Fatal Attraction | D.M. (Soft Rewrite)

Chapter Twenty-Two - Amends

It was the only place that made sense. Since her whole body burned with an uncontrollable fire that needed extinguishing. Discarding her wand, removing her shoes and peeling off her socks as she leapt into the depths of the lake. This is madness, she certainly felt crazy. But it was oh so exhilarating. She was done with thinking or feelings; she wanted to act on instinct.

The water was slick on her skin as she moved through its icy depths. She didn't care what foul water-creature she might encounter, it would be better than those boys. Turning, she floated on the surface of the Black Lake with her limbs outstretched. Staring at the sky, she finally felt calm.

Ophelia let the water guide her, the current gently lapping over her body. With every rocking motion, she was dragged deeper. Her lips trembling, her teeth chattering, as the rest of her body stilled. She had ignored every warning signal her nervous system flagged until now. But she felt too weak, unable to find the resolve to move.

She would have succumb to the chill if her body hadn't started to burn. That familiar heat started at her chest and swelled through her, swaddling her in a protective barrier. Unlike earlier instances where the pendant had singed her chest, this was a comfortable warmth. It was not a warning - it was protection. When her limbs had sufficiently thawed, she rolled onto her front to swim back to shore.

Cursing to herself when she saw him looming at the edge. He leant over, his arm extended to pull her out. She rolled her eyes. Can he not tell that I want to be alone? He's intruding. She ignored the shock in his wide eyes, and pulled herself out with all her remaining strength. She didn't want his help.

Not after what he'd done.

Seducing me just so he could expose me...

The water had been a welcome distraction, an escape. She regretted not staying there. She wouldn't have minded disappearing for a little longer.

Her weary frame crumpling onto the grassy bank. Not bothering to use a drying charm; she didn't care how ridiculous she looked. There was no room left for vanity. Too much, this had all been too much. I'd have to be dragged back to the castle - although she had no energy for kicking and screaming.

Neither of them broke the silence. A plan Ophelia immediately abandoned when her body surged with warmth and her clothes dried. She practically snarled at Draco, 'why'd you do that?'

'I'm not going to watch you shiver.'

She glared at him as he moved to sit a short distance from her. How bloody dare he pretend to care. Asshole. 'What are you even doing here?'

'I wanted to see if you were okay!' He retorted defensively.

Her voice raised, 'I feel terrible! And you just couldn't keep your mouth shut.' But instead of reacting, he just stared out across the lake, in silence.

'You couldn't believe your luck that you had a chance to tell him! Bloody unbelievable.' Her tone sardonic as she glowered at him, 'yes, I'll tell Blaise when he has Ophelia pinned against a wall - sounds like a great plan!'

He opened his mouth to speak a defensive retort, but he bitt down on that instinct - he didn't want to push her any further away. Speaking more softly, he met her eyes, 'I'm sorry.'

'Sorry? Is that all you boys ever have to say!' she bellowed.

His voice raised, 'Yes I am sorry! I know you regret kissing me. I know it ruined your wonderful plans with him - but trust me - I didn't mean for it to come out like that but when I saw his hands on you... when he spoke to you like that...I couldn't help it. I was so angry... So I did what I thought needed to happen to get him off you.'