Chapter 11: Love has begun

A/N: Thanks for the reviews and the favorites. A lot Draco in this chapter, just for you.

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Crystal was not thrilled to go home, she was even less thrilled when she found out she had to cancel on Neville. But lucky for her, when she did the Twins were right there. They were able to lift her spirits instantly along with giving her a project to do while at home to at least keep her busy. She knew they gave it to because of the library they had in their house, but still she was glad none the less.

She was sitting alone in her room working on some of the latest sweets when she was interrupted twice, once by her father who gave her a long chat about for some odd reason, Draco. The second interruption was far less pleasant in Crystal's mind. But she wasn't going to argue as she took a break from the project and started to write a letter to Neville.

"My dear child, it is always a pleasure to see you." Crystal peered up from her letter to see Voldemot summoning a chair and sitting down in front of her.

Crystal smiled. She was sitting on the ground of her bedroom because it had the most space. She was glad that Voldemort was far enough away from her, but that didn't matter her stomach was still lurching. "You as well my Lord" She said with one last glance before she looked back at the letter.

"Trying to catch up on school work?" He questioned as his red eyes darted from books, to parchment, to quills that were strewn around her.

"No sir, I finished all my school work. Right now I am writing a letter." Crystal answered truthfully while she set the quill in some ink and looked back up at Voldemort. "And the rest of the parchment is a project I am working on. I like inventing things."

"A letter? To whom?" Voldemort questioned. He actually was interested in her school life. He knew she was in Gryffindor, so how close was she really to the Potter boy? Or what about mudbloods or blood traitors? Surely she wasn't friends with them. Or would she be? He needed to know, he was rather fond of this girl.

"Neville Longbottom, a pureblood." She supplied almost immediately. She was ready for these questions, Snape said they might come and she was going to be honest. Why shouldn't she be? She knew he couldn't read her mind for some reason, but that doesn't mean she should lie.

"Longbottom?" Voldemort questioned as he stared at her. He hated not being able to read her mind, but for some odd reason he knew she wasn't lying. She didn't have the guilt in her eyes, she just always had sadness and frustration in her eyes. He'd know if she was lying, he'd be able to tell it right away.

"Yes, the Lestrange tortured his parents to madness." Crystal said while trying not to appear anger or sad over it, but she felt she failed poorly. Her voice still held some bitterness when she said it no matter how hard she tried.

"Ah yes" Voldemort paused and leaned forward to look at her "I question now as to why you are friends with him. His parents obviously were against the purification of the wizarding world. So why are you mingling with that?" He questioned with his harsh eyes on her.

She merely smiled. "I'd question not why I'm friends with Neville and question rather why I'm friends with a mudblood." Crystal let out a laugh. She wasn't sure why she was telling him this, she was just trying to see where it would take her.

"You certainly are a strange child." He commented still searching through her.

"I do what I need to so I can survive." She knew this was true, but she meant it in a different way than Voldemort perceived it. But details were details and for the sake of survival they didn't matter.

Voldemort let out a laugh "Now there's a true Slyhterin." He said while standing up now. Crystal didn't know what to do, so she just continued to watch him pace. "Which reminds me" He smirked noticing his words finally put some emotion into Crystal's face. She looked interested as she stared in waiting. "I wish to talk to you about Draco Malfoy."

Crystal had to suppress her urge to roll her eyes. What was with the sudden interest of Draco Malfoy in this household? I mean he was a great guy and all but really. What was everyone playing at?

"Remember before you left to start school after Christmas break?" He questioned, treating her as if she were dumb and didn't remember a thing.

"That's rather vague." Crystal said dryly. "A lot happened around then, but yes I suppose I remember." Crystal may have been acting calm but after every word she felt herself get sicker and sicker. It was all she could do was to act her cold self to keep the emotions and sickness at bay.

"Watch your cheek" Voldemort snapped letting his anger reign as he pulled out his wand and stopped pacing. He wasn't in the mood for her attitude, though to be honest he had grown fond of it while she was here during break. She was so full of life and didn't live in fear around him. He felt like he needed that from time to time. It was great that all his followers feared him, but it was nice to have her around. She knew somehow to calm him, just like that girl so many many years ago…no he wouldn't think of her he just couldn't. "I've been giving it some thought and although you said you would not wish to join until after school, I give you the chance to reconsider."

Crystal wasn't sure what to say, but she knew his pause meant she should say something. "What does this have to do with Draco, my Lord?" She questioned in a much lighter and less cheeky tone.

