I'd been waiting four years to be able to tell people I went on a date with Draco Malfoy. Finally the day had come. How odd it felt now, preparing myself. I decided on something simple. Some black ankle boots, black high waisted jeans with holes in the knees, and an orange and black striped tee shirt. 

I applied a small amount of mascara on and a clear lip gloss before I headed out to the common room. After I rounded the corner I looked around until my sights landed on Draco, who sat in front of the fireplace on one of the leather couches. The room glowed deep emerald, and the sound of the lake pounded against the windows. It's hypnotic rhythm reflected my pattering heart as I approached him.

"Lily, you look lovely." Draco announced as he rose to embrace me. 

"Um, so do you." I mumbled awkwardly.

Draco wore black cargo pants with black combat boots and a black jumper. His pale blonde hair was tousled perfectly, and his cologne was musky and delicious. Draco pulled me down onto the couch next to him, and as soon as his bottom hit the seat suddenly a bottle and two glasses appeared in his hands.

"I thought maybe you'd enjoy some sparkling pumpkin juice while we talked. Make it more, I don't know, date like?" Draco said as he poured a glass of juice to hand to me.

"Wow, thank you. I appreciate the thought." I muttered as I took a sip. The cool, fizzing liquid eased my nerves slightly.

"So, um," Draco started after he took a large swig. "How was your day?" 

"Well it was fine I suppose." I replied timidly.

"That's good." Draco mumbled.

Silent minutes began to stretch out before us and it became increasingly awkward. We continued in the quiet, sipping our pumpkin juice until I could no longer stand it. I blurted out the first thing that came to mind.

"Why did you ask me here?"

Draco looked stunned for a moment. His expression quickly changed to thoughtful, and he remained quiet for another few moments while he contemplated my question.

"I suppose I should be honest with you. I've kind of, liked on you since our first year. You're beautiful."

My mouth hung open in awe. "Really?"

"Yes. Look, I'm not great at the whole, 'expressing emotion', thing." Draco's face turned red as a tomato.

"Neither am I, but I've liked you since first year too. I didn't think you'd ever noticed me, or even liked me as just a person."

"I've always admired you." Draco whispered.

Suddenly he leaned in and placed a soft kiss on my lips. I sat ridged for a moment before gently pushing back to return the kiss. When he pulled away and our eyes met a spark electrified my soul. Everything around him faded away. He reached up to cradle my face in his left hand with a look I'd never seen from him before.

"Thanks." I whispered. 

"You're welcome." 

More awkward silence loomed over us. Draco sat with his left ankle resting on his right knee, his right arm stretched across the back of the couch. I mustered up as much courage as I could and scooted over until our thighs were pressed tightly together. Draco, with a devilish grin, wrapped his arm around me and though I thought it impossible pulled me closer. He linked our fingers together and I happily rested my head on his shoulder.

We continued this way for hours. Silently watching the crackling fire, our fingers locked tightly together. It was lovely. Then suddenly Draco pulled away.

"I suppose we should go to bed now, Lil. Long day tomorrow." Draco tucked a lock of my hair behind my ear as he spoke.

"You're right. I can't wait to wake up and see you again."

"Goodnight, beautiful." Draco pecked my lips lightly and suddenly was gone.

The next two days passed without great incident. Draco and I were attached at the hip, spending nearly every second together. It had been the highlight of our day in Potions to see Neville melt his sixth cauldron so far this term. Professor Snape, who seemed to have attained new ways to torture the Gryffindors over the summer, gave Neville detention for it. 

It was quickly approaching the day of Moody's class and my brain rattled with fear.