Forever And Always | D.M

Chapter 3

Standing before his door, I was surprised to hear him call out, "Come in!" Trembling, I opened the door and stepped inside, my heart pounding. I took a deep breath to steady myself before I spoke.

Good afternoon, Professor. I apologize for interrupting your time alone, but I wanted to discuss something with you if you have a few moments. I shifted uncomfortably, nervously fiddling with the end of my sleeve.

"No need to apologize," he said in a reassuring tone, motioning for me to take a seat. "What is it that's troubling you?"

Sitting down, I sighed, my emotions getting the best of me. "Maybe it's because I feel like a fraud like I don't deserve to be here," I admitted.

Feeling a gentle hand on my shoulder as I brushed away my tears, I glanced to my right to see Dumbledore's comforting smile. "No need to cry now," he says softly. "I already know your story, and I appreciate your honesty." Confused, I look into his eyes.

"So you know I'm not from this reality?" I asked quietly, mindful that our conversation could be overheard.

"Yes, and you don't have to be anxious. You don't have to tell anyone anything unless you want to," he continued reassuringly. "Which is why I have already found a kind couple who are willing to take you in as their own." As he spoke, I was filled with surprise.

"Wait...So, not only do you understand that I'm not from this reality, but you're allowing me to stay? And you found me parents?" I asked, struggling to contain the tears that threatened to fall.

He suggested, sitting back down, "Would you like me to arrange a meeting with Niklaus Mikaelson and Hayley Marshall tomorrow or whenever you're ready?"

I said, feeling nervous yet excited, "Mikaelson? And tomorrow would be great," as Dumbledore confirmed the details of the arrangement for tomorrow. With a knowing smile, he chuckled, "Didn't think you were the only Mikaelson here, now did you?"

Thanking Dumbledore once again, I make my way to Charms class, grumbling under my breath as I navigate the ever-changing staircases. I'm relieved to finally make it to the third floor, four minutes early.

•••

After meeting my professors and getting a better understanding of each class and learning my way around, I'm relieved that I enjoyed them all - apart from the fact that Draco is in most of them.

"Ready to go?" Ginny asked as she linked her arm with mine. "Yeah," I said as we happily bid Hagrid goodbye and made our way to the Quidditch field to watch Harry and Ron practice.

Walking in unison with our arms still linked, I broke the silence and asked, "Would you and Hermione like to take me around Hogsmeade tomorrow, if you're not busy? Professor Dumbledore has requested that I obtain a new wand, as the one I currently have is only temporary."

"Of course!" She exclaimed as we took our seats next to Hermione in the Quidditch stands. "Just let me know what time."

Hermione closed her book and gave her full attention to the boys who had just begun practicing, asking, "Time for what?"

Glancing between the boys and Hermione, I asked, "Would you be free to join Ginny in showing me around Hogsmeade tomorrow, if you don't have any other plans?"

She smiled warmly. "I'd love to!" I nodded in agreement, a grin of enthusiasm lighting up my face as I turned my undivided attention to the boys.

The three of us gazed up in astonishment to see Ron hovering a few feet away from us, giving us a mischievous grin as he exclaimed, "Greetings, ladies!"

"Ron! Pay attention!" Wood yelled sternly as we heard a voice from behind us saying something. "Good luck, Ron."

"Who's that?" I asked in an amused whisper, stifling my laughter at Hermione's reaction.

Hermione rolls her eyes in response to Lavender Brown's name, prompting Ginny to mimic her, which earns a playful shove from me. I manage to hold back my laughter, saying firmly, "Stop it."

Feeling a rush of wind whip against our faces, I glanced up to see Harry darting across the sky, his broomstick carrying him faster than ever. His hand closed into a fist, Ginny beamed with anticipation. Sure enough, in the next moment, Harry flew back down to us, a triumphant grin on his face as he opened his hand to reveal the golden snitch. We congratulated him with a unified smile.

Wood flew over and exclaimed, "Great job, Harry!" Harry nodded in agreement as Ron asked, "How come Harry gets to talk to them and I can't?" Wood yelled back, "Because Harry's paying attention and practicing while you're goofing off!" Once Wood looked away, Ron made a face in frustration.

There was a lot of shouting during practice, but Wood's players were no strangers to such a demanding atmosphere from their captain. Despite the pressure, they all remained composed and focused on their tasks.

Wood called the team's practice to a close just as the sun began to dip below the horizon. Knowing it would be dangerous to attempt a game of Quidditch in the dark, he wisely decided to call it a day.

Wood's cheerful voice was filled with enthusiasm as if all the hours of shouting had been filled with joy instead. His teammates smiled at one another, for when Wood was pleased with their performance, the feeling was contagious. It was the same feeling that came about when you played with someone passionate about Quidditch like Wood.

After watching the boys practice, we all returned to the Great Hall to grab a bite to eat before heading back to the common room for the night.

Almost as if it has become a routine now, I wake up shortly after falling asleep due to my food coma and make my way to the Astronomy Tower, making sure to remember to grab a sweater this time.

Taking in the stars twinkling in the night sky, I breathe in deeply, relishing the tranquility of the moment. Despite having a busy day ahead of me, I linger a few moments longer, indulging in the serenity.

Quietly making my way back to my dorm, I cautiously glanced around the corner to ensure it was safe. Suddenly, something or someone collided with me and I fell to the ground with a loud thud. When I looked up, I saw Draco on top of me. "Oh my goodness, Draco! What are you doing?!" I exclaimed in surprise, my words muffled by his hand over my mouth.

An old voice calls out as my eyes widen in surprise. Draco swiftly springs up, lending me a hand. He takes me by the waist, ushering us both into a nearby closet. Our bodies pressed into each other, his warm breath washing over me. We're so close, that I'm certain he can hear my heart hammering away.

As I almost stumbled on a broom, he quickly grabbed me with one hand firmly resting on my waist to keep us from making any noise. A rush of butterflies filled my stomach, and a warm tingling sensation spread from where he had touched me.

Mentally berating myself for my current emotions, I gently push him away as I move to open the door. "Wait," Draco implores, pulling me back to him and planting a kiss on me before I can react.

I stand completely frozen, my eyes are wide with emotion as my mind races to process what to do. Though my brain scrambles to make sense of the situation, I find myself leaning in to kiss him back, catching him off guard.

After what seemed like an eternity, he paused to gaze at me before apologetically uttering "Sorry" as he hastily exited the closet, leaving me flustered and perplexed.