15 – Dating Advice

"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."
― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

...

Hermione went down to breakfast without her. Clearly she was still cross with Haley. At least she found Ron waiting for her in the common room.

"Morning." She greeted him with a yawn.

"Morning." Ron seemed nervous for some reason. "Can you believe that Hermione already went to the library? Before Breakfast?"

Haley sighed. "It's fine, Ron. I know she went down first because she doesn't want to talk to me. I'm surprised you didn't join her, actually."

The boy looked away. "Why's that? Do I have to follow her around or something? I'm not the one who's in a fight with you."

She gaped in surprise. "Ron, what-?"

"Let's just go down, all right?" Her friend walked toward the portrait door, leaving her to follow him.

"Hey, talk to me. Did something happen with you and Hermione?" She asked as they stepped out of their common room.

He shrugged. "I don't know. You tell me!" He burst out in frustration.

Wow. Was it that bad?

"We went to Hogsmeade together, right? The two of us." The way he was talking now, made Haley think he had only been waiting to spill his thoughts to someone. "We were getting along just fine. Properly talking, you know? We weren't arguing or anything. It – I don't know – it was all going well – I really thought she-" He broke off, frowning. "So, we walked around for a bit and then around noon I got hungry and said we should find a place to eat or something. Hermione agreed. And… you know, we were just walking past that café that Puddifoot's…"

His ears were turning a fiery red. "I said we should go there, right? I mean, people go there when they're on a date, don't they? But then Hermione said… she said 'That's a place for couples'. And I nodded and asked if she didn't want to go there and she said 'Wouldn't that be awkward?' I didn't understand at first but then it hit me. What she was really trying to say." He sighed, rubbing his hand over his face. "I'd been wrong. She only sees me as a friend. I had been stupidly thinking we were on a date, when it had been nothing but a normal trip the whole time."

"Ron, you-" Haley took a deep breath, stopping him by his elbow and making him look at her. "What did you do then?"

"Well, we went to the Three Broomsticks instead and we didn't talk much more for the rest of the day. I've never felt like such a fool."

The girl grimaced. "Did you even mention to her that this was a date for you?"

He shook his head cluelessly.

"Do you get it now?"

Another shake of the head.

"Ron, you idiot! How was Hermione supposed to know then? You have to tell her how you feel. She can't read your mind."

"But," He spluttered. "How could she not know? I asked her to go to that couples place together! I wouldn't do that if I didn't want to go out with her! She has to know that!"

Haley sighed. "I'm sure she assumed as much."

"Exactly. So why-?"

"Look. Does Hermione seem like someone who acts on mere assumptions to you?"

He looked thoughtful at that. Then he shook his head.

"In case her assumptions are wrong, she would jeopardize your friendship by admitting her feelings. So, obviously, she wants to make sure you feel the same first."

"Bu-but, that's why I wanted to go to that stupid café with her! It was her who said that it was awkward," he grumbled.

"She was testing you," Haley explained. "Trying to see if you really meant what you said. You shouldn't have given up so easily."

"But that's stupid. Why would I say something I don't mean?" He stomped the ground in irritation.

"You're right of course. But you know, sometimes you actually need to hear something spelled out in order to believe it. And I can tell you there's nothing a girl likes more than hearing the guy she likes say 'Will you go out with me?'"

It was silent for a moment, while Ron seemed to take in what she had said.

He puffed his cheeks out and released a heavy sigh. "Why do girls have to be this complicated?" He grumbled, shuffling his feet on the ground.

"One of our maaany charms." Haley sang with a grin, continuing the descend toward the Great Hall.

The boy frowned, following behind her. "Charms, huh? I bet that Malfoy git didn't properly ask you out either."

Haley cleared her throat awkwardly. "Well. Now that you mention it… He did ask me on a date… today." She didn't mention that it had been by owl. Or after two intense snogging sessions.

"Haley, you're…" he started to say slowly. "What is it you're doing with that prat exactly?"

"Well I…" She shrugged, wondering how to answer that. Surely, he didn't want to know the details of her last two encounters with the Slytherin. "I don't… know… yet."

He watched her for a moment, before averting his gaze. "You know, I… I don't think you're a monster." He told her earnestly. "It's… only natural to want to take revenge after everything he's done to you. And I… I think if there's one person who deserves to get his heart broken, it's that git."

