Chapter 12

I Won

I twirled in front of my mirror. I looked nice. My mother's dress looked amazing on me. Not that I was much to look at but the dressed really helped. I wore my hair down and for that night only I didn't wear my glasses but used a temporary spell to fix my vision. It would only last a few hours but it was worth it.

After gathering myself and my courage I headed to meet Neville. There were eyes on me all of the way to the grand staircase. People were whispering and staring. Was something out of place? Was my dress tucked into my panties? Oh no, did I have a huge zit on my nose? I became self conscious quickly. The only thing I could think to do was create tunnel vision. I'd stare ahead of me until I met with him, then I'd be all right. Neville would make me feel beautiful even if I wasn't.

There he was at the bottom of the stairs, waiting for me. And there was a crowd of people staring at me again. What could possibly be wrong? Oh how I wanted to turn around and retreat to my room. I must have done something wrong.

I couldn't do that. Neville would be disappointed. I'd just stick it out and if they stared they stared. Someone would eventually tell me what was wrong. Neville was staring at me too!

My feet carried me slowly down the steps though my body wanted to go faster. The faster I walked the faster this would be over. Then I saw Draco appear at the bottom of the staircase opposite Neville. He was unkempt and a bit haggardly. I wasn't sure what to make of him but he was surely staring at me as well.

When I landed at the bottom of that long case of stairs Neville grabbed my hand and kissed the back of it.

"Merlin help me. You are absolutely gorgeous."

"You're exaggerating, but thank you. You look handsome yourself." He was wearing a nice black tux that sort of made him look like a butler but he pulled it off all the same. He wrapped an arm around my shoulder and we moved toward the great hall. My eyes caught Draco's along the way and I thought how badly I wanted to be in his arms. Stop it Persy.

The dance was quite beautiful and lively. The room was decorated with the usual colors of every house and the ceiling was enchanted to look like the night sky. Their choice of music was interesting. It fluctuated between classical and modern pop.

"Shall we dance?" Neville asked.

"I guess it wouldn't hurt." So we danced to a few songs then mingled a while. He introduced me to his friends whom I'd already met on one occasion and we danced a bit more. During a couple of songs the partners were traded around and I ended up dancing with Seamus Finnigan, which wasn't the most pleasant of experiences, but soon I was back with Neville and we were dancing again.

I was having a blast. A night without a lot of worrying was just what I needed. I was glad I'd said yes. A slow song came on and Neville pulled me to him. I wrapped my arms around his neck and we swayed with the music. His arms went around my waist and my head rested on his shoulder.

"I love you," he said.

No response came from me. I didn't know what to say. I did love him, though not in that way. Should I say it? No. I didn't say anything.

"You look like hell Malfoy!" I heard Seamus yell out faintly below the music.

"Showered lately Malfoy?" Another voice, and it was a little louder.

"Leave them alone Malfoy!" A girl beside us broke away from her boyfriend and at this point I looked up, but not in time to avoid the oncoming situation.

Draco ripped me from Neville's arms and handed me off to Crabbe who held me back.

"Let go of me you big gorilla!" I bit his hand but he wouldn't let go. I kicked him but he didn't move.

"You let her go and I'll have your ass Crabbe! Is that clear?" I felt his grip tighten. I wasn't getting away. Damn it! I knew this night was too good to be true. Draco had his wand drawn at Neville and vice versa.

"Stop this nonsense! This is ridiculous!" I said.

"Stay out of it Persy."

My blood was at a rolling boil. How dare he tell me to stay out of a situation that pertained to me! I elbowed Crabbe but he still wouldn't let me go. The crowd of students had shrunken away to form a circle in which Crabbe held me and Draco and Neville began to fight. Why didn't anyone help? Because they were cowards!

Draco cast a spell at Neville then Neville cast one at him. This went on for a few minutes until Neville was hit with a curse. In his anger he charged Draco and punched him straight in the nose, breaking it. It bled profusely but Draco paid no attention to it. He pummeled Neville and began to beat him ruthlessly.

Over and over his fists met Neville, his stomach, his face, everywhere.

"Stop! Please!" I begged. "You're going to kill him!" He continued and I felt powerless. He wouldn't listen to me and I couldn't get away from this big oaf holding me back.

Suddenly I heard a familiar voice.

"Impedimenta!" It was Harry Potter of all people. Leave it to him to save the day. Neville was his friend after all and I believed he was one of the bravest people I'd ever known. He definitely wasn't afraid of Draco. They'd been arch-enemies since they met.

