Nichole jumped back from Chris at the same time Blake reached forwards and grabbed a hold of Chris' shirt, pulling him towards him and pressing his face nearly right up against his. Chris gulped as Blake's eyes met his, his mouth lifted into a snarl so that spittle was coming out of it. But that wasn't what surprised Nichole the most- Blake had his wand drawn and pointed under Chris' chin, threateningly.

"Blake, stop!" Nichole cried quickly recovering from the shock of Blake interrupting them. "What are you doing?"

"I thought I would be okay with letting you go," Blake snarled without taking his eyes off the other guy. "I thought by telling you to choose the muggle you'd see that I was really the right choice for you! I thought-."

"This isn't doing you any favors, Blake," Nichole insisted. "Don't hurt him, Blake, please."

It took Blake another minute of staring at Chris eye-to-eye before Blake let go of his shirt, shoved him backwards, and lowered his wand. Slowly he moved his gaze to Nichole. "You really chose him?"

"I-."

"Mystique was right, we shouldn't associate ourselves with Muggle filth. C'mon," he muttered turning back to walk into Nichole's place. "We should go."

Nichole hadn't even noticed Gabe and Bianca were still present and didn't have the chance to say anything as the three went to the fireplace and each grabbed some floo powder. "Don't go," Nichole begged rushing into the apartment, but too late. Blake tossed his powder in and called out his house, before disappearing into the green flames.

"Whoa." Chris had entered beside Nichole and stared at the fireplace in amazement as Gabe and Bianca both followed, leaving Nichole standing there with tears streaming down her face. She had never been one to cry, not over something stupid like a fight with her friends but this was different- she felt as if she was losing them. "It'll be okay, Cole."

She turned those glassy eyes on him and shook her head. "You don't understand Chris. They- they aren't like me. They're pure bloods, the lot of 'em. They've been raised to believe that muggle blood is dirty and worthless- and after what just happened I don't think Blake will ever forgive me or see me the same ever again."

Chris let out a breath and reached his arm around her, pulling her in for a hug as her tears began to soak his shirt. "If he can't get past this and see what an amazing young woman you are- than, Cole, he doesn't deserve you. None of them do."

"Easy for you to say," She sniffled pulling away. "You don't have to go to school with them. They're in my house- we all live together, Chris. We see each other every day, take classes together, eat together- I can't simply avoid them."

"That's tough," Chris agreed. He leaned down a pressed a soft kiss to the top of Nichole's head, and- she didn't mind. In fact, it caused a small tingle to go through her body. "And you don't have any other friends at school?"

Now Nichole laughed humorlessly. "You don't get it, Chris. I'm a Slytherin." Chris' face was blank and she sighed, knowing she'd have to explain. "There are four houses at Hogwarts- Gryffindor- the brave and noble house, Hufflepuff- the helpful and accepting house, Ravenclaw- the intelligent and creative house, and Slytherin- the cunning and ambitious house. However, Slytherin has always been known for producing dark wizards. Evil wizards," she emphasized when Chris continued to stare at her blankly. "Nearly every bad guy that has ever come into the world has come from Slytherin house. Our reputation continues to proceed us."

"But you're not evil, Cole," Chris stated easily. "So not everyone in Slytherin can be bad, right?"

"That's true," she stated, "but the rest of the school doesn't see us that way. My friends are all I have at school."

"Well that's not technically true." Nichole jumped as her mothers voice echoed throughout the room. Chris froze, his arms still around Nichole and together they turned to the bedrooms where Hermione was standing watching the couple. Her mouth was drawn in a frown. "Not only do you have your father at school but you also have Teddy and Victoire."

"Mom they hate me."

"Teddy has only ever tried to be kind to you, Nichole," Hermione stated firmly. "You just discriminate against him because he's a Gryffindor. Have you forgotten your own mother came from the house of the lion?" She raised her eye brow challengingly at Nichole then smiled softly. "But it doesn't matter, Nichole, because you have friends who love you. They're just feeling confused, hurt, and betrayed right now. They need to know that you still care."

"I can't see them right now mom," Nichole sighed and finally stepped away from Chris' embrace. "I think I need some time to think about everything. I'll talk to them when I go back to school."

"That's still a week away," Hermione pointed out.

