Disclaimer: You all know the drill. Nothing as usual.

I stayed up in my bed. I was unable to sleep. I wasn't exactly sure of what had happened, but I knew it wasn't good. I jumped as an owl flew through my window. I recognized it as Draco's owl. I untied the piece of parchment. I wasn't sure if I really wanted to open the letter.

Gwen, I'm so sorry. I don't know how much you saw, but from the tears in your eyes I know you saw enough. I don't know how to explain it all to you, but I'd like to try. If you'll hear me out, I'd like to talk to you tomorrow. If you will come, I'll be waiting by Snape's as soon as class gets out. I love you Gwen, and I'm sorry you had to see that.

Love, Draco

I decided then that I would meet him. I had questions, and he had answers. I needed to know what was going on. I was then able to go into an unhappy and disturbing sleep.

* * * * * * * * * * *

After I got out of my last class of the day I raced to the potions room. Draco was waiting there for me. I took in a deep breath and walked over to him.

"You came." He seemed surprised.

"I did. Draco, what's going on?" I asked.

"I knew I would eventually have to tell you. Come with me, I need to tell you in a place where we won't be heard." He led me to the back of the library.

"Well." I prompted.

"You mustn't tell anyone of this. Promise me Gwen, you won't tell anyone." Draco looked me in the eyes, and I saw pain, fear, and love.

"I promise." I agreed.

"My father is Voldemort's right hand man. When Voldemort dies, I am to take his place. I do not wish it to be so. I hate it. I am not that dark. I'm only doing it because if I don't, my father will kill you and my mother." He sadly explained.

"Oh Draco, we'll find a way, somehow, we'll help you break free." I whispered.

"I hope you're right, but I don't think so. If I become the next Dark Lord, I may kill people. The death eaters do things to you. Next year my father wants me to join them and become one." He sighed.

"Can you fight it?" I asked.

"It won't do any good. They'll kill you and my mother and then force me to join them. They hurt innocent people. I was forced to watch one time. My father raped and then murdered an innocent muggle. She pleaded for her life. They laughed at her. They laughed as they drained the blood from her body!" He shouted in rage.

"Listen to me! You are not your father; you won't be like that. I don't care if I die. You do what you must to fight them." I grabbed his face.

"I couldn't bare to lose you." He whimpered.

"Don't do this Draco. This isn't the cocky Draco I know. We'll fight this together, you and I." I kissed him.

He didn't kiss me back. I kissed him again and again, yet he only turned away. I leaned forward and whispered in his ear, "Are you afraid to kiss me? Do you not love me any more?"

"I do love you, but I'll only hurt you." He shook his head.

I couldn't get through to him. I did the only thing that came to mind at the time. I pushed him against the back wall. I stared into his eyes. He was shocked and amazed by my boldness. I grabbed his neck and pulled his head down to mine. I licked his lips until he opened his mouth. I slid my tongue into his. I smiled I as I heard him moan in pleasure. He couldn't take it any more. He grabbed my waist and lifted me up to him. He turned around and pressed me to the wall. He kissed me hungrily.

"You're an amazing girl you know that?" He smiled.

"I had my suspicions." I giggled.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

Things were still a little awkward between us for a little while, but we knew we would one day overcome it. Things with Nick were still pretty bad. Both girls were still hinting that they wanted help from me. Nick also wanted help. Yet I kept out of it. I didn't want to get stuck.

"Now class, I want you to get together with the group I've put you in and write me five pieces of parchment explaining about what you've learned so far this year." Professor Quirrell stuttered.

My group included Amanda, and three Gryffindores. I'd seen them before, but I never talked to them or found out their names. They all gathered around my desk.

"Honestly Harry, is it really necessary to put us in a group with them?" I heard the red hared boy whisper to his friend with glasses.

"What are you guys talking about? Who put you in a group with who?" I asked. I didn't quite understand.

"He means us. They don't particularly like Ravenclaws as well as Slytherins. Everyone thinks we're evil too." Amanda glared.

"What are you talking about? We're not evil!" I hissed at the boy with red hair.

"I didn't mean you in particular." He mumbled.

"Yes you did! That is exactly what you meant! Are we really all that terrible?" I yelled.

"Would you all just calm down?" A girl with bushy hair and buckteeth approached us with an annoyed face.

"They insulted us! You expect us to just take it?" Amanda growled.

"Ron, did you insult them?" She angrily asked him.

"I didn't think they would hear." He said in a weak defense.

"Ron I expect more from you. We aren't that low. Now stop this nonsense!" She snapped at him.

"Sorry I insulted you girls." Ron looked at us with his head hanging low.

"You're forgiven. Let's start over. I'm Gweneth Rivera. My friend here is Amanda Scott." I introduced us.

"I'm Harry Potter." Harry smiled.

"I'm Hermione Granger. This here is Ron as I'm sure you've already noticed." She spat the last sentence in his face.

We finished the assignment quickly and were given the rest of class to talk. We talked until the subject rolled around to crushes.

"Personally I think Hayden Christensen and Orlando Bloom are cute. I don't know about you guys." Hermione smiled.

"I'm sure everyone knows by now who Gwen here likes. Seeing as she's been seeing him for a month now." Amanda giggled.

"Really? You've got a boyfriend? Who?" Ron asked, anxious for gossip.

"Amanda! Not everyone knows! I don't think they'll like him." I growled at her.

"What, it's not likes it's Malfoy." Ron laughed.

"Ron!" Hermione elbowed him.

"Actually I am going out with him." I glared at him.

"Oh." He became silent quickly.

"Class, you may all go back to your seats." Quirrell stuttered.

They all left in a hurry. Ron left the fastest. I was glad he did. It was best for his safety.

We were let out for the rest of the day. I was going to the library to do a little catching up in transfiguration. I noticed Hermione, Harry, and Ron were there too. I ignored them and scanned the shelf for a book. I tried to go further away from them, but I heard hushed voices.

"How was I to know she was dating the devil?" Ron scowled.

"Everyone knows about it Ron. You were lucky he sent us to our seats when he did. She looked as if she was ready to kill you." Harry laughed.

"I wouldn't laugh Harry. She doesn't seem evil, but her boyfriend may be. If he finds out about how rude Ron's been today, he might get mad." Hermione warned.

"Like she's going to tell." Ron stared.

"Just watch what you say Ron." Harry patted Ron's shoulder.

"Why is she going out with that slime ball anyway? What does she see in him?" Ron asked.

"A lot of people like him. I know of six girls that like him. I know there's more too. He doesn't treat her like he treats us. He treats her like a princess. It's quite cute I must say." Hermione smiled.

"Oh get off it Herms. She's after his money." Ron sighed.

"Then why did she say no to him that one day. You remember that night when we saw him. If she wanted him she could have had him then. She could have had him several times before." Hermione explained.

"So that's what was going on! I wasn't paying much attention. Malfoy was turned down by a girl?" Ron happily asked.

"Yes. He almost had to get down on his knees and beg for her. She liked him all along, she just wasn't ready." Harry sighed.

"I don't want to talk about this anymore. This isn't right, discussing her personal life." Hermione shook her head.

"You're right, it's not right. My personal life is none of your business. I'm with Draco because I like, him Ron. And I don't appreciate the way you talk about him like he's some kind of beast." I stepped out and yelled at them.

"He is a beast!" Ron shouted.

"Take that back." I hissed through gritted teeth.

"Make me you little." he started to say but he stopped when he felt the palm of my hand hit his cheek.

"Watch yourself Ron. You may end up in a bad position." I snarled as I turned on my heel and stormed out.