Disclaimer: I do not own Sailor Moon or Harry Potter.

Hogwarts Secret Scandal 24

Mina's False Love

Mina caught a cold on the next Hogsmeade Weekend. Though she was coughing, sneezing and aching, she dressed up ready to go. She stumbled into the common room like a drunkard.

"Mako…I'm geddy," she moaned.

"Mina!" Draco exclaimed as he hurried to her side. "You look horrible!"

Mina broke into tears. "W-what d-do you mean?"
"You still look beautiful," Draco said quickly, "but you don't look well." He put his palm to her forehead. "You're burning up!"

"It's begas I'm gif you, baby," Mina put her arms around her boyfriend. "You always burn me up…"

"You really are sick," Draco said, "I'm taking you to the hospital wing for some medicine."

"But I already gad some," Mina said groggily, shaking her bottle of pills or what she thought were pills.

"Mina, these are Berti Botts Every Flavor Beans!" Draco exclaimed.

"Really? I was bundering why dey taste like vomit…and goons." (prunes)

Draco put his arm around his girlfriend and lifted her arm up around his neck. "You're not well enough to go into Hogsmeade today. You need rest and a Pepperup Potion."

"No! I don't wanna go to the hospital wing!" Mina exclaimed. "We're supposed to double with Harry and Serena."

"I'm sure they'll understand," Draco said. "How'd you get sick anyway?"

"I don't know," said Mina.

"What did you do yesterday?"

"Quidditchg," she replied.

"Is that where you where?" Draco demanded. "Again? Mina, you practiced so hard you made yourself sick!"

"I don't want us to lose the Quidditch final," Mina stated.

"Your health is more important," said Draco. "You haven't been feeling all that well lately, I noticed. You don't eat as much as you used to. You really need to take care of yourself, Mina."

Mina frowned. It was true that she hadn't been eating much and she was practicing so hard in order to clear her mind. It didn't help much. She was just so upset that she felt like she was going to go crazy.

"I'm sorry, Draco," Mina said, "I just…don't know what to do anymore."

Draco pulled Mina to the hospital wing and set her down on the nearest bed. He explained Mina's illness to Madame Pomfrey and Madame Pomfrey started attending to Mina.

"What about our double date with Serena and Harry?" Mina asked Draco. "Oh, and I broke my music box! I need a new one."

"Don't worry, I'll take care of it," Draco said, standing up.

"Where you going?" Mina demanded, grabbing his arm. "Please don't leave me!"

"I was just going to meet Potter and Serena," said Draco, sitting back down. "They're probably in the entrance hall waiting for us right now."

"I'll go with you," said Mina and she tried sitting up.

"No!" said Draco and Madame Pomfrey.

"You can't go anywhere like this," Draco told his girlfriend.

"You went through all that trouble to make reservations," Mina said, "I'm so sorry, Draco."

"No need to apologize," said Draco, "I'll be right back, okay?"

"Promise?" Mina asked.

"I promise," Draco kissed Mina on the forehead and walked out of the hospital wing. His mind was thinking fast. He didn't want to leave Mina alone but he wanted some time to talk to Serena. He needed some relationship advice. What was a guy to do? When Draco got to the entrance hall, he found Harry and Serena.

"Where's Mina?" Serena inquired.

"Hospital Wing," Draco replied, "she's sick. I'm afraid she won't be able to join us."

"Oh, poor thing," Serena mumbled.

"Well, I guess we can do this another time when she's feeling better," said Harry.

"Potter, why don't you stay here with Mina?" Draco asked suddenly.

"What?" Harry asked.

"Seriously?" Serena said.

"Yeah," said Draco, rubbing his chin, "since I reserved that table in Three Broomsticks, I have to go and explain everything. And Serena hasn't seen Hogsmeade yet, has she?"

"No," said Serena, "I haven't."

"I'm sure it will really cheer Mina up if you keep her company," Draco insisted. "Serena and I can go get her some Chocolate Frogs. And she needed a new music box too."

