CHAPTER 3


160-30. Slytherin was winning thanks to the captain's plans. Their defense was very strong and just a few quaffles had entered in their hoops. Although the Gryffindor team members were very fit and well-trained, the energy the Slytherins were using in that match was incredible.

But we couldn't say the same about their respective seekers.

Harry was flying absentmindly, with his eyes very cloudy and unfocused. Surely, he wasn't paying attention to the match at all. And the same was happening to his counterpart. Malfoy was eyeing Harry from the corner of his eye, but he hid his lack of attention better than the green-eyed boy. He was ridding his broomstick with his usual cocky pose and his smirk was in its place.

Suddenly the crowd held their breaths and the final of the match was announced, Slytherin had won.

While Malfoy was watching the object of his obsession, he saw the tiny snitch flying above Harry's head. He had stayed quiet for a moment before literally throwing himself at the golden-winged ball. And that dangerous movement implied that he had also thrown himself at Harry.
That was a very awkward moment. His face was very close to the Gryffindor's and their bodies were aligned. Malfoy was staring nervously at his former enemy, his gaze was glued to the other's eyes. He decided to do something. He got up slowly and without stopping to think he offered a hand to Harry, who was still lying on the sand and was blinking his eyes like he didn't believe what had taken place.

"What are you waiting for Potter? Perhaps you need a written invitation?" asked Malfoy who was internally kicking himself for the use of his sarcastic remarks again.

Harry glared Malfoy and accepted his hand. The jolt happened again, but this time Harry wasn't disturbed by anything. He let go of Draco's hand and began to talk.

"I think it's time for us to talk, Draco." said Harry in a very serious voice.

"And since when are we in a first name basis Potter?" asked Malfoy.

"Ok, Malfoy. I'll repeat it again. It's time for us to talk. If you think the same meet me behind Sir Cadogan's portrait at midnight. I'll be waiting for you fifteen minutes, not more." and with that he walked to the castle.

Malfoy was astonished. He couldn't believe what Harry had proposed him. He bit his lip while thinking what he was going to do, and within three seconds he knew what he was going to do.

He remembered that day very clearly because he hadn't been that nervous since his Sorting Ceremony.
It had been very difficult to sneak out of his common room because everyone seemed to need him that night.


11:35 pm SLYTHERIN COMMON ROOM


Pansy was sitting in one of the green armchairs in front of the fire. Her golden hair was glistening with the dim light coming from a torch hanging above her head. She was reading a Transfiguration book, one of her favourite subjects, although a lot of people thought that as a "true" Slytherin, she would hate it.

But things didn't go like this.

She was very keen on Transfiguration and Charms too, she was a very smart girl.
When she heard footsteps coming from the boy's dorm, she put her book back in the shelf and waited for the footsteps owner. Draco Malfoy appeared at the end of the staircase looking exhausted and crestfallen.

"What happened Draco, you had a bad day?" asked Pansy while she curled a stack of blond hair on her finger.

"Oh, Pansy let me leave the common room, please. I've got things to do." aswered Draco with a tired voice.

"But you've won the match! Why are you like this? It was your dream, to fight Potter and beat him on front of all the school, wasn't it?" Pansy was looking intently at Draco waiting for an answer.

"Pans, I've said stop ok? I'm busy and I don't want to talk about anything related to quidditch or Potter, understand?" he said with a pleading expression in his eyes.

He and Pansy were close friends. They knew each other since they were little, and they had established a strong friendship. That's why Pansy soon identified Draco's expression and quickly arrived at the problem's root.

"When are you going to do something about this?" she asked him after a long and pained sigh.

"What are you referring to Pansy? I don't have time for your little word games. I'll repeated it again, I've got things to do!- he shouted angrily.

"You know what I'm talking about." she said while moving her hand to Draco's heart.

"I don't want it broken Draco, but you have to be courageous. He won't do the first step, and you know that. It's you that's madly deeply in love with him!"and with those last words, she crossed her arms and looked at him waiting for a reaction.

"But Pans…I…you…don't…- he stuttered. –I haven't told you anything about this…When…I mean, how do you know?" he asked very scared. He was blushing, and that was so rare to see, that Pansy bursted out laughing.

"How do I know? Well it's obvious! And it was more easy to see when I've know you for years, Draco. You can't lie to me."answered the blonde witch.

"Well… I don't know what to say. But you'll be happy when I'll tell you what had happened after the match." he smiled brightly, and his stormy blue eyes were filled with life and hope.

"You talk to much Draco, go on with it!" ordered his friend who was already excited.

"After the end of the match he approached me and told me it was time for us to talk. He has arranged a meeting in the room behind Sir Cadogan's portrait at midnight. That's why I wanted to go out on the first place." he answered.

"You twit! You should have started by the beginning! Go, go! What are you still doing here, uh?" she asked while pushing him out of the common room.

"Oh you! You're impossible Pans!- Draco was laughing at his friend behaviour." I'll tell you everything in the morning.- and with that, he closed the door.