Secret Admirer

Chapter 9- anywhere but here...

It had now been two wonderful weeks that Draco and Laura had shared together. Draco kept smiling every time that he saw her in class, the Great Hall and even when he just thought about her. He was always smiling because she was on his mind 24/7.

Draco walked down to breakfast thinking that this was going to be a day like any other, wonderful, but he was wrong. Breakfast was the same as usual, Draco would steal glances at Laura and they would mouth the words "Hi" or simply smile and blush at one another. That happened and everything was completely normal so Draco smiled knowing he had the most wonderful person that he knew. Jessica entered the hall late as usual, this morning looking tired and not ten minutes later Orli walked through the doors. Draco smirked at her, making her throw back a "Kiss my rear" look to Draco. He laughed about it and soon began to gather his things for class; it was Friday and only shared one class with Laura today. Herbology was his least favorite subject but he dealt with it because well, he had no other choice. He spent it sitting and talking to Laura as always, repotting plants and more talking. It wasn't until lunchtime that things went from great to bad, Draco sat with Jessica and Laura as usual and joked about little things making them all giggle. Owls started to swoop in with the daily mail; Draco didn't expect anything so he didn't bother looking up. Laura on the other hand was pulling a letter off her owl and watching it fly out the windows again. Her eyes rolled as she looked at the envelope. Draco guessed that it was from home and was curious to know what her unsuspecting mother thought she knew.

"Well, aren't you going to read it?" Jessica asked between bites of macaroni and cheese.

"During double divination this afternoon I will...not like there's anything important in that class anyways." Laura joked.

"Yes, but shouldn't you share whatever she has to say and we could use it as a laugh?" Draco asked with a smile. Laura winked at him and said she'd read it first then share later. Draco knew he'd never win this argument, although it wouldn't be considered an argument but he'd lose if it were. The last bell rang for the students to head to class; with a sigh the three stood up and watched their plates vanish as they walked to the doors. Draco had to go to the dungeons for Potions and bid Jessica and Laura a farewell, kissed his girlfriend and headed down the stairs as they went up to the north tower.

Snape seemed to be in a decent mood, which was very rare these days. Draco suspected that it had something to do with the new DADA teacher, who just happened to be a woman who took a very big liking to Professor Snape. It's either that or he jumped at the chance to take points away from Gryffindor house simply because he could. With a small smile, Snape began to drone away about the importance of some sort of confusion potion; Draco's mind was elsewhere though. Something stirred inside him and it wasn't a good feeling. It made his heart drop, although he didn't know what was wrong it defiantly seemed like something was not right. It was also impossible for him to leave class now; if he did Snape would have his head. Draco forced himself to try and pay attention to keep his mind off bad thoughts, which slowly started to work up until the bell rang. As soon as it had he bolted for the North Tower, sensing something was wrong with Laura.

He reached the tower to find Jessica climbing down the ladder alone. She saw Draco and looked worried too.

"Where's Laura?"

"She asked to go to the Hospital wing, she didn't tell me why..." Jessica started but Draco just grabbed her arm and pulled her to the Hospital wing. As soon as they got there, it was empty. They went into Madam Pomfrey's office to find her writing in a book of some sort.

"Madam, was Laura in here at all today?" Draco asked.

"For a little while yes, she was seeking counsel. She seemed quite troubled about it too..."

"What was she seeking counsel for?" Jessica asked.

"That, I'm afraid, I cannot reveal to other students without her consent and Laura did not give me that right. She wanted it to be kept a secret, but if I were you I'd find her soon. She was a mess when she came in." Madam Pomfrey shook her head and shooed them out of her office. Draco and Jessica said a quick thank you and exited. They went towards Gryffindor Tower to see if she was there, since Draco was not allowed inside he stood and waited for Jessica. He had waited quite sometime before she came stumbling out of the portrait hole.

"Sorry, I forgot you were out here. Yes she's in there, alone her dorm. She kicked me out because she needed to think so I guess we're on our own until she decides to come out." Jessica said quietly.

"Well, knowing Laura that won't be for awhile so I'm going to my own dorm room to do some work and I'll be back later."

"Draco, it's Friday! Work is for Sunday night, god you're boring." Jessica joked.

"That's not what Laura says." Draco winked and walked off to the Slytherin Common Room.

