Lion in the Snake Hole

Chapter 4: The Exchange Program

CHAPTER 4: THE EXCHANGE PROGRAM

Last night was terrible, let me tell you that.

Ariella’s night didn’t go so well what with Malfoy annoying her and seemingly being oblivious to what happened earlier that day.

(Ariella’s POV)

The two of us, Gryffindor and Slytherin, walked down the corridor absentmindedly scanning for troublemakers, students out of bed and the like though keeping a well distance away from each other.

“So,” Malfoy began. “No one being disrespectful and being out of bed – that’s a nice change.”

I scoffed ever so silently. Like he had much to say about disrespect and empty beds. At times, when we really needed to talk to each other, Devon and I would meet Nattie at the bottom of the stairs and then sneak her into the Gryffindor Common Room to talk. We always saw Malfoy sneaking around the castle at night. We hadn’t thought much of it. Alright, I didn’t think much of it. We would return Nattie to her rightful house just a few hours early before breakfast started.

“All quiet tonight.”

“Do you mind, Malfoy?” I snapped. I was sick of him already, couldn’t stand him yet I wanted him to stay so I could kiss him—NO! Ariella Frost you DO NOT want to kiss him and you NEVER WILL kiss him. He hurt your feelings, remember? He insulted you. He fancies Pug Face, now.

“Do you think you could go a few minutes without talking about useless things?” I asked paranoid.

“Do you think you could go a few minutes without looking at my lips all the time?” Malfoy smirked; his eyes dropping down to probably look at mine. He licked his lips.

My breathing quickened. He was right in front of me, tall and muscular. I didn’t know he was that close. I looked at his lips one more time and turned away, walking from him.

“Don’t think I don’t know of your feelings about me, Ariella.” I stopped. He couldn’t possibly know.

“Don’t be silly, Malfoy. The only emotions I feel for you is hatred.” I huffed. Gosh, he was right in front of me again. God, he smelled delicious. His face was close to mine and my breathing was rigid. I pulled back, only aware that we were both leaning in. My cheeks reddened.

His hand touched my cheek and I felt the blush grow and grow. I closed my eyes. I felt him lean in and so I did too. This might be the only I chance I ever get as a kiss from him; I can’t waste it.

Any sane thought I had flew out as our lips touched. It was slow and gentle, like he didn’t want to hurt me or he needed to control himself. Our tongues intertwined and if it was possible, my cheeks weren’t the only thing that was red. My first French Kiss. My whole body was probably an unsightly scarlet.

I slid my hand to the back of his neck and deepened the kiss. I could feel his abs through his shirt as he pressed against me. I’m not sure exactly but I think I moaned. I don’t know if it was me or Draco. God, I just couldn’t describe this. It was pure bliss. I gave it more energy and our lips were practically sealed shut.

God, what was I doing? This is you crush and also enemy. I opened my eyes and unlocked my lips from his as I heard a squeak from somewhere down the corridor. My breath was shallow and I felt dizzy.

My first kiss!

I smiled and touched my swollen lips. Draco smiled at me and kissed my forehead.