"I think it's a great idea," Serena said, smiling brightly.

"But Serena, shouldn't you stay with her?" Harry asked. "She's your cousin."

Serena chuckled and put her arm around Harry's shoulder, a little hard and she pulled him down. "Idiot!" she hissed in his ear. "Now's your chance! You can ask her out!"

"Oh, sure," Harry said, blushing a little as he straightened up. "Sure, I'll stay with Mina."

Something was weird though. Why was Draco Malfoy asking Harry a favor? Was he on to him?

"Cheers, Potter," said Draco, squeezing Harry's shoulder. "It'll mean the world to Mina."

"Not a problem," said Harry, "see ya, Serena."

"Bye, Harry," Serena said, waving at Harry as he walked out of the entrance hall and turned the corner.

"Shall we, Serena?" Draco asked, gesturing to the door.

"Yup, let's go!" Serena said.

Mina sat up as Harry entered the Hospital Wing. She wasn't expecting Harry to come. Where was Draco? Didn't he say he'd be right back?

"H-Harry?"

"Hi, Mina," Harry said, smiling. He sat down next to her. "How you feeling?"

"Fine," she replied, "what are you doing here? Where's Draco?"

"Oh, he went with Serena to Hogsmeade," Harry explained. "He had to show up for those reservations he made."

"Right," Mina said, still in surprise. "Why didn't you go with them?"

"Malfoy didn't want you to be alone," Harry answered, "So he asked me to keep you company."

"Draco asked you to keep me company?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.

"Yeah," said Harry with a nod. "I was surprised too but you know, we're getting along better now."

"That's true," said Mina, rubbing her forehead. "Sorry you had to see me like this…I feel so bad. I must look it too."

"For someone with a cold," Harry said, "you look really beautiful."

Mina stared in disbelief. Did Harry Potter just call her beautiful? What surprised her even more was that Harry leaned forward to take her hand. Mina looked down at their clasped hands. She felt a wave of happiness inside of her. Harry was sitting at her bedside holding her hand. Could life be any more perfect?

Serena rather enjoyed visiting the shops with Draco. He bought her everything she wanted and she the looks everyone gave her and Draco made her laugh.

"They think we're dating," said Serena.

"Let them," said Draco.

"Thank you for buying me new parchment, Draco," Serena said, looking at her bag of stuff. "But you really didn't have to."

"It's no problem," Draco said softly, pulling out his pocket watch. "Our lunch arrangement is in fifteen minutes. Let's go."

"Good, I'm starving!" Serena exclaimed.

Draco led Serena to the Three Broomsticks, opened the door for her and approached the bar. Serena hung back to look at the dining room. She saw Neville and Luna sitting in a booth together. Serena smiled to herself. Where those two going out yet? Serena made a note to grill her cousin about it later and if she couldn't get anything out of Luna, she'll talk to Neville.

"Serena," said Draco, coming up and taking her arm, "our table's this way."

"They still let us have it even though there are only two of us?" Serena asked.

"Yeah," Draco replied, "It was no problem."

Luna watched Draco and Serena pass through to a private dining room. She choked on her gillywater and dropped it.

"Luna!" Neville exclaimed, grabbing a napkin and handing it to her. "Are you okay?"

Luna pressed the napkin to muffle her hacking and she pointed at Serena and Draco. Neville turned to see what she was pointing at and he looked back at Luna.

"Isn't that your cousin with Draco Malfoy?" he inquired.

Luna nodded.

"But isn't your sister dating Draco?"
Luna nodded again.

Neville glanced back over his shoulder Serena and Draco were now in the private room for their meal. "Why are they with each other?"

Luna wiped her mouth and dabbed her hands. "I don't know," she said in a small voice. "I thought Serena hated him."

Draco didn't say much during the meal and Serena couldn't help but be concerned.

"Draco, don't tell me you're starting to feel sick too," she said.

"No, I'm fine," he lied.

"Are you disappointed that Mina couldn't be here?"

