Merely Misunderstood

Chapter Twenty-Four

My Hogwarts letter arrived amongst multiple other envelopes, three of which were for me — one from Mirah, one from Hermione, and one from Draco.

I opened their letters, reading through them carefully, growing more and more relieved as I read on. I hadn't been writing to anyone very often, having been so preoccupied with Mum, and I'd just sent them apology letters a few days ago, explaining the situation to them in full detail, since they'd been anxious to know what was going on and whether Mum was all right.

The three of them were thrilled that Mum was recovering, and they sent me their best wishes.

Mirah wrote that her parents were planning on stopping by soon with some of their famous potato soup and that they were happy to help however they could.

Hermione's letter said that Harry and Ron were delighted that everything was looking up.

She also informed me of all that had happened since I'd left last Christmas — Harry had won the Triwizard Tournament, but You-Know-Who had risen again and killed Cedric Diggory; Barty Crouch Jr. had been taking a Polyjuice Potion, stealing Mad-Eye Moody's appearance all year, and he'd been the one to organize You-Know-Who's return; Harry had been expelled just recently for protecting himself and his cousin against rogue dementors, but had thankfully been released of all charges in a hearing a few days ago....

There had been a lot going on since I'd left, and I was almost glad I wasn't there for it.

And finally, Draco wrote that his summer had been awfully dull. He had a feeling his father was up to some shifty things, but could never get him to say anything about it. Draco added that he wished he could have been there for me, and he's praying everything works out well in the end. He ended the note by saying "P.S. I can't wait to see you again. Write back soon (please)"

Dad asked what had me grinning down at a letter like an idiot, and I quickly shoved Draco's letter away, muttering, "Nothing."

I opened my Hogwarts letter and showed the list of supplies to Mum and Dad, asking when the trip to Diagon Alley would be. Mum told Dad to take me, insisting Mrs. Grant (her caretaker) could take care of her while we were away.

So we left to Diagon Alley that day, bumping into Mrs. Holland, who had brought Mirah.

We completed almost all of our shopping much quicker than he had in the past years (Mirah was keeping track; she wanted to set a record of ten minutes or less, and no matter how many times I told her this was unlikely, she still believed she could do it).

The trip had been rather uneventful, at least until we concluded our shopping in Flourish and Blott's and bumped into Draco, accompanied by his mother.

My heart leapt when Draco's eyes met mine, and when he recognized us, he smiled widely, winking.

Eventually, he managed to escape his mother unnoticed and made his way through the crowd of people, and I couldn't help but feel giddy as he sauntered toward us.

Dressed in a full black suit, Draco stopped before me, looking suddenly nervous. Mirah took this as her cue to leave, so she departed from my side, wandering off on her own through the thick crowd of people.

Draco seemed unsure of what to do or say, and the feeling was mutual — the last time I'd seen him, we'd been enjoying a carefree breakfast together. Since then, we've hardly heard from one another, aside from brief letters now and then.

What were we supposed to say? Did he still feel the same way he did before I left? Had something changed between us? I hoped not; my heart still jumped erratically when I remembered kissing him.