Dinner came around, and my nerves started getting the best of me. I'd have to see Ron after this. We were meeting in Hagrid's hut, I hadn't spoken to him nor dared to meet his eye. Even though I agreed to not completely forget about him, I still wanted an apology.
"So where are you going after lunch?" Draco questioned near the end of dinner.
"I have a meeting with Headmaster Dumbledore tonight and I won't be back till late, so don't wait up." I explained.
"What's the meeting about? Is it about you and Lavender."
"No no no, it's about my parents, not sure what." I took a bite of my chicken. "Said it's important."
Draco, Goyle and Crabbe looked at each other, with a sort of knowing look.
"What?" I chuckled looking at them.
"Nothing." Draco quickly said back.
I found it odd, but didn't want to question it as long as they believed me. I excused myself early and went to the dorm, to grab a bigger coat. I put my hair in a bun, wanting it out of my face and put on some sneakers instead. I wore my jeans with a Slytherin stripe on the side and a white long sleeved shirt to match my shoes. When I was satisfied with my appearance I made my way out.
The walk was long and lonely. Ron and I were originally planning to make the walk to Hagrid's together, but the day decided against it.
As I was approaching his hut, I could see Ron from the window. I knocked and was greeted by Hagrid's big smile. How come every time we were at Hagrid's we were never happy with each other.
"Hello Hagrid." I smiled.
"Lauren!" He opened his arms. I prepared myself to be suffocated. "We've 'een 'pecting ya." He put me down.
"Sorry I'm late, the walk was longer than I expected it to be."
"Ya should've came with Ron. It's dark out there, could've 'een hurt."
That was the original plan, but I still wasn't too keen on seeing Ron. Not before a proper apology at least.
"Yea, I should've." I didn't look Ron in the eye, but I could see him tuck his hands in his pockets.
"Well I've made a plan." He signaled for Ron and I to sit down. "All ya 'ave ta do is spread this around."
He handed us what looked like sugar or salt in a pouch.
"Ya just need to spread it out. I'll trap it when I come back."
"Trap what?" Ron asked, crossing his arms.
"I'm not sure. I'll tell ya one ting tho' it's not dangerous. Nothing ya need ta be scared off." He explained.
I wasn't really buying it, but I came here to help and spreading whatever he gave us didn't seem like much trouble.
"Ya don't need ta go too far. I'll be back very soon, no need to worry." He grabbed his satchel and walked out the door. We turned to look at each other, but I quickly looked away and made my way outside. I closed the door, only for it to be opened. I heard foot steps behind me, but refused to turn around.
I could hear him huffing. I couldn't believe he actually had the audacity to have an attitude, when he was at fault. I rolled my eyes, but continued walking quicker, spreading the 'sugar' every now and then.
"Will you slow down, before you get lost." He groaned out.
I didn't say anything back and continued stomping away from him.
"Fine! Get lost! See if I care." Even though I was farther from him, I could still here his quiet steps, which slightly calmed my nerves.
I stopped when I saw something odd on a tree. It was a green slime. Against my best judgement, I reached to grabbed it. Just as my hand reached the green slime, I fell through the tree, somewhere else. Great! I looked around and realized it was the same forest but, weird enough it was darker. I could hear heavy footsteps around me. The light from my wand was no use against the darkness. Even though I wasn't sure where I was I suddenly heard my name being called.
"Ron!?" I yelled back, and quickly heard the heavy footsteps running toward me, followed by a growl. My legs took over and I started running. "RON!"
I could hear him calling out, but it sounded so distant. I didn't look back and continued running through the forest. I knew I couldn't run forever so I stopped behind a tree. Everything I did tonight I regretted. I wish I would've told Ron how I felt, I wish I would've told my parents how much I loved them and told Draco how much I cared about him. For some reason I was certain, that this would be my end, but Ron calling my name gave me hope again.
"RON!" I yelled starting to run again. I ran back to where I thought I was.
"LAUREN!" I stopped surprised at how close I heard him. I looked around quickly, and saw the green slime. I touched the slime and fell through again on the floor, panting and I closed my eyes in relief.
"LAUREN!" I could hear him running to me, but didn't bother to open my eyes, until I felt him lift me. He held me against his chest and held me tightly.
"Why are you so stupid?" He whispered quietly. Even though he called me stupid I couldn't help but feel comfort. But all I wanted right now, was to be home.
"Are you alright?" He questioned, running his hand down my hair. I felt weak, and even though I didn't want to show it, I knew I couldn't hide it.
"No." I whispered back, and fell deeper into his arms.
"We're leaving Lauren. I don't care if you want to or not." He got up with me, not letting go. I held onto him.
"I want to go home. I don't want to be here anymore." I was over exaggerating, but I felt violated here. I wasn't comfortable, being anywhere near here.
"Alright. We'll head back to my common room a-and
w-we can floo back to your house." I nodded and walked with him.
"I'm fine. Just a little flustered." He let go of me and grabbed my arms in front of him.
"Will you stop it?" He said kind of loud. "Every time something's happened to you, you act as if nothing happened. Stop acting like everything's alright when it's not." He let go of my arms and brought me back to his embrace.
