Desired Life as The One He Loves

Chapter 8: The Three Broomsticks

The next few weeks go by insufferably slow. Long studying sessions take up most of my free time, including my weekends. Thankfully, this weekend I am freed. They have scheduled our first Hogsmeade trip for this morning.

I bring my eyes to the trees up ahead. The leaves have changed their colors. The usual drab green hue has been replaced by shades of gold, apricot, scarlet, and plum. Leaves cascade to the ground all around us. Along with the new autumn scenery, the temperature has dropped, sending chills down my spine as we walk, mere yards away from Hogsmeade. I glance at the sky above. There isn't a single cloud in the pale blue atmosphere. Though don't let the sunny facade fool you. The air is crisp and smells of autumn.

"I received another letter last night," Draco states out of nowhere. We had been walking in comfortable silence for most of the trip. Though I knew this would come up at some point, I had seen the unopened letter in the trash bin just this morning. We both stop walking, standing right outside Madame Puddifoots Tea Shop.

"Sent from your father?" I ask, already knowing the answer.

"Unfortunately," he replies, pausing momentarily. "I threw it away without opening it."

"That's for the best," I say, comforting him. He stares back at me with a sorrowful and contemplating expression. He doesn't reply, just simply sighs dejectedly.

"How about some cheering up? We could head to Honeydukes, stuff our pockets with candy?" I suggest beaming at him. I see his spirits rise instantly as if the dark, stormy cloud surrounding him has vanished.

"Could we get butterbeer first?"

"Sure! Shall I fetch Lila and Blaise, or will it just be the two of us?" I ask. The mood has lifted immediately. Surely some warm butterbeer and time with our friends will help him forget about his dreadful excuse for a father.

"You go get them and I'll save a table for us," Draco answers, already walking towards the Three Broomsticks.

For the next few minutes, I jog around Hogsmeade, searching for our two friends. As I round the corner of Zonko's I see a group of boys exiting the shop, Blaise is among them.

"Oh hello Natalia," he greets me. The rest of the boys continue to walk away, leaving Blaise on the steps of Zonko's.

"Hey!" I respond. "Draco wants us at the Three Broomsticks in five, can you make it?"

"Sure. See you there," he replies. I have already started jogging again, keeping my eye out for Lila.

Nearly seconds after setting out for her, I see the recognizable long brown hair swaying softly in the wind. However, she is not walking alone. Beside her stands a tall boy in a black and yellow jumper.

I run briskly before slowing to a walk beside her. "Hey!" I startle her slightly. The boy, whom I recognize but can not put my finger on his name, has his mouth open wide as if in the middle of a sentence.

"Hello Natalia," She grins at me.

"I'm sorry, did I interrupt something?" I ask, knowing already that I had.

"No, no," the boy reassures me warmly.

"Oh okay, good."

"What are you up to?" Lila asks. We all stop walking, standing in front of Honeydukes.

"Oh well, actually I was looking for you. Draco wants us at the Three Broomsticks in five. Can you come?" My face scrunches up in a hopeful expression. She looks up at the boy who I have yet to learn his name. He nods shortly, permitting her to go. I furrow my eyebrows at this. She shouldn't have to ask for permission from this boy.