Song(s): Campus by Vampire Weekend; Snap Out of It by Arctic Monkeys

The smells of pine and winter spice fill the air as I step out into the courtyard.

Snow is lightly falling down and a gust of wind sweeps through, causing me to wrap my yellow and black scarf more securely around my neck. I watch as the snowflakes dance around me, relishing the uniqueness in each and every one.

I stick my tongue out, trying to catch one on it. After a couple minutes, one manages to land on my tongue, yet it melts right as it touches, leaving only a tiny pool of water in its place.

"I can never catch them. Teach me how you do it!" I hear Anthony say beside me.

I look over to see him moving his head around with his tongue darting in and out. He looks hilariously foolish as his eyebrows set into a determined furrow.

I let out a laugh before saying, "you have to stay still and wait for one to land on you, silly!"

He glances over at me, raising his eyebrows in understanding before keeping his head still. I take in his brown, wavy hair and rosy cheeks from the cold air. Anthony has always been one of the cuter boys within Hufflepuff, and I can't deny that, at this moment, he's absolutely adorable.

"What the bloody hell are you doing, Rickett?" Heidi and Herbert walk over towards us.

Heidi's honey eyes are looking at Anthony with a puzzled expression while Herbert pushes his square frames up the bridge of his nose more with a curious smile.

Anthony holds up his gloved hand, signaling for them to wait. After a few seconds, one must land on his tongue as he closes his mouth with a satisfied grin.

"There! Finally got one!" He glances over at me, giving me a quick wink. "Thank you Libby for the guidance."

I let out another laugh. "Of course." Heidi and Herbert give us strange looks, so I say to them, "I taught him how to properly catch a snowflake."

They nod along in understanding: Herbert shaking his head with a smile.

"Oh! That makes a lot more sense," Herbert admits with a chuckle as he looks over towards Heidi who's struggling to adjust her scarf.

I watch as he helps loop it around again, shifting it around her collarbone until it's snug. She gives him an appreciative smile, looping her arm around his. This causes him to blush with a wide grin.

"Shall we get going?" Anthony asks beside me, his arm outstretched for me to take.

I grab onto it with a smile and nod, noting how I can feel his warmth from under the woolen material of his coat.

"Good! I've been needing a Butterbeer all week! Flitwick has added so much work on us in Charms." He lets out a groan, his eyes shifting up towards the cloudy sky.

"Tell me about it! I barely have time for any other assignments!" Heidi remarks as we all begin walking down the long path towards Hogsmeade.

Other students make their way down as well, while others are most likely there already, having gotten to the small town right away in the morning. We decided to meet a little later as Anthony proclaimed he needed his beauty rest since it is a Saturday.

"Charms has been quite difficult for us fifth years as well," I chime in, remembering how the last couple days I had to have Susie fill me in on the lesson I completely missed due to my foggy mind.

"It doesn't get easier I'm afraid," Herbert says with a slight frown. "If you can, prepare yourself over the summer."

I take note of his advice, nodding along. I'm usually pretty good at Charms, but it doesn't hurt to focus a bit more time on it during my holiday.

"So Libby, how's your sister been?" Anthony asks, his warm voice making me shift my gaze from Herbert to him. He places his other hand on our conjoined arms with a smile as we near the village.

"She seems well, at least she tells me so in her letters back. I'm very excited to see her for Christmas. I worry about her a lot with her job..."

"Your sister is quite tough from what I've heard. I'm sure she is doing alright," Anthony says, his tone more gentle. I look back up towards him seeing that he's giving me a softer smile.

"Yeah...I'm sure you're right," I say in agreement before bringing my gaze back towards the village.

Wreaths and strings of holly line many of the doors and shop windows. Witches and wizards crowd the streets, clad in black and hints of red and green. I see many students weaving about, going in and out of shops and chattering excitedly. I smile at the sight in front of me, loving how Christmastime can bring such joy to many hearts. It's truly one of the most wonderful times of the year.

