The sun was streaming through the windows of the castle, bathing Draco's broad back as he sat facing the opposite wall of the Slytherin Common Room. He was brooding. The habitual deck of cards were out, and the blonde's skill was undeterred though his troubles were drenching him. A mountain of glossy cards was being continually added onto; the king's, queen's, and jester's faces all laughing. Laughing at Draco for his plight, his hopeless misery, his constant wallowing in the shadow of that Gryffindor girl.

An obnoxious scuffing was heard, distrupting the crisp silence. Crabbe and Goyle stormed through the entrance and pounded their way to Draco, causing the glorious mountain of cards to pitifully drop to the surface. Draco's pale features trembled in the shadow before he screamed -

"DAMNIT! YOU BLOODY IMBECILES!"

The rage was not held back. The two oafs shrank away from the blonde, whose otherwise pale face had reddened.

"Very sorry, Draco - " Crabbe attempted, but Draco's harsh voice sounded once again as he ordered the two to get out of his sight. The two scampered off, as quickly as their obesity would allow.

Fuming, the boy heard a mild chuckle from the farthest shadow. Blaise Zabini sat in an armchair stirring his tea.

"What are you chuckling about?" growled Draco.

Blaise didn't miss a beat. "Well, I thought it was rather amusing how you've spent this whole time troubling yourself over a pack of cards - which no doubt leads me to believe that you are troubling yourself over a girl. A certain Gryffindor? You're unmistakeably obvious, you know."

Draco was utterly speechless. His first instinct was to deny any romantic feelings for the mudblood, but he realized that by denying his attraction he was merely affirming it. He chose a different route.

"Other than how obvious I am, I would like to know why you even care, Zabini."

Blaise grinned, something not often seen. "Your eyes are glued to her rear every potions class. Of course I care."

"Have you got tabs on her ass, Zabini?" Draco was becoming defensive, and automatically moved closer.

Blaise only chuckled once more, and then returned to his tea. Taking a quick sip, he replied, "I've got tabs on her every move, Malfoy."

Draco tossed in his sleep. With Blaise breathing contently only three bunks away from him, it was difficult for the blonde to get him out of his mind. What had he meant earlier that day? Furthermore, why was Draco so defensive? Territorial male instincts, he supposed. It was only natural, and therefore pointless to deny that he couldn't stand not having his way. He was going to get Granger, and her rear...it was no matter what Zabini had blubbered about.

Blaise was sleeping with a smile on his face.

From then on things were different between Blaise and Draco. Before, the two had respectfully acknowledged each other when passing, but now only hard stares from Draco were evident. But Blaise looked as content as before, and it only infruriated Draco to think that he knew something about Granger unknown to him.

It wasn't long before the winter holidays set in, and a sheet of constant snow clouded the sky. The castle was transformed into a white splendor, and Draco even found himself enjoying the feel of the brisk air. He had even more fun conjuring devil snowballs to bludgeon Potty and Weasel with. It was while he was seated alone under large pine, shooting the snowballs at his two enemies and chuckling, when Hermione found him.

"Having fun, Malfoy?" she asked angrily.

Draco's heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to coolly reply, "What's it to you, Granger?"

"Only the dignity of my two best friends." Her eyes were cold, and Draco wished for the familiar warmth that occurred when she laughed. She continued, "It was fairly easy to figure out who was throwing snowballs at them - while behind a moving tree, it seems."

It was true. Draco had bewitched the oak in front to continuously move after every shot, so that it was impossible for the average bystander to catch a glimpse of the blonde quietly seated. "Why do you care so much about him?" he surprised himself.

Hermione was caught off guard. "Harry, you mean?" Draco noticed concern flood her eyes. "I don't - he's different, I suppose...I'm just looking out for him. It was difficult after...Sirius..." She broke off and seemed to be lost in thought, gazing at Harry, who was standing with Ron a few hundred yards away.

Draco was determined not to show sympathy. His sense told him to stop what he was about to do, but something more overbearing pushed the thought away. He rose gracefully and evenly stepped over to where Hermione was standing. She started at the sudden movement but Draco already had her too close; her lips were trapped in his and she tensed. His broad hands were rested on her hips, and she relaxed as the kiss deepened, leaving Harry to wonder in vain where she had gone.

Remember when

You held me tight...

and you kissed me.

And it felt so right...

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Song lyrics are from "Breaking Up Is Hard To Do" by Renee Olstead