"I'm not… I'm not…" she whispered, feeling somewhat uneasy. What was she 'not'? She didn't even know what her words were referring to.

"I still don't know what to think of all this. I mean, Malfoy? Having a crush on you? And then treating you like shit all this time? What kind of person does that? It doesn't make any sense."

Haley nodded. He was right. There were lots of things happening at the moment that didn't make any sense.

They had reached the end of the stair case now.

"You should go and sit with Hermione. Try to patch up things." She suggested.

"What about you? Don't you want to make up?"

Haley bit her lips. "Not yet," she answered. "I think we both need some more time." She had been really hurt by the words of their friend. She wasn't going to apologize first.

"Then I'll sit with you," he insisted. It was sweet of him.

"It's fine. I'll find someone to sit with."

"Are you sure?" It was clear that he wanted to clear the air between him and their other friend. "I could talk to her about you, you know?"

"Don't worry about it. I'll talk to her when I'm ready," she replied with a soft smile.

Ron sighed. He obviously hated the whole situation. "See you after breakfast then."

"Yeah." She shooed him toward the other end of the Gryffindor table where they usually sat together. He didn't look back at her. She grinned to herself. Honestly, she didn't understand Hermione. That boy was so obviously smitten with her.

"Hello Haley!" Someone called her name. She turned in the direction of the voice. Colin Creevey. The president of her own personal fan club. Well, actually he was the president of the Gryffindor quidditch team fan club. And since her dad still counted as a legend, the worship had somehow transferred to her.

"Hello Colin!" She greeted back, noticing his brother Denis and their younger sister Emelia – or was it Emma? – sitting in front of her.

"You can sit with us if you want!" The boy offered excitedly. Had it been that obvious that she had no one to sit with?

"Er…" She had actually been hoping to sit with Neville but she had spotted him sitting with Hermione and the other Gryffindors from their year. There really weren't many other options. "Sure," she agreed, trying not to sound too disappointed. "Why not."

"Really? You're going to sit with us?" Denis squeaked eagerly. He looked like he was going to explode out of joy.

Haley forced a grin and squeezed in next to Emelia, who was quickly making room for her. There she was. Haley Potter. Famous Fifth Year. Eating breakfast together with a fourth, third and second year. Her own personal fan club. This could be considered either as terribly embarrassing or as a generous and kind act from her side. She was going to settle for the latter.

"So, about the rumours that you're going out with a Slytherin now, do you want us to take care of them?" Colin asked from her right.

"Rumours?" Had the boy really asked her about that just now?

"Yes. Everyone is talking about it. But as of yet nothing is confirmed. As the president of the Gryffindor quidditch team fan club I need to take care of your image. Do you want to give an official statement?"

What the hell? "I-It's not a rumour," she answered carefully. "But – I mean. That's not an official statement so – don't tell anyone I said that."

"Ah, so you want to keep it a secret." He nodded as if this was a serious business matter. "We need him to sign a form then. Stating that he's neither planning to exploit you for reasons of fame or money, nor intending to damage your image and on top of that qualifies as a trustworthy partner." He looked at her earnestly.

"Er… uhm… what?" Was this a joke?

"We'll take care of it, don't worry. Have you tried the pumpkin juice? It's delicious." He nodded toward his brother who hastily filled her glass with the orange liquid.

"Leave it to my brother. He knows what he's doing," said the little girl beside her with a shy smile.

What the hell had she got herself into?

…

Malfoy had suggested they meet outside the castle in front of the oak front doors around noon, which left enough time for her to go up to the tower and get ready for her 'date'. Unfortunately, it also gave her enough time to mentally freak out and curse every decision she had made since getting back to school. Something that always calmed her was getting her hair brushed by someone she was close to. But unfortunately her and Hermione weren't on speaking terms at the moment so she couldn't ask her. There wasn't really anyone else she could ask. Ron would stare at her as if she was bonkers. And Neville? He might have agreed but… she still wasn't sure how much he had heard from that argument the previous night. What did he think about it? She couldn't help but wonder if he was judging her. He had been sitting with Hermione so… did he agree with her?