Just then, I freeze in my tracks, seeing a familiar platinum-haired Slytherin leaning up against a shop wall. Daphne Greengrass, notably one of the prettiest faces within Hogwarts, mirrors his stance with a sultry look. I shake the wave of green that flashes through me as I look up at Anthony who's smiling and waving at some of our housemates that are waving at us.

I wave at them as well before I find myself looking back at Draco. His gaze is now locked in on me, and I instinctively push myself closer to Anthony, who's now talking to Herbert.

Anthony doesn't take notice in my action, but Draco does as his mouth curves downwards into a scowl.

He must not like Anthony, I think to myself.

What other reason would there be for him to act like this?

I try to keep my attention on Anthony and Herbert, debating on who could drink the most Butterbeer today.

I laugh a bit at Heidi who chimes in with, "you both can't handle more than three each. I'm usually the one that has to drag both of your arses back to the dormitories."

Anthony frowns at that while Herbert rubs the back of his neck with his free hand.

Anthony, then, turns to me with a hesitant laugh.

"Don't listen to her. I haven't been that bad since fourth year."

I giggle along with them before bringing my eyes back to Draco. He keeps glancing over as well, as Daphne continues talking to him.

Then, he leans in closer to Daphne. I watch as she fills the gap and kisses him, bringing her hands up to his face. My fist clenches at my side, as he tugs her body closer to his, bringing her flush up against his front as he kisses her back with force. His hands are gripping her waist tensely as their lips slowly move against one another.

My ribs feel as though they're collapsing in on me, but my stomach seems to have hatched butterflies as I watch them continue to kiss, almost imagining myself there instead of her.

He seems to know what he's doing as he drags one of his hands up to the crook of her neck and begins bringing his lips down her jaw. She lets out a moan at the action, making me want to vomit...and I'm emetophobic.

"I see Greengrass is onto another lad. I'm surprised to see it's Malfoy though...I suspect brunettes to be more his type," I hear Anthony say beside me, making me tear my gaze away from the snogging pair. He gives me a cheeky wink, as if implying something more with his comment.

"Really? I would think he wouldn't be with anyone because he's too obsessed with himself," Heidi says beside us, giving the pair a disgusted look.

She then turns to us, shifting her body so she's directly in front of Anthony and I; thankfully, she's covering Draco and Daphne who are still going at it.

"Do you guys want to go to The Three Broomsticks for Butterbeers?"

I nod with a smile, although it isn't as genuine as I want it to be. "I actually still need to get Christmas gifts...would you mind going into a couple shops first before heading there?"

"I still have to get one more gift too, so that's perfect!" Herbert says stuffing his hands in his pockets with a small grin.

His cheeks are incredibly rosy, but I don't think it's just from the cold as I watch Heidi latch back onto his arm and lean her head on his shoulder.

"Great! Let's go!" Anthony says excitedly.

We head towards one of the shops where books, trinkets and candy are being displayed within the window. Before we fully go in, I steal one last glance at Draco. Him and Daphne finally finished their snogging session as his eyes are trained on me, a devilish smirk resting on his ruby-stained lips as he quirks an eyebrow.

I only roll my eyes at him before fully walking into the shop with the others, pretending as if him and Daphne kissing didn't upset me.

Not that it did...

We shop for about an hour, and thankfully, I manage to get everything I need for my sister, parents, and my close friends. I even got Professor Sprout a gift; it's a small picture of her favorite plant—a Mandrake. I could've shopped for longer, but Anthony insisted he needed a Butterbeer or two ...or three.

Walking into The Three Broomsticks, I'm overwhelmed by the mixture of different scents and sounds. It's always a bit smokey, but, nevertheless, incredibly well-kept and clean. A range of different drinks are served here as well as the prospect of good times.

Holding all my bags and packages, we take a seat near a window with Heidi and Herbert sitting on the other side of Anthony and I.

Right as we get situated, a waiter—who I recognize to be a previous student within Hufflepuff a couple years ago by the name of Fredric Williams—takes our orders. I look over to see Anthony smiling brightly as he begins talking to him about our last Quidditch game.

