The cold interrogation room brought back unpleasant memories. For months, Draco had been dragged out of Azkaban again and again to be chained to that table. They had riddled him with questions, and he had tried to provide answers. Almost every Auror in the department had stopped by, as if interrogating one of the Malfoys was the culmination of their career.

Draco looked around resignedly, his eyes scanning the familiar white walls and the deceptively enchanted mirror that allowed others to see and hear what was happening in the room. At least this time his hands were free, but that could change at any moment.

Keep calm.

Draco put into practice the lessons he learned from his aunt Bellatrix and his mother. After all, his Occlumency skills were good enough to keep a renowned Legilimens like Snape at bay. The trick was dissociation. As he had explained to Astoria, he had to lock his feelings and emotions in the back of his mind, so that they would not cloud the mental barrier. He knew that the Aurors would try to break that calm, but he must not allow it.

After an indeterminate amount of time, the door opened, and Draco stifled a growl as he recognised the Auror who entered. His name was Tony Williamson, he was a Muggle-born, and he hated Death Eaters and especially the Malfoys with an unparalleled fury. His parents had been tortured during the war, and his sister had been offered to Greyback for entertainment. Draco prepared himself for the worst.

"We meet again, Malfoy. I knew you'd be back sooner or later," disdain and hatred oozed in equal parts from the wizard's brown eyes. "Scum like you never take long to fall into old habits."

"What am I accused of?" Draco kept his voice even and calculatedly calm.

"You've got to be kidding. You've been caught red-handed. It's going to be hard for you to escape from Azkaban this time."

"You'll have to be a little more precise. I need to know what charges I'm being accused of before I can defend myself. And speaking of which, I require the presence of a lawyer."

Williamson narrowed his eyes.

"You are a piece of shit, Malfoy. You are not getting away with it this time," he muttered. Draco ignored the insult and sat back in his chair, still calm.

"Lawyer," he repeated. He had learned that tactic from his mother. He was not supposed to speak without a lawyer present, and he knew that the Ministry could not hold him for more than twenty-four hours without evidence or without giving him the option of a defense. With no clock in the room, Draco didn't know how much time had passed, but he knew he had to hold out without offering anything of use.

"That tactic won't help you. You have no friends or contacts in the Ministry. You're finished."

Draco fixed his grey eyes on his interlocutor and did not react, as if he were bored.

"Lawyer."

Williamson stood up, furious, and Draco wondered if he was going to hit him. He didn't think Aurors would be foolish enough to use physical violence on a detainee, but one never knew. But before Williamson could do anything, the door opened again, and two figures stepped through.

Draco was slightly relieved to recognize Primus Parkinson, the Malfoys' lawyer. The second person was a young, short-haired, serious-faced witch, who sat down opposite him and placed a stack of parchments on the table.

"My name is Riya Patel, and I am in charge of investigating case number 256987. Mr. Malfoy, you have been accused of drugging, kidnapping and attempting to sexually assault Miss Astoria Greengrass. How do you plead?"

"What? That is a lie!" for a second, Draco lost his concentration, and all the blood rushed to his face. Williamson made a sound of satisfaction, as if Draco had confessed to the crime.

"My client denies the charges," Mr. Parkinson interceded, his voice calm.

"I must ask you a series of questions. Please answer clearly. This conversation will be transcribed," Patel placed a magic quill over a blank parchment. She repeated her name, the case number and Draco's name so that they were written down. "Mr. Malfoy, did you attend the party held tonight on the Invictus Yacht?"

"I did."

"Why did you go there?"

"I was invited by Astoria Greengrass. I have an invitation to prove it," Draco struggled to control his heartbeat. He clenched his hands to keep them from shaking.

"Did you meet alone with Miss Greengrass?"

Draco hesitated, knowing that his answer could back up his accusation.

"Yes, but only for a few minutes."

"Where did that meeting take place?"

"In Blaise Zabini 's private room."

"His private room? Do you mean the bedroom?"

"You don't have to answer that," Mr. Parkinson interjected. Patil clucked her tongue, but continued with her questions.

"What reasons did you have for staying alone with her?"

"I wanted to give Astoria her birthday gift in a quiet place."

"What happened next, Mr. Malfoy?"

