Don't Ever Forget

XLII.

Draco glanced at the clock and turned back to me to tuck a strand of hair behind my ear.

"I think I've just been on the longest lunch break ever," he says and I giggle. I knew what he meant but I wasn't ready for him to leave yet. I'd gotten comfortable in his arms and wanted him to stay so we could keep talking about nothing and everything. 

After I had comforted him about his worries over me, we lied down on the bed together and he just started talking. It wasn't anything related to the problem at hand, just about typical everyday things, which I loved. He told me about work and what it was like to perform the memory charm on someone. He described how focused you had to be on what you wanted them to remember, or to forget. And I just listened and watched. I watched his lips move as he spoke and I watched as his lips curled up into a smile when he caught me and paused to kiss me. He probably had no idea how much the simple conversation soothed me but in that small moment, things felt normal. But now our time for today has run out and I couldn't help but be a bit sad. 

"Draco..." I begin but I feel myself blush, embarrassed to tell him what I want to say. 

"Yes?" he smiles and kisses me on the cheek. My breath catches in my throat and I take a moment to recollect myself. I swear I've never seen him this happy, and I realize that I've never been this happy either. Perhaps we are both feeling better, knowing that soon the worst will be over. 

"Will you come back to visit? Before the end of the week?" I ask and he actually laughs. I start to feel more embarrassed about my ridiculous request.

"I had already planned on coming back," he replies, still smirking. 

"Oh," is all I can say before he presses his lips onto mine. It's a short but sweet second before he pulls away. 

"I need to get back to Fudgel," he says, slowly getting up from the bed. A whine escapes my lips and Draco laughs again. He turns to me and leans over the bed, right above me, and places both of his hands beside me. Looking up at him makes my heart flutter.

"Don't worry, I'm coming back for you," he smiles and gives me a quick kiss before getting up again, "Bye, for now, love". He disapparates and I feel the absence immediately. The warmth where he lied on the bed is already quickly growing cold and I sigh. At least I could look forward to him coming back. 

I got up from the bed and walked out to where Hermione, Ron, and Harry sat at the table and noticed Collins and Matthews were gone. They must have needed to get back to the Ministry, too. 

"Where's Draco?" Hermione asked and I glanced at Ron who had a disgusted expression on his face. The realization hits me that they must have assumed something while Draco and I were in the room. Of course, Ron would jump to that conclusion.

"He had to get back to the Ministry," I replied simply and sat next to Harry, "Is the letter finished already?" I glance at the piece of paper under Hermione's hand and she slides it over without saying a word. I read it over and find myself grimacing at every other sentence. Hermione had definitely done the job. Overall, the letter was innocent and appeared to be a friendly request to meet in person, but upon further reading, there were short suggestive sentences spread about. Hermione had really made it seem like I actually wanted to see him. 

"Now you just need to rewrite it in your handwriting and sign it," Hermione said and I sighed. I took the pen from her outstretched hand and started to write. 

"A cheeky little letter, isn't it?" Ron asked, teasing.

"Shut up, Weasley," I said although I couldn't help but giggle. Rewriting the letter made the idea seem much more absurd but if it worked, it would be worth it. How could Billingsgate refuse anyway? Our work relationship had always been a power struggle and this letter seemed, in a way, a surrender. I had once pushed him away when he tried to kiss me, now he'd believe I was calling him back. It disturbed me to think about but if it worked it would be worth it.