Confessions

Chapter Seven

They had walked around Hogsmeade for most of the morning and early afternoon before heading back to the school. Aislynn had refused to go back through the secret passageway so they took the carriages provided. Aislynn enjoyed looking at the scenery as they rode the short distance back to Hogwarts.

Upon arriving back Aislynn smiled as she said her farewells to Harry and Hermione as they walked back to their room.

"See you in a bit dear," her mother had said with a grin on her face. Aislynn knew what was going to happen and as much as she figured she should be bothered by it, she wasn't. Hermione and Aislynn weren't very far apart in age and Aislynn was old enough to know about love. She had been for quite a while.

She walked back towards the Gryffidor common room and as she walked by a tapestry an arm reached out and grabbed her. She let out a small scream before she realized who it was.

"What do you want?" she whispered forcefully.

"I just wanted to ask you why you don't want to talk to me," Adrian said.

"Are you psychotic? Why are you following me?"

"I don't know. I...you...I don't know."

"Listen Adrian," she said stepping away from him so she could see him more clearly. "It isn't that I don't want to get to know you, yet I don't," her voice trailed off. "Adrian, to be honest, you kinda scare me."

"I scare you? Why?"

"Well, you kind of come on a little strong," she said looking away from his face. His eyes captivated her. Blue. Darker than her own. They still had the dangerous gleam in them though. "Besides," she said. "You weren't exactly nice when we first met."

"Yeah...well, I normally am not all that nice to people," he said. Aislynn looked up at him with a somewhat shocked expression on her face.

"Not many people would admit to that you know."

"I know. I just...it was you Aislynn. I know who Potter is. You were with him. My father hates him. He hates almost everyone really. I just grew up like that. But when I saw you, after my initial anger had passed, you mesmerize me Aislynn. I don't know why. I don't really know if I like it much, but it happened and now I can't keep my thoughts from you."

Aislynn didn't know how to respond. She did like him for some reason unbeknownst to her, yet what would her parents think?

"Adrian..."

"No, don't say anything else. Just, would you give me at least one dance tonight," Aislynn looked up at him again and sighed. He was being nice.

"Okay, one dance," she said. He smiled and her heart melted. She couldn't fall for him. How could she? It would be too messy.

"Thank you," Adrian said as he grabbed her hand, kissing it softly. "I will see you tonight then," he said turning and walking away.

Aislynn stood there for a moment trying to gather everything. He flustered her. She turned back and watched him walk away trying to calm herself down. "He was handsome there was no dispute on that. He was just..." she sighed. "Shut up Aislynn," she said to herself aloud.

She continued up to the fourth floor and walked into the common room. She took her dress up to her bed and it out flat. She stared at it. She needed to do something to get her mind off of Adrian. She needed to get away for a moment. She needed to run. That always cleared her mind of what was bothering her. She glanced at the clock and decided that she had at least an hour before she needed to start getting ready. She quickly changed clothes and was just getting ready to leave when Liz came into the room.

"Hi Aislynn!" Liz said with a smile.

"Hey Liz!"

"Are you going somewhere?"

"Well, I was going to go run. What are you doing?" Aislynn asked as she finished tying her shoes.

"I was going to give myself a manicure and a facial before the ball tonight. Always makes me feel better. Do you care to join me?" Liz said sitting down on her bed.

Aislynn debated this over and over in her head for a moment before deciding that she should get to know Liz a little bit better. She was really the only girl she knew who was her age here. Besides, maybe a manicure and a facial would be better than a run.

"Sure, I'd love to if you don't mind!"

"No problem. Come on, let's get started," she said grabbing Aislynn by the hand.

***

Hermione lay under the cover of a single sheet staring up at the ceiling. She smiled and closed her eyes reliving the last hour or so. She rolled over onto her left side and smiled at seeing Harry's back facing her. She leaned over and gently kissed his back. He was muscular. He had filled out quite a bit from his youth. His shoulders were broad and she could see the muscle definition as he breathed.

Harry woke up with the feeling of Hermione's lips on his shoulders and smiled. He rolled over and faced her.

