A/N: Okay! I've realised that the dates got mixed up from chapter 5-8! It seems that from January 26th(chap4) jumped to June 26th(chap5) and didn't change till chapter 9! I'm totally sorry and I've fixed it! But not like you all noticed it right? Well...in some chapters the dates really matter and some are just pieces to fill in their lives. So, I don't know how to deal with it but the dates stay! Ocasionally, check out what date is it! As an apology to my mistake, here's chapter 10 for you guys! Don't forget to review! Now, pay attention, chapter 11, 12 is done and beta-ed. Chapter 13, 14, 15 is done but not yet beta-ed. I'm goin on a really long holiday so Nzomniac will be posting the chapters! She'll be posting as far as we can make it, I've just sent her Chapter 14 and hopefully she gets it done early so she can post the chapters till 14, if no, you'll have to wait. So till January, she'll be doing everything, the author's note and stuff! I really won't be writing a lot when school starts on January. I think I'll write till chapter 15 only...then when things settled down after school, I'll start writing again ! Not to worry, I got 5 chapters in advanced, it'll work for a month! If possible, maybe I'll get 16 done before I take a break (I've learned not to push myself too hard). Credits for all 31 reviews will be given next chapter! I know...I haven't been thankful for the reviews, but really, mentally, I'm thankful! That's all! Until January 2006, this is Ashley :signing off:

You're Beautiful

February 1st 2005

Draco Malfoy

As I sat there, staring deeply into the fire in front of me, I thought. Of all the things I'd chosen to do, I chose to give up my one true love in order to win a bet. A stupid bet that I was stupid enough to follow. I sighed and looked around me. It was February and I was "home" - aka the infamous Malfoy Mansion - along with Colin and Chris. Hazel had brought along her boyfriend, Jason. And dear old mum was fussing about how I'm the eldest child but still yet to find a wife.

"Mom, it takes time," I said through clenched teeth for the hundredth time at dinner.

"Oh son, I really should arrange a match for you! I don't want you to end up with someone who doesn't deserve you!" Narcissa Malfoy said ignoring my comment.

I glared at my mother. 'Someone who doesn't deserve me?' Having a Death Eater as a father, everyone deserves me. What my mother actually meant when she said someone who doesn't deserve me equals only one thing - mudbloods.

"Mom! What fool will agree to an arranged marriage?" I said heatedly.

Narcissa looked as if she was ready to kill. I knew perfectly why - she had agreed to an arranged marriage herself. She inhaled a deep breath and looked at me sharply.

"I think what Draco meant is that he doesn't want to have an arranged marriage. I mean, Mom, you agreed to an arranged marriage and look how you ended up," Hazel said quietly.

"I totally understand, but Draco, you mark my words, if you don't soon find a wife, I'll have to arrange one for you. Your choice," Narcissa said darkly.

She resumed eating and everyone else followed. Dinner was quiet except for a few jokes that fell flat. Colin looked torn between me and my mother. My mother had always treated Colin like her own son. After all, Colin's parents were good friends of hers. Hazel kept throwing me sad looks. Hazel was my favourite person in this family - not much of a complement really as the other options were Lucius and Narcissa.

After dinner, I packed some clothing and left the mansion. I still had some work to do in Italy. I had only come home after much persuasion from my mother and Colin. Apparently my mother "missed" me very much and wanted to see me. But I knew better, she wanted to keep track of my 'choice of perspective brides'.

"Draco, leaving us so soon?" a voice came from the hall.

I turned and saw Hazel leaning against the doorway.

"I guess so, I left some work back in Italy," I said to her.

Hazel's penetrating gaze saw right through the fragile excuse to slip out from under the pressure of settling my future. "Take care, Draco," Hazel said as she sidled up to him, her fingertips brushing strands of platinum out of his eyes.

"I will miss you," I said pulling her into a hug.

"You know Mom didn't mean to threaten you or embarrass you during dinner," Hazel said, patting my back.

"Hazel, listen, I'm happy you've got Jason. You found true love and can spend everyday of your life with him. I found true love, but I gave it up. Don't make my mistake," I said sadly, looking deep into Hazel's eyes.

Hazel was named after her eye color. Her eyes were always comforting and full of love. Anyone will adore her for those beautiful hazel eyes.

"So... you're going to let Mom choose your bride?" Hazel asked ridiculously.

"Mom has always picked things for me with care, even if it's just a robe. She made sure I had the best. If that's what she thinks is best for me, I will follow. But not because of love, because she's my mother and she will always choose the best for me," I said convincingly. After all, what did it matter who I married if I could never have -

"Even if the best isn't the best?" Hazel whispered.