"Yeah, she was really looking forward to this," Draco said as he picked at his lunch. "But somehow, it worked out for the best. Mina getting sick I mean."

"How come?" Serena asked.

"So Mina can be with Potter," Draco answered. "I wanted to talk to you about something. Mina really hasn't been herself lately."

"Yeah, I've noticed it," Serena stated. "I think her attitude changed when she found out that Harry and I was dating."

"She's been really clingy," Draco said, "and emotional. She spends hours outside playing Quidditch by herself."

"Mina's always loved Quidditch," Serena said with a shrug. "She's just preparing for the next game, that's all."

"It's more than just practice," Draco said, "She's trying to cover up the pain."

"What pain?"

"Don't you get it?" Draco asked. "She's upset about you and Potter. She practices all the time so she could get rid of all her bad feelings."

"She's told you this?"

"No, but I can tell," said Draco, "I've been watching her. Mina thinks all she's got is me and Quidditch. Everyone in school knows that she's crazy about Harry Potter."

Serena frowned. "I didn't mean to make her upset. Harry and I only started dating to well, make her jealous."

"I think you succeeded," said Draco, "but Mina's cloning to me more than she ever has. It worries me. I can't make her happy anymore."

"What do you mean?" Serena inquired.

"I'm in love with someone else," Draco replied, looking at Serena over his glass.

Serena swallowed and turned red. She couldn't' speak. Draco was coming onto her again. Draco set down his glass and propped his elbows on the table.

"I do love Mina," Draco admitted, "she's beautiful and a great Quidditch player but I can't be with her if when I've got someone else on my mind all the time. I can't stand it…I don't want to break Mina's heart but I want to be the one I really love."

"D-Draco," Serena mumbled, "I—I'm flattered but…I…I should get going now."

"What?"

Serena slowly stood from the table. She had to leave before Draco asked her out.

"Wait," said Draco.

"I'm sorry, but it just won't work between us," Serena said. "I can't just go out with you after you dump Mina."

"What are you talking about?" Draco asked, rising to his feet and grabbing Serena's arm. "You're not who I'm in love with!"

"Yeah you—you're not?" Serena said. "Who then?"

"I…really can't say."

"Don't tell me it's Pansy Parkinson!" Serena yelled.

Draco looked insulted. "I wouldn't leave Mina for Pansy Parkinson! The one I'm really in love with is…is…Lavra Molniya from Durmstrang!"

"Wait," Serena said, "I know her. She participated in the singles ice skating event. We spent Christmas morning together."

"Yeah," Draco said, sitting back down. "Mina told me about that. I wish she brought me along."

"How long have you had these feelings for Lavra?" Serena inquired.

"For a while now," Draco replied. "I became pen pals with her because I knew of her wand making business. I met her at Durmstrang during the ice skating practice and I asked her to test my wand. She knew a lot about my wand just by looking at it."

"Yeah she's pretty good," Serena agreed, smiling as she sat back down. "She was able to tell how old the wood was for my wand and everything!"

"Our wands are brothers," Draco said, "and I guess that's when we hit things off."

"How does Lavra feel about you?" Serena asked.

"I'm not sure," Draco sighed, "but I like to think she feels the same way. We've been writing to each other a lot. I even sent her a box of chocolate for Valentines Day."

"You think that was a smart idea?" Serena inquired.

"Maybe not," Draco groaned, putting his head on his fist. "But I just had to send her something. She thanked me for them."

"That's a good sign," Serena stated.

"I just don't know how long I can continue dating Mina while having these feelings for Lavra. Now I know how Mina feels, dating me when she's in love with Potter."

Serena nodded for Draco to continue. She was glad he was telling her this.

"I really didn't care that she was crushing on Potter," Draco said, "I guess I liked the challenge of trying to make her love me than Potter, not to mention, it made Potter jealous. But now, as much as I love Mina, I want to be with Lavra."

"Is this why you asked Harry to stay with Mina?" Serena asked. "So you could get me alone?"

