Hermione acted as though her night with Draco never took place the following weeks. She treated him as she had the day she had found out of Ron's infidelity, with less than amicable tones and once again became the ice queen. Draco was at a loss, he was beginning to question if anything had happened and the only reason he hadn't was the tell tale proof of virginity that had stained his sheets before he cleaned them.

Her nonchalant view of the events that occurred between them were unnerving to Draco because he didn't want her to think that this was something that would happen again, he had gotten rid of his itch and that was all he needed. Yet it didn't seem that she herself even wanted to get near him again seeing as how she didn't try to avoid him, and didn't even blink when he would call her a slag she'd merely stare at him roll her eyes and be on her merry way.

It was maddening!

He was going to break the Gyriffindork princess if it was the end of him he would break her and he would enjoy every second of her long overdue downfall.

It had been weeks since Harry had spent time with Natalia, actually he was starting to think that she was avoiding him, or so it seemed. He was quite sure that Natalia had told Blaise which was why he kept getting such warning glances from Zabini. And although they had been dealing with the semester finals and it was understandable that they were going to spend less time together it was now the last week before she left to Italy for the winter break and he was determined to at least spend the trip to Hogsmaede with her.

He knew she had expected their relationship to escalate to something more than what was allowed of them, in public at least. Harry also knew that being the sensitive if not stubborn person she was if things didn't happen the way she'd planned and dreamed for them to happen than she would pull away and he didn't want that to happen, not before he gave up a fight for her. His only problem was how to convince her that things were not doomed simply because she had to place a facade for others.

Walking into their morning class after a morning of trying to find her, Harry took his seat next to her and made a grab for the hand she had placed on their desk before she pulled it away and smiled sadly at him and continuing the notes she had taken. Upset by this action Harry was beginning to feel frustrated and as though she didn't want to be with him, as though the time they've spent together was a mistake.

How many times must I tell you that she is FAR to good to settle with someone of your caliber.

Harry's blood ran cold and a sweat broke out across his forehead

You're not real and that isn't true.

Harry tried to fight back and became so tense Natalia took note but tried to ignore it, fighting with her own feelings of shame for being so naïve of the relationship.

Then why has she yet to take note that you're going insane? Face it Potter Natalia will never be yours, you will never have anyone and who would want to be with someone who KILLED their first love?

Harry screamed and ran out of the class, causing Natalia to jump out of her seat at the look in his eyes, a look so cold and tortured that it made ice run through her veins when he glared at her. The students all startled as well stared at the female as if asking her for an explanation for Harry's outburst, the professor locked eyes with Natalia his face turning beet red before he screamed

"Get out!" Shocked but confused Natalia let her defiance step in and stomped her foot.

"Why?!" Professor Helios was done with all the interruptions.

"You and your partner seem to do nothing but distract my lessons so get out because I am tired of these charades! Do you think this is fine?! Making a mockery of my class?! now get out and you will be sure to receive a message from the headmistress!" Angrily and impatiently Professor Helios waited for Natalia to make her exit, which even in a state of shock, anger, and confusion, was just as graceful and elegant as though she were entering a ball. She turned once only to look the professor in his eyes and a sneer to rival that of Draco Malfoy's spread across her face.

"Leccacazzi." Then she smiled sweetly and with little effort almost took the door off it's hinges as she slammed it shut and stormed off blindly.

"The nerve of him! To kick me out of the class as though it were my fault Harry suddenly freaked out! Stupid pinheaded good for nothing Defense teacher! I don't even understand why we need it! That man should be out of the job!" Natalia angrily ranted to herself as she absentmindedly stormed through the otherwise quiet castle. Feeling herself get lightheaded Natalia immediately resolved ot step outside and get some air before she decided to blow up the school.

Out in the courtyard, the rather cold December air did it's fair share of cooling her off, to the point that she was now chattering.

"Stupid, stupid cold."

"And just what do you think you're doing skiving off class so early in the morning?" Rolling her eyes at the voice behind her Natalia couldn't imagine this morning getting any worse.

"Well when a professor kicks one out I suppose I'm supposed to check in tiptop correct?" Natalia asked snidely. Hermione pulled her wand on the girl whose back was turned to her, sensing this Natalia laughed.

