Obstacles and Allies

Saturday, September 12, 1998

Muggle London

The mist of twilight still blanketed the rooftops of Primrose Terrace when the Head of the Auror office, Lee Scott, arrived at the scene. Normally they wouldn't get involved in muggle attacks or homicide, but when the victims were related to students at Hogwarts, it was protocol to check things out.

Lee used a disillusion charm and entered the house through the back door, careful not to disturb anything inside. The house reeked of blood and death. Something he was accustomed to as of late. The living room, where the first body was found, had already been taped off and tagged. Blood splatters covered the couch and pooled around the floor where the blonde haired victim, Helena Johnson , lay, her throat ripped out and eyes opened wide. Police were scattered around doing their jobs while Lee, unbeknownst to them, looked on.

He noticed that the woman seemed to have claw marks on her forearms and hands. That wasn't a good sign. This was beginning to look more like his line of work.

"How can this be?" An officer crouched down next to the body asked. "These are bite marks."

Her partner shrugged."We'll know more when the coroner gets here."

"We don't need that guy to tell us what happened here." Came a voice from the staircase. "This was an animal attack." The other officers remained silent as their lead investigator shook his head. "The girl was torn to shreds."

Lee listened no more as he hurried up the staircase, gently brushing past the man coming down it. Those words were ones he had hoped not to hear and as he came to the little girls room his heart fell. This was no mere case of an animal attack. You could hardly call what was left of her, remains.

He'd seen this before. Multiple times in the last few years.

Kingsley wouldn't be happy.

Angelina Johnson's mum and sister had been killed by a werewolf.

September 12, 1998

Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

The letter arrived shortly after lunch. He was sitting in the Slytherin Common Room with Blaise and Theo when the eagle owl swooped in and dropped the folded golden parchment into his lap.

Blaise raised a curious brow as Draco shoved the letter into his robes quickly. Draco caught the knowing look in his eyes and sighed. "What?"

"I didn't say anything."

Theo, being too concerned with flirting with the girl behind them to notice the letter earlier, tilted his head and queried. "What did I miss?"

"Nothing!" Draco snapped, rising from his seat and practically storming out of the room.

Theo looked at Blaise in confusion. "What did I say?"

Blaise shrugged, trying not to alarm Theo. He assumed the letter was from Lucius though he wouldn't be certain until he talked to Draco. He didn't want to draw any more attention to Draco's already odd behavior.

Draco slammed his fist into the wall, the dull aching bringing him back to his senses. His father had impeccable timing. Not only had he ruined his day, but after reading the contents of the letter, he'd decided that he'd ruined his whole sodding life as well. He wished he could be as calm and level headed as he'd been before. He'd had no problem hiding his emotions, but now it seemed like his anger always got the best of him, and it was all his bloody fathers fault.

More than an hour had passed before Blaise could make his way to their room. He'd had to get away from Theo without spilling anything, and Pansy had cornered him in a hallway and grilled him about Draco's whereabouts. That hadn't turned out well. He'd just given her a lame excuse and promised that he'd get Draco to talk to her later.

Not likely, but the lie had worked.

When he'd finally reached their room, he opened the door apprehensively, hoping that he wouldn't find his friend passed out or suffering from alcohol poisoning. What he got wasn't quite there yet, but it wasn't far off. He was already drunk but was still alert as he sat against the far wall.

"It was from him wasn't it?" Blaise said as he made his way to Draco's side.

He looked up, his eyes glassy, and in a sarcastic tone replied, "What gave it away?"

"No need to get snarky." He retorted, sitting down next to him. "So...what did he say this time?"

"Don't want to talk about it." He sighed and took another drink.

"I don't think you should do this."

"Do what?"

"You know what."

"Listen, mate, I know what you're trying to do, and I appreciate it. Really, I do, but it's time for you to sod off alright? I don't need you tellin me what to do." Another drink and a dirty look passed between them.

"The bottle's almost gone," Blaise said, eyeing the whiskey in his hand. "You really should stop-"

"Fuck off." Draco groaned, getting up and going to the bathroom. "I'm fine."

"No, you're not."

"Believe what you want!" He yelled. "I don't-oh shit..."

Moments later the sound of him retching his guts out made Blaise shake his head. He walked into the bathroom and glared at him as he sat on the floor. This was getting to be too much. He didn't know what Lucius was up to, but he knew whatever it was, he was going to drag his son down with him. Obviously, Draco didn't want to be a part of whatever it was. But Blaise knew he wasn't in any position to refuse his father. He was heading in a downward spiral and he feared he wouldn't be able to stop without some form of help. Help he couldn't give him. "How do you call her?"

"What?"

"How. Do. You. Call. Her?"

Draco lifted his right hand, which held the coin, and let it roll into his palm.

Blaise grabbed it out of his hand before he could blink.

"What are you doing!" He shouted trying to snatch the coin from Blaise's fingers.

"What you are too pussy to do." He replied, squeezing the coin and thinking about the words he wanted to appear on Grangers coin. "Calling Granger."

"Stop!"

"It's already done!" He yelled, tossing the coin back to his best mate after getting a reply. "You may not want my help, but I'm not going to let you continue acting like a bloody fool. Hopefully, she can talk some sense into you." He let out a sigh. "Now, someone has to make sure Theo stays busy so I'm leaving, and I suggest you try to keep from passing out before she gets here."