Draco flew backward and Neville lay still. I finally managed to get free of Crabbe by using a confusion spell on him. I now stood between the two men that I cared about most. I was angry with Draco, more than words could say. Neville was laying on the floor moaning but Harry was already beside him. Harry looked up at me and I mouthed an apology. I turned and approached Draco. He was sitting up holding his bloody hands to his nose.

"Is it broken?" I asked. He glanced at me with a judgmental look. Thank you Miss obvious, of course it was broken!

"'Is it broken?' Of course it is nitwit! Leave Drakey alone and tend to Longbottom." Pansy sneered at me then turned to Draco and smiled. "Sweetheart are you okay? Of course you aren't! Let me take care of that."

I was fed up with this girl and in that moment I didn't care about the consequences. I lunged at her and forgetting I was a witch with many spells at my disposal I punched her. She collapsed almost immediately. I have to say it felt good and for a moment I forgot that Draco was injured. Upon it dawning on me I turned around and dropped beside him.

"Tergeo!" I waved my wand and his face was clean of blood. "Lets get you to see Pomfrey."

"I'm fine."

"You are not."

He wasn't looking at me but staring at Neville who now was sitting up also.

"Draco." His eyes finally landed on me and he grinned, but not without wincing.

"I won."

"This isn't a contest."

"It rather feels like one." He pushed to his feet and immediately wrapped his arm around me.

"Wait here for a second." His grip tightened.

"No. Not if you're going to Longbottom."

"Nonsense. You have nothing to worry about. I'll only be a minute." He sneered at me.

"Fine."

I made my way over to Neville whose friends now surrounded him. They were all staring at me with contempt, all except Harry. He seemed to understand love in all forms even if it was his arch-rival.

This night I had grown up a little. I couldn't believe that I had given up the man I loved because of Pansy. I found it sort of funny how I could exaggerate things. How foolish was I? Stupid and childish, that's what I was. Hadn't Neville kissed me and I was too shocked to react? What made me think that wasn't the case with Draco?

And I'd led on poor Neville. I'd led him right into this fight. Everything was my fault. Both Draco and Neville were injured and probably due for suspension because of me. I had to let Neville know I cared for him.

"Neville." I kneeled at his side. "I don't expect you to forgive me, but I'm sorry. His eyes settled on me. "I should have told you a long time ago I didn't feel what you feel." Everyone was staring at me and he wasn't replying. I didn't blame him. Would I respond if it were me lying on the floor after the person I cared about chose someone else?

"I know you probably hate me-"

"I don't hate you Persy." He spoke. Good, now I didn't feel like I was talking to a wall.

"I love him. It's hard to believe, but he's more than meets the eye. I'm so sorry I've hurt you."

He hugged me with the little strength he had. I felt absolutely terrible. After everything he still cared about me. If Draco hadn't been in the picture I think I might have hung on to him. Whatever girl ended up with him would be one lucky witch.

Draco shifted behind me. I could feel his discomfort and knew he needed to get back to the hospital wing. So I kissed Neville's cheek and returned to him. He seemed very suspicious at that moment and clung to me as we exited the hall.

As we quickly headed to the hospital wing I realized his insecurity.

"Are you all right? I mean, besides your nose."

"I'm great, fantastic."

"What's wrong?"

"What makes you think something's wrong?"

"You get aloof and sneer whenever you're brooding."

"I don't understand why you have to bother with Longbottom. I punched the daylights out of him for a reason."

"What?" I stopped in my tracks. "What kind of person would I be if I didn't care? I led him on when I didn't love him and now he's black and blue because of it."

"Say that again."

"He's black and blue."

"No. The part where you said you didn't love him."

"I don't…" I turned away from him and continued walking.

"It's nice to know."

"You told me yourself once that I was in love with you since first year and that everyone knew. Obviously everyone knew but you."

"I said you were infatuated with me, there's a difference, but I could say the same for you. Everyone knew how I felt about you but you."

"You haven't always had a great way of showing it."

"I've got a bit of time to remedy that."

I stayed by his side that night. Pomfrey decided to keep him over just in case there were other injuries we hadn't noticed. Neville was on the far opposite side of the room, about as far as he could get from Draco. The curtains were drawn around his bed, he'd been sleeping since Pomfrey patched him up.

My hand rubbed over Draco's. I expected him to exaggerate his injury. Everyone remembered Buckbeak, the poor thing. I'd have to give him hell about that incident someday. But, as cruel as he has been about the Hippogriff I'd found his exaggeration charming, even when Pansy was fawning over him. Most found him snotty and spoiled in that event but I'd always thought he exaggerated for the attention, because he wanted Potter to be foiled for once.

