Yeah, this was supposed to be out last week, but I got lazy in the end and didn't finish it. I felt guilty, and so here I am at 2 a.m. uploading this. hopefully you'll enjoy. I feel like its not my best work, but good news, its the longest chapter ever. So enjoy, and I'm sure you're expecting this, REVIEW!!

Chapter 10: A Turn Down Worse Than Hesitation

RECAP

"Are you ok?"

"Yeah sure, I just broke a guy's heart, and got confronted by someone who's most likely to be a psycho," Ellie answered. "Yeah, I'm ok."

'The moment of truth,' Harry told himself. "Ellie, don't worry about Malfoy. I'm here for you."

"Really?"

"Yes, and it's because I like you; a lot," Harry said blushing.

'No, not him too," Ellie thought.

"Would you go out with me?" Harry asked.

Chapter 10

"Will you?" Harry asked.

Ellie frantically began to think.

'There's so much stuff I have to think through. I can't just say yes to Harry, after all that would be unfair to Malfoy; I sort of like him too. I need time to think.'

She looked at Harry earnestly and honestly and said, "Please, please don't take this the wrong way, but I just need time to think about it. Is that alright?"

"I guess so," Harry replied somewhat disappointed.

"So you're not mad?" Ellie asked.

"Of course not," Harry said smiling causing Ellie to blush.

"Um…well, I'll start thinking now," Ellie said leaving.

Harry had left and made his way back to the Gryffindor common room. As soon as he entered, his two friends jumped up and went towards him anxious to hear from him.

"How'd it go?" Hermione asked.

"Will we be seeing the first interhouse relationship between you and a certain Slytherin?" Ron asked.

Harry sighed, sat down and replied, "She needs time to think."

"That's a pathetic response," Ron said.

"It's not, Ron. It's not as if I randomly asked her. Malfoy had asked right before I did," Harry said.

"And she said no?" Hermione asked.

"She hesitated," Harry, corrected. "That was enough to send him storming off angrily. Either way, she was still probably going to say the same thing."

"She must really have a lot of mixed feelings," Hermione said.

"I really don't care, but if she chooses that slimy git, I'll never forgive her," Ron replied.

"But we know for sure that Ellie is a good person. For her to fall for Malfoy, he must have some good qualities," Hermione said.

"Nope," Ron replied.

"None I can think of," Harry added on.

"You two are impossible," Hermione said frustrated.

"Hermione, you've known us for a while now, and you're just now realizing that," Ron said.

"Well if it helps, I'll try to see if I can help Ellie get her feelings straightened out," Hermione said.

"Thanks Hermione," Harry replied.

The next morning…

Ellie lied awake on her bed, thinking of yesterday's events.

'So, both Draco and Harry like me. (Since when) They also ask me out on the same day. (Weird much) Maybe Draco planned this whole quidditch match thing to impress me. (Well he did) Then that bet between Harry and Draco…he was trying to keep Harry away to keep me all to himself. (Aww! How sweet!) But that's just it; they've both been sweet to me. How am I supposed to choose? Hmm…The bracelet! Didn't I conclude that Harry bought it? If he's the one who bought the bracelet, then he's the one I'm going to choose. (But did he really buy the bracelet?) I'm going to have to ask.'

A/N: Sorry to interrupt, but the words inside the parenthesis are counter thoughts. Back to the story!

Ellie had finally made up her mind and got ready for breakfast. On her way to the Great Hall, she was stopped by an approaching figure, Hermione. Hermione grabbed Ellie's arm and started walking in another direction.

"Um…Hermione?" Ellie called out.

"Yes?" Hermione called back.

"Where the hell are you taking me?" Ellie asked politely.

"To the library," Hermione replied.

"For what?" Ellie asked.

"To help you figure out your feelings," Hermione answered.

"Oh, ok, but one more question. Why the library?"

"So we can have peace and quiet."

"But doesn't that psycho Madam Pince hate noise?"

"I thought you said one more question."

"I thought your last response would be enough."

"It is."

"Whatever"

When Hermione and Ellie finally reached the library, Ellie said, "This ain't the library."

"What makes you think that?" Hermione asked innocently.

"For starters, we're on the seventh floor, and the library's on the fourth floor," Ellie replied.

"How do you know—"

"I can see the Fat Lady from here, Hermione. Why did you bring me here?"

"Let's go in first, then I'll explain."

"Fine," Ellie said reluctantly.

After settling down in the so-called "library", Ellie began drumming her fingers on the table waiting for Hermione to talk.

"Start talking," Ellie said.

"I know we couldn't really do this in the actual library, so I called you to come here, the Room of Requirement."

