Silence is Deafening

Chapter 19

The bitter cold was painful as I stepped out into the courtyard of Hogwarts. It was another Hogsmeade weekend, but this time it was so painfully cold outside, I debated sprinting back into the castle and spending the day by the fire.

I was wrapped in a black parka that reached my knees. I stuffed a black hat onto my head to hide some of my unruly curls and pulled a Slytherin scarf tightly around my neck. The scarf was the only pop of color to my all black outfit, down to the thick snow boots that were tightly tied onto my feet.

"I wish it were summer. I can't do this cold. My fingers hurt!" wailed Bonnie as she desperately tried to blow hot air onto her gloved hands. I had convinced her and Astoria both to come to Hogsmeade with me this time, and by the looks of it, they were already regretting it. Bonnie looked like a cherry and Astoria's lips were already chapping from the harsh wind.

We began our walk to Hogsmeade, chatting over the loud wind and crunch of snow. I glanced around me, hoping to spot Ginny or Luna somewhere, but my excitement turned to dread when I saw who was 10 meters behind me.

Draco was walking, his hands jammed deep into his coat pockets. He was looking down at his feet as he walked. However, it wasn't Draco that made my stomach plummet.

Pansy Parkinson had her arm looped through his and was chattering excitedly at his side. Every few moments Draco would nod unenthusiastically, as if he were just placating her. It made my insides burn with jealousy.

I was done. I couldn't believe that after everything, he was going to flaunt Pansy bloody Parkinson in my face.

Did he kiss her the way he kisses me? Like he needed it to breathe? The thought of it made me clench my fists so hard, my nails dug into my palms through my gloves.

I took a steadying breath and turned back toward Hogsmeade, quickening my steps.

"What is it?" Bonnie asked, shooting a quick glance over my shoulder.

"Nothing." I grumbled, and Bonnie quickly saw what I had just seen.

"Ah. Green monster coming out to play?" She teased, and I looked at her in confusion.

"W-what? I don't know what you're talking about." I said quickly.

"Oh come on, Lizzie. You think it hasn't gotten around Slytherin about you and Malfoy? Blaise told people. It doesn't help that you've been sneaking around with him for months now. What, did you think we wouldn't notice?" Bonnie said, laughing at my shocked and mortified expression. Astoria giggled behind her.

"I- no...I mean I thought you guys...I dunno, Bon." I said helplessly. She laughed again and pulled me closer to her side.

"It's okay to be jealous, Lizzie. I would be too. In fact, I think 'Toria and I wouldn't mind giving her the hexing of a lifetime, she's been a prat to us since our first year. Right, Astoria?" Bonnie asked innocently.

"It's true, Liz, but honestly...I wouldn't worry about her too much. Bon and I see how Malfoy looks at you when you aren't looking." Astoria shrugged, winking in my direction. I flushed red now, suddenly not being able to meet their gaze.

By the time we had arrived at Hogsmeade, I had almost forgotten about Draco and Pansy behind me. I heard her shrill laugh and turned around quickly. She was still arm in arm with Draco, however he was no longer looking at his feet. His eyes were on mine, the steel grey I had come to know suddenly burning. I saw a look of- regret? Guilt? Wash over his face as he stared at me. I narrowed my eyes like a serpent and turned away from him quickly. Bonnie grabbed my arm and steered me into the Three Broomsticks.