Well, I would stroke his ego for as long as he needed, and it was sorely needed at the moment. He deserved to be treated like top dog for a while.

He shifted in the bed. The white bandage was still covering the bridge of his nose. I grasped his hand. It tightened around mine.

"How long have you been awake?"

"Long enough." He opened his eyes and smiled at me. It was the most genuine smile I remembered ever seeing on him. His body slid upright and he sat up staring at me. "I think I'll take advantage of this broken nose. I couldn't possibly do my schoolwork alone for weeks." He grinned. "You'll have to tote me to all of my classes."

"Gladly." I kissed his nose.

He responded by lifting my hand and kissing the palm.

"Good. I might need someone to tuck me in also." He winked.

"Now watch it."

"What?"

"You're already on the line for suspension."

"You're kidding right?" He laughed. "I won't be suspended. My father is too powerful. He'll make sure of it." It was time for him to revel in his victory, or as I called it, gloating. He thought he was untouchable. That was a mentality that would cause him to self-destruct eventually for sure but he'd have to learn that on his own.

I glanced at Neville's bed.

"He won't be either. He was defending himself and Dumbledore likes him. Honestly, I've never understood what you see in him."

I kissed him.

"You know how to change the subject." He smirked evilly.

"I don't want to talk about Neville."

"That's a relief. It's good to know that I trump him for once." He was silent for a moment. "I wanted to kill him."

"You wouldn't have."

"There's quite a bit you don't know about me. I would have. If Potter hadn't saved the day yet again, I would have."

I dreaded to think what he would have done otherwise. If Potter hadn't interfered; I shook my head. Don't think about that. Draco must have sensed my loss for words.

"I've been miserable. I haven't eaten in two days or really done anything for that matter. All I can think about is you in his arms." His hand rested on my shoulder. "Did I happen to tell you how absolutely ravishing you look tonight?"

"No, you didn't."

"Well you do." He was silent for a moment." I can't stand the thought of you being with Neville, even before we were together. You're mine."

"I couldn't possibly be with him. He's not you."

He pulled me toward him and forced me into a straddling position.

"Draco." I said under my breath. "Not here. It isn't appropriate." He raised his brows.

"I'm deprived. It's been an entire week since I've held you. That's like an eternity."

"Then you'll have to heal quickly." I smirked and he sneered.

"Very well, I'll be out tomorrow, and then…" He pulled me into a longing kiss. "I love you."

I sat close to Draco at the Slytherin table the next day.

"Does it hurt horribly?" I asked. I probably shouldn't have been catering to his public display of injury but it made him feel loved and adored. The attention he was getting for beating Neville was paparazzi level.

"Oh yes. It is extremely painful. I'll need your help with schoolwork tonight." He grinned and raised his eyebrows to the other boys at the table who began laughing. At most times when he acted this arrogant at my expense I'd be offended but I knew that, being his girlfriend, it was meant lightheartedly.

I glanced at the Gryffindor tables. There was Neville, he seemed suddenly very popular. It was probably for breaking Draco's nose. He was likely the most popular Gryffindor of the moment. Breaking his nose was award worthy to their house. Maybe that was a playing factor as in why I was sorted into Ravenclaw instead of Slytherin or Gryffindor; I'd always been neutral whereas many students saw things in black in white.

Draco wasn't all-bad. Well, he could be quite the ignorant son-of-a, but he wasn't a tyrant. People tend to stereotype others when in all actuality we are multifaceted beings.

"What? I didn't catch that." He'd been talking to me and where had I been? Lost in my thoughts; that's where. He glanced at me then at Neville. His look was of temporary anguish that he almost immediately swallowed.

"I said, are you coming to the manor this summer?" I widened my eyes as did a few of the Slytherin students.

"Uhh, yes?" He looked at Neville again and his arm tightened around me. "Could you loosen your grip a bit? I'm not going anywhere." His look was emollient thereafter. I fancied he realized I was officially his.

June, school was letting out soon. Draco and I had been together without any kinks for a while. Well, every relationship has arguments but there wasn't anything threatening us. He doted on me as though he was afraid I'd wander off to Neville without a moment's notice.

I assured him many times but figured it would be a while before I earned his trust completely. I didn't blame him for being insecure, hell I felt nervous whenever Pansy was around. Much to my amazement Pansy hadn't spoken to Draco since I punched her. Good. I didn't want her influencing him. Funny though, I'd heard she was dating a Hufflepuff. Draco couldn't believe it when I told him.

