Choice's Curse

The next morning when I woke up, for a moment in the fogginess of sleep, I recalled last night as nothing more than a dream. But as soon as I lifted up my hands to brush hair away from my face and saw the faint crimson crescents still remaining under my nails, I immediately felt ill again. Not just physically, but mentally as well. The awfully familiar storm clouds were gathering in my brain again, in a way they normally didn’t while I wasn’t at home; between Malfoy almost dying and me telling him things about my father that I’d never even told Harry, I should’ve expected it. The sun was dim enough in the sky that I knew I still had a while longer to wallow in bed before I’d have to force myself up and go about my day pretending that everything was exceptionally okay, because I’d remembered that Hermione asked me to study with her today for an upcoming Potions exam. 

I couldn’t admit to anyone why I felt so awful; no, that would lead to questions and questions would lead to having to reveal things that I’d been threatened with my life to not speak of. Did I really think Malfoy would do something if I ever told someone and he found out?

Yes. Absolutely. 

Not that I particularly wanted to talk about it. I’d already been sick once because of it and I had no intention of repeating that velocity of vomit. Laying in my soft bed, I savored the warmth that the comforter provided, as the castle was getting colder and colder by the day, the drafty stone awful at keeping out the frigid soon-to-be winter wind. November was rapidly approaching, the leaves vivid hues of red and orange and yellow, and though the grass was fading to a sickly yellow, the beautiful blue skies that had been present lately made up for it. I was excited for the holidays, for the music and snow and warm fires; I was not, however, excited for the prospect of returning home. Though I wasn’t quite sure yet where I was going to spend the two weeks between first and second term, even just the thought of leaving made me uneasy. 

As the sun began to brighten and the birds began to sing, I pulled myself out of bed, though it was a monumental effort. My limbs felt heavy and worn down, my eyes felt swollen, and my head was pounding with a ridiculous intensity. Hoping that Hermione knew some spell or tonic to aleve me of my ailments, I got ready groggily, throwing on my most decent pair of comfy clothes, didn’t bother with makeup, and threw my hair into a quick plait before trudging out of the dormitory, my four roommates still sound asleep, besides Luna, who I hadn’t spoken to in weeks because of our odd schedules and sleeping habits. She was probably wandering around the grounds, looking for some sort of mystical creature that may or may not exist, and for a moment, I longed for my brain to be as gentle as hers. 

As it was still rather early in the morning for a Saturday, the castle was mostly empty, though a few students had gotten up early to study like Hermione and I. The Great Hall was warm and smelled of cinnamon and pumpkin and bacon, and I reveled in the aroma for a moment before spotting Hermione, her head already buried in a book as she ate. Plopping down beside, I snuck a bit of bacon off her abandoned plate. 

“Mornin’,” I said, my voice still thick with sleep. 

Hermione jumped, as if she hadn’t noticed me sit down right next to her. “Merlin’s Beard, ‘Lainy! You nearly scared me half to death!” 

Death. That word shot nausea through me, but I swallowed it down and went on. “Sorry, I thought you would’ve heard me, but once I saw the book,” I gestured as if to say you know . 

“Don’t be! Why don’t you eat some breakfast and then we’ll head up to the library? I wanted to get an early start so that we could have enough time to get ready for Slughorn’s party,” Hermione said, laying her book down gently. 

Oh, fuck . I had completely forgotten about the Professor’s little get together with all his “best and brightest” students, one of whom was Malfoy. I doubted he would be there, but still, I didn’t know if it was worth the risk. 

“‘Mione…” I started, picking at the pancake in front of me. “I dunno if I’m going to go.”

She looked at me with surprise. “What? Why not? I thought you’d want to,” Hermione said, half-dejectedly. 

I shrugged. “Just...y’know...tired, I guess. It’s been a long week.”

Hermione gave me a disbelieving look as I shoved a bite of fresh fruit into my mouth, savoring the tartness the little blackberries provided. 

“You’re going.” 

There really never was any arguing with Hermione; I didn’t even know why I tried at this point. I sighed playfully, and she pushed me, making me miss a bite of pancake and smearing syrup across my cheek. Her soft chime of a laugh became even louder as the napkin got stuck to my face, leaving a large white piece of it behind. 

“I hate you,” I said, though the laughter that was warming in my chest undercut any anger in my voice. 