Draco let out a groan. "You're a bloody wanker Blaise."

"You're welcome." He replied before slipping out the door and leaving his friend in the darkness.

Hermione was exhausted. Between classes, studying, and her secret 'moments' with Malfoy, she'd been one busy witch. It didn't help that everyone was brooding over the fact that this was Harry's last semester at Hogwarts. She, for one, was happy for her friend. He'd wanted to be an Auror for the last couple years, and now, well he was getting his wish.

There was no reason why she should be saddened by his moving on in the world. She'd be doing the same soon enough. Everyone would. Harry would just be getting his foot out the door sooner than the rest of them.

Ginny was especially clingy lately. Of course, Hermione understood that what with Harry being her boyfriend and all, but it was sort of out of character for her red-haired best friend. Maybe she was just getting to used to Harry being beside her. Was she too comfortable perhaps? In either case, it was getting out of hand.

Hermione couldn't get within ten feet of Harry without having to nudge people out of the way. It was bloody ridiculous. You'd think he was dying or something. Oh wait, he'd done that already too.

Tonight was a little better. The only ones crowding around him in the Common Room was Patil, Ginny, Ron, Luna and Neville. Hermione didn't have a problem moving between him and Ron. "Harry, I have that paper I edited for you."

He grinned and took the sheets from her hand. "You're a life saver Hermione, really."

She waved it off. "Oh, it was nothing."

She took a seat in an armchair closest to Ginny. Ginny turned to her for a moment and gave her a large smile. "You know, you really are keeping him afloat 'Mione. I'm dreadful at Transfiguration."

"Well, I can't just let him fail. What kind of friend would I be?"

"A bad one?" She offered with a laugh, before returning her attention back to their own conversation.

Hermione was content to sit and listen to them talk about Harry's new job and of the new Quidditch team. Her attention wasn't held for long, though, She found herself thinking about what exactly it was she had been doing all week.

She had spent most of it doing homework; hers and revising some of Harry's. She tried to think of it as she was just helping him out. He was suddenly the busiest, and most popular wizard again. He needed someone to look out for him right? And it was what she'd always done after all; made sure Harry and Ron was taken care of. But she hadn't noticed before just how much she did it. Now it was quite obvious, as she sat there amongst her friends and peers, that she was probably part of the reason why they had even passed their classes.

She was thinking about why that bothered her when she felt the burning sensation against the outside of her thigh. She jumped a little at the sudden fire and looked around to see if anyone noticed her alarm. Only Luna's eyes briefly met hers as she stood twisted her body around to read the coin without catching the others notice.

My dorm room, Now.

Her heart quickened.

Does it have to be right this minute?

A second later that she got a response.

Please, it's urgent.

Malfoy was never one to say please. Something wasn't right.

She stood, without caring whether or not someone thought it strange, and paraded her way towards the door.

The fact that she got up did not go unnoticed, though. "Where are you going?" Ginny asked, causing the whole group to go silent and stare at her back.

Hermione stopped, not prepared to give an answer, and turned around, tongue stuck to the roof of her mouth.

Luna stood quickly and locked arms with her. "Oh, did we forget to tell you?" she asked in her soft, elf-like voice. "I have a project she's helping me with."

At the mention of more homework, their interest was lost. "Have fun," Ginny called as they left the common room behind them.

If her heart wasn't beating out of control earlier, it was now. She couldn't' believe she hadn't been able to come up with an excuse to leave. Was she that worried about Malfoy for her brain to stop functioning? And Luna stepped in and saved her arse. But why? How had Luna known she needed help? "Luna..." she began.

"Come on," The girl chirped, pulling her further down the hallway. "You have somewhere to be."

She was shocked. Had she been so careless that one of her friends had found out? She grabbed the railing as they started down the stairs. "Luna," she started. "Do...do you know?"

Luna halted her descent down the stairs and looked up at Hermione's worried face. "That you are secretly seeing Draco Malfoy?" She whispered, her face as emotionless as it had been a moment before as Hermione held her breath. "No, of course not." Then she smirked and Hermione sighed in relief.

Oh, how she wanted to hug her. "Why haven't you told anyone?"

They continued their way down the stairs. "I think you should make your own decisions, Hermione."

"Really?" Well that was a first. Most people wanted to tell her how much she was screwing up her relationships.

She nodded. "I see things, you know, that others don't. And what I see between you and Draco Malfoy....it's something good. For both of you."

That statement confused her. "There's nothing really going on between us...other than...well...you know..."

"So far." She replied before turning down the opposite hallway that led to the Library.

Hermione just shook her head. Luna was kind of out there, but she was a good friend. She had definitely just proven that fact, and now that she thought about it, Ron had said Luna told him she'd been in the courtyard the day he'd confronted her. Perhaps Luna had known the whole time.

She took off down the hallway that led to the dungeons. That could wait. Draco couldn't.

In the Library

Blaise made himself scarce. As much as he wanted to help, he knew it was probably for the best that Draco talk to Granger about what was bothering him. Considering her gender, she was probably better with handling emotional shit than Blaise was.

He entered the library in hopes of finishing the homework that just seemed to keep piling up. He had just passed a group of studious Ravenclaws when he noticed something out of the corner of his eye.

Was that? No, it couldn't be.

