Draco's Hufflepuff | Emerging

Twenty-Three: Surprises

**

Friday, 15th November, 1996

I think I'd had a permanent smile plastered on my face ever since Wednesday evening. Draco definitely knew why, because we knew that in just a few weeks, I'd be getting what I've always wanted. I thought I'd feel more selfish than I did.

I was only half-listening to Lavender talk to me because I was more focused on Draco, who I think I must have glanced round at about twenty times now.

Any time I wasn't looking over at Draco, I couldn't help but notice Lisa and Susan talking to each other, and how even from the angle I was at, they were both smiling.

Professor Binns may as well be speaking Gobbledegook, the language which Goblins spoke. I couldn't even tell you what we were supposed to be learning about today.

Draco looked especially handsome today. He had set his parting to the right side of his head, styled perfectly, as usual. His Adam's apple seemed more pronounced, his jawline seemed sharper, and his eyes seemed to be a deeper shade of grey. Everything about him just seemed even more beautiful.

**

I couldn't help but find myself feeling a little disappointed at the end of History of Magic, because Draco more or less ran out of the classroom. He wasn't even with Blaise or any of the Slytherin boys.

I tried to ignore the bubbling and stinging sensation in my chest, assuring myself that he might be going to some kind of Quidditch or Prefect meeting. So, instead, I forced myself into remembering how I felt a little while ago... filled up with love and optimism.

Hannah kissed me on the cheek endearingly as Seamus held her by the waist, making sure I would be okay. Leanne was meeting up with Katie Bell and a few other Gryffindors, and Megan and Ernie were spending some time together.

As Susan and Lisa walked out of the classroom together, they both shot me knowing, but small smiles. I could only assume that Susan had told Lisa that I knew about their relationship. It must be nice for them, to know someone in the world is included in their little bubble. I couldn't help but wonder how that must've felt.

I slung my bag over my shoulder and started walking down to the Hufflepuff common room. At least there, I could waste on hour reading something and drinking a lovely cup of tea.

The entire walk down near the kitchens, I had to stop myself from grinning too much. I must have looked mad, but I couldn't stop myself. Any time my brain had a little quiet, the same few words would play over and over.

We can let people know that we're together.

I want you by my side.

I want to be with you properly.

I was, admittedly, a little frightened of bringing it up again with Draco. What if I had just dreamt him saying that? What if I had misinterpreted what he meant? What if he changed his mind?

**

Before I knew it, I was only one turn away from my common room, and my blood iced in my veins, because someone had grabbed hold of my arm and dragged me aside. The person's fingertips were firmly pressed into my robe sleeve.

However, as soon as I inhaled that familiar cologne and felt the shape of his frame, I calmed down in an instant. He was smirking at me, and his arms were pinning me up against the wall.

"Draco," I let out a relieved giggle, "What are you doing down here?"

"Wanted to see you, of course, silly girl," Draco arched an eyebrow at me,