Our next hours were spent quietly studying in the library, occasionally exchanging questions or interesting information we found in our respective books. The library was busy, though the most prominent sounds were those of pages being turned and soft thumps as books were taken and returned. By the time the sun was starting its descent into the horizon, words were swimming in front of my eyes, and I had to lean back for a moment, pressing my fingers to my eyes as if that would help clear them. 

Hermione noticed me, and glanced out the window. “It’s nearly five! We better start getting ready,” She said, closing the incredibly massive book she had been perusing. 

I groaned gratefully. “Thank Merlin. I don’t think my brain can even process words anymore. I might actually be illiterate now; I can’t read anything in front of me,” I joked, stacking my books and standing up. 

Hermione rolled her eyes. “You’re not illiterate, Elaine.”

“I am, I swear it! I shall never be able to read again!” I declared, dramatically throwing my arm over my eyes. 

She laughed, and I felt the gray waves that had been creeping up on my all day recede a bit. Maybe Slughorn’s party would be just what I needed to relax. 

It wasn’t. Hermione and I had just arrived outside Professor Slughorn’s office, chatter and music floating out from behind the door. I was in a plain black, long sleeved dress that brushed just above midthigh, the neckline square and open to about four fingers below my collarbone. The sleeves were sheer and slightly poofed, but the cuffs were tight around my wrists. The skirt was tight around my legs, but not in a way that I couldn’t walk or sit. My hair was curled softly and half pulled back simply with an elastic. Beneath the dress, I wore tights and my usual boots. Hermione was stunning in a pale green dress, the form light and flowing and her hair pulled back in a plait. 

Hermione said I’d looked stunning, but the noise from behind the door was making me feel nervous and not willing to brave a crowd of people. I was already here, though, so I steadied myself with a breath, and trailed after Hermione as she pushed open the thick door, and light and music and the smell of food flooded our senses. Everyone there already had food and drinks in their hands, many little conversations taking place throughout the room. As I surveyed the crowd, I noticed a few familiar faces, like Luna, Cedric, a sixth year from Hufflepuff I couldn’t quite remember the name of, and of course, Malfoy and Blaise, both in dark jeans and simple buttons-ups, their blazers thrown on top to comply with the “informally formal” dress code Slughorn had set in place. 

The sight of Malfoy made my insides twist horribly, and I had to fight the nausea that was beginning to burn in the back of my throat. He looked incredibly carefree for someone who had had a brush with death not twenty-four hours prior, though I could spot the tiniest bit of crimson still caked to a strand of his silver hair. I did my best to steady myself, and I prayed that I’d be able to just avoid him throughout the night, but somehow, I doubted I’d ever be so lucky. I wasn’t scared of him; no, seeing him was just a reminder of how scary last night had been. The horror hadn’t set in until after, which is why my body had gone into shock and I got so incredibly sick. There was just something about the whole situation that made me incredibly uneasy and on edge, though my brain was doing its best to convince me that I was overreacting. 

I thought everyone did look rather nice, especially when my eyes landed on Harry, who was wearing grey jeans and a white button-up, the top two or three buttons undone, creating a casual air about him as he spoke to a few people over in the corner. The shirt hugged his shoulders in a deliciously tight way that made a heat flare inside of me, his shifting muscles visible as he fidgeted while speaking. His dark hair was combed back, framing his strong face and opening up his eyes in a way that I had only seen once or twice, as his hair normally was always falling in front of his face. 

We stood uncertainly in the doorway for a moment before Slughorn finally noticed us, and beckoned us over, saying that we needed to join the party. With sheepish smiles, we walked over to him, my gaze still rather distracted by how good Harry looked tonight. 

“Ah, Ms. Granger, Ms. Adler! Wonderful of you to join us. I was beginning to worry you’d decided not to come,” Slughorn said, his eyes twinkling with a champagne-induced joy. 

“So sorry, Professor, we got caught up studying,” Hermione replied. 

Slughorn chuckled, a loud and merry sound. “Of course you did! You wouldn’t be two of my best students with that kind of drive!”

We both laughed, though it was slightly out of discomfort. 