He backed up an aisle to get a better look. Yes. He definitely saw that right. Luna Lovegood was walking up and down the aisle on her hands, her long blonde hair trailing the ground behind her.

He stifled a laugh as he approached her. "Lovegood? What on earth are you doing?"

"Walking on my hands..." She replied, slowly inching forward.

"Yes," He said, "I can see that, but why?"

"Well..." She flipped her legs forward until they touched the ground, and stood, turning around to talk to him. "I always wondered how far I could go without falling over."

"So how far did you get?"

"Ten aisles so far." She replied with a slight smile.

"Impressive."

"Is it?"

Blaise nodded. "Quite."

Luna glanced at the books in his hands. "Did you come here to study?"

"Well, it was my intention," he said giving her a crooked smile. "Though that's not nearly as interesting as watching your gymnastic skills, I do admit."

"It's no skill, really. Anyone can walk on their hands." She returned. "It's all about how determined they are to do so."

"So you're determined?"

Her blue eyes sparkled as she walked past him. "In most aspects, yes."

He turned to follow her. "If you're so determined, what are you planning on doing after this?"

"After graduating you mean?"

He nodded.

She halted and looked back at him. "Why do you ask?"

"I'm just making conversation." He replied quickly. He was rather curious about her plans. Someone like Lovegood would definitely have something interesting mapped out.

She seemed like she was contemplating telling him when she finally sighed and leaned against the bookshelf. "I'm going to train to be a healer."

"A healer?" Well, that was not what he expected.

"Of course, that wasn't my first choice." She went on. "I originally wanted to travel the world in search of magical creatures and write a book about all my experiences."

Yes, that answer sounded way more like Lovegood. "What changed your mind?"

Her eyes seemed to cloud over for a moment before returning to their original state. "The war."

Those two words impacted him. "You lost someone..."

"We all did." She said quietly. "But it only makes us cherish the people we care about, don't you think?"

"I do." He agreed, his thoughts drifting to Draco and Granger.

Her gaze drifted past him and she waved at someone behind him. "I have to go somewhere for a bit." She told him and then smiled. "But I'll be back later if you want to talk some more."

Blaise found himself smiling a bit. "I'd like that."

She waved goodbye and left him standing alone in the aisle. He decided he should get some "studying" done, and made his way to a table in the back, passing Luna and one of her friends on his way. He couldn't help but hear a part of their conversation in passing.

"I thought you were here with Hermione."

"I was, but she had to talk to McGonagall about something." Her voice never wavered as she spoke. "She'll be back in a bit, so I'm waiting for her."

Hermione, huh? He thought he was the only one that knew about Draco's interest in the witch. How could he be so naive? Of course, someone from her side would figure things out eventually.

He gave a quick glance at the blonde as he sat down. If Lovegood knew, then maybe he didn't have to be alone in this.

He sighed and silently prayed that she would make good on her word to come back to talk to him.

It was humorous that he'd actually want to talk to Looney Lovegood, but after today, he'd found that talking to her was much more interesting than one would think. She had a goodness in her that most people didn't. He just hoped this world wouldn't ruin it.

Hermione knocked on the door, but there was no answer. "Malfoy?" She knocked again but when he didn't open the door, she decided to go ahead and go inside.

The room was dark, which wouldn't be odd, but considering all the times she was in this room, she knew Malfoy wasn't exactly a fan of darkness. Ironic as that statement may be. "Malfoy?" She lit the room with a spell.

She heard a groan coming from the bathroom and when she looked over she could see his legs sticking out of the doorway. Panic overtook her for a moment and she rushed over to him. "Are you alright?"

He sat up and sighed. "What are you doing here?"

"You called me, remember?" She asked, suddenly taking in his state. His eyes were glassed over and his movements were sloppy as he tried to get up. "Draco, are you drunk?"

"No," he scoffed before lying back down. "Maybe."

She took a moment to scan the room. Sure enough, there was an empty bottle lying on the floor and another half empty one in his hand. "Come on." She sighed, pulling him into a sitting position.

"Don't bother." He tried swatting her hand away. "Just leave me here."

She frowned and grabbed him roughly. "Draco Malfoy. Get. Up. Now."

"You won't shut up an' leave 'less I go...."

"That's right."

He sighed. "Fine." He allowed her to help him to his feet, though they stumbled more than he probably would have if he'd been by himself, but they made it.

When he was safely on the bed, Hermione took the bottle of whiskey and poured it down the sink. "That ought to stop him for a bit." She smiled in satisfaction before returning to the room to see him already passed out on the bed.

"Draco, what has happened to turn you into this?" She whispered, running her hand through his disheveled hair.

He stirred but didn't wake.

She covered him with a blanket and sighed. "What in Godric's name is going on with you?" It was strange to see him like this. Sure she'd seen him drunk, but not like this. Never had she seen him so bloody gone. The only way he could have gotten this way is if he'd meant to do it. She knew it wasn't really any of her business, but a part of her was deeply concerned with his actions. His father was out of prison, so that could be a factor, but would he drink himself silly over that? It was quite possible. His guilt over his previous actions could be a factor as well. Whichever the case, it wasn't good for him. She needed to put a stop to it.

"Granger.." he mumbled, bringing her back to her surroundings.

She inched forward again. "Yes?"

"I'm sorry."

"For what?" She asked, but the only response she got was the sound of his light snoring.

She gave up and took a seat by the fireplace. She wasn't going to leave until she knew he was okay.

Later

"Do you mind if I join you?"

Blaise looked up to see her big eyes looking down at him. He was surprised but glad, she'd kept good on her word. This girl never ceased to amaze him. "I suppose so."

She smiled and took a seat across from him, her book splayed out in front of her. Blaise began shuffling through the pages of his own book.

After a few minutes of silence, Luna's crystal voice startled him. "Why did you return to Hogwarts?"

He looked up, stunned by the random question. "That's a rather hard one to answer."

"Why?"

He thought for a moment. "There were many factors as to why I returned."

"Was it because of Draco Malfoy?"

Blaise's mouth popped open in surprise. "What makes you think that he had anything to do with it?"

She shrugged. "You're his friend. Everyone needs someone to lean on in times of need."

Times of need? His eyes narrowed. She couldn't know anything about....

"You could say Draco has a small part to play in my return, yes."

She nodded. "I thought so."

"You're a rather curious one."

"Curious am I?" She asked, resting her chin on one hand. "Yes, I am quite curious about many things, though I'd like to think I'm more observant than anything."

"Oh really?"

"Yes, I see things, you know, about people. What their intentions are, what they are feeling."

"Is that so?"

She nodded again.

Keep her talking. "So, Luna, have you been observing me? Can you tell me what my intentions today are?"

She stared at him a moment before responding. "Well, you didn't really come here to study."

Good. "Why do you think that?"

She looked down at his book. "You were staring at the same page for ten minutes, not to mention the fact that you kept looking at the clock and tapping your foot. Every few minutes you would scan the area. I'm not sure if you were looking for someone in particular or if you just wanted to be aware of who was in the room, though."

His mouth remained agape. Very observant indeed. "Wow. I'm afraid to ask if you read minds."

"No, I was never good at Legilimency."

He chuckled. She so wasn't getting the joke.

"Who are you waiting for, Blaise?" She asked.

He looked at her hard. "I'm not waiting for anyone." Could she be on to him? Now would be the time to strike. "Who are you waiting for?"

"No one in particular." She replied softly. "I'm waiting on a sign."

"A sign? What kind of sign?"

She shrugged. "I'm not really sure, but I can't go back until it's safe."

"Safe?"

She shook her head and whispered, "It's a secret."

"I'm good at keeping secrets."

She shook her again and he sighed. "Well, I guess I should get back to the dorm. Draco's probably wondering where I am."

Wait for it.

She placed a hand on his arm, halting him from getting up. "You can't go back now."

Checkmate. "Why not?"

Her eyes pleaded with him. "You just can't."

He lowered his voice. "You know, don't you, Luna?"

"Know what?"

He leaned forward and whispered in her ear. "That Hermione Granger is in my dorm room right now."

He leaned back and watched her face grow a bit red as she let go of his arm. "I thought you knew, but I wasn't sure."

"How long have you known?" He asked in hushed tones.

She got closer to him so they wouldn't be heard. "A couple weeks now. I've been keeping an eye on Hermione lately. She's always the last one to let her feelings and needs known."

"Sounds like someone I know." He sighed.

"I think we should help them." She stated suddenly.

"I thought that's what we were doing? Covering for them."

She shook her head. "No, I mean we should help them along. Hermione's very stubborn."

"Yes, I remember." He smiled. "And Draco's not much better in that department."

"Perhaps they just need a little shove?"

He stared at her for a moment. "Are you sure you want to be helping them?"

"Why wouldn't I?"

"You were held a prisoner in the Manor. I'd think you'd want your friend to be as far away from him as possible."

Her face never changed as she answered. "I was there, yes, but it wasn't Draco's doing. How could I blame him?"

"I guess that's true."

She ran her fingers through her hair. "Besides, I could tell, even then, that he was reluctant. His heart isn't as tainted as he thinks."

He felt the same way. "He's a complicated bloke." He said, then added. "But that's why I'm helping him. He needs something...or I'm afraid he'll fall into darkness again."

She looked like she understood exactly what he was talking about. "So do we have an agreement?"

"I believe we do, Ms. Lovegood." He smiled and extended his hand. "It's a pleasure doing business with you."

She grinned and shook it. "Likewise, Mr. Zabini."

_____________________________________________________________

Draco opened his eyes and groaned. So the letter hadn't been a dream? His father was planning something, and he was going to be getting a visitor though he couldn't imagine who it could be. What he did know, was that it hadn't been his imagination; he looked over and saw curly hair, and neither was Granger helping him.

She was still there, sitting in a chair next to him reading. "Why are you doing this?" He asked, rubbing his swollen eyes.

She looked up from her book. "Doing what?"

"Helping me."

"That's a stupid question. You need my help."

"No, I don't."

She rolled her eyes. "You were drunk in the middle of the bloody afternoon. If that's not a cry for help I don't know what is. "He didn't respond so she leaned forward. "What's going on, Draco?"

"Nothing."

"Yeah, it looked like nothing when I got here."

"So I drink sometimes, so what?"

"I think you drinking enough to pass out at 3pm on a Saturday means it's more than just sometimes."

He glared at her. "And somehow it wasn't nearly enough."

"Oh, I think you've had plenty." She scoffed.

"Hah, you wouldn't say that if you knew..." He cut himself off. He'd almost let it slip. How could he be so bloody careless!

"Knew what?"

