~Tessa's POV~
Tessa.
I miss you. I want to see you at The Three Broomsticks. Tomorrow. Please... I just want to talk to you.
~
I read the letter over and over again. There was no signature but I knew who it was from.
I sighed as I walked down the snowy path to Hogsmeade. I was bundled up in a heavy cloak, mittens, my Gryffindor scarf and some ear muffs. It was mid January now.
I stood in front of The Three Broomsticks quietly, staring up at it. I didn't know what to say to him.
I sighed and opened the door.
I smiled, barely, once I felt the warmth of the room.
And there, sitting in a corner booth, eyes staring into my innermost soul was the one and only Draco Malfoy. And he looked like a mess
I walked over and sat across from him quietly
"Tessa.." he said softly, as if he couldn't believe I was real
"Hello Draco.." I said softly, looking at the table.
"Hey... How.. How are you?" he asked, almost shyly.
"I'm alright I suppose.." I said, already uncomfortable because of this small talk.
"Good.." he said softly.
We sat together in a very awkward silence. I fidgeted with my scarf silently.
We spoke at the same time
"Tessa Listen I-"
"Look Draco-"
We looked at each other in surprise
"You first.." I said softly
"Tessa I'm really happy to see you... You have no idea how I missed looking into your beautiful eyes.." he said softly.
"Draco.." I said softly.
Draco looked into my eyes for a moment. And I saw the same thing I saw in Knockturn Alley.
I finally know what it was
Distress
"Just... Just hear me out Tess... Please..." He said, his voice cracking.
I fell silent
"I-I need you... I need you more than I ever have before... You've always been the brightest light in my life... You know that.." he said
I felt myself blush lightly
"Always the charmer..." I mumbled
His lips flickered into a smile for a second then it faded
"Tessa please... I need you... I need you to be here for me again... To... To love me again.." he said
"Draco I-I.." I stammered
"Please Tessa" he said, rubbing his arm. I looked at his arm curiously.
He noticed me looking at it and immediately drew it away from me.
I reached my hand toward him and took his arm in my hands. He flinched a little.
"Tess.."
I looked at him then gently pulled his sleeve up.
I gasped softly, putting a hand over my mouth.
There on his forearm was the bold tattoo of the dark mark. I released a shaking breath
"Dr-Dray.." I mumbled.
I looked up at him and saw him shaking slightly. He was blinking fiercely, trying to keep tears from coming out.
He was always so strong..
I couldn't stop myself. I pulled him close to me and into a tight hug.
He wrapped his arms around me and sobbed into my shoulder.
I patted his back gently. I'd never seen him cry. It broke my heart more.
"Tessa... I need you.." he said through his sobs.
I knew that. I knew he needed me and I needed him... But I couldn't... I just couldn't... Now that I knew what had happened to him over the summer... Being with me would only hurt him more.
If Voldemort knew he was fraternizing with the enemy... He'd kill Draco or worse... I couldn't let that happen...
I pulled away from him. He looked at me in surprise.
I shook slightly as I gently kissed his forehead
"I-I'm sorry Draco.... I-I just... I just can't.." I said
I pried myself from his grasp and stood up
"I'm sorry.."
And with that I rushed out of The Three Broomsticks.
I ran until I got to the field just outside the Shrieking Shack. I collapsed on my knees in the snow
And cried
I cried for I don't know how long.
It wasn't until I felt a hand on my shoulder that I stopped
I looked up to see Harry sitting next to me. I hugged him tightly and he hugged me back
"It'll be okay Tessa..." He said softly, patting my back.
"No..." I breathed "it won't..."
He fell silent and just comforted me until it was time to go back to Hogwarts.