39

39. An eventful morning

"Where have you been?" An angry looking Hermione welcomed me back in our dorms. She was already changed and stood next to her trunk. Her hands rested on her hips, making her look like Mrs. Weasley.

I cast a quick glance through the room to see if anyone else was with us but to my relief we were alone. Smirking, I closed the door behind me and stared at my best friend. Her eyes travelled over my dress making her frown deeper.

"And why are you still wearing your dress?" But as soon as she asked realization erupted on her face. Baffled, her mouth fell open. I couldn't suppress a small chuckle as I walked over to my bed. "Where did you sleep, Aryanna?"

As I kneeled next to my trunk to get something I could change into, Hermione followed slowly. With a demanding questioning look she sat down on my bed. I felt incredibly happy. I was about to tell Hermione the truth. I just didn't know how to break it to her…

"Well?" She pushed further. I felt myself blushing furiously and lifted my head in her direction. Nervously, I stroke my forearm. Nevertheless, a huge grin plastered on my lips, I stood up. The sudden overwhelming sensation of happiness shut my brain off so that I couldn't do anything than to blurt it out.

"I have a boyfriend, Hermione! I told him the truth and he loves me back! He LOVES ME, can you imagine… And I was so worried the whole time that he wouldn't want to talk to me ever again if I tell him the truth. I really thought he wanted to end whatever relationship we had before but instead he said that he has always loved me. I mean he -"

"Woah, slow down a little. Are you talking about your fairy-love?" Hermione asked confused.

Beaming brightly, I nodded. Hermione looked astonished and surprised. Then a grin formed on her lips making me only feel lighter and happier. I felt so jittery and excited that I couldn't stand still anymore. Laughing, I practically threw myself on Hermione and embraced her with all I had. I didn't really notice that I was almost crushing her completely.

"Aryanna Jackson, let go of me now. You're breaking my bones." Hermione pushed on my shoulders and I let go of her immediately casting her a rueful smile. It didn't last long though making Hermione shook her head grinning as well. With sparkling eyes, she stood up and pulled me in for another proper embrace. Now we were both laughing and I did my best not to crush her again.

"So, tell me what happened yesterday? How did you find out? And when and where did it happen? I mean the last time I saw you before going to bed you were with Derek..." Hermione was curious but now her questioning look turned into a light scowl. "And with Malfoy and Zabini. Consider yourself lucky that neither Harry nor Ron saw you with them…"

I decided to not discuss this now and concentrated on her previous questions. I couldn't find the slightest rueful spark in myself anyway. Beaming and smiling more than happy I started telling her everything.

"Well, short after we stopped dancing I decided to go to bed. But I was so confused and hurt seeing him – well, now my boyfriend - the whole evening that I wanted to get some fresh air. I wanted to be alone therefore I climbed up on the astronomy tower. And he had followed me apparently. I first believed a teacher had found me and was more than shocked to see him there wearing his usual-"

I cut myself off before I could say it. Inwardly, I groaned at my own stupidity and recklessness. I had to be more careful. As I returned Hermione's gaze again she looked questioning and curious wanting me to go on. I shook my head slightly and continued. More attentive now, nevertheless still glowing and beaming.

"Well, he looked perfect. And as he came closer I found myself incapable of lying anymore. I wanted to tell him the truth. But then he started before I could say something. He looked so incredibly sad and broken, Hermione. I was so afraid and numb at the same time. And then he told me that he loved me! He loves me, Hermione! He told me when he did fall in love with me and how hard it was for him to keep that from me. I told him then the truth. I said that he was my fairy-love. I told him everything. I mean really everything! It felt so incredibly, bloody overwhelming to say it out loud."

Jittery again, I jumped up and grinned wildly at Hermione. She was smirking in my direction but I ignored it. A chuckle erupted my mouth before I could stop it. Throwing my arms up I started laughing and squealing. Completely unaware to Hermione's amused expression I started whirling around in my dress.

"I'm happy for you, Arya. Honestly, I really am!" Hermione said laughing as well. Stopping my madness, I stared at her grinning from ear to ear. She raised her eyebrows and asked sounding rather accusing now. "So you spent the night together?"

