the girl with all of the choices

t w e l v e

3056 words

new year's eve- the astronomy tower, again

It had been six days since I last saw Draco. Well, let me clarify. It had been six days since I was last alone with Draco. We had seen each other sparingly since then, stolen glances in the Great Hall, quick smiles in the corridors. It was exciting. I hadn't told anyone about what had happened on Christmas night. As far as I knew, he hadn't told anyone either, so it was just the two of us. We had a secret. Every time I felt his eyes on me I also felt butterflies storm my stomach. He had made me feel so special and continued to do so ever since we left each other that night. 

It was now New Year's Eve. If I was at home, mum and dad would be throwing a party tonight with all of our friends. I loved those parties. Part of me was sad to be missing it, but I would much rather be here. Plus, the Weasley twins had mentioned that there would be a party out in the courtyard tonight, so I wouldn't miss out on partying. I was down in the Great Hall eating breakfast and joking with my friends when my owl dropped me two letters. 

The first letter was obviously from my parents. They addressed it like muggles and even put a stamp on it. It was sealed with yellow wax in the shape of a badger. My dad had found that wax seal in an antique store in Norwich two summers ago. They always used it for the letters they sent me. The second letter just had my name on the envelope. At first glance, I didn't know who it was from. Upon further inspection, I realized I knew exactly who it was from. You don't just sit next to someone in two classes for four months straight and not learn what their handwriting looks like. I turned it over and noticed that the back was sealed with both green and yellow wax. Nice touch, Malfoy. 

My parents wrote to me all the time, so my friends were used to me opening letters in the middle of our conversations. They usually didn't pay any attention to me, and this time was no different. 

I opened my parents' letter first. They wrote to tell me about the crazy antics that occurred on Christmas Eve at my dad's family's Christmas party. They even sent a picture of the family. They also wrote back a response to the letter I sent them following the Yule Ball. I sent them copies of the picture I took with my friends and the nice one of Draco and me. 

Next, I opened the letter from Draco. As I opened it, I was hit with the unmistakable scent of mint, apples, and his cologne. How had he managed to make his letters smelled like him? I quickly brushed off the thought and read what he had written.

~

Addison,

I know you've been missing me. I see you staring at me in the Great Hall. I find it rather flattering, maybe even borderline cute. 

I hope you're going to the party tonight in the courtyard. Even if you aren't, meet me in the Old Astronomy tower 15 minutes before midnight. 

I can't wait to see you. I'll bring the champagne. You better bring a jacket this time. 

DM

~

I looked at the letter and smiled. After Christmas night, I wasn't sure what we were. I knew he was the type of guy to act like he liked you and then ignore you for the rest of his life, but this felt different. It felt real. But now, I knew he wanted to see me. Maybe we'd get to decide what we were, what we were doing with each other.