the chase (draco malfoy)

chapter eleven

I struggle to push through the crowds at the train station, lugging my trunk behind me. Kings Cross is packed with wizards and muggles both, which isn't unusual during the holidays.

I hadn't seen Draco on the train, but my heart flutters when I think of bumping into him while we're home for break. 

"Annie!" my brother's voice calls from behind me. I roll my eyes when I turn around to see him jogging to catch up with me.

"Don't touch me you filthy muggle," he snaps at a confused man as he nearly plows him over. He finally catches up to me and places his arm around my shoulders. I cringe and step away from him.

"We need to talk about your boyfriend, miss Annabelle," he says in a sing-song voice, a mischievous smirk on his mouth.

"I don't have a boyfriend, Alex." I say, rolling my eyes.

I spot our dad waving in the distance. He looks out of place in his all black suit. Dad never goes anywhere underdressed.

The three of us turn a corner, out of sight from the muggles and dad grabs our arms to apparate us back home. With a loud snap we're standing outside our front door. Alex runs in to greet our mother and dad wraps me in a hug.

"How are you doing, Annie?" He asks, his expression laced with concern. "You never write, and Alex says you're dating the Diggory boy?"

I roll my eyes. Leave it to Alex to spill the beans.

"Cedric and I are just friends." I tell my dad and he relaxes slightly. He opens the front door and we're greeted with the scent of apple pie and pine trees. Mum chooses to ignore me while she fusses over my brother so I go upstairs to my room.

I flop on my bed and stare at the ceiling, dreading these two weeks at home. I could possibly get away with going back to Hogwarts early if I tell my parents I've got work to catch up on.

A knock at the door downstairs snaps me out of my daydreams and I go to my bedroom door to try and listen.

"Draco, my boy!" My dad shouts and my heart falls to my stomach. "How are you?"

I quickly run to the mirror to make sure my appearance is acceptable for visitors. I tuck a few stray hairs behind my ear and go back to the door. I suddenly wish I would have worn nicer clothes. My plain black leggings and tank top aren't exactly flattering. I quickly throw on a cream colored cardigan to try and spice up my plain appearance and hope for the best. I open the door and tread down the hallway to the grand staircase, careful to not make any noise.

I reach the top of the staircase and see him standing at the bottom, looking as if he was just about to come up. He looks different today. At school, he's always dressed to impress. Today he wears gray sweatpants and his green quidditch sweatshirt. His hair is slightly disheveled, quite unlike his usual slicked back look. I have to admit I like the change.

"Hi." He says, his gray colored eyes twinkling. He steps up the stairs and meets me at the top. Alex rushes up the stairs behind him and bumps into me with his shoulder before snickering and closing the door to his bedroom.

"My father asked me to come and invite your parents for dinner, and well..." he trails off. I smile. "I just wanted to see you, if that's alright." 

My heart flutters at this brand new side of Draco. He's known to be cold and cruel, and theres a small sinking feeling of dread that this sweet side of him won't last long. He takes my hand and I lead him to my room, where I sit on the bed and he leans against the door frame.

There's tension in the air, and I can't help but feel uncomfortable around him. This is all so new, he truly did complete 180 almost overnight. Everything changed and I imagine it'll take some time to get used to.

"What's on your mind?" he asks as he slowly walks toward the bed. I bring my knees to my chest and shrug. 

"Tell me." he demands, lifting my chin so I have no choice but to look at him.

"I guess I'm just confused." I say quietly. He sits down on the bed next to me.

"Things changed so quickly and now I'm just wondering when the other shoe will drop." I admit, searching his face for any sign that I've offended him.

"There isn't another shoe," he chuckles, "To be honest I didn't think about you for a long time. I had my friends in my house and I just forgot."

It's hard to ignore the sting that comes with these words, but he continues.

"And then the first night of this year, I saw you, and it was like I opened my eyes for the first time. I couldn't stay away."

I blush as he moves his hand to grab mine. He brings it to his lips and plants a soft kiss on the back of my hand.

"I decided I wanted you. And I always get what I want." He winks and falls back on the bed, pulling me down with him.

"Things have changed. Get used to it."