Magique l'Element

Chapter 5-Falling

She was humming softly, strengthening the wind that was already whipping her hair into an untidy mess. It was almost five in the afternoon, and Rain was seated in the Quidditch stands, bundled up in the rich red cloak Devon had given her instead of the usual black one.

Rain pushed her hair into a ponytail, searching her brain for a spell that could keep her hair in place.

"Well, you're certainly early," drawled a voice.

"Yes, and you're extremely prompt," she replied.

The wind instantly became weaker, softening to the intensity it had before she strengthened it while the Slytherin Captain sat beside Rain.

They didn't look at each other for a few moments. They sat close to each other, though not close enough to be touching. Rain noticed a bag Devon had placed at his feet.

"What's that, Devon?"

Devon looked down at the bag.

"Oh, that. I thought you might like some tea," he said, shrugging.

How thoughtful.

"Actually...I would like some tea, thanks."

He looked at her-and smiled. Rain caught her breath, like she did every other time he smiled at her in this way. Whenever he smiled, he seemed to be showing a different part of him that nobody knew.

"You should smile more often, Devon," she said, looking up at the sky. "I like it when you smile."

He said nothing. Devon took out a small teapot from his bag, a couple of teacups and saucers, and a platter of biscuits that smelled like they were freshly made.

"Magically expanded bag?" Rain asked amusedly.

"Of course. One lump or two?"

She wanted to laugh at how formal he was being, but couldn't.

"Two, thanks."

Rain watched Devon play mother, pouring out tea, adding milk and two lumps of sugar in each cup before stirring. He handed one to her and she took it with a smile. She swirled the contents around for a minute before taking a small sip.

"This is really good tea."

"Made only at Malfoy Manor. Father has special herbs and spices picked to make only the best teas to be served to the family and the most special of guests."

She nodded her reply. Her mind was trying to identify the specific combination of herbs and spices added to the tea by the aroma. She frowned in concentration.

"I thought you said it was good. Or is that frown because I'm in your company?" Devon said, taking a sip from his own teacup.

"Just trying to identify what's in this."

He laughed.

Rain looked at Devon again, scrutinizing him. She had never heard him laugh like this before. His laugh was clear and mirthful, joyous and innocent...yet sounded oddly inhibited. She had ever heard a laugh quite like it before.

"What's wrong?" he said when he realized her gaze upon him.

"Nothing. It's just that...I've never heard you laugh before."

Devon just laughed again, taking another sip of his tea.

"There are a lot of things you still don't know about me, Airen."

"Then I guess I'll just have to learn then. We have all the time in the world to learn about each other, and people say I'm a fast learner," she said shyly.

Bugger. I suck at being cryptic.

She watched him frown out of the corner of her eye. Rain drank her tea, her stomach knotting itself.

"What are you saying?"

Rain set her teacup down on its saucer and laid a hand on Devon's arm.

"I'm saying yes, Devon."

With a clink, Devon placed his own cup down. He faced Rain fully, suppressed emotion filling his deep blue eyes.

"Say that again, please."

Looking down, Rain felt her cheeks go hot. When she spoke, her voice was soft.

"Yes, Devon."

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