A/N: First of all thanks to Lineswifty and Lizzie for betareading this chapter! Then...I really hope you enjoy it! See, this time it was a quick update :D *does Snoopy's Happy dance all over the room while listening to music*

Anyway...I just wanted to rec a couple of songs to go with this chapter - Bang Bang by Lawrence Taylor and My Head is a Jungle by Emma Louise&Wankelmut

Guest ab I can't message you privately so... thanks for the review! I'm glad you're liking the story so far!

And thanks to everyone else who took time to read and review! It's always much appreciated :)


Draco entered the Great Hall with his usual swagger, determined not to show how he really felt inside. Blaise was already sitting at the Slytherin table with a smug look on his face. His hair was tousled and his tie had clearly been tied haphazardly. Not everyone had life-or-death matters to deal with, that much was pretty evident. Once Draco reached his friend at the long wooden table he raised an eyebrow and with the most annoying tone he could muster he said 'Guess you spent the last two periods caring a lot about some magical creature…'. Blaise flashed him a wicked smile and said 'You bet mate. A fiery magical creature indeed'. The blond Slytherin scoffed and sat beside his friend, dropping his schoolbag on the bench. That's when Blaise seemed to notice something was off with Draco and asked 'You alright mate? You seem a little bit disheveled yourself…thought you had Ancient Runes or something like that?'

Draco wisely chose that precise moment to stuff his mouth with bread, much like Theo would have done, and dismissed Blaise's concerns with a wave of his pale hand. He was lost in thought when someone sat in front of him, making him snap back to reality. Theo looked at him questioningly then turned to Blaise and said 'I guess you spent the past two hours doing something better than disinfesting the grounds. I had to eradicate thousands of Horklumps, and before you ask, no it wasn't funny'. Blaise snickered and said 'Mate, it's not my fault if I'm charming!'. Draco relaxed slightly, maybe his friends would not question him about his morning. He was sorely mistaken though, as no more than 30 seconds later Theo addressed him nonchalantly. 'So…how was your…class Draco?'. That, he could deal with. He was a Slytherin, for Salazar's-sodding-sake, he was born to be a liar!

'Nothing short of boring, really' he answered dismissively.

Theo nodded, humoring him, then deadpanned 'Yeah, I imagine fainting in the corridor is just everyday business to you, after all'.

Draco retorted without thinking 'I didn't actually faint, I just had a-', and he stopped abruptly once he realized his mistake. Holy crap, this called for some explaining, just what he needed.

Well, at least they didn't know about the letter.

Blaise looked from Draco to Theo then back to Draco and asked 'Any chance it has something to do with why Goyle was frantically looking for you with a letter in his hand?'

Apart from the fact that they actually did.

The blond decided he wasn't hungry after all, and prepared to tell his friends about his eventful morning.

'After Transfiguration I…I followed Granger out, we share Ancient Runes class you see, and well…I just wanted to…I don't know what I wanted to tell her actually, because as soon as I took a step forward she jerked back and I sort of felt shitty for what I did to her, the rest is really all a blur. She told me I had a panic attack. I guess it was just a polite way to tell me I went barmy and finally cracked'. He purposely avoided telling them about how she helped him to his room. Little he knew that his friend Theodore had already been told.

Blaise looked surprised, how could Draco blame him? But Theo didn't seem shocked. He actually looked pretty…pleased? That was ludicrous, of course. Draco was most certainly suffering from the after effects of his meltdown, that was all.

His other friend wasn't over with the questions, though. 'So, what about Goyle? Hand delivered letters with the Malfoy crest on them can't be good news. By the way…your father might benefit from an intensive course in subtlety…I spotted the seal in no time'.

Draco scoffed 'Exactly the same thing I thought. Next time he tells me I don't know how to be subtle I'm going to laugh in his face, I swear!'.

Theo plastered a devilish grin on his pale face and said 'Pot, meet kettle. You must have taken your attitude from someone, after all. Anyway…what did he want?'