"What do you think I'm going to do? Cast an unforgivable when my wand is in my tote, and my tote is not on my person? You are a very rash person do you know that Miss Granger?" Natalia said as she slowly turned to face the girl before her. There was a glint of frustration in her eyes that Natalia knew Hermione was trying to hide.

"You may be able to get away with not attending classes when Draco catches you but I don't give a damn who your father is or how rich your family is, you are no one understand me? You will never be anything better than what your family condemned you and all your bastard children will never be known as anything better than death eaters! Daddy's money won't wash away the sins Natalia won't wash away the truth." In a flash of fury Natalia pinned the shorter girl by the throat to the courtyard wall. Eyes full of rage Natalia spoke in a tone that differed that of her rage, her tone was calm yet everything else seemed to scream that Natalia had gone mad.

"Listen to me you little bitch, believe it or not I was a member of the Order you stupid whore, in Italy I would relay information that I overheard from one said Lucius Malfoy to Blaise who would in turn tell Mistress Maconagall, don't you dare involve my family past, present, or future in any of this you bigot minded fool! Their mistakes are theirs to make their sins are theirs to be condemned for but not by you, you are no holier than though presence on this world Hermione. You committed sins just as horrible in that war, we are all to blame for the deaths of the people we loved, and I don't judge you for any of them. Yet since that day on the train all you do is act as though I had committed some wrong towards you, well guess what Miss Granger." Slowly Natalia's face came closer to Hermione's before her mouth rested on Hermione's ear and in a hushed tone Natalied whispered in the witch's ear.

"I spent more time among muggle Italy then I ever did the magical communities." She pulled her face away to find a glaring Hermione.

"Yeah right your just a-"

"- A what? Bigot close minded bitch like yourself? Well believe it or not Draco isn't the only pureblood in the world, and his beliefs of muggles are very different then mine, how would it make you feel if I told you that I've had various relationships with muggle men? To know that I actually fell in love with one for a short time while I was in Italy? Yes like it or not love, I'm a pureblood witch with a taste for muggle men." Releasing her hold on Hermione's neck, the beautiful which released one more piece of information. "I also have a taste for charming young war heroes, so just keep an eye out." That said, Natalia smirked and walked away towards her tote and began to leave Hermione alone. Yet while her back was turned an embarrassed and highly enraged Hermione pulled her wand out only to find it shot out of her hand.

"Now since when did you begin to fight dirty mudblood? And you expect respect from purebloods." You could nearly see the steam escaping from the young witch's ears as she hurled herself at Draco who had seemed to pop out of nowhere. Easily holding her at bay Natalia looked at Hermione in a state of shock and disbelief.

"Draco, I never thought she would try something like that." Hermione was flinging herself at Draco waving her arms shouting frantically.

"Don't touch me you filthy sorry excuse of a human being! Let go of me, besides what do you defend her for, she's a muggle fucker didn't you know?" Natalia blushed, she wasn't very fond of crude language and only used it when angry, she especially didn't like her relationships to be described as "fucking". Draco looked bored as he held Hermione and answered.

"Yes well, Natalia has always had a thing for whatever is forbidden, Natalia what are you doing out of class." Ignoring the kicking girl in his grasp and turning his attention to his friend, Natalia not knowing how to react only replied.

"Helios kicked me out because Harry had some sort of a panic attack and left." Draco rolled his eyes.

"That crackpot Potter, I swear the savior of our generation sure has some serious problems that need to be taken care of. Well just, I don't know don't get caught walking around." Taking her dismissal rather insulted Natalia stuck her tongue out at him before giving Hermione one more scornful look and turning her back to them and leaving in an almost huff. Hermione saw the smile of amusement on Draco's face and couldn't help but to think that he was quite handsome, yet when he set his attention back to her and shoved her away from his body and the scowl returned she cursed the day she thought she ever found him attractive.

"Just what do you think you were trying to do to her? Do the rules still not apply to the Golden Trio? Do you think that hurting one of my closest friends is something you want to do, when I know just who took your innocence-" Draco then put his face next to Hermione's causing a shiver to run up her spine and all through her body. "Twice." He smirked at her rigid posture.

