PART 10

                                                                  18nth July  , 1988

The sun had risen hours ago across the growth of the woodland that circled the grounds of the Malfoy Manor.  The manor stood looming in the distance , appearing to the world outside to be a place full of darkness , deceit and unaffectionate place bound together by only the same views that the residents of the place held regarding blood purity. 

So many lies had been spun around the Malfoy family , that these seemed almost harmless.

Behind the tall , obsidian building , a winding path led to a small clearing. The cobblestone path was covered under a thick undergrowth of weeds , and vines that had grown through the cracks and winded themselves - blending into the streets as though a part of it from the very beginning. An eight year old , with ivory hair and mercury eyes took a step forward , before turning back and reaching out a hand towards a girl , of the same age as him , that stood a feet away from him - her mahogany hair tied with back slightly with a silk ribbon , and the rest framing her bewitching face. Her cherry lips quipped upwards in a smile , as she gratefully took the boy's hand.

Draco pulled Evanna , both running  along as the wind whipped in their faces , the noises of the garden party fading into the background the farther they went. Their movements were beguiling to the eye , as they made their way eagerly yet as lithe as snakes slithering on the ground.  

They giggled , running fast as their feet wood carry them before the forest parted to give way to a clearing , and a lake with shimmering waters. Their hands lingered for a little while , as they caught their breaths , before both pulled away and stared at the place in front of them with awe. Evanna made her way towards the alluring lake the grass tickling her ankles , mystified by how the sun lit the waves , as they danced merrily to an unknown tune. 

She stopped in her tracks , before turning to look at Draco , her sapphire eyes beckoning him forward.

Draco followed. They both sat by the lake , gaze lingering on the shining waters. A dulcet silence engulfed them , before Draco suddenly asked ,"Ana ?"

Evanna turned her gaze to look at him , and said ,"Hmm ?"

"Do you know what do you want to be , when you grow up ?"

Evanna furrowed her eyebrows in concentration. She said ,"Well , I don't really know. What about you ?"

Draco puffed his chest in pride , before saying ,"Father says I'm clever enough to be the next Minister. But I want to be a Mediwizard."

Evanna giggled at his response , before nodding and saying ,"You can be , Draco."

"And , what do you wish to be ?"

Evanna's eyes drifted upwards , gazing at the delicious looking clouds that floated across in the breeze like balls of cotton. She turned back to look at him.

"I just want to be wherever you are."

Draco's cheeks pinked at her response , before he cleared his throat and raised a brow as though asking for a proper answer.

"I want to do something great. I don't exactly know what , but I wish to be the best." 

"Oh", was all Draco could say after her vague answer. He didn't know much about greatness - and so , chose to remain quiet on the subject.

But he would , in a few years to come. 

Evanna closed her eyes , laying down on the grassy bank and stretching out her limbs. Draco took the opportunity to slip away , before coming back and nudging her.

Evanna groaned and opened one eye. "What happened ? I was asleep."

Draco rolled his eyes , and spoke ,"No you were not , silly."

"What then ?", She asked , propping herself up on her elbows and dusting out the bits of grass that stuck to her expensive dress.

Draco's hands nervously thrust forward , and in it he held a beautiful , pink flower. It's petals were curved , and met at a white spot at the center.

"For you", He mumbled , looking down.

Evanna raised an eyebrow , before grinning and accepting the flower.

"Thank you", She whispered , and shifted closer to him - before doing the most unexpected thing.

   She pressed her soft lips to his cheek , and Draco blushed furiously. He closed his eyes , his skin tingling and warm even after she retracted. He could hear her giggle , as he opened his eyes.

And watching her smile , he smiled too.    

                                               __________________________

DRACO watched , his mercury eyes fixated on the same Evanna who had said that she wished to be the greatest almost six years ago. The entire chamber watched in hushed silence as she descended down the staircase , radiant and impeccable as ever with a blue iris tucked neatly into the elaborate updo. Her dress was the same shade as that of gleaming ivory , with glistening jewels sewn into the seams with the utmost perfection – so it appeared as though liquid crystals hung from the frills. The silken gown brushed against her ankles , her full azure eyes searching the crowd for her date , her hair the same colour as that of bronze when the first ray of sunlight fell upon it.

Her face broke out into a pleased smile , and the crowd parted like the Red Sea as she brushed past them without so much as a glance at the sea of astonished and mesmerised onlookers.

Theodore Nott stood , appearing posh in neat and expensive dressing robes with his brown curls brushed aside , a little away from the parting throng. Evanna greeted him with a smile , before she gratefully took Theodore's offering arm and walked away towards where the champions stood.