"I know. But that also means I only have another week to spend with Mama, and I'd love to see her again, if that's okay with you."

"Of course it is," Hermione said easily. She looked at Chris. "I'm afraid Christopher wouldn't be welcome though- you know how the Malfoy family can be."

Nichole nodded and turned to look at Chris. "I'm sorry to leave things so uncertain, Chris, but I just need time. Okay?"

"It's okay, I get it." Her leaned down to kiss her forehead but stopped, eyes flickering to Hermione before leaning up and stepped back towards the door. "I'll, uh, I'll just get going. Text me later?" When Nichole nodded he lifted his hand in a wave, turning and rushing out of the flat, door slamming behind him.

Hermione couldn't help the laugh that escaped. "That boy has it bad for you, Nichole."

Nichole sighed and nodded, "I know. What do I do, mum? Blake and Chris both love me but- I don't want to hurt either one of them by choosing the other."

Hermione walked over to her daughter and embraced her in a hug. "Sometimes we need to listen to our heart more than our heads. Our head will always try and make everyone happy, but our heart knows what's best."

"What if my choice means I lose someone?" Nichole whispered, tears in her eyes again.

It killed Hermione to see her daughter so vulnerable. Nichole had always been strong, tough, and stubborn. She held her daughter close again. "You'll never be happy if you're always worrying about what everyone else is feeling. You matter too, Nichole, your happiness should come first."

"So what do I do?"

"I can't tell you that," Hermione leaned back so she could look at her daughters face. Her own eyes swam with tears. "It's a choice only you can make. But no matter what you do choose," Hermione said staring her daughter in the eyes- the eyes so much her fathers. She smiled softly, "everything will be okay. I promise you."

Winter break quickly came to an end. Nichole used her extra time away from her friends completely her holiday homework at Malfoy Manor, with the help of Mama and- although she couldn't tell anyone- Draco.

She had spent a lot of time thinking and feeling, trying to decide what it was she truly wanted. Her heart ached for both boys, but there was only one who made her feel complete in the way she knew she deserved, and that was Chris. She had known him since she was a little kid, always there along with Amanda, the three musketeers. Nichole never imagined she'd meet friends who meant as much to her as they did- then she went to Hogwarts.

Rooming with two other girls it's almost inevitable to become friends, and so it didn't take long for Mystique and Bianca to become her best friends. However regardless of how long she was away from home, her heart always laid there, with Chris and Amanda. Sometimes the Slytherins made her feel like she didn't belong, at times she felt like an outsider, like the sorting hat must have made a mistake when it chose her house- but Chris and Amanda never made her feel that way. They'd always accepted her, just the way she was. Witch, magic, and all. She couldn't say the same for her slippery peers.

At the same time, she knew exactly why her friends were upset with her. She'd lied to them, she swore that her muggle friends had no idea that she was magic- she'd betrayed them. She didn't blame them for being angry, but she hoped they could get past it.

Then there was Blake. She's always liked him, and he made her feel safe and protected- but there's always been a piece of her that has wondered just how bothered he was of the fact that she was a half blood. Blake was a Zabini and, like the Malfoy's, they prided themselves on the purity of their family line. What would his mother say if he brought her home? What would his brother say when he discovered she was 'the mudbloods bitch' (she's heard the phrase before, often from the mouths of purebloods)- and how would Blake respond to such filth coming from their mouths? She didn't truly want to find out.

With a breath Nichole knocked on Chris and Amanda's door and waited, twisting her hands together in front of her until the door opened. Amanda stood there, smiled, and grabbed her arm, wrenching her in. "I knew it!" Amanda cried happily. "You chose Chris, didn't you?"

"Uh, where is he?" Nichole asked looking around the flat.

"In his room."

"I don't have much time." Nichole glanced at her phone. "I have to leave in half an hour to go back to school." Chris' bedroom door opened and he popped his head out, a curious expression on his face which soon morphed into one of happiness as he spotted Nichole standing there. He strolled out of his room and into the living room, joining the duo. "Hi."

"Hey."

There was a pause and Amanda glanced between the two before stepping backwards. "I'll be in my room. Have a good term. See you in June?"