"Yeah," Draco answered, "I needed some advice and I needed to talk to someone who knew Mina better than me. I can't get near to Luna without her hexing me so I thought I could talk to you."

"I'm glad you told me this," Serena said.

"I'm glad you listened to me," Draco said, "I honestly didn't know else who to talk to. What should I do, Serena?"

"You know Mina's not happy with you," Serena said, "and you're not happy with her. Not as happy as you can be, anyway. So there's only one thing you can do. You have to let her go."

Draco sighed. "That's what I was afraid of…but I just don't know if I can bring myself to do it."

"It's the only way she can be with Harry and you can be with Lavra," Serena explained, "you can't both stay in this relationship if it's not what you really want. You have to do it quickly. The longer you wait, the harder it will be."

"I can't do it now," Draco shouted in a whisper. "Mina's sick. If I break up with her now, it might kill her!"

"You can't put it off, Draco," Serena said simply.

"Our one year anniversary is coming up," Draco said, "I don't even think she's had a relationship that lasted this long."

"Wait, that's it," Serena said, "you can do it then. You can have a special dinner for your one year anniversary and you can break up with her."

"Break up with her on our first year anniversary?" Draco asked. "That's cold…even for me."

"You can tell her how much you liked this one year together," Serena said, "tell her about all the good times you had and then just tell her you can't spend anymore years with her. Tell her that there's someone else that can make her happier. We both know Mina doesn't have the courage to break up with you so you've got to be the one to do it."

"But she means so much to me," said Draco, "she's really made an impression me. I'm a different person because of her."

Serena smiled. She was impressed with Draco's new attitude. Mina must've really changed all of her boyfriends in one way or another. She leaned forward. "Then tell her. Tell her how much you're grateful for helping you change. I don't think breaking up with her will turn you back to the old Draco, will it?"

Draco shook his head. "No, I don't want to go back."

"You have to let her go, Draco," Serena told him. "You're holding her back from the guy she really wants to be with. She'll get over the break up, don't worry. She's stronger than you think."

"Yes, I know," Draco said with a sigh.

"Besides, it's better for you to break up with her," Serena said with a sly grin, "if she dumped you, think what that would do to your ego."

"Yeah, you've got a point," Draco agreed. "All right, I'll break up with her on our anniversary…it's a couple weeks away. But I don't know where we can have it."

"Hmm," Serena put her hand to her mouth and thought for a moment. A brilliant idea came to her mind and she clapped her hands in excitement. "I know! The Room of Requirement. It can be whatever you want."

"Oh yeah, I've heard of that place," Draco said, "That's where Potter had his secret club."

"You won't have to worry about anyone bothering you there," Serena told him.

"Okay…I'll do it," Draco said, "I don't know how, but I'll find a way."

"Good luck," Serena said.

"Thanks, Serena," Draco said, "for everything."

Serena visited Mina in the hospital wing the next day. She was doing a little bit better.

"Harry visited me yesterday," Mina said, "did you hear?"

"Yeah, I was with him when Draco asked him to see you," Serena replied, "It was good of Draco to ask one of us to stay with you. I'm surprised he asked Harry."

"Me too. I'm so lucky to have Draco," Mina said, "he's the best. You know, our one year anniversary is coming up."

"Really?" Serena said, pretending to be surprised. "You've been together that long, huh?"

"We must really click," Mina said, "I've never been in a relationship that lasted this long. The longest relationship I had was only nine months. Guys usually just want to stay with me during the school year."

"You and Draco have anything planned for your one year anniversary?" Serena inquired.

"Yeah, Draco said it's a surprise," Mina replied. "I wonder what he's thinking…"

"Mina, are you really happy with Draco?" Serena asked her cousin.

"What do you mean?" Mina demanded. "Of course I'm happy. Draco makes me happy."

"Are you as happy now as you where when you started dating him?" Serena inquired.

"Happier," Mina lied.

"I see," Serena said softly, "what about when Harry visited you yesterday? How did you feel?"