“Well, there’s food over on the far wall by the fireplace, and there’s drinks right next to it. Help yourself to all you want. I’d love to talk with the both of you more later!” He called as we started toward the food, our stomachs growling with a reminder that we’d only eaten breakfast that day and nothing else. The spread looked amazing; three soups started the lineup, all aromatic and one vaguely nutty, after which followed the protein selection that consisted of baked turkey, little cuts of wonderfully cooked steaks, and a vegetarian option that I wasn’t terribly familiar with. Ending the spread was bread, rice, salad, and an incredible array of autumn-themed pastries and sweets that I knew I would be coming back for later. 

Serving ourselves up, we looked for a place to sit, wanting to be able to relax while we ate. Noticing a few chairs in the corner that bordered the fire, we claimed our seats, excited to finally fill our bellies with our food. 

The party went on, people walking about, refilling their plates, and chatting with various others. Harry and Cedric were caught up in what looked like a rather heated debate about something that involved a wild amount of gesturing, when Slughorn stood up from his place in his rather cozy-looking arm chair, and lightly tapped the side of his glass with his fork. 

“Please, may I have your attention!” He shouted, though it wasn’t unkindly. The soft murmurs of conversation died down, and everyone turned their eyes on him. “Thank you! I would just like to say a short bit of nonsense, and then we can all resume our activities."

The crowd gave him a half-hearted chuckle, and he continued. “You all are here because you have managed to catch my attention in some way or another; either through excellent grades,” Slughorn glanced at Hermione, who blushed, and oddly enough, Draco as well. “Or exceeding talent at potion-making,” He looked at a few people around the room, including Harry and I, which made us share a subtle grin. “Or through your family or other actions, you have impressed me. I wanted to gather you to bring together a bright, like-minded group of students who could possibly learn from each other, or make wonderful friends.” 

Oh, so this little group was Slughorn’s special projects. Should’ve guessed. 

 “I would love to get to know each of you better as well, so that I might be enlightened by your delightful young minds! Now, eat, drink, be merry, and thank you for coming!” Slughorn finished, and everyone clapped politely. 

Hermione and I shared an exasperated look, and as everyone dispersed, Harry finally made his way over to us. His eyes raked my body, taking in my outfit as I stood, a blush threatening to rise in my cheeks. 

“‘Lainy, you look….breathtaking,” Harry said softly, his eyes meeting mine. 

My heart thundered in my chest, my brain going a bit foggy. “T-thank you! You do, too,” I replied earnestly, once again surveying his body that had grown so toned over the summer. 

Grabbing my hand in his, Harry brought it to his lips, giving me a soft kiss on the back of my hand. My breath caught, and for a moment, I forgot we were in a crowded room with our friend standing close by. 

Hermione, though, had not forgotten, and cleared her throat rather loudly. And for the second time, Harry and I jumped back from each other, embarrassment warming my skin. 

“And, uh, ‘Mione, you look brilliant,” Harry said, turning to her. 

Hermione shrugged, though I knew she agreed with him. “Thanks, Harry. How’s your night going?” 

“Oh, you know, the same old. Slughorn’s been trying to get me to autograph a picture of myself all night to put on his shelf,” Harry complained, rolling his eyes and gesturing to the shelf on the far right wall, filled with autographed photos of famous witches and wizards Slughorn had taught. 

Hermione and I giggled, sharing an exasperated look. Of course Professor Slughorn would be pestering Harry; he’d be the crown jewel of his already impressive collection. 

“I can’t imagine why,” Malfoy’s voice drawled, him and Blaise having walked up from behind Harry. “I’d rather die than look at your fat head every day.” 

Hermione and I both stood quickly, and Harry turned and stepped back so he was near me. At the word die , I glanced at Malfoy, but his face held no trace of the previous night’s occurrences besides the split lip. Even the color in his pale face had returned. I held back a snort, thinking to myself how ironic it was that he was being so brash after last night. 

“And what’s so funny, Adler?” Malfoy questioned, his eyes burning into mine, his broad shoulders tensing ever so slightly, and despite myself, I felt rather bold after last night.

“Just think that you’re full of shit, that’s all,” I said casually, giving him a small, sarcastic smile. 

Hermione sucked in a sharp breath of surprise, and Harry had to cover his laugh with a very obvious cough. Anger flashed in Malfoy’s eyes, and he clenched his jaw. “Watch your dirty fucking mouth. It might not be the best idea to speak to me like that, you miserable excuse for a witch,” Malfoy threatened, my blood running cold. 