"Yeah, see you." Once Amanda left Nichole gestured to the couch, inviting Chris to sit down. They sat, side by side but leaving some space between them. Nichole took a breath and angled her body towards him, better to communicate. "I've been doing a lot of thinking and- Chris, you're the only one who was always been there for me. You've accepted me for everything that I am despite the fact that I lied to you about being a witch for- well, years! You didn't get angry and storm out, you took the news with ease and acceptance. There is nobody I'd rather have in my life than you."

"Does this mean you choose me?" he asked his voice quiet, hesitant.

Nichole let out a breath and nodded, "but I only have one condition- wait for me. I'm leaving for school and I don't think I can have a relationship right now- not a long distance one anyways. If you're willing to wait for me to return until June we can take the time to truly start this relationship when I come home."

"I hate to ask this-." Chris paused, then plowed on. "But do you plan on seeing anyone while you're away?"

"What?" Nichole's eyes widened in shock as his words reached her. "Of course not! Chris- I can't believe you'd even suggest such a thing."

"I just-."

"I love you Chris." Nichole finally said interrupting him. "I love you, but I don't think you realize how difficult it would be for you to communicate with me while I'm at school and I don't want to tie you down to that. But- if there's something important you want to share with me, simply slide a sealed note under my mothers door with my name on it and she will send it with my owl. I'll do the same if I respond. It's not ideal, but at least we can stay in contact."

"Owl?" Chris asked, because really that was the strangest thing of all.

Nichole smiled, "that's how we communicate in the wizarding world." She pulled her phone put and sighed as she saw the time. "I've gotta go. June will be here before we know it, okay? I promise."

Chris nodded, hesitated a moment, then leaned in to capture Nichole's mouth in a deep kiss. She gasped as his tongue touched her, their mouths parting open, and hands reaching up to each others hair, pulling the other as closely as they could. He tasted like chocolate and Nichole could only guess he'd been having a snack in his room when she arrived.

Finally they broke apart and Nichole sighed, leaning her forehead on his. "I wish I could stay."

"So why don't you?"

Nichole chuckled softly. "My mother would kill me if I dropped out of school for a boy. Besides, its like said, I'll be back in a few months." She closed her eyes as Chris leaned in to kiss her softly again, then she moved back and stood, turning to the door. As she reached the handle she glanced back one last time at Christopher, who had an easy smile on his face. "I love you Chris."

"I love you too Nichole."

Since many students stay back at Hogwarts during the holidays Nichole managed to find a compartment to herself on the train. She wasn't against seeing her friends but thought it best if she continued to give them space until she had no choice but to confront them. As Nichole gazed out the window she realized just how cowardice that was though- she was no Hufflepuff. She had a problem with her friends and she was going to face it. Not to mention that the train was school property and she could legally use magic again.

With a determined air to her she grasped her wand in her hand and marched down the aisles looking for the Slytherin one. On the way she ran into Teddy who appeared to be coming out of the bathrooms. He spotted her and watched, waiting to see if she'd acknowledge him.

Nichole stopped and stared at the blue haired boy for a moment then spoke in a friendly tone. "Have you seen my friends?"

Teddy raised his eyebrows and pointed. "Very last compartment on the left. Why aren't you-."

"Forget it," she muttered walking past him. She heard him sigh but didn't look back, just kept marching down the train. When she was a little distance away she raised her wand and pointed it at the door, muttered a spell, and watched the door slam open in a puff of smoke before making her appearance inside the compartment.

Bianca had shrieked, Gabe swore, but Blake and Mystique both quickly withdrew their wands and pointed it at the intruder. As the smoke cleared and their forms came into view Nichole muttered the disarming spell causing their wands to shoot up into the air and, with a twirl of her body, she caught them, pocketing both sticks and smirking at their glares.

"What the hell do you want?" Mystique spat. "Give me back my wand!"

"Not until I've had my chance to speak."

"I don't want to hear what you have to say!"

"That look isn't a good one on you, Mist," Nichole pointed out. "Anger makes you ugly." She turned her eyes to Blake, who had remained speechless. "What say you?"

He shrugged and sat down looking bored. "Whatever."

Nichole sighed and took a seat next to Bianca and across from Blake. "Hear me out?" He shrugged and she let out another breath. "Okay, fine. If you don't want to be my friend anymore." Nichole went to stand and walk back out but Blake stopped her, calling her name.

