Author's Notes: How's it going so far? I'm sorry that these chapters are really short, but there's the saying "short and sweet", right? (Plus, they seem really long when I'm writing them in Word... apparently not.)

Chapter 2: Stop

Outside the main entrance. 8 PM. Before I go.

The note had been left outside his dorm door, a ripped piece of yellowed parchment. It wasn't signed, but the loopy, elegant cursive made clear instantly who it was from. Her.

For a while after the gift incident, he had wondered what she'd thought of it. Was it too much? Too classy?The thoughts had swarmed his head constantly; during class seated two seats to the left and one behind her, lying awake in his bed at night. There was no indication she'd received it at all – the dark, cold stares and harsh sarcasm wars continued. It left him in a bitter mood the days leading up to Christmas. Yet still, each time he saw her, his heart threatened to jump out of his chest.

And now, finally, was his chance. Perhaps she'd chosen this moment simply to make him wait. Maybe she had finally remembered the note tied to the box. Whatever the reason though, he knew he had to go. Instinct told him it was his only chance.

-OoO-

The neon glow of his watch read 8:02. She still hadn't come. It's against her nature to be late, he thought. In fact, she's usually at least ten minutes early.He waited anxiously for her arrival, wondering what he was going to say when she finally came.

At 8:26, he got angry. I've been stood up. How dare she? No one stood up to Draco Malfoy.The hope that had flickered on inside him since the discovery of the note slowly drifted away with each passing second.

By 8:41 his mood had taken a turn for the worse. Enraged and shivering from the snow that had begun to fall, he trudged back inside to the Great Hall and up the stairs. Suddenly, he paused, hearing voices coming out from one of the unused classrooms.

"… Be fair. You liked me perfectly fine in fourth year!"

That was two years ago! We've both changed since then. I don't have the same feelings for you anymore.

"At least give me a chance! I'll be good for you."

Ron, I see no point in continuing this argument; it'll only end up hurting us both.

"Trust me! I know you inside out. Who could be more perfect for you? Just let me give it a shot. I'll prove my worth."

… Fine, you know what? I'll give you a chance, and we'll see how it goes. Happy?

"The most! I promise you, I'll be good to you forever."

As soon as he heard those words, his heart stopped.