Chapter 4: Don't hide your curiosity.

A/N: First off, sorry this took a while to get out I was in a wedding then I had a friend come out from Cali, so thanks for waiting and….Thanks for everything else :)

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter

Draco found it hard to be with Crystal the next week. There was one more week before the Slyhterin and Gryffindor match and well, tensions were high. It's not that Crystal hated him at all, just it was hard to communicate with Gryffindor's where pulling her away from the Slyhterin's as they continued to boo at everyone that passed.

Crystal didn't bother to try and find Draco at all. She had been busy helping Fred and George deal with some serious dark magic that they required for their products. It was nothing serious it was just that Crystal could help out better than anyone else.

Crystal was also excited, this Friday was a DA meeting and she had been trying to butter Draco up so she could skip out on Friday, but she didn't know how to do that. But Thursday night she figured she'd give it a try.

"Neville, I'll see you later." Crystal gave Neville a hug as they made their way into the Great Hall for dinner.

"Why?" Neville pulled away from the hug like she was mad "Are you mad at me for spilling furvious dirt on you in herbology, because-" He started but Crystal cut him off before he would worry himself sick.

"No, Nevs" She smiled and reached out to grab his hand and gave it a small squeeze. "That was nothing, a little furvious dirt never killed anyone. No I'm going to sit with Draco and see if you know…"

"If you can skip out on Friday?" Neville questioned with a hopeful smile.

"Won't happen, but yeah worth a try right?" Crystal said with thumbs up. Neville returned them "Later" Crystal said while turning to find Draco at the Slytherin table.

He wasn't that hard to find at all. He had a large group around him and was obviously making fun of Harry in some sort of way. Personally Crystal thought he looked like the idiot and not Harry, but she wasn't going to tell him that, she had a reason for being here. How she was going to approach that she didn't know, but she was going to come away from this table tonight being free to do what she pleases on Friday night. Or so she hoped.

Smiling the best she knew how she cleared her throat and in the sweetest voice she owned asked "Draco do you mind if I sit here? I need a word."

All the Slytherin's who were listening intently to his joke fell silent and turned back to their food as if they were never talking to Draco.

"Crystal" Draco smiled warmly as he shooed Crabbe\ down the bench so he could make room for her. "What do you need to talk about?"

Crystal looked around for her brother before she spoke, but she didn't see him anywhere. "I was wondering, I mean you can say no, but…" She looked around shyly.

Draco smiled and rested a hand on hers. "I wouldn't dream of saying no. I'm your friend remember?"

His words let her gain her composure. "How could I forget, your ugly face won't leave me alone ever." She teased.

"Handsome face, I don't know why you mix ugly and handsome up so much." Draco shook his head acting as if she was just being silly.

"Right right, sorry" Crystal shrugged "Must be some kind of brain damage I suffer from."

"It's from all those Gryffindor's you hang out with, must be addling what little brain you have left." Draco said with fake concern. Though Crystal couldn't help but wonder if deep down inside Draco did feel that way. She sure as heck wouldn't put it past him.

"I guess I'll just go then…" She sighed and quickly decided to get up. Draco wouldn't let her though. He grabbed her gently and set her back down at the table.

"I was only joking." Draco said reassuringly. "So what was it you wanted to talk about?" He asked with all his attention focused solely on her.

"Well I was wondering…" Crystal started while staring at the empty plate in front of her. She was feeling so nervous she wasn't sure if she could even eat dinner. "I mean I already have something planned to make up for it…but you think I could hang out with Nevs, Harry, Ron, and Hermione on Friday?" Crystal asked as she seemed to feel her body shrink away.

"Why?" Draco wasn't expecting her to ask this, but he will admit the thought upset him. What could possibly be so important that she wanted to hang out with them? She sees them every day!

"I just thought, you know…" She didn't know what to say here, but she knew it had to be something strong and she didn't want to completely lie to him.

"No, I don't know." He said in a snippy voice. His anger was starting to rise up. He always seemed to lose to them it's not fair. They are such goody goodies and Draco…well he could never be them. What really makes them so special? He could be just as good as them! But no, Crystal refused to see that.

Crystal stared at Draco and knew she had to make something up if she wanted to go to this DA meeting, he was clearly upset and that was the last thing she needed. If she didn't go to the DA meeting she feared that everyone would believe she wasn't to be trusted, especially if she was with Draco instead of the meeting. That isn't what she wanted. She loved being in DA. She loved everyone who was in it and she was learning a lot, not just on how to defend herself but on friendship too.

"I just figured, I mean…" She felt nervous and knew her face was getting hot. She was getting embarrassed and felt silly. Why would Draco ever agree to this? "I just thought instead of you and I just hanging out on Friday, I thought we could hang out Saturday and Sunday." That was her back up and her final hope, if he didn't believe that or accept that then she couldn't go to the DA meeting.

