𝐃𝐞𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐨𝐫 𝐃𝐞𝐥𝐮𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥? 〚𝚍𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚕𝚏𝚘𝚢 〛

Chapter 26

We snuck throughout the castle, chasing each other like children. I stifled a laugh as the stairs spun, turning Draco into the opposite direction. 

Instead of relying on the magic stairs to get me down safely, I jumped over the railings, landing in a crouched position before sprinting once again, hoping to not crash to my death. 

In a short moment of panic, I realized the stairs had moved. I slipped at the last moment and rolled down the last flight of stairs, managing not to break any bones. 

Sprawled on the cold tiles, I laughed, Malfoy appearing in my field of view.

"Darling, that was reckless," he said, shaking his head.

I grinned, absolutely agreeing with him. "What can I say, I'm competitive that way."

He sighed, but I could see his amusement. The boy held out his hand, which I gladly took, and helped me up. 

My ears perked as an echo of footsteps resonated through the halls. 

We stared at each other in alarm. We both had spotless records with every teacher, now was definitely not the time to change that. 

Draco grabbed my arms, pulling me along as we raced for the nearest empty room, which was in fact a broom cupboard smaller than expected. 

In the near darkness, I wasn't afraid of blushing, but pressed so close to his chest, Draco might have felt my heart beating loudly. I wasn't sure exactly what was causing the reaction, but it made me incredibly uncomfortable. I felt his breath against my cheek.

"Bothered by the proximity, darling?" he asked, his voice husky.

I rested my hand on his chest, determined not to show him exactly how right he was. His breath hitched.

"Don't lie, pretty boy," I whispered. "Your breathing changed, you're as affected as I am."

He chuckled, his chest vibrating. "Clever girl."

I blinked, caught by surprise, but recovered quickly.

"The kitchens are waiting," I noticed.

Draco clicked his tongue, opening the door and allowing me to lead the way. 

Soon, we were both standing in front of the lovely painting of a bowl of fruit.

"I am not tickling the pear," I warn him, crossing my arms over my chest.

"Child," he grumbled, obviously not keen to do it either. "The founders of Hogwarts must be laughing at us right about now."

"They must have been plastered out of their minds to decide this," I agree.

Draco tickled the pear, who squirmed as the frame swung out of the way, leading us down to the kitchens. The smell of pastries was so attractive we floated down the stairs. 

Draco stayed behind me as I smiled to the nearest house elf, a small creature that had large, bat shaped ears and eyes the size of tennis balls. "Hello."

The house elf bowed deeply. "What can I do for you, miss?"

"Would you mind packing us some snacks?"

The house elf beamed. "Of course, miss. Anything, miss."

While the house elf scurried off, another elf hesitantly stepped forward. "Good morning, miss. Does miss know Harry Potter?"

I nodded. "I do. Would you be Dobby?"

Its eyes lit up with joy. "Harry Potter speaks of Dobby?"