A deep blush made its way on my cheeks. My face was burning now and I became jittery again. Nervously, I played with my fingers, a shy grin on my lips.

"Yes. But we didn't… you know... do it. If that's what you meant." Awkwardly, I stopped my rambling. Hermione snorted making me chuckle nervously as well. Then she looked at me as if I was stupid. And I honestly felt dumb now under her look.

"I know you didn't. I mean even if you're half a Slytherin I just know you wouldn't do it the first night you spend together. You're too Gryffindor to do that." Hermione's smirk made me feel so incredibly uncomfortable. I tried to hide it by glaring at her but of course she was immune and not the slightest impressed. In fact, she was smirking rather smugly.

"Oh, shut up." I growled but she dismissed it by shaking her head.

"So, where did you sleep? Obviously, you had to stay hidden." Thankful for her change of subject, I grinned mischievously.

"Honestly Hermione, you aren't thinking I would tell you. After all, we need to stay hidden whenever we're together. And I don't want anyone to know where we're meeting up."

If Hermione was disappointed she didn't show it. Instead, she grinned in return. "Did you sleep on the floor in some old classroom? Cuddled together to keep from freezing?"

Again, I shot a glare in her direction and turned my eyes. "Yes, we slept in McGonagall's classroom behind her desk… Of course, we didn't. We slept in a normal bed in a perfectly normal bedroom." My lips turned into a provoking grin and I crossed my arms. "But… I'm not going to tell you where though."

And with that I turned to my trunk and took out some clothes. Before Hermione could ask me further questions I rushed towards the bathroom to change myself. Through the closed door I heard her shouting after me.

"One day, you will! I will make sure of that! The latest on your wedding day!"

As we left Gryffindor tower and walked down the stairs I couldn't erase that stupid grin out of my face. Every step that brought me closer to the great hall made my steps become more bouncing. As we entered I automatically looked up at the teacher's table. Severus was nowhere to be seen but that didn't change anything in my excellent mood. Humming and grinning wildly, I turned around to Hermione and walked backwards in front of her.

"Oh, come on Hermione. Cheer up a little, will you? After all it's the best day of my life! You could be a little more joyful for me." To be honest, I only tried to make some conversation. I had to much energy… way too much! Hermione turned her eyes in annoyance. But the small smirk on her lips showed her amusement and something else I couldn't identify. Quickly, she took one step forward and pushed me a little. Not very elegantly I fell on my behind with a shout of surprise. Hermione passed me laughing and didn't look back once.

"Hermione Jean Granger!" I shouted astonished after her as I stood up. She had just sat down next to Ginny and from her laughter and pointing I guessed that she was explaining everything. I could have walked quietly to her and sit down as well. And on any other day I would have reacted that way… but not today. Today was my day!

"You bloody Gryffindor are not going to ignore me!" I shouted whilst trying to contain my laughter, putting my hands on my hips. I saw every Weasley and Harry laughing in my direction. As I heard snickering from behind I turned around and saw Seamus, Dean and Neville. I wasn't known for cursing my friends. Actually, I wasn't cursing much in front of others. Well, first year was totally an exception. Putting on a playful severe expression I casted them a glare that challenged Severus'. I pointed with one finger in their direction making them only laugh more.

"You three, shut it immediately." And with one last glare I whirled around and stomped to my friends. Roughly, I squeezed myself between Ginny and Hermione totally ignoring their complaints. Harry shot me one of his goofy grins and I couldn't resist. My lips formed once again the biggest smile possible. Ron was – as always – busy eating. Nevertheless, I got one short grin from him as well.

I had my difficulties during breakfast. Well, for one I wasn't hungry. Not after Severus' great pancakes and chocolate. And I felt completely jittery, so I couldn't sit still. Luckily, my friends didn't mind at all. Either they were smirking or ignoring me. I jumped as I felt a hand on my shoulder and spilled pumpkin juice on my lap. Groaning, I turned around and stared in bright green eyes.

"Sorry." Derek's smirk made me forgive him in the blink of an eye. "I came to congratulate you!" Now it was my turn to look confused. I stood up and watched him curiously.

