Forever And Always | D.M

Chapter 5

Days seemed to pass by in a blur, but soon enough the days had turned into weeks. I felt a strange ache in my chest every time I saw Draco in our classes together, and he never seemed to take notice of me. Even though he was so mean, I couldn't help but relive the moment we shared a kiss in my mind. It was like a never-ending loop of emotion that I could not break free from.

Every time I thought of it, a wave of heat rushed to my cheeks. I couldn't forget the intensity of the moment, and part of me didn't want to. The feeling of my hands running through his hair was imprinted on my fingertips. The strength and passion of his kiss lingered like embers in my mind. The sensation of our breath intertwining was still clear in my memory.

This morning, I awoke early, determined to take full advantage of the tranquil morning before my Potions class. I brewed a steaming cup of chamomile tea, grabbed a book, and nestled myself in the courtyard. The sun was just beginning to peek out from the horizon, and the birds were singing a melodious chorus, creating an idyllic backdrop for relaxation. I took a sip of my tea, feeling invigorated and energized by the fragrant aroma and the assurance of the day ahead. I smiled contentedly to myself, knowing that rising early this one time was unquestionably worth all the effort.

Or so I thought...

My tranquil morning was quickly disrupted when Draco and his minions stormed into the Courtyard. With a deep sigh of frustration, I quickly finished my tea and began to gather my things. I huffed in annoyance and hurried away from the courtyard, catching Pansy's eye as I did so.

"So, what's a person like you doing in a place like this anyways? Stupid American, and a muggle-born at that. You're not even worthy."

Pansy wasn't the most polite person, but I couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at her question. "What's a person like me doing in a place like this?" I asked, my tone of voice conveying a smart, sarcastic edge. I wasn't about to let her get away with her bigotry, even if she was a pure-blood.

"I'm here because I'm capable of being here," I continued. "I may be muggle-born, but that doesn't mean I'm any less worthy or capable than you are. So piss off." I shoved past her, intentionally slamming into her shoulder. I thought I was fast, but she was faster. She grabbed me by the shoulder and spun me around, delivering a sharp punch to my mouth.

Taken aback, I stumbled and my belongings scattered on the ground. I raised my hand to my mouth, feeling the tenderness of the spot that had been punched. Already, I could feel the warmth of the blood trickling down my chin.

Pansy towered over me, a satisfied smirk on her face. "You'll soon discover that there is no room in this world for the likes of you, you filthy mudblood."

Ignoring her, I started to gather my belongings. And out of the corner of my eye, I spotted Draco and Blaise sprinting away.

"What is going on here, Pansy?" Draco asked, his voice filled with concern. Blaise followed up, "What did you do to her?"

Pansy rolled her eyes and sighed, her voice full of playful nostalgia. "Come on, guys! We used to do this for fun. Don't you remember?"

My heart raced at the thought of Draco inflicting harm on others, both physically and mentally. I was already aware that he had done this to me and it was difficult to acknowledge this truth. So why was I still clinging to this faint glimmer of something indefinable?

As I looked up, I saw rage contorting Draco's face. Pansy tentatively reached out her hand, as if to brush his hair away from his eyes, but Draco seized her wrist and held it tightly. "Don't you ever lay another hand on her or call her names again," he commanded, releasing her arm as she scoffed and stormed out of the courtyard. Blaise, unsure of what to do, returned to their group.