In the end she opted for brushing her hair herself. It didn't calm her… much. So, the brushing had turned into stress braiding which had resulted in an epic fishtail braid artwork that was now adorning the left side of her head. Well, nobody could say that she didn't take preparing for a date seriously. She put on her favourite pair of dark blue jeans. Tight but not uncomfortably so. Her mum might have shown her a handy charm to make tight-fitting jeans comfortable as well. She loved that charm.

What else? Maybe she should put on something more than just her bra. A shirt? She hadn't brought too many nice clothes. There was that midnight blue shirt with a hundred million stars imitating the night sky stitched onto it. She was going to wear that. And a cardigan in case it got cold. Stepping in front of the mirror, she admired herself. She was so beautiful. Sometimes she was surprised how beautiful she was. It was unfair really.

Haley accentuated her green eyes with dark grey kohl and mascara. She looked ravishing. The dark colours she had chosen made her seem strong and fierce. Almost like the warrior queen she had been in one of her dreams. Or that other girl… that a boy had painted onto the wall of a tree house…

She was really going to go on a date with Malfoy, wasn't she?

Suddenly the words her mum had said to her, after turning her into a warrior queen came to her mind. He'll either want to kiss you or cower in fear.

She wondered which he was going to opt for today.

…

Hermione raised a questioning eyebrow, when she passed her in the common room. It was obvious that she was pondering whether to ask or to keep silent. Well, if she didn't ask Haley didn't have to answer. She breezed past the other Gryffindors and left the room without another word.

She was slightly surprised to find the Slytherin waiting for her in front of the oak front doors. She wouldn't have put it past him to stand her up. Pity he hadn't.

Instead of greeting her like normal people did, Malfoy stared at her, his eyes roaming all over her figure. It took Haley a lot of effort not to smirk in a self-satisfied way. People didn't call her one of the prettiest girls in Hogwarts for nothing.

"If you're quite done with your staring." She lifted an eyebrow mockingly. "I know, you probably can't help it."

He scoffed. "Where'd you hide that cockiness all this time?"

She grinned mysteriously. "Secrets are meant to be kept." She sent him a pointed look. Let him make of that what he wanted to. "Or are they?"

"Definitely," he replied lightly, taking a step toward her. It was evident, he had put some effort into his appearance as well. His hair was void of the usual gel and framed his face in a way that said 'carefully styled to look natural'. He looked fairly decent in his dark grey robes that accentuated the colour of his eyes. She had to give him that.

"Are you going to tell me where we're going now or is that a secret as well?" Haley asked.

The boy smirked. "You'll find out soon enough."

She rolled her eyes. "Well, then, lead the way."

Malfoy's eyes were curiously fixed on her hand. Did he want to hold it? He frowned, before turning around and walking ahead.

Haley barely kept herself from snorting. Not so bold now that his feelings were involved, was he? She caught up with him, noting that they were walking in the general direction of the Forbidden Forest.

"Are you planning to get us killed by centaurs?" She joked mockingly.

"Not by centaurs. I find dragons much more effective." He replied dryly. Snarky little git.

She bit her lips to keep from grinning. That wasn't even funny! Not the least bit.

"There are no sodding dragons in the Forest, you loon."

"If you say so," he drawled, grinning smugly. It was less annoying somehow. His grin. It seemed almost… cheerful. But… no. That wasn't right.

She sighed. "How much longer until we're wherever you're luring me?"

The boy scoffed in amusement. "Luring."

"So?" She pressed impatiently.

"Almost there," he replied, as he lead them toward the path leading away from the grounds and toward Hogsmeade. Where was he taking them?

"If you wanted to go to Hogsmeade you're late by a day," she informed him sceptically.

Malfoy ignored her.

"This way," he said, pointing her to the left, where a group of tall and old birch trees was growing. The path was leading them right.

"But the path-"

"We're not following the path," he interrupted her, grabbing her arm and pulling her into the undergrowth. It was a good thing she had decided to wear trainers.

"Of course, we're not following the path. How would the dragons find us if we were?" She muttered in annoyance.

Malfoy chuckled. "Don't worry, I won't let a dragon eat you," he said with surprising warmth.

Haley wrenched her arm out of his grasp. "If this is a stupid trick, I'll – ahh!"

