A/N: So... just so you know. I messed up the timeline a bit... In canon the interview is published one week after Valentine's Day. But I kinda skimmed over that chapter in the book and confused the date. So... it's going to be published a bit earlier in here. It just works better like this. (lalala... artistic freedom) And - I stole the title from Hamilton's Your Obedient Servant (You're welcome for the earworm ;)

24 – Doing What's Right

Apparently, Montague had reserved the quidditch field for the first half of that Sunday. So, Haley decided to use that part of the day to reduce her steadily rowing mountain of homework. By early afternoon, she took a break and peeked at the Marauder's Map in search of one particular name. It looked as though the quidditch practice was over. Where could he be then? On the grounds somewhere? In the halls? Or the library maybe? She didn't find his name in either of these places. Instead, she found it in his common room. Well, shit. She couldn't get in there. With a sigh, Haley slipped the map back inside her pocket and continued to work on her Charms assignment. An hour later, around four, she checked her map again, finally spotting the boy's name in the library. Not ideal (because of all the other students), but she'd have to take that chance.

She found him at his usual table, near the restricted section. Draco was slumped over the table, his head resting half on his arms and half on a book. Was he asleep? She stepped a little closer, taking a seat opposite him. His blond hair was covering half of his face, but she still saw that his eyes were closed. He looked so peaceful, his breathing calm and steady. His soft and relaxed features made him look incredibly young. Innocent almost.

She wanted to reach out and touch him. But that would probably wake him. And she didn't want to do that. Not when he seemed so peaceful. Had his training been this exhausting?

"bi' more sugar," he mumbled then sleepily. "Mhm, like swee' things…" Then he smiled happily and nestled further into his elbow. The sight tore at Haley's heartstrings. She couldn't wake him up. Not when he was having such a sweet dream. Maybe, she could wait for him to wake up on his own? But then, what if someone saw her? How would she explain the situation? She sighed. How much she hated this whole secrecy.

She'd get another chance to tell him. Luna had said the interview wouldn't be published until another two weeks. There was still time.

…

Monday came and brought along with it chaos and confusion. Against Luna's predictions, the interview had been published much sooner than expected. Everyone in the castle seemed to be reading it. People kept talking about it. Even the teachers! They probably read it in secret though because of Umbridge's decree. It would have been amazing. Finally, people were learning the truth about how Voldemort returned. Students were smiling at her, sending her awed looks… But Haley couldn't enjoy it. Draco had probably seen the interview by now. There was no way he didn't know about it. Still, for some reason he didn't show any kind of reaction. Whenever, she spotted him in the hall or met his gaze during class, he looked right through her, as if she were made of glass. Was that a good sign? Or a bad sign? Haley didn't know. She only knew that she had to somehow explain it to him. She had to get a chance to talk to him. But when? How?

On the way out of their Defence class, someone almost knocked her over from behind.
"Watch it, Potter." A very familiar voice sneered, as her books tumbled to the ground. Draco marched past her without the shortest glance back. Haley knelt down to pick up her books and tried to ignore the sinking feeling in her chest. He'd done it on purpose. He'd seen the interview and now he hated her. After everything they'd –

There was a folded up note next to one of her books. Her heart began to beat faster in anticipation. Was it from him? She looked around the hall but no one was taking much notice of her. The only person who was sending her a worried glance was Hermione, who'd just stepped into the hall. Had she seen the exchange? It didn't matter. She'd explain later. Now, she needed to know what the note said. She almost ripped it up out of anticipation.

Green houses

The note didn't say anything more than that. He wanted to meet her… At the green houses. That was a good sign, right? He was giving her a chance to explain… She had to go. At once, Haley jumped to her feet and left a confused Hermione behind.

"Haley, wait! Your books! Where are you going?" Her friend asked.

"Later!" She called back, realizing too late that she'd forgotten to pick up her books. Well, Hermione was going to take them back for her for sure.

