One and a half weeks had passed since your rendezvous with Draco in the Room of Requirement. The unshakable dread still haunted every part of you. Draco never acknowledged your statement, but you thought it best to leave it alone. You didn't want to come off clingy.

Truthfully, you hadn't seen much of each other except for classes. Draco was true to his word on letting you focus on your studies, and he seemed to always be preoccupied with some task.

On a chilly afternoon after your last class, you decided to sit out in the courtyard and write some poetry. It was an overcast day, perfect for reflecting your overcast heart. You whipped out your brown leather journal and began to write.

Thoughts clutter my brain and the cracks of my skull.

They're tangled and messy, but all tethered to every tantalizing motion you make.

You slither so easily into my head and my bed.

The strings all tangle trying to understand how to make you stay in my heart.

The words flowed onto your page easily when you channeled your emotions to a singular point: Draco.

The courtyard was mainly empty, and you were happy to have a little respite. However, it didn't last long. The thudding footsteps of Crabbe and Goyle echoed along with Pansy's shrill laughter. You inhaled frustratingly, but kept your head down and in your journal.

It didn't work.

The trio made a bee-line for you. You were thankful though, that in passing weeks, Draco had spent much, much less time with them.

Crabbe reached down aggressively and tore the journal from your grip. "Aw, the little mudblood is crying in her journal. Let's see what she's whining about this time."

Having no time for the nonsense, you whipped out your wand and jabbed it at Crabbe's thick neck. "Give it back. Now," you demanded.

Crabbe and Goyle both scoffed.

"You do anything to me, you'll be expelled. No dueling on school grounds," trilled Crabbe.

"At least you'd stop being insufferable for five seconds."

Pansy unleashed her wand and pointed it at your face. "Not if I get the pleasure first," she said through gritted teeth.

You rolled your eyes. "Isn't it tiresome? Isn't it so god damn tiresome that your only personality trait is being a shrill, mean bitch?"

"That's it, mudblood!" shrieked Pansy.

"Expelliarmus!" you heard from behind you. Pansy's wand zipped out of her hand and flipped into the air past you and towards the unknown person.

But you did know who it was without looking. You would recognize his voice anywhere.

Draco.

When you turned around to see that you were right, Draco's wand was fixed on Crabbe next. "Give it back to her."

Goyle sneered at his former friend. "You've turned into such a prat, Draco. How will you have the guts to fulfill your duty?"

Duty? The word burned into your mind. What duty?

"Shut your mouth," growled Draco. "Give her the journal. Now."

With a click of his tongue, Crabbe reluctantly shoved the journal over, seeing that he was outnumbered.

The trio stamped off to the other side of the courtyard. No doubt they were plotting their revenge move.

"I didn't need your help," you spat.

"A thank you, would be nice," said Draco, wounded.

You were hurriedly shoving your things in your bag, and then you spun around to face him. "No. You don't get to do that. You don't get to start being hot and cold with me again and then show up like some damn knight in shining armor that I don't need."

"Ouch," said Draco as he dramatically clamped his hand over his heart.

You breezed past him and out of the courtyard, but Draco was fast. He twisted in place to follow you, and when you were inside, he grabbed your arm and pulled you along. He led you to an empty hall. Arms crossed, you looked at him with annoyance.

"What?"

"Let me take you to Hogsmeade tomorrow? Let's grab a tea at Madam Puddifoots?" pleaded Draco.

"You've basically ignored me for almost two weeks. Why should I?"

"Because, I promise it will be worth your while. "

Against all better judgment, you said yes.

Two Days Later

You arose early Saturday morning to get ready for your Hogsmeade day with Draco. You threw on a warm pair of fleece leggings, a dark blue and white flannel skirt, a cream colored sweater, and black ankle booties.

You met Draco at the front of the castle on the grounds opposite of the greenhouses.

"You're a vision," flattered Draco. Draco was adorned with his usual affluent style. Black dress pants perfectly tailored, and black dress shoes. Underneath his black pea coat was a dark green, velvet suit jacket and a black button down.

He was dashing as always.

"Shall we?" he asked as he offered you his elbow. You looped your hand through it and squeezed his arm.

The walk to Hogsmeade was short. When you arrived, you had to check in with Professor Slughorn, who was at The Three Broomsticks enjoying a pint of Butterbeer. You noted how long you would be out, and he reminded you to check back within that time or before that.

Draco and you made your way to Madam Puddifoots, which was shockingly empty except for a few Hufflepuffs you recognized, and a handful of Ravenclaws you didn't.

