the peculiarity of love // dramione

26

"Only once in your life, I truly believe, you find someone who can completely turn your world around. You tell them things that you've never shared with another soul and they absorb everything you say and actually want to hear more. You share hopes for the future, dreams that will never come true, goals that were never achieved and the many disappointments life has thrown at you. When something wonderful happens, you can't wait to tell them about it, knowing they will share in your excitement. They are not embarrassed to cry with you when you are hurting or laugh with you when you make a fool of yourself. Never do they hurt your feelings or make you feel like you are not good enough, but rather they build you up and show you the things about yourself that make you special and even beautiful. There is never any pressure, jealousy or competition but only a quiet calmness when they are around.
You can be yourself and not worry about what they will think of you because they love you for who you are. The things that seem insignificant to most people such as a note, song or walk become invaluable treasures kept safe in your heart to cherish forever. Memories of your childhood come back and are so clear and vivid it's like being young again. Colours seem brighter and more brilliant. Laughter seems part of daily life where before it was infrequent or didn't exist at all. A phone call or two during the day helps to get you through a long day's work and always brings a smile to your face. In their presence, there's no need for continuous conversation, but you find you're quite content in just having them nearby. Things that never interested you before become fascinating because you know they are important to this person who is so special to you.
You think of this person on every occasion and in everything you do. Simple things bring them to mind like a pale blue sky, gentle wind or even a storm cloud on the horizon. You open your heart knowing that there's a chance it may be broken one day and in opening your heart, you experience a love and joy that you never dreamed possible. You find that being vulnerable is the only way to allow your heart to feel true pleasure that's so real it scares you. You find strength in knowing you have a true friend and possibly a soul mate who will remain loyal to the end. Life seems completely different, exciting and worthwhile. Your only hope and security is in knowing that they are a part of your life."
― Bob Marley

Draco cracked his eyes open. Ice covered woods rushed past outside the window. The train seat was uncomfortable and he was cold. The compartment was dark, but he could make out the figure of Hermione sitting next to him. She somehow was even more beautiful as she slept. Her hair framed her face in a cascade of chocolate curls and a small grin rested on her lips.
He wanted to kiss her, to feel those soft lips on his, but he was afraid of waking her. Instead, he gently took a blanket from his bags and laid it over her. He watched her; someone who went out of her way to ensure the happiness of others, the only one who had ever tried to love him as he was, the only person he could trust to love.
Is that what this is? Love? Draco had always been afraid of the concept of ever loving someone and having them love him back. If he had told his twelve year old self that he would one day love Hermione Granger, he'd slap himself across the face. He had always been astounded by the Gryffindor, how she'd lay down her life to save those of others, how she was so terrifyingly strong all the time. He'd always known that deep down, he didn't want her to be his enemy. He wanted her to laugh at his jokes and to explore the castle with her, to comfort her when she was sad and to write her letters in the summer.
He pinched himself, hoping that he wasn't dreaming up how all that had actually happened, at last. Luckily, he was still there.
Draco took in the sight of her, memorizing her features so that he could never forget. Last night, she was silver in her gown and the way she danced with him around the room. Now, in the dim light of the sunrise, she shone gold. She was so purely beautiful, and he was positive that he could never find anything else of her beauty.
He reached down and found the box tied in a golden ribbon with Hermione's name on it. He gently opened it and stared down at the picture that rested in a bed of rose petals. The photo of the school's holiday picture smiled up at him, with the exception of two people. He and Hermione were tucked in a corner, gazing into each other's eyes. She tilted her head back laughing at him, and he hadn't realized at the time, but it was the very moment he felt himself fall for her. His frozen heart warmed with the sound of her voice, his soul was unlocked with her smile.
As if sensing his thoughts, Hermione stirred and woke. Draco hurriedly stuffed the photo back into the box and hid it under the seat. She rubbed her eyes and grinned at him.
"What is it?" She tilted her head at him.
"What is what?" He pushed her gift further under the seat.
"You're looking at me oddly." She noticed the blanket on her and pulled it around the two of them.
Draco studied her face. She had dimples when she smiled. Her eyes glittered and crinkled when she would laugh at him and hit his arm. "I think I'm in love with you."
Hermione's eyes widened. Her mouth dropped open. He was scared that he had been too abrupt, too forward. He started to apologize, but was quickly silenced as she tackled him with a kiss.
They parted and she laughed, "I might be a little in love with you too."
Draco shifted them so she was half sitting on his lap and leaning against him.
"You take my breath away," he whispered. "Honestly, I feel that I've abused my lungs by being near you, yet every molecule in my body yearns to be with you. It's like you're tearing me apart."
She leaned her head against the crook of his neck and sighed. "That's the peculiarity of it. Of love."