A Hufflepuff and a Slytherin

Chapter 10- Oh The Smell Of Roses

~Annas POV~

A week has gone by since Malfoy and I talked during lunch. We've been talking more and more and we've been becoming closer and closer. The yule ball is in about a week and a half, everyones still so excited. Cedric has been getting pictures taken and I think he has found a girl he likes. Although I'm still worried about him, I'm happy he's happy.

Lily and I were walking to potions class. Today is the day we present our projects. Malfoy and I decided to go with a more simpler potion, an antidote to common poisons. Lily and Harry however decided to go with the potion. I think it's because of last year's encounter together. I think they figured it out but Lily's been keeping it more a secret. I just think she doesn't want to admit that she likes the "chosen one". When we got to class we sat down.

"Potter and Lily, up first." Snape said.

They brought their cauldron to the front of the class.

"We decided to go with the potion. It's known as the strongest love potion." Lily explained while Harry made the potion. When it was all done the class clapped.

"And to present it we'd like someone to test it. Tell us what they smell."

I was hoping they wouldn't call me because at this point I didn't know what I'd smell. Lily looked at me and I gave her a face that said 'don't do it, don't pick me' and to my surprise she didn't. She picked Malfoy. He stood up and walked towards the potion. He smelled it and turned towards the class.

"Roses. It works, I smell fresh roses." My face dropped.

That can't be what he said. He must be lying. There was no way that he smelled roses. He looked right at me. He wasn't smiling but he wasn't upset either. Lily looked at me and she was just as shocked as I was.

"Alright! Thanks everyone" Harry concluded and he and Lily sat down and Malfoy made his way to sit next to me.

"Was that tr-" He cut me off with a nod. He looked down at the desk and back up to the front of the class. We didn't talk or make eye contact until it was our turn. We presented it and we did well I think. I can't remember exactly what had happened. I was too focused on Malfoy. The class soon ended and Malfoy ran out. I gathered my things quickly and followed behind him.

"Hey!" I called after him and he stopped but didn't turn around. I caught up and stood right in front of him.

"Are we gonna talk?" I asked.

"I'm sorry." He said.

"I smelled roses. Fresh ones. It smelled just like your candle. I know you don't want to hear it but it's true." He looked down at his shoes then back up to me.

I paused. I knew that a lot depended on what I said next. I didn't know what to say. So I said the first and only thing I could say.

"I like you too." I can't believe I just said that.

I turned around and started walking towards class. The question was, did I mean it? But I did. I did like Draco. I know my brother doesn't exactly approve of him but I'll bet he'll warm up to Draco eventually. I kept walking. I wanted to look back and see Draco's reaction but at the same time I didn't. I reached D.A.T.A and I sat down. I hoped he wouldn't come, I hoped he wouldn't sit next to me. And he didn't. He sat on the next desk over. The professor kept talking and explaining but I zoned out of it all. Until I felt something small poking my shoulder. I reached down next to my chair. It was a paper crane. I looked around the room to see who might've sent it to me and I could see Draco smiling. I opened it up and there was a note.

'Meet me outside on the entrance ground after lunch, Draco'

I looked his way and nodded. I know we need to talk but I don't want to. After class I went to the great hall for lunch and told Lily about the note.

"So you're gonna go then?" She asked. I nodded.

"I think I have to." She agreed.