"Astoria went to blow out the candles in the largest room. Then... I lost sight of her."

"How long did it take until you saw her again?"

"I'm not sure, maybe an hour."

"Why did you go looking for her?"

"I wanted to say goodbye to her before I went home," Draco saw Williamson roll his eyes out of the corner of his eye, but he clenched his fists, fighting to keep his cool.

"Where did you find Miss Greengrass?"

"In Blaise's bedroom. She was half asleep, and she told me she felt sick. That's why I took her to the hotel."

"Was there anyone else there?"

"No, the door was locked with a password."

"Are you sure about that?"

"I'm completely sure, I had to activate the security opening to get in."

"Why did you do that? Did you want to find her so badly?"

Draco blinked in annoyance. How could he explain that his instincts were screaming at him that something wasn't right?

"I thought it was strange that she was left alone in the middle of her party," he quickly said, even though he knew it wasn't the most convincing answer.

Patil frowned and skimmed the list of questions. She seemed to be searching for something in particular.

"Did you share food or drink with Miss Greengrass?"

"No."

"Did you invite her for a drink?"

"No."

"Do you know how Miss Greengrass was able to get into the bedroom by herself?"

"I suppose she knew the way," Draco shrugged. "But I don't know how she found out the password."

"What kind of relationship do you have with Miss Greengrass?"

Draco hesitated, unsure of how to respond. The quill had paused, waiting to transcribe his next words.

"Cat got your tongue, Malfoy?" Williamson mocked, but Patil silenced him with an irritated look.

"We work together, I provide her with works of art for her hotels."

"Some sources have indicated that your relationship with Miss Greengrass is closer than you are letting on."

"My client doesn't have to answer that-"

"Listen, I don't want to hurt Astoria. If I did, I wouldn't have asked for help," Draco interrupted his lawyer, leaning forward. "There was a receptionist in the room with us, her name is July. Why don't you ask her?"

"I'm questioning you now, Mr. Malfoy."

But Draco turned to his lawyer.

"Am I obliged to continue responding?"

"No, Mr. Malfoy, you have the right to remain silent if you wish."

"That will only cause more problems," Patil insisted, but Draco folded his arms resolutely. She pressed on, asking more questions, but Draco remained stubbornly silent. He wouldn't say anything more unless a full-blown investigation was launched.

After a few minutes of fruitless questioning, the Aurors left the room, and Draco sighed.

"What 's going to happen, Primus?"

"I advise you to be patient, Mr. Malfoy," the lawyer inclined his head, pointing to the mirror, and Draco understood that he should remain silent.

He concentrated on keeping the bad thoughts at bay, but his memory kept coming back to Astoria in the hotel room, trying to undress, asking him to...

Draco shook his head. Thank Merlin he hadn't been alone with her, who knows what would have happened then.

What if the complaint comes from Astoria?

The thought chilled his blood. Could it be that Astoria thought the worst of him? What did she remember of what had happened? What if her memories suggested that he... No, he had to wait and hope that there was a solution.

He had to be patient.

ooo

The hours passed slowly, and although Draco had no way of measuring time, he could sense fatigue and hunger. He and Mr. Parkinson did not exchange another word, waiting for news from the Aurors. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, Patel returned to the room. This time she was accompanied by two colleagues who remained at the door. Neither of them was armed, and that was a good sign.

"Mr. Malfoy, your charges have been dropped."

"How? What happened?"

"The person who reported you wishes to remain anonymous and has not presented any further evidence against you. On the other hand, there are several witnesses who observed Miss Greengrass drinking before she showed signs of intoxication. The hotel workers have also corroborated that you tried to help Miss Greengrass."

"Do you mean that the complaint was false?"

"There is not enough information on this matter. We regret the misunderstanding."

Although he was tired and relieved, Draco also felt furious.

"Misunderstanding? Aren't you going to investigate the person who reported me? It's a very serious accusation."

"As I told you, it was an anonymous complaint. We can't do anything more."

Draco started to retort, but his lawyer put a hand on his shoulder to indicate that it was wiser to remain silent. Furious, Draco bit his tongue, accepting the situation.

Before leaving, he turned to Patel one last time.

"Do you know how Astoria is? Is she okay?"