Draco's gaze shifted towards the watch that rested on his wrist , checking the time. He huffed , putting his hands into his pockets as he not-so-discreetly watched Evanna laugh , the tinkle of it echoing in his ears , at some possible joke Theo had made. As much as his mind denied it , his heart knew that he wished it was him next to her. For almost three years they had managed to avoid each other , and then suddenly when he stumbled upon her reading on a rain compartment , everything came rushing back as though nothing had changed , as though his feelings had never left. His fingers curled into his fist , nails digging into his palm as carmine crescents formed themselves onto the soft skin.

His gaze turned away , when he heard the shuffle of footsteps close to himself. Through his peripheral vision , he caught onto a brunette. Astoria Greengrass walked swiftly towards him , an apologetic expression on her face.

"Sorry", She said in a small voice , catching back her lost breath ,"I am so very late , aren't I ?"

Draco had never wished to take Astoria to the ball , but she was a much better person to bring than all the other girls who had been following him around.

Astoria brushed out her dress , it's hues as deep as the midnight sky as they blended into the silver belt strung around her waste , her doe eyes fixed firmly on the floor as though she were afraid to trip and fall.

"It's alright", Draco said , shrugging nonchalantly as he offered his arm. As much of a strange situation he had found himself in , he could not cease to be a mannerful person especially when it was him who had asked Astoria to the ball. He wondered , as he led her into the Great Hall , that if he had enough courage to ask Astoria – was asking Evanna instead would have been so much of a Herculean task ?

A little away , Evanna waltzed with Theodore , making small talk with him as she occasionally admired how his curls brushed against his forehead , or the mere decorations of the Great Hall. The Great Hall had transformed itself into a place one could have feasibly pictured out of a fairytale. A sheet of silver covered the floor beneath their shoes , as though some lake with undisturbed waters. Flakes of tinkling white snow fell from the ceiling , which had been charmed to look like the pale sky of a wintry dawn , as well as crystal chandeliers – the light bounding of the shards of glass in burst of multi-coloured light. The holly and the lights met in some companionable marriage , embracing and adorning the room as well as gifting the warmth and spirit of Yule to it.

Evanna gave Theo a sprightly smile , nodding as he narrated the wondrous objects muggles around him used while on a trip to Italy.

"They have these little objects , through which you can hear voices coming and going. It's used for communicating. The device is called a telephone", Theo said , twirling her with the grace of a swan as she said ,"A what ?"

"A telephone", Theo said patiently , chuckling.

They danced to the mellifluous music that was played by the orchestra , along with the other four champions. Evanna chuckled at how Harry was struggling to dance with a pretty girl by the name of Parvati Patil , and watching how he sneaked glances towards Cho Chang – who had arrived that night with Cedric Diggory. She smiled appreciatively when she noticed Hermione laugh , her periwinkle blue dress ruffling slightly , along with Viktor Krum , both thoroughly enjoying themselves.

After a minute , Dumbledore led McGonagall to the dance , and the duo was followed by the scores of students , all gathering around to waltz along with their partners. Evanna and Theo were lost in the crowd , as she danced along with him – her gaze melting into his caramel irises , but her mind flitting back to a certain boy with silken hair and full , mercury eyes.

Throughout the dance , Theodore asked , sticking to the strict regime of being raised as a pureblood , whether or not she wished to take a break. After the song ended , Evanna seated herself at one of the numerous round tables covered with white cloth – waiting for Theo who had gone to fetch them both drinks.

Feeling a sudden tap on her shoulder , Evanna looked behind to see a familiar boy towering over her , his eyes shimmering with emotions.

Draco looked at Evanna , her flushed cheeks , her bright smile and her crystal eyes.

How he wished it was him dancing with her.

"Hello Draco", She said , her eyes brightening and her lips quipping upwards in a smile. His heart gave a leap at the sight of her smile , and he spoke in , what he hoped was , a clear voice.

"Hello , Evanna." He took a seat next to her.

"Are you enjoying the ball ?", Draco asked.

Evanna nodded. "Yes , I am. How about you ?"

"It's alright , I think."

A moment of silence followed , before Draco abruptly asked ,"May I have the next dance ?" He had wanted to ask that question as soon as possible , and he hoped she heard his words clearly so he didn't have to repeat. Draco Malfoy , in front of Evanna Frey , was nothing more than a bundle of nerves. Thankfully , Evanna did hear , and she nodded.

"Of course", She replied.

