Chasing Butterflies {A Draco Malfoy Love Story}

            Audrey sighed, leaning against a tree. She desperately wanted to change the topic. It bugged her when people who didn’t know her captain talked about him like that. Then she thought of it. “How’s Fred?” she asked. She thought if she asked about Fred Weasley, Krystie’s long-term boyfriend, she could get her friend’s mind away from bad-mouthing her teammate.

            “He’s really good,” Krystie replied, smiling. “His business is doing well. He and George are raking in thousands of Galleons.”

            Audrey faintly smiled. “That’s good to know.” She honestly didn’t care how well the business was; she was just glad her friend was happy. Or at least that’s what she liked telling herself.

            “He writes me almost every day,” Krystie added, a smile still upon her face.

            Audrey barely nodded. She often wondered what it was like to be in love; she never truly been. Audrey couldn’t help but be envious of her friend’s relationship. Krystie was so happy and content, it was almost too depressing for Audrey to even be around. She hated being alone. One of the few people she had to confide in was Krystie. Audrey wondered why she hadn’t been swept off her feet yet, why she couldn’t be happy.

            “AUDREY!”

            Audrey snapped out of her thoughts to see Krystie pointing out across the lake. “What?”

            “Isn’t the sunset beautiful?” Krystie wondered aloud.

            Audrey looked at all the oranges, pinks, and purples in the sky in front of her. It was extremely beautiful- but why did it make her feel so nauseous?

            “It’s so romantic,” Krystie continued. “I wish Fred could be here.”

            That’s why. Again with the lack of romance in her life. Audrey hadn’t had a boyfriend in at least two years, let alone any random hook-ups. She had buried her face in her schooling after her last break-up. No, she decided things would change soon. Only she didn’t know when or how.

            Audrey watched the sunset vacantly, the colors blending lazily together in her vision. She couldn’t focus on much of any one thing. She eventually quit paying attention to the sky and closed her eyes. Audrey tried to get comfortable against the tree, but nothing she did could make it comfy. When the light disappeared, Audrey stood up, stretching briefly.

            “Well, Krystie,” she started, “it’s late. I should probably head in. I’m thinking I need to have a meeting in the morning.”

            “A meeting? What for?” Krystie asked.

            “Quidditch,” Audrey answered quickly. “I need to figure out what to do about Malfoy’s position if he’s not here.”

            Krystie shrugged. “Mmkay. Meet again soon? We really need to hang out more often.”

            “Very true, but it’s hard with class and what not,” Audrey yawned. Her mind was already trying to shut down for the evening. “Not to mention the fact that my house looks down upon friendship between us and students of other houses.”

            “I suppose so,” Krystie muttered in agreement. “Good thing we don’t care about that.”

            Audrey nodded. “I’ll talk to you later.” With that, Audrey left her friend down by the lake and began her journey back towards the castle. She climbed down the steps to the Slytherin dormitories in the dungeons. Upon reaching the girls’ dorms, Audrey changed into her pajamas and climbed into bed.