This is probably the longest chapter I've written so far. (I know...I need to learn how to write longer chapters.)

Two whole months fled like birds being chased by dragons and things seemed to still be the same as always. Draco and Astoria still noticed each other across rooms, corridors and outdoor areas but it was always Astoria who would look away and walk in the opposite direction. She did not regret saying those last words to his face, and yet she felt horrible for those actions. She was always comforted by her boyfriend at her side, and she made sure that Malcolm would never find out about her true feelings for Malfoy. Things were going far too well for the couple to suddenly quarrel and go their separate ways.

Astoria was content when she went to bed one night. All of the lamps had been turned off and her room-mates had already drifted off to sleep, but her eyes were still wide open, staring at the ceiling. A certain memory had entered her mind and refused to exit; the night when she was sorted into Slytherin.

"Greengrass, eh?" the Sorting Hat bellowed that night, "This one may not have much in her shoes right now, but I've a feeling that ambition will lead to her greatness. SLYTHERIN!"

The little girl who had just been sorted had no clear ambition at the time; all she wanted to do was do well with her school work, although it did not necessarily mean topping all of her subjects. Many had asked her about what she wished to do after her education at Hogwarts only to meet with an uncertain reply. Much to her family's dismay, Astoria had chosen Muggle Studies as one of her electives. Their disappointment died down when she lied about taking the subject for the sake of ridiculing the Muggle society. But in truth, she was wondrously fascinated when it came to learning about muggles, for there was never a lesson when her eyes were not wide open due to interest. It was no wonder that she had topped the most recent Muggle Studies exam that term. Professor Burbage was more than impressed with her students' results that she rewarded them with a relaxing lesson of listening to muggle music.

Most of the students were feeling rather relaxed during that lesson almost on the point of falling asleep. Astoria listened attentively to each of the songs that had been played, yet there was one song that would stay in her mind for a long time to come. After leaving the classroom, she had memorised the lyrics and was discreetly humming the tune to herself. She was often on the lookout for people who might catch her humming a muggle song.

That night, the moon was full and without Astoria and Malcolm sitting cosily on the sofa, the common room was just about empty. Malcolm had his arm positioned around his girlfriend's shoulders in the midst of their conversation. They had a discussion about their future before, only this time Astoria was the first to start it.

"Malcolm, what do you plan to do after Hogwarts?"

He stared towards the burning fireplace and let out a sigh. "I'm thinking of opening up a shop of my own. I don't really know what I'd sell, but I think it would be great if I opened it at Hogsmeade."

Astoria glanced up in his eyes. "That would be great!"

It was Malcolm's turn to ask the question. "What about you, Tori? What are you going to do?"

"Dunno." she said simply.

"Oh, come on, Tori!" he urged, "There must be something you would love to do after all this!"

She joined him in staring at the fiery flames burning against the fireplace. She did not know what to say without making him laugh at her. This time she knew that keeping quiet was not the answer the his question.

"Well, Tori?"

She could tell that his eyes were fixed on her like as if he was petrified. She paused for another moment before screwing her courage to speak.

"I don't know." she said.

Malcolm tried to hide his look of disappointment and slightly shifted on the couch. He knew that she received terrific grades in the majority of her subjects, but he found it odd that she had no clear ambition. It was then a sudden thought came to mind.

"I know what you should do!" he commented. "You should work for the Ministry!"

A disgusted cringe immediately etched on Astoria's face. "Eurgh!" Malcolm was concerned at her reply.

"You don't wanna work at the Ministry?"

"No way!" Astoria exclaimed. "It just sounds too...tedious. And demanding!" she added.

"Hmm..." Malcolm sighed. "You know what, I'm tired. I think I'll go to bed."

As he slowly rose from his seat, Astoria remained on the couch.

"I think I'll stay here for a bit." she said.

Malcolm turned his head while he headed off. "Alright. Goodnight, then."

"'Night, Mal."

"Love you, Tori!"

She did not respond as he crept quietly into his dormitory and cautiously shut the door behind him. She was left in the common room all by herself, sinking deeper into the sofa by the passing minutes. Her heart sank as she thought her dreams would be forever shattered, and the fact that her own boyfriend did not believe in her made her feel useless. Solemnly sitting up and believing that nobody was around, she took a deep breath and sang.

"I have my wealth

I have my knowledge

And I have a boy who loves me

I have my magic

But why,

Why don't I have happiness?

My friends by my arms

My family's support

What more could I want?

I should be grateful

But I need,

Need you to see who I am..."

She could not put her finger on it, but singing somehow made her feel better physically and emotionally. It was almost like emptying all of her sorrows from inside her and out into the open air. Letting out another relieved sigh, she calmly sank into the sofa again, unaware of someone's presence just yards behind her.

"Interesting."

Astoria let out a sudden gasp and spun around as she leapt from the couch. Her heart was pounding dangerously fast as she noticed the certain figure standing straight. It did not take her long to realise that she had stopped breathing due to the fright she received. The figure took one step forward and revealed himself in the glaring moonlight.

"I did not mean to scare you, Miss Greengrass." Draco said calmly.

With her panting breath and her unsteady heartbeat, Astoria asked, "How long have you been standing there?"

"About a minute before your boyfriend left."

Astoria let out a sigh followed by a look of curiosity. "Have you been following me?" Her frustration arose when Draco did not answer her question. "Answer me!"

He paused. "No, I have not."

"You're lying." Astoria said quietly.

"I'm not lying, Miss Greengrass."

Astoria continued to blankly stare at him. There was no point in arguing back, she thought, he would continue to deny her statements. As her eyes were still on Draco, he turned to his left and slowly walked towards the window, the moon shining upon him. The brightness adding to his details made him look even more pale and mysterious. He took a deep, yet inaudible breath and turned his head to face Astoria.

"You would make a wonderful singer, Miss Greengrass."

She did not know how to reply to that. "I would?" she managed.

Draco stared out the window again. "I have heard pleasant voices echoing through the corridors, but none of them can compare to yours."

She could not believe what he was saying. "Thank you?" she whispered uncertainly.

"I know now..." Draco trailed off.

"Know what?"

"I know why the Sorting Hat placed you into Slytherin." he answered.

Astoria was still confused by this. Before she could ask, Draco turned his head again. "It is late. You must be tired."

"Yes," she lied. She did not feel even the tiniest bit of exhaustion. Without hesitation she walked towards the spiral stairs that led to her room. "Goodnight, Draco."

"Goodnight, Miss Greengrass." he said, not looking at her.

She stopped just as she was about to step on the stairs. She paused for a few moments then finally turned back at the prefect.

"About last time, I did not mean to say those things to you."

She paused again waiting for his response. She felt frustrated yet anxious every time he hesitated for an answer. Believing that she was not going to receive an answer, she was on the verge of moving up the stairs until her ears caught his whisper.

"I know, Miss Greengrass."

What did you think of that, eh? Review me!