"It was just nice that he visited me," Mina asked. "We talked about school and Quidditch. It was no big deal."

"Oh, so are you over your big crush now?" Serena asked.

"Of course I am," Mina retorted. "I have to be, don't I? You're dating him now."

Serena crossed her arms. "Hey, if you still have feelings for him, it won't bother me. Harry and I aren't all that serious."

Mina stared at her blanket for awhile. "Okay, I guess I still have a thing for him but it doesn't matter. Harry's never going to ask me out."

"He can't ask you out if you're dating Draco," Serena said, "maybe you should break up with him. You and Harry can't be together until you and Draco break up."

"I can't break up with Draco!" Mina exclaimed, grasping her blanket and twisting to her cousin. "I love Draco! Even if I break up with him, you can't guarantee that Harry will ask me out, especially if he's dating you!"

"I'm sorry," Serena whispered.

"Draco is good to me," Mina said, "I know you don't like him but he really is good to me."

"I'm glad he makes you happy," Serena said, "but don't you still wish you could be Harry's girl?

Mina sighed. "Yeah…but it's never gonna happen. After my failed relationship with Seamus Finnegan, I learned that I can't go out Gryffindors after that."

"Don't let one bad relationship scare you from what you really want, Mina," Serena scolded. "You're just scared and stubborn. If you're going to keep that attitude, Harry may never like you."

Serena stood up, wished "get well," to her cousin and left her alone. Mina frowned and looked at the window. Maybe Serena was right. Mina's relationship with Draco wasn't going anywhere. Maybe the best thing for them was to break up. Still, Mina still loved Draco and she just didn't want to let go of him. He was the best boyfriend she ever had. But could Harry be a better boyfriend? Could he love her more than Draco ever did? Even if it was for the best, Draco would have to do the breaking up. Mina wouldn't be able to bring herself to do it.

"How'd your talk go with Mina?" Harry asked Serena when she walked into the common room.

"Not good," Serena replied, "she doesn't want to break up with Draco."

"But didn't Malfoy say he was going to?"

"Yeah," Serena answered as she sat down next to him at the table. "But I don't know if he'll go through with it. He seemed kind of reluctant. Besides, I thought if I kind of talked Mina into it, she'd prepared for the breakup. Pretending to go out wasn't such a good idea. It made her cling to Draco more."

"Maybe, maybe not," said Harry, "I think it caused her to wake up a little."

Serena leaned forward with her head into her hands, sighing. A thought came to mind as she smoothed her fingers down her hair and sat up again.

"Harry, do you really like Mina?" Serena questioned him.

"What?" Harry asked with a slight chuckle.

"You like Mina?" Serena repeated sternly. "I mean, really like her?"

"Sure I do," Harry answered.

"She's totally in love with you," Serena said, "I can tell. When you came to see her yesterday, it really meant a lot to her but she didn't want to let on about it. Mina told me that Draco's really good to her and makes her happy. I wonder if breaking them up is worth it. Draco told me he loved her."

"Hey, hold on," Harry said, twisting in his seat, "you said that Malfoy was wrong for your cousin."

"Well, I guess I was wrong about Draco," Serena admitted. "You didn't see him. He was really upset about their relationship. He's concerned about her."

"But didn't Malfoy tell you he's got feelings for someone else?" Harry inquired. "That girl from Durmstrang."

"Yeah, that's right," Serena confirmed, "Draco doesn't think he continue dating Mina while he's got feelings for Lavra."

"Exactly," Harry said, "he's got to break up with her. He can't stay with her while dating Mina."

"But Mina's been in love with you since day one," Serena said, "and she's been dating guy after guy!"

"Mina's probably better at burying her feelings," Harry said, "but Malfoy can't. He's never been in this situation before. He doesn't know what to do. Mina's been dating all those guys to try to fill up that void. But as long as she's got me on my mind, no other guy can fill it but me."

What Harry said struck a chord in Serena. It made sense. Mina still had a thing for Harry and she wouldn't be happy until she told him how she felt.

