3: Katie Bell

You ended up going to Hogsmeade with Luna. Hanging out with Luna was actually nice, unlike all your other friends who always judge you for being friends with the Slytherin Prince. But your time with Luna was cut short when a certain Gryffindor joined your duo.

"Hello, Nevile." Luna greeted the Gryffindor.

"H-hey L-Luna." Nevile stuttered.

You quickly took note of the seemingly nervous Gryffindor, looks like somebody has a crush on the dreamy blonde.

"I'll head to honeydukes first. You both take your time." You said leaving two of them alone. Before you completely disappear from sight, you gave Nevile an encouraging smile as he gave back a grateful smile.

In the end, you ended up alone like you always do. After scrolling through the books section for an hour, you finally found a book you wanted and started to head back to Hogwarts.

You stopped in your tracks when you see a figure floating in thin air. A second later she was dragged across the air towards the left and right, even the ground. You were terrified by the sight in front of you. Only a few seconds later it died down with the girl on the ground. Hagrid later came and brought the girl back to Hogwarts. By the time you got back to your dorm, you were still shivering in fear.

It wasn't until the next day that you learned that the girl's name was Katie Bell. This news spread around the school, even the fact that Harry think it was Draco spread. Of course, everyone has their suspicions.

You were on your way to class when Harry stopped you.

"Merlia! Wait!" he called.

"Yes, Harry? What do you need me for?" you turn around and asked.

"Do you know what Malfoy is up to?" Thankfully no one was around at the time.

"What do you mean?" You know where this conversation is going, but you acted innocent.

"I think it's him that cursed Katie bell."

"I know, everyone knows." You said in an attempt to snap at him.

"Do you know what he's up to recently?" he asked again.

"How would I know?"

"But, you're his best friend, surely you noticed how weird he was acting recently."

"Of course, I did. But he didn't tell me anything."

"And you don't think that he's up to no good?"

You lost your patience and retorted.

"Listen, Harry. I don't think it's any of your business what's he's up to." You held yourself back from going full-on shouting at him

"His father is a Death Eater! He's bound to join them!" he shouted back at you.

"Draco's not his father, Harry!" You finally raised your voice to the fullest.

Harry was stunned that you yelled. He had never heard you raise your voice before. You really hated people that judged other people just because of someone related to them instead of getting to know them first. But still, with how Draco acted, it's hard not to assume so.

You took a deep breath, calming yourself down.

After letting out a long sigh, this is what you told him.

"Harry, I know Draco hasn't been the nicest person to hang out with the past few years. But with his father Azkaban, he hasn't been himself lately. And......" You hesitated to admit the last part because if you did, you would have to admit it to yourself.

"And I noticed that he also has been pretty busy with something else and I don't blame you for assuming that he's up to something. But you have to understand that he's not evil. Whatever you think he is doing, I'm sure he wouldn't want it." You said to Harry while also observing his emotions. For a while there was anger, but his expressions soften as he takes in your words.

"And if it's true?" he asked his final question. You didn't need to know what he was asking. For you already have an answer.

"I'll stay by his side." Your answer obviously has Harry disgusted. Judging his expression, you know that he thinks that you have betrayed them.

"He needs someone that cares about him, Harry. And I'm not going to abandon him just because of something he didn't want." You continued and walked away.

When you finally have a free period, your anger at Harry still hasn't subside. You quickly grab your violin and head towards the dark lake.

You didn't even sit down to breath for a bit, you just started playing without even thinking.

You were playing half way when you heard footsteps, a rhythm of footsteps that you knew too well. But it didn't stop you from playing, you ignored his presence and continue playing as you know that he likes to watch.

Little did you know that he actually came here with teary eyes, but after seeing you play, he decided it could wait.

Both of you didn't say anything until you finally end your piece.

"Who riled you up?" The blonde asked.

Before you could answer him, curiosity came to you.

"How did you know I was in a bad mood?" you asked.

"The music sounded......" he searched his mind for the right words when he finally settled with "Intense."

"You know me too well." You sighed and slid down to sit beside him with both your backs at the trunk of the tree.

"So? Who angered you?" he asked again.

"Your best friend, Saint Potter." You teased him.

"You know I hate him." He groaned.

"The whole school knows." You laughed. You didn't say anything until Draco asked you again.

"What did he do?"

"Nothing you need to worry about." You just shrugged. Unfortunately for you, he was having none of it. Before you know it, with your back pushing against the tree trunk, Draco has trapped you with both of his hands at your sides.

"What did he say, Lia?" he said in a demanding tone. You stared directly into his eyes, you could tell he was being serious about this. If you don't tell him, he was for sure will make you. But you don't know if he's going to be angry if you tell him, so you made him promise not to be mad.

You gather your breath, getting ready to tell him.

"Harry came and confronted me about what you're up to recently." You said carefully while also watching his emotions.

"Why did he want to know?" he asked, you noticed that there was a hint of nervousness like he was worried that Harry found out about something.

You took a deep breath, being aware of the words that you were going to use next.

"He thinks that...... you cursed Katie Bell." Draco's expression was... complicated, one second there was shock, a second later turned into panic. And finally when he let it sink in, it was like he pretended to not be unfazed by it and instead masked it with anger.

It told you everything you need......

You knew...

"That Potter. Just because he saw me at Three Broomsticks doesn't mean he can assume it's me." He blurted out.

"You went to Hogsmeade? I thought you said you had something to take care of." You shocked to find out.

You could tell he feels guilty about lying. He opens his mouth for an explanation.

"I-I lied. I... just wanted some time alone." Draco came up with a lie, with the hope that you would believe it. And of course, you didn't.

But still...

"Well, I'm glad you got to relax a bit. Next time you could just tell me you wanted to be alone though, I will understand." You went with him, not exposing his lie.

Draco felt a knot in his stomach, guilty for lying to you. He still hasn't figured out why someone as bright as you would be kind to him, let alone being friends with him.

"Thanks for understanding and I'm sorry for lying to you." He apologized, lying of course, he has to keep the show going.