I could see how it tears at her heart, knowing that I'm going to be married to someone I don't love.

"I'm doing the right thing," I said.

I made a move toward the door.

"Well, sometimes doing the right thing isn't doing the right thing!" Hazel called after me.

"You and your philosophy, Hazel. Seriously, you've gone too far in this," I chuckled.

Hazel just looked at me mournfully. I left the room, closing the door behind me. Almost instantly, the smile faded from my face. I passed Jason on my way out, he smiled at me. I smiled, hoping he doesn't break Hazel's heart like I broke Hermione's. Hermione; my heart sank at the thought of her. She's an angel, how could I not have noticed how special she is? I walked to the side of the road. I held my hand up and instantly, the Knight Bus appeared in front of me. I chose to take the bus because I'm not sure I can focus on where I'm heading - with so many things in my mind. I paid 11 sickles to the bus conductor and went to the top deck to take some fresh air. When I reached the top, my jaw literally dropped. Hermione was there - with another man. The same sinking feeling in my gut settled around my heart. I try to ignore it but I can't, it slashes at my very soul. I've always thought how sappy it sounds - but for the first time in my life I could actually feel my heart breaking. Even looking at her brought a physical ache to my chest.

She spotted me... and smiled at me, her hands in the man's hand.

I managed a smile and sat in front of the pair. I steeled myself at the sound of their giggling and snickering, I knew I had to be strong.

Hermione managed to find someone and I'm happy for her. I would not make her feel guilty for forgetting me, she had every right too.

Hermione stood up and headed down to the lower deck. I guessed she wanted to talk to the conductor. I sat there, looking at the houses around me. These houses looked so empty, lifeless. They bus stopped and I headed down. Apparently Hermione and the man were also heading the same way. We all got off at the same stop. The crowd at the stop swallowed the couple up before I could see which way they went. Once on the pavement again, I stood in front of a shopping mall. It was crowded and packed. Decorated with heart shapes and flowers, this place definitely stood out.

I felt so stupid. Everyone there had a partner and there I was, shopping for Valentine's Day, all alone. People stared at me. Even a few tested my limits by throwing me sad looks, then retreated to their dates and started snickering. I gathered all the pride I had and looked around for some gifts. Hazel had been dropping hints that she wanted a Valentine's Day gift. I don't have a single clue what to give her. A teddy bear perhaps?

I felt so alone. Even in this room filled with people, I feel lonely. The emptiness inside me caused my heart so much misery. I caught a glimpse of Hermione in the mall. I silently prayed she would look my way. But she didn't. My breath caught at the way she laughed. There's just so much poise in her. It was my loss for wasting it.

Merlin she's beautiful I thought.

I never deserved her. She was so special; someone like me just doesn't deserve her. In a matter of seconds, she caught my eyes. She smiled at me and whispered something to her 'date'. She made her way towards me. I felt a surge of light come pouring through me. Her gentle smile kindles a stubborn flame of hope inside me for just a moment, but just like a candle, even the brightest flame comes to an end.

"Draco," Hermione whispered softly.

My voice caught in my throat. I just smiled at her, my first genuine smile in days.

"How are you doing?" Hermione asked.

"Fine. I'm glad to see you've moved on," I replied.

Hermione looked puzzled, but when she looked behind her, she understood what I meant.

"That's Kyle," she said sheepishly.

"I'm guessing this is the time I should introduce a girl to you. Sorry to disappoint you, I didn't bring her along," I joked.

She broke into a laugh and once again, I was blown away. She suddenly looked so beautiful.

You're so beautiful, I thought in my mind.

I touched her cheeks. I felt her soft curly hair. As my hand drifted to her cheeks, she held it. I could feel the love, the passion and worst of all, the tears. A tear managed to fall without me knowing it. She moved closer to me and kissed the tear away. I couldn't stand it anymore. I grabbed her and hugged her tight. And I didn't care that there were hundreds of people in the building, I didn't care how many eyes are watching me. I took her face in my hands and kissed her. She protested for all of three seconds and then she gave in. In the end, I was the one who pulled away. I reminded myself that I couldn't cause her any more misery. I stood there, waiting for - I could've guessed what was coming. A myriad of feelings played across her features - fear, longing, confusion, resolve. Sherry-colored eyes locked with silver for a moment longer, before she turned around and fled. It was then, for the first time in my life, that I felt what she'd felt the day I turned my back on her.

You're beautiful. You're beautiful,
You're beautiful, it's true,
There must be an angel with a smile on her face,
When she thought up that I should be with you,
But it's time to face the truth;
I will never be with you……

James Blunt - You're Beautiful - (Not the whole song)