"What the hell, Derek?"

He laughed and gave me a look which asked if I was joking.

"Your entrance wasn't very subtle, Jackson. Therefore, congratulations!" Derek's smirk made me laugh and again I was beaming.

"Thank y-" I was cut off when he pulled me into a bone crushing embrace. Breathing became suddenly very difficult.

"I'm waiting for details." He whispered next to my ear. I pulled away smirking, a blush creeping on my cheeks. Derek laughed with sparkling eyes and my blush deepened. Groaning again, I cast him a glare. Immune to my mood change he put one arm on my shoulder and pulled me close.

"At least I do have a relationship now. How about you, Derek?" I glanced up smirking mischievously. He chuckled and shook his head in disbelief.

"You're incredible. But I won't let you off the hook. We're going to have such a great day today." And with that he turned to my friends completely oblivious to the fact that he made me stumble with his arm still around my shoulders pulling me with him.

"Do you mind if I borrow Arya for one or two hours today? I'll bring her back afterwards." I glared but he ignored me smiling his most genuine – and attractive and winning – smile. If they fell to his charm I wouldn't know. With a pleading look towards Hermione I tried to make her understand that I didn't want to spend time with Derek. She returned my gaze and her lips turned into her most innocent smile and I knew I would have to have a serious talk with her today.

"Of course not. How about you take her before lunch?" Hermione asked as if I were a small child who needed supervision.

"Brilliant! Thank you, Hermione." With a bright smile he looked down on me again and caught me glaring at Hermione. "Don't even try to hide yourself."

I cast him a sneer making him chuckle amused. Suddenly, his sweet chuckle turned into the widest and mischievous sneer possible. With twinkling eyes, he pulled me in one last embrace. That caught me completely by surprise but before I could realize properly what was going on he pulled back again. His expression hadn't changed and I felt more than suspicious now.

"See you later, I suppose." He turned around to leave – or at least he intended to do so. Obviously, he had underestimated how close we were still standing next to each other after the embrace. As he turned around his shoulder hit me full force on my own, making me stumble. Trying to regain my balance I took a few steps back and crushed right into something else. Now, that caught me completely off guard and I fell – for the second time this morning – on my behind.

As I tried to sort out in my brain what just happened I realized that nobody was talking. It was quiet, nobody was laughing. I could only hear some snorts, suppressed chuckles and voices. Derek had disappeared somehow.

"Are you done examining the floor, Ms. Jackson?" A deep voice dripping with sarcasm and coldness asked from above. My head snapped up and I flashed as I locked eyes with none other than Severus. His dark orbs bore into my eyes as he glared coldly in my direction. In the blink of an eye a deep – really deep – blush crept on my cheeks and my brain shut itself off once again.

"Yes… I mean, no. I mean I wasn't examining the floor, Sir. I tripped and-"

I knew he didn't mean it. But nevertheless, I felt sort of intimidated. Strange seeing as I had been kissing him earlier this morning and had always loved challenging him openly. The awkward tension between us made it even more distracting. His glare turned into an incredibly convincing snarky sneer. He really does find this amusing, I thought for myself. The corner of his lips twitched upwards provocative. His eyes remained cold and emotionless though. It was his turn to challenge me now. And I saw that he was enjoying himself immensely being on the winning side.

"I don't care if you're incapable of walking unless you're disturbing my peace." He spat down, making me realize once more that I was practically sitting on his feet… almost.

Trying to regain some dignity I stood up and locked eyes with him again. For a moment I got caught by those beautiful dark eyes of his. A brief memory of him staring at me intensely before leaning in to kiss flashed in front of my eyes. I blinked and cast him a wide smile. The butterflies in my stomach and my warm cheeks weren't really helping my concentration but I tried.

"Well, I owe you an apology for disturbing your peace then, Sir." I stopped and watched him. He raised one eyebrow waiting for me to go on. Merlin, it looked perfect on him! I had always envied him for being able to do it.

"Get out of my way, Jackson before Gryffindor will pay for your stupidity." Severus snarled deeply. Mocking but keeping a straight face I stepped back and motioned with my hand for him to pass.