"Yeah, we would've beaten them too, but—you remember how dirty of players the Slytherins are—well, they shoved our Seeker here—" he pats my hand on the table, "—off her broom. She would've for sure gotten the Snitch before Malfoy." He playfully scowls at the memory, and Fredric lets out a hearty laugh.

"Oh yes, I remember watching you all play, and many of those Slytherins are real jerks. And don't get me started on that Malfoy—" his eyes shift over towards a table near the other end of the pub, causing us to look over.

I see that Draco, Blaise, Pansy and Daphne are all seated at a table. Draco has a glass of what appears to be Firewhiskey while the others opted out for a Butterbeer.

"—he made me serve him Firewhiskey, saying that he was allowed it as his father lets him have it. I can't serve minors Firewhiskey, and he knows that! But, I certainly don't want any of his pretentious family members coming in here and demanding my head on a stake, so I decided one glass wouldn't hurt."

"He's such a little prat, I swear," Heidi says lowly, and we all nod our heads in agreement.

Even if I may feel certain things for him, I can't deny the fact that Draco is one of the biggest arses to roam the halls of Hogwarts. 

"Alright, alright...enough about him...I know Anthony here wants two Butterbeers to start." Fredric says, giving Anthony a sly smirk. I swear Anthony's cheeks go a tad pink at his statement. "What would the rest of you like?"

Heidi goes first by saying, "I'd like a Butterbeer as well, and perhaps a pitcher of Pumpkin juice for the table." Fredric jots down her order while turning towards Herbert.

"I'll take a couple Butterbeers as well. I plan on outdrinking Rickett." Fredric lets out a laugh at this, bringing his gaze back to Anthony.

"That won't be hard to do."

"Hey! I can put down at least four now before feeling tipsy!" Anthony proclaims while crossing his arms.

Fredric laughs again before asking for my order. I tell him I'll take one Butterbeer to which he jots down before rushing off towards the bar.

I see Anthony's gaze follow him all the way there. Herbert and Heidi are talking amongst themselves as I say to Anthony, "I forgot how sweet Fredric is...he's quite handsome too."

He nods along with a wishful look in his eyes. "Yes, he is." He shifts his gaze to mine, letting out an awkward cough, but I continue to smile at him.

"He was someone I always looked up to." I quirk an eyebrow at that, knowing that there's something more.

I've never seen Anthony with another girl, and with how he was acting around Fredric, it makes me curious. I shake the thoughts away. It really isn't any of my business, and if Anthony were to be attracted to the same sex, it wouldn't matter to me anyway. He's always been an amazing person and friend, and that's how I will always view him to be.

"Hey, Libby..." Herbert's voice rings through, and I turn my head towards him. "I've been meaning to ask you about—erm—about Finch. He sort of interrupted us after practice the other day." I glance around, seeing the sympathetic stares from my teammates as he asks.

I smile at all of them. "There's nothing with Justin. We just didn't work out, that's all. I'm not sure of what you all have heard from him or any others, but I'm absolutely fine!"

"Alright...just as long as you're good," Herbert says with a soft smile.

Just then, Fredric comes back with our drinks, giving Anthony a cheeky wink as he sets his two Butterbeers down in front of him and all the others in front of the rest of us before walking towards another table.

I take a drink of mine, savoring the butterscotch-like flavor.

Madam Rosmerta, the owner of The Three Broomsticks, always adds in a bit more to her Butterbeers, which is why I'll never get a Butterbeer anywhere else. They're always so amazingly delectable here.

"These are for sure the best. I've had one at Hog's Head before, and it tasted like pure sugar water," Anthony says before taking a couple of big gulps.

"I agree, no other Butterbeer can compare to this," I say, taking another sip. Heidi nods with a grin, agreeing with Anthony and I. Herbert mumbles a "mhm" before chugging half of his drink.

We all sit in a bit of silence, enjoying the delicious beverages before Heidi speaks up.

"Other than all of the Finch drama, how has fifth year been going for you, Libby?"

"It's actually been going really well. The O.W.L's are making me a bit nervous, but otherwise it's been enjoyable," I respond with a smile, leaving out the fact that Draco has been making this year almost unbearable.

Unbearable in so many ways.