"The Room of Requirement?"

"Yes, it's a room that makes itself fit for the user; in this case, the library."

"Why?" Ellie asked.

"First, I didn't want anyone to follow us, so I said the library. Second, seeing we'll be here for a while I brought breakfast with us. Third, we couldn't use the library because of the second reason, Madam Pince is really strict. Yes, she can be a bit of a psycho, but—"

"No, that's not it. Why? Why are you helping me?"

"Well, because we're friends."

"Thought, you'd guys would hate me, if didn't choose Harry."

"I wouldn't, maybe Ron would."

"Of course he would after—" "Never mind"

"Did something happen between you two?"

"Not really, it was a while back anyways. We sorta got into a fight, but that's behind us now."

"Well, that's good to hear."

"Hermione, can I ask you a question?"

"Sure"

Ellie pulled out the bracelet from the other day and Hermione quietly gasped.

'Oh no, I forgot about the bracelet. What'll she do if she finds out who it's from?' Hermione thought.

"I really couldn't figure out who'd bought it for me. And if you probably hadn't noticed, the gems change just as my eye color. You three are the only ones in the school that know about my eyes. Crossing you out, that leaves Harry and Ron. And no offense, but I don't think that Ron would go all out for me; you know? So that would only leave Harry. Do you truly and honestly believe that he bought it for me?" Ellie asked

'She thinks Harry bought it for her?'

"Do you?" Ellie asked.

"I really don't know," Hermione said. "Maybe you should ask him."

"Maybe, but I've already decided, whoever bought me the bracelet is the one I'm going to choose."

"But what if Harry says no?"

"Then I'll ask Draco, I know it's a small chance he know about my eyes, but it's worth a shot."

"Isn't that a little drastic?" Hermione asked.

"They've both been equally sweet to me, and this bracelet upset the balance."

"But shouldn't you get to know both of them a little more."

"Hermione, do you know more than you're letting on?" Ellie asked suspiciously.

"No," she replied.

"Then you don't mind if I leave so I can ask Harry?"

"Sure."

"Ok then, bye bye Hermione," Ellie said as she left.

"Sorry Harry, I tried, I really did," Hermione said.

Ellie began walking down to the Great Hall, until she was tripped by a foot.

"You really need to watch were you're walking, Craft."

"Oh, it's you again," Ellie said getting up.

"You're really as stupid as you look," Pansy said.

"Are you trying to pick a fight?" Ellie asked.

"No, but if you want one, bring it on," she replied.

Ellie giggled and said, "It was a rhetorical question, and you're calling me stupid."

"You're stupid enough to think that Potter bought you that bracelet," she replied.

"What?"

"I really don't think even Potter has the money to buy you such an interesting trinket," Pansy said. "Even if the color is tacky."

At that moment Ellie's eyes turned red, and so did the bracelet. Pansy saw what had happened and gaped at her.

"You're a freak," Pansy said. "No wonder you looked so happy when you got it. I can't believe my Draco, bought a freak like you a present."

At that point in time, Pansy had realized she said too much.

"He bought this for me," Ellie said blushing instantly.

"Don't flatter yourself," Pansy said "After I tell him what kind of freak you are he instantly fall out of love with you, and back in love with me."

Ellie smirked and replied, "So, you are a psycho. I was beginning to think I was wrong. I seriously doubt he was in love with you to begin with."

"Laugh now Craft, but this'll be your last," Pansy said as she walked off.

"Thanks! Bye!" Ellie called back.

Ellie's eyes quickly turned a bright sunny yellow and skipped her way back to the dormitory to get ready for class. She began thinking of many things.

'Pansy is really, really stupid. Thanks to her, I know who to choose. Malfoy must already know about my eyes if he gave me this bracelet. Everything he's done for me totally outweighs his bad character. I'm sorry Harry, but Malfoy's not as bad you think.'

Ellie had made it to the dormitory, as soon as she entered, she saw Malfoy at the other side of the room. But someone was there with him, Pansy. She simply smirked as Ellie was coming over. Her eyes turned pink as she was approaching him.

As soon, as she got there, she said, "Hi, Draco."

He didn't reply, walked past her and said, "Sorry, I don't speak freak."

Pansy shrieked with laughter saying, "Good one" as they left the dormitory to go to class.

After, her pink eyes immediately turned ice blue, tears began falling from them.

'Did he just call me a freak?' Ellie thought as she wiped away the first set of tears from her face. Ellie was confused as she thought, 'What did she say to him?"

Tears had again started to fall from Ellie's eyes. To her, being called a freak by the one she likes, hurt more than anything. She was still crying as she got ready for class. The first class of the day was Defence Against the Dark Arts. The reading assignment that Umbridge gave them didn't improve Ellie's mood. On the other side of the room, Harry had noticed Ellie's eyes, which were ice blue.

'I hope she isn't sad over choosing between me and Malfoy," Harry thought.

When it was time for lunch, Harry decided to ask Hermione about what might be wrong with Ellie.

"Hermione, did you guys talk about anything that might've upset Ellie?" Harry asked.

"No, why?" Hermione replied.

"She looks more miserable than when she first got here," Harry answered.

"It couldn't have been from the talk we had, she even left happy as ever." 'Not that I'll tell you why.'

"Something must've happened before class," Harry said.

"Why don't you ask her?" Hermione said.

"I'll try," Harry replied.

Harry had found his opportunity when Ellie left the Great Hall. Harry had followed her out of the hall and into a deserted corridor. Ellie had heard footsteps behind her and saw that Harry was following her.

"Ellie what's wrong?" Harry asked when he caught up to her.

Ellie burst into tears as she told him that Malfoy had found out about her eyes and called her a freak. Harry knew that it must hurt, since she had a difficult past. He could also relate as he thought about his lightning bolt scar.

'If that's true, then who bought the bracelet?' Harry thought. "How'd he find out?" Harry asked.

"I think someone told him," Ellie replied.

"It's ok Ellie. I told you already, don't worry about him. I'm here for you," Harry said as he embraced Ellie.

Ellie broke out of the hug and ran off. She began crying again.

'That's not the problem, I like Malfoy and it really hurt that he called me a freak."

Ellie stopped crying when she realized, "The only question is, why?"

As she made her way to class, Ellie, decided that she would talk to Malfoy, alone, to find out what happened, even if he thinks she's a freak.

The next class was Divination, and Trelawney was acting loony as usual, until she walked up to Ellie and whispered in her ear, "Was I correct?"

Ellie, totally bewildered replied, "What?"

"You have been experiencing problems in your school life," Trelawney said.

"When did you tell me that?" Ellie asked.

"It was at the very beginning of the school year, when I predicted that you would be in for a very dark future," Trelawney relayed in an airy tone.

"Oh yeah," Ellie said.

Instantly, Ellie's eyes turned an even lighter shade of ice-blue, enough almost to be compared with white. She had remembered that Malfoy always said that, because he had short term memory, at least she always thought so.

"But this is only the beginning," Trelawney announced.

"What do you mean?" Ellie asked.

"Unfogging the future is not an easy task, Ms. Craft," Trelawney replied.

"But being a complete loon is," Ellie mumbled.

Harry who was only a table away stared at Ellie using the cover of book to avoid her gaze.

"You've got it bad for her don't you?" Ron asked.

"Is it that obvious?" Harry replied.

"Tell me you thought it wasn't obvious," Ron answered.

"I really thought it wasn't that obvious," Harry replied.

"I'm going to have to talk to Ellie pretty soon, I hate seeing you like this, mate," Ron said.

"It's ok," Harry said.

After classes were over, the students made their way to the Great Hall for dinner. There, Ellie had started to formulate a plan in which she could talk to Malfoy, alone. Ellie leaned back from her seat and spotted Malfoy, who had Pansy right beside him. Pansy was trying to get even closer, when she spotted Ellie staring.

'Just as I figured,' Ellie thought as she sat properly. 'She's probably got Malfoy wrapped around some lie. I just need to wait for the perfect moment.'

"Hey Draco, why don't we go torment the freak?" Pansy suggested.

"Why?" Draco asked.

"Why not," Pansy replied.

'She makes a good point, but I still don't want to,' Malfoy thought. Malfoy got up and said, "Don't wanna I don't feel like it."

After replying, Malfoy left the Great Hall in a rush.

"Fine, I'll do it, if you don't want to," Pansy mumbled, as she made her way toward Ellie. "Hey Craft, I hope you didn't take Draco's words too seriously, after all, it was the truth."

This didn't seem to affect Ellie, whom, apparently was deep in thought.

"I hope Potter was there to comfort you, after all he can relate; with that ghastly scar of his," Pansy said hoping to get Ellie really angry.

That seemed to tick Ellie just a little bit as Pansy continued talking.

"You know, your name's not all that great either. I mean what kind of a name is Elicia." Pansy said.

Ellie's eye turned a deep red and remained silent. Pansy realized that was her weak spot and began to poke it further.

"We might as well just forget the name all together and call you Eyes," Pansy said.

Ellie began gnashing her teeth as Pansy giggled at how mad she was making Ellie.