Draco wasn't ready to share the content of his father's letter with his friends. He probably would never be. Theo would just joke about it, as humour was his weapon against the dark and scary things they'd probably have to face. Blaise, though, might try to stop him…and that meant condemning his mother and himself. He couldn't afford it. He wouldn't tell his friends. He had to be strong and do what he had to do, no matter what it took him.

'You know my father…he wanted to kindly remind me to leave Scarhead, the Weasel and Granger alone, to not attract attention. And he told me I must go back home for Christmas Holidays. I'm so not looking forward to it. Guess we'll have some special….guests' he said grimly, resignation dripping from his tone.

Theo seemed satisfied by his answer, not so much Blaise, that to his credit though, didn't push the matter any further. Draco was about to resume eating, he did feel slightly dizzy, and food didn't seem such a bad idea, when Theo smacked his forehead and said 'Draco, but you can't go home for Christmas! Blaise is going to Italy! I will be left here alone! And there's the bloody Winter Ball!'. Draco threw a look at his friend. He seemed genuinely distressed and this only made him laugh harder than ever.

'Theo, it's just a Ball. Don't go, you'll survive' he offered between laughter.

'Yeah, don't go…fucking impossible to avoid it. I'm a Prefect, thanks to you!'.

Ah right, Theo took his place as Slytherin Prefect this year. What was the Headmaster thinking? If there was someone who wasn't suited for the role, it was Theodore Nott. He was supposed to go to the Ball and make sure all went smoothly. Yeah, sure. Did Dumbledore realize that Theo would probably be the one to spike the punch in the first place? He only got away with things because he had good marks and he was silent. No one knew he was as mischievous as they came. The epitome of Slytherin cunning, actually.

'Sorry to disappoint you, Theo…but it really looks like you'll have to find a date and go to the Ball, because I'm not too keen on blowing my father out just to make sure you're not too uncomfortable. He is a dangerous Death Eater, you know', Draco joked.

The three of them resumed eating. Draco relaxed, disaster averted. His friends didn't question him further, too busy talking about their approaching Hogsmeade weekend.


Hermione spent the afternoon classes lost in thought. She obviously took notes, but she couldn't stop thinking about Malfoy, of all people! That night she went to dinner early, she didn't feel like being surrounded by people.

At the moment she was sitting in front of the fireplace in the Gryffindor Common Room. It had always been one of her favourite spots in the whole castle. The plushy armchairs were the right amount of comfortable, and they made her feel at home. She was still thinking about Malfoy and his meltdown, about Theodore Nott and his charming ways, and about the approaching weekend. Hogsmeade. Theo actually asked her to meet him there, and she still wasn't sure that accepting had been such a splendid idea. She'll have to tell Harry. If her friend wasn't up to it, she would look for Theo and…and cancel the…what was it anyway? Meeting? Definitely not a date. She blushed at the very idea.

She was about to leave the room when a dark blur sat unceremoniously on the closest sofa. It was Harry, and he looked a little haunted. Her instincts kicked in and in no time she was sitting next to her best friend.

'Hey stanger, what happened?' she asked softly, while putting a hand on his arm.

Harry sighed and shook his head, then told her 'Hermione, hey…nothing really. I'm just thinking about Ron and Lavender – she cringed at the mention of the couple – and how despite everything they found their own happiness…and then I think about Ginny and her new secret lover…and in the end I think about us'.

Hermione wasn't sure what he was talking about 'What do you mean…us?'

Harry looked almost apologetic and said 'Well, we're the table scraps aren't we?'

Hermione's mouth dropped open and she wasn't sure if she felt affronted or moved by Harry's words. He'd just voiced what she'd been thinking lately. What was so wrong with her that Ron would consider her nothing more than a friend who did his homework?

And Harry, her brilliant, selfless Harry. If there was someone deserving of love, it was him. And Ginny spent her time bossing him around, only to then discard him for some stupid fling.