She smiles back as she says, "One thing to make Hogwarts a little better is something I learned in my fifth year. If you go in the kitchen and are exceptionally nice to the elves, they'll give you any food you'd like."

"It's true! I'd sometimes sneak in there even after curfew, and I was able to get some snacks," Herbert says before taking a gulp of his second Butterbeer.

"Well that's good to know... I'll have to go in there and make a little visit," I remark.

I let Heidi, Herbert, and Anthony continue in a conversation about quidditch while I sit back in my seat. I look around at all of them realizing how much fun I'm having. I'm feeling completely relaxed for once. I love having their company; I guess I'll have to spend more time with them outside of quidditch.

We continue talking about quidditch, how ridiculous Umbridge's rules are, and many other things.

I'm so engaged in the conversation that when Heidi clears her throat and says, "Malfoy. What brings you over here?" It snaps me out of my dazed state.

I turn around to see Draco towering over our table, with Daphne right beside him; Blaise and Pansy are standing behind them.

He completely ignores Heidi as he looks in my direction and says with a devilish smirk, "Well would you look it here... Tonks is already onto another guy."

"Actually, Draco, Anthony is my friend. Now, can you please leave us alone?"

"Yeah, Malfoy. Stop getting in Libby's business and leave," I hear Anthony speak up with a sharp tone beside me. No doubt he's feeling the liquid courage from the Butterbeers he's consumed thus far.

Draco shoots a glare his way as he says, "you have no right to talk to me that way, Rickett."

"Don't try to threaten me, Malfoy," Anthony gives him a glare back.

It's surprising to hear this come out of Anthony's mouth, as I have never seen him act like this. He's one of the nicest guys I know, but Draco seems to get on his nerves, as he does with most everyone else.

Before Draco can spew back with something childish, I see Frederic come to our table with another Butterbeer, and as he walks by he gives Draco a scowl. He hands Anthony the drink, quickly switching his scowl to a smile. Anthony seems to blush a bit as he grabs it from Frederic and takes a sip.

"Whatever, Rickett. Tonks," he looks at me, "we have to finish our project tonight."

Daphne seems to frown at what he says, before going right back to her sophisticated look.

I shift my gaze from her to Draco saying, "I don't think we do. I have other homework I need to finish."

"I wasn't asking, Tonks. We're doing it tonight." He looks back at his group as he says, "let's get out of here, I don't want to waste anymore time with these fools."

With that he turns towards the door of The Three Broomsticks and strides along with Daphne and the rest of his group following behind him.

"I can't stand that kid. He's such a tosser," Anthony says with distaste.

There's no way I'm working with Draco if he talks to my friends like that. I feel a wave of guilt rush over me... feeling as though it was my fault that he talked to them that way.

"I'm sorry, guys. I didn't realize he would make a point to come up to me," I say with a soft tone and slight frown.

Heidi gives me a look of confusion before saying, "Don't be sorry, Libby. It's not your fault that he's a brat and likes to cause a scene."

The thing is, if it weren't for me being with them, he wouldn't have said anything.

"How about let's move on from that and talk about something else," Herbert suggests as he takes the pitcher of pumpkin juice and pours it in his glass.

"Yeah—erm—well, are you guys excited for Christmas? I know I am," I ask them smiling, then finishing off my Butterbeer with a couple of gulps.

Herbert nods with a grin, "I am. I love Christmas and the joy it brings."

Anthony takes another gulp of his Butterbeer and remarks with, "I hope I get some good gifts this year, last year's weren't the most exciting. My mum thought socks and a matching jumper would be a great gift."

I look across from me to see Heidi nodding, but focusing her eyes on Herbert with a look full of adoration. They are simply the cutest of couples I've ever seen.

We finish our drinks and as we make our way towards the exit, Anthony steals another glance at Frederic, giving him a wave. Frederic waves back which makes Anthony blush, yet again.

Once we're out of the warm pub, I spot Ernie and Susie, along with Hannah and Neville walking towards us. I see that Ginny, Dean, Justin and Megan are a few meters behind them.

Susie is the first to speak as she says, "Libby! Join us for a Butