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There comes a time in everyone's life where said person must make a very interesting discovery that is a very painful one as well.  It is one step closer to freedom and one step further away from that one love.

It's freedom but it doesn't feel like freedom.  It feels awful.

One day a redhead fell in love with a wealthy pureblood--we shall call him Draco Malfoy.  And the two were absolutely glorious for quite some time, but there was a very slight damper--he was rather possessive of her.  You know the deal--keeping Colin away from her, not introducing her to his friends, not allowing her to go to Hogsmeade alone.  She met Colin secretly when she could manage and she met him as it happened and as it worked--which was not often and very worrisome.

But Draco Malfoy and the tiny redhead still held hands and he still 'loved' her and 'took good care of her' and 'kept her safe.'  So it was a fair deal...sort of.  At times she had second feelings--a very unsettling feeling deep in the pit of her stomach--but those were washed away with feelings of admiration and love for the frigid young man.

All the bad feelings were kept for her; all the good feelings were given to him.  He saw her as happy, excited, perky and interested--but inside she was unstable and perhaps resentful towards him.  But just  perhaps.

Colin refused to comment--Colin said it wasn't his business.  Colin said he got too angry at the mention of it.  Colin said he'd always be there.  Colin said: 'Would you like a cup 'o' tea?'  Colin coughed sometimes for hints.  Colin handed her a piece of nutty fudge, warm from being in his pocket.  Colin didn't make her happy anymore.  Colin hated seeing her like this--like that.

--she was silly; she was in love and not to be blamed.

It was in January.  You always remember when things happen in JanuaryJanuary of her sixth year it ended. Crystal bracelets thrown to the floor, a girl in need-- a boy who had everything.

She had broken her very own heart.  He remained emotionless--a slight shrug--a slight head tilt and then a very cold kiss upon her scarlet cheek.  It was very removed for two people who were horrendously in 'love.' 

Colin said it was a good idea.  Colin said that she had done the right thing.  Colin couldn't stop her tears.  Colin offered her more tea.  Colin threw a book to her--1000 Magical Herbs and Fungi--Colin said it was amazing.  Colin said: "I don't know what went wrong."  Colin had been waiting—waiting for her.  Colin said her eyes were pretty when she cried.

Colin really didn't help much.

She still tucked her head on his shoulder and sobbed--not so quietly.

Now, she could hang out with Colin and not feel guilty.

Now, she didn't even want to.

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End