A Magic Stronger Than Darkness ~ Book 2: Forever & Always

Chapter 16 ~ Walls Fall Down

My birthday occurred on the Saturday after we returned to Hogwarts, and despite my insistence that my friends and my boyfriend save their money for other things, I did receive a few more gifts for the occasion. Draco had found me a music box with an enchanted rose quartz dragon inside of it that blew color-changing fire when the box was opened. Hermione had gifted me some new quills since I had worn down the ones I had brought with me at the start of the year, while the Weasleys all went in together on a ceramic figurine that transformed from a girl to a cat and back again, representing my animagus abilities. Neville had found me a book about magical plants and their uses on pets to benefit their health and such. Meanwhile, Luna gave me an exclusive edition of the Quibbler.

On Valentine's Day, we were allowed to go to Hogsmeade again. Away from Umbridge's watchful gaze, Draco met up with me as everyone gathered together to head to the festive village, the Slytherin Prefect pushing his way through the crowd until he could reach over and grasp my hand. Gasping, I turned my head to see who had touched me, relaxing when I saw it was only my handsome boyfriend.

"Happy Valentine's Day, love!" Draco greeted me, holding one arm behind his back as he stepped closer to my body.

"Happy Valentine's Day to you too, Draco." I beamed at him, squeezing his hand excitedly.

While this was technically our second Valentine's holiday as a couple, it was the first one we'd actually get to spend together doing something fun outside of school.

Bringing his arm forth, Draco presented me with a bouquet of a dozen burgundy roses wrapped in a golden silk ribbon, the full velveteen petals contrasting beautifully with the thick emerald stems they sat upon. My eyes widened as I slowly reached forward and accepted the bundle, raising the blooming flowers to my face so that I could inhale the soft scent emitting from them.

"Oh, Draco, you didn't have to do this...I-I don't know what to say...These are stunning..." I rambled a little bit before finally bringing myself to look back up at my boyfriend.

It was only then that I noticed his Adam's apple bob nervously despite the satisfied smirk on his face. The realization came to me that Draco must've been as nervous and excited about the day as I was.

"I love them, Draco. Thank you..." I finished.

The anxious twitch in his throat seemed to cease when he heard my words, and I took the opportunity to reach into my purse with my free hand and retrieve the Valentine's card I had made for the Malfoy Heir.

"This is for you. I know it's not much..." I faltered, handing over the red envelope to the blond boy before me.

Draco accepted the card and carefully cracked the wax seal, delicately withdrawing the contents. I observed my boyfriend as he unfolded the card and began to read the note aloud.

"I know it's not the Yule Ball, but I'm seeking a Valentine this year, and you look like you're a keeper." Draco paused, chuckling in response to my Quidditch joke. "Here's to this Valentine's Day, and hopefully many more to come. I love you with all my heart, forever and always...Veronica" Draco finished reciting the words I wrote to him, and although he attempted to hide it, I noticed his eyes begin to water as though a flood of emotion was threatening to pour from his heart.

He sniffed and placed the card back into the envelope, then slid the parcel into the pocket inside of his jacket. In the next moment, Draco pulled me into his embrace and hugged me against his chest.

"I love you too, Veronica. Thank you..." He murmured into my hair.

Since Madam Puddifoot's was sure to be full of other teenage couples who had suffered from a lack of PDA due to Umbridge's new rules at school, Draco and I decided to go to The Three Broomsticks for our second official date. While it was certainly going to be crowded, it was probably far quieter and less distracting than the tea shop down the lane.