The Secrets of Ellewood (Harry Potter)

CHAPTER TWENTY TWO

"Hey, can I talk to you for a minute?"

I looked up at the sound of Draco's voice. Startled, I followed him out of the Great Hall and down a deserted corridor.

"What's up?" 

"Why have you been avoiding me?" I blinked, surprised at his bluntness.

Well, maybe he doesn't remember saying what he did.

"Is it because of what I said? In the Hospital Wing?"

Nevermind. "I don't know what you're talking about." Play it cool. Cool as a cucumber.
What am I saying?

"I think you do. You know..." He made a point to slowly move towards me, backing me up against the wall. "only that I love you."

"Oh," I gulped "that. Yeah, I remember, I just didn't think you did."

He shrugged and put a little bit more space between us. "Just barely. I remember saying those words and then you walking out before I fell asleep."

"Right. Listen, about that, I'm sorry for walking out on you. I shouldn't have done that and if it came off as rude or offensive or rejection, it wasn't any of those. I was just shocked, I guess."

"Oh, that's good. But I don't want you to feel obliged to return my feelings or anything like that. And actually, you know what? Let's forget it ever happened. It was inappropriate and I really don't want it to ruin our bond or whatever because our friendship is honestly the best thing that's happened to me."

"Oh, okay. Yeah, I'd like that. We'll pretend Saturday never happened and go back to being just best friends 'cause that's the best thing that's ever happened to me, too." I grin up at Draco and he scoops me into a bear hug.

"Draco...too tight" He releases me and pats my head.

"Good talk." I stare after his retreating back, shaking my head and wondering how I ever became friends with such an idiot.

_

"And what? He just told you to forget he ever said that?" Jacob scoffed.

"Yeah. He said he didn't want it to get in the way of our friendship"

"Right. Like anyone could forget someone telling them they love them. I mean, unless they've been obliviated, but, like, that's pretty hard to just forget."

"See? This is why I love you, Jacob. You get me." I shove his shoulder and we walk into Herbology.

"Awww you said you loooove me."

I roll my eyes and snort, shoving him again. "You git."

"Alright class, settle down." Professor Sprout's voice rang through the greenhouse. A couple of plants by my head shrunk back at the loud noise. "Today, we will be repotting mandrakes. Does anyone know what that is? No? Well, a mandrake is typically used to help people who have been petrified. But mandrakes can be very dangerous, as a fully-grown mandrake's cry can kill you. Today, we are working with baby mandrakes so the most they can do is knock you out for a few hours. Still, it's important you take your safety very carefully and make sure your earmuffs are down tights before you start." I looked down at the pair of green earmuffs in front of me.

"Aw man! Green's my favourite colour! I got pink. Wanna trade?" Jacob whined from beside me, looking disdainfully at his bright pink earmuffs.

I snort "No, thanks. Put them on, already." He obliges just as Professor Sprout starts talking again.

"Now! Watch me and then try on your own! You grab hold on the mandrake right here, down where the leaves meet their head, and you take the pot with your other hand! Make sure your grip is firm and then pull up!" She shouts and yanks the mandrake out. It starts to cry and I flinch, reaching up to readjust my earmuffs more securely. I look over at Jacob who's grimacing at the sight of the ugly plant and chuckle. Professor Sprout plops the mandrake in an empty pot and then tosses some handfuls of dirt in with it. "Okay! Now you all try!"