Her foot had caught on something and before she could free it from whatever it was stuck in, something had suddenly grabbed her right arm and ankle. Vines, she realised, as she was swiftly pulled against a tree. She couldn't move a limb. That bastard had tricked her!

"Password." The tree opposite her croaked. It even had a face!

"What in Merlin's name-!" She glared at Malfoy who was standing in front of the thick root she'd caught her foot in, and smirked lazily at her.

"If only we knew the password," he mused, sighing dramatically. It was obvious he knew the password.

That stupid git. Well, she didn't need his help. "Mellon," she tested, the first thing that came to her mind.

"Wrong," croaked the tree. Damn. Not a Lord of the Rings fan then. But… what if Malfoy was the one who set the password?

"Myron Wagtail," Haley tried.

"Wrong." Came the croaky response.

The boy rolled his eyes. "Really? That's the best you could come up with?"

"Well, he's you're favourite singer, isn't he?" She muttered.

"No, he isn't," he protested with a frown. "And why would you think my favourite singer was the password?"

"Because you're the one who tricked me!"

"I didn't trick you! You walked into this all by yourself," he pointed at the root in front of him. The one she had stumbled over. The one he had stopped in front of. It had probably activated the trap.

"Don't make me laugh! You could have warned me. This has been your plan all along!"

The boy sighed and carefully stepped over the root toward the tree with the face. He leaned in close and whispered something she couldn't hear. Then, all of a sudden the vines came loose around her limbs.

"Correct," the tree spoke and the face became a lifeless grimace.

"What did you do?" Haley asked suspiciously.

Malfoy scoffed. "Said the correct password obviously. And I also freed you."

"What was the password?" She wanted to know.

"I'm not about to tell you," he replied, making her freeze. This felt like a slap. Hadn't she said the exact same thing to him, after he had carried her back to her common room? So, maybe she had deserved that. Kind of.

"I might tell you next time, though," the boy said with a cheeky grin. He probably thought he was exceptionally clever. Trying to make her spend another day with him by triggering her curiosity. He had to try a bit harder to keep a girl interested.

"So, what is this pla-?" She broke off, gasping in surprise. Nailed to the birch tree in front of them a golden ladder appeared, leading right up to… a tree house?

A tree house that looked strangely familiar.

"What are you waiting for?" Malfoy asked. He was already half-way up the ladder. Seriously? He expected her to actually climb up? They were wizards! Well, a wizard and a witch strictly speaking. Wasn't there a magical elevator or staircase or – a simple broomstick? She sighed. At least the ladder was fairly short, so she wouldn't exhaust herself.

"Don't tell me you're afraid of heights," Malfoy called mockingly.

What an idiot. "Sure, that's exactly why I'm on the quidditch team," she replied sarcastically but started to climb up the ladder nevertheless. She wasn't going to let the boy think she was scared of a stupid ladder.

After a tedious climb she arrived at the top, where the boy was already waiting. The tree house looked almost exactly the same as the one in his dream had. Only this one here, had vines encircling everything, making it seem as if it was a part of the tree.

"Who built this?" She burst out curiously.

"I did."

"You?" She frowned in disbelief.

He rolled his eyes. "Do these hands look like they're made for manual labour?"

She snorted. "You're right. That's what you've got your house elves for. You've probably never even held a hammer in your hands."

"What's a hammer?" He asked. Typical pureblood question.

"Never mind," she replied. "So, if you didn't build this then how…?" She gestured with her hands to the tree house.

"I found it. It's just been up here waiting to be found."

"And how did you know the password?"

He shrugged. "Lucky guess." Haley watched him sceptically. She was almost certain there was more to it.

"Come on, let's go inside," he suggested, opening the door and gesturing for her to enter first.

The inside of the tree house was slightly different than the dream tree house. There was a wide couch at the wall opposite the door with a window behind and a small table in front of it. In the left hand corner there was a small wooden cupboard and on the wall to the right hung an acoustic guitar. It did look rather cosy.

Haley raised an eyebrow at the boy who had stepped to her side. "Is this where you usually bring your conquests?"

"What?"

She nodded toward the wide couch, making her insinuation clear.