"Hi," he said with a sleepy grin.

"Hi," she kissed him lightly on the lips. "Sleep well?"

"How long was I asleep for?"

"Only about 10 minutes. I would have let you sleep longer, but we really should start getting ready."

"Okay, I suppose we could do that," he kissed her lips again before rolling out of bed. Hermione watched him as he walked over to where their clothes were and began redressing. He looked over at her and smiled.

"I am going to go take a shower and get dressed," Harry said walking over and sitting on the edge of the bed. "I will be back in, well, what time is it?" Hermione looked at her watch.

"It is 5:30."

"Okay, I will be back in an hour to pick you up. Is that enough time for you?"

"Yeah, that'll be perfect," she said looking into his green eyes. Harry leaned over and kissed her.

"I will be back."

"Okay."

"I love you Hermione," he said standing.

"I love you too Harry. Thank you for everything," Hermione said sitting up fully in the bed.

"Anything for you," he said as he opened the door and walked out. He closed it as gently as he could and smiled. He had never been this happy.

Hermione got up and walked over to the bathroom and started the shower. She leaned back against the cool tile of the walls and sighed. Stepping into the shower she closed her eyes and could remember every kiss, every touch, every caress. She stood there letting the water beat against her back remembering everything about him.

***

Aislynn and Liz spent the next hour and a half talking about everything they could think of. Quidditch, running, school, classes, teachers, and of course boys. Aislynn thought it best not to bring up Adrian but listened to Liz talk about every boy she thought was cute.

Aislynn painted her nails a light pearled pink and was finishing up with the last coat of clear polish to make them shine when the other girls began trickling into the room. Deciding that they should probably get to the showers they cast quick drying charms on their nails and gathered their stuff.

"Thanks a lot Liz," Aislynn said as she placed her things in her trunk.

"For what?"

"For spending some time with me today. I appreciate it."

"What are friends for?" Liz asked smiling at Aislynn. Aislynn wasn't sure what to say. She had never made a friend that quickly. So she just smiled at Liz and grabbed a few things for the showers.

Aislynn took a quick shower, not wanting to tie up the other girls waiting to get ready. She quickly dried off and wrapped the towel around her body. She couldn't get her mind off of Adrian. She looked in the mirror as she clasped a necklace around her neck and the only thing that popped into her mind was the thought of his lips kissing her there. She quickly turned her thoughts back to getting ready and placed another charm on her hair to dry it. She stared at herself in the mirror. "What makes him like me?" she thought to herself. "There is nothing special about me. Is there?"

"You okay?" a voice said from behind her. Aislynn turned around and saw Liz looking at her with a worried expression.

"Hmm? Oh, yeah I'm fine. I was just daydreaming."

"Okay, just making sure. Come on, I want to show you my dress. And I want to see yours."

Aislynn smiled at Liz and followed her out. They both quickly dressed and turned around to see the other's outfit.

"Liz, it is beautiful!" Aislynn said with a smile. It was beautiful. The dress itself was made out of a beautiful light pink satin and was fitted to her entire body. The cloak itself was the color of a shinning pearl and fell down to Liz's kneecaps.

"Thank you! Your dress is gorgeous Aislynn. I have never seen anything like it! You look beautiful."

"Thank you Liz," Aislynn said with a smile. "Now, if I could just think of something to do with my hair."

"That is something I do best!" Liz said with a laugh. She was right.

Liz was right. Her hair was always perfect. Right now Liz's short blonde hair was pulled back into pink clips and the bottom flipped up and was slightly spiky. It looked as if she had used a ton of hair products to keep it in place. Aislynn wished that she was good enough with hair to do her own, yet she was glad to have someone like Liz there to help her.

"Okay," Liz said leading her to a chair. "Sit down and let me work my magic," Aislynn obeyed and sat down gently in the chair. She did not want to ruin her dress. It didn't take Liz very long, nothing more than 20 minutes to finish with Aislynn's hair.

