You Took My Breath Away

You took my breath away when you refused to be my friend all those years ago. I was shocked to say the least...and offended. After all, who in their right mind would refuse allegiance with a Malfoy?

You took my breath away when you actually caught that remembrall in first year. I was sure you would make a fool of yourself, it being your first time on a broom. Instead, you managed to snag a position on your house Quidditch team.

You took my breath away when you shared the victory at the Tri-wizard tournament...only to return with terrible news. It was then that I began feeling true respect towards you. I realized just how strong you were. Who else could have survived such a horrifying event?

You took my breath away with every act of courage you exhibited. Your caring, your protectiveness, your loyalty...everything about you impressed me. Not to mention you had enough Slytherin in you to make you deliciously mischievous. Then in seventh year, you risked your life to save me from the wrath of my father. Voldemort wanted revenge for the loss of his number one Death Eater. But you were in the gods' favor that day as you defeated the Dark Lord, once and for all. You amazed me how you took your role as a hero with a heavy heart; yet, you never failed to try to help those in need.

You took my breath away when you first said you loved me, with your possessive kisses. Your caresses were like nothing I had ever felt before...or since. Your fingers lit fires under my skin, while your soothing whispers worked to stoke those flames higher. When we made love, you always left me breathless and wanting more.

Then you knocked the breath out of me when you said you were leaving. We had argued all that day. We were both stubborn and we had said some things that we couldn't take back. So we called it quits. You went on to join England's pro Quidditch team and toured as the youngest pro-seeker, ever. I went on to complete my training as an Auror.

I had to learn how to breathe again; though, I felt life was not worth living without you. The simple act of breathing was all I had left in the world. Somehow I managed to survive long enough to attend our five year class reunion at Hogwarts. I didn't want to go. Too many memories that I wasn't ready to face. Seeing as I received a personal invite from Dumbledore himself, I decided to show up, just so that I could say I made an appearance. I had planned on staying only a short while. I kept to myself, off in a corner of the Great Hall, and watched the others enjoy the festivities. I made a conscious effort not to look for you.

You took my breath away again when you walked in, looking better than ever. As usual, I couldn't hardly take my eyes off you. Funny how difficult it was to breathe when you were near, always was. After all those months of finally learning how to breathe again...after all that time focusing on that one act of life, I found that I had to remind myself to do it. Because I knew that I would be leaving without you. I forcefully turned my eyes toward the dance floor and concentrated on keeping the flow of air through my lungs. I didn't realize how much I missed not being able to breathe on my own.

*Breathe in, breathe out.*

You were immediately surrounded by your former classmates and a few fans. I was thankful, for I thought it would create enough of a distraction for you to not notice me, thus giving me the perfect opportunity to leave. I politely conversed with a few professors, including Dumbledore, bidding them a fond farewell. A half hour later, I was on my way out. I chanced one last look in the direction of where you were standing. It was obvious you wanted to get away from them, your admirers. You caught my eye and I could see the desperation on your face. You wanted to get away. Fast. You were definitely detached from the conversation carrying on around you. Your gaze never left me. Anxious, you were anxious. I knew why. You wanted me to keep walking, to leave. You didn't like the thought of being in the same room as me. I did not want to make you suffer, so I continued my trek toward the exit.

*Breathe, Draco, breathe.*

You finally broke away from the group and turned my way. You were walking towards me with a determined look on your face. I willed my feet to move faster. I knew I couldn't handle talking to you, knowing you were only going to add insult to injury. You didn't want me and I wasn't keen on giving you a chance to rub it in.

Again I chided myself, *Breathe, breathe, breathe.*

You shrugged off three more starry-eyed friends as you crossed the room and stepped in front of me, effectively blocking my escape...and my breathing. I couldn't bring myself to look you in the eyes, so I fixed my gaze on a candle sitting on a table off to the right.

*Breathe!*

"I didn't think I was going to get to talk to you." Just hearing your voice made me shiver. I loved the way your voice warmed me. I didn't care if you were about to break my heart for good. You raised your hand and turned my face away from the candle. My breath hitched in my chest when I looked into your eyes. Beautiful green eyes, like the life-giving forest.

*Breathe?*

You leaned in and stepped closer.

You whispered, "I've missed you, Draco. More than you could ever imagine." And judging by the passion and longing in your eyes, I believed you.

I couldn't give you a reply. I was too busy trying to breathe. Or was I forgetting how?

Then you did it. You kissed me. And I could feel all your love pouring into me. I could feel you taking over and all my senses surrendered to your touch.

Yet again, you took my breath away...and I didn't want it back.