"I don't want to seem weak." I explained as we walked.
"Out of all the girls I've met, I think you're the boldest. I'm not just saying it. Stop trying to prove yourself." He whispered.
I smiled a little, but wasn't sure how to respond. After a bit of silence he broke it. "Have you really grown tired of me?" I didn't think Fred or George would've told him that, but I should've known better.
"No, I'm not tired of you. You just annoyed me more than usual today."
"I... I didn't mean what I said. But I couldn't just not defend Lav-
"Please don't bring her up. I can still hear her voice." He chuckled and looked down at me.
"I guess, she is, a bit annoying."
"Oh Ronald, not only are you oblivious, but you've become death as well."
We made it back to Hagrid's hut. Ron disappeared behind a door and arrived with a blanket and wrapped it around me.
"I found some floo powder. We can use his fireplace to floo to your home." I nodded and did as he instructed.
We walked out of my fireplace and I felt weight being lifted off my shoulders.
"This is your house?" Ron whispered, looking around in amazement.
"Yes. I don't think my parents are home though. I think they've gone on a trip." I made my way to the kitchen and he followed looking up and down.
"Is this a house or a castle?" He said making me smile.
"It's my home."
"I thought Slytherins lived in dark dungeons. Not castles."
I poured some water and handed it to him.
"Thanks." He took a sip and continued to look around. It got me thinking what his home looked like. Maybe it was small and cozy or maybe it was bigger.
"Let's go upstairs." I walked up the staircase making sure he was behind me. He looked in complete awe, it made me blush to see him so blown away.
I opened my bedroom door and he followed me in. He just looked at me.
"You can take a seat if you'd like." I grabbed some pjs from my drawer. I didn't want to completely embarrass myself so I grabbed checkered bottoms and I decided to keep my top.
"I'm uhh- I'm gonna take a shower. I still feel all the-
"I'll wait here." He smiled, looking around.
"There's another bathroom down the hall, if you'd like to take a shower too. The kitchens downstairs if you get hungry, help yourself."
He nodded and I smiled. I walked to the bathroom and began to shower. I could see the dirt and filth leave my body. I wasn't quite sure why I felt so uncomfortable but I just did. I couldn't get the image of the darkness and trees and the sinking feeling of my heart. The only thing I was grateful for was Ron being here with me. I stepped out and changed. I slightly toweled my hair and walked back to my room.
I walked in and saw Ron fixing a sleeping bag on the floor.
"I-I found it...in your closet. I know you have guest rooms, but I didn't think you'd want to sleep alone." He tucked his hands in his pockets. He was wearing black jeans and a black shirt, I hadn't noticed how nice he looked.
"No. I don't." He smiled and got in the sleeping bag. I climbed onto my bed and got under the covers. It was silent, and even though he was at my footboard, he still felt far away.
"C-Can you just come up here." I leaned up.
"Uh y-yea." He got up and made his way to the other side of my bed. He climbed up but didn't get under the covers. We both laid there looking at the ceiling.
"Should I turn off the lights?" He asked, looking over at me.
"Yes please." I nodded.
He switched them off and we laid there.
"It can't get us anymore Laurie." He was trying to comfort me, but I was still shaken.
"We don't know that Ron." I whispered. I heard him shuffling and turned to look at him. He was facing me and gave me a soft smile.
"I'll protect you. I promise." I felt my heart flutter at his words. I knew this wouldn't last, us having this interaction, but I wanted to cherish it. I felt confidence surge through me and I grabbed his hand, bringing it close to me and caressing it. I closed my eyes, too embarrassed to see his reaction, but I knew he was blushing like crazy, partly cause I could hear his heart beat.
I drifted to sleep but was awoken some time during the night. Ron was asleep looking up at the ceiling, snoring and I was turned to him, hugging his arm like a stuffed bear or pillow. I'd never been so comfortable and happy in my life. This is what I wanted, I wanted to be this close to him, but all the time. His snores were loud and annoying, but they almost sounded like a lullaby to me. I knew we'd have to wake up early, in order to sneak back in, but I decided to sleep a little longer.
I woke up again around 6:00 and even though I knew it was Saturday, I knew Ron had a game and had to be back soon. I stoop up, slowly unraveling myself from my grip on him and hopped off bed. I brushed my teeth and fixed my hair. I walked back in and lightly tapped his shoulder. When he didn't move, I began shaking him, until his eyes fluttered open.
"What time is it?" He groaned out, turning away from me.
"It's 6:00, now get up."
"6:00!" He buried himself into my pillow. "It's too early." He protested.
"We need to get back, before they notice we're missing. Plus you've got a game."
"Your bed is too comfortable to leave." He groaned slowly getting up.
"I found an extra toothbrush and it's in my bathroom."
"Thanks." He muttered stretching.
I walked downstairs and looked for food. I found some pie and decided to make use of it. I cut myself a slice and one for Ron too.
"Lauren?" I could tell he was getting lost upstairs.
"I'm in the kitchen!" I yelled louder than needed.
"Bloody hell, I'll get lost in this place."
I laughed and handed him the pie. "You'll have to eat it to go." I said shoving him to the living room fireplace.