Draco didn't know what say or think. "Did you really mean that Crystal?"

That was it, she said the right thing. There was still hope! "Well yeah, I thought it would be like old times." She smiled even though deep down inside she doubted it would be that way.

"I think I'll let it slide this time" Draco smiled warmly "Next time though, you can't skip out on Friday."

"You mean it?" Crystal asked with wide eyes. She honestly couldn't believe Draco was okay with this, at all. He and Theodore had really been watching her. They had been following her around and ease dropping in on almost all her conversations. She had learned to deal with it, but it was beginning to drive her up the wall. Her only safe place was in the Gryffindor common room, which to say the least in a castle this big was really small.

"Of course I do" Draco reassured her. He was actually happy she had allowed him two days. So he gave up one day, he was gaining another with her. He was even willing to let it slide how much time she had spent with Potter this week. He didn't mind that she was with Longbottom, but Potter and the Weasley's was another story. "But Sunday I have hom-"

He didn't get to finish, Crystal was so excited she squealed and before she could stop herself she threw her arms around Draco and pulled him into a tight hug. "Thank you so much! I'll be on my best behavior, I promise!" She squealed once more before leaving.

Draco couldn't believe his luck. Not only did she hug him, he now got two days with her this week instead of one! He had to get his homework done early. Otherwise he'd never be able to spend time with her the way he wanted.

He was so excited he felt like Friday took forever. He couldn't help it though, he kept smiling at her in anticipation for tomorrow. And to be honest, he started wondering what she was so excited for. All day she had this glow about her as she clung onto Longbottom's fat arm. Just the thought of it along made his insides burn out of anger. Sure he was a pureblood it was a step up, Theodore had mentioned that several times, especially in letters to their father, but still. Longbottom?

He was upset though by the evening when she didn't show up for dinner and neither did Potter. Everyone else that belonged to her little Gryffindor clique was there, but Potter wasn't. What was she playing at?

But she wasn't playing at anything. Her and Harry were quickly going over what they should do tonight for DA in Harry's dorm.

"No I'm telling you, shield charm. Flat out, they still need work. Nevs doesn't even have it down." Crystal said while stretching out on Harry's bed.

"I realize they still need work, but everyone feels it's elementary." Harry sighed and looked through his Defense Against the Dark Arts book aimlessly.

"It's not elementary if it saves your life." Crystal reached out and grabbed Harry's hand. He immediately stopped looking at the book and stared into her eyes. Her eyes were sincere "We both know Voldemort is out there, let's train these kids the best we know how. Let's give him hell." She smirked, he knew she meant it. She really did mean it when she said she hated Voldemort.

"Umbridge too, you know" Harry laughed to himself "They'd make a great evil couple."

Crystal let out her awkward snort that is almost a laugh "Think of the children."

Harry on the other hand did laugh even harder "No! That's awful." He let his laughter fade then with serious eyes he turned to Crystal "So how did you get Malfoy to agree?"

"Oh you know, told him I was plotting against everything my family believes in." Crystal waved a hand in the air as she teased Harry. Harry couldn't help but smirk. He was so glad Crystal wasn't like the rest of the Slyhterin's even if she should be. She was so much fun and so caring. How could she have been born from a rich line of Slyhterin's?

"Doubtful" Harry said while lightly punching her in the shoulder.

"Yeah pretty much" Crystal said with a heavy sigh. "I have to spend two days with him. Saturday and Sunday, ugh."

"That's how you got him to agree?" Harry asked with disgust clearly laced upon his voice.

"Sadly yes, this is only going to get harder." Crystal turned to the window. She let her mind wander. She knew this year was going to make or break her life. She had a choice between right and wrong and neither would be easier on her than the other.

"What do you mean?" Harry furrowed his brows as he followed her gaze out the window.

She didn't turn and look at Harry when she spoke, her heart felt heavy. She knew it was easier to gaze elsewhere. "Harry I don't want to go back home. I want to be with you, I want to fight on your side." As she finished her sentence she turned to look at Harry.

Harry's eyes widened with shock. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He stared at her searching her eyes for something, he knew she meant it for sure. Her eyes were dark and heavy with emotions. "Wait, you mean…leave your family?" He asked as he nearly threw his arms around her to hug her, but he stopped himself.

"Yes, they are wrong in this war." Crystal nodded even though deep down inside she felt so torn.

"But everything…I mean" Harry stumbled around amazed at Crystal's maturity towards this all.

"I was never close with them to begin with. I mean Theo and I were but…you know." Crystal didn't look at Harry as she spoke. She sat there twisting her hands together realizing Harry wouldn't let her go back on her word.

"They never really wanted you around." He finished for her. He knew how that felt. He knew what it was like to want to feel wanted, but you never were. He was so happy here at Hogwarts and he understood why she was too.