"So, what do you think we should do?" Serena asked.

"I've got an idea," Harry said, "we break up."

"You think that'd work?" Serena inquired.

"Best plan we've got," Harry said, "if Malfoy breaks up with Mina and we're still dating, she'll be alone and she doesn't feel like she'll be able to come to me, will she?"

"Good point," said Serena, "but I think we should do it when Draco and Mina around. I don't think she'd believe it if one of us told her."

"Yeah," Harry said, "and we've got to make it believable but dramatic."

"I know," Serena said.

They sat there stroking their chins coming up with a plan. Seconds later, they grinned and looked at each other.

"Fight in the middle of The Great Hall!" they said together. They gasped then laughed that they said it at the same time. "Brilliant!"

Serena and Harry went over their break up plan until it was solid and believable. They had to wait until Mina was released from the hospital wing a couple days later. When she came into the great hall accompanied by Draco, Serena turned to Harry.

"Mina just walked in," she said, "should we do it now?"

"Ready when you are," Harry said.

"I'm ready."

Harry reached for his pumpkin juice and knocked it over. The juice spilled lover Serena's breakfast and down into her lap.

"Harry, you idiot!" Serena shouted, jumping to her feet. "I was going to eat that!"

"I'm sorry, I'll fix it," Harry said, pointing his wand at the mess. Instead, he must made another one.

"Stop!" Serena stepped back and glared at her fake boyfriend. "Look what you did!"

"It was an accident!" Harry said. "You shouldn't have had your plate so close to my drink anyway!"

"Oh, so it's my fault that my own breakfast got wet?"

"Yeah!" Harry yelled, getting in her face. "You shouldn't be blaming people for your own stupid mistakes!"

"Oh, so now I'm stupid?"

"Well, you said it," Harry muttered, folding his arms.

"Oooh!" Serena groaned, clenching her fists. "You're unbelievable! I don't know how I can stand you! You never do anything special for me!"

"That's not true!"

"Yeah-huh!" Serena argued. "What about Valentines Day? You didn't get me anything!"

"You didn't get me anything either!" Harry cried.

"I thought you said you didn't want anything!"

"I said no such thing!" Harry shouted.

"Hey, can you have your lover's spat somewhere else?" Ron asked Harry.

Harry laughed. "Oh please, Serena's not my lover!"

"Are you saying you don't love me?" Serena asked.

"Well…no," said Harry.

"But you're my boyfriend!" Serena sobbed into her hands. "You're supposed to love me!"

"Oh don't start crying," Harry groaned. "Just because I'm your boyfriend doesn't mean I'm entitled to love you."

"Oooh, you're a jerk!"

Over at the Slytherin table Mina was twisting her napkin looking from her cousin to her crush. She didn't know quite how to feel. They were having a fight right in the middle of the great Hall. Everyone was staring at them.

"This relationship is over!" Harry shouted.

"You're breaking up with me?"

"Yeah, and you're off the Quidditch team!"

"You can't do that!" Serena exclaimed, looking scandalized.

"I'm the Captain," Harry said smugly, pointing at his badge, "so I can. Your form is horrible! Quodpot is not the same as Quidditch, Serena!"

"Fine," Serena said, "I never liked Quidditch anyway. I keep getting hit with those stupid Bludgers!"

"Well, if you just learned how to dodge them," Harry yelled, "then you wouldn't get hurt, now would you?"

"Hey, I did make great scores, you know."

"Yeah," said Harry, "because you like throwing things at people. You really have to be more careful about throwing things you know," he lowered his voice and put his hand by his mouth, "unless you want to spend more detention with your boyfriend."

Serena's fake anger went serious. Serena flew to Harry and grabbed the collar of his shirt. His eyes widened in surprise.

"You went too far with that one," Serena hissed threateningly.

"S-sorry," Harry mumbled, "it just slipped through."

Serena released Harry and stepped back. "We're through, buster!"

Serena turned on her heel and walked out of the doors, nearly colliding with Professor Shields.

