It's hard to find the perfect time to say something you know is gonna change everything -- May 1998

I looked at her.  "You seem to be rather cheery about that," I said, a smile playing at my lips.

I sat back down next to him.  "Well... it means that you really care for me," I said to him, holding his hand.

I grinned at her.  "Of course I care about you," I said to her.  Didi she really thinkt hat I did not care for ehr?  That made me feel miserable ust to think about.  How did I really treat her?

I smiled at him, leaning my head against his shoulder. "I know you do... but this just proves it," I said to him, hoping that he would not get angry at me for saying something nlike that.

I sighed and looked at her.  "You didn't believe that I cared for you because of the way I am, did you?" I questioned, knowing exactly what she was thinking.  I had a hard time voicing my feelings and my actions tended to speak louder than any words I could say.

I bit my lip and reluctantly nodded at him.  I reached for his hand and grabbed it before he could pull away.  "Draco, don't make it a big deal, though.  It's just nice to see this side of you," I said.

I held onto her hand and brought it to my lips, kissing it gently.  "Sometimes I wished that I could be this way more often," I said to her honestly.

I nodded at him.  "I understand," I assured him.  "Which is why I will not pressure you to show this side more often."  I knew that could end badly for him.

I smiled at her.  "For which I appreciate greatly, Pansy," I assured her.

I nodded at him.  "I know you do," I said to him simply enough.  It was no surprise, really.  We stayed quiet for a moment or two and then I had to say something.  "I do apologize... I feel like I've ruined some big plan you and Juniper may have had... I hear things the two of you whisper sometimes..."

I looked over at Pansy with curiosity.  What all did she know?  Juniper and I were very careful at what we spoke about when other people were around.  "We had nothing going on," I lied easily, though my heart tightened because I would have to back out on something with Juniper -- something I had never had to do before.

I shook my head, rolling my eyes.  "Whatever you want to tell yourself, Draco," I said to him.  Why did he not just simply tell me he did not want to talk about it... or else, just not lie to me.

I looked at her.  "What is it?" I asked, knowing that look and tone.

I sighed.  "Well, I know the two of you... and the way you both almost seemed hopeful," I said to him simply.  "So I know there's something going on..."

It was hard to believe that someone outside of me and June were so observant of us.  I should have known it was Pansy, though.  She always paid attention to us.  "Don't worry about it, Pansy," I said to her softly.