"I find much value in both of you and you may become vital assets in Hogwarts very soon." He responded simply as he twirled his wand daring her to question otherwise.

But Crystal wouldn't. But she didn't want to agree either. She would want to talk this over with Dumbledore first. If she could do that then she would find her answer. "Draco will be thrilled, he realizes this is the highest honor he could receive would be to serve you." Crystal answered knowing full well she kept herself out.

"Which is why he will say yes and help me achieve my goals, the question is will you?" Voldemort got down on the floor not paying attention that he was kneeling on some of her papers. He wanted to be at her level to be close to her. He wanted to be able to detect her emotions. But even being this close all he could sense was that she wasn't feeling good. Was she always this sick?

Crystal sat there as her arm twitched around her waist and wondered what to say. And it hit her, there was only one thing she could say. "I wish more time for this, but I will say yes." She smiled lightly letting her eyebrows doing the talking. "I am sure we can find a compromise this summer."

"Good that is what I like to hear, child." Voldemort got even closer as papers crunched underneath him and rested his cold hands on Crystal's cheek. "You are a proud pureblood from deep roots and soon you will realize how you can help me even more." And with that he turned and left leaving Crystal very much confused.

She had no idea what he meant and long after she had return to Hogwarts his words would repeat over and over again in her head. She couldn't help but wonder if her and Draco were involved somehow, but she was too afraid to ask. So instead she let her thoughts take her away any chance she could get and attempt to figure out what was going on.

Several days later it was still on her mind. Friday was no different. She was still deep in thought as dinner rolled around. But she shook it off as the twins approached her after DADA.

"Dreamer, snap those thoughts." Fred said with a smile as he wrapped his arm around her.

"Sorry…just" Crystal started but George wouldn't let her finish.

"Thinking about Draco" He said as he batted his eyelashes.

"I suppose we could go with that." Crystal said not bothering to lie. She was thinking about Draco and she had been for the last several days. What was the connection between the Dark Lord, and Draco? Why him and why her?

"You would be, love" Fred laughed as he held her a bit closer. "But we have an schedule to keep to-" Fred started but his arm was quickly ripped off as all heads turned to see Draco, the one they were talking about staring angrily at the three.

"Not to be rude, no I actually don't care if I am rude to the likes of you but Crystal is needed." Draco sneered as he grabbed her arm in a very rough manner.

Crystal gapped for a moment still in slight confusion. It was the first time she had talk to Draco since Sunday and she hadn't even caught his eyes since Monday when his were so cold. What was the meaning of this?

"I'm glad you agreed to talk to me." Draco said coldly but obviously his words and actions made it hard to believe.

"I didn't agree with anything, but beside the point." Crystal nearly yelled as she kicked a desk with her foot before plopping down on it. "What the hell is wrong with you?" She snapped now realizing how badly her arm throbbed. Draco obviously grabbed her a lot harder than usual. This shouldn't be hurting, but it was and she knew it was going to bruise.

Draco was a bit shocked by how forward she was being, but he shook it off quickly remember why he finally grabbed her. "You really are that thick that you wouldn't realize? We aren't stupid." Draco crossed his arms as he leaned up against the door twirling his wand with frustration.

"I never said you were stupid, but I'm failing to see what you are so upset about." Crystal had gained her composure and was already speaking in a calm voice. But deep inside Crystal was ready to throw a couple of hexes Draco's way. He was being unreasonable and rude.

"You have been flirting with your Gryffindor friends" Draco spat now getting off of the door to approach Crystal. Crystal was actually scared for a moment. Draco was usually not this upset, he was usually calm and composed. But in Draco's mind he had every right to be upset. She still had not given him an answer and he was frustrated. He didn't want to lose to his enemies, he wanted her.

Crystal got off the desk and stared at Draco with determination. "I'm a pureblood and purebloods do not do anything as disgraceful as flirt." She said in a smooth voice, though anger was starting to seep through again.

"Don't lie to me, you've been flirting" Draco's hand twitched forward. He really wanted to grab her and hold her tight, he could tell he was upsetting her, he could tell she was ready to cry, but he wanted to get this out. He had to help her see. If it meant hurting her, he would do. She was too important to him for him to lose her. "Crystal you need to realize that soon you won't have a choice in whom you date." He said simply finally dropping his anger and switching it for compassion.

"What do you mean?" Crystal now looked scared as she backed away and sat back down on the desk. She was honestly confused, but Draco wanted that. She realized he wanted her to see something. Though deep down inside she wasn't sure if she was ready for this or not.