"After you, Professor."

In a swift movement he whirled around and took a step in my direction. He glared darkly with furrowed eyebrows. The corner of his mouth twitched dangerously. I could feel his breath on my skin even if we weren't standing that close. I had difficulties holding his glare but I refused to look away. I knew he didn't mean it… And I wouldn't allow him to win the challenge I had started due to my mistake earlier.

Suddenly, his expression changed to a snarky smirk making me shiver slightly in confusion. Too late I realised my mistake. I had taken a step back to get some space between us trying to escape the tension. It was confusing and irritating to have him standing close to me after all. It had always been since I had discovered my true feelings but now, being his girlfriend, it felt even worse. At least in public… Annoyed, I cursed myself quietly breaking our gaze. I didn't want to see his smug expression which I was sure he was looking at me with.

"Five points from Gryffindor for your insolent behaviour." A sharp voice cut through my thoughts. I jerked my head up and – of course – he didn't disappoint me. Severus' eyes were quite emotionless except for a slight sparkle. But his lips… they were forming a smug and arrogant sneer.

It's surprising how exact I can read him… I thought to myself. Furrowing my eyebrows, I tried to glare at him. It was quite difficult seeing as I felt a wave of amusement rushing through my body and felt the urge to laugh. Therefore, I only managed a half-hearted dark gaze and bit my lip to keep myself from smirking. Severus seemed to read the struggle on my face because his sneer deepened even more. Then, with a last warning look he whirled around again, making his cloak brush my legs. With long and aggressive strides, oblivious of his surroundings he made his way to the teacher's table.

I let out a deep breath I didn't even know I had been holding. Then I groaned loudly as I glared at Severus' back. It turned to a growl however when I remembered something… someone… being the reason for this mess and making me lose a serious challenge. Slowly, a dark look in my eyes, I turned around. Derek was nowhere to be seen.

"I'm so going to make you pay for it, Derek Hale." I muttered gloomy under my breath.

I whirled around the moment I heard chuckles behind my back. Fred and George were obviously enjoying what just happened. My Gryffindor best friends however were mixed with emotions. Harry looked slightly confused, Ron seemed more disturbed and Hermione was trying to suppress a grin. Trying as in she had never been good at it, nor at lying as a matter of fact.

Suddenly, I caught a glimpse of white blond hair from the corner of my eyes. Looking closely, I realised that it wasn't Draco but some Ravenclaw girl. Slowly, I made my way back to my friends and sat down, my back towards the table.

"Are you alright, Arya?" Hermione asked trying to sound concerned. But remorse was obviously dominating her voice. My look started wandering over the Slytherin table. Absentminded, I answered.

"Don't worry, I'm completely fine. But it's up to you to regain Gryffindor five points." She scoffed and mumbled something under her breath.

"What are you looking for anyway? The git left to the teacher's table if you're looking for Snape. Your gaze is practically cursing every Slytherin. Not that they wouldn't deserve it." Harry asked curious from the other side of the table. I turned my head a little in his direction, still observing the Slytherin's.

"I'm looking for someone." I replied lost in thoughts. There was a short pause.

"Derek?" Harry was grinning now. "Do you think he's going to apologize for making Gryffindor lose five points?"

I spotted Crabbe and Goyle in the middle of the table stuffing food into their mouths. But the blonde hair was nowhere near them. Still concentrated on the ocean of talking and laughing students I only noticed the first part of the questions.

"No, not Derek… I mean yes… But he isn't here anymore. I'm looking for someone who knows where to find him."

"And who might that be?" Hermione chirped in. "You do realise he probably left to the Durmstrang ship?"

"Yes, I do." I replied slowly. "Actually, I'm looking for a Slytherin…"

If my friends were surprised or confused I didn't realise. In a heartbeat annoyance overwhelmed me once more and my face muscles tensed angrily as I found said person. I jumped up and walked straight towards a dark-skinned student who had his back turned in my direction.

"Zabini!" I snapped loud enough so that he couldn't possibly ignore me. Several pair of eyes looked in my direction either in astonishment, disgusted or provocative. There were even a few challenging gazes warning me not to come any closer to their table. Unimpressed, I kept my gaze firmly fixed on the surprised and undeniably amused face.