"No!" The boy burst out, his cheeks reddening slightly. "I mean – You're the first – I've never – I – I've never brought anyone here. You're the first person I brought here," he mumbled.

Haley watched him curiously. "Wait… is this… is this actually your first date? Me? I'm your… first date?"

"No, I – well – actually it's…" he sputtered, looking to the side. "Shut up, Potter," he grumbled when she started giggling.

"You may not know this, since this is your first date but this is not the way you should talk to the girl you're on a date with." Haley informed him smugly. Malfoy shot her a dark glare. It wasn't very intimidating with the way he was blushing. He seemed so tame. No more threatening than a little kitten. He seemed like a whole different person. Where was the infuriating git that had played stupid pranks on her on a daily basis? Not that she missed him but it was strange all the same.

"I'll talk to you however I want, Potter," he replied petulantly but the usual edge was missing.

Haley snorted and made her way toward the couch. It was just as comfy as the ones in her common room. She patted the space beside her. The boy trudged over toward her with a scowl, sitting down almost at the other end of the couch.

She scooted closer to him. "You weren't this shy when we were 'talking' yesterday," she stressed the word talking to make sure he knew she wasn't referring to the talking at all.

Malfoy didn't respond. Instead he silently stared at her. Or more precisely, he stared at her hair.

"What is it?" The girl asked.

"Your hair… it's… the way it's braided, I… I think I've seen it somewhere before."

Haley froze. She remembered suddenly where the inspiration for her hair style had come from. She had done her hair in almost exactly the same manner, which Malfoy had when he had braided it for her in one of his dreams. Shit. She hadn't even realised that. Why the hell did he remember that?

"I've seen it in a magazine," she lied swiftly, looking to the side. "A fan magazine of the Weird Sisters. Do you read those, too?" That was a trick she had learned from her dad. If somebody suspects you, always direct the attention toward the other person. Just like a handy counter spell.

"Um – no. Must have seen it somewhere else," he replied hastily. Amazing. That strategy always worked.

"So, what do you think of this?" He asked, pointing at their surroundings. "Could use some colour, don't you think?"

That sounded familiar. Was the boy trying to re-enact that dream he'd had the other night?

"Maybe," she replied, trying for a casual tone.

"Isn't that a hobby of yours?" He asked. "Painting?"

She shrugged. "Kind of. So?" No matter what he was planning, she wasn't about to relive that dream with him. She didn't think she could bear it if Malfoy painted another portrait of her.

He was watching her as if he was expecting a certain reaction. She returned the gaze just as expectantly.

"I don't know – I just thought… never mind." He broke their eye contact, looking to the side. That uncertainty and nervousness reminded Haley somehow of the other Malfoy. The dream Malfoy. Without realising it she smiled softly.

"Thought what?" She enquired playfully, leaning in close. He turned to face her again, mouth plopping open and gaze caught in her own.

"Your smile… it's beautiful." His eyes lingered on her lips for a moment. Then they flickered up to meet hers.

Haley frowned. Something about his gaze bothered her. Something about his voice, about his words absolutely vexed her. But what was ticking her off completely was the fact that all of it touched her. Somehow. Distantly.

"Shut up," she muttered irritatedly.

"Excuse me? Did you just tell me to-"

He was so annoying. Was there a problem with his ears? It seemed as though she would have to take matters into her own hands. She grabbed his collar and silenced him in a way that actually worked.

She sighed in contentment. It was finally quiet now. Kissing the boy simply was the easiest and most effective way to make him stop talking. She didn't have much other choice. She wasn't kissing him for fun or because it had felt so good the other times before that she had been itching to taste his lips again. That was simply ridiculous.

She was only pulling him closer so he wouldn't start saying stupid things again. And she was only sucking his bottom lip into her mouth because… because… it was so… so… soft… and plump and… not addictive at all. No… not addictive at…

He was making that whiny noise again. Haley felt feverish heat rush through her body.

She pressed the boy down into the couch, straddling his hips and caging his head between her arms. One of his hands was buried in her hair, tugging at it lightly, while the other one was wrapped around her waist, his fingers clawing into her shirt.

