I remained too much inside my head and ended up losing my mind. –Edgar Allan Poe

Things had been running smoothly for the past few days, thankfully. I hadn't really expected them too after Draco's spasms that he couldn't make stop, even with potions. However, the next day he wasn't cold towards me like he had been the first time, instead things were normal. Well, as normal as they could be.

Instead of being given the cold harsh winter shoulder I had endured last time, Malfoy was just mildly annoyed at my presence, which wasn't out of the ordinary.

However, what was out of the ordinary one day was two visitors. I had walked up to Manor like I did every morning, and walked through the cold manor alone towards Malfoy's corridors, and an unusual image greeted me. Malfoy was in the living room already, however he wasn't alone and it wasn't Sean there.

All eyes set on me when I walked through the doorframe, and I had never felt so uncomfortable in my life with three Slytherin's just staring me up and down.

"Granger," Malfoy said to break the awkward silence. "You remember Blaise and Pansy?" He gestured to the tall dark and handsome man who sat beside the girl who use to look like a pug but had grown up to become a very attractive woman.

"Yes." I said and looked down at the ground, something I realized I did in very uncomfortable situations nowadays.

"Hello Granger. You look good." Blaise Zabini said to me. I glanced up and smiled at him, he was nicer than I expected, however Pansy just glared.

"So," She started to say and cocked her head at me, "Mudblood Granger really didn't go for a better job? Someone who has such a social standing for mudblood it's-"

"Okay Pansy. No need to be an arse." Malfoy said to get her to leave me alone. Not that I couldn't defend myself, but it felt good to see the look of confusion on her face when Malfoy, Prince of Slytherin, told her to stop being an arse to me.

"Granger," Malfoy said and looked at me, "Why don't you fix us all some tea." I nodded and headed to the kitchen, thankful Malfoy had sent me out of the awkward room, even if it was only for a moment. After the three teas were made I placed them on a tray and headed back to the small corridors. I stopped when I could hear what sounded like arguing. I really didn't want to walk in on an argument between the three.

"We just thought you should know, Draco." Blaise said.

"Delightful. How thoughtful of you two." Draco replied, but coldly.

"Why are you being like this?" Pansy demanded.

"Oh do tell, Pansy. Just how am I acting?"

"Like someone who isn't fazed by this. I know you care…and I know it's mean and rude to tell you this. But we'd both rather you find out from us and not the papers or invitations."

Silence followed.

"Draco, mate say something."

More silence.

Blaise spoke, "We just wanted you blessing, mate. You're my best friend and we both felt like you deserve to know directly from us. We're sorry."

"Sorry? Oh you're sorry." Draco's voice raised. Even though he'd been annoyed with me I could tell there was a difference in his annoyed tone and his angry tone. I hadn't heard his angry tone since Hogwarts, but here he was using it. "You're sorry, as my best mate, that you snuck in to get my girl once I was paralyzed. Yes? Wow Blaise there really isn't much I have to say to you that isn't out of hatred right now. I mean, yes I've seen over the years how you watch her, like she's the only girl you've ever seen. Even when you had other girls, you always watched mine. And you, Pansy. I'm not surprised with you either."

Silence.

More Silence.

Painful Silence.

"Draco…" Pansy started quietly, "I love you. You know that. I've always loved you, but I need to move on. Blaise loves me and I love him. I'm in love with him now, and we're getting married. And since I love you I thought you should hear it from us. I'm sorry."

Silence.

"Leave." Draco whispered to them. "Congratulations. Now, get out."

Somehow, hearing him speak quietly and softly was even more intimidating than when he was sounding angry. Now he just sounded broken and shut off. I heard Blaise and Pansy get off of the couch, "I'm sorry, Drake." Pansy said one last time before I heard their footsteps approaching me.

I played it off like I wasn't listening in on them and carried the tray of three teas into the room. Blaise smiled sadly and took one of the cups and drank it before sitting it down, "Thanks, Granger." He said quietly. "I hope everything is going well in your life." He said before he grabbed Pansy's hand, who just looked at the ground with tears in her eyes.

When I heard the door shut I looked over and saw Draco sitting in the same spot he had been when I got there. He stared at the spots his friends had been sitting. A glossy film over his eyes.

"Malfoy?" I said quietly, but he didn't respond to me. "Malfoy?" I called again and stepped closer to him. He made no indication he even knew I was there.

"Draco?" I finally said and took the seat he was staring at, sitting the tea tray in my lap.

He looked at me then, or really he looked through me. He brought his forearm up and waved a dismal at me. "You can leave for the day, Granger. I am just going to take a nap until Sean gets here."

"Oh, are you sure? I can stay. I won't bother you."

"No, go home." He demanded. "I want to be alone for a bit. You'll be paid for the whole day." He then turned his chair and went into his room. I looked at the two cups of tea. I sighed, I felt grateful for the friends I had at that moment. Grateful that they wouldn't hurt me the way Draco had just been hurt.

I didn't want to leave him alone, but it was what he wanted and even though we were the same age and I helped him, he was my boss. And if he wanted me gone for the day, I would leave.

I packed up my bag and headed home, only have worked an hour.

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