"Crystal you were never betrothed when you born." Draco said simply, knowing that pureblood girls were usually betrothed before they were born, if they weren't it was usually right before or during their 6th year that the announcement would be made. "Your father will be deciding soon who you are with and you better hope that it's someone you can tolerate."

"Draco" Crystal gasped realizing what he was getting at. But it wasn't only that, something else was running through her head. She had so many things she wanted to say, so many unanswered questions but she knew deep down inside that Draco was right. Her father would want her with a true pureblood, but the purist of pure that Crystal could think of was…She shook her head and pushed back her emotions. Slowly she brought back her usual self. "I don't see how this relates back to me having several male Gryffindor friends." Crystal shrugged.

"The Slyhterin's are watching, we have an appearance to keep up and you don't want this getting back to your father." Draco said simply but now he was finally reaching forward to hold Crystal. "I know you care for your Gryffindor friends, but you have to stop."

"Draco" Crystal called out once more knowing she was going to change the subject. "Would you take a mission from the Dark Lord even if you were underage?"

Draco tried not to roll his eyes, this was so like her. "Don't change the subject. We are talking about y-" He started but fell short when he saw how serious Crystal's eyes were. She wanted answers. "Yes, I would as should you." He said making sure he said the last part with passion. To be honest as of recently Draco has been scared for her. He has been truly afraid that how much she hangs out with her Gryffindor friends she would soon never come back home, instead she would go into hiding and be far away from him and he really didn't want that.

"I think I already know who I'm going to be betrothed too and…Draco?" Crystal started to feel timid as she looked down at her feet.

"Yes Crystal?" Draco smiled and grabbed her chin so he could look her in the eyes.

Crystal felt her face flush, "You don't have to worry about me leaving. I'll stay for you." She admitted as their eyes locked.

Draco was shocked and he let his mouth hang open for a second before he responded "Does this mean…?"

Crystal couldn't help but smirk, she wasn't sure if she loved him the way he loved her, but she was sure that she loved teasing him and being around him. "Mean what?" She shrugged and left the classroom.

"Crystal Nott!" Draco called in frustration. He knew this was so like her. She wasn't running, he knew she was just playing. But he couldn't help but wonder when she would give him a straight answer He really wanted one. It wasn't just his heart that wanted one, it was his body too. His body was growing weak because he couldn't sleep. He was thinking about her and where her true loyalties lay. It wasn't just that, he worried non-stop that she would become a traitor and become and Order member and if that happened she would be shunned forever and he could never be with her.

"Draco Malfoy" Crystal teased right back as she leaned up against the stone wall behind Draco. She was still wearing her smirk. She knew she should give Draco an answer, but truth be told she didn't know what she wanted from him. She knew they were good friends, but was there more too it? Did she feel otherwise? And if she did…what about all her Gryffindor friends? For now the best she could do is what was required of her, meaning what was needed of her so she could be on both sides in this war.

Draco turned around quickly and stared at her. She looked so beautiful leaning there with her smirk. How could he not want her? "Let's just go get dinner" he sighed and held out a hand for her to take.

Crystal stared at the hand in puzzlement. She wasn't sure if she should take it or not. Her mind was racing and thinking of what she should do. After a moment or too she reached out and grabbed his hand while replacing her smirk with a true smile, the two walked hand in hand to the great hall.

"Are we still going to hang out tonight or do you have better things to do?" Draco questioned attempting not to growl. As of lately, Crystal had been getting out of their Friday meetings and just hanging out with him when she felt like it. To be honest, that wasn't a whole lot but it was at least something.

"What do you want?" Crystal asked while giving his hand a gentle squeeze.

Draco was taken aback by her question. Usually she doesn't ask his opinion and rather she does what she wants too. "Since when did you start caring about me?" Draco laughed looking at her as if she was mental.

"Draco, I'm not selfish like you." She rolled her eyes as if it were obvious.

"I'm not selfish, I'm a Malfoy." He stated simply.

"Same difference" Crystal said while pushing into him with her shoulder. "Now seriously, if you are too busy to be with me tonight, I have several other friends."

"I know you do." Draco said in an almost bitter voice. "But I'd rath-" he started but was stopped abruptly by someone grabbing him tightly from behind.

"Drakie! There you are!" Pansy squealed with excitement. "What are you doing with her?" She questioned quickly before shaking her head "Oh never mind, just come have dinner with meeee." She whined and clung onto him.

