The next morning, everyone was quiet at the breakfast table.Well, at least the crew that was in the library. Harry, Hermione, and Ron didn't see Amber that morning, or at breakfast, or when they got their schedules for the following weeks. They began to become worried, and Harry and Ron resolved to look for her after Quiddich practice. Hermione agreed to help after a short visit to the library.

Draco was silent all morning, even when Pansy Parkinson forced herself at him, that sick twisted little girl. He didn't even tease Granger when he saw her on the way to the library. All he could think about was Arie. He had to find her, talk to her, make sense of everything. It wasn't until a few moments later that he realize he was running to the court yard. So wrapped up in his own thoughts, he barely realized where he was or what he was doing.

In an instant, which was all it took, he ran to the lake. Passing several very romantic couples, and a bunch of disturbed groups of underclassmen. There she was. Her knees pulled to her chest, and her black hair blowing in the slight breeze.

Draco smiles and walks over to her and puts his hands on her shoulders, "You feeling okay? If the others see you like this their going to tease you..."

"If the others see you like that their going to tease you, you freak..." She says wiping her eyes with the back of her hand.

Draco sits beside her, "Look, there's something I need to tell you."

"If it's about last night, then we both need to talk."

Draco blinks, Did she already know? "You go first."

"Are you mad about my being related to a Gryffindork?"

He sighed, relieved, "No, it can't be helped."

"Okay, because I was really worried-"

"Don't be. It's your mother's fault. I know how much you hate those stupid goody-two shoes." He smiles slightly, "Now there's something else I need to tell you..."

Arie smiles, and hugs him around the neck, "Thanks..." She lets go, turning to face him, "Alright, go for it."

Draco opened his mouth, but nothing came out! He scowled and turned away. The moment of truth had come and now he couldn't even utter a sound.

Arie smiled, and took his hand, "You're so cute when you're speechless..."

Draco looked at her with eyes that said something his open mouth could not. With that one look, she understood. He knew she did. She knew, he knew. They smiled. It was their little secret. There was so much he wanted to know, to ask, and so many of her secrets that he wanted to find out.

SHe could tell what he wanted. It was in her eyes, and his eyes. It was now, that she knew she could write her father to ask permission. She thought he'd approve. She'd write him right this moment. At last she spoke, "Draco."

"Yes?" He answered dreamily, and breathlessly.

"Calm down for a moment. I'm not spilling my guts to you right now, okay? There's a reason I'm so secretive." She stood up, "I let you know soon, okay."

It wasn't really a question, but there was a hint in her voice that let him knew that she would tell him. Eventually. He'd have to write his father as well. TO tell him who she was and the lot. So his mother'd finally stop setting him up with those prissy little fourth years.

Arie waved as she stepped off the rock, and jogged to the castle. He watched her as she left. Something still wasn't right. It was as though he still needed to know something, but he didn't quite know at the moment. Thunder rumbled in the distance, and the waters of the lake became choppy, Draco got up, dusting himself off, "Better go before the lake monster eats me..."