The Words That Bind Us - Malfoy

8.

A dash of this, a dash of that, and supposedly, we will have Amorentia. I don't really understand how it works, but I know the smell is suppose to be something we like a lot? I've never been great at potions, but Draco is which helps. He was a good decision on a lab partner, because he saves my ass 90 percent of the time. It's been almost two weeks since we started going out to the tower at night, and in those two weeks we've gotten closer. He's becoming one of my best friends. He's been through so much, that I can tell him anything. And he can as well, without fear of judgement.

"What do you smell, Rose?" Draco asks, refusing to tell me what he smells.

"No! I told you I would smell it AFTER you tell me yours, silly goose. Now what do you smell? Silver? Turkey?"

"You think I smell turkey?" Draco asks with an amused look. "If you insist, I smell fresh flowers after a rain. And expensive wine or champagne of sorts."

"Makes sense, you smell something luxurious I guess. I suppose mine will be cookies or something. I like cookies." I ramble off, before lifting my nose to the cauldron. I hear Draco mumble something, but I can't make it out.

"Are you sure this works, Draco? I can't smell anything over your nasty ass cologne." I say, irritated with myself for not making the potion correctly. Draco can't help but smile, ensuring me that it's working. I am fairly confused, so when the professor asks my results I lie slightly and say Dior Sauvage and green apples. I had to throw in apples to make it sound legit, because everyone seemed to be specific. Professor Slughorn smiled before giving me a well done mark. He moved to Draco and asked him the same question.

"Flowers after a fresh rain, Professor. And a nice wine." Draco said quietly to the professor, trying not to share his answer with the class. I guess it is kind of girlie, but that shouldn't matter to him. Slughorn gave him well remarks as well, and complimented him on his cologne with a wink as he walked by. I sighed, frustrated because I must be missing something.

~

"For a Ravenclaw, you are acting fairly dumb right now, you know." Draco laughed after class.

"Rude! Ut I just can't understand potions. It's not logical! Nothing is the same and everything has different outcomes, even if I follow the recipe!"

"Rose, pay attention. Amorentia, it's what you are attracted to. Not what you like, per say."

"What?" I asked, connecting the dots between his cologne and my potion. My cheeks redden as I realize what I've done.

"Come on, lets head to our next class. And by the way, have I mentioned that I like your new shampoo? It smells like...fresh flowers." Draco said where only I could hear, giving me a swift wink before turning his head to walk.

~

That night, there was another. This time, inside my potions book. I pulled the letter out, and opened it with care, so as not to rip the page inside.

I don't want to share you, young Rosalinda. I suggest you do what I say if you want to keep your new boy toy happy and alive. Find the room off requirements, and enchant the door so that it cannot vanish.

All the love,
-Your Little Secret

My heart stopped as I read the letter. Someone was threatening Draco, and expects me to help them. I don't know what this is, but it can't be good. I can't tell anyone, because I can't let anyone else fall into to danger. I have no choice, but to find that room.

That night, I slip out of the common room as usual, but shoot Draco an owl to let him know that I'm not coming tonight. I explain that I am sick, and that I'm staying inside. Then off I go, searching for the room of requirement. It was nearing three in the morning when I was going to give up. I was heading back to my dorm for the night, when I heard Filch clacking his shoes down the hall. I took off down another corridor, and slid myself against a wall to hide. As my back was against the wall, I felt the wall moving behind me. There was a door forming, and I quickly recognized it. I threw myself into the room and locked the door behind me. I cast the spell that was requested of me, fulfilling the wishes of my blackmailer.

The room was empty and small, except for a mirror. I knew immediately what the mirror was. I was scared to look into it. I always have been. This isn't the first time I have found it, but I have never looked into it. I walked closer, wondering if it could possibly hold the answers I'm looking for. I'm confused, lost, and afraid. Maybe, just maybe, this mirror will show me the answer..

I close my eyes and step in front of it. I open them to reveal what I desire most.

I don't hate what I see.