"Miss Greengrass has been sent to St. Mungo's and is under medical supervision. She will return home in the next few hours."

ooo

By the time he returned to Malfoy Manor, the sun had risen. Draco was exhausted and irritated, and the last thing he wanted to do was face his parents. But Lucius and Narcissa were waiting for him, probably alerted by Mr. Parkinson.

"Draco, are you okay?" his mother was the first to go and hug him. He could see the signs of worry on her face.

"It was all a misunderstanding, it's not important."

"A misunderstanding? You have been arrested, Draco," Lucius inquired. "What happened?"

"Someone drugged Astoria, and I was the person who found her. The wrong conclusions were drawn, but it has been resolved now," Draco was in no mood to give further explanations, despite his parents' insistence.

Evading their questions, he went up to his room and fell onto the bed. He was able to sleep for a few hours, but he did not feel rested. He still felt helpless at having been accused of something he had not done and not being able to defend himself.

An insistent tapping on the window forced him to his feet. Draco groaned as the owl deposited a thick piece of parchment before taking flight. He had expected that letter, but not so soon. In short, he had called in a few favors to find the Greengrass 's missing book, and now he had to return them. He realized that he had to travel abroad again, perhaps for weeks.

Maybe it's for the best. It's in my best interest to disappear for a while.

Resigned, he opened his agenda to cancel and reschedule his pending appointments. While he was doing so, he noticed the weekly meetings he had with Astoria to prepare for the exhibition. He had to let her know that he would not be able to attend. He picked up a quill and parchment, but he couldn't bring himself to write. He knew that anything he wrote would sound like an excuse.

No, he had to meet her in person.

ooo

Draco wasn't sure that Mr. and Mrs. Greengrass would let him into their house. After all, he had been accused of trying to harm Astoria a few hours earlier. But to his surprise, he was greeted with kindness and nice words. The Greengrass family thanked him for his prompt action and chivalry in helping their daughter. Apparently, July had been talking to them, explaining what had happened. Draco wasn't sure how to take such praise, but he was glad that his presence in the house was welcome.

When he asked to see Astoria, things changed. Mr. and Mrs. Greengrass didn't seem to want to agree, but Daphne offered to accompany him as a chaperone.

"Is it necessary?" Draco asked, when they were out of earshot of the Greengrass.

"Don't blame them, my parents were worried. What happened the other night was very hard... and it could have been worse."

"What do you mean?"

"Do you remember when you found me in the hallway? I had just vomited. I thought it was a heat stroke, but the healers think my body reacted defensively to what was in my cup."

"Were you drugged too?"

"It's not entirely clear, they're still testing my blood samples," Daphne shook her head heavily. "The Aurors think there might be more victims."

"I'm sorry to hear that. I didn't know Blaise liked that kind of parties."

"Actually, he didn't know anything. He came to ask about us this morning; he seemed very worried and angry. He told us that he had given permission to the Aurors to investigate the yacht."

"And he didn't explain why his bedroom door was locked with a password after Astoria entered?"

"Draco, he didn't know my sister was there. He blocked the door so no one could come in while he was at the party."

Draco stopped and looked at her with raised eyebrows.

"And you believe him?"

"I saw him, Draco, with my own eyes. He was in the main hall kissing Penelope Clearwater. I don't know who put Astoria in that room, but it wasn't Blaise."

Draco pressed his lips together, but didn't press the issue. Part of his mind was still uneasy, but he also wondered if his animosity towards Blaise was due to jealousy. The image of his fingers running over Astoria's skin as he looked at him with that mocking smile wouldn't leave his mind.

Silently, he followed Daphne into the library, which was currently illuminated by the rays of the sun. Although it was warm, the fireplace was lit, and beside it, Astoria rested in an armchair, covered with a blanket. Draco was surprised to see her looking so pale and downcast. She looked like she was sick.

"What 's wrong with her?" he whispered.

"It's the medicine, its effects are very powerful."

"Does she need to continue taking medication? I thought she had recovered."

Daphne shook her head and lowered her voice.

"The healers told us that she was given an unusual concentration of drugs. The bastard who drugged her wanted to keep her unconscious for several days."

Draco felt that dull fury burning inside him again.

"She wasn't unconscious. It was worse than that," he muttered.