…

It was supper time. That was probably why he had picked the green houses to meet. It was a known fact how serious Sprout took each of her meals. She was particularly fond of the desserts. But Haley didn't care much about that as she ran across the grounds toward the green houses, expecting the worst. He was already waiting inside. (Which was strange. She'd run so fast!) He was leaning against the only wall that was free of plant-filled shelves, his arms crossed. When she entered, he didn't even look at her.

Haley felt her insides squeeze together uncomfortably. She didn't know what to do. What to say. She wanted to apologize, to explain. But the words seemed like they were stuck in her throat, unable to move past her lips. Draco didn't say anything either. Which made her feel even more anxious. They both seemed to be waiting for something without knowing what it was. But nothing happened. Even the bright red plant on the table in front of them seemed to wait, its violet petals spread out invitingly, distracting from the hole in its middle that was filled with a sirupy liquid meant to attract its prey.

The tension surrounding them was starting to build-up, growing heavy like a blanket threatening to suffocate her. Why didn't he say anything? She couldn't bear this silence any more.

"Look, I-" She started to say, when Draco began to speak at the same time.

"I've seen something strange today," he said lightly, gaze fixed on the red plant on the table. "An interview… in the Quibbler." She saw him hold onto the strap of his shoulder bag with one hand. His skin was so white… and tense.

Then he suddenly looked at her, eyes intense and urgent. "Tell me you didn't do it – It was someone else – Someone else who used your name and–" He broke off, breathing quickly, and shaking his head. "Tell me it wasn't you." He was pleading with her. And Haley was sure, although he knew the truth, he would accept it if she said it hadn't been her. Or he would pretend at least. She hated that she couldn't pretend along with him. It wouldn't be right.

"I can't." She whispered instead, looking at her feet. "It was me… who did the interview."

"No!" Draco thundered. Haley heard something shatter, before she saw the flower pot hit the ground. She flinched in surprise. "No, no, no! How could you?" His face was a mask of betrayal and disbelief. "How could you do this to my family? How could you do this to me?"

And then the words were suddenly there. Like they had only been waiting for some kind of trigger. "I'm sorry, I should have told you. I wanted to. But every time I tried to tell you, something happened or I got interrupted and–" She stopped herself. It sounded like such a lame excuse. But she had tried. Although, she could have tried harder.

"You're sorry, you didn't tell me?" He gaped at her, seeming a little lost. "What would that have changed?"

"You shouldn't have found out like this! Through the paper – I – I should have explained-"

"Explained what? That you don't give a shit about me? That you've been playing me all along?"

"No! That's not true! I – This has nothing to do with you! People deserve to know the truth!"

"Oh yeah? Well, why didn't you also tell them that you're actually dating the son of a Death Eater?" He pushed himself off the wall and stalked over to her, his face stopping only inches away from hers. "Because you're ashamed of me? Because you were lying to me the whole time?" He sounded so bitter. It was unbearable.

"I wasn't lying to you, damn it! I care about you!"

"Then why the bloody hell did you do this interview?"

"I had to do it! For Cedric. People deserve to know how he really died! And that Voldemort is back!"

"But you didn't have to mention my father!"

Haley paused, glancing away. He wouldn't like what she was going to say next. "He's a Death Eater. The people should know who exactly they're dealing with."

Draco suddenly gripped her arms, making her look up into his wide anger-filled eyes. "It wasn't father who killed Diggory!" He spat.

"But he's not innocent either! He was there that night!" She fired back. "He chose to become a Death Eater! Nobody forced him to!"

"You don't get it!" He shook his head and let go of her shoulders, giving her a little shove. The abruptness of the movement made her stumble backwards against the wall. "What do you think would have happened if he hadn't showed up? What do you think the Dark Lord would have done to him? Or to mother and me?"

"I…" She started to say. She'd never looked at it from that perspective…

"He would have come for us," Draco whispered as if the mere thought scared him. "Father didn't have a choice."

Haley still wasn't completely sure Lucius Malfoy had not been there voluntarily. She refused to see him as the victim here. On the other hand though… Draco was right. If he hadn't followed Voldemort's call, the bastard would have made him and his family pay. The thought made her shudder.