"Wait." Slowly Nichole turned to stare at him, eyebrows raised. "What do you have to say?"

Nichole tried to hide the smile on her face but her lips turned up slightly as she sat back down. "I thought you deserved to know that I chose Chris." Blake's eyes widened slightly and his mouth twitched, but he managed to keep a fairly straight face. "You don't know what it's like for me Blake- Misty-." She turned her eyes towards her best friend, who merely sneered. "You guys- all four of you- are pure blooded witches and wizards from respectable families. But me? I'm a half blood in Slytherin, but not just any half blood- a half blood who's mother had a hand in the murder of The Dark Lord! Do you have any idea how often I hear my mother get refereed to as a mudblood? It's-." Nichole shook her head unable to express how she was truly feeling regarding the matter. She let out a breath and tried to continue.

"When I found out my father was a Malfoy I thought that maybe- just maybe- I'd finally be accepted for the Slytherin I truly am. But it's only caused more trouble. Having your father as the DADA Professor is- difficult. If I do a god job in class, I'm accused of being treated differently. if I fail an assignment I disappoint both my mother and my father. Not to mention the Malfoy role in the war is still fuzzy- some believe my grandfather, Lucius, betrayed his own kind. My grandmother- Narcissa- lied to The Dark Lord about Potter's death in order to help end the war faster and save my father from his doom. And my dad? He was only trying to survive.

"But all of you- The Zabini's were highly respected in society and Mystique- don't even get me started on your family. Even Bianca and Gabe have respectable heritages. But because of who my mother was every single Slytherin thinks I am scum, that I don't belong- that I am a traitor. I've worked damn hard to make a place for myself in that house, and yet it still doesn't seem like enough."

Nichole looked at Blake who remained quiet as she spoke. She leaned towards him. "What would your mother say if you came home with a Granger?"

"But you're a-."

"I am a Granger," Nichole stated firmly. "Don't get me wrong, I am proud to have Malfoy blood in my veins, but my mother was the one who raised me and, no disrespect to my father, but I'm not about to change my last name just so i can reap the benefits of the pure blood society. So I say again- what would your mother say if you brought home a Granger and introduced me as your girlfriend?"

"You'd likely get hexed," he reluctantly admitted. "If they could hit you, anyways."

Nichole smirked, knowing how advanced her skills were. "But they'd never accept me, not really. I had to choose someone who loved me for who I was, who accepted me completely, and who didn't walk out on me when he found out I lied to him. Blake, I'm sorry I told you my muggle friends didn't know I was magic- but the truth is they'd only found out a few days before. It doesn't make what I did any better but you over reacted to the entire situation."

"I was jealous," he mumbled under his breath, but Nichole had heard.

"I know- but that's another thing Chris never did. When I told him you'd kissed me, when I told him what you'd said the night before- he didn't get jealous and angry, he just wanted to ensure the playing fields were even- that's why he kissed me, Blake. I hadn't made my choice then- but your actions pushed me in the right direction. I'm sorry Blake, but I hope we can still be friends."

Blake let out a long breath but nodded, a smile slipping on to his face. "We'll always be friends Nichole. No muggle can change that."

"Really?"

"Course."

Nichole glanced at Mystique who rolled her eyes and huffed, "fine. We're still friends. If Blake can forgive you, then I can as well."

"Thanks Misty. I know you only did it because you care about Blake. You two are practically brother and sister and you just wanted to know he wasn't going to get hurt." Nicole reached into her pocket and withdrew the two wands, handing them back to their rightful owners.

"Pretty bad ass entrance, by the way," Blake smirked a she accepted the wand.

"Yeah, way to send a message." Mystique added.

"It's what I'm good for," Nichole grinned. She reached into the pile of treats that sat on the compartment seat across from her as her friends began to talk easily about their last week of holidays. Nichole took a bite of a Cauldron Cake and laughed, happy to have her friends back by her side once again.

A/N

Another chapter up! I never intended to have Winter Break go on for so many chapters which is why I was trying to wrap it up. I honestly have no idea how many chapters are left, there are still a few things to include (Harry as Apparation teacher, Hermione and Matthew, and Ron's wedding) so we shall see how I pace out the rest of the story. Thanks for reading. Please R&R!