Suddenly there was a whirl of black cape. A professor Snape stormed into the room. His potions master looked directly into Draco's eye's making him feel two feet tall. Draco knew that Snape cared but he also knew that Snape had a bloody awful temper that had never been directed at him, but there was a first time for everything. Snape sighed and his eyes became apologetic as if to say that he had been too harsh. Draco was unsure whether to stay strong and not say a word or collapse into a nervous wreck and confess to everything.
"Why have you run away? Why didn't you talk to me sooner? I thought we'd been through all of this before."
There was a silent pause while Draco thought over what he was going to say very clearly. He didn't know where to begin he also knew that if he told Professor Snape wouldn't understand. If Draco didn't confess of come up with a reasonable lie Professor Snape could always use Veritesirum. This would make him confess, even if he didn't like it or not.
Snape knelt down next to Draco.
"What it is is that I'mbeingbullied." Draco blurted out all at once but Snape understood what had been said.
"Is that so?" A pause "Who is doing so then?" Draco held his ground for a moment but it was use less and he hung his head in shame. "I don't think you are telling me the truth are you Draco? Another silence and then miraculously Draco shook he head indicating a 'No' "Are you going to tell me?" Draco looked up and slightly smiled at professor Snape and could have sworn he got a small smile back.
"Yes Sir." Draco swallowed, as his throat was dry. "It's a girl."
"It's a girl problem!" Professor Snape shook his head. "All this for a girl!" Snape's eyes flared up. Oh my God Draco knew he had it now, Snape was slightly angry. Nope Draco thought maybe more than angry. Snape managed to control his temper. There was another awkward silence. "I'm sure if you talked to your friends they could have helped you with this."
"My friend's couldn't have helped me Sir."
"Why is that Draco?"
"It's not that I can't talk to her Sir. It's just that I'm not allowed." Snape looked rather puzzled so Draco went on. "My father wouldn't be pleased."
"May I ask who this girl is?"
"Granger, Sir. Hermione Granger."
"MISS GRANGER!" Snape looked as if a firecracker had shot up his rear end.
"Yes sir I knew my father wouldn't have been pleased because she is a muggle-born. Judging by your reaction neither are you. Please don't tell my father. Pleased." Draco by this time had gradually looked away from Snape so he turned back to look at him. "I'm worried. Nobody knows what my father would do if he knew his Son had a crush on a muggle-born. Draco shut his eyes as if to block out any images in his head.
"Do not say that I am displeased by your choice of girl, I am just surprised and don't worry you have my promised. I will not betray your confidence. But you must promise me one thing."
"What is that Sir?"
"That will come back with me now and act as if everything is fine. I WILL help you."
"Yes, I will sir."