"Nothing." He said quickly, hoping she would drop it.

But of course, he knew she wouldn't.

"It isn't nothing." She came over and sat on the bed. "Come on, Draco. Tell me what's going on with you." She reached out to him. "Please."

"I can't, Granger. Really." He said, still knowing that she probably wouldn't give up. "And even if I could, you couldn't help me. Not with this."

"I could try." She insisted. "And if it's about your father-"

"Don't!" he warned. "Just don't. I hate talking about him...he, he disgusts me."

"Maybe you'd feel better if you did." She said quietly. "Talk about him, I mean."

She just didn't get it. Nothing good would come out of him talking about his father. Nothing good would come from him disclosing pieces of his past. No good would come out of him telling her what his father planned to make him do. It just didn't need to be talked about. None of it did. "No. It's not worth it."

She leaned forward, her eyes full of compassion. "Why won't you let me help you?"

He couldn't help it. The way she was looking at him make his heartbeat quicken. He reached up and cradled her cheek with his right hand. "I don't want to hurt you..."

"You won't." She replied, bringing her hand up and placing it on top of his.

"You don't understand." He let his hand fall from her face but she kept holding onto it.

"You don't have to tell me what's going on." She said. "Just, promise me something."

"Yes?"

"Next time you feel like drowning yourself in a bottle of fire whiskey, call for me. I'll be your escape. Don't rely on alcohol to solve your problems." She noticed her hand was still in his and withdrew it. "Promise me that."

He managed a small smile. "I promise."

Sunday, September 13, 1998

Ron was sitting in the common room with Harry when he saw Hermione slip out of the door and out of sight for what seemed like the hundredth time this week.

"Harry, have you noticed that Hermione's been acting rather strange lately?"

Harry gave him a funny look before shrugging. "Not really."

Ron shifted in his seat as he looked at his best friend. "She's been sneaking off a lot."

"She's probably just studying or something."

"No, I don't think that's it." He continued. He'd been noticing a lot of things about Hermoine's behavior. He'd seen her exiting a broom closet, she was hardly ever in the common room after dinner, she would disappear after class, and late at night, (when he'd been doing some sneaking around of his own) he'd seen her creeping up the hallway. "Harry, do you think she's seeing someone?"

"Who?"

His eyes narrowed in irritation. "Hermione."

Harry thought about it for a moment. "Well...she hasn't been around much, but to say she was seeing someone? I highly doubt it."

"But what on earth could she be doing?" He asked irritably.

"I don't know...but honestly, Ron. Why do you care what she's doing? You dumped her."

"I know that!" He snapped. "But...I still care about her and maybe...maybe I was wrong to do that to her."

"There's no maybe in that statement mate." Harry pointed out. "You fucked her over and you know it."

"Shut up...I know..." He stared down at his hands. "I just...I was just scared. I felt like I was falling behind her. She has always been in front of me, and I thought maybe there was something more, someone more..."

"More than Hermione?" Harry laughed. "You're a bloody prat sometimes, Ron, you know that?"

"I fucked up Harry! I know I fucked up. I know I'm bloody stupid when it comes to love and especially when it comes to Hermione...but I'm trying. I thought I was getting in over my head to fast and lately I've thought that maybe I wasn't. Maybe she's always been the one for me. I can't believe I let her go. I still care about her and I want her back, but what if she's seeing someone? What do I do then?"

"You just have to try to get her back." He stated before getting up. "But don't come crying to me if she punches you in the face and leaves your tail hanging between your legs."

Pansy watched him from her seat next a library window, this month's edition of Witch Weekly splayed out in front of her. She used it as a prop to keep an eye on him without being blatantly obvious. So far so good. She didn't look like a total stalker. Or at least, she hoped she didn't. (It couldn't be called stalking when it was your friend right?)

Right now he was sitting at a table, his brows furrowed together and his eyes glued to the book in front of him.

She'd tried to talk to him a few minutes ago, but he'd just brushed her off, rolled his eyes, and went back to reading.

He'd been blowing her off a lot lately and she was getting quite sick of it. What was going on with him?

He'd been acting rather strange the last few months. She would know. She'd been in his circle of friends since year one, and had been with him, on a physical level, since year four. Though she hadn't been in his bed for months now. That's what really started to raise her suspicions. They had never dated but whenever he was in a foul or randy mood he'd seek her out. So when he'd stopped coming onto her and ignoring her presence entirely, she began to worry.

It couldn't be another girl. She never saw him with any. Then again, she hadn't been seeing a lot of him at all. It was like he was avoiding her.

She sighed and flattened the magazine on her lap, openly starting at him, disregarding how stupid she might look. She just wanted him to look at her, to see her.

She missed him. Missed talking to him. Why couldn't he just give her a chance. Didn't he know she loved him? Didn't he know they would be a good match? She would do anything for him. She believed in him and supported him. She liked everything about him; his looks, his calm demeanor, and even the cold callous way he spoke. She thought it was insanely hot that he had been a death eater. It made him that much more alluring to her. After all, they came from the same roots. They were Slytherin's, came from old money, and their blood was pure. She could give him everything he wanted and wouldn't complain. They would be perfect for each other!

But he would never see it.

He'd never look.

She could confess her love for him at the top of her lungs and he wouldn't bat an eyelash.

She was invisible.

She shook her head and glared at him.

