He didn't know what I was talking about. Hermione fumed. Did he think I would be flattered by his heartless, calculating plan? I don't plan to fall in love with Draco Malfoy, but I absolutely won't fall in love with him when he has no intention of returning my feelings!
Fifteen minutes of pacing, and Hermione started to think beyond Draco's startling declaration. He meant what he said though, about not wanting to be a pawn.
***
Draco sat alone in the Astronomy Tower, having scared off all the couples. His plans were all ruined. Not only had he insulted Hermione Granger, this time completely unintentionally, but he hadn't retrieved the blank piece of paper, and was frustrated because it was unlikely she would ever speak to him, let alone kiss him again.
Maybe I should ask Father's opinion. Draco thought. I don't have to tell him the details. Of course if I don't tell him, he'll have someone spy on me until he finds out the whole story so much as I'd like his advice I'd better not.
"Draco?"
"What are you doing here?" he snarled. "Forget that. We all know why people come up here. Well, who are you waiting for?"
"Are you waiting for anyone?" Hermione asked. She had been surprised and annoyed when the Marauder's map had shown Draco's whereabouts.
"Yes. For you to leave."
"I came up here to talk to you."
For the first time Draco looked at her. He didn't say anything , just stared at her disbelievingly. "Talk then, if that's what you want."
"I have no intention of becoming romantically involved with you."
"You've made that abundantly clear." Draco interrupted.
"But I feel I ought to help you. I mean, if you feel that overwhelmed by events."
"Overwhelmed?"
"You know, the Dark Lord, the pressure to become a Death – Eater. If I help you, I'd be helping more than just - "
"Oh spare me your reasoning. Go peddle your Gryffandor goody-goody self to some other-"
"Stop being so damn proud! I'm willing to help you. Isn't that what you wanted?"
It wans't the way he wanted it. She pitied him.
Hermione sat down beside him, and wrapped her hand around hers. "Friends?"
He was going to gag. Friends. Thist was the death knell for Draco Malfoy. No passion. Just friendship.
He looked into her eager eyes. He wanted to kiss her and strangle her and instead all he said was "Thanks."