Everyone was gawking at the pair of you. Draco Malfoy with a girl on his arm? No one ever thought they would see the day. You ignored their stares and grabbed a table while Draco ordered your teas.

When Draco returned with your piping hot cups, a scowl formed on your face. You were still annoyed with him.

"You're upset," he speculated.

"Yes."

"Why?"

You blew out a lengthy huff, but immediately apologized. You couldn't be too mad. He was making an effort to understand. But that still didn't excuse the week full of avoidances.

"I told you that you made me feel safe. Something that took a lot of vulnerability from me. Something I didn't think I would say to anyone, for a long time. And you just didn't respond. Then, ever since, you ignored me and acted all weird and secretive. Now you care about me being upset?"

You had barely breathed through your whole bit, and you were a little breathless when you finished.

"Breathe, love," Draco soothed. "I've fallen behind on school work as well. I needed to catch up. No distractions." His eyes fell down to his hands which were now lightly trembling around his cup. "I didn't say anything because I didn't know what to say. Everyone's usually afraid of me."

You mulled over his words. Perhaps you were being too harsh.

"Okay," you whispered.

"Okay," he repeated back to you. "Would you mind waiting here, just for a bit? I have something I need to pick up at another shop. A surprise."

"It better be good," you jested.

"Only the best for you," he said while brushing your jawline with the back of his hand. Draco stood up, kissed your knuckles, and walked out the door with haste.

The better part of two hours passed, and you sufficiently drank half your weight in tea. You went up to the counter to drop off a tip in the jar, and you walked outside of the tea shop. You had hoped you could see Draco in the distance.

He was no where to be seen, so you sulked back into the tea shop and sat back down. A few minutes later, Draco entered the shop with a white garment bag.

"Draco, what is that?"

"Open it," he prompted.

You got out of your seat, walked over to him, and unzipped the bag. Inside was as champagne colored dress with a metallic sheen. A deep v-neck plunge, long sleeves, and a semi hi-low bottom. It looked tight fitting, and absolutely stunning.

"Draco..." you breathed. "You didn't."

"I did. For Slughorn's party. I thought you'd look ravishing in it."

You threw your arms around his neck and pulled him in for a tight hug. His warm breath tickled your neck, and he whispered, "You're welcome."

"Thank you, Draco. I'm speechless," you said while pulling away.

"Ready to go back? I'm a bit drained."

"Yeah, of course."

You made your way back to The Three Broomsticks to let Professor Slughorn know that you would be leaving. Then, the two of you trudged back to the castle in contented silence.

As you left The Three Broomsticks, you noted that Katie Bell, a Gryffindor quidditch chaser, and her friend left momentarily after you. Her friend was arguing with Katie about something, but it was hard to make out, and you didn't want to eavesdrop.

You stole a quick glance behind you though, as the temptation overcame you. Katie was carrying some kind of indistinguishable package.

You heard a panicked yell come from Katie's friend that caused you to whip back around.

"Katie, no!"

Katie had opened whatever the package was and touched the contents inside. It immediately dropped out of her grasp, and Katie dropped down to the ground as well. Her body drug across the ground back and forth by an invisible force until she was shot up about ten feet into the air. Her limbs outstretched, and her hair flowed out around her. A blood-curdling scream from Katie haunted the air.

Then, just as quick as it started, Katie dropped back to the ground again with a hard thud.

You weren't far from castle grounds, and you saw Professor McGonagall came running across the empty field to reach the scene.

"What happened?" she asked frantically. "Nobody touch that," she ordered pointing at the object. Upon getting a closer look, it was an opal necklace.

"I warned her not to touch it," cried her friend.

"I'll get her to the hospital wing. You three, in my office," demanded McGonagall.

A stumbling Professor Slughorn shuffled up into the scene.

"Oh good, Professor, please get that thing wrapped up and bring it to my office. I believe it is a cursed item," ordered McGonagall fearfully. She ushered everyone along, and you knew better than to hesitate against her orders.

You made a quick pit stop to your common room to drop off your dress before heading back down to her office. You were the last to arrive, and you, Draco, and Katie's friend, whom you found to be named Leanne, stood in McGonagall's office for an indeterminate amount of time.

McGonagall swiftly entered the room, her dress robes tailing behind her in a swoop. Following close behind was Professor Snape with a sour look on his face. His gaze all but cut through Draco completely.

Draco was fidgeting with his hands.