"Serena--,' he began but he was cut off when she shouted, "SHUT UP!"

Professor Shields glanced back at her and then at the deadly quiet Great Hall. "What just happened here?"

No one told the professor but went back eating as if nothing happened. Harry remained standing at the same spot. Darien spotted him standing there and believing he had something to do with Serena's behavior, walked over to the Gryffindor Captain.

"Potter, what happened? Why is S—White upset?"

Harry was still in shock over Serena's scary attitude. He opened his mouth but nothing came out.

"Serena and Harry just broke up," Ron answered for Harry.

Harry and Darien both looked at Ron but with different expressions. Harry was nervous and Shields look like he was ecstatic. Darien looked back at Harry.

"Is this true, Potter?" Shields asked.

Harry nodded and tried to say something. "It just…"

Shields waved his hand. "You don't need to explain. Some people just aren't supposed to be together."

"Yeah, I guess so," said Harry and for a moment, he felt as if Shields was going to give him more detention.

"Sorry it didn't work out between you two," Darien said over his shoulder as he walked up to the staff table. He felt so relieved. Finally, Serena and Harry were no longer together. This mad his chances better. Wait, what was he thinking? He was a teacher and Serena was a student! He shouldn't have any chances with her! Should he?

Serena didn't talk to Harry for the rest of the day. She was furious with him for that remark about Darien being her boyfriend. That wasn't part of the plan! It was very uncomfortable for her to sit through Defense Against the Dark Arts that day. She sat away from Harry and Darien kept looking at her during the lesson. Had he heard that remark? When the class ended, Harry hurried to Serena's desk.

"Serena," he began.

"I'm not talking to you!" Serena snapped.

"Oh come on, Serena!" Harry said desperately, "I'm sorry!"

It's a shame they broke up," Lavender said to Parvarti. "They were a cute couple

"Yeah right," Darien muttered, loud enough for Lavender and Parvarti to hear.

"Professor?" Parvarti inquired.

Darien gasped. "Er, you should hurry to your next class."

Darien turned his back and began detailing the things on his desk. Serena and Harry were still bickering.

"Go away," Serena said, pulling her bag up on her shoulder. "We broke up remember?"

"Yeah but we can still be friends, can't we?" Harry questioned.

"That was low even for a friend!" Serena barked over her shoulder as she left the room.

"Serena, wait!" Harry yelled. "I'm sorry! I didn't mean to say all that rubbish! You can stay on the Quidditch team!"

Harry hurried out of the room calling for her. Darien was trying to stifle his laughter until all of the students left the room. When the room was clear, he took the time to express his happiness.

"YES!" Darien shouted, swirling around and high fiving his vampire skeleton.

Darien high fived the vampire skeleton so hard that the hand fell off, causing the rest of the skeleton to fall apart. "Oh no! I'm so sorry!"

The day of Draco and Mina's anniversary arrived. Draco prepared himself of what he was going to say and how he was going to say it. What he was having trouble preparing himself for was Mina's reaction. He was certain that she was going to sob. Instead of having dinner in the Great Hall with the rest of the students, they had dinner in the Room of Requirement, just the two of them. They both thought of a romantic spot to have a dinner and when they entered the room, they found a moonlit balcony. In the middle of the room stood a white table with matching chairs.

"Wow!" Mina exclaimed as she walked in. "We should've come here sooner, Dracikins!"

"Yes, you can thank Serena," said Draco, "she helped me come up with a spot."

"Ahh, so that's why you and Serena went to Hogsmeade that day!" Mina teased, spinning around to look at him.. "You were asking for advice!"

"Yeah."

"I'm so glad that you two are getting along," Mina said.

"Me too," said Draco, "hey, let's eat."

"Sounds good to me."

Draco motioned to the table, pulled the seat back for her and helped her sit down. As he bent down, he got a good whiff of her hair. "You smell nice, Mina."

"Oh, Draco…"

Draco kissed Mina's cheek and sat down.

