Hidden Feelings - A Draco Malfoy Love Story

Chapter Fifty-Two

"Thank you for inviting me," I murmur to Harry, feeling that it would be awkward if we sat at Slughorn's party in silence the entire time. He offers a small nod.

The day I broke down in my room, Hermione came in and realized something else was wrong. We had quite the intense conversation, me trying to open up about how I felt with the death eater situation without revealing Draco and I. I know she later talked to Harry to get him to fix things between us, and while normally I'd try to maintain my pride and be annoyed at her for this, I think I needed the help. Our relationship has returned somewhat to normal again, but there's still an obvious awkwardness between us. I don't fully forgive him for his suspicions about my father, but I can't entirely blame him for being cautious.

"Of course." He glances up past me, and I follow his gaze to see Hermione duck behind a curtain. I smile a little, turning back to Harry.

"Cormac? Really?" I ask, lowering my voice. A smile flickers over his lips.

"Yeah. I can't believe she'd do that," he says, although I'm not sure he knows the reasoning behind her odd choice in a date to this.

"Me neither." I sigh, looking around. "This is beautiful. I don't love Slughorn, but he really does throw a great party."

"Let me help you out next class," Harry offers, knowing my grade in potions has plummeted in the past few months.

"No, really, it's okay," I say. "If I'm really desperate, I'll ask Draco for help."

"Draco?"

"Malfoy," I correct myself quickly, shaking my head. I laugh nervously, trying to calm my suddenly pounding heart. "Sorry, I sometimes don't get the...'calling people by their last names' thing."

He nods a little, but I can tell he's not entirely buying it. "You always call him Malfoy, though."

"Really, it just slips out. And his father," I add, "I never really think Lucius. I think Malfoy for him far more than Draco."

You're not helping yourself.

"Yeah." He doesn't seem more confused, at least; before I can say anything else stupid, I stand up, flashing a quick smile.

"I'm going to run to the bathroom. I'll be right back."

I feel slightly calmer once I reach the corridor, the air cooler and quieter. I reach the bathroom and am about to step inside when I hear footsteps. I linger at the door for a moment and see Draco turn the corner.

He doesn't see me for a moment, but his eyes do flicker up before I can completely hide from view in the bathroom. His face brightens a little, maybe not happily, but...relieved?

"Elizabeth, I need to talk to you," he says before I can tuck myself out of sight. "Please."

His voice is softer, and I can't resist. I just won't let him see how much I'd like to hold him right now...if he can't be truthful with me about being a death eater, I won't be truthful about having feelings for him still.

"What?" I ask quietly, biting my lip as I step away from the door.

"I'm sorry."

It catches me off guard. What is he apologizing for? Pushing me away again? Not telling me who he is? I stay silent, crossing my arms and waiting for him to elaborate.

"I understand I was being unfair." He swallows, them clears his throat uncomfortably. "And I'm sure you know I haven't been entirely truthful."

He's really admitting it.

"But...I promise you I'm not keeping things to myself because of...a lack of trust, or because I want to hurt you," he continues. "I truly can't tell you. For valid reasons that I'm going to need you to trust me on."