"I know, July told us what happened," Daphne nodded. "The healing potion stopped the effects of the drug, but she still has to detox. It's a long and hard process."

"Can I talk to her?" Daphne nodded and Draco approached Astoria, sitting carefully beside her. He was afraid of her fragility, as if she could break with the slightest breath of air.

Her eyes opened slightly as she noticed his presence, and her pale, cracked lips smiled faintly.

"Draco..."

"Hello," Draco didn't know what else to say. He didn't want to burden her with his concerns, but he didn't want to seem cold and inconsiderate either. However, Astoria's eyes suddenly filled with tears.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to... it was my fault."

Draco realized that she remembered what had happened, at least partially. He could see the shame in her eyes and felt as if a knife had been stabbed into his heart.

"Don't say that. Don't you dare blame yourself for what happened. It wasn't your fault. You didn't do anything to deserve it. It could have happened to anyone," he sat closer to her, to emphasize his words.

Astoria shook her head guiltily, tears streaming down her cheeks. On impulse, Draco gently took her hand, feeling the coldness of her skin.

"Listen to me, the only one to blame is the scoundrel who attacked you. Who knows if he did it to other people," Draco remembered what Daphne had said, and fervently hoped that the Ministry would continue with the investigation. "I'm glad I found you, Astoria. I would never have forgiven myself if you had been hurt."

She looked at him pitifully with her eyes filled with tears, but Draco didn't move away or let go of her hand.

"But what I did-"

"It wasn't you. We both know you didn't want to do it."

"You don't understand, I did want to, I..." Astoria pressed her lips together, unable to find the words.

"That desire wasn't real," Draco whispered.

"There was one part that was," her voice was so faint that Draco had to strain to understand it. Heart suddenly racing, he stared into her green eyes and remembered the way Astoria had looked at him that night, the way she had smiled at him, the way she had bitten her lip, the way she had moved her body closer to his when he had been about to kiss her.

Yes, it was true, Astoria had desired him. But what he had seen in the hotel room had been very different.

He looked down, noticing Astoria's pale hand.

Tell her the truth.

"Astoria, I like you. I like you a lot," he confessed, looking at her again. "And I would like... for something more to happen between us at some point. But not like this. Not like that. I would like you to be fully aware of what you do and what you say. I don't want... I can't use you like that," he shook his head, lowering his voice. "It's not right."

Astoria gave him a weak smile of gratitude and stroked the back of his hand with her thumb.

"Maybe next time," she whispered.

"There's no rush," he assured her. And he meant it. All he wanted was for Astoria to feel comfortable around him.

She wiped her face and sniffled. Her gestures seemed weak and tired.

"Thanks for taking me home," she murmured.

"It was the least I could do. I wish I could have done more. I should have found you sooner," Draco felt guilty. If he hadn't been distracted, he might have realized sooner that Astoria was unwell.

She squeezed his hand, trying to smile.

"It was a disaster of a date," she whispered. Draco couldn't help but laugh softly.

"I hope the third time is the charm," he smiled, and on impulse, he brought Astoria's hand to his lips and gently kissed her knuckles. A light blush covered her cheeks, and she could only smile.

Draco watched as Daphne tried to entertain herself on the other side of the library, pretending to ignore them, but he didn't care. He was glad that Astoria was surrounded by people who cared about her.

However, he still had to inform Astoria of his future plans.

"Astoria, I have to go on a trip. There are several European clients who are requesting my presence, and I can't put it off any longer. I'll be away for a few weeks," he explained. "Can I write to you? I'd like to know that you're okay."

"Of course you can. Why do you ask those things?"

"I don't want you to feel uncomfortable," he lowered his head, unsure.

"I would never feel uncomfortable with you," Astoria caressed his hand with her thumb, sending warm sensations up his arm and causing a pleasant tickle to fill his stomach.

"If you need anything, anything at all, don't hesitate to tell me. I'll try to come back as soon as possible," he promised.

"I just want you to be careful."

"I will," and on impulse, Draco leaned towards her and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. Astoria smiled in surprise and closed her eyes, leaning lightly against him.

Shortly after, Draco left the Greengrass house, promising himself that no matter what happened, the third date had to be absolutely perfect.

It seems that not everything is completely ruined.

I promise the third date will be much better than the second ;)

Don't forget to comment and vote!