Meant for No One but Each Other

“I cannot believe we have to go back to that pathetic excuse for a school,” Draco said as he leaned his head back on her pillow. They were in the last week of their summer before their fourth year. “Honestly, the summer break was not long enough.”

Danica didn’t say anything as she pushed an owl post further under her blanket. She wouldn’t admit it to Draco but she couldn’t wait to go back to Hogwarts herself. She hadn’t seen anyone in months since the term had let out. She found herself missing all of her friends, even that damned Hermione Granger. But more than anything, she missed her best friend. She hadn’t seen Neville in months. Sure, they had written each other everyday, and it seemed like everything was the same, but Danica missed going to the old creek with him, and playing games with him. She missed spending time with him. Draco had consumed every minute of her time this summer, not letting her out of his sight for more than each night. He was there when she woke up and left when she was going to sleep. They spent every waking hour together. She knew it was partly because Draco was trying to distract her from everyone else like Neville. But she also knew that it was partly because he just wanted to spend time with her, and just her. That made her feel guilty when she wanted to spend time with Neville.

“I wonder what’s happening this year that father keeps hinting at,” Draco continued, annoyed now. He looked at her, and she knew his annoyance was not at her. “Has your mother mentioned anything?”

“Nothing,” Danica sighed. She had to admit she was equally annoyed by this. It was so unlike their parents to hide something about the school from them, and they had been dropping hints all summer. All they knew was that something big was going to happen at Hogwarts this year.

“You’re coming to Diagon Alley tomorrow?” he demanded.

“Yes I am,” she replied. She was supposed to see Neville tomorrow. There was no way she would miss that. She couldn’t tell Draco that, of course. He would get mad, as he always did when she brought Neville up. She looked up to see Draco staring at her. “What?” she asked.

“You’re acting very -- weird,” he made a face, sitting up to face her. “I don’t like it.”

“Sorry,” she sighed. She knew it wasn’t fair to him when she pulled away from him. She couldn’t help it thought. It always just happened when she thought of Neville. And that, of course, just made her feel more guilty. This was her betrayed after all, the love of her life. They belonged together, to only each other forever. And yet, she spent so much time thinking about her best friend. How was he? What was he doing? Was he thinking about her too? Did he miss her as much as she missed him?

“What’s wrong with you?” he asked.

“Nothing,” she said, pushing her hair back behind her ears. “I’m fine.” He stared at her, not saying anything, just reading her face. “I’m fine,” she tried to reassured him.

He nodded slowly, and put his head back on her pillow.

She sighed, praying this wouldn’t come back to bite her.

“I mean honestly Alfrin, is this wise?” Delphine asked, looking around uneasily. “Lying so she could sneak off to see that blood traitor?”

Danica rolled her eyes. Her mother was so unbelievable.

“Don’t worry Delly,” her father patted his wife’s hand affectionately. “She’ll be back before you know it.” He looked at Danica. “Right?”

“Of course daddy,” she smiled innocently. “I’ll be quick, I promise.”

“He is not your betrothed Danica,” Delphine exclaimed. “You must be careful. What would the Malfoys think?”

“I know mother,” she rolled her eyes. “But he ismy\\ my best friend.”

“He’s unworthy,” she insisted.

“And he’s right there,” her father said. “He looked sternly at Danica. “Do not be late Danica. The Malfoys will be most displeased.” He winked at her, and smiled. “Have fun.”

She grinned before running off to see Neville. The Shardaes were supposed to meet the Malfoys, as they did every year. Dani had to see Neville though, she had to. She’d see Draco before he even noticed. “Hi,” she grinned, hugging Neville. He looked different, she noticed. He was taller now, and his hair was longer too.

“Hi Dani,” he smiled nervously.

“So,” she said. “Fance ice cream at Florian Fortescue's?”

“Sure,” he said. They started walking to the shop.

“I bet I can get a brain freeze before you,” she said, digging into her ice cream.

He grinned. “Dani, I’m not this tall for nothing you know.”

“I know,” she smirked. “It’s to fit your big head now.”

Neville turned slightly punk, but didn’t say anything, focusing intently on his ice cream.

“Oh, Nev, I was only joking,” she regretted saying anything.

He smiled slightly. “Sorry.”

“Why are you sorry?” she demanded. “I was the one who put my foot in my mouth. I mean honestly Neville, you think too lowly of yourself. It annoys the hell out of me.”

“I’m sorry,” he said again. “It’s just -- you’re so brilliant. You’re beautiful, and funny, and amazing. And yet you’re friends with me. I’m nothing special. Maybe you’d be better off without me.” He turned even redder by the end of his speech.

Danica put her spoon down and looked at her best friend. “Neville, you’re the most special person in the world. And me? Brilliant? Do you knew me? Anyone who did would not call me brilliant. Mental is how’d they all describe me. A complete lunatic. You Nev, you could be brilliant. Your only problem is confidence. You don’t believe in yourself, and so you fail. But I believe in you Nev.” She took his hand. Neville’s face was a tomato now.

“Oh how cute,” a snide voice said. Danica quickly pulled her hand away as she saw Pansy Parkinson, Crabbe, and Goyle. “I cannot wait to tell Draco about this.”

This time, it was Danica who turned red.