Hidden Feelings - A Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter Seven

Two months later

"Ron, stop blaming your rat's problems on Crookshanks!" Hermione snaps.

"That nasty creature is out to get poor Scabbers!" Ron accused, holding him closer to his chest as he examined his face. "Look at him! He's traumatized!"

"Can you two please not argue?" I ask them, frowning as I pull my coat over my sweater. "We were supposed to leave five minutes ago."

"Put him away," Hermione tells Ron.

"Because I have to do everything you tell me, huh?"

"We're going to Hogsmeade, Ron, he'd freeze!"

I tune out their fight, fastening the last button on my coat before sitting down next to Harry on the couch. "I'm sorry you can't go."

"I guess I kind of deserve it," he says with a small grin. "You know, blowing up my aunt, and all."

"She kind of deserved that, though," I giggle.

"Ron just went to put Scabbers away. We can leave soon," Hermione tells me, leaning over the back of the couch to talk. I nod to her before looking back at Harry.

"What are you going to do while we're gone?" I ask.

"Oh...I'm meeting with Lupin," he says, sounding slightly hesitant to tell me. I frown.

"What for?"

"Just to...talk? I don't know. He knew I didn't have my permission slip and asked to have tea during the trip," he responds.

"I'm here," Ron announces.

"Oh, thank goodness!" Hermione says sarcastically.

"Stop fighting, please," I sigh as I stand up, waving bye to Harry as we head toward the door.

"Who do you agree with, Elizabeth?" Ron asks. I roll my eyes.

"I'm not getting into this."

"Yes. Let's just forget about it, Crookshanks is in our room," Hermione says. A few weeks ago, Hermione and I had decided she should move into my dorm. She would have more room, and it wouldn't feel so lonely all the time; we've gotten so close that it seemed silly to pass up an opportunity to room together.

"Where do you want to go first?" Ron asks us as we walk through the corridors.

"I am not sure. I don't know of any stores in Hogsmeade," I respond.

"Have you ever had butterbeer?" Hermione looks over at me with a frown. I shake my head. "Then we should go to The Three Broomsticks, first. You need to try it, Elizabeth."

"I'm so excited," I chuckle. "I want to try your candy, too. I've heard good things."

We hand in our permission slips as we enter Hogsmeade, the cold hitting us like a wall. I thought it was cold in the castle, but I've avoided going outside ever since winter began to arrive, and this came as quite a shock. I pull my sleeves over my already gloved hands and move my scarf higher on my face.

I don't like the cold.

However, my discomfort is forgotten as I look around at the buildings. Everyone has smiles on their faces as they explore the village, running around and looking in the windows of every store, people in pubs sitting in the windows and watching others pass. The snow makes it all the better; although it is not far into the cold time of year, it has already snowed a couple of times.

"It's beautiful," Hermione breathes out, voicing my thoughts. I nod, stunned by the sense of comfort the place gives me. Ron walks ahead, waving us over as he goes toward a building with a sign reading 'The Three Broomsticks.'