"Okay, go ahead and look in the mirror," Liz said with a look of anticipation. Aislynn stood and walked over to the full-length mirror by the door. She didn't believe what she saw.

"Liz! You work wonders!" she said slightly breathless. He curls had relaxed slightly and hung loosely down her back. The sides of her hair had been pulled back and clasped with glittering jewels that were purple and white. She looked like Juliet. She never would have been able to do this. Her curls never cooperated with her. With her hair as relaxed as it was, it hung to the middle of her rear.

"You know," Liz said, snapping her out of her daze. "I could teach you a really good straightening charm if you want me to."

"Really? That would be great!" Aislynn said as she walked back over to the girl. Thank you so much for this. I love it."

"It's my pleasure!" Liz said with a smile. Aislynn smiled back and gently hugged Liz.

"Thank you," she whispered before letting her go.

"Are we ready?" Liz asked putting her cloak back on.

"Yeah I think so. It is getting close to seven. We should head down there. I told mom and dad I would meet them there."

"That's fine. So your dad came for the dance?"

"Actually, Harry is my dad," Aislynn said sheepishly.

"Harry Potter is your dad! That is so cool! Why didn't you say anything?"

"Well, we just found out this morning really," Aislynn said as she grabbed some earrings out of her trunk and put them on.

"Well, congratulations! So does that mean that you will be staying here this next school year?"

"Yeah, Harry asked Mom to marry him. Isn't that great!" Aislynn said as they walked down the stairs.

"Wonderful!" she said as they entered into the Great Hall.

"Wow!" Aislynn said in a breathless whisper. It was beautiful. There were flowers of every kind all around. Candles hung suspended in the air again, yet this time they hung below the starry sky. The lights were low and soft music was playing as they walked further in. Aislynn glanced around the room and saw Ron and Felicity dancing slowly, completely enveloped in one another. Her eyes continued until they fell on her parents. They were beautiful together.

"I am going to go find my parents. I will see you in a bit okay?" Liz said.

"Yeah that's fine. See you in a bit," Aislynn's eyes never left Harry and Hermione as they danced together. They acted as they were the only ones there. The world was theirs. Hermione was beautiful. Her dress was light blue with the cloak the color of freshly fallen snow, which sparkled like diamonds. She had chosen to pull her hair up and only a few long tendrils fell gently onto her shoulders. Her diamond ring glistened in the candlelight as did the diamond earrings and necklace which matched. Harry had chosen a simple yet elegant gray suit with a black cloak. His hair looked like it had relaxed a bit and was behaving. They looked like the picture perfect couple. They were the picture perfect couple.

Not wanting to disturb them Aislynn walked over to where the food and refreshments were located and grabbed a glass of water. She was thirsty all of a sudden. Her eyes searched the floor again this time looking for Adrian. She spotted him standing across the room with his father and a woman she recognized as his mother from the Quidditch game. She was stunningly beautiful. Aislynn could see the same facial structure as Adrian. Yet her hair was black, raven black, which stood out against her porcelain skin. Adrian glanced up and Aislynn quickly shifted her eyes away and focused her attention on the music. Surprisingly it was Muggle music. Aislynn loved Muggle music. It was fun she had always thought Especially the way they recorded the music and how it played. Growing up though she had always had a chance to play with Muggle things when she was with her grandparents.

A song she especially liked began to play in the background. She looked down at her feet trying to remember the artist when she felt a hand on her bare arm.

"Can I get that dance?" his voice asked quietly. Aislynn turned to look at him and inwardly sighed. He was dressed in black. All black. His eyes stood out especially in this color. His hair had been pulled back in a ponytail. He was gorgeous. She didn't know what to say. He gently took the glass she was holding out of her hands and set it on the table. He didn't take his eyes off of her as he led her towards the dance floor. He took her towards the middle and pulled her close to him. Instinctively her arms circled around his neck and her head rested on his shoulder. The song continued. It was beautiful and slow. She shivered from the feel of his breath on her bare shoulder. She had left her cloak at the front of the room with the clerk. It would have been too bulky.