"You are a pig." He could see the anger boiling inside Hermione.

"At least I didn't offer myself on a silver platter to the person I'm supposed to hate right?" Hermione tried to storm off but Draco grabbed her and pulled her hair back so that he was forcing her to look at him.

"I don't believe I excused you, remember your place, you are always beneath me. One step behind or down on your knees like a good little slut, for all the shite you speak of us purebloods in the wizarding world you sure aren't doing a very good job of giving me a good example to respect mudbloods and muggles." His free hand now forced her face closer to his as he kissed her with a brutal force, cutting open her lip as she cried in pain and anger, and a tad bit of lust.

"Inflictora saprete che il danno un drago può infliggere." (now you'll know the damage a dragon can inflict ) Draco whispered as he pushed her to the floor and left her nursing her wounded lips, confused and afraid to head back into the head dormitories.

What have I done?

For the first time since that night nearly a month ago, Hermione finally realized the gravity of her decision to sleep with Draco, much less let him be her first lover. Sitting down in a sore heap, Hermione let her tears fall as she realized the last bit of her innocence was gone, and there was nowhere else to go from there,

Natalia couldn't believe the events that had taken place so far this morning, she was sure that whatever deity was in control was having a bitch fit and perhaps needed a Midol because first Harry then Hermione and Draco, this day couldn't seem to get any worse.

As Natalia sat at the shore of the Black Lake wrapping her school robes tightly around her body, she thought back to the look Harry had given her in their first period class, just remembering it made her feel as though Harry hated her. She couldn't let Harry hate her, not after everything they went through to get here, but she couldn't get over her anger at herself for being so delusional to the fact that even if Blaise knew about her and Harry they still wouldn't be able to tell anyone, at least not until the situation between her and Draco was sorted out. And the situation itself made Natalia doubt that her and Harry could make it through, to have her boyfriend deal with an engagement to her best friend and his worst enemy was not something that any guy should have to deal with. Resting her chin on her knees Natalia sighed sadly, she was sure this was the breaking point and her relationship with Harry was finally done with.

Stupid pact, stupid family, I hate this world, I'd rather be a muggle, life would be so much easier

She was so enthralled in her thoughts that she didn't see the wizard who had been torturing her thoughts pass her by as he himself had taken to ignoring her.

Harry had just been released from the care of Madam Pomfrey for the second time that year and he decided that what he needed was some cold air and time away from the dark haired girl who was taking over his life. Harry thought back to the year and how his "condition" had gotten worse every time he worried about Natalia, it was clear to see she was the cause of his problems and that maybe being with her wasn't such a good idea.

But she makes me as happy as Ginny used to.

Yes well what does it matter when she's dead.

Harry couldn't help but to think that all the fighting he did for the Italian girl who was at the other end of the Black Lake was in vain and for no reason. She had done nothing but cause problems between him and his friends, his schoolwork and his damn sanity. He couldn't help but to think that all this was pointless and that just because she was beautiful enough to stop traffic in London, and the time she spent with him laughing and kissing him, making all his problems and miseries go away she was worth this torture. It should have been enough for any man, especially Harry he hadn't laughed truthfully from the depths of his soul since he was a child, and all the time he spent with Natalia he was happy. But she was far too much for him to handle especially in his current state. For all the good things she did for him, Natalia caused just as much strife and problems. Her excessive mood swings and some time outrageous outbursts were things that Harry didn't know how to control or handle and knew she would be better paired with someone who had a patience that far exceeded his own.

Thinking back to all of Natalia's outbursts, Harry couldn't help but smile. Her liveliness always did that to him, she reminded him of Ginny in so many ways. Yet their differences made him appreciate her more, even if she was a bit unstable and at times too much to bear. He loved to see the fire in her eyes though, always bright and warm, sometimes warning but never dangerous. Harry knew that with him at least she was all bark and no bite and he loved the control he had over her.

"Do you mind if I join you?" He looked up to see the beautiful insanity he had just been contemplating before him. He saw the uncertainty in her eyes, yet at the same time the hope and fire that he couldn't seem to stay away from. Fearing that he might not be able to resist her chocolate brown eyes and tempting kisses. Looking away quickly Harry focused his attention on the frozen lake before him and shrugged his shoulders.