Kissing Malfoy was so so different from what she had shared with Neville. Where Neville had been soft and gentle in a way that told her he cherished and respected her but seemed also careful as if he was scared he could somehow hurt her, if he held her too tightly, kissed her too fiercely, the other boy was less hesitant. In some way Malfoy's kisses were gentle as well but there was an underlying passion and desperate rawness in the almost painful way his fingers were clinging to her hair and pressing into her waist. But she wasn't exactly holding back either, biting and sucking at his lips as if they were actually fighting instead of making out. It sent thrills all over her skin, sparks of wild desire exploding between them and igniting the air.

When she pulled away for a much needed breath, he growled impatiently and pulled her back down, hand warm on her neck. It seemed she wasn't the only one who found the kiss intoxicating.

As the kisses turned from hurried to more languid ones, Haley let her fingers wander across his chest, cursing the robes that were stopping her from actually feeling his skin.

He gasped, releasing her lips momentarily. She used that opportunity to find his neck with her mouth, kissed it and sucked at it until the pale skin turned deliciously red.

The boy made a noise that seemed like a whine and a content sigh at the same time, lazily smoothing his thumb over the skin on her neck.

Her fingers travelled toward the top buttons of his robes on their own accord. She wanted to touch him. Before she could undo more than one button, she was suddenly flipped over, finding Malfoy looming above her and herself underneath him.

The desire that was smouldering in his grey eyes that were darker than ever made her shiver with pleasure unknown to her. With a growl he attacked her lips again, hands clutching her face and pressing her body into the couch with his weight.

For another indefinable while, Haley lost herself in his touch, his scent, the taste of his lips until –

The boy suddenly jolted upwards, face flushed and eyes wide.

What was wrong? (Beside the obvious anyway.)

"What-?" She started to ask breathlessly.

The boy bit his lips, which were sinfully red, (She had done that!) and climbed off her, scooting to the other end of the couch without meeting her eyes.

"What's wrong?" Haley asked, leaning on her elbows.

Malfoy shook his head. "I just…" he sighed, scratching the back of his neck sheepishly. "We should probably… slow down a tad."

Oh. Was he getting a little too excited? Haley snorted, her lips stretching into an amused smirk. She sat up properly and reached for one of the couch pillows, throwing it at the boy who caught it reflexively. Seeker instincts.

"For your little problem," she drawled, wiggling her brows suggestively. Oh, the influence of her dad and godfather's lewd humour seemed to finally show its effects.

"I don't have a little problem, Potter," Malfoy hissed in annoyance but still placed the pillow strategically on his lap.

"Is it a big problem then?" She asked, before she could stop herself. She blamed her dad for this. And Sirius.

"Shut up, Potter," he growled, completely turning away from her. She couldn't tell whether he was blushing or still flushed from their intense snogging session.

"There's no need to be embarrassed," the girl whispered in a tone that said exactly the opposite. She could barely keep herself from cackling. "I'm sure it's just a sign that your body functions… properly." She threw her arm across the back of the couch, making her fingers walk over the surface close to his face. His eyes followed the movement sceptically. He huffed and looked away.

"I could use a drink," he muttered.

Haley agreed. She found it a bit disconcerting that she could still taste Malfoy's lips on her mouth.

"So…"

"There should be something in the cupboard beside you," he pointed toward the cupboard she had noticed earlier. He watched her expectantly.

"What?"

"Well, won't you get us a refreshment?"

"Why me?" Haley wanted to know. He was the one who wanted a drink.

"Because the cupboard is right next to you? I don't want to get up." He answered matter-of-factly.

She scoffed. "I don't want to get up either," she replied just to push his buttons. "Use your wand then. That's why you have a wand." She rolled her eyes.

"I-I left it inside my school robes." He said, looking at his hands that were resting on the pillow. Was she mistaken or had there been a slight hitch to his voice? "Besides, that would be a waste of magic."

"You left it in your school robes? What use is a wand if it's not reachable? Honestly." Haley mumbled, fetching her own wand from the back pocket of her jeans. She looked at it for a moment before sticking it back in her pocket. "You're right. It is a waste of magic."

With another mocking glance at the pillow in Malfoy's lap, she got up and walked over to the cupboard. Inside the little cupboard that reminded her of a muggle fridge she found a few bottles of butterbeer and a bottle of firewhiskey. She smiled, remembering that the boy's favourite drink was hot chocolate with a spoonful of that same whiskey.

