It's Not a Date

-Your POV-

The second night at Hogwarts had been less relaxing. Y/N struggled with falling asleep as she kept thinking about everything that had happened. The day could have been successful but Draco's pure-blood comments just ruined everything. If only she didn't care.

After brooding for ages she did eventually fall asleep but kept waking up a couple of times by the sounds of something outside the windows.

When Helena woke her up in the morning, Y/N was tired and in a pressed mood.

"I shortened your skirt!" She held up the black piece of clothing in excitement.

Y/N rubbed the sleep out of her eyes. "Won't I get in trouble?"

"None of the teachers have noticed yet. It's only an inch but it makes such a huge difference! Try it on!"

Since Y/N told Helena about her fake plan with Blaise yesterday, the witch had been acting extra sweet and accommodating. This only made Y/N feel worse.

But in order to not disappoint her newly found friend, she put on a smile. "Alright. But let me get ready first."

*****

Looking into the mirror, Y/N was pleased with what she saw. The skirt did look a bit different and was elongating her legs. And despite the awful night, her eyes were circle-free.

Maybe today could be a good day afterall!

Once the girls were done with getting ready, they entered the common room on their way to breakfast.

Y/N immediately saw Draco standing at one of the windows, looking outside. A squid was just passing by and he followed it with his eyes.

"Oh!" Helena nudged her with a suggestive expression but the girl just wanted to leave before Draco would see-

"Y/N."

'Dammit.'

She slowly turned around to him and put on a fake smile. "Morning."

Then Y/N grabbed Helena's hand, pulling her away but the boy stopped them.

"Wait. I need to talk to you."

Reluctantly, Y/N stopped in her track. Helena winked at her. "See you at breakfast."

She watched her friend leave and then walked over to Draco.

"What do you want to talk about?"

Now standing here without his friends, he seemed...different. Almost relaxed. He turned back to look at the lake.

"Pansy can be a true git."

Y/N didn't understand at first what he was trying to say until it clicked.

This was an apology. An apology from someone who doesn't know how to say sorry.

Another character flaw and they haven't even known each other for 24 hours. Another red flag.

But blaming Draco for his shortcomings seemed wrong. There was something in his eyes - his stormy grey eyes, as Y/N now could tell - soemthing that didn't match his words. There was a disconnect.

Y/N stood next to him, watching the squid.

"Yeah, I got that impression as well."

She hoped that Draco would be able to translate the message to an 'it's okay' and his nod seemed to show that. So she decided to go a step further.

"Like I said yesterday, I'm not here to be on anybody's side or make enemies. I'd rather concentrate on myself and not get involved. I know too little about your guys' history and frankly, I don't care."

She waited for an answer.

"I can respect that." That is all Draco said.

Y/N took her eyes off the squid.

"Alright, I'll see you around."

She turned to leave.

"Wait."

He had stopped her once again.

"Yes?"

Their eyes met.

"You don't have to hate Potter for us to hang out. Right?"

The question took Y/N by surprise and she really hoped that she wasn't blushing right now.

"Why would you want to hang out with me?"

He shrugged. "Do I need to have an answer for that?"

Y/N shook her head although she would have liked one.

"Has anybody showed you around the school yet?"

"No, I was hoping Helena would give me a tour today."

Draco rolled his storm grey bedroom eyes. "Forget Helena, she is full of hot air. I can show you around if you'd like, without my 'gang'. After dinner."

"Oh."

Y/N was sure now that her face must be redder than that of a tomato. Wait, tomatoes don't have faces. Or do they? Maybe an enchanted tomato.

"So?" Draco had risen an eyebrow.

What should she say now?

Yesterday she had sworn to stay away from him. But at this moment...oh God. Should she give him another chance?

"Y-yeah, sure. That'd be great."

"Good. I'll see you then."

He smiled at her. His smile was cocky, no question. But it was stunning.

"Yeah, see you later."

Y/N walked, or rather wobbled out of the common room. One thought kept repeating in her head.

'I hope I don't regret this.'

*****

After two classes of Divination and lunch it was time for Herbology which was taught in Hogwart's greenhouse by Professor Sprout, a short witch with a friendly face and lots to talk about.

Helena had not left Y/N's side at all today. She wanted to know everything Draco said, her mouth dropped open when she heard about his offer to show Y/N around. Then she wanted to know how they'd proceed with Blaise.

Luckily she stopped talking whenever somebody else was in earshot, like the two of them were on a secret mission or something. Y/N had promised to talk to Blaise next time she got a chance but really everything she could think about was the white haired boy who seemed little amused by the fact that they were sharing herbology class with Hufflepuff students.

"I am so excited to teach every one of you this year and to help prepare yourself for your OWLs!"

There it was again, Y/N couldn't hear it anymore. So far every professor had been holding a speech about the importance of the exams, adding that any students who hadn't started studying yet should do so as soon as possible.

"Today we will be looking at a new plant. Who can tell me the name?"

Y/N looked at what was growing out of the pot in front of her. It had lots of foliage and black round berries.

A Hufflepuff raised her hand. "It's belladonna."

"Yes, exactly! Now, belladonna is an important tool for each witch and wizard as it is an essential part of any potion-making-kit. But be careful with the plant because it is poisonous. Eating the berries would cause hallucinations."

Those small black marbles? Y/N took a closer look at the berries.

"Today you will learn how to juice them properly."

Professor Sprout began to explain how the berries were to be picked and as everyone followed her instructions, Helena nudged Y/N and whispered: "He is looking at you."

Y/N held back the urge to check if her friend was telling the truth.

"So?"

"Are you sure it's not a date?"

"100%. We hardly know each other."

Helena chuckled quietly. "But that might change soon."

The thought made Y/N blush but she quickly shook it off.

If she were to make a mental list with pros and cons regarding Draco Malfoy, the right side would probably be endlessly long. The boy was just too...cold. He appeared to be extremely judgemental and arrogant and Y/N couldn't just ignore that.

But what if she was wrong? What if he really was none of that? Or what if he was all of that yet completely different?

Well, she was about to find out. Maybe she could make him drop his facade.

*****

Y/N had just finished her dinner and went to the bathroom. A glance in the mirror told her that she looked like always. Whether that was good or bad was not her decision to make.

With a quick breathing exercise she shook off her nerves and felt surprisingly calm and excited. Really, what's the worst thing that could have happened?

Leaving the bathroom, she saw three familiar faces standing not too far away. Harry noticed her first.

"Hey Y/N!"

She walked over with a smile. "Hello! What are you guys up to?"

We were about to head to the library. Would you like to join us?"

Her eyes widened.

"Oh! I uh..."

"She doesn't have time for you, Potter."

Y/N hadn't noticed Draco approaching. He was standing next to her, his tall figure dressed in the school uniform and his hands resting inside the pockets. His expression while looking at Harry could only be described with one word: Ugly.

"Are you ready?" he asked, turning to Y/N.

She nodded and looked away from the trio, avoiding Hermione's confused and angry expression.

Who could blame her? Just yesterday Y/N had promised to stay away from Draco and now he was motioning her to follow him.

"I'll see you around," Y/N mumbled and turned away.