And so , he took Evanna by the hand for the first time that evening. Draco's fingers curled around Evanna's dainty hand , sending waves of electricity within him as he placed another hand on her waist. Waltzing elegantly around the room , Draco observed Evanna from up close. A faint scent of peaches and honey emanated from her , along with the fragrance of lavenders. Her regal gown conflated perfectly with her hair and skin , bringing out her eyes and making her look like the human embodiment of the goddess Aphrodite.

She truly looked breathtaking.

"You look gorgeous , Frey", He said , with a wink – hoping to get some sort of reaction from her.

Evanna gave a cheeky grin , and said ,"And you clean up well." As much as she refused to acknowledge , Draco looked stunning - dressed handsomely in neat , black robes , his usually messy , platinum hair brushed aside and his full , moonlike eyes gleaming as he danced with her.

He looked beautiful.

They fell silent, gazing into each other's eyes as their feet coordinated with every beat and rhythm. Draco had pretended quite well that he was unbothered by Evanna showing up to the ball with someone else , or the fact that he hadn't asked her – but throughout her dance with Theo , Draco had tried to sneak a subtle glance at the duo , his guts twisting into something horrible each time he saw them laugh.

"I didn't know you were acquainted with Theodore", Draco said – his lips curling upwards into a delectable smirk - his expression blank but his eyes betraying him.

"Oh , my mother and the Notts arranged for a game of polo this summer at the Frey Manor. We met there", Evanna said , waving the matter off.

"Oh", Was all Draco said as a way of a reply.

"And you seem to be quite friendly with Astoria Greengrass", Evanna said , a sarcastic smile on her lips – but her eyes blank. Draco tried to read her face for any emotion making itself visible through her mask of indifference , but he found none. And yet , the smile she gave at the question appeared rehearsed and unnatural.

"Well , we have been acquaintances for a long time. Our mothers are good friends", Draco said. As he twirled her , Evanna laughed – the angelic sound ringing in his ears and his heart missing a beat each time she smiled at him with ... with that look.

At the end of the song , Evanna and Draco bowed to each other , before she started walking off in search of Theo. She felt a slight tug at her hand , and turned to see a blushing Draco , his gaze firmly fixed to the floor. He hadn't let go of Evanna's hand , and his thumb rubbed circles on the back of her palm , a ruby dust coating his ivory cheeks as he spoke softly ,"C-can you meet me outside , please ? I need to tell you something."

Evanna nodded with a soft smile , as Draco dropped her hand – a grateful smile forming on his lips as he walked off in the opposite direction , melting into the crowd of students. Evanna traced her steps towards Theo , who stood with a pleased expression. At the beginning of the champion's dance , Theo had confessed to Evanna that he liked her as more than a friend. Evanna had been grateful to hear his confession , and had cockily said that he had excellent taste – but that , she wished to remain friends with him only. Theo had respected her decision , and had a smug smirk on his lips as she made her way to him. "Sorry, Theo", Evanna said , brushing out her immaculate dress ,"Draco asked for a dance."

"It's alright", Theo said , waving her off – before whispering ,"The end of trouble in paradise ?"

Evanna nudged him in his ribs , and said ,"There is no paradise , and we had no trouble."

"There is no paradise , yet", Theo said , standing straight before another harsh jab knocked the air out of his lungs.

Explaining how Draco wanted to meet with her outside , Evanna waved at Theo as she walked out of the Great Hall. A sudden chill rushed through her bones , as the night air whipped at her face mercilessly. She pulled out a crooked , black wand from the pocket of her dress , before casting a warming charm on herself. In the distance , she saw the outline of a figure standing by a pillar , relishing in the light of the moon. The trees in the courtyard twisted against each other , joining in an alien embrace as they swayed with the wind , forming dark , shapeless silhouettes against the moonlight , the pale face of the moon hidden by tufts of dark clouds.

"Draco ?", She asked , nearing the figure dressed in robes.

Hearing her soft voice , Draco turned to see Evanna , a brow raised in inquisitiveness. Clearing his throat , he approached closer to her , and said – in almost a whisper ,"Sorry if I troubled you by asking you to meet outside."

"It's completely fine", Evanna said , silently urging him to continue. And so , Draco took a deep breath , and continued.

"Evanna , when we joined Hogwarts , so much changed between us – it was hard to tell if even a thread of our old bond existed. At times , I found myself missing you terribly , being reminded of my loneliness and my poor choices at pushing you away just because you were a Ravenclaw. At that time , I decided that building a reputation as an accomplished pureblood from a noble family was greater than holding on to your friend. But my past self made terrible choices , uncountable wrong decisions."