He was still looking at his book.

Damn him!

She noticed him look down into his lap and smirk, before shoving his hand into his pocket. She was wondering what was up with that when he suddenly rose from the table and hurried out of the room.

She got up quickly to follow him out. "Draco!" She called. "Wait up."

He slowed slightly but didn't respond to her words.

"Are you going to the Great Hall?" She asked cheerily. "Mind if I tag along? I'm famished."

"Sorry, Pansy, but I've got things to do." He said, his voice taking on a harsh tone. "I'm sure you don't need my assistance in finding food."

"Rude much?" She huffed, still keeping stride with him.

"I don't have the time to talk today."

"Today or any day. What has got you so busy lately?" She asked, trying to mask the hurt in her voice. "You hardly have time for your friends anymore, not to mention me."

"I'm not here to fool around, Pansy. I'm here to save face." He retorted gruffly, "So excuse me, I don't have time to play house with you."

She was speechless as she watched him just walk away, unaware of the pounding in her heart of the angry tears that wanted to spill from her eyes.

He had no idea what he was walking away from. She would do anything for him. She could make him happy. Determination burned through her veins. She'd make him see her.

She was worthy of him, she could prove it to him.

No one could love him as much as Pansy did.

No one.

Monday, September 14, 1998

It was after midnight when Ron spotted Hermione tip-toeing out of the Gryffindor Tower. He tried to follow her but he'd lost sight of her after she descended the stairs. Anger rose in his gut when he thought about what she might be sneaking off to do.

Jealousy was an ugly emotion and Ron was apparently prone to it.

Harry had been right.

He'd fucked up.

Now he'd just have to figure out a way to fix it before someone else stepped in and stole his girl.

Tuesday, September 15, 1998

Draco was losing his bloody mind.

After the night she'd come to help him, everything seemed to change. Every time he was near her his heart raced in his chest, and it didn't help when she teased him, shooting him hot looks that drove him insane. He couldn't wait to get her alone, to get her up against a wall and underneath him.

When he wasn't with her, he thought about her and when they were together, he drank in everything about her.

He couldn't figure out why this was happening. He'd never wanted to just be next to someone so bad in his life. Especially since the last two encounters he had with the brunette had ended without him getting laid. That in itself was strange. Their relationship was supposed to be purely sexual, so when he found himself not wanting to tear her clothes off the moment he saw her, and instead, wanted to have conversations with her, he started getting concerned.

This wasn't supposed to happen. He wasn't supposed to crave her presence. He was supposed to use her, not want to talk to her about his problems. She was doing something inside of him and he had no idea what to do about it.

Pansy wasn't making any progress.

She couldn't get any time alone with him at all. It was as if the world was against her being with him.

Even now, as they were sitting in class, he was doing his work. Everyone was busy with their own projects as well, but she'd never seen him work so hard on something.

She couldn't believe he was actually listening to the professor. He was always goofing off before, saying he could do this in his sleep.

She glanced back over at him and saw that his head was raised and his lips were moving. Maybe he wasn't working hard after all.

She was about to try to get his attention when she saw something that threw her off.

A wink.

Draco had winked at someone.

Her eyes shifted to the front of the room just in time to see Hermione Granger smirk in Draco's direction before turning around.

No way.

She rubbed her eyes in irritation.

She couldn't have seen that right.

Draco would never flirt with a mudblood. Especially, Hermione Granger.

He was probably just making fun of her.

Yes, that was it.

There was nothing to worry about.

They had always bantered in the past. It was just what they did, but even as she thought it may just be a joke, there was an unsettling feeling in her stomach. She couldn't help but remember the kiss during the Celebration Party. He hadn't seemed disgusted by it at all. Then when she'd asked him about it, he'd only gotten angry and stopped talking to her.

Something was definitely going on.

And she was going to find out what it was.

Wednesday, September 16, 1998

Hermione couldn't stop herself. She was addicted to him.

No matter how hard she tried to stay away, he drew her back in.

If it wasn't for the flirting, then she might have a better chance. But unfortunately for her, he excelled in foreplay and she fully enjoyed the bantering. He brought out a side of her she didn't know existed. A flirty, sexy side that she now embraced. She knew exactly what to say or do to drive him crazy and get him back for making her quiver in excitement. This took their minds off things they didn't want to talk about. Like his father, and her parents.

She enjoyed this physical relationship, though it seemed they'd been spending a bit more time talking, and less time shagging lately. They'd done some studying and talked about their favorite artists and authors. Despite being a pureblood wizard, he seemed to enjoy Monet. It didn't bother her like she thought it would. She liked spending time with him. Any form of time. It was crazy to think it, but she was beginning to wonder if she actually saw him as a friend now. She certainly cared enough about him that she didn't want him suffering anymore. It was also strange to think she woke up every day and he was the first thing she thought about, instead of Ron now. It was only natural, she supposed. She'd spent so much time with him. It couldn't be helped.

Luna had been great the last couple of days as well.

It helped to have someone who knew.

She hadn't been able to ask Luna much regarding it, but she knew it was only a matter of time before she'd want to talk about her this... relationship. Luna knowing made her feel at ease. At least, she had someone out there supporting her.

Thursday, September 17, 1998

Blaise knew what was going on. He didn't miss the fact that his best friend had disappeared from the room a few minutes ago. He also didn't miss the fact that Pansy was now scouring the room, searching for him.

