"We need to go," I said quietly as I let him run his fingers through my hair, "This is not the place for us."
"I'm sorry," He whispered.
"What for?" I lifted my chin up in confusion.
"This used to be the place for you," He didn't look at me, instead, he turned to look outside the window again.
"You know what?" I curled my lips, "I don't think so. Although I convinced myself once upon a time how this is the most accepting place, and how I should be grateful to be surrounded by the most wonderful people, I now beg to differ."
"What made you say that?" He looked back at me, continued to run his fingers through my hair.
"I think my definition of belongingness have changed," I smiled faintly, "When I was younger, I believed I have to be perfect. Perfect in school, be friend the best people, or at least what most others would perceive as the best. I thought I had it all. I have the highest grade in every class, and I'm one of the best friends of the famous Harry Potter. What else could I ask for?"
"And then what changed?" He asked softly.
"Perspective," I answered, leaned my forehead against his shoulder, "After the war, I did a lot of thinking. For once I decided to live for myself, and not only to meet others' expectations and perceptions. It was insanely difficult, but I had to do it. This sounds ridiculous, irresponsible and a bit cliché, but I want to be happy. I want to do what makes me happy, and not what others think that would make me happy. Life is too short and unpredictable to live and thrive on others' opinions. "
"I think what you said is perfectly reasonable," Malfoy said. He gently put his hand on my back.
"Thank you," I continued, "And that was the reason I broke it off with Ron. It was one of the most difficult decisions I've ever made in my life. But staying in that relationship was very taxing, too taxing, to the point I no longer recognize who I am when I looked into the mirror. I knew I had to leave, or I will be chained. Even with all this drama follow suit, I'm glad I did what I did."
"I'm glad too," He patted my back, "Or we won't be where we are presently. And I certainly hope you feel you are in a better place now."
"I am, I have you now," I looked up and smiled at him, "Not in my wildest dream I thought I'd lean on and pour my heart out to you, Malfoy, but fate has its ways."
He smiled back at me as I brushed my head against his cheek.
Then I heard the door open, with giggling and the dusting snow of the jackets, those who I didn't necessary want to see at this moment showed up.
Harry and Ginny said hi to Malfoy and me in polite and friendly tones, while Ron avoided eye contact and attempted to drag Lavender straight upstairs.
"Ron, wait," As if something gotten into me, at that split second, I stood up and called for the red-haired boy whose shadow had been haunting me.
"Can I help you?" He said annoyedly, didn't appear to be more surprised than anyone else in the room.
Something hurt me in the way he said that line. Like we were strangers, and he was bothered because I simply decided to speak to him.
"Don't you think we need to talk?" I said in the most civil way I could manage.
"About?" He walked back down from the set of stairs, and Lavender followed with a worried look on her pale complexion. Ron, on the other hand, acted like he was completely oblivious about the situation, "I don't see there's anything that needs to be talked about."
"I think it's better if we speak alone," I tried to smile but failed miserably.
"Just spit it out here," He said in a monotone, "Unless you have something to hide."
I heard Malfoy sneer. I turned around to signal him to behave. He shook his head, crossed his arms and glared at Ron without saying a word.
"Alright. I have nothing to hide," I said calmly to the best of my ability, "If someone has something to hide, then it's you."
"Just get to your point," He sounded agitated.
I almost felt bad for Harry and Ginny, they clearly didn't want to be caught in this and I knew that they were desperately wanted to find and excuse to leave. Almost felt bad, but in all honestly, I didn't. Not to the slightest.
"Hey, um," Ginny spoke before I could, "Harry and I supposed to help mom do some chores, so we got to get going."
I heard Malfoy sneer again.
"Don't act like you are turning a blind eye," Malfoy said in a dragged, cold tone, "You two have obviously and undeniably chosen your sides. What's the point of going into hiding now?"
"It would be nice if you don't stir the pot, Malfoy," Harry pushed his glasses up.
"Stir?" Malfoy scorned. With his eyebrow rose, he said, "I'd say it's shaken, not stirred."
Out of all the catchy lines I told him from the movies, this was the one he remembered.
Draco Malfoy once again proved he had some sense of humor, perhaps not the best, but better than none.