Draco paused , before speaking again.

"And then , out of the blue , I came across you in the compartment on the train to Hogwarts , and all of it came rushing back. The memories , all the times we played – everything. You were kind enough to not linger on the past , and ignored the fact about me avoiding you just for the sake of it all not turning awkward. Because you cared. But believe me , Evanna , the guilt has been eating me up. I don't deserve your friendship , nor your care – and am immensely grateful for having a friend like you. The least I can do , is properly apologise –"

"Wait", Evanna said , making an overly dramatic expression of bafflement ,"The Draco Malfoy is apologising to me ?"

Draco scowled , before mumbling, "You're not making it easier."

"Sorry", Evanna said with a chuckle , raising her hands as though surrendering.

Draco spoke ,"So , Evanna , I am sorry. Extremely sorry for forgoing our friendship for fame and respect. Back then , I was foolish to think that respect and reputation were everlasting. Now , I am older – and , hopefully , wiser. I can't change the way I am , it has been drilled into me. But I can try to change my worst attributes. And now , I know friendships aren't superficial , unlike the other values I previously upheld."

The words came out of his mouth in the spur of the moment , relief coursing through his veins as he watched the softening look in Evanna's eyes. He gave her a small smile , his heart giving a tiny flutter as he reached into his pocket. Producing a medium-sized box , covered in emerald velvet , he reached out for Evanna's hand. As soon as the pad of his fingers made contact with her delicate palm , a jolt of euphoria shot through his bones , making his smile grow wider ever-so-slightly.

He said in the softest of whispers – the wind obediently not carrying away his voice ,"Evanna , I know this isn't much as a way of a present. I swear I will get you something better – no , whatever you ask for on your birthday. Please accept this for now , and forgive me. I hope , if you find it in yourself , we can slowly reconstruct our bond from the beginning. And please don't think that I am trying to buy your forgiveness", before opening the box to reveal a platinum bracelet , studded with a beautiful sapphire stone at the center , and tiny diamonds woven across the bracelet from it. Catching the ivory light of the moon , the bracelet appeared to glow blue , and Evanna gave an almost inaudible gasp at the sight of it.

Draco unclasped it , before carefully putting it around Evanna's wrist.

As his fingers retracted , lingering just a tad bit longer , Evanna noticed how he appeared to be nervous.

Taking a tiny gulp , Draco slowly asked ,"D-do you l-like it ? It's completely fine if you don't. You can tell me what you like and I will-"

His nervous rambling was cut off by the feeling of warmth spreading through his entire being , the feeling of an affectionate gesture , the feeling of Evanna Frey's arms wrapped around him in an embrace.

Tentatively , he returned the gesture , his towering body cocooning Evanna's petite frame , his face buried in the crook of her neck as his nostrils took in the fragrance of peaches. When Evanna pulled away , and Draco took a step back , she whispered with a smile of ecstasy ,"Thank you , Draco. I love it so , so much. This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. But..."

She glanced down at the bracelet.

"All this for just my apology ? You already have it."

With those few words , knew found happiness rushed through him. Relief at being forgiven , relief at having received a chance again , relief at being freed of his guilt at last.

"It's for you. Obviously it has to be the best", Draco said , rolling his eyes as a sweet laugh escaped Evanna's throat – making butterflies erupt at the pit of his stomach once again.

"But isn't this expensive ? It's really , really sweet of you – but is it alright ?", Evanna whispered , glancing back at the bracelet – her fond expression morphing into worry.

Draco waved her off by saying ,"Of course it's alright. I have complete permission to use my allowance as I please."

"Well then , I should buy you something just as nice", Evanna said firmly – looking up to connect their gazes once again – before she did something very sudden. Just as suddenly as she had six years ago , in that clearing behind Malfoy Manor , Evanna stood on her toes and pressed her petal pink lips to his cheek.

Now Draco was definitely as red as a tomato. He knew that if he could look at his own face at that point , he would be astonished to find that a human face could change colour so very exorbitantly. His heart beat at an unhealthy rate , as Evanna placed her hands on his chest , her eyes closing as she kissed his cheek. Her lips lingered a tad bit longer , before she pulled away , taking a step back.

Draco's innards were burning with the warmth of a fire , his skin was feeling very warm and tingling with the lingering feeling of Evanna's lips. Giving one last grateful smile , and whispering ,"Goodnight Draco" , Evanna walked away – disappearing into the darkness of the corridor , melting into the shadows of the night.