Harry waited outside the Potions class for Samantha. He fingered the ink bottle in his pocket nervously. Everyone filtered out slowly, waving and throwing casual conversation at him. Ron walked out behind Hermione, looking as confused as ever. He glanced around them into the classroom. A frown crossed his as he saw Draco flirting with Samantha. He turned around walking briskly ahead of Ron and Hermione. It was the first time the three walked quietly together and seemingly angry with one another.
"Any body up for Exploding Snap " came Seamus' voice behind them.
"No" came the collective answer from the three.
Harry flinched as her heard Draco make a joke and Samantha's tinkling laugh reached his ears. Hermione grasped his hand as she glanced the expression on his face.
"Just ignore it, Harry." said Hermione
Ron's unseen expression was cross and put out. Seamus noticed and elbowed him.
"You should tell her, man." He said to Ron quietly.
"What?" said Ron blankly and loudly.
"You know." Said Seamus walking off.
The friends arrived at the Great Hall. They sat in their usual place, but all ate silently. Ron glanced up at Hermione only to discover her studying him. They blushed and Harry lost in his own thoughts didn't notice. Halloween would be coming up. Perhaps he could ask her to be his date to Hogsmead. He got up from the table.
"Harry? Where are you going? Harry?!" said Hermione.
"Harry." Said Ron loudly.
Their cries fell on deaf ears. The people around the shouting pair turned to watch Harry. Samantha turned at the silence of her friends and their looks of amazement at the top of her head. A blush came to her cheeks as she saw Harry. Draco across the Hall was roughly jostled by Goyle. Draco frowned and was about the reprimand the oaf but looked where one of his large fingers was pointing. Draco rose and walked to the Ravenclaw table.
"What's this then? Potter bothering you?" he said the Samantha.
"No." she said a little desperately. Her friends could practically feel her anxiety.
"Potter, Malfoy, and Monroe what is going on here?" asked Professor McGonagall.
"Nothing." said Harry and Draco together.
Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows at that. Harry and Draco gave each other looks of disgust and Samantha giggled nervously. They looked at her in surprise. Finally Draco moved away.
"This isn't over Potter." said Draco.
"That's quite enough Mr. Malfoy." said Professor McGonagall.
"Looking forward to it Malfoy." answered Harry.
"Stop it. The both of you. I can't stand this is anymore." Said Samantha with tears glimmering at the corners of her eyes.
The boys looked at each other with startled looks on their faces. They started after her but McGonagall pressed a hand to both their chests. They stopped at the gentle pressure. Malfoy gave a combination look of disgust and concern at McGonagall and Harry. McGonagall shot a questioning look at Harry expectantly.
"Well?" she asked.
"Nothing, Professor." said Harry.
"Alright." she said and walked back to the Head table. Dumbledore leaned forward and McGonagall whispered in his ear. His piercing eyes sought out Draco and Harry. Harry could not avoid the gaze and felt something akin to shame fill him. Draco began to shot a sneer in response to Dumbledore's gaze, but it died about half-way through.