"He shouldn't have become one of them, then." She didn't know what else to say. Was too scared to look at the boy directly, fearing the expression on his face. What could she say to make it better? How could she bridge the chasm that was separating their two worlds from one another?

Hesitantly, she reached for his hands, trying to communicate via touch what she couldn't express in words. They were cold as ever but she was used to that and it was reassuring that he didn't pull away from her. She only had to make him see that it wasn't him she was out against. She didn't want to lose him.

Draco took a deep breath, as if he was getting ready for something. "Just tell me one thing," he whispered, eyes fixed on their joined hands. "If… if it had been me that night… instead of my father…" Slowly he looked up. "Would you have done the same? Would you have told them about me?"

She snorted. "That's stupid. You're not a Death Eater." What was he trying to say?

"But if I was." He insisted.

"I know you. You'd never do something like-"

"Just answer the question, Haley!" He interrupted, his grip on her fingers becoming uncomfortably tight. "If it had been me, would you have betrayed me, too?"

"I-" She looked at this desperate boy in front of her, who was staring at her as if the next thing she said was going to decide if he lived or died and wondered what it was that he wanted to hear from her. How was she supposed to fix this?

"That's completely different," she muttered.

"Why?" He frowned. "Why is it different?"

Because you're important to me! Your father I couldn't care less about! But I'd never do anything that would harm you! I wouldn't be able to! The forcefulness with which these thoughts flooded her mind, rendered her speechless. I'd cover up the truth for him, she realised. What did that say about her? She'd thought she was doing the right thing but now she felt like a hypocrite. When had it become so difficult to discern right from wrong?

"Because you – I–I – you're…" She stammered, unable to form a complete sentence.

"What?" He repeated, even more urgently.

"I…" She shook her head, still overwhelmed by the new conflict in her head.

Draco sighed. It sounded a lot like giving up. "I see." He said quietly, gaze dropping to their clasped hands. "Is this how it ends, then?"

His words pierced through her chest like needle-sharp icicles. What?

"I really thought this was going to last." His fingers were slipping from her skin and before the gravity of the situation fully hit her, he had pulled away and started to turn around.

"Fuck this shit." She heard him curse, although it sounded more like a sob. Another flower pot hit the ground and then he was gone. Haley didn't understand what had just happened. She stood there, inside a room where she had exchanged Valentine's gifts with a boy for the first time. And now that same boy had… There was something in the painful thrumming of her heart. Something it was trying to tell her. But she forced herself to ignore it. Didn't want to listen. The only thing she heard was the high shrieking of the insect that had been attracted by the sweet scent of the plant on the table. Now, it was trapped inside the viscous liquid, desperately fighting to free its translucent wings from the sticky juice. It would be easy to rescue it. But would it be right? Was it the plant's fault that it needed to feed on insects? And if she rescued the insect, wouldn't the plant soon find another victim? She didn't know any more. Right… wrong… What did that even mean? Was it only a matter of perspective?

She finally tore her eyes away from the disturbing sight and fled. But she couldn't stop the desperate cries of the pitiful creature from haunting her even once she was long gone.

…

"There you are! You won't believe how many people came to me, telling me how much they liked the interview! Of course, they wanted to talk to you but you weren't – why are you glaring like that?" Hermione asked her, interrupting her own flow of words as soon as Haley entered the common room.

"Was it wrong?" She asked in return, when she dropped into the seat next to her.

"Hm? Was what wrong?"

"The interview. It wasn't wrong, was it?" Haley started worrying her lip in agitation.

Hermione frowned. "No, of course not. People need to know the truth. Why would you say that?"

"Exactly!" Haley exclaimed, the confirmation making her feel more at ease than before. She slapped her hands onto the table irritably. "That's what I told him, too but he just – ugh…"

"He?" Hermione tilted her head to the side. "Oh. Is that why you're this upset? You talked to Malfoy? Did he give you trouble for the interview?"

Haley shook her head tiredly, covering her face with one of her hands. "He doesn't understand," she whispered. "I only said the truth… I mean, it's not like his father is such a charming fellow. Why'd he have to overreact like that?" She really didn't understand it.