Maybe they only had to be patient, as there was someone for them out there, there had to be. They hadn't found their soul mates just yet. She knew she could be annoying and that most of the time she was bossy. She also knew that she could be very intimidating, with the whole being the brightest witch of their age thing. She also wasn't that pretty. She wasn't ugly…but no heads turned when she walked around. Then there was the fact that she was quite inexperienced. She wasn't a prude, as Malfoy always made sure to remind her. She wasn't scared of her body or her feelings…but no one ever seemed to see something more than an 'annoying bookworm' in her. And, of course, she was a Muggleborn, and the world they lived in seemed to deem that fact of utmost importance. It was important enough to fight and kill for…there would be a war soon. All of it for…blood.

Hermione sighed. She was well aware of all her faults…the reason why she was still alone, though, had always been clear. She was waiting for someone who'd like her because of those things, not despite them.

She was about to speak, but Harry wasn't finished yet 'You know, Hermione…I just feel defeated. I'm tired of this war, looming over our lives. And I'm not even sure I'll survive a-'

'Harry! –she cut him off, outraged – of course you'll survive! How can you say tha-'

'No, Hermione. Listen to me, please. I need to say it. I need to think about it. This is life, and in real life sometimes the Light doesn't win. Sometimes the bad guys triumph, and I came to terms with this possibility a while ago. I'm only asking you to be the clever girl I know you are and accept that, even though you desperately want us to win, we might not be able to. And…all I'm saying really is…as I'm not even sure I'll ever be able to have a life…I'd just want to be happy now while I can. I would like to be loved for who I am. I love Ginny, I do. But she only had a crush on me because I'm The Boy Who Lived. And this hurts more than it should. I would like to be happy like Ron. He's found a person that accepts his faults and loves him nonetheless. Is it too much to ask, Hermione?', he finished, his gaze firm on her.

The Gryffindor girl was speechless, for a moment. Harry was usually such a private person, he must have been really upset to bare his soul in such a way. Hermione took a deep breath and said 'Oh, Harry…I just guess we're…different. We're challenging, and not for everyone. But we have to make the most of our lives, with or without romance. Because if it's love you want…then there is love in your life. The Weasleys love you, I love you'.

He smiled shyly and said 'I just wish I felt something more than friendship for you…we'd be good together'.

Hermione shook her head and laughed lightly 'No we wouldn't. But I know what you mean…anyway stop trying to depress me! If I wanted tragedy in my life, I'd still be attending Divination!'.

Her joke served its purpose and lightened the mood. They both chuckled at the thought of Professor Trelawney and her tragic premonitions.

Suddenly Hermione remembered that she had something to ask Harry, and turned serious.

'Harry, listen…I know you don't like him too much…but Theodore Nott asked me if we could meet at the Three Broomsticks on Saturday to…sort out the patrols for the Prefects, and I told him you'd be there too…but I wanted to make sure you're OK with it…would you mind grabbing a Butterbeer with him?'

At first the dark haired wizard looked taken aback, but he recovered quickly and said 'Would I be the third wheel or something like that..? Because I can hang out with Dean and Seamus if you prefer…'

'NO! No, I mean…it's not a date. So…will you come with us?' she asked pleadingly.

He pondered her request for a while before speaking 'I guess I could come for a drink…Nott is not that bad, after all'.

Hermione beamed and hugged him. 'Harry, thank you! You really are something else…and one day someone will notice, and will ask you out…you'll fall in love and be happy…and everything will be all right…I just know it!'

After her praise he looked a little embarrassed, but hugged her back patting her shoulder. It wasn't long until they parted ways, heading towards their respective dorms.

Hermione changed into her pyjamas and went to bed, still thinking about Malfoy and Nott. Ah, those Slytherins...were making her lose her sanity! Her head was pounding and she felt the beginnings of a migraine hitting her. Malfoy...now, he was a complicated riddle. She couldn't help noticing the pain she saw in his eyes. It was totally irrational but as much as she couldn't stand him, she also felt for him. This morning when she saw him collapse in front of her she ached for him. She wanted to help him, damn her! But at the same time she wanted to be as far away from him as humanly possible. Merlin, she could be complicated! She had trouble understanding herself, how was she supposed to understand him? He was like...he was like an avalanche. Fascinating to watch from afar, but dangerous and deadly to be in proximity with. And he hated what she was, they were meant to be enemies.

Theo on the other end was confusing for a whole other series of reasons. He was one of Malfoy's closest friends...but yet they had very little in common. And he wanted to be her...friend. Or something like that anyway. He seemed genuine, and she could see he felt lonely most of the time. The only people who spoke to him were Malfoy and Zabini...even his own housemates avoided him. She guessed being shy wasn't properly an asset if you were sorted in Slytherin.

She soon drifted to sleep, and her dreams were full of snakes, tears, library floors and glimpses of dark and blond hair.


The rest of the week passed in a blur, without incidents. Hermione noticed how Malfoy did his best to avoid her, and much to her relief the other teachers said they hadn't figured out how to pair them yet, so the whole House Unity commotion would wait for another week, thanks Godric! The blond Slytherin never even glanced her way, while Theo would stop and say hello or exchange a few words here and there. Harry would stiffen at first, but he quickly came to terms with the presence of Hermione's new acquaintance. That didn't apply to Ron though, who'd bitch about it any time he could.

Hermione woke up on Saturday morning ready for the Hogsmeade trip. Ron told them he had no interest in meeting Nott for a drink and used him as an excuse to go and spend his day with Lavender. Ginny declined their offer to join them, telling them she'd already made arrangements, who'd probably include a certain new mysterious lover. That left her and Harry, who'd probably still be asleep anyway. She took her time and went to take a shower.

Taming her hair was what usually took her ages, and that morning wasn't any different. After struggling with the comb for a while, she returned to her room and got dressed in Muggle clothes. She loved the Wizarding World, but robes were not the most practical of attires, so she opted for a pair of jeans, a long sleeved t-shirt and Harry's Gryffindor Quidditch team hoodie. He stopped trying to get it back ages ago, recognizing it as a lost cause. Hermione headed towards the Common Room and was surprised to find Harry there, waiting for her. He was wearing black trousers, a light blue shirt and a jumper. She guessed he did it to try and impress Ginny and she suddenly thought she could have dressed a little bit more nicely. She was about to turn around and change her hoodie when Harry saw her and told her 'Right about time, I've been here for ten minutes already!' with a big smile plastered on his face. She shook her head and smiled back and decided that the hoodie would be just fine. Since when did she worry about her appearance anyway? Stupid thing really, since she wasn't going on a date. Theo had nothing to do with her doubts, of course. Nothing.

'Good morning Harry. Ready?' she asked him once downstairs. He took her arm and said 'Definitely. Shall we?', and they both disappeared through the portrait hole.


Draco was sitting on his bed. He had spent the past few days studiously avoiding Granger, least she think that their "moment" after Transfiguration meant he wanted to be civil towards her. She was a liability he couldn't afford.

His days went by slowly, he showed up to classes, took notes and pretty much avoided human contact as much as he could. His nights though, were a whole other story. They were plagued by nightmares. The sort of nightmares that made you toss and turn, that made you cry in your sleep. He dreamt of cloaked figures, of green flashes and of his mother's face. He dreamt of red eyes and cold empty laughs, and every morning he'd wake up with a bitter taste in his mouth. The only thing he could think about was his father's letter and his impending fate. He would soon be one of the Dark Lord's pawns, and he was terrified. There had been a time when he would have been proud, now he was only paralyzed with fear at the bare thought of being thrown into a war bigger than himself.

He cast a Time Charm on the wall. It was 9.15 in the morning, and it was time to go. He stood up and reached the Common Room, waiting for his two friends. They'd soon have to go grab a carriage. Hogsmeade would provide him with distractions. He could stop by at Honeyduke's with Theo and Blaise, and then they'd have lunch at the Three Broomsticks, as per usual.

Or maybe not, since none of his fellow Slytherins were in sight. Where on Earth did they disappear? He was about to leave when Blaise appeared out of nowhere.

Draco scoffed and, before his friend could even open his mouth, said 'Oh, here you are! Where's bloody Theo? I thought you'd left without me!'

Blaise glanced around and told him 'Morning to you too, sunshine. Are we in a good mood?'. Draco ignored him so the dark skinned wizard went on 'Theo went out early today, said he had to go to the Library before heading to the village. You'll probably meet him there, mate'

The blond Slytherin scowled and asked 'You mean we will probably meet him there, right?'

Blaise shifted nervously then told him 'Draco, I'm afraid you'll have to do without me today, I have a previous arrangement'.

Draco couldn't believe his ears 'You mean you, Blaise Zabini, Casanova extraordinaire, are going on…a date?'

Blaise looked uncomfortable, which was weird, given his extreme confidence in all matters, especially girls. 'Yeah, a date…incredible what a boy would to do for a good shag, right?'. Draco was under the impression that his friend was interested in something more than a shag, but didn't call him out. He simply sighed and said 'Well, can you at least tell me who this bird is?'

His friend shook his head 'No Draco, I'm sorry but she asked me to keep it private'.

This meant the girl wasn't a Slytherin. Probably a Hufflepuff, then. They were sort of shy, after all. Draco decided that his friend's love life wasn't that important, so he just said goodbye and headed towards the Entrance, hoping that he could at least share a carriage with some fellow Slytherins.

He managed to get on a carriage with a group of fifth years. The girls kept giggling and openly staring at him, how annoying. He hated giggly girls, girls like Pansy. Why couldn't they be subtle and quiet? He would have considered hanging out with them if they weren't so bloody annoying. The boys in the carriage only asked him about Quidditch Try Outs. Ah right, they were supposed to be in the afternoon, but he had to move them to the following day as Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff had scheduled theirs before him. That meant they'd have to share the pitch with Gryffindor. How wonderful, he'd have to put up with Potty and the Weasel. Fucking brilliant. He snorted and said 'Tomorrow at 10 am. Read the bloody notice board in the Common Room instead of harassing me'. The boys looked affronted but wisely decided that insulting the Slytherin Quidditch Captain would ruin their chances to be part of the team. Not that they had any in the first place, but far be it from Draco to tell them.

Once in the village his first stop was the Owl Shop. He needed treats for his owl, Archimedes.

Right after the Owl shop he headed towards the Quidditch Shop, where he had the misfortune of meeting Weasley and his stupid girlfriend. 'Came here for some window shopping, Weasel? Come on, we all know you can't afford anything they sell here. Or maybe you're here looking for a job? That would be it, yes' he said, smirking.

The Gryffindor's ears were nearly purple, a clear sign he hit a raw spot. 'Shut up, Malfoy! At least I'm not my daddy's pet! I bet you came here to find help...to remove the broomstick you Malfoys seem to have up your arse since birth' he retorted smugly.

Draco was about to launch himself at the worthless git when the salesman appeared out of nowhere, probably sensing trouble 'Mr. Malfoy, what a pleasure...how can I help you today?'. The moment Draco turned to face the owner the Gryffindor couple disappeared out of the door. Hmphf. So much for Gryffindor bravery. Once he purchased a new Broomstick Service Kit he exited the shop and cast a Time Charm. Bloody hell it was 11.45 already! The blond hurried down the street towards the pub, looking for his friend Theo.

Once inside he spotted a dark mane and headed towards his friend's table. Theo looked up, mildly surprised. 'Oh, Draco...I didn't think you'd come...'

What did he mean he didn't think he'd come? They always had lunch together. What was up with everyone today? Draco's eyes narrowed as he sat himself in front of his friend 'Were you waiting for someone else?'. Theo looked around nervously and said 'Actually, yes...now don't go all weird on me but Granger should be here anytime soon, mate...'. Draco was appalled 'What do you mean Granger will be here anytime soon?'

'Exactly what I said, Draco. So unless you plan on being civil, which I doubt, I suggest you to leave' Theo answered matter-of-factly.

Draco couldn't believe his ears. That had to be some sort of sick joke. A stupid prank Blaise and Theo were playing on him, making him pay for his lack of interaction during the past few days. 'Ok, Nott. Very funny. Now where's Blaise? I know what you two are up to and it's a pretty shitty prank mates'. Theo looked confused and said 'No, Draco...really. Blaise is off with some girl and I have to meet Granger in a few minutes'.