The or else was left unsaid, but it was loud and clear as he looked at me with an angry fire burning in his eyes and I remembered his wonderful little promise to retaliate if I ever said a word of what happened between us. I just shrugged in response, trying to pull myself out of the situation. 

How the hell can he have anything to hold over my head after I saved his life? He’s fucking insane.

“Piss off, Malfoy,” Harry growled. 

Malfoy’s smile was full of poison as he responded. “How precious. Little Potter is protecting his filthy girlfriend. Say, why don’t you ask her why someone saw her coming out of the Room of Requirement late last night?” 

Frustration and disbelief slammed into me as Malfoy spoke, because I knew I couldn’t tell Harry why I had actually been there, since it would inevitably get back to Malfoy and he’d hurt me, or worse. I couldn’t lie, and say I hadn’t been there, that I had been sound asleep in my bed, because I saw the distrusting glint flash quickly in Harry’s green eyes before it disappeared and was replaced with hatred. 

“Fuck. Off,” Harry said through gritted teeth, and Malfoy shot me a very obvious look that was full of smugness. 

“Just saying, Potter. Maybe you don’t know Adler as well as you think. I mean, look at her. She’s a mess, and I bet you’ve never bothered to ask what happened to her arm, or why her father gave her that scar.” 

Harry’s eyes darted to my arm, and I shifted it ever so slightly out of his view. 

“It’s quite the story, really. I’d bet you might even cry a bit, Granger,” Malfoy said casually, though his eyes on me felt like I was going to burst into flames.

And then Malfoy sauntered off like what he just said hadn’t been one of my deepest secrets, a secret that I hadn’t told anyone, Blaise trailing behind him like all of Malfoy’s little gang did. My mouth was open in shock. I should have known that Malfoy would use anything he could against me, but I assumed he wouldn’t stoop that fucking low. My heart was pounding and I couldn’t talk about my father tonight; I knew that much. I already felt like I was drowning in the stormy seas of the previous night. Harry turned to me, a look of embarrassed curiosity in his eyes. 

“So...were you? Y’know…” Harry trailed off, his voice soft and unsure, Hermione shooting him a cross look before leaving us to give us some privacy even though we hadn’t asked, which I was grateful for.

I let out an indignant snort. “You really believe anything that piece of shit says? He was just trying to rile you up,” I said, hoping to God Harry would buy it; insulting Malfoy was always a good way to go with him. Anxiety was already beginning to eat away at me, knowing that I was stuck in a position where I had to choose between telling the truth to the person I cared for most in the world, and self-preservation. Malfoy knew exactly what he was fucking doing by bringing up last night; it was his own little version of a sick and twisted game to see how much he could test me before I inevitably snapped and he got to fulfil his promise of causing me bodily harm. 

“No, I just...If someone saw you, then…” He began, trailing off as if he didn’t want to say what he was actually thinking. 

“You really believe that dickhead over your best friend? I’m telling you, I wasn’t there,” I responded, feeling more aggravated and on edge by the second. I felt a bit crazy actually believing Malfoy’s threat, but one day during our third year, a first year had accidentally stepped on his robes in the hallway, and he vexed him so hard he had to be sent home for the rest of the year. In October . I had no doubt that he would be more than willing to finally release all of his anger out on me in the most violent way possible. 

Harry held up his hands in submission. “Okay, alright, I’m sorry. It just was such an oddly specific thing to say.” The distrust still hid in his eyes, though. 

I rolled my eyes, though the panic in my chest died down a bit. “You know he’s scarily good at manipulating people, Potter. You shouldn’t read into what he says,” I told him. 

He nodded, and took my hand again in his, the warmth of his skin spreading through my cold fingers, making them tingle. “You’re right. I’m sorry,” Harry said. “But about the scar. Elaine, I-”

And for the second time that night, I cut him off. “Harry, if you care about me at all, please, please , just drop it. I can’t,” I started, my throat tightening. “I can’t. Not tonight.” 

And he just nodded solemnly, an understanding look in his eyes. I sighed softly in relief as he leaned closer so he could whisper in my ear. “You really do look beautiful tonight, Elaine. Black suits you.” His voice was low, gruff, as he spoke. 

His words ignited a small fire in my stomach, feeling rather pleased that he enjoyed my dress so much. I must’ve been feeling rather reckless, because I turned my head and whispered back, “How would you feel about getting out of here?” 