But he decided against it and quickly shoved it in his mouth. We floo'd back and found Hagrid sleeping on his couch. Ron decided it'd be best to leave a note, saying we were in no form of danger.
We walked out and headed back to Hogwarts.
"I'd appreciate it if you didn't tell anyone about what happened last night." I said quietly not wanting to wake anyone up. "About me being stupid and getting lost."
"I won't." He assured me. We sneaked in as quiet as possible and made our way to our common rooms. He walked me to the dungeon, and thanked me for the pie.
"Will you come see me...at the game, well not just me, but us... all of us?" He asked, quietly.
"Maybe I'll stop by and see you. I'm sure Draco'll want to go and wherever he goes-
"You follow."
"I wouldn't say follow. At least, not like how your wretched girl follows you around."
"Well she follows me around because she likes me. What's your excuse?" He raised an eyebrow.
"My excuse is Draco's my best friend."
"I thought I was your best friend." His face contorted, I couldn't help but giggle.
"You are! He's my second best friend."
"Those don't exist." He rolled his eyes.
"Oh really, then what am I? You're telling me, Harry or Hermione aren't your best friends." I crossed my arms.
He opened his mouth to say something but retreated. "Fine. You're right." He muttered.
"Of course I am. I'm sure I've told you that being right is-
"Another great quality of being Slytherin, right. Go on and head to bed, before Malfoy finds you out here talking to a bloo-
"Gryffindor." He smiled. "I've already told you I don't agree on you being a blood traitor."
"Well, nonetheless, you should head to bed. Maybe you can get another hour of sleep. I don't think I'll get as good a sleep as last night anytime soon."
"Yea. Me either." I smiled, thinking back to how comfortable I was.
"Well, I'll see you later on today."
"Right." I smiled.
I opened the door, and turned to look at him one last time. "Bye Ron." I waved, walking in.
"Bye Laurie." He smiled.
I was relieved to see that no one was in the sitting area and sighed. I made my way upstairs and realized I left my purse back home, I didn't worry much though since I had others here with me. I decided I wanted to take a quick shower and changed into jeans and a long sleeved green shirt. I grabbed my purse and headed downstairs, realizing no one was awake yet, I decided I'd take a stroll down to Snape's office. Just as I was reaching for the door I was startled.
"Where are you off to so early?" I turned to see Draco in pajama bottoms shirtless, with his arms crossed.
"You'll give someone a heart attack sneaking up on them." I grabbed my chest, chuckling. He smiled and walked over to me.
"You haven't answered me." He was in front of me, his arms still crossed. It was hard to keep my gaze from wandering to his exposed skin.
"I was going to take a stroll down to Snape's office." I couldn't hide the blush that appeared on my cheek.
"And may I ask why." He raised an eyebrow.
"I like visiting him on occasion."
He smiled and ran his hand through his hair.
"Do you always wander around looking to bother professors?"
"Do you always wander around shirtless?" I smiled back.
"At times. Why? Are you enjoying it?" He smirked. I chuckled and rolled my eyes. He grabbed my hand and put it on his chest.
"Draco!" I quickly yanked my hand back but my force was no use against his.
"There's nothing to be scared of." He laughed.
"Draco let go! I'd rather not have another fall in with Pansy." And with that he let go of my hand, laughing.
"Are you actually scared of her?" He smirked.
"Very. I've been having to sleep with one eye open the past few weeks, scared she might attack me."
"You'd let her, come in between us?" He asked getting close and taking my chin in his fingers. I moved my head and rolled my eyes.
"I'll be with Snape if I'm needed."
"Wait!" He grabbed my arm and pulled me back. No matter how many times my arm got pulled I'd never get used to it. "Why don't you stay here with me instead?"
"With you!? And do what? Get into trouble?" I laughed.
"Oh I'm not that bad." He gave my arm one strong yank and had me stumbling into him. He took the chance to wrap his arms around me.
"Draco!" I chuckled. "Let go."
"I'll let go when you agree to stay with me."
"Fine! I'll stay." He let me go.
"Good, now go grab a jacket." He instructed.
"Why?" I crossed my arms and raised an eyebrow.
"We're heading out." He walked back to the dorms.
"Where?" I questioned.
"Go get a jacket." He stuck his head out the dorms.
I didn't feel like going back out after a day of being out, but I couldn't say no either. I walked upstairs and grabbed a jacket. I looked at my hair one last time and went back downstairs. As I sat down to wait for him, I became increasingly nervous, as to what he wanted to do. He came back down in his normal dark attire and headed for the door.
"Come on." He nods. I huff and make my way toward the door.
"Where are we going?" I ask quietly.
"Shh!" He shushes me and grabs my hand leading me down a corridor.
"Shushing me only makes more noise." I spit back.
"Well then shut up." He looks back at me. He drags me along the corridor. We walked fast and quiet until finally reaching a large door.
He looks around quickly before opening it. He pushes me inside the darkness and lit up his wand.
"Draco where are we?" I whispered.
"We're not anywhere. We're going somewhere."
"I didn't sign up for this." I whispered slightly louder.
"Shhhh!" I rolled my eyes.