Chapter 15
Kalevi marked off the day of Saturday on his calendar, the last Triwizard challenge was one Monday. Today Kalevi planned to go to Hogsmeade with August, Draco, Zabini, and Nott.
"You ready to go?" a voice spoke from behind him, interrupting Kalevi's train of thought
Kalevi turned around to see August standing there.
"Yeah, I'm ready," Kalevi replied, grabbing his jacket and slipping it on. The two brothers made their way downstairs where Draco, Blaise, and Theodore were waiting by the fireplace.
"About time you two showed up," Draco teased as they joined the group. "I was starting to think you got lost."
Kalevi rolled his eyes playfully at Draco's comment while August chuckled.
The group made their way out of the castle and towards Hogsmeade, the crisp winter air filling their lungs. As they walked, laughter and conversation filled the air, creating a lively atmosphere.
August turned to Kalevi with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "So, Kalevi, you finally going to admit to who left those marks?"
Kalevi adjusted his scarf in an attempt to cover his face that shined red.
"Speaking of which, what the hell bit you, Draco?" Nott spoke up, glancing over to Draco.
"What are you talking about," Draco raised his voice in an attempt to hide his embarrassment.
"I saw a bite on your shoulder when we were getting changed for flying practice," Nott continued.
Draco's face flushed with embarrassment as he tried to come up with a plausible explanation. "Oh, uh... it was just a bug or something," he stammered, avoiding eye contact with anyone in the group.
"That is not a bug bite," Nott chuckled, looking at Draco suspiciously.
Draco shifted uncomfortably under Nott's gaze, his cheeks turning a deeper shade of red. He knew he couldn't keep up the charade for much longer. Taking a deep breath, he finally admitted, "Okay fine, it wasn't a bug bite. It was from someone I'm seeing," The group erupted into laughter as Draco's confession took them by surprise. Though August was not laughing, he glanced at Kalevi and Draco, thinking about how two fifth years could hook up with some girl within the same few days.
The group continued their walk to Hogsmeade, the laughter and conversation now mixed with teasing and playful banter about Draco's secret relationship. August couldn't help but wonder who Draco was seeing, as he hadn't mentioned anyone before. Kalevi caught August's curious glance and shrugged his shoulders, indicating that he also had no idea who it could be.
They made their way to Hogsmeade, a cosy and dimly lit pub tucked away in a corner of Hogsmeade. The scent of warm butterbeer filled the air as they entered, finding a secluded booth near the back. The group settled in, their laughter and banter blending with the lively chatter of other patrons.
Draco leaned back against the worn leather seat, Kalevi sitting across from them.
"I'll go get us each a butterbeer, my treat," August announced standing up and walking over to the bar.
"I'm going to the bathroom," Blaise said, leaving his seat.
"Oooo, me too," Nott said, following close behind. Leaving only Kalevi and Draco in the booth.
"So, I'm 'someone you're seeing now,'" Kalevi smiled, fidgeting in his seat.
Draco shifted uncomfortably, his cheeks still flushed with embarrassment. He looked at Kalevi, trying to gauge his reaction. "Yeah," he replied sheepishly, "though, I'll just let everyone assume it's some random student," Draco chuckled, Kalevi responding the same.
The two friends sat in the booth, their laughter fading into a comfortable silence. Draco couldn't help but feel a mix of nervousness and excitement about his new relationship with Kalevi. They had been close for years, but this was different. It felt like uncharted territory, and Draco wasn't sure how to navigate it.
Kalevi broke the silence, his voice soft and filled with curiosity. "So... how did this happen? I mean, us being together?"
Draco took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding. "Honestly, I'm not entirely sure myself," he admitted with a small smile. "I guess it started that night at the yule ball, and then the bathroom, and no we're here."
Kalevi nodded understandingly, his eyes locked on Draco's face as if trying to read every emotion written there. "It feels right though," he said quietly.
Draco couldn't help but agree. There was something undeniably special about their connection—something that went beyond friendship—and he knew deep down that taking this leap was worth it.
Just then, August returned to the booth with four steaming mugs of butterbeer in hand. Blaise and Nott followed shortly after from the bathroom break.
The group settled back into their booth, the conversation picked up again with renewed energy. They clinked their mugs together in a toast and took sips of the warm, comforting butterbeer. The atmosphere was filled with laughter and camaraderie as if nothing had changed between them. Draco and Kalevi shared a knowing glance, their secret relationship bubbling just beneath the surface. They knew that for now, it was best to keep things between them.
The group's conversation flowed effortlessly, topics shifting seamlessly from classes to Quidditch matches to upcoming weekend plans. Laughter echoed through the cosy booth as they shared stories and inside jokes.
Blaise leaned forward, his eyes sparkling mischievously. "So, Draco," he began, a sly smile tugging at his lips, "heard any interesting rumours lately?"
Draco raised an eyebrow, feigning innocence. "Oh, you know how it is, Blaise. Rumours come and go."
Nott chimed in with a smirk. "Come on, spill the tea! We want all the juicy details."
Draco chuckled, realising that his friends were fishing for information about his love life. He glanced at Kalevi, who returned a reassuring smile. Taking a deep breath, Draco decided to play along.
"Well," he started, leaning closer to the group conspiratorially, "let's just say I've been spending some quality time with someone special." His gaze lingered on Kalevi for a brief moment before turning back to his curious friends.
Blaise whistled appreciatively while Nott grinned knowingly. August simply raised an eyebrow and took another sip of butterbeer.
Blaise leaned back in his seat, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Alright, spill the details, Malfoy. Who's the lucky person?"
Draco smirked, enjoying the attention. "I'm afraid that's classified information, Zabini. A gentleman never kisses and tells."
Nott laughed and nudged Draco playfully. "Come on, mate! You can't leave us hanging like this. Give us a hint!"
Draco pretended to ponder for a moment before leaning closer and whispering, "Let's just say they have a way with spells and charms,"
The group erupted in laughter, their curiosity piqued even more. August raised an eyebrow and grinned. "Well, well, Draco. Looks like you've finally found someone who can keep up with your Slytherin charm."
Draco winked at Kalevi, feeling a warmth spread through him. "Indeed I have," he replied with a hint of pride.
The conversation soon shifted to other topics, such as upcoming exams and the latest gossip about their classmates. such as upcoming exams and the latest gossip about their classmates.