Hermione raised an eyebrow. "He's still his father."

"And a Death Eater, did you forget?"

"No, I didn't forget," she explained, clucking her tongue impatiently. "I'm just saying that it's relatable. How did you think he would react?"

"I…" She was at a loss of words. Her friend was right as always. How would you react? The question seemed to hang in the air between them, unspoken. But Haley wouldn't know… Because her parents were dead. The sudden reminder made her feel even worse. You'll never understand, Haley. You don't have any parents, a spiteful voice whispered in her head.

Hermione's eyes widened as if she had heard her thoughts. "I didn't mean – I wasn't implying that you…" She chewed on her lips unhappily.

"I think, I'll head up to bed." Haley said dejectedly. What a rotten day. The only thing making it worse, would have been an Occlumency lesson.

…

That Wednesday, when Hermione wanted to stop by the library to get a specific book for Binns' about two opposing centaur clans causing a riot (Westwood Story or something), Haley spontaneously decided to join her. Not because she hoped to find a certain Slytherin in the back of the library. That would be foolish. She only went there because there was this book she wanted to check out about advanced potion brewing. Because she loved nothing more than potions, obviously. Well, Hermione had only sent her a knowing glance, when she started making her excuses and told her she'd wait for her in front of the library.

Now, Haley's heart was beating like mad in uncertainty and anticipation. She almost hoped she'd find the table deserted.

It wasn't deserted. In the chair, closer to her, Luna was seated, her back turned to Haley and taking notes on a piece of parchment. The sight of the boy sitting opposite her, caused her heartbeat to stutter momentarily. He was leaning over a book, blond strands of hair falling into his face. He hadn't noticed her yet. Maybe it was better to just go. What would she even say? This had been a stupid idea from the start. Feeling like a complete coward, Haley spun around, her hand catching on a book that had been jutting out of the shelf halfway. The book flew through the air and landed on the floor with a thud. So much, for her quiet retreat.

Clearing her throat awkwardly, Haley picked up the book and turned toward the two people who'd surely witnessed the scene. "Um… hi…" She greeted them nervously, her gaze meeting Draco's for no more than a split second. Then he returned to his book again, as if nothing had interrupted him.

"Hello Haley," Luna replied warmly. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, um… stupid book." She chuckled nervously, holding up the book she'd knocked out of the shelf. She glanced over to Draco again but his book seemed to be capturing all of his attention.

She cleared her throat again, trying to summon some of the courage that usually flowed through her like a river and stepped close to the table. "Hey," she said quietly, hesitantly. "Can we talk?"

It was clear that she was addressing the boy, but he didn't show in any way that he'd heard her. His eyes, though hadn't moved from the same spot in at least a minute, which told her that he was only pretending to read.

"Draco?" She tried again.

With a sigh, he closed his book and slipped it into his bag. "I'm going to finish this later," he muttered, getting up from his chair and moved past her as if he hadn't even noticed her. Without a glance or a word or anything else that might have told her he wanted her to follow him. Haley grabbed the back of the chair in front of her to hold herself upright. All of a sudden, her knees felt weak. And not in a good way. Why was he this cold to her? Did he need more time to cool down? He couldn't have meant what he said, could he? He didn't really want to end it, right? It had been a stupid fight. Surely, they could talk it out? Searching for help, she looked at Luna, who was sending her a sympathetic glance.

"I'm sure, he doesn't mean it like that," she said sympathetically, her fingers covering Haley's gently. "He's just hurt."

"I know." Haley sighed. I'm the one who hurt him. "Well, I've got to go. I liked your protection spell yesterday by the way. You've really improved," she added because it wasn't Luna's fault, she was having another crap day. The younger girl had helped her so many times. She wanted to return her kindness at least in some way.

"Oh! You've noticed?" She beamed. "I've practised a lot. And you explained it really well."

"You don't have to say that," she replied sheepishly.

"I mean it!" Her blue eyes expressed nothing but sincerity. "I've never learned this much in any other Defence Against the Dark Arts lesson with any of our previous teachers."

