Disclaimer: I own the plot and the new character. Everything else is JK Rowling's.

A.N: This chapter is fairly short and doesn't have the best plot but it keeps things rolling. And thanks for all the reviews I got on the last chapter. It made me very happy.

---

it's getting colder, and you're
getting distant and I just keep
thinking, I never meant it to be like this.

On With the Story

---

--

-

It had been four days since the auction and it was still quite awkward with us. Us being; my brother and Hermione, Blaise and I, and Ginny and Potter. Lavender and Weasley were now going out.

I don't think any of us had spoken more than a few sentences to each other. And most of it was for schoolwork. It was pretty sad, to tell the truth. I mean, we're all old enough, and most of us have done more than snog, so why was it such a big deal? Maybe it was because the pairings were not the usual pairings. Hermione and Draco? That's a recipe for disaster. Ginny and Potter? Blushing and mumbled words all around. Blaise and I? Muttered apologies and mistakes.

Nothing good was coming from the auction. And it was supposed to help us with our relationships. So, what should we do? Or better yet, what should I do?

---

"Albus, what can I help you with?" asked Professor Snape. It was Potions class and awkward as hell, since we were paired with our pairings from the auction.

All eyes that had been on Professor Snape turned around to look at Professor Dumbledore.

"Severus, I was wondering if I could borrow Miss Malfoy for a few moments," answered Professor Dumbledore.

I swiveled around in my chair and looked up questioningly at him. He looked at me, his blue eyes twinkling. I frowned. His eyes only twinkle when he has something up his sleeve. Was my day going to get worse?

"Couldn't this wait until after class, Albus?"

Professor Dumbledore chuckled. "I'm afraid not, Severus."

Professor Snape sighed and then looked towards me. "Fine, Miss Malfoy, please follow Albus and then return back right after."

"Yes, Professor," I replied. What was going on? I got up and followed Professor Dumbledore out the door. He just kept on walking after we got out of the classroom. I hurried to catch up with him. "Professor, what is this all about?"

He was silent for a few moments. "As you know, I took your idea for the Charity Auction a couple nights ago, for the older students to have some fun," he started. I nodded. What did this have to do with anything? "Well, I've noticed more couples after this event and I must say I'm proud of you!"

I nodded. Wait, what? "Professor, I still don't understand."

"The event has proved to be most successful in providing our students with hope. Hope of what is to come after this. And hope for the students who have begun relationships that were started with this event," he paused. "It is a wonderful sight. This is what caused Voldemort's downfall. Hope and Love. And we are seeing the beginnings of love here."

I shook my head. What was going on? Love? He took me out of class to talk about love? "Professor, I really don't see what this has to do with anything."

"Miss Malfoy, have you seen the couples?" Professor Dumbledore asked.

"Of course. It's like a snogfest around here," I replied.

He chuckled. "That is not what I'm saying. Have you really seen the couples?"

I shook my head. "No, sir."

"Well, maybe you'll notice once I tell you," he said. "Inter-house relations, m'dear."

I was silent. Really? Had my idea of a Boy Auction brought on Inter-house relations?

"Miss Greengrass, who you may know, has recently been seen with Mr. Thomas." He noticed my shocked features. "I was quite surprised myself. And so, I've decided to make this event a tradition. Why, you may ask. Because you, Miss Malfoy, have done something in one night that we, the staff of Hogwarts, have tried to do forever. Bring the houses together. And it may not be for a long time, but it's very nice not to see all the houses and students hexing each other."

I smiled. "Thank you Professor for telling me all this and it is quite a surprise for me to hear all of it. And I would love for you to continue the auction as a tradition. I'm sure the students would love it."

He smiled. "Thank you, Miss Malfoy, but that is not the only reason I asked you out of class," he spoke.

"What do you need, sir?" I asked.

"I've come to grant you permission for the third number on your list that you handed me earlier last week." He noticed my smile. "But, only for you and your friends. So, please inform me of a night when you would like to do this and I shall inform the Professors."

I beamed at him. "Oh, thank you, Professor!"

He smiled. "Now, I'm sure it's time you headed back to Potions. Severus, will be wondering as to what is taking so long."

---

"…And then he told me I brought all the houses together!" I exclaimed to Ginny in the library. We were studying. Correction: she was studying, I was talking.

She looked up from her work. "That's actually very cool. And he was right about the whole Daphne/Dean thing. I walked in on them in the Charms classroom, just this morning. It looked like they were eating each others faces."

We started laughing but then quickly stopped when we heard a grunt from behind me. I looked back to see Blaise behind me. Oh gosh, what now?

"Zabini, what do you need?" asked Ginny.

"I was wondering if I could borrow Chloe for a moment," he replied.

"Well, that's up to her, Chloe?" She looked at me.

"I'm sorry, I'm busy right now," I muttered, looking at my work.

I heard Blaise sigh. "Fine, but just so you know, both of your brother's are looking for each of you." And then he left.

Ginny and I shared confused looks. What?

---

"Hey Gin. Where were you before?" I asked. It was right after dinner and I was sitting on the grass looking out at the lake when Gin came rushing out.

She grunted. "Uh, my brother finally found me and asked me what happened on my date with Harry. I told him we raced for the snitch," she answered, sitting down next to me.

"Did he ask you if you kissed him?"

"No. I don't think he really cares or he didn't think that Harry and I would kiss. He's been too occupied with Lavender."

I nodded.

"What about you and your brother?" she asked.

"Told him that we went bowling and ate dinner. He didn't know what bowling was, and thought it was something to do with sex. I almost peed my pants when he asked me that," I replied. "And for the kiss, I just told him it was a peck on the lips."

---

"Miss Malfoy, what do you predict will happen to Mr. Creevey?" asked Professor Trelawney. Why did I ever agree to take this class?

"He'll die..?" I replied, looking questioningly at the professor.

"Mhmm, quite right my dear."

Creevey looked awfully upset about this. Come on! Doesn't he know that everyone's predictions begin with death or something like it?

Hearing the bell, I began to pack up my books and stuff them in my bag. I was almost out the door where I could see Ginny waiting when Professor Trelawney stopped me.

"Dear," she said in a raspy voice. "Stop this nonsense at once!"

I looked around. What was she talking about?

"Stop keeping secrets and lying to yourself and others around you. You need to change yourself. People will find out soon who you really are. You have enough time to become someone you want to be."

And then she stopped and blinked at me a couple of times.

"Miss, don't you have a class to attend to?" she asked me.

I looked at her confusingly and nodded.

"Well you better leave. Oh, and five points from Ravenclaw!" And then she walked away.

I turned and left, noticing that Ginny had gone on ahead without me. Walking down to History of Magic, I began thinking. First of all; I'm not in Ravenclaw! Second of all; Ginny should've waited for me. And lastly, what was Trelawney talking about? Did she really mean I should change myself? And if so, why should I? I had nothing to worry about, right? Right?

---

--

-

A.N.: It's a pretty short chapter but I had nothing really planned after the Auction. But don't worry I have many ideas for this story in mind! And if you noticed I got this up within like a week of the Auction chapter of being posted.

So, you know what to do. Review!

xmyxparadisex

xokissesxo