"Pansy we are having an important conver-" Draco started to explain, but once again Pansy wouldn't hear it. She let out a shrill laugh blocking out anything he had to say.

"Please, that blood traitor has nothing important to say." Pansy didn't look at Crystal when she said it. If she would have she would have seen Crystal's hands ball in a fist as she restrained herself from reaching for her wands or worse, punch Pansy like a mere muggle.

"She's right Drakie, I have nothing important to say." Crystal remained as calm as she could, but she couldn't stop the venom from leaking out at her words. "I'll see you on Monday." She sneered to Draco. She couldn't help it, she knew it wasn't Draco's fault that Pansy was this way, but she couldn't help but get upset. If anyone was going to blow her cover, it would be that evil vial sad excuse for a female.

She kept her fist balled as she let her feet drag her. With each passing step her hunger pains began to disappear as she pulled herself farther and farther up into the castle until she finally made it the Gryffindor common room. She bolted it straight for her dorm and threw herself on her bed as she slammed the curtains around her. Slowly she lit her wand and pulled out her quill and parchment. It was the first time she had ever done this and she wasn't really sure why she was doing it, but her heart had pulled her here and she wasn't about to stop. She knew what she had to do. This had to work. She could save Draco, he had it in him to be as good as Harry…okay maybe not as good and pure as Harry, but pretty close. But to stay by her best friends side she needed this to be convincing. Enough for the Dark Lord and enough for her father, which is why she dipped her quill in ink and poured out her thoughts:

Father,

I remember well the proposition that was presented to me. And due to mother's death, I am ready to take the responsibility that is expected of me. It is of the highest honor that I do this, so please accept this letter as a response. I for see that we shall talk more of this later to come, but for now this is all I can give.

Love,

Crystal.

She had a hard time getting the words out and by the time she did, it was well past dinner. She had trouble writing it because she knew all letters leaving and entering Hogwarts were read, though she doubted Umbridge would bother reading hers knowing it came from a well-respected family. Either way she wasn't taking any chances.

With a sigh she headed down to the common room so she could make her way to the Owlery. Surprisingly no one stopped her and questioned her behavior. Fred and George were busy with Lee creating a commotion for a bunch of first and second years, meanwhile Harry, Ron, and Hermione were talk in the corner, and Neville was nowhere to be seen. It was to her advantage though. She wasn't in the mood to really talk to anyone, so gladly in silence she carried herself to the Owlery and made it out in no time, feeling loads better, but now the hunger could sink in. So instead of walking back to the common room, she head down to the dungeons to get some food.

"Crystal?" She heard a voice call as she was just about to turn the corner and head into the kitchens. She ignored the voice though. "Crystal!" It called once more only a bit more firm this time. "Crissy!" The voice called once more as her arm was tugged and she was whirled around to come face to face with the icy cold orbs that she was so familiar with.

"Draco" She whispered out at his intense gaze.

"Crystal about Pansy…" Draco held her firm and stared at her letting her feel his emotions. Or at least he hoped. He never asked for Pansy attention, it just came when he least expected it or wanted it for that matter.

"You don't have to explain." Crystal shied away and looked at the ground. Draco wouldn't let her though, he grabbed her face gently and moved it so their eyes could lock once more. "I'm not upset about her giving you attention. I'm upset about her…lack of trust in me. I'm not a blood traitor!" Crystal nearly yelled the last part. She hated being called that. She hated being anything but perfect when it came to her blood status and when Pansy said otherwise it hurt.

"Crystal, you may seem to be a blood traitor, but I don't think you are." Draco pulled her into a hug and whispered into her ear. "You are just different and that's why I love you."

"Even if I don't love you?" Crystal swallowed as tears forced their way through the corners of her eyes.

"You love me" Draco said not in a cocky voice like one would assume, but in a gentle hopeful voice. "Just not in the same way I love you." He responded simply.

Crystal let out a tiny laugh "That implying that I still like you enough as a friend."

Draco faked being shock as he pulled her out of the hug so she could see his face. "You mean we aren't friends and this all has been a lie?"

Crystal smirked "Pretty much."

Draco mirrored her smirk as he ruffled her hair. "Come on let's get you some dinner." He grabbed her arm and pulled over to the picture of the fruit bowl. He was glad she was here, he got a little concerned when Crystal wasn't at dinner tonight, so he was glad she was attempting to get some food. He was actually worried for her all this week, what with her mother's death, going home and talking to the Dark Lord he figured she would lose a lot of weight again like she did during break.

"I don't think I want a whole lot maybe just some-" Crystal started as she tickled the pear and the painting opened up.

