Ok, first, sorry it's taken so long. I've kinda run out of ideas for this story. I know the ending, it's just getting there that seems to be a problem. Second, I'm glad you guys like the description of her apartment, that is my dream apartment. Third, this probably has a lot of spelling mistakes just because the stupid program I'm using right now doesn't actually have a very good spell check and I suck at spelling. So forgive the mistakes and enjoy...this is kind of a hit or miss chapter...I have no idea if it's any good or not, I just wanted to try and get a new chapter up. So if is sucks I'm very sorry. If I can get some ideas together for it hopefully it will be better next time!

Anyways, enjoy

It wasn't that they were doomed as a couple, no, in fact if they'd had half a chance they probably would have made it. Fate was not on their side that day, however. Their trouble was personified in the form of one Pansy, who was still reeling from Draco's rejection. She just happened to have been in the right place at the right time to witness Draco and Tauru's lunch outing. And she, being the obediant daughter she was, true to her pureblood stature, felt it her duty to inform Lucius of his son's errant behavior.

And so it was that when Draco arrived home that night, having spent the entire day enjoying the unusual black hair, blue eyed girl's company, he came face to face with his father.

"Draco." Lucius said in a pleasant manner, causing his son to be wary, though not alarming him in any way.

"Father." Draco replied.

"Where have you been all day?"

It was then that Draco knew his father had an excellent idea of where his son had been. Draco shrugged and said, "I was just doing some errands. I'm sorry I'm running a little late, I'll just run up to my room and clean up. I know the Zanbini's are going to be here within the hour."

He didn't get farther than the second step with he went flying backwards, his head slamming into the ground, pain shooting through his eyes. His vision thus impaired it took him a little bit to realize that his father had drawn his wand and was pointing it right at him.

"A few errands? Not only were you out with a filthy muggle, you dare to lie to me!How dare you lie to me!"

"Father, I-I'm sorry I-"

"You're sorry are you? I suppose it never occurred to you that people might see you. That our reputation would be compromised! All because you couldn't keep your affairs in private." with that he muttered the Cruciatus Curse on his son.

Draco, long used to this treatment, tried his best to keep from yelling out. He lost track of how long his father allowed the curse to continue but he was incredibly thankful when he was released from the horrible pain.

Lucius put his wand away and looked down on his son, saying, "I'm not saying you cannot use muggle women to satisfy your needs. A man has to do what a man has to do. I've done it myself. You do not, however, under any circumstances take those type of women out where people can see you."

He began walking towards his study, pausing before entering the room to say, "You had best hurry upstairs, our guest will be arriving in fifteen minutes. And Draco, if I ever hear of you being seen out with any muggle, especially that one...well, best not do it. There are worse things than simple curses, worse even than the Cruciatus."

Draco was gasping for breath as he tried to life himself off the floor. He heard the swish of fabric and was relieved when his mother came to help him up the stairs.

"He means well dear. He's just looking out for you, for your reputation." Narcissa said softly.

Draco looked at her, really looked at her. She'd been a truly beautiful woman once. She still was quite pretty. Time had changed her though, Lucius had changed her. She was no longer the confident woman of the pictures that lined the wall. She was no longer a creature who thought for herself, who expressed her one ideas and takes on situations. Instead, she was broken, completely under her husbands authority. She knew Lucius had no idea of the meaning of the words 'faithful' and 'fidelity' but still she loved him. And so she defended his every action, so she would until the day he killed her.

Draco nodded and said, "Yes, you're right. I should have been more careful."

Narcissa smiled and nodded, pleased that her son understood his errors. "Hurry and get ready dear, our guests will be arriving soon."

The blonde haired boy watched his mother leave. He got up and walked into his bathroom and looked into the mirror.

He wasn't about to give up on Taurus yet. They'd had fun together. Lunch had been magnificant. They'd talked and laughed and she'd actually cared about what he had to say, she didn't mock him or threaten to tell his father about the progressive ideas Draco thought. They'd spent hours, even after they'd finished eating, just talking about anything and everything.

He found out she didn't really know who her parents were, that she'd grown up in foster care and that she'd met Granger...err, Hermione...while living in one of the foster homes. He could tell it hadn't been easy for her, but he admired her courage and tenacity. She was building a life for herself despite some obvious set backs. It gave him hope that he would be able to do the same thing.

Afterwards they'd gone to a movie. Well, in reality they'd gone to the movie, sat in the back seats and talked and cracked jokes, annoying the other patrons to the point where they'd been asked to leave. She had a wicked sense of humor, almost as developed as his in the area of pranks. Following their expulsion from the movie theater they'd walked along the street markets, looking at the various wares people were selling. She'd gone crazy at the sight of the pets for sale in one of the pet stores. He would never admitt to anyone but the kitten had been cute. And he hadn't really minded when she'd made him hold the kitten while she held a bunny.

There had only been one problem with the day, something that was still bothering him. At one point during their walk she had gone very pale and had to sit down. She'd pressed her hand against her chest and whispered, "Not now, not now, please not now." When he'd asked if she was ok, did she need help, she'd looked up, smiled and said, "No, it will pass, it always does."

She hadn't wanted to talk about it but it made him nervous. Instinctivly he knew something was wrong. He just wished he knew what it was. He intended to find out though, and he would take care of the problem. He was a Malfoy, there was nothing he couldn't do.

He winced as he realized he'd better hurry or he would be late. He supposed there was one thing he couldn't do, take on his dad. Yet. But he was biding his time. If Taurus could overcome her obsticles then he could to. He could and he would, but first he had to get downstairs. He would enlist his friend's help. After all, what were friends for if not to help?