He headed her direction, knowing all too well that she would try to find Draco. She'd been persistent recently and that didn't' bode well. If anyone would find out about Draco's secret, it would be her.

After all. The poor girl was in love with him.

At least...she was in love with the idea of the old him.

She spotted him and called out. "Blaise!"

He stopped in front of her. "What's going on, Panse?"

"Have you seen Draco?"

"Can't say that I have." He said with a shrug.

She placed a hand on her hip and frowned. "Why are you lying to me?"

"I'm not-"

"I know you're covering for him."

"You're paranoid.'

"I'm not paranoid!" she hissed. "Where is he? I have to talk to him."

"I don't know."

"Fine." She relented and hurried out of the room.

It took a moment before it clicked.

She didn't need Blaise to tell her where Draco was.

He ran out of the room, praying to Salazar that he'd find her before she found them.

The day started out as good as any other. The sun was shining, and it seemed like everyone was in a great mood. Draco and Hermione included. They had just finished their projects in Potions class and chose to celebrate their triumph with a little fun back in his dorm room. Draco had made sure Blaise was still with Theo in the common and thought nothing of locking the door. That would prove to be their downfall.

They were in the middle of their tryst when they heard a shuffling at the door. He stopped mid-thrust, their eyes shooting over towards the door as they both became as still as statues. They could hear voices coming closer and watched in horror as the door handle turned and heard Pansy's irate voice drifting in from the other side of it. "Blaise, seriously I can do what I want! Draco, are you in there? Honestly, I'm fed up with you ignoring me all the bloody ti-" Her mouth dropped open when she flung the door open and caught sight of Draco in bed, still on top of Hermione. All three of them remaining still and blinking at each other. "What the fuck is going on in here?"

"Pansy!" Blaise shouted crashing through the door behind her.

"You've got to be bloody joking. You've been screwing the mudblood?" She screeched covering her mouth with her hand. "Un-fucking-believable!"

Draco seemed to be coming back to his senses and started to move.

Blaise blocked her as she tried to back out. "Draco, I'm sorry! I tried to stop her!"

"I cannot fucking believe this!" She said again, spinning around and yelling at Blaise. "Blaise, move!"

Draco finally found his voice as he fumbled to get up. "Don't let her leave!"

Hermione, still unfathomably shocked at both Pansy and Blaise's presence, grabbed the covers and pulled them around her while Draco pulled up his pants and grabbed his wand. "Petrificus Totalus!" He exclaimed, pointing it at Pansy's retreating back. Her body froze under the spell and she stayed rooted to the spot.

Hermione quickly dressed underneath the covers as Draco made his way towards Pansy and Blaise, her stomach lurching with each passing second.

"Couldn't mind your own damn business could you?" He spat at her petrified form.

"Sorry mate. I really did try."

Hermione realized then that Blaise must have known all along.

"It's not your fault. I should have known she'd be sneaking around sooner or later." He sighed. "She's been coming onto me quite a lot recently. It's my fault for allowing her diluted behavior. I should have nipped it in the bud." He shook his head and lifted his wand.

Hermione noticed this and got up from the bed. "Draco? What are you doing?"

He was quick with his answer. "I'm going to obliviate her, of course."

"You can't do that!" she suddenly cried, catching both boys off guard.

"And why the hell not?" Draco asked, stepping away from Pansy and walking in Hermione's direction. "She'll tell everyone, don't you get that?"

She did get it. She just didn't know if she could watch someone else be obliviated in front of her. "Yes, but I just can't let you obliviate her...."

"You can't be serious," Blaise interjected.

Draco raised a hand to silence him.

"She's angry, Granger. Just fucking look at her. If I didn't keep her here she would have run out that door shouting our secret down the bloody hall. Do you understand that? She'll do whatever she can to get back at me. She's a vengeful person and will drag you into the dirt along with me...." He kept his gaze steady on hers. "Or do you want everyone to know about us?"

"No..."

"Then let me do what I'm good at, alright?" He flicked his wand at Pansy but at the last second Hermione grabbed his arm.

"Just let her go, Malfoy." He remained still and silent, but his glare fortified his displeasure. "Please."

He sighed and turned to his friend. "Blaise, just get her the hell out of here."

Blaise nodded and grabbed Pansy's arm, dragging her out of the room.

Draco whirled around to face Hermione, his jaw set and eyes ablaze. "Do you have any idea what you've just done?"

"I stopped a girl from losing her memory." She stated calmly though her nerves were shaken. "It's dangerous to be using that spell all the time, especially for long-term memories. We don't know how much damage it really can cause the person affected-"

"I don't give a shit about that!" He retorted. "Her leaving with this knowledge is more dangerous than fucking memory loss."

"But-"

"No! No, but's Hermione." His eyes softened but his body remained rigid, telling her that he was still very angry. "I hope you're prepared because by this time tomorrow everyone in Hogwarts is going to know about us."

She felt sick again. "Everyone..."

"Yes. Everyone. Including Potter and lil Ronnikins."

"They'll understand...." Even as she said it, the words had no meaning.

"Yes, I'm sure they'll just love the fact that you've been fucking me behind their back for a month." He said storming past her.

She followed him across the room, her temper rising right along with his. "Why are you being such an arse about this?"

