Chapter 14: Blaise

The weeks that followed passed in a blur. Draco was unaware of his lessons, or anything that he had to do in the following weeks. The only thing that had meaning, any significance at all- was Hermione. And she wouldn't talk to him.

Initially, he had given her time. But it was hard, the more time spent away from her was like a punch to the gut. He would skip lessons and avoid mealtimes as much as possible so he wouldn't see her.

But then the days turned into weeks.

He then tried to talk to her- reason with her- but his pleas were met with a hasty departure. He knew that she was avoiding him, but he knew she couldn't help it.

Which was why it was a surprise when she spoke to him after a Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson.

'We need to talk. Are you free?' She'd said. She looked at him with a certain urgency, and he realized fully how much he'd missed her- her frizzy hair, her beautiful face, everything.

And he felt himself crumbling.

'Yes- you know I am, Granger.' This was partly a lie; he'd got a detention for missing too many lessons. But this was far more important.

As she grasped his hand hastily and led him out of the hall and onto the grounds, he realized how dependent he was of her. And he was certain that it was love- he couldn't eat or sleep, because he'd been thinking of her. He wondered if she felt the same.

She whirled around, and took a deep breath. 'I like you. A lot.'

He nodded. 'I like you too.'

'But I think- I think we should be friends.'

Draco's insides turned into ice. 'Wait- what? What... do you mean?'

'I mean I think we should carry on as friends. It's obvious that this isn't working out properly. But I mean- I know- and you know- that there's something between us. Something strong. But I need to prioritize my studies right now, and Harry and Ron. When something happens between us, it'll happen. And I know it will. Because I love you, Draco.'

He nodded. 'Y-yeah.' It was a lot to take in, but in a strange way- he agreed. It made sense.

Feebly, she held out her little finger. 'Friends?'

Resignedly, he held out his and entwined it with hers. 'Friends.'

After they parted ways, Draco was left with a bittersweet feeling. He knew that it would happen, their relationship- he was so sure of it. But he yearned for her with an unfamiliar hunger, he loved her.

And he'd made the Unbreakable Vow.

'Salazar,' he said wearily at the entrance to the dungeons, before being admitted. He left the common room, ignoring the shouts and laughter of his peers as they conversed. In fact, he was completely sure that he'd been invisible to them. Draco went straight for his dormitory, where all he wanted to do was curl up and go to sleep. He might've even cried. And the Malfoy's never cried.

Instead, he found Blaise. He was sitting on the edge of Malfoy's bed, his hand slightly crumpling his pajamas. Vaguely, Draco felt a twinge of annoyance.

But this was strange. It was June now, and Draco hadn't spoken to Blaise since December- six months. Just looking at him brought on a swell of feelings, a distinct emotion being severe dislike- but Draco surprised himself in discovering the overriding feeling was longing. Blaise had been his best friend, and he'd been so lonely without him.

He jumped up from the bed as soon as he noticed him. Draco closed the door quietly. For a while, they stood in silence, facing each other as if they were in a standoff. A muscle jumped in Draco's cheek. 'Blaise.'

'I'm sorry.'

'What?' Draco frowned. Surely he hadn't heard correctly. 'You're- sorry?'

He nodded, his mouth hardening into a grimace. This looked almost painful. With a swift hand gesture, he held out his hand. Draco took it, and they shook- and with that a silent agreement came over the pair of them, once more consolidating their messy friendship.