She let her eyes travel up to Harry's. She could feel every emotion he had from his childhood seeping out. She knew he felt it too. That connection, the understanding, that they had something greater in common than something simple like enjoying Qudditch. They had their whole childhood linked. She let a soft smile trace her lips as a tear of acknowledgement traced her cheek.

"But there is one person I can't get rid of" Crystal said truthfully.

"Malfoy" Harry said with much distaste. Crystal didn't like the hate that filled his lips when he said his name, but she knew it couldn't be helped. They were on the opposite side of the war, what could be done now?

"I'm sorry, you have to understand he's been my friend for a while now." Crystal felt bad, but it was the truth. Regardless of how Draco abandoned her so many years ago, she couldn't just let him go. He was just as much a part of her life as anyone. She wanted him to be her friend.

Harry smiled reassuringly at her "No I understand, but if you have to run away and go into hiding what then?" Harry titled her head worried now if this was the right choice for her.

"Then I will, Draco can live without me. He did it for how many years while I was in America?" She nodded more to herself than to Harry, knowing full well she could do this.

"I guess you are right" Harry smiled "Let's get down to DA, come on" He said while quickly hopping of his bed and offering her a hand. She gladly took it returning his smile. Together Harry and Crystal headed for the Room of Requirement together in silence. They both had a lot of things weighing on their minds, so rather then add to it, they both stayed silent. Finally when they made it inside they both took a seat waiting patiently for others to arrive and started up another conversation.

"Are you going to work with Neville?" Harry asked while pulling out his wand.

"I don't see why everyone is so afraid to work with him." Crystal shrugged as the door opened a couple more people filed it. "He's not that dangerous." She grinned knowing full well last time he accidently started her robe on fire.

"Well minus-"Harry cut himself off, Neville had just arrived with Hermione and Ron.

"Neville!" Crystal smiled and waved for him to come over by her. He didn't hesitate at all, he smiled widely as he ran in his usual dorky manner to his best friend.

"Crystal!" he responded warmly. "Why weren't you at dinner?" he question almost immediately

"Harry and I were going over what lessons we are goi-" Crystal started but got cut off.

"Oh so glad you could make it Crissy!" Fred jumped right in through an arm around her shoulder.

"Yes, I must say we are" George came up and threw his arm around her as well. "I thought you might bail and you know"

"Plot with Death Eaters" Fred finished.

"Har har har" Crystal said with her finest eye roll. "My favorite past time and all."

"Hardly" Harry said reassuringly. He couldn't help it. For some odd reason there was an angry twinge in his stomach when he heard people joke about her being a Death Eater. "I will have you know she admitted she wants to leave her family." Harry said proudly knowing full well he was the first person she told.

"What? No" Fred said in disbelief.

"Good for you" Hermione smiled warmly.

"It's a plot, personally." George said thoughtfully well tapping his hand mischievously on his lips.

"Ah yes dear brother, I believe you are right." Fred joined in and mirrored his twin down to every last movement.

"Oh shove off you too" Ron said while rolling his eyes "If she says so she says so. This girl is so serious she'd give Percy a run for his money."

"Well that was the meanest thing I've heard all day." Crystal put a hand on her hip defensively.

"ANYWAYS" Harry said loudly cutting their chatter, no noticing the room was filled with the regulars.

"Right" Ron and Crystal said at the same time while shyly looking at their feet. Harry ignored them and carried on with his usual speech.

The speech usually took a couple of minutes and was generally around the same lines of Voldemort, defending ourselves, and Umbridge. No one really mind really, Harry did a great job of getting everyone motivated, even Neville. But once the time came to actually do things Neville was generally in shambles and didn't believe that he was good enough to actually perform any spells. Crystal had been used to this especially when Neville would break down and ask why he wasn't in Hufflepuff. He thought most of the time he was lousy Gryffindor, but Crystal knew how to handle it.

They had already broken into groups. Some people were no longer using Expelliarmus anymore rather more complicated spells for their partner to block. Crystal, out of courteous for Neville, was still using Expelliarmus.

"Ready Nevs?" Crystal questioned for about the fifth time already this evening.

"Yes" He said while swallowing hard. He was beginning to feel nervous and hopeless. He just wished he was as good as everyone else. It's always him being left behind. The only thing he excels in is Herbology and most people laugh at him for that, they don't consider that a hard subject.

"Expelliarmus!" Crystal shouted as she pointed her wand at Neville, she didn't hold back at all. Crystal knew that holding back wouldn't be fair to Neville, nor would it benefit him. He had potential, that she could see and she hoped he would be able to see that himself as well.

Neville almost had it, he hesitated at the last moment of raising his wand to produce a shield charm. Sadly he watched as his wand flew straight for Crystal. He felt ashamed as a frown traced upon her lips, but he knew better than to let anything negative slip from his lips at this point.

