A Waltz in Darkness

Chapter Seven

Draco's POV

The night seemed to pass so slowly; as if time itself simply refused to move. It was infuriating. I just wanted this night to end. Sleep would help bring the light of morning to my eyes but how was it possible to even consider sleeping given the circumstances that now stretch out before me? I was physically drained and my emotional state was even more so. I had so many thoughts and emotions pummeling me into the very sheets I fell upon. It didn't help that Granger was her usual, sickeningly considerate self and placed herself conveniently by my bed side. It was overwhelmingly distracting to say the least. There she sat, now slumped over in a fleeting state of sleep I could not seem to find.

As I laid there, unable to find anything to rest my waking eyes other than the young woman beside me, I felt myself finding pleasure in her company. Just the thought of her here was something…in this horrid night. She was here…for me. Sure there could be more selfish, self-centered reasons as to why she decided to stay; hell maybe she was just staying close to the action in order to have a fully detailed report to hand into the Ministry but the fact was she was here, by my bedside and that was enough to send my mind reeling. But as such thoughts grew, as did my guilt for thinking them; I should be focused solely on Pansy. I should be thinking of ways to make things right, to show her how sorry I am to have overlooked so much; too much. However all I could honestly think about was how dreadfully adorable the curly haired young woman appeared in her sleep. She seemed at peace; no over analytical thoughts preventing her from enjoying the moment, not painful emotions to hinder her happiness, she was just…calm.

"Draco?" She suddenly whispered. The stillness of the night slowly lifted as I found myself smiling. That was the first time I think I have ever heard her say my first name.

"Yes?"

"Are you going to get some sleep or do you intend on starring at me all night." Denying the accusation was the first thing that came to mind; the urge to argue was creeping words into my mouth but I remained silent. Part of me did not want to diminish my actions because with all that was happening, all the confusion and heartbreak overflowing between us both…something had to change. That something must start with me not denying the truth. I was starring at her.

"I just noticed…without all that Weasley crochet nonsense draped all over you, you look…well, you look nice." A horrible way of putting it really, but without her hiding behind that old hag's tacky creations, I could see her and she was far more beautiful than she realized. It was time someone told her. Not that she would believe it coming from me.

"You are just impossible." Like I said. She would not believe it coming from me.

"I believe you are the impossible one. Can't even take a compliment without being defensive."

"Because you are not the sort to give one. Especially to me; I recall the only thing you would describe me as is a filthy little mudblood." Ouch. There she goes again, recalling the past as if it has any relevance what so ever. I took offense to that. So much so I forced my still aching body to sit up and face her fully. Her wrinkled brow and snarl would hardly keep my words at bay.

"Will you just give it a rest already? We were children Granger, and things were complicated back then." I snapped.

"And they're not complicated now?" She was so good at pushing every button I had within me.

"They are complicated…but I can speak for myself now, freely and openly, and I decided to tell you that you are beautiful. So take the damn compliment!" I was harsher than I anticipated but before regret settled in I witnessed her lips curling into a smile. A slight smile she may not even realize she was revealing to me, but it was there.

"Thank you." She whispered.

"Certainly. Well, at this ungodly hour I believe a cup of tea would really hit the spot, wouldn't you agree?" I asked, mainly hoping for any excuse to find a way to distract myself from the never ending night…and Granger.

"You should really be resting you know." She insisted yet again. I rolled my eyes in response as I stood from the bed. Within seconds the weight of my own body brought me crumbling to the floor. Great. I released an aggravated sigh only to feel Granger's small hands helping ease my body back onto the bed. I sat for a moment, forcing the stars from my gaze and awaiting the feeling to return to my limbs.

"Rest you say?" I teased. I looked up at Granger, her hands still upon me to steady my wavering body. I then felt myself falling into a very strange and uncomfortable feeling, far more uncomfortable than nearly passing out upon standing, this was different. Very different. I swallowed hard as I took in the realization that Granger was so incredibly close to me. Her face was inches from my own. The scent of mint toothpaste and lilacs danced about my senses while the warm light of the many candles she lit before falling asleep only enhanced the very beauty I was so taken with moments ago. God she was beautiful. Her gentle features seemed to beg for my touch; it was hard not to act upon. With that thought alone I boldly inched my way closer to her. My lips aching to connect with her own.

In that moment I sensed her hesitation building before she pulled away slightly.

"You're…confused." I most certainly was but that had never stopped me once in my life, why should it now?

"And you…talk entirely too much." I replied with a smirk before leaning in once again. I felt the tickle of her curls against my skin as I reached my hand out and grasped her cheek. Her hesitation remained the closer I got to her lips until I finally threw in the white flag.

"I can take a hint. I'm sorry." I muttered.