"So Eyes, do you plan on transferring? I hear Beauxbatons give beauty tips to the really ugly transfers, not that it would help you much."

Ellie, who couldn't take it anymore, saw this as her opportunity. She got up to leave and then she was tripped by Pansy yet again. As Ellie was getting up, she noticed a strip of white tape, on Pansy's lower leg, near her foot.

'What is that? Hair remover tape?' Ellie thought to herself as she left the hall.

Pansy, who was too busy laughing, had just realized her mistake and got up to find Draco, before Ellie did. Malfoy was on his way back to the dormitory, until he heard footsteps from behind them. He turned to see who it was. It was Ellie.

"What do you want?" he asked.

"I wanted to talk to you," she replied.

"What for?" Malfoy asked.

He turned to face her and could see the tears that were about to fall from her now ice-blue eyes.

"It's about the other day when—"

"Quiet," Malfoy told her.

"I thought I told you to stay away from Draco you lunatic freak," Pansy said walking up to Ellie.

"I was just telling her that I don't and never will have any interest in a freak like her," he said trying to avoid drama.

"See, it's obvious he doesn't like you any more, so stop bothering him," Pansy shouted at Ellie as the two entered the dormitory together.

This was the beginning of many attempts that Ellie had tried, and has failed each time because Pansy had prevented her from getting to Malfoy. Hermione and Ellie would meet some mornings to talk it out. Hermione came up with some plans, but it was always like Pansy was one step ahead of them.

It was a couple of days before the Christmas holidays, when Pansy came up to Ellie and said, "Hey Eyes have any plans for the holidays?"

"Not that it's any of your business, but I going home to my aunt and uncle," Ellie replied.

"I don't even believe you, but I'm not worried. After all, Draco's going home for the holidays," Pansy said.

"You're telling me because…"

"So you won't get any funny ideas," Pansy replied.

"I told you already, I was planning to go home," Ellie said.

"Do you think I'm that stupid?" Pansy asked.

"Yes," Ellie mumbled. "You'll see him on the train to ensure, I'm not planning anything, so leave me alone," Ellie said.

"Whatever, you still seem suspicious," Pansy replied leaving.

"Did she hear you call her stupid?" Hermione asked.

"Not really," Ellie replied in the so called "library" she and Hermione met in to talk about things.

"Well, its obvious Parkinson wants Malfoy to herself," Hermione said.

"But what I don't get is why she's still trying to go after him; it's obvious he doesn't really like her. After all they never really progressed any further; it's like she's forcing herself into his life."

"Well, the holidays are the perfect chance to make a move," Hermione said.

"But, Pansy said that he's going home for the holidays," Ellie replied.

"But I heard him telling a friend that he only said that to get rid of an annoying pest," Hermione said.

"It's perfect! Nobody else in Slytherin is staying at Hogwarts," Ellie said.

"Well, good luck Ellie, and Happy holidays," Hermione said as left.

"You too!" Ellie called back. Ellie left as thought, 'I'm going to have to write to Aunt Felicity, and tell her I'm planning on staying at school.'

It was finally time to leave Hogwarts for the holidays, and the students leaving boarded the Hogwarts Express to leave the school. Pansy, being one of those students, boarded the train and made her way to the usual compartment that her, Draco, and his friends usually stay in. Upon her arrival she was greeted by the usual grunts of Crabbe and Goyle, and a hello from Blaise. As she sat down, the train began to move, ready to leave the school.

It had been thirty minutes, until Pansy finally asked, "Where's Draco?"

"Changed plans," grunted Crabbe.

"What do you mean?" Pansy asked instantly worried.

"Decided to stay at school," grunted Goyle.

"Didn't he tell you?" Blaise asked.

Back at Hogwarts…

Malfoy glumly walked around the empty corridors feeling sorry for himself.

'Why did I ever think she'd fall for me,' Malfoy thought to himself.

Malfoy was on the verge of tears. He stopped in his tracks as he spotted an out of breath, ice-blue eyed Ellie.

'What's she sad about? Probably came to apologize and make things worse.'

He was about to leave as he felt a hand on his arm. He shook it off and ran.

"Damn it! I finally find you and you run," Ellie said as she began again in pursuit of Malfoy.

Yeah, so hopefully you enjoyed that. Pansy will continue to be a bitch throughout the next chapters.

Chapter 11 Title: The Founding of New Love

Sorry! No preview, as of yet. I will have one on my profile once I get started on chapter 11, maybe tomorrow.

Also, I don't want to disappoint you, the readers, but, this is not really a love story, it's just a really long beginning, so yeah expect some drama after about 5 more chapters. Like I said before, review!