"Thank you." Haley gave her a little smile that didn't even feel forced. It was nice to be complemented on something she put so much effort into. And compared to the interview, she didn't feel the least bit bad about it. The day was starting to look up. If only a bit.

…

"That's what he said?" Hermione asked during Charms after Haley had told her about her encounter in the library.

"Yes." She whined, turning her rat translucent instead of camouflaging it. She could see its tiny heart like this, thumping violently behind a pale ribcage. Did her own heart look the same? "He didn't even look at me."

"Bastard. Who does he think he is?" Haley's and Hermione's heads turned right at the same time. It had been Ron who'd said that. Had he been listening? Was he getting mad on her behalf? Was he talking to her again?

"I just had the weirdest thought," Haley said in wonder. "There's actually something you've got in common with him."

"What? I could never have anything in common with a prat like–"

"You're both treating me like air – or I guess… you've changed your mind?"

Ron stared at her in confusion for a moment. "I wasn't – I didn't – I…" Then he huffed, crossed his arms and looked away. Maybe he had forgotten for a second that he wasn't talking to her. That he was mad. Haley took it as a good sign. Even if he kept silent around her for the rest of the day.

…

She lasted until the evening of the following day. All day, Draco had been ignoring – even avoiding – her. Not seeming the least bit bothered about the silence between them. Well, to be fair, he usually never showed any sign of affection toward her, when other people were around but… but… If only she knew what he was thinking. If only she could talk to him.

After the DA session that night, Haley slipped a hastily scribbled note into Luna's hand. The little note carried all her uncertain hopes and plans. It was going to go like this: She'd meet him on Friday night, explain her side of the story better and hopefully fix what had gone wrong, so they could continue where they left off. It was a good plan. Not brilliant, but enough to make things right again. When Luna agreed to deliver her message, Haley's chest filled with nervous anticipation and she allowed herself to feel a flicker of hope.

…

In Magical Creatures on Friday, Haley tried not to focus on the way Umbridge kept humiliating Hagrid and taking notes on her clipboard incessantly. She also tried not to focus on Draco who was not sparing her a glance but instead seemed to find the company of Daphne Greengrass utterly fascinating. It didn't help that the Slytherin girl was incredibly pretty. Had she always been this pretty?

"Your staring is not subtle," Hermione hissed from the side, elbowing her softly.

Haley sighed but finally tore her eyes away and glanced at the crup in front of her instead. The last thing she wanted was to get caught by Umbridge. There probably was a reasonable explanation for this. Maybe Luna hadn't got around to giving him the note yet. It wasn't even noon! There was still plenty of time until tonight. She had to be a bit more patient. Maybe the Greengrass girl had only explained something to him. Something about crups. That was why he seemed so engrossed in her words…

…

When Luna caught her before the afternoon classes, Haley was a bundle of nerves.

"Luna!" She greeted her loudly. "Did you get him the message? What does he say? Will he come tonight?" She sounded too eager but she didn't care at this point.

Luna's blue eyes didn't look eager at all. "I'm sorry," she said. Haley's heart plummeted like a bird falling out of the sky. She didn't want to hear what was going to come next.

"He says," Luna started in a gentle voice. (Would gentleness soften the blow?) "He's got nothing… to say to you."

Bright spots appeared in front of Haley's eyes. She tried to blink them away but that only increased the dizziness.

"What…?" She whispered, feeling a hand on her arm, trying to steady her. She didn't understand. The words didn't make any sense at all. "That can't be… it doesn't make… he… what?"

"I'm sorry I don't have anything more positive to tell you." Luna squeezed her arm. And that wasn't right. She wasn't going to accept this. Whatever this was. Not like this.

"He can tell me that himself." She said, straightening her shoulders and feeling the weakness in her legs slowly recede. Luna gave her a small sympathetic smile. But Haley swore for a moment her mouth twitched upwards in a way that seemed almost pleased.