"Hot chocolate and cheddar cheese" Draco finished knowing her favorite snack in the whole world.

"Crystal your weird, why would you want Hot chocolate and cheddar cheese!" A young Draco cried as they sat in the garden waiting for the house elf to bring the snack they just ordered.

"I'm not the one wanting pickles and milk." Crystal teased right back at her best friend.

Both Draco and Crystal laughed as the same memories from childhood flashed through their minds.

"Let's just get our snack and go eat somewhere in peace." Crystal lightly glared ready to tease Draco at any given moment. But she didn't get too, instead she was bombarded by elves all over waiting for her words.

"What would the Misses Nott like?" One of the elves piped up who was wearing an odd arrangement even for a house elf. He didn't even dare look at Draco and only paid attention to Crystal.

"Dobby" Crystal smiled noticing how tense Draco was behind her. "The usual for both of us and we've been through this it's Crissy."

"Sorry, I is a bad Dobby. I will get your food right away." Dobby quickly bowed and commanded a couple of elves to help him prepare what they needed.

Draco surprisingly didn't say anything about the elf. He kept his mouth shut and instead ignored it all together. Though he was a bit surprised on how friendly Dobby was to Crystal. He couldn't help but wonder if she would come down here often. He wouldn't put it past her, she always talks to house elves as if they are regular human beings.

"Here's your food Misses Crissy." Dobby quickly arrived giving them there food.

"Thank you Dobby, I'll send my regards to Harry shall I?" Crystal questioned as she took her food.

"Oh thank you, Misses is too kind!" Dobby's eyes grew wider with admiration.

Crystal smiled warmly at the elf. "It's nothing, the least I could do since I'm not staying to chat with you guys tonight." She said while shrugging towards Draco. Dobby picked up right away and shooed them out at once.

"We's will get the plates later!" Dobby said reassuringly.

Crystal smiled and gave the elves a quick wave before she lead Draco into one of the dungeon classrooms that her, Fred, and George would often eat a snacks in after working hard on new products.

Crystal walked in with confidence as she cleared the room by flicking her wand to push the desks up against the wall. One more flick and she summoned a soft plush Gryffindor blanket and set it on the ground along with the food and drinks.

"Sit" She said while patting the ground waiting for Draco to join her.

"On a Gryffindor blanket?" Draco teased, but regardless he sat down across from her.

Crystal smiled happily as she took a quick drink with a smile. "It's a little dark isn't it?" She commented noting that the only light was the soft faint half-moon shinning in through the window in the front of the room.

Draco watched her as she peered out the grand window with a smile on her face. The moonlight falling on her skin was just perfect. She was beautiful. Every inch of her delicate soft skin, to the light blue twinkle in her eyes, he wanted to stay here forever just like this. He wanted nothing more than to make her happier than she already was. It was his turn to pull out his wand.

Crystal turned and watched him curiously as he wordlessly cast a spell. Before she knew it her mouth was hanging open in amazement as Draco summoned beautiful green orbs to light the air above them in the shape of a heart. Crystal's heart gave a tiny flutter as she shared in amazement at the lights then turned backed to Draco with a soft and warm smile.

"It's beautiful" She smiled and blinked suddenly. She felt that she didn't deserve this at all. He was being sweet and…being Draco. She never once wondered why Pansy cared for Draco so much. It wasn't hard to tell. Any girl would be lucky to have him, but Crystal couldn't explain why she didn't feel the same way. Maybe he was just too perfect to be true in her mind.

Draco just smiled at her reaction "Eat your cheese" He laughed and pushed her plate towards her.

"Only if you eat your pickles" Crystal reached forward and pushed his plate towards him.

"Crissy?" Draco looked up as he picked up a pickle.

"Yes Draco?" She questioned while she held her cup of hot chocolate up to her lips.

"We are so weird." He laughed before taking a bite of his pickle.

"Hardly, just for purebloods" Crystal shrugged.

"I wasn't aware you were a pureblood" He teased.

"Shut it." Crystal glared and took another sip of her hot chocolate. "This is my favorite classroom, you know." She said out of nowhere as she began to take in the room a bit more. "I come here to think."

"I've always told you, you worry too much." Draco smiled as they both sipped out of their cups with a smile to each other. All the while Draco couldn't help but think how much he valued her time and hoped it could stay like this for some time. His worse fear was that she would leave him for Longbottom, a Weasley twin, or worse Potter. But little did he know was that her heart was starting to stir…