She fetched two butterbeers from the cupboard and sunk back into the couch, silently handing one of them to the boy.

"So… I'm surprised you're being such a gentleman," she said playfully, sitting down and crossing her legs underneath her.

"What?" He asked, unscrewing the cap and taking a sip from his bottle.

"You know, because you're… restraining yourself like this," she raised an eyebrow.

The boy frowned. There was something serious in his eyes. "There's no need to rush," he said quietly, his fingers drumming against the caramel coloured bottle. "After everything I've put you through I… want to do this properly."

"You don't need to handle me with kid gloves, you know?" She narrowed her eyes at him. She wasn't some helpless princess that needed to be protected. Or… she didn't want to be any more. "I'll make sure to let you know if I want you to stop. I'm not a little girl."

The boy smiled at her softly, before placing his hand on top of her own. "I know," he said. "Still. I want you to understand that this means something to me. That I'm not just… trying to get in your pants."

There was a strange swoopy feeling in her stomach. She didn't know what it meant.

"You're not?" She asked in mock-surprise.

He shook his head. Then he leaned in to kiss her gently. Too gently. She pulled back, looking up at the ceiling that was made of glass. It was already getting dark.

"What time is it?" She asked quietly, eyes fixed on the sky above them.

"I don't know," he answered uncertainly. "Do you want to go back?"

Haley nodded. "I'm starving." Surely, it was close to supper time. How long had they been up here?

Malfoy sighed and got up. "Come on then," he replied, setting the half-full bottle on the ground and walking ahead. She put her own butterbeer bottle back in the cupboard. It was still unopened. Then she followed him out of the tree house.

They climbed down the ladder and walked the rest of the way back to the castle in silence. A couple of times she felt the boy's eyes watching her thoughtfully. Was there something he wanted to say? Why didn't he say it?

When they reached the Entrance Hall and glanced at the big wall clock they realised there were still at least two hours until supper.

"Well, I've gotta… there's still some homework I have to finish," Haley said awkwardly, not sure if he expected her to spend the whole day with him.

He seemed relieved as well, that she had found the words to conclude their date. "Sure, me too. I'll… I'll walk you to your tower."

"Er… you really don't have to do that," she replied sceptically.

"It's fine." He responded cheerfully, walking on ahead up the stairs.

As Haley followed him up the staircase she felt the sudden urge to push him over the railing. She suppressed it. Azkaban wasn't a place she wanted to see from inside.

They passed a few students on the staircase, all of whom were sending them curious glances. But when she bestowed her best threatening death glare on them, they hastily hurried away. She had copied that glare from her mum.

"So… now…" Malfoy started to say, when they reached the portrait of the Fat Lady.

Haley lifted an eyebrow mockingly. "You want to come in?" She asked sarcastically.

The boy rolled his eyes. "Into that lion's den? See you around, Potter." he grumbled, turning around.

"Sure," she replied. "See you around… darling." She added that last word with a smirk, causing him to spin around in less than a second.

"Did you just call me d-darling?" He gaped at her disbelievingly.

Haley chuckled. "It's the password for the holiday."

"She's right about that," the Fat Lady commented, her portrait swinging open in exactly that moment.

The girl winked at the Slytherin who was looking back and forth between her and the portrait. Then she stepped through the portrait door, which promptly closed behind her.

What even? Had she just told him the password for her common room? What if he followed her? But surely he wouldn't voluntarily march into a room full of Gryffindors. And since it was a holiday password the Fat Lady would surely change it by the next day. So, it didn't really matter.

Then why had she told him? Perhaps she had wanted to let him in for once. Only to see what it might be like. And even if it was just for a day.

…

A/N: Hi everyone! It's been a while, sorry. My only excuse is that I'm terribly stressed at the moment. Hopefully, things will calm down soon... Anyway, look at all these feelings that are starting to make things complicated. I'm super excited for the next chapter when we'll finally go back to dreamland again :) Btw, Ron and Hermione are idiots :D Wonder when they'll get it together. Leave me your thoughts! Thanks for reading!

PS: I know, Denis and Colin don't have a sister. I made her up... for reasons ;)