"No…I-" she stammered. She then did the unthinkable, she reached out for me. Rather clumsily but such an action only drew me in closer. Her arms snaked around my neck, her cheeks flushing so bright and her eyes now glistening like stars in a velvet sky. My heart skipped a beat, my breathing caught directly into my throat as she pressed her lips against my own. Fearfully gentle at first until easing into the feeling of my touch. The feeling was intoxicating.

"ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" Shrieked a voice I knew all too well. Granger instantly pulled away from me, her arms returning to her side before putting a great deal of distance between us. I knew I should have changed the locks.

"Do you ever knock?" I sighed. I turned towards the Pilipino witch and awaited an explanation for her sudden and very unwelcomed presence but her appearance spoke for her first. Her black lace dress was ripped in places, her heeled boots had mud tracing up its laces and her hair, usually immaculate in display was a knotted mess. I then noticed her lips; for once they remained tightly pressed together. Blood stained lips remained silent as she shook her head at the sight she had witnessed. I lowered my head, this was not what I needed; this was certainly not what Dalisay needed. She had been out there in the cold, pursuing Pansy no doubt and from the looks of it; she had done a great deal more than that only to return here to find…

"Dalisay, I'm sorry…look just take a seat…"

"What? So you can try to put your hands on me too? What the hell are you doing Draco? Pansy is out there! I spoke to her…she's still in there despite whatever loathsome being is taking her body for a joyride and you! YOU! What good are you doing to help her? Forgive me for interrupting whatever moment you and the mudblood were sharing…I only came to see if you were alright." She screamed. I had seen Dalisay mad, livid even, but this…this was different. She was beyond mad, she was hurt and I suppose she had every right to be.

"I should go." Granger said as she rushed towards the doorway but Dalisay threw up her hand, preventing her from taking another step. She then took steps towards Granger, her heels purposefully slamming hard into the wooden floor. I stood up instantly, I was not about to allow her to turn this into a brawl of sorts.

"SIT DOWN DRACO! And you, you little know it all witch you listen to me! You're not going anywhere! I despise you…I despise your entire kind but right now you are the only one with answers. Unless you want me to deliver your corpse to the front steps of the Ministry I suggest you tell me everything you know and you will help us get Pansy back do you understand?" Dalisay's pale features were red with rage. Her finger pointing directly onto Granger's chest as she spoke down to her.

"Calm down would you? This isn't helping!" I shouted.

"Do tell me how kissing her is helping Draco? How on earth would becoming close to this…this FILTH is helping?" Her deep brown eyes were sending thoughts of attacking me, punishing me for my actions, with every blink of her eyes.

"I know you're angry-" I started.

"Angry? No, no, oh heavens no…I AM FURIOUS! You and your little mudblood have not seen the extent of my wrath do you hear me? I will-" She started but as she delivered those very deliberate threats I had walked towards her, placing myself in between her and Granger and I simply gave her a look. The look I was certain would strike a nerve with Dalisay due to the fact she had seen it many times.

"Stop it." I said sternly. She wanted so badly to strike me down where I stood; I could see it in her eyes but in all of the hostility raging within the young woman she knew when she had taken it too far.

"Hate me, punish me, whatever you see willing but you will not continue to treat Granger like this. Do you think she'd be here in the first place if she didn't want to help us? To help Pansy? She does not deserve your hatred, she never has. So grow up, keep your rage and anger for me would you? I prefer my best friend to keep her wrath reserved for me and me alone." I tried a smile. Dalisay was hardly the forgiving type but there was a glimmer of forgiveness in her calming expression. I then saw a glimmer of something else coming to light. Were those tears?

"That girl…she's breaking us. She's breaking everything we have. Think of Pansy." She whispered. I instantly shook my head, I took hold of her arms and I looked deep into her eyes.

"Dalisay…you cannot break what is already broken."

"If she thinks she can waltz into your life and drive us all away she's got another thing coming. I know the torture curse and I'm not afraid to use it. I will-" She started escalating her tone once more before my fingers were placed over her lips.

"Look at me…what we have…whatever crazy, strange and beyond mental friendship we have…I'm not going to find it with another nor will I ever want to try. Now, we are going to save Pansy, you have my word. Granger is not our enemy, I will ask you to behave yourself…bite your tongue if you have to but you will address her by her name and show some manners would you? Now calm down, sit down and tell us everything that happened. Spare no detail. Let's figure out our next move…together shall we?"

A/N: This story is just getting more and more fun to write; my co-author is just the greatest, have I mentioned that? All of her ideas are blending with my own and we are just having a blast! Marie Claire Roemajji Celts and I are sure to bring some fun and surprises as the story unfolds! Thank you so much for all the new follows and favorites; it's great to have you all coming along for the ride! If you are enjoying the fic, please take a moment to let us know! Reviews are always welcome!