the chase (draco malfoy)

chapter four

A ball of snow hit my back as I was running away. We were eight years old, and it was the first snow of winter. I turned to find Draco, wrapped snugly in his winter coat with a smile. His hands were already working on his next snowball.

I lunged toward him and pushed him to the ground. "When my back is turned? Unfair, Draco." I giggled.

"When have we ever played fair?" He asked. He was right. Both of us competitive in nature, it wasn't often that our games ended in anything less than a screaming match of who could be deemed "winner". But each day we continued to find each other there, in our spot, an escaping our families. Our secret hideaway.

A shake from my blonde roommate awakens me, images of snow angels and innocence melting away as I open my eyes.

"Annie, we've got to go. It's nearly time for Harry's task." Hannah warns, a troubled look smeared across her face. The pit in my stomach grows and grows, until I feel I might be sick.

I shrug on my robes as quickly as I can and meet Hannah in the common room. We interlock our shaky hands and begin the walk outside of the castle, where the first task is being held.

...

A secret celebration for Harry's success is being held in the room of requirement. The entirety of the Gryffindor house is in attendance, along with several Hufflepuffs and Ravenclaws. Fred and George managed to sneak some fire whiskey on to castle grounds, and the party is in full swing. The twins hold Harry on their shoulders while the drunken crowd chants his name. I notice Ron scowling in the corner.

"Why so sour?" I ask, my blood feeling warm from the drinks I've consumed. I down the rest of my cup and decide that it will be my last. I've got to keep my wits about me.

"Look at him, he loves the attention." Ron scoffs. I roll my eyes. It must be hard being the trusty side kick of the chosen one, but Ron can be such a git.

"Calm down, Ron." I sigh as I drape an arm over his shoulder. "He cheated death today. He's allowed a celebration."

Ron's eyes focus on Hermione, who looks with adoration at her champion friend. I give Ron's shoulder a squeeze and leave him to sulk. I'm having too much fun to allow him to dampen the mood.

I rejoin the party and dance with Hermione and Luna until I'm covered in a thin layer of sweat. The music is loud, and it's starting to make my head pound.

I find Hannah within the crowd and let her know I'll be returning to our dorm. The events of today were exhausting, not to mention the lack of sleep I had last night.

I carefully tread down the hallways, accidentally stumbling over my own feet. Maybe I've had more to drink than I thought. I giggle softly at my own clumsiness, placing my hand over my mouth to stifle the noise. If Filch caught me in this state I'd have detention for the rest of my life.

"Have you been drinking?" an accusing voice says from behind me. Shit.

I turn to find Draco, arms crossed, brow raised, an evil smirk playing across his pink lips.

"Of course not," I stammer, heat rising to my cheeks. I try to stand as straight as possible, but I start to feel dizzy and have to lean against the wall for support.

"You clearly can't handle your alcohol," Draco rolls his eyes. A look of concern flashes on his face, but he quickly recovers.

"What's it to you?" I ask. "You've forgotten my existence for three years, and now you're suddenly popping up everywhere I go."

His features soften, only for a moment, and he reaches for my arm as I start to slide down the wall, unable to hold myself up any longer. He lifts my arm over his shoulders and wraps his own around my waist.

"I can handle myself," I struggle to break from his grip. He holds on tightly.

"My mum would have my head if she found out I'd just let you pass out in the middle of the corridor." He scoffs and slowly walks down the hallway, practically dragging me with him. He smells of peppermint, green apples, and... fire whiskey? Perhaps that part is me.

Narcissa was always kind to me. I often had tea with her in the early hours of the morning, before my family and hers had woken.

"She's much kinder than you," I speak my thoughts out loud, unable to control the words tumbling out of my mouth. I'm never drinking again.

"Kindness has never gotten me anywhere, Annabelle." He spits, surprising me with the use of my first name.

"It's Annie," I correct him. The only person who calls me Annabelle is my mother.

"Whatever, Annabelle," a small smile spreading across his lips. "Where is the bloody Hufflepuff dorm, anyways?"

I give him directions and he leads me there, having to stop every once in a while when my knees decide to buckle and I end in a giggling fit. He grows more and more annoyed with each slow and dragging step.

We finally reach the Hufflepuff dorms and I mumble the password.

"Thanks," I say quietly and start to move away from him. My knees buckle again and I start to fall.

"I'll put you to bed." He says demandingly, catching me. I roll my eyes. As if I can't get myself to bed.

"Lumos," he mutters quietly, illuminating the path in front of us. With my direction, he leads me to the door of my room. I open it and he practically drags me to the bed. I flop down, bundling in the covers and breathing a sigh of relief to finally be in bed. Draco lingers for a second too long.

He places his wand underneath my chin, lifting my face to look at him. He lowers himself so our faces are only inches apart, his intimidating silver eyes burning into my soft brown ones.

"I've never forgotten your existence." He whispers. I gulp. Our eyes remain locked for what feels like an eternity, before he twists and leaves the room in one quick motion.