While they ate a nice salmon dinner they talked about their relationship, how they got together and what they thought about each other before they started dating. After their dinner and their chat, Draco felt that it was time to break the news to Mina.

"Mina," began edgily, "we—uh—been together for a whole year now."

"And a wonderful year it's been, Draco," Mina said, leaning forward.

"Yes, we have a lot of good memories," Draco said, "I'm afraid we can't make anymore to together.""

Mina gave a small smile. "What are you talking about?"

"Mina, listen," he took her hands in his and gave them a squeeze. He had to get it out. "I love you and I'll always love you but we can no longer be together."

"Y-you're breaking up with me?" Mina asked softly, her small faltering. "But Draco…"

"I' sorry," said Draco, "I can only imagine how you're feeling right now but try to understand, I don't want to hurt you."

"Oh, where have I heard that one before!" Mina demanded, pulling her hand from Draco's grasp and standing up. "I've heard it all. Why does this keep happening to me? Why can't I keep a boyfriend? I must be cursed!"

"You're not cursed," Draco said, "you just had unlucky relationships."

Mina didn't seem to hear him. She put her hand on the wall and let her tears fall. "It happens all the time! I thought you'd be different, Draco! I just want someone to love me but you couldn't do that!"

"I do love you!" Draco exclaimed, getting up and walking to her. He took her by the shoulder and turned her around. "I love you but we both know you're still in love with Harry Potter! That's why you've had so many relationships. You couldn't see other guys while having these unsolved feelings for Potter. I'm breaking up with you so you can finally be with him."

"He doesn't want me," Mina murmured, "no one wants to be with me!"

"You just think he doesn't because Seamus Finnegan broke up with you," said Draco, "you think no one from Gryffindor wants to be with you after that. This is your chance to prove him wrong!"

Mina gasped and stared up at him. "S-seriously?"

"Yes," Draco said with a nod. "You're beautiful, Mina. You're smart; you're funny and a great Quidditch player. You deserve the best."

"Oh, Draco…"

"You shouldn't have to settle for me," Draco said, "for second best. Harry Potter is the best to you and you can have him. I see the way you look at him. You never look at me that way."

"But, I'm afraid he'll turn me down."

"Come on, give Potter a little credit," Draco insisted. "Just tell him how you feel. He probably feels the same way about you."

Mina sighed. "Okay, I'll tell him."

"That's my girl," Draco said.

Mina smiled and gazed up at Draco. "Thank you, Draco. But what about you? I don't want you to be lonely."

"Hey, don't worry about me," said Draco, "I'll be fine." He put his hand on Mina's shoulder. "Potter is probably at dinner still. If you can hurry, you can catch him."

Mina smiled widely and hugged Draco in thanks. When she released him, Draco gave her a slight push out of the door.

"Good luck," he said,

Mina found Harry just as he was leaving the Great Hall.

"Harry!" she shouted.

"Mina?"

"Harry!" Mina threw herself against him. "Harry, I love you! I've always loved you!"

Harry looked down at Mina's head. He knew Mina had a thing for him but when he heard her finally confessing her feelings it was like he was learning it for the very first time. He couldn't' believe it. Draco had actually broken up with Mina.

"You do?"

"Yes," Mina said, lifting her tear-filled eyes up at him. "Ever since our first year.
"What about Malfoy?" Harry inquired.

"He broke up with me," said Mina.

"I'm sorry," said Harry.

"No, it's okay," Mina shook her head, smiling through her tears. "If it weren't for him, I wouldn't be able to tell you how I felt. I'm sorry it took this long."

"That's okay, Mina," Harry put his arm around her. "Come on; let's go someplace where we could be alone."

They found an empty classroom and they talked a little more about what they thought about each other. To Mina's surprise and joy, Harry kissed her and asked her out.

"I wouldn't want anything more!" Mina exclaimed, throwing her arms around Harry and kissing him back.

Finally, Mina had gotten the boy she had her eye on for years. Life was going to get better for now on.

To Be Continued