'And why, please tell me, would you even want to be seen in public with her?'. He could feel a rush of annoyance course through him, the veins in his neck were about to explode. He could understand Blaise, a shag was a shag. But being stood up because of bloody Granger was unacceptable. Plus, what would Granger and Theo have in common? He was highly disturbed by the fact that his friend went and befriended Granger behind his back...he felt a pang of...of what? He couldn't name it but whatever it was he didn't like it.

'Because we have things to discuss. Hmm...patrol schedules. The Head Girl sort of told Herm-Granger to sort them out by herself and I was the only Slytherin willing to have a look at them with her...yeah'.

Draco could smell lies from miles, and that was a blatant one. Why was his friend hiding the truth from him? Didn't he trust him? They were like family, for Salazar's sake!

'Are you dating her, Theodore?' he asked, an ominous look on his face.

Theo opened his mouth to answer but before he could a voice coming from behind Draco cut him off 'I think this is none of your business, Malfoy'. An annoying voice that he unfortunately knew too well. He slowly turned to meet Granger and...Potter? What the heck was Potter doing there as well? What was going on with everyone?

'Potter? What the hell are you doing here?' he asked inquisitively.

'Since we're in a pub I'd say the answer is pretty obvious, Malfoy' answered the bespectacled wizard scathingly.

'Don't try and make me look like a fool, Scarhead' he retorted angrily.

'Why should I? You're making an excellent job at it on your own, I don't think you need my input' said Potter with a satisfied grin on his face.

Draco stood up abruptly and was about to punch the fucking idiot when Theo stopped him, grabbing him from behind. 'Draco! Would you stop being a git? Do you want to end up in Detention because you punched Harry bloody Potter? No offence, mate – he said turning towards the Gryffindor – Draco, look...I just have to sort this Prefect patrols thing out with Granger, it won't take long...for Salazar's sake, get a grip and stop being immature. Wait for me somewhere else, or sit here and shut the fuck up'.

Draco turned around, his eyes two slits and said 'Fine, Nott. I'll wait for you somewhere else. Make sure you wash your hands before coming anywhere near me, given that you have to be with such...scum' he said glancing at Granger.

He couldn't stop in time. He knew he was being an asshole but that was the only thing that felt safe. Granger, on her part, was speechless. 'Don't look at me like that, Bookworm, did you think we'd be on friendly terms just because last time we were together I didn't insult you? As you recall I wasn't feeling too well...that would be wh-' he never got the chance to finish as a palm connected with his cheek with a loud SMACK.

So, Hermione Granger slapped him. Again. And this time in front of everyone. That'd do wonders for his reputation.

He was still too shocked to say anything but the girl clearly wasn't finished as she approached him and pointed a finger at his chest 'You are incredible! At first I thought you were an evil bastard, I must admit. I thought you really believed in the idiocy of the Pureblood doctrine. But after a few... – she looked at Theo who only managed to shake his head as a warning not to include him in the picture – happenings, I realised the situation is even worse. You are simply a coward, you don't even fully believe in what you do. Listen to yourself...you call me scum but you're shitting your pants at the idea of dealing with your father. If you truly believed I'm inferior you wouldn't be so scared now, would you? Come on, Draco Malfoy...at least have the decency of being coherent. If I'm such scum how about staying the fuck away from me? But no, let's go and mock the Mudblood, it's so much fun! You would actually be believable if you didn't rely on said Mudblood to get you sorry arse to your room after a panic attack caused by your own idiocy the day before! I'd be enraged if I weren't disgusted! You know, the funniest thing is that you keep parading around telling people how you wish Harry failed but at the same time you're paralysed at the idea that he won't succeed in fighting Voldermort – Draco cringed when he heard the wretched name, and Granger scoffed – look, the great Malfoy Heir can't even listen to his Master's name without wetting himself. You're ridiculous. You're ridiculous and a coward and a hypocrite, because you can pretend as much as you want but I know that deep inside you hope Harry here wins and saves your sorry ass from certain death. You wouldn't last a day, and you know it! Grow up and stop labelling people based on their supposedly dirty blood. Open your pureblood eyes...my blood is as red as yours, you poor excuse of a wizard!'.