"What do you think, Professor?" asked McGonagall in a hushed tone.

Snape levitated the necklace into the air and took a closer look. "I think Ms. Bell is lucky to be alive."

Nausea and horror bubbled up from your stomach to your throat. It had been a perfectly peaceful year at Hogwarts. Why now had something so horrible happened?

"Explain to me what happened," asked McGonagall.

Leanne started first. "We were in The Three Broomsticks. She went into the bathroom, and she came out with that package. Said it was urgent she deliver it now."

"To whom was she intending on delivering it to?" McGonagall's face fell.

"She said Professor Dumbledore." McGonagall suppressed a gasp as shock invaded her face.

"I think she was cursed or something!" Leanne shouted. "Katie would never hurt anyone, you know her. She was fine before she went into the bathroom, and then she got weird and robotic. It wasn't like her at all."

"Don't worry, Leanne. We'll investigate as much as we can," McGonagall assured. "Now, you two. What did you see?"

Draco opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out.

"We were at Madam Puddifoots all afternoon. When we left, we went to The Three Broomsticks to check out with Professor Slughorn. Katie and Leanne followed us out not long after. We didn't see anything else," you cut in.

"Very well then, you may go," she dismissed.

Before McGonagall had even finished her sentence, Draco was racing out of the room. Something wasn't right about this situation. Why was Draco so rattled by this? And why was he gone for so many hours when he left you alone?

You didn't want to think the worst, but the worst was banging on the front door.

You trailed Draco hotly, calling his name down the corridors. He flashed a couple of quick glances over his shoulder, but each time he hastened his pace. You were almost jogging now to keep up with his long strides.

He ducked around every corner trying to lose you. He almost had, but you saw his back dip into a door way at the last second. You hustled down the corridor to see where he disappeared into.

The boys bathroom. Sneaky and clever. He knew you couldn't go in.

You stood outside of the bathroom door and listened for just a moment before speaking out.

"Draco!" you shouted. "What's wrong."

"Go away!" he barked.

"No," you held firmly.

Deep sobs reverberated in the air between you and him.

"Draco..." you pleaded.

"I said GO AWAY!"

His sobs heaved and convulsed. His breathing became uneven and ragged. He was completely coming apart, and you did what you felt was best.

You went inside. "I'm coming in!"

When you stepped inside, you found Draco on the ground. His knees hugged up to his chest, sobs decimating his entire being. His face was wet, and not just from the tears. The running faucet tipped you off that he probably tried to splash some water onto his face. His coat and suit jacket were crumpled on the ground next to him, and his button down was undone half way down. He held his head in his hands, his eyes wide and scared.

You knelt down onto the ground next to him and placed a comforting hand on one of his knees.

"I'm here," you soothed.

His situation worsened, and the need to help clawed at your sternum.

"Draco, I want you to try something. To help calm you down. Can you do that?"

He nodded slightly.

"Look around the room. Tell me five things you can see."

His eyes wearily scanned the area. "Doors to the stalls, the lights above us, your eyes, your hand on my knee, light coming in through the window," he listed weakly.

"Good. Tell me four things you can physically feel."

"The coolness of the floor, water on my face, my feet on the ground, a light draft coming in."

"Good. Keep breathing, okay? Tell me three things you can hear."

"Water running, water draining, your breathing."

"You're doing great. Tell me two things your can smell."

Draco took a large inhale in. "Your shampoo, cleaning supplies," he muttered.

"Okay, last one. One thing you can taste."

"Blood."

"Blood? Are you okay?"

"Bit my lip a little too hard back in McGonagall's office," he admitted.

"Take a deep breath in for me, and tell me how you feel."

Draco did as told. "Better now. How'd you know how to do that?"

"It's a grounding technique. I've used it a lot since my paren-" you cut yourself off and mentally slapped your hand to your forehead. You still hadn't told Draco, and now really wasn't the best time.

But he had definitely heard you. "What about your parents?"

"Nothing. Let's talk about it later, okay?"

You moved in closer, wrapped Draco into your arms, and waited in silence until his breathing returned to normal.

"I don't deserve you," he whispered.

"Stop that."

"You don't deserve the likes of me," he continued.

"Draco! Stop that."

You gazed into his eyes, a deep and furious ocean whose waters hadn't been calm for years. You so earnestly wished he could gaze upon the sun and all its warmth and glory. If only you could be his sun.

But still, the nagging feeling that something was so desperately wrong with this situation hit you hard.