"Pansy's gone soft." He'd said.

"Does it matter?" I replied.

"Not in the least." He kissed me. "I suspect there might be some kind of redemption for her, like you do Longbottom."

"That's different."

"It is? And how so?"

"Neville deserves it."

"Touché. Though, you thought I was a horrible person at one time."

"Only cruel."

Neville had moved on, and quickly at that. I thought many times he was the type to fall in love fast and love vigorously but he didn't dwell on things. For instance, he started dating Luna Lovegood a week after the fight. He seemed to have a thing for Ravenclaws.

I guessed that moving on quickly was a good quality to have. I didn't feel so guilty when I'd heard he was dating someone else.

As for schoolwork, I passed D.A.D.A. and I've never seen Snape so happy. His top students didn't include Gryffindors and that made him proud. The awards were being given out in the great hall and I was nervous.

"Draco Malfoy! Top male Defense Against the Dark Arts student of the year." Draco proceeded to the front of the room and stood proudly with his usual smug expression.

"Persephone Moonbeam. Top female Defense Against the Dark Arts student of the year." I was shocked. I knew I passed the class but top student? There was clearly a mistake. Draco grinned and Snape cleared his voice. "Persephone!" I jumped to my feet, hurried to the front of the room, and stood beside Draco. Snape handed us both a piece of rolled up parchment with a green ribbon tied round.

I noticed a sneer appear on Ron Weasley's face and heard a huff over the silence of the room from Hermione. Well, she couldn't be the best at everything now could she? I'd passed every other class but wasn't top student so as soon as the announcements started for the rest of the awards Draco and I parted ways to our tables.

My grades had made a vast improvement from a year prior and even my mother was shocked. Not only did I do well in my classes but I was dating the very person I'd done nothing but complain about, went to a dance, and was spending the summer with him at Malfoy Manor.

Home, or it would be someday; soon enough. Students rushed to get home by train, portkey, floo network, even broom in some instances, which I found quite silly. We were to take a carriage to the train then his parents would be waiting for us at the station. Draco was already waiting in the carriage when I arrived.

"It took you long enough."

"I was saying my goodbyes to a few friends."

"You've become popular." He said with an aloof tone.

"Only because I punched Pansy; it'll pass."

"It's because you're with me and it won't."

"I'm sure." I made myself comfortable in the velvet seat beside him.

"Father is ecstatic. He says mother is beside herself preparing for you. She's never done that, not while I've been alive anyway."

"I'm glad I could cause such chaos. Maybe I'll fit right in." That made him laugh and his hand rested on mine.

"My father has every book written by Gustav Gutweg. Apparently he's quite the fan. I believe that is a catering factor as to why they are going to such great lengths to impress you. He worships your father and his ideals. He is a proud and honored man."

Draco lifted a wrapped object from the seat which was strategically placed on his left side opposite me.

"Something I owe you."

I looked curiously into his eyes.

"You don't owe me anything."

"Just open it." He urged. "It explains why I was late that night when we went into the Forbidden Forest."

I shrugged and tore the brown paper away and I was suddenly speechless. There before me was my father's book. A brand new copy, gold bound and signed on the front.

"I thought you'd like it. Father had it special ordered."

"Wait, how did he special order it? It has my father's signature."

"That's the other surprise. Well, not so much now, you're too smart to keep it a secret. Open the book."

I opened it and in the first crease was an envelope which I immediately opened. A letter, a letter from my father! It read:

Dear Pers,

I am terribly sorry I have not been able to see you for so long. I've been working closely with the ministry on a treaty with the Aurors and respect for Dark Magic. Your mother did not give me your whereabouts when you moved and I've been searching for you for a very long time.

I want to say I am so very pleased with you. Lucius is a good friend of mine and I trust his family with my life. You've made a wonderful match my dear! I see you've followed your heart for I've heard horror stories of this Draco. (Even from his parents.) Lucius and his wife will no doubt treat you with the utmost respect.

They are excited about your arrival as am I. I'll be spending the summer at Malfoy Manor this year teaching Lucius. I've missed you my darling! I cannot wait to see you.

Love,

Your father.

The paper was wet now with tears. I was going to see my father for the first time in six years! I was with the man I loved. I didn't know how to respond.

The carriage bumped as it took a start to tote us to our destination. I folded the paper and placed it back into the envelope, slid it into the book, and closed it.

"I love you."

"I know." His arm wrapped around me and I felt his lips kiss my hair. "I know."