Hello from Hogwarts Part 1 & 2

Anything but Infatuation

"So where are we going," I asked, breaking the silence.

"The forbidden forest," Draco responds meekly.

"After I just saved your life not even an hour ago, we are going to go into a forest full of magical creatures and giant spiders?"

"Of course, I made sure to invite all the woodland creatures and spiders so we can have a massive picnic and discuss the different philosophies of life," a snarky smile etched on his face.

I face ahead of me as I announce loudly: "Introducing Draco Malfoy, the comedian."

"Alright, no need to be that loud."

"Oh really, I thought I needed to call out to all of our picnic buddies," I giggle softly.

We both slowly walk over to a fallen tree. Sitting down, we both began to ramble on about nonsense for hours.

Though my hands were moments away from freezing, it was only until a crack of thunder, which beckoned us to head back indoors.

I looked up at the sky as a drop of rain fell on my face.

"Well, that's not good," I exclaim, wiping it off.

That first drop of water, a warning sign as thousands follow, plummeting toward the ground.

Draco grabbed my hand as we both ran back in the direction of the castle.

I've never held his hand before.

It was cold, slightly bony, but also quite soft.

We finally make out the clearing of the forest and into the school lawn. But before we could walk inside, I stopped in my tracks.

He twists himself around, "We are soaking wet, we need to get inside," he mutters.

"Just wait for a second," a genuine smile on my face.

Still holding his hand, I looked at the white sky, taking a deep breath.

"It's been a while since I've appreciated the nature of my surroundings."

Draco observed quietly as I fully embraced this moment of serenity. I look back down and toward Draco.

"There's something I've been wanting to do for a while now Draco, " a dreamy look in my eyes.

"And what may that be exa...."

I cut him off, pulling myself toward him, our lips meeting for the very first time. He pulled me in with one hand as the other cupped my face.

It was absolutely magical.

I pulled back, my face still burning red as he held me close to him.

"As I stated earlier y/n, I know you couldn't live without me," his gray eyes gleaming with joy.

He pushes my drenched hair behind my ear when suddenly I hear cheerful screams coming from Gryffindor common room window.

An overjoyed Fred and George squealed as the instant mashed potatoes rose from the grass. I pull my head into Draco's chest as I let out a small giggle.

After basking in that wonderful moment of intimacy, we both headed back into our respective rooms to get cleaned up.

Standing at the opened window with a sweater and shorts, I watched as the twins created mashed potato angels.

"You boys seem to be enjoying yourselves," I yell down, nodding my head.

They both look up in my direction, pure joy in both of their faces.

"We couldn't have done it without you y/n," they yell simultaneously.

I grab some homework, hanging out in the common room. As I work, I could still hear the sweet laughter of the twins playing.

How lucky am I to be in this position.

The only word I could describe the rest of that day was peaceful.

Still sitting in the same position I was earlier in the day, I watched the fire as my mind wandered.

Before coming here, I had never truly felt at home. Even when I would describe to Draco my old life as "Home," I never felt that it lived out the full essence of the word.

But what was I missing, I used to think.

I was missing this place. My mind yearned to be here in this exact position, even though it has been drilled in my mind that it was unrealistic. Well, how realistic is it now? I can feel the warmth of the crackling fire, the soft texture of the blankets, and the smell of old books in the air. How can you tell me I am not here.

I have never felt more alive.

I feel like I have arrived home.

I am where my heart and mind desire to be. If this is not real, I don't know what I would do if I returned to my old life cause it would mean that I would lose this undenyable feeling.

 No matter the circumstances, I refuse to revisit a fixed reality that I am not happy in. I want to experience the life I believe I deserve, the life that I know I will be satisfied with living.

This is my life now.