"I can't imagine why you would want too." Sadly Natalia hung her head in embarrassment and sat on an overgrown tree root that caused her feet to dangle, sneaking a look at Natalia Harry saw her wringing her hands and looking down unsure of what to say. Sighing heavily he was tempted to speak but didn't want to give her the satisfaction so he merely leaned back against the trunk of the tree and continued his analyzation of the lake's surface.

"I know you hate me Harry-"

"What?!" Harry was flabbergasted he couldn't grasp what she had just said, how could she ever think that he even remotely hated her. Maybe feared her slightly, but he could never hate her.

Natalia felt the tears as they bubbled up inside her, she knew it she had pushed him so far that he did hate her. Fighting the tears , her voice cracked as she continued.

"-I know, I don't blame you either. I'm not an easy person and you deserve so much better than-" She was cut off as Harry had quickly placed his hands on her face holding her in place while he kissed her almost pleadingly. Slowly yet in desperation, like he was suffocating and needed her to keep alive. Natalia had never felt Harry kiss her like this before and it caused an array of feelings to rise in her, everything from need and love to fear and desperation. She kept her eyes open it seemed for hours before relenting into the kiss and wrapping her arms around his neck lacing her fingers through his hair falling back until they began tilting and before either realized Natalia broke the kiss screaming as they fell back into a mass heap of limbs. Harry felt awkward and embarrassed at his sudden loss of control but he was confused by Natalia's reaction. She was laughing full hearted, one hand covered her mouth while the other was on her chest as she tried to control herself.

There was that feeling again, he felt that pull on his heart and the uncontrollable grin as he caught site of her laughing, it was an innocent laugh, a pure laugh that was like a melody. He saw the tears forming in her eyes at the hilarity of the situation.

After a good while Natalia finally calmed down enough to look at Harry and asked rather amused.

"I take it you don't hate me yet?" Smiling Harry pushed himself up best he could but still only managed to kiss her chin, making Natalia laugh again as he responded.

"Well if you think I could ever hate you, then your bloody mental." Pretending to be angry Natalia tried to pry herself from beneath his heavy body before he placed more weight on her and pinned her hands down to either side of her head and fixing himself between her legs. He bent his head down low and spoke in a husky voice into her ear causing shivers to run up her spine in anticipation of what was to come.

"You couldn't get away from me even if you wanted to." Natalia closed her eyes and swallowed a lump that had suddenly formed and turned her head claiming his lips for hers, they kissed again with that same need from before, the same feelings in their stomachs. Harry slowly let loose of his hold on her hands and let his hands roam her body exploring parts of her that he hadn't in what seemed too long.

Natalia moaned into the kiss wanting to feel more of his skin on hers as his hands had snuck under the hem of her blouse and were lingering on the sensitive skin of her stomach. Harry felt her shiver at his touch and his movements began to get much more bolder and soon he was kissing his way down her jaw line and neck while she had her legs wrapped around his waist, her skirt riding up dangerously high.

Yet as much as she wanted to continue to feel him on top of her doing the sinfully delicious things he was doing to her with just his hands she had to gain control of the situation. Natalia wanted to make Harry feel just as good as he was doing to her, she knew she could and would but this wasn't the time or place and as much as she was willing to throw caution to the wind and say screw it, quite literally too Natalia pushed Harry away from her body regretfully. Breathing hard and confused he looked at her as if he had done something wrong, trying to smile as calmly as possible she too caught her breath and explained.

"No Harry we mustn't, not here not after what just happened in Defense class, the headmistress is certain to be looking for us." Harry groaned and nodded but rested his face in the crook of her neck.

"Well when?" A devious idea crossed Natalia's mind.

"A day when no one's bound to be in the castle." Harry looked at her as though she were crazy. "Well OK not everybody but anyone who would interrupt us." Catching the hint Harry smirked and placed a kiss on her neck making Natalia moan. She rocked her body against him causing him to groan as he buried a fist into her hair.

"No, no you're right we need to stop before we get caught."

"A bit to late for that Potter." A cool voice said from behind, masking the complete rage the passerby was feeling. Natalia's eyes widened and she slapped a hand to her forehead in embarrassment and annoyance.