"Do you need something, Jackson?" Blaise replied calmly while the others around were anything but relaxed. Except for one bleach blonde sitting across from Blaise. He had been laughing about something when I had called for Blaise. Now however, he was still smirking smugly in my direction. With a look of expectancy waiting for an entertaining show, he crossed his arms and leaned them on the table. I shot him a short warning glare before boring my eyes into Blaise' dark ones. My annoyance almost bubbling over as I came to a halt in front of him.

"Where is he?" I snapped again, my eyes not leaving his.

Blaise – completely unimpressed – raised one eyebrow questioning. I supposed to others it looked questioning, but I knew better. I glared at this reaction. He knew exactly how much I wished to know how to do that.

"Where is who, Jackson?"

Blaise asked slowly in his most innocent and bored voice. His eyes on the other hand, were sparkling mischievously. Obviously, they had seen the whole encounter with Derek and Severus. I realised that he played with me. He knew exactly where to find him of course. But, as always, he decided to make a challenge out of it. Typically Slytherin, I thought to myself. But two can play the game, Blaise. The upcoming annoyance wasn't fake now.

"Where is that poor excuse of what you call brother, Zabini?" I growled darkly.

For the effect, I let out my Slytherin side that not many people got to witness. Even if I felt extremely annoyed, I enjoyed our game. I loved to show my impulsive and snappy side now and then. Having grown under Severus' watch had taught me one or two things…

While everyone believed it to be real these two Slytherins could tell the difference between game and serious. Therefore, Blaise knew not to worry about my outburst. Much to my irritation… In fact, Draco's expression had changed into an amused smirk. Honestly, his demeanour set me almost even more on edge and of course he knew. Blaise on the other hand chuckled and looked at me with disbelief. For the second time today, I was being watched at as if I were stupid. His eyebrow moved even a little higher towards his hair. Waving one hand dismissingly in my direction he answered provocative amused.

"I don't have a brother. Everybody here can assure you that. My mother could tell you the same thing. I suppose she would know if she had two sons."

"Don't play dumb with me. Where is he?" I demanded harshly.

Blaise exhaled deeply and his grin grew wider. "Who are you even talking about?"

I stepped closer so that he had to turn his head in an awfully uncomfortable looking position to return my gaze. Now it was my turn to smirk. With Slytherins it's always the same, I thought amused. One challenge after the other. If they are bored, amused, annoyed they come up with a challenge to cover up. I couldn't deny that I had grown fond of it. It was fun!

"Derek Hale." I bluffed back. Blaise shrugged his shoulders with a smirk. Running out of patience I turned my eyes and looked him dead in the black ones.

"Durmstrang, utterly attractive apparently, black hair, bright green eyes, either laughing or whimpering about his love life the whole time, twisted and messed up demeanour and annoying as hell." Blaise turned helplessly to Draco who returned a smug smirk.

"Do you have a problem with his love life, Jackson?" Draco's eyes sparkled brightly.

"I bet she's jealous because she doesn't have one of her own."

To my utter displeasure Parkinson decided to involve herself in our… conversation. I cast her a glance along with a provocative innocent smile. In a soft voice – as if talking to a child – I replied.

"I bet you don't even know what a love life is, don't you? I mean do you have a boyfriend? Because I do and my love life is excellent by the way, thank you." I ended smirking. Parkinson glared the hell out of me but I was unimpressed. That stupid pig wasn't even close to a real threat.

As I noticed Blaise and Draco exchanging a wide grin I realised that I had lost a challenge - again. I had just confirmed that Severus and I had sorted things out. I had called him my boyfriend… in public. And by their reaction I guess they had wanted to get me to the point sooner or later. Parkinson had accidentally played along and made me say what they had wanted to know from the very beginning.

A deep blush crept on my cheeks and I bit my lip in frustration. A heat wave rushed through my whole body making me feel as if every part was blushing. Draco's smirk widened as he watched my face and soon he was laughing along with Blaise. I groaned to myself and turned my eyes at my brother and best friend.