Her face was all red and blotchy and her chest was heaving, she was dragging ragged breaths and her eyes were shining. Potter was looking at the pair of them in disbelief and Theo's eyes were on the floor. DRaco couldn't move, couldn't even retort. All he felt was guilt, and a small amount of shame. News of this little confrontation would reach the school in no time and the Merlin-damned girl just made him look like an idiot. The only sensible option at that point was retreat, so he simply turned around and left. He shouldn't have been affected by Granger's words, but he was. He'd been an ungrateful arse and she was 100% right, thus why he was so fucking mad. She could read him like an open book and he didn't like it in the least. He just hoped his father wouldn't hear about this incident, or he'd be pretty much fucked, given the fact that he'd just blatantly ignored his orders.


Hermione, Harry and Theo waited for Malfoy to exit the pub then they all exhaled a breath. No one knew what to do, but it was Theodore who regained his spirit first. He looked at the two Gryffindors, shook his head and said 'That went well'.

Harry was still pretty bewildered but turned around and watched Theo, then he erupted into laughter. The Slytherin Prefect followed right after. Hermione blinked twice and took in the oddity of the scene, then couldn't help laughing herself.

Once people stopped looking at the three of them they sat back at their table and Harry was the first to speak 'So...what about Malfoy's room? And the panic attack? And what exactly happened the previous day, Hermione?'. The girl sighed and launched into a detailed explanation of what happened between her and Malfoy, leaving out the little detail of his erection when in the Library. To his credit Harry never interrupted her, nodding here and there to signal he was still following her. Once she was finished she grabbed one of the Butterbeers that Madam Rosmerta so kindly brought to their table and drowned it.

Harry scratched his head and said 'So he attacked you, Nott here found you and helped you, then the following day he wanted to talk to you but had a panic attack in the middle of a corridor and you willingly helped him to his room? Is that it?'

Hermione looked at Theo, then back at Harry and said 'Well, pretty much...yes'. She braced herself for her friend's wrath but it never came.

Harry stood there, silently lost in thought, then he exhaled and said 'Well, I wish you told me about his attack, but I guess he'd be a dead ferret by now. I can't believe the ungrateful bastard! Hermione, he's beyond being helped and he would certainly not want your help anyway...I know you have this big bleeding heart, but please don't get involved. He's going to hurt you over and over...and for what? It's not like he's a friend or something...'

Hermione smiled and said 'You are right, I should just let the ferret drown in his self-pity. Theo, you OK? Do you want to go after him? We don't mind if you do, right Harry?'

Harry looked at Theo and shook his head 'Not at all'.

Theo sighed and said 'He'll rip my head off if I try and speak to him right now. I'll just wait a little longer. Anyway...Hermione, you have the ability of reading him like an open book...I guess that's why he's always an ass when you're around. That, and the fact that you're a Gryffindor Muggleborn witch, best friend with Harry Potter and Ron Weasley'.

Harry looked mildly affronted and said 'And what's wrong with that?'

Theo smirked and said 'Nothing, apart from the fact that you represent everything his father taught him to hate, really. No big deal, right?'

Hermione watched her friend carefully, ready to grab him should he attack Theo. But Harry actually smiled and shrugged his shoulders, and the tension left the table...and her body. The bespectacled wizard held out his hand to Theo and said 'I believe we never properly introduced, even though we are Potions partners. Harry Potter, Gryffindor sixth year, also known as The Boy Who Lived, much to your best friend's disappointment'.

Theodore had his mouth open in disbelief, but he recovered quickly and took Harry's hand 'Well, holy fuck, I'm Theodore Nott, Slytherin sixth year, son of a convicted Death Eater and friend with a certain blond idiot'.

Hermione witnessed this exchange in complete and utter amazement.

Boys, she'll never fully understand them.