I wanted to spend some time alone with him, of course, but the warm air and chattering was starting to press down on me, like the walls were caving in, and I just had to get out, had to clear my head in some fresh air to get rid of the sickly feeling I got every time I interacted with Malfoy.

Harry looked shocked for a moment, then nodded fervently. “Let’s go tell Hermione goodnight, first,” He replied, grabbing my hand and quickly pulling me to where she stood, talking with Slughorn by the refreshments. 

They were talking about some variation to a potion we were to learn the next week when we walked up, Harry in front, his hand still wrapped around mine. 

“Mr. Potter and Ms. Adler! How lovely to see you both. I was just about to make my way over to you after Ms. Granger and I had finished,” Slughorn said, smiling genially at the two of us. 

Harry’s face twisted with fake sadness. “So sorry, Professor, but we’ll have to take a rain check. Elaine isn’t feeling too well, you see.” 

Hermione and Slughorn looked at me, and I quickly patted my stomach like I was in pain. “Must’ve eaten something my stomach didn’t care for,” I explained, even adding in a fake grimace for good measure. 

Hermione rolled her eyes good-naturedly behind Slughorn, who had bought it and was looking at me with a concerned expression. “How terrible, my dear. Best be off to bed, then, though I would still like to speak with you both.” 

We both nodded and gave Hermione gentle hugs before winding our way through the groups of people crowding the office, excitement starting to flutter in my stomach. Some people gave us a knowing look, and I tried to stop my cheeks from heating up as I did my best to ignore their expressions. The wooden door swung open, revealing the dimly lit hallway beyond, the fresh, cool air greeting my lungs with a welcome chill. 

“Merlin’s beard,” Harry swore, tugging at his shirt collar. “It was hotter than hell in there. I thought I was going to pass out.”

I nodded in agreement as we began walking, keeping my eye out for any prefects or Filch. We passed a rather dark corner of a corridor, and Harry stopped and pulled me into it quickly, our bodies suddenly immersed in the darkness of the shadowy nook. He brought his arm up, slipping it around my waist and tugging me to him until I was flush with his body, the heat radiating off him in a delicious way in the frigid hallway. With the other hand, he tucked my hair out of my face, his touch leaving a trail of fire behind. 

“I haven’t been able to stop thinking about you all night,” Harry said, his voice quiet and gravelly with growing lust. “This dress is unbelievable. I-I didn’t know--” 

I cut him off. “What, didn’t know I was a girl?” I teased, ruffling his hair. 

Harry grinned. “No, git, I’ve always known that. Just didn’t know what you’ve been hiding under your robes this year,” He responded, wrapping his arm tighter around me. Trailing his finger along my shoulder and collar bone, then tracing the slightly deep neckline of my dress, he looked at me, an intensity burning in eyes, one so different from the one that was present when he had been talking to Malfoy. That one was full of hate, but this one? It was filled with longing, with need , as his eyes flickered down to my mouth and back up again. 

“You really are something else, Elaine,” Harry whispered, before slotting his mouth against my own. The initial heat of his mouth was enough to elicit a small moan within my chest and I threaded my fingers through his thick hair, the strands soft. 

He responded by deepening the kiss, his hand coming up to cup the back of my neck, his front pressing into me as we kissed. Harry’s chest felt strong and sure against mine, and I couldn’t help but run my other hand over the strong muscle that lay underneath his white shirt, savoring the way they tensed and flexed as he moved. I found myself longing to see what he looked like unclothed as he released his grip around my waist, choosing instead to cup my hip, his thumb rubbing small circles on the bone. The sheer size of his hand sent heat straight to my core, and I nipped his lower lip gently between my teeth, tasting the spice and honey that lingered on his breath from dinner. It was a rather pleasant taste, and I bit his lip once more before pressing my lips to his again, opening up the kiss a bit more. 

Harry and I had been both standing with our shoulders against the wall, but he suddenly pushed me back so that I hit the stone behind me with a small oof before his mouth was on mine again with renewed fervour. The chill of the stone could barely be felt when it was being erased by the trails of fire Harry’s roaming hands seemed to leave, especially as they grazed my stomach and up to my neck, where he grabbed my chin and titled my head to the side enough that he could press his mouth to the sensitive skin between my neck and shoulder. 

Between kisses, he said, “God, Elaine, you are so beautiful. I can’t believe I get to call you mine.”