"Well, well. Look at that! Jackson is embarrassed." Draco's wide grin made me sight in annoyance. Honestly, I didn't know how to get out of this mess without losing my dignity. "Tell me, what would your boyfriend do if he saw you now?"

"He'd probably laugh about you being defeated by some Slytherins." Blaise pointed out sneering in my direction.

I made the mistake to open my mouth to remark something snappy but it was right in this moment that it dawned upon myself. Severus was indeed sitting in the great hall at the teacher's table… and he was probably – no, surely watching us right now. Horrified, I bore my fingers into the skin of my unpleasantly throbbing forearm. Trying to distract myself from growing embarassement…

It took all my will power to not whirl around and look for him. My blush however, deepened even more if possible. I had lost. I've made a complete fool of myself! What the hell am I supposed to do now? I knew if I left now I would back down openly in front of everyone. And a part of myself didn't want to give in in such a shameful way. But if I stayed I would have to make an incredible verbal comeback to not embarrass myself even more… And I was at a loss of words. The awkward thought of Severus witnessing blurred my mind.

Taking a deep, shaking breath I locked eyes again. Sparkling grey eyes were piercing me triumphantly. The corner of Draco's lips twitched slightly into an arrogant smirk.

"Don't bother. I'm going to find him myself." I muttered, feeling extremely uncomfortable, before I could stop myself.

As I turned away I would have loved to slap myself… very hard. That was the dumbest answer I could have chosen to reply. Stupid, dumb, awkward, awful, embarrassing! First you make a fool of yourself and now you're acting like some intimidated shy girl, I cursed myself.

Trying to keep at least some of my dignity I walked upright towards my friends who were watching us closely. To my annoyance they were not standing far from us. By their expressions I knew they had witnessed everything.

"Please, somebody kill me right now!" I whined as we made our way out of the great hall.

Desperately, I clung to Hermione's arm. Chuckling, she shook her head. Harry – to my surprise – was laughing too. Confused, I furrowed my eyebrows looking back and forth between the two of them.

"I almost don't want to admit it but it was fun how Malfoy and Zabini manoeuvred you right into it." Hermione couldn't stop grinning. "Sometimes you do remind me of a Slytherin, you know."

"Still, I cannot stop wondering why they are always so persisting and provocative with you." Harry mumbled thoughtfully. "And why you let them push you. I mean normally you would just snap something in reply."

Growling, I turned my eyes again. "Harry, this thoughtful expression doesn't suit you. It gives you wrinkles. And we don't want your scar to look wrinkled now." The three of them laughed loudly and I couldn't suppress a smirk myself.

"Listen, I think I need to cool down a little. That was incredibly embarrassing in there. You go ahead, I'll follow you in a bit." I said as we passed the entrance hall.

"Don't sulk too long, Arya." Harry couldn't hold back grinning.

Dismissively, I waved my hand in their direction smirking arrogantly. Waving a short goodbye, I made my way through the snow and down to the lake. It was really cold and I mentally slapped myself for not thinking to bring my jacket. With a little bit of magic, I helped myself and created a heat bubble enclosing my whole body. I sat down on a rock near the lake. I felt way to confused to enjoy the beautiful view though. Groaning, I buried my face in my hands. That was awkward and embarrassing!

I had no time however to drown myself in my self-pity. I whirled around as I heard the grinding noise of people walking in the snow. Of course… My blush deepened once again and I cursed under my breath.

"If this isn't my beloved – not single – sister!" Draco exclaimed cheerfully.

Blaise and Derek were following him at his heels. They were both grinning wildly and with true joy. I was tempted to stay annoyed but I just couldn't suppress the overwhelming happiness and excitement. Smiling brightly, I stood up and fidgeted nervously with my hands. All the sudden, I felt jittery again. With a squeal, I practically threw myself into Draco's arms and he embraced me warmly. His chuckle tickled my cheek. Finally, he pulled away and smiled loving.

"Congratulations, Arya! Honestly, I would have embraced you right then and there when you entered the great hall. I'm so happy for you! You out of all persons deserve it the most to be happy." A shiver rushed down my spine and I smiled shyly at my brother. The soft chuckle that escaped his mouth made me realise how much I loved this boy – how much I loved my brother.