"Why?" He exclaimed, exasperated. "Because it's going to ruin everything! Don't you get that?" He asked, his hands making their way to grasp her shoulders. She didn't pull away from the contact. "What we 's going to end! Just like that! No more sneaking around or flirting in class. We won't even be able to speak to each other. You're going to be labeled a traitor by your friends, and I'm going to be shunned by mine."

Her eyes narrowed as she looked up at him. "So that's what you're worried about? You being shunned?"

He let her go and shook his head. "No, that's not-"

"It is. You want to keep your reputation..."

"Haven't you been listening?" he grunted. "I don't want to lose-"

She didn't wait to hear the rest. "Just stop, Malfoy! You don't have to explain anything." She turned away from him and began gathering the rest of her things off the floor. "We should have known this wouldn't last. I'm glad this happened."

"You're glad?"

"Yes, I'm glad." She punctuated the word with an angry snatch of her socks from the rug. "I'm glad it happened before things got out of control; before we got too serious."

This conversation wasn't going the way he planned. "What if I don't care if we went out of control? What if I wanted it to get serious?"

She scrunched up her brows and laughed mockingly. "Yes, and I'm the Queen of England."

"Who?"

"Just forget it." she sighed. "You're not getting the point." She brushed past him and headed for the door.

"I'll tell you what I am getting. I'm getting that you'd rather let everything between us end, than oblivate that stupid girl."

"That's not fair, Draco." she said, her hand resting on the doorknob and turning around.

"No, what's not fair is you running out on me." He retorted, bitterly.

Her hand fell from the knob. "That's not what I'm doing."

"Isn't it?" He asked, angry again. "Someone finds out and you don't let me stop them from telling. Then you run away from the problem."

"I just need a break from you!" She finally yelled.

"You need a break from me?"

"Yes..." she started then shook her head. "No...not from you, from this. We got too carried away, and it's not like we're together, we are just fucking."

"That's exactly why we shouldn't end it." He tried to pursue her. "Fuck them...I know I said I cared about what they say, but not enough to end this thing we have going. I don't want you to leave..."

"Why do you want me to stay so bad? I'm nothing to you...and you're nothing to me."

She didn't miss the hurt expression on his face but she still turned away from him.

"Wait, you can't just leave!" He hated how his voice cracked in sudden desperation.

"This is pointless, Malfoy. Pansy knows now." He could tell she was trying hard not to cry. "So...this has to end...We can't keep seeing each other."

"You don't mean that."

"I'm sorry, Malfoy." She said, her back rigid as she made her way to the door. "But I do."

"Hermione, wait!" He called, but she was gone and he felt like a piece of himself had left with her.

_______________________________________________________________________

Pansy was pissed, and Blaise's presence wasn't helping.

They walked in silence as he escorted her down the halls and to her dorm. When they were almost there she heard him sigh. "I'm sorry Pansy."

"You knew." She accused, hot, angry tears streaming down her face. "You knew he was defiling himself with that mudblood."

"He's free to make his own decisions."

"He's ruining himself!" She spat. "He's going against everything he stands for, everything that he believes in!"

"Maybe his beliefs have changed."

"How could you let him do this, Blaise? You know the consequences."

He shook his head and she grew more furious.

"He's a bloody fool," She hissed. "And you are too for helping him."

He looked at her with an understanding glow in his eyes. "Pansy, I'm sorry he hurt you."

"Hurt me?" She laughed cruelly. "I'm not hurt, I'm furious." She wiped the tears from her eyes. "But not as angry as his father will be when he hears of this."

"He's not going to find out."

"How do you know?" She asked. "I could tell the whole bloody school about this in the morning. I'm sure someone will let it slip."

Blaise's eyes became slits as he stepped toward her. "You're not going to tell anyone."

"What makes you so damn sure?"

"You love him too much to hurt him."

Her heart thumped in her chest. "Fuck off."

He looked at her a moment before sighing. "Just sleep on it." He said, turning to leave. "I'll come back tomorrow and we can talk about it."

"Like hell!" She called after him, slamming the door behind her.

Fuck him! Fuck Draco! And fuck that damn mudblood for getting in her way!

How dare he? How dare he blow her off for that fucking mudblood bitch! Why would he choose to shag bloody Granger over her? Her blood was pure! She was everything he would need. She'd do anything for him. Screwing the mudblood...It went against their very nature.

It had to be the Gryffindor's doing. She must have done something to him. Blackmailed him or something. Otherwise, Draco would have never stooped so low.

Unless...he liked her all along. She hated to think that, but she couldn't deny the fact that she'd been wondering about them for awhile now. She just never thought her assumptions would have been right. He was ruining everything!

She slumped down at her desk, burying her head in her arms. She ran through the past two months in her head. They hadn't had sex during that time at all. In fact, all the times she was with Draco, he never even listened to her. He didn't look at her. And anytime the filthy mudblood had been around, he had been looking at her. The kiss between them at the party was real too. He'd disappeared after that. To go after her no doubt. Her suspicions had been right all along. He'd been having a secret affair behind his friends back this whole time!

He'd betrayed them, betrayed his blood. And Granger helped him do it.

Blaise was right about one thing, though. She loved Draco. She wouldn't want to hurt him. But her hatred for Granger and what they'd done overrode the love she had in her heart.

She sat up and grabbed a piece of paper, furiously scribbling her pen across it. They would regret what they did. That was for damn sure.