A/N: Each chapter is based on a line from a song. They should be pretty short, too. They're not just random drabbles, though. It will form into a complete story.

I'll be just fine, pretending I'm not; I'm far from lonely, and it's all that I've got

Draco Malfoy hid his eyes from Pansy Parkinson's gaze. She was too eager for him, too desperate to read the secrets of his heart. For years he had been hiding the truth from her, from everyone. For while his desires had long been elsewhere, he was careful to show the world that he was completely under his father's dominion. It had given him some protection from Pansy's endless questions and hints about his private life. He had flat out lied to her, told her that until his father's work was done, relationships were not his priority. He did believe that Professor Snape guessed at what he was so careful to protect. A look, a question that seemed out of place had alerted him to his godfather's suspicions and caused him to project an image of increased loneliness. This had brought him to his present troubles. Pansy was adamant in breaking through his sadness and desolation. He could see her fingers twitching, almost feel them running through his long white hair.

"It's nothing, Pansy," he told her, "I'm just don't feel hungry anymore." He prayed his stomach would not rumble, giving away his lie.

"You really should eat more, Draco," she fussed. "You need to stay strong. Maybe I should sit with you every day, to make sure you take care of yourself."

"I'll be fine. Really." He chanced a look at her, feeling nothing but loathing. He longed to get away from the table, away from her. "I think I might go and see Professor Snape. He wanted to see me earlier."

She brightened at this, hoping that the Potions' Master might be able to help Draco. He gratefully slipped away from the Hall, heading not for the dungeons, but outside. He wanted to walk in the fresh air, to perhaps catch a glimpse of a certain person.

Pansy watched him go with a satisfied smile. A Malfoy was a definite catch, and Pansy wouldn't let her mother down.