"Thank you, Draco." I replied quietly, a small smile playing on my lips. Draco looked me deeply in the eyes.

"Well, enough of your sibling cuddle. It's my turn now." Blaise intervened and grinned confidently. Draco turned his eyes while it was my turn to chuckle now. Grinning, I embraced Blaise as well.

"I'm glad you finally got what you so desperately wanted. What you both wanted actually. I mean it was unbearable, almost even painful, to see how you and Snape were quarrelling all the time over of nothing... I must admit, I played with the idea dragging both of you into one room and lock you in until you would have had a decent conversation."

I laughed at this and raised my hand pointing at Blaise. "Maybe I would have come with you voluntarily but I highly doubt Severus would have let himself being dragged somewhere."

"Oh, he would have. I mean in his classroom I would back down seeing that he's still my teacher. But if it's for you I wouldn't care about his sarcastic remarks or furious glares."

We started laughing and when I noticed a movement next to us I remembered that there was a fourth person. I straightened up again, trying to put on a serious face. I stepped in Derek's direction and placed one pointing finger warningly on his chest.

"You! Derek Hale! You are the most annoying, dumbest, sneaky, mischievous person I've ever met." Smirking, I threw my arms around him and he caught me easily in a steady tight embrace. "How could you embarrass me so much in front of everybody?!"

Derek's eyes sparkled amused as we pulled away. "You mean in front of your boyfriend?"

I blushed again and shoved him playfully on the chest. "Whatever." His deep laugh was so incredibly contagious.

"I can assure you I feel a little bit guilty... But it's almost non-existent."

"And sadly, I still love you…" I groaned grinning to myself.

"I know and I love you too. Which is precisely the reason why I allowed myself to provoke Severus now and then." Derek smirked down at me and I raised my eyebrows curiously.

"Actually, it was my idea but neither Draco nor myself could go through with it." Blaise chuckled and Draco grinned mischievously.

"Nonsense. They were just being cowards." Derek returned smugly. "Anyway, I didn't like seeing you hurt and tormented so I allowed myself a payback. And I had the slight hope as well that it might encourage him to tell you the truth. I provoked him a little now and then. For example, I wanted to ask you to be my date when he was within earshot. I wanted him to hear it and get jealous. By the killing glares he bombarded me with I think I succeeded quite well."

Derek grinned proudly but I could only shake my head. "Unbelievable. That's so childish, Derek."

"But it worked and that's everything I care about. And earlier I just couldn't resist. I wanted to make sure I had interpreted your expression right. But from now on – I promise - I'm going to keep a close eye on him. No more pranks or jokes. Now it's my duty to make sure my best friend's boyfriend is treating her well." Derek ended with a small smirk but I saw in his eyes that he was being serious about it.

"Thank you, honestly. I can assure you that he treats me well and always will." I replied smiling warmly and feeling indescribable thankful.

As we turned to the others again, I noticed that Draco was watching me with a thoughtful expression. A soft smile played on his lips. Snapping out of his trance he took a step closer and looked me deeply in the eyes. Gently, he took my hands in his.

"Arya, I want you to know I'll always be there for you. I know it might be difficile sometimes with Severus being a teacher here. So, if you ever need/ someone to talk to I'm here…" I nodded, fixed by Draco's gaze. I couldn't feel my body anymore, only my beating and love filled heart. "You deeply care about him, I can see it. But does he make you truly happy?" His question wasn't a doubt or accusation. It was a simple way to make sure I was sure about Severus.

"Yes, he makes me happy, Draco. So incredibly and overwhelmingly. I do care about him because I love him." My voice was thick with emotions as I squeezed my brother's hands.

Draco raised his hands and cupped my face not breaking our intense gaze. "I'm truly happy for you, Arya. I'm glad you found the love you've always been looking for. It gives me hope for the future."

He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on my forehead as I closed my eyes. I felt his arms encircling me and I returned the embrace. I smiled with my head resting on his shoulder. I loved my brother so much and never wanted to lose him. I would make sure of it!