…

The Occlumency session that night didn't start out as a disaster. Haley was determined to keep her cool and not show that she was upset in any way. She tried to think of anything that did not relate to Draco, focusing on good memories instead, like getting her Hogwarts letter or finding out, she could leave the Dursleys and live at Hogwarts instead…

The memory stopped and she didn't find herself on the ground for a change.

"Well, these seem considerately tame. You wouldn't be trying to show me specific memories, Potter, would you?" Snape mused. "Although, that may be a slightly better approach, you do remember, that you are supposed to keep me out of your mind and not handpick your memories."

Haley nodded, stealing herself, when the man raised his wand once more.

"Legilimens!"

She imagined a door that was meant to keep him out, which seemed to work for a few seconds until it turned to the door to Madame Puddifoots VIP lounge. The door opened and Draco greeted her… he kissed her and told her he'd never leave her because of a peculiar voice… They walked through Hogsmeade holding hands… They exchanged Valentine's gifts and he said he never wanted to hurt her again…

"Enough of this," she heard Snape's voice through the swirl of memories. And then she hit the ground again, her heart beating rapidly, images still flashing before her eyes.

"I'm not especially fond of seeing every single moment of your little romance." The man sneered. "You should be glad I am the one who saw this and not the Dark Lord! Do you want to imagine what he would do if he knew about your escapades?"

Haley got up and tried to catch her breath. The sweetness of the memories was almost too much to bear.

"You are not taking this seriously enough! If I have to see another one of those dreadful memories, I will send you straight to the headmaster!"

He was going to tell Dumbledore? No… "I am taking this seriously! I'm trying!" She returned.

"Try harder!" He hissed and pointed his wand at her again. "Legilimens!"

She wasn't ready. Frantically, Haley imagined a big wall this time to block Snape from her memories. It's working, it's working!, she thought.

And then a voice broke through her mind. He says… he's got nothing to say to you… No… She tried to ignore that voice, chase it away, silence it…Then there was another voice. A boy's voice. How could you do this to me?

A memory crashed through the wall. A boy and a girl inside a green house… The two of them fighting… The boy shouting at her… Asking her if she would betray him… Then the boy talking to a pretty blonde girl… She heard the voice again. He's got nothing to say to you… Nothing…

"No! Stop! Stop!" She cried, on her knees. Fingers buried in her hair. Tears were welling up in her eyes. She looked up at the ceiling, trying to keep them from spilling over.

It was strangely silent. She was waiting for Snape to scold her again. Was he really going to go to Dumbledore?

"I'll try again," she said, dabbing at her eyes. Her voice sounded much steadier than she felt. "Just give me a moment to–"

"We'll continue this next Monday," He said in a strangely detached voice.

"What?" She stared at him in surprise, feeling oddly exposed. After all, he'd seen… all those memories… He seemed slightly uncomfortable about the situation as well.

"Go, before I change my mind," he snarled, the coldness returning to his eyes. She hoped that meant he was not going to tell Dumbledore.

Hastily, Haley got up. For a moment longer she could hold them in. The feelings. There was no way, she was going to let Snape see her cry. Before the door had completely closed behind her, she swore, she heard him say, "Bloody teenagers." She didn't linger to check.

…

She didn't remember the walk back to her tower. When she entered the common room it was fairly empty at least. Most students had probably gone to bed already.

"How'd it go?" Hermione asked sympathetically. She was sitting at their usual corner, Ron next to her and in front of them a heap of parchment. Had they been waiting for her? She would have smiled if she didn't feel like that would finally tip her over the edge. She shook her head and fell into the seat between her two friends. She was so tired.

Ron and Hermione shared a look. She didn't know what it meant. Or care much.

Like a rock her face dropped heavily to the table.

"That bad?" Hermione asked cautiously. Haley scrunched her eyes shut. Tightly. She didn't want to talk about it. Didn't want to think about it, wanted to forget –

"What does that even mean, he's got nothing to say to me? Did he swallow his tongue or what?" She burst out at last.

"Snape?"