"You are beautiful Aislynn," he finally said. "Do you know that?" she pulled back slightly so that she could look at him.

"No," she replied honestly. She didn't think she was beautiful. She thought she looked beautiful in this dress and with this hair, but not normally.

"You are."

"Why are you being so nice to me all of a sudden Adrian?" the sound of his name coming from her mouth made him weak. He didn't know how to respond.

"Do you believe in love at first sight Aislynn?"

"Yes," she looked up into his eyes again.

"I do you too, and...well..."

"Yes?"

"I love you Aislynn," he looked down and kissed her gently on the lips. She didn't have a chance to respond. Just as he did that the music changed to a faster song and the crowd pulled them apart.

"Come on Aislynn!" Liz said from behind her. Aislynn just lifted her fingers to her lips remembering how soft his lips were. "Aislynn! Join us!"

Aislynn turned around just as the vocals of the song began and saw the group of girls dancing. Liz grabbed her and pulled her in. The music had a good beat and every young girl was out on the floor. Aislynn couldn't help but dance with them. The song ended soon and couples began to go back on the floor. Aislynn say Harry and Hermione walk back on smiling at her. Aislynn smiled back at them and waved quickly before turning to look for Adrian. She felt warm hands circle around her waist and she smiled briefly. Turning she saw Adrian looking down at her. What was she thinking? According to everything that she had heard he was the enemy. Adrian spun her around into his arms and began to sway with her to the music.

At last
My love
Has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like
A song
Oh yeah yeah

Adrian lifted her chin with his index finger and smiled at her. Aislynn could feel her heart beating against her chest. She didn't know what to do. The power he had over her was beyond words. She couldn't say no to him. She couldn't walk away. She didn't think that if she could have she would.

"Aislynn?"

"Yes?"

"I do love you. No matter what they say," Adrian said. Aislynn closed her eyes and laid her head against his shoulder not speaking for the rest of the song.

At last
My love
Has come along
My lonely days are over
And life is like
A song
Oh yeah yeah

Adrian didn't know what to think. How could he love her? Why did he love her? What would happen when people found out? He didn't care. The only thing he was going to obey was his heart, which was telling me to never let her go. He had never loved anyone before. Never thought he would.

At last
The skies above are blue
My heart was wrapped up in clover
The night I looked at you
I found a dream
That I could speak to
A dream that I
Can call my own

He was supposed to grow up and follow his father's footsteps. That was something he didn't want to do. He decided to quit thinking and just enjoy the fact that she was in his arms. Aislynn smelled of lilacs as he laid his head on top of hers and swayed to the music.

I found a thrill to press
My cheek to
A thrill that I
Have never known
Oh yeah yeah
And you smile you smile
And then the spell was cast
And here we are in heaven
For you are mine
At last

The song ended and Aislynn looked up and pushed away from Adrian slightly. He looked down at her slightly shocked from the abrupt movement. Mustering all of the strength that she had inside of her she took a deep breath. She didn't know why she felt the way she did. She didn't think she should feel this way, but you can't fight your heart.

"I love you too Adrian," she quickly let go of him, turned to walk away from him, and ran right into another person. The blow knocked both of them onto the ground. Aislynn quickly stood up and attempted to help the other woman to stand. It was then that she realized it was the woman she thought was Adrian's mother. She didn't look too happy.

"You little rat!" the woman yelled. Aislynn withdrew her hand and looked around as everyone in the room began to stare. Hermione and Harry began walking over to see what had happened.

"I'm sorry I didn't mean..."

"Shut up! Look at what you have done to my dress!" Aislynn glanced down at the beautiful white fabric and saw a huge red stain in the front, which must have been from the punch.

"I really am sorry...I didn't see you!" Aislynn said on the verge of tears.

"Mom, it was an accident! Leave her alone," Adrian said as he placed his hands on Aislynn's shoulders. Aislynn appreciated his touch and help at that moment.

"Shut up Adrian! Who is this little louse you are dancing with anyway?" the woman said as she sneered at Aislynn. Just as Adrian was about to open his mouth Hermione stepped in between Aislynn and the woman. The woman dwarfed Hermione, yet she had a presence that made her seem a giant.