"You almost had it Nevs!" Crystal smiled as she walked towards Neville to return his wand. He couldn't help but sigh as everyone around him seemed to shake their heads in what felt like disappointment to him. Truth be told, they were just as hopeful as Crystal. Everyone knew he could do it, he just lacks confidence.

"Yeah, I know" Neville said in a deflated voice as he plopped down on the floor. Crystal didn't hesitate for a moment as she took a seat next to him, ignoring all the battling going on around them. "I'm just not ready for this just yet." He said while he took his wand out of her hand.

"I think you are" Crystal smiled lightly "I have faith in you, just because Professor Snape or your Grandma doesn't believe you are made of the good stuff" Crystal lightly poked him in the stomach "I do." She finished proudly with strong eyes staring at her best friend.

Neville sat there staring right back. He sometimes couldn't believe his luck, Crystal was more then he would ever ask for. She was so sweet, caring, and knew just what to say to get his mood up. How did a guy like him end up with someone like her? "Thanks Crissy, but you know…" He shyly looked at his wand, pulling his eyes away from hers.

"I don't know, you are just being a boggart who's hiding in the dark." Crystal pouted her best pout as she folded her arms across her chest.

That was it, that was the last straw for Neville, how could he say no to that? "Okay okay Crystal. I can do this!" He said while quickly throwing himself up off the ground. Crystal followed the suite with a smile. She was hopeful of him. And with good reason, the next time she cast Expelliarmus he shielded it with ease. She was so proud of him that nothing could break her spirits that night. She spent a good half of the evening after DA with Neville in the common room talking and sharing stories. She had one of the best nights of her life, only for it to all come crashing down in the morning.

She had been walking with Neville to the great hall for lunch, seeing as they had both over slept from staying up so late, when a cold harsh hand had grabbed her arm. She couldn't help but wince as she was pulled away from her best friend to where she didn't know.

"Draco that hurts" She pleaded as her eyes finally fell on the pale figure that was leading her away.

"What?" He snapped finally letting go "Oh right sorry." He was sincere in his words but his eyes still held this fierce gaze. "Why weren't you at dinner or breakfast this morning? Please tell me you weren't up with-" Crystal held up her hand and cut him off.

"Draco please" She glared at him "I was with Harry during dinner and I just over slept. It was a late evening." She dropped her glare and let her lips trace into a true smile "I had a lot of fun, I'm sorry."

Draco couldn't stay mad anymore. That smile was so sweet and so…Crystal. It was her. He couldn't help but forgive her. He had missed that smile. The last time he had seen it was before…

"Come on Draco!" Crystal giggled as she pranced to the doors. She was happy, today was her birthday and despite her having one week left till she left for Rose Academy she was as lively as can be.

"I'm coming, calm down Crissy" Draco couldn't help but let out a laugh with her as she pulled him farther outside.

"Not so fast." Both Crystal and Draco turned around to see her father standing there looking upset. Crystal's smile faded almost instantly and changed to fear. Draco couldn't help but grab Crystal's hand as quick as he could and give it a tight squeeze. But that moment only last for less than a second. Before he could stop her dad, he had grabbed on to her daughters arm in a rough manner that would make anyone cry, but Crystal stayed passive. She watched with fear as Draco was pulled farther and farther from her view. And soon before she knew it she was in a hallway over on the floor screaming in pain.

Her father was yelling at her. She could barely hear it though. The pain of his curses were hurting more than he would ever know. But Draco could hear it. Draco could see it as well. He couldn't help himself his best friend was screaming in pain, what else could he do but watch? He felt so helpless as her dad hit her with curse after curse.

"I'm so glad to get rid of you, you filthy piece of trash." Her dad screamed at her as Draco cringed with agony.

"I'm sorry" She pleaded and cried. She had caved in. Tears were streaming down her face now. She was feeling weak from a crime she didn't commit.

"Sorry isn't good enough. We should have gotten rid of you before you were even born, you could be a half-breed for all we know. Lucky enough you aren't a squib." Her father spat once more before kicking her sharp in the ribs and leaving her alone.

That was the last time Draco had ever seen her smile like that. From that day on, she had a false smile and if you looked close enough you could see sadness traced within her eyes at all times.

"Draco are you listening to me?" Crystal asked as she almost giggled at his silly spaced out face.

He had been thinking so much of that day lately. He felt like it was his fault. He could have saved her or something. And he knew she was okay afterwards, but something else happened that evening that he overheard that he couldn't let his heart shake off. He would help her somehow "Of course sorry…" He smiled "Why don't we get some lunch. I'm overly hungry and beginning to lose focus" He lied hoping it would suffice for her.

"Sure thing Draco" Crystal smiled and clung tightly onto Draco's arm.