"No! Not Snape! Draco bloody Malfoy!" She was being too loud. But the good thing about it was that the volume scared away the lingering Gryffindors. "Why would he say something like that? Doesn't he know it hurts? Doesn't he care?" Her voice sounded terribly close to breaking. But what did it matter? "I thought he'd understand." She sobbed, tears finally falling from her eyes. "And now this! He ignores me. He won't talk to me, he – he sends someone else to tell me 'he's got nothing to say to me'. Who does that? It's almost like – like he's–"

Like he's breaking up with me. She couldn't say it. She didn't even want to think it. Hadn't allowed herself to come to that exact conclusion. Until now. Until seeing the memories of their fight in Snape's office in painful sharpness. Seeing the way he'd looked at her. Hearing him say those words again. Those horrible words. Is this how it ends, then? A question. A stupid meaningless comment, she'd convinced herself. But maybe it had been more. Maybe he'd been telling her something entirely different all along. Even Snape had seen it right away. That was why he had sent her away…

"I ruined it," she whispered brokenly. "I ruined everything."

"I told you, he's a right bastard. You should never have gotten involved with someone like him." Ron grunted irritably.

Haley shook her head. "No, it's not his fault, it's me. It's me who… who…"

"I'll break his bloody bones. I-" He got up, straightening his shoulders as if he was getting ready for a fight.

"No! You can't. You promised!" Haley got to her feet as well, pulling at her friend's arm.

"So bloody what! He hurt you! There's no way I'm going to sit and watch that tosser make my best friend cry!"

She gaped at him.

"What?" He barked, his face showing a strange mix of confusion and anger.

"Best friend? Does that… mean we're friends again?"

"We never stopped being friends. What'd you think?"

"Ron." She felt so relieved that for a second she forgot her wounded heart. Then she rushed forward and hugged him. Her lost and found best friend. It felt so good to have him back.

"Er… Haley?" Well, hugging wasn't exactly the boy's speciality. He seemed unsure what to do with his arms. Haley chuckled and hugged him tighter.

"I can't breathe…" He complained uncomfortably.

She pulled back, brushing a few forgotten tears from her cheeks.

"Finally. You're more stubborn than a mule. I thought you'd never get it together." Hermione piped up, shaking her head impatiently.

Ron coughed awkwardly, sinking into the armchair again. "So…" He glanced to the side as Haley dropped into her own armchair.

"Er…"

"What is it?" Haley wanted to know. Hermione snorted.

Ron tried again. "So… can I… can I have that card now?"

A card? Haley frowned. Hermione rolled her eyes. Then it hit her.

"The chocolate frog card! Agrippa!"

"Yes!"

"Sure. I've always meant to give it to you."

He beamed. Then he reached under the table and placed a bowl of ice cream in front of her. "The one that never melts," he explained. "Hermione said you looked like you need a pick me up, so I thought… well, here. It's pumpkin and cinnamon. With huge chocolate chunks. I already tried it. It's amazing!"

He'd brought her ice cream. Because he thought she might need a pick me up. There was a warm feeling welling up inside her that reminded her how lucky she was to have these two.

"He even went to the kitchens for it. Before finishing supper." Hermione said amusedly.

"You weren't supposed to tell her that, Hermione!" Ron complained.

Haley chuckled. And this time, she didn't have to make an effort to keep it from turning into a sob. Her heart still hurt. But it was like a small part of it had finally healed. She had got her friend back. And until the rest of her heart was patched up… there was pumpkin and cinnamon ice cream to comfort her. With huge chocolate chunks.

…

A/N: Sending out a huge bowl of cinnamon and pumpkin ice cream to all of you! I'm sorry for dumping all this angst on you... but hey, it can't get that much worse, right? I know y'all are probably super curious about Draco's perspective here and cursing me for not giving you a glimpse into his mind... I kind of thought it might be cool to leave you in the ark along with Haley. Lalala, sorry for being sadistc like that... Keep safe everyone! And tell me what you think!

Also, am I the only one who is fed up with the way this virus is handled? All the politicians do is spread panic and fear instead of properly informing the people. I just wish they would stop doing that and start listening to people who actually know what they're talking about. The data is there, it just needs to be acknowledged. There are more reasonable ways to handle this than taking away almost every basic human right.