A Moment in Time

A Moment in Time

There is a reason for everything in this world. There's a reason as to why the sun sets, the wind blows, the plants grow... Falling in love has the vaguest one.

Why can't I choose the one to love? Why does my heart just have to get all giddy and then fall for someone I´m not supposed to have these sort of feelings for? I could go on forever and find no one with answers that could satisfy me.

It wasn't love at first sight nor was it a love that developed from something. It just sort of - well, happened. I don't know what washed over me. I just saw her walking down the corridor alone. Just to make my day, I reflexively thought about throwing another round of the usual insults. Quickly, I blocked her way.

"What do you want Malfoy? Another round of mudblood names today?" she spat the last sentence out. I couldn´t not notice the sadness in her eyes or the way her shoulders sagged. Something was definitely wrong but I am Draco Malfoy; I am not supposed to be affected by those things. I was supposed to cause that; I was supposed to be ready with insults and hurtful words.

"What's the matter Granger? A bit out of it?" came out of my mouth.

"So, it's Granger today? No buck-mouth or that sort? Well, how nice of you Malfoy." Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

"Time for a cool change. You didn´t answer my question. And where's Potty and Weasel?" My usual smirk faded when her head shot up, her eyes shining with unshed tears.

"Get out of my way, Malfoy." She said quietly but still with that defiant tone. I had the sudden urge to wipe those tears away.

"No. Not until you tell me what's wrong." Her face was inches away from mine, I could feel her breath on my face.

"Why do you care?" The tears flowing freely now, "After all, I'm just a mudblood. Nothing to think about. Just another nuisance."

My hand rested on her cheek, my thumb had turned traitor and wiped her tears. She didn't flinch or move, she just stared at me. Probably confused as to why I was doing what I was doing. Heck, I'm just as confused as she is.

"I don't know why I care, or why I'm still here having this conversation with you."

I don't even know what to think anymore, it just feels right. And what needs to happen needs to happen now.

Our lips brushed once, twice. She closed her eyes, her initial surprise fading. I smiled against her lips, continued to tease her further, not knowing where this dance would lead us.

"Hermione..." I whispered. Her eyes shot open and she pushed me away. I realized that I wasn't only the one who spoke her name. I turned around to see Potter standing at the end of the corridor. Judging by the look on his face, he didn't see us kiss.

One thing led to another and I found myself pushed forcefully against a wall.

"Malfoy, don't you ever dare insult Hermione again! I swear, next time you do, I'll beat you into a bloody pulp."

I just stood there, looking at them in silence. There was a minor detail I had forgotten - don't mess with Potter's girlfriend.

Potter has his hands on both sides of her face, gently wiping the tears away. The very same thing I did just moments ago. But there were things I couldn´t do. I couldn´t whisper words of love to her the way he did.

"Love, don't cry. I'm here now. Let's go back to the common room, Ron says he's sorry." Hermione nodded and Harry gave her a little kiss on the lips before directing another death glare at me.

"Remember Malfoy, one more word and you're a goner." With that, they walked away. Hand in hand, Hogwarts' most famous couple. I saw Hermione glance my way then continue walking with her destiny.

I stood up, brushing some dirt off my clothes, looked the direction they walked, feeling intense regret - regret for how things were, regret for who I am, for being someone with a reputation to live up to.

After that day, I was never the same. Not even once did I come up to them to throw insults. The closest I was to either one of them was during Quidditch. The battle of the best. All over again it's Slytherin versus Gryffindor. Malfoy versus Potter.

But what is there to fight for?

When I see Potter, I see Hermione and their perfect life together. I sometimes wish I was the one beside her, stroking her hair, whispering words I wish were mine. I often found myself thinking about what might've been or what could've been, if I had been there.

It's still the same after 8 years. I stand at the back of the cathedral, watching her take her vows to always love and cherish the man beside her. At last, the most famous couple is wed. Granger is now Potter. Hundreds cheer at their union, not even noticing a lone man standing in the wings, gazing longingly at the bride.

But, as though a miracle happened, she looked my way. Her eyes bored into mine. Her lips formed a question that I cannot answer.

"Why?" she asked me.

I shrugged and pulled the hood to conceal my face. I started to walk away but I risked one last look at her lovely face. The face forever imprinted in my memory. Her face was radiant as she stroked Potter, which elicited a lot more cheers from the well-wishers.

Where do I go now? What do I do?

Oh well, there's still tomorrow. I can think about that. Well, I hope. Life has a reason for everything. It may not be a good reason for me, but I guess I just have to live with it.

It all started with a kiss. A moment of weakness. One moment when I surrendered my heart to the one person I should not love. One moment in time that would forever haunt me, one moment that I will forever cherish.

It will always be just that: A moment in time.