde locks.
"See Master Draco, I told you she was special" Ralphin smiled.
"Special?" Anna asked with a big grin on her face.
"To Master Draco" Ralphin answered.
"He's very special to me too, he's the only friend I have right now." She said in a sad voice.
About to tell her how I really felt, Ralphin became frantic.
"Ralphin and Master Draco must hide. Miss Brookes father is looking for her." Pulling me toward the broom closet, we entered and left the door open a crack.
Looking out, Anna was pulling on her shoes when her father barged in.
"Where the hell have you been!" He screamed, grabbing Anna's hair and yanking.
"Here, ive been in here" Anna said in a high pitched voice.
Pulling her by her hair, he lifted her head up and smacked her hard across the face. Stumbling back against the wall, he slammed her up against it.
"You think its funny to disappear and make a joke out of me!" He continued.
She shook her head.
Smacking her hard again, she started to beg.
"Please dad, stop. Im sorry."
He dropped her
Like a sac of potatoes hitting the floor
"You have 5 minutes" He stated, before leaving the room.
Ralphin was the first out of the closet, running to Anna's aid.
"Thanks Ralphin" Anna said, sniffling. "But im fine"
"Please dont cry Miss Brookes, Ralphin can't stand to see Miss Brookes cry." Ralphin whispered in a sad tone.
Bending down beside Anna, I stroked her hair.
"Neither can I" I stated in her ear before kissing the top of her head.
"Im sorry you had to see that. My dad hasn't been the same since moving to London" She said barley above a whisper.
"Dont be sorry. All I care about is if you're ok"
"Yeah, Im fine. Never been better" Anna chuckled.
Standing her up, she flipped her hair back and wipped under her teary eyes.
"How do I look?" She asked, glancing up toward the ceiling.
"Stunning"
"You flatter me too much" she stated, a smirk playing at her lips.
Linking arms, we entered the main room and was met with smiling faces.
"Hunny look the kids are back together" My father called to my mother.
"Oh Anna darling, ive missed you so much. It's glad to have you and Draco back together. I swear, he isnt the same without you." My mother said, hugging Anna tight.
"We arent back together" I stated in a irritated voice. "Just friends"
Continueing to talk to my parents for the rest of the night, Mr. Brookes soon came over and said his goodbye, taking his beautiful daughter with him.
"Owl me" She whispered in my ear, before giving me a wink.
Holding onto her hand, I didnt want to let go.
Finally letting go after we couldnt reach an further, I let my arm fall to my side and watched her walk away.