"Riunione operata voi qui cugino." (Fancy meeting you here cousin) She tried to sound as innocent as possible but Blaise was having nothing of it.

"Natalia se non uscite sotto là dall'io giurate che sto trasmettendoli a Beuxbaton, allora ad un convento in Siberia. Per quanto riguarda Harry se apprezza i suoi organi riproduttivi suggerirei che spostasse il suo corpo da il vostro prima che perderà il mio temperamento." (Natalia if you don't get out from underneath there I swear I'm sending you to Beuxbaton, then to a convent in Siberia. As for Harry if he appreciates his reproductive organs I'd suggest he moves his body from yours before I lose my temper.)

Harry cringed at the Italian's mention of his name, he could only guess what Blaise would do, because if his patience was anything like that of his cousin's than Harry was not in a very good position, so to speak. Slowly lifting his body from his girlfriend's he let Natalia slide out fixing her clothes as she scooted up discreetly. Harry decided just to lay on the floor, while his body and all the things he held near about it cooled off. Natalia didn't even speak at the look in Blaise's eye all she did was make an innocent face and bite her lip nervously.

"Quello non funzionerà questo volta, ottiene il vostro asino fino all'ufficio del Maconagall della direttrice ora!" (That won't work this time, get your ass up to Headmistress Maconagall's office now!) Blaise had never yelled at Natalia, and much less let anyone see him as anything other than the nonchalant, uncaring, Italian god that he had been for the past 7 years. Quickly she nodded, not even daring took back at Harry who was now standing jaw clenched ready for the worst to happen to him.

Blaise waited for Natalia to be out of eyesight before setting his attention to Harry who had yet to move. Locking eyes with one another, Harry saw the rage in the Slytherin's eyes and shuddered. Any other day Blaise would have taken great pleasure in seeing the fear in Harry's eyes, simply due to ego and the fact that he made the boy who lived feel fear, but all he could focus on now was trying his best not to kill him. Yet as angry as he was Blaise simply stared Harry straight in the eye and said.

"You hurt her in any way, I'll kill you. I won't make it short and quick, no magic either I will kill you Potter with my bare hands, you don't know half of what that girl means to me. If she comes to me just once Harry listen to me once! Telling me you made her cry even if it is something as mundane as you forgot her birthday you will regret it." Walking away without another word Blaise left Harry feeling quite scared and relieved, he let out a breath that he had not known he was holding and realized that he was lucky to love Natalia.

Oh shite. I love her. This can't be good.

Hermione decided to take the day off complaining that she just needed a day of rest because she felt exhausted. Not one to question a member of the Golden Trip Madam Pomfrey allowed for her to spend the day in bed. In her room she tended to the wound on her lip that she had hidden with a concealment charm, Hermione didn't want any gossip breaking out about her confrontation with Natalia or her run in with Draco.

"Dammit to hell!" Hermione screamed out in frustration at the mere mention of his name. She hated him with a fiery passion, she wanted him to die and rot in hell, most of all though she wanted to oblivate that stupid night of misjudgment from his mind and leave it all to her shame.

"Oi muddy don't make such a racket I'd like to catch some sleep before the next class." Angry Hermione kicked the bathroom door from which he was yelling at her from and then pounded it before screaming at the top of her lungs.

"Go wank off you stupid twat!" She hadn't time to think as Draco stormed into the room and angry and determined look on his face. Pushing her on her bed before straddling her and holding her hands above her head, his face contorted ina vicious sneer.

"Care to run that by me again slag?" His voice was maliciously low and it made Hermione's heart pound in her ears and she was certain Draco could hear it as well but she wouldn't allow him the satisfaction of knowing he instilled anything other than disgust in her, she sneered back.

"Wank. Off. You. Stupid. Twat." Slapping her across the face, Draco opened a new cut on her lip and kissed her forcefully opening her wound more.

"You just enjoy being abused don't you slag? Well don't worry I'll punish you just like you want, even if you don't want it don't think I'll care." Hermione knew this was not going to end good, and that Draco was going to win and all she was going to do, the only plan she could come up with.

Was to let him.