Mine. That word sent fright rippling through me, and even through the pleasure of his teeth grazing the spot he had just kissed, I found myself beginning to withdraw, to panic, to want to run. 

Luckily, I didn’t have time to do anything, as I spotted a figure in ridiculously dramatic robes flowing behind him waltzing up to us, so I pushed Harry gently off me, and tried to straighten out my dress best I could. 

The flickering torch beside us revealed the stalking figure to be Snape, his face contorted with disdain. “Potter, Adler,” His nasally voice started. “I would hope the two of you are on the way back to your dormitories, because you both know that loitering about in the hallways after curfew is strictly forbidden.” He looked down his hooked nose at us, his beady black eyes searching for something he could punish us for. 

I cleared my throat. “Yes, of course, Professor. I have a stomachache, and Harry’s just walking me back to my common room.” 

Snape hummed, not quite sold. “Better be on your way, then. This time of night is prone to inviting all sorts of...nasty happenings,” He said, his eyes flickering towards me, though I hoped Harry hadn’t noticed. 

“Yes, Professor,” Harry answered, the distaste in his voice quite apparent. “Let’s go, Elaine.” 

He grabbed my hand and tried to pull me away, but it felt like I was pinned underneath Snape’s gaze. 

“It would be best if you were where you were supposed to be, Adler, instead of out in the corridors, causing trouble. It’s rather...dangerous,” Snape said to me, and I flushed. 

“I have no clue what you’re on about,” I said, though I didn’t even sound convincing to myself. 

Snape merely hummed again, and went off, his robes billowing behind him, his steps smooth and languid as he disappeared down the hall. 

Harry tugged my hand again, and this time I followed. “What was that about?” He asked.

“I’m not sure,” I answered, though it was a lie. Something about what Snape had said had sent a chill down my spine that had nothing to do with the cold autumn night air.

Harry shrugged, and the look in his eyes immediately erased any chill I had been feeling. "I know an empty classroom, um, if you...?" He trailed off, his question very obvious. 

My previous panic had died down, and I found myself eager to get my hands on his newly-muscled body again, so I nodded excitedly, causing Harry to grin and grab my hand, tugging me along quickly. He led me down winding corridors until we reached our destination, Harry muttering a few soft words before the door clicked open, revealing the room we had...messed around in the day before. Ushering me in, Harry shut the door behind himself, then quickly spun me, pressing me against the closed door. 

"My god, you have no idea how crazy you're driving me," Harry told me, his lips brushing a tender spot just beneath my jaw, making a moan rumble softly in my chest. His lips on my skin caused a heat to ignite between my hips, and I brought my hands to his torso, tugging him impossibly closer. I could feel that he was just as turned on as I was as his hips pressed roughly into mine, and I pulled his mouth away from my neck, longing to feel it on my own once more. "I haven't been able to stop thinking about you since last night."

Harry pressed a feverish kiss to my mouth, his tongue swiping gently at my bottom lip as his hands roamed down the plane of my stomach to my hips, one smoothly moving down to cup my ass over the light material of my dress. The heat of his hand felt deliciously wonderful as his other hand moved back up my stomach to my chest, barely caressing the curve of my chest before continuing north to cup the back of my neck and pull me into him. I moved my hips lightly against his, causing a deep moan to errupt from his throat, making me sigh in return. The sound was so delectably incredible that I knew that it alone would be running through my mind for the next few days. Harry's touches grew rougher as I felt him harden against me, and my dress was riding up over the curve of my thighs from my movements. I realized that the only thing separating us was the thin material of my tights and his jeans, and the heat that burned in my hips became almost painful as lust flooded my brain. My breath felt ragged as his touch consumed me, and Harry broke away from our kiss, his lips reddened even in the dim light of the unlit classroom. Disappointment filled my brain as he stopped his show of affection, and I looked at him nervously, afraid something was amiss.

"You alright?" He asked gently, looking into my eyes earnestly. 

A smile broke out on my face and I nodded. "I am wonderful, absolutely fantastic," I answered, placing a hand on his broad chest, endearment swelling within me at his kindness even in the midst of such a heated scene. 

I longed for more, but I knew it was getting late, so the two of us left the classroom, Harry's arousal still rather apparent as we walked. Luckily, the castle hallways were rather empty, because the kiss that he gave me as we parted ways was so passionate that it made me blush all the way up until I laid down in my bed, my eyes heavy with sleep.