It was hours later when Draco heard from Laura again. She came through his fireplace as she'd done for many nights now. Draco had already been up waiting for her, he was too worried to sleep. But this time she came in with her eyes full of tears and the letter from her mother in her hand.

"Laura, what's wrong? Why are you crying?" Draco got up out of his chair. Laura shook her head and handed him the letter.

"Just read it, I didn't really mean to cry but I am and I can't stop." Laura sobbed.

Draco opened the letter to find the familiar scrawl of her mother's handwriting all over the parchment.

Daughter,

Why have you dishonored us and gone behind our backs to be with a Malfoy? I have specifically told you that they are not to be trusted and are not like us. But apparently you didn't listen. Why aren't you an obedient and normal child? You just have to do things on your own don't you? Well despite what you think, you are going to obey our wishes and do what you're told from now on. School is done soon and Christmas vacation is coming up in a week, but we feel that we should have you home sooner than that just so we know what you are up to at all times. You have given us a reason to not trust you and now a reason to pull you from Hogwarts. Draco Malfoy does not love you, as much as you think he does, Malfoy's do not love. It is the way they are, we on the other hand love you and that is why we are bringing you home. We have corresponded with your Professors and are going to pick you up tomorrow morning. We are so very sorry we have to do this to you but it's the only way for you to learn that our decisions will build a better future that would provide security for you. You have no choice. We will see you tomorrow at nine o'clock.

Your Mother.

"What the hell? What does she think she knows about my family? They are not taking you away from me; do you hear that? There is no way I'm going to stand for this!" Draco roared. Laura on the other hand was silent, her tears had stopped flowing and her face was now dry.

"I don't know what to do, I wish I did but I don't Laura. But I know I'm going to face your parents and tell them that I truly do love you and they would have to get through me to take you from this place." Draco boomed as he pounded on a table.

"Draco, stop! You cannot fight my parents, nor could I! I know you want to protect me and prove your love. But there is no escaping fate and I don't believe that this is my fate. I am going to avoid it by any means necessary." Laura said quickly.

"What is that?" Draco dropped into a chair exhausted from being so angry; it was already four in the morning and the confines of his bed was calling him.

"I'm running away Draco," Laura said, as she looked him in the eye. Draco was shocked that she'd actually considered this; he never thought that this is what it would've come too. He said nothing as he was hit with the shock. Laura looked at the floor for the longest time then finally brought her eyes to meet his.

"Are you not going to say anything?" Laura asked.

"What am I supposed to say? I understand why you're running but I can't understand why you won't let me at least talk to your parents."

"Draco, they hate you and would not break this agreement just for you. How many times do I have to say that?" Laura sighed.

Draco looked into the fire, he knew Laura was right and did not want to admit his defeat. He couldn't do anything to change her parent's minds.

"So now what?" Draco asked quietly.

"I don't know, but if I'm going to run then I want my last night to be with you," Laura sat down on his desk. They looked at each other for the longest time until Draco stood, walked to her and pulled her tight into his arms.

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Draco turned over in his bed and reached out to wrap his arms around Laura but all he got was his sheets and no Laura. He felt around a bit more, thinking that she was farther up and discovered an envelope. Draco sat up in his bed, causing the silk sheets to slide down his chest and studied the envelope. Since he could not see in the dark, Draco had to get up and walk across the cold stone floor to turn on the light. He opened the letter and saw it was from Laura. He had to sit down to read it because his knees felt like they were about to collapse under him. He looked around the room once more thinking she'd be joking and was hidden somewhere in his bedroom. Only she wasn't, sadly he read the letter.

My Dearest Draco,

I'm sorry I had to leave while you were sleeping but it was the only way to make for a quicker getaway. I couldn't' stick around any longer and you were so peaceful when you slept. I want you to know that I will indeed miss you terribly and don't want you to be saddened by my absence. You have done so much for me and if I can ever find a way to thank you I will, your love has set me flying higher than I have ever felt and I am going to miss you most of all. I cannot say where I am going, because I don't know. I hope to see you again in the future and remember that no matter what; I still love you and that will never fade away...

I Will Love You Always,

Laura

Draco closed the letter and shut his eyes; there was nothing he could do now. Should he search for her or pray to see her in the future? Only time would tell...but right now Draco couldn't see because once more the tears blinded him. These were not tears of the sadness he'd felt before when Laura ran from him, but for a longing he felt in his heart to leave now and find her. But fate would take its course and soon Draco would know his path and hoped that she would be in it.