Chapter Text
The smell of the soil entices me as I look across the grassy plain. I look to him searching his eyes for an answer. I wonder to myself on how these feelings sprouted as I gaze into his Hazel eyes that are filled with nothing but adoration. "We can't." I whisper to him as his hands caress my face. He opens his mouth and-
"Draco!" Pansy yells, jerking me out of my reverie and pulling me away from my writing. It's late summer, the heat is at its peak, and the peacocks are more obnoxious than normal. I immediately stuff the journal under my pillow as she enters the room, her and Astoria locking their gaze on me. "Draco, there is no way we came to the manor just for you to sit in your bed and sulk about 'Potter,'" she says with an eye roll. I respond indignantly, "I am not sulking over Potty of all people." With a sly twinkle in her eye, Astoria adds, "Really... because that's not what it seems like.." She states with a light shrug.
Pansy and Astoria had quickly became two of my favorite people, it was natural for me to hang out with them considering our families had similar positions, not to mention that they're the only spawn of my fathers friends I can stand and because when I'm with them, it feels like we're kids again, a constant feeling of giddiness comes wherever they follow. I don't bother to respond; instead, I huff and send pillows flying at both of them, a pout threatening to escape my lips. Pansy sits up, as if struck by a revelation: "Theo is waiting for us in the Garden; we can't keep them waiting." A feeling of nervousness flashes through me, but I quickly mask it showing by faking a groan as Astoria smiles while they each grab an arm and drag me down the stairs.
We race into the garden, and with my cheeks heated and completely out of breath, I look up and lock eyes with his. Theodore Nott. Beautiful brown eyes, flawlessly tousled hair, and, best of all, a perfectly sculpted face. I flush as I realize what situation I'm in and how it looks, my mouth hanging agape and me starring at him for what feels like an eternity. Pansy's squeal distracts me from any ideas I had as she runs forward, being swept into his loving arms. He snatches her up and twirls her around, laughing as they spin. He gently sets her down a soft smile gracing his lips as he looks up and waves towards us. A wave of jealousy takes over and Astoria looks at me as if she knows something, and I hurriedly avoid her gaze slipping into a mask of cool and collected confidence.
"It seems someone has finally come down for tea." As she enters the room, my mother remarks, with a raised brow. We all hurry to take our seats around the table as I continue to flush. My mother glances at me knowingly and summons a house elf as we settle in, when we are all properly seated she brings up a subject that we have all been dreading. "So Pansy.. are you excited to be starting this year at Durmstrang instead of Hogwarts this semester?" This year, her parents chose to relocate to Germany since it was "Better for Business." With the move it means she's changing schools until her parents decide otherwise. She rushes to answer. "Naturally, Mrs. Malfoy I am really looking forward to a fresh start". She looks at us for a moment before continuing, "But I'll miss the friends I made here dearly." With a twinge of affection in her gaze.
Theodore adds, "Pans, I know how you might not be here for Yule.. so I decided I could come to you." When I see Pansy's expression, which is anything but joyful, I feel dread. "Theo...What are you talking about?" She speaks slowly. "Well I had my father book a portkey in advance to Germany!" Theo replies, forcing a smile as he realizes that his excitement has somewhat subsided. After glancing at him, Pansy quickly grabs him hurrying from the table as me and Astoria exchange worried glances. He looks behind him casting a confused glance at us as they get up, and return to the inside of the manor. Me and Astoria wait 5 minutes before looking at each other and discreetly entering the house behind them. We pressed our ears to the door and heard Pansy yelling, mixed with Theo's pleas.
"Theo I told you we're only 14, I want to have fun, freedom and not be tied down so early about talks of marriage marriage!" She says, exasperatedly. Theo responds, "I know this, Pans. I was hoping you'd change your mind." We heard him say before he let out a loud sigh. "Then you're an even bigger fool than I thought." She spoke pitifully. We pressed our ears closer as we heard silence and shuffling, we soon realized they were coming out soon and hastily raced back to the garden before she noticed us. As she approached the table we noticed Theo was missing, deciding not to question it we began eating trying to return to the gentle and lighthearted atmosphere from earlier with strained small talk for the rest of the afternoon.