masked

7

take my hand

Hastily, Draco lifted his arm. His fingers interlocked with hers. Skylar threw her book onto his bed and pulled him out of the corridor and out of the common room.

"Where to Mister Malfoy?" She said.

"Astronomy Tower or Forbidden Forest." He said with a smirk playing on his lips.

"The word forbidden sounds tempting enough." Skylar whispered.

He held onto her hand tighter and pulled her into the direction of the forbidden forest. The two ran through the hallways. Quietly, of course. They did not want to get caught by any of the ghosts or Filch. Once they reached the end of the hallway, leading to the forbidden forest, they noticed that it had started to drizzle.

"Are you sure you want to go there still?"

"Yes. A million times yes." Said Skylar with a smile stretching from cheek to cheek.

"But my- our clothes and our hair!"

"Don't worry. Just take my hand."

Obediently, Draco held on tight as the two of them ran through the rain and into the forbidden forest. The rain went in waves, splattering about across the muddy grass beneath the two teen's feet as they ran though the forest. Rain drenching their hairs, skin and clothes. Their shoes were now stained a dirty brown from the thick, slushy mud as they held on tight, trying not to slip and fall. Their laugher echoing in each other's ears as though the two of them were the only living things in the world.

Caught up in the thought of him, Skylar slipped and fell, landing on her back. She looked up at the leaves of the trees around her and the dark night sky. Draco laid down beside her.

"I haven't felt this happy in awhile Skylar. Thank you." He said with his eyes closed.

"Same here." She replied. Turning to look at him.

He looked back at her and smiled. He got up and stuck his hand out to pull her off the ground. He placed his hands on her arms and moved it up and down to keep her warm.

Something inside Skylar wanted her to kiss him. To tell him she wanted him. To tell him she needed him.

So, Skylar leaned forward, eyes closed, lips parted. And then, he pushed her away.
He pushed her away.

"I'm sorry Skylar. I can't do this." He said.
"I can't risk it. I'm sorry."

Turning his back on her, he walked out of the forest, leaving Skylar alone in the rain.

The mixture of rain and tears mingle on her face, salty tracks blending into the fresh sky-fallen trickles.

"What is a student like you doing here at this hour? Don't you know how dangerous the forest is?" A deep, manly voice sounded.

Skylar looked up to see what she had recognised to be a centaur. He had long white hair and dazzling blue eyes that shone through the darkness of the night.

"I'm sorry. I'll leave now." She said with her voice still nasal and trembling.

"I will escort you out. Best be safe and protected just in case." The centaur said.