"SHE is my daughter. I would appreciate it if you would leave her alone. She has apologized to you and clearly it was an accident. You should be able to get that stain out with a simple charm."

"Hermione, it is good to see you again. How are you Mudblood?" Blaise said as she smiled at Hermione. Aislynn watched as her mother balled up her fists and took a deep breath. Harry placed his hand on her shoulder and was about to say something to Blaise when Adrian spoke up.

"Shut up mother. You have no right calling the woman I love a louse, nor do you have the right to call her mother a Mudblood. You are no better than Hermione because you are a pureblood! You are NOTHING compared to Aislynn and her family. Neither you nor father will ever amount to half of what they are!" Blaise looked shocked. Draco had walked up just in time to hear what Adrian had said. Without holding back, Draco reached out and smacked Adrian across the face. Adrian looked up at the man he had once respected and felt pity for him.

"You're worthless," he said before he turned and walked out of the room. It was then that Headmaster Dumbledore came over to sort things out.

"I really am sorry about the dress Mrs. Malfoy," Aislynn said. She drew her wand out of her cloak and whispered a spell. "Pulisca," the stain quickly disappeared. Blaise looked at Aislynn like she was worthless and walked away without another word.

"Are you okay Aislynn?" Harry asked her as he held onto Hermione. Aislynn looked up at him with a faint smile. She could feel everyone staring at them. Her heart broke. She hadn't even begun school here yet and she was already causing a scene. With tears forming in her eyes she turned to Harry.

"Yeah, I'm fine," she said quickly turning. She stood there for a moment looking at the ground before finally running from the room.

"Aislynn!" Harry called after her.

"Let her go Harry," he heard Hermione say from beside him. "She needs to work this out on her own," Hermione watched after her daughter with a heavy heart. She would be okay. She just needed time.

"Are you okay?"

"I'm fine. A bit upset, but nothing that a kiss of yours can't cure," Harry smiled and leaned down and gently kissed her on the lips. With a huff, Blaise and Draco left, cursing their son as they walked out. The music began again and people began to dance the scene still fresh on their minds.

"You know our daughter was dancing with a Malfoy right and he said he loved her?" Harry said with some fear.

"I know," Hermione said as she pulled him down in to another kiss.

*****

Aislynn ran out the front of the school and continued running to the lake. The moon shone down reflecting off of the surface. Aislynn kneeled down in the grass and began to cry. She didn't understand why things happened to her. Why had she been so clumsy? Why hadn't she watched where she was going? Why did she have to fall in love with a Malfoy? Aislynn let loose and let the sobs rip out from within.

*****

Adrian had walked out leaving Aislynn there and felt horrible about it. He had been afraid of what he might do to his father, if you could call him that, if he would have stayed. He had walked around the lake before deciding he should turn back and get Aislynn. As he got to the shore closer to the school he could hear someone crying. Speeding up his pace he saw a person, with a sparkling dress, laying in the grass sobbing. He knew it was Aislynn, and he could feel his heart break.

"Aislynn...I," he didn't know what to say. Aislynn stopped crying and looked up at Adrian. The moonlight shone against his back. He quickly kneeled down beside her and wiped the tears away with his thumbs.

"I'm sure I look lovely," she said with a laugh. She knew that the makeup she had decided to wear would be a runny mess by now.

"You are beautiful no matter what," Adrian said kissing her cheek.

"Adrian?"

"Yes?"

"Why me? Why do you love me?"

"Because you woke something up in me just by looking at me. You made my soul breath. You make me whole," at this Aislynn began crying again and he pulled her close. He kissed her forehead, her eyes, her nose, her cheeks, before he reached her lips. Aislynn responded immediately as she opened her mouth to kiss him deeper.

"I love you Adrian," she said, her hand untying the string that held back his hair.

"I love you Aislynn," he leaned down and kissed her again. Aislynn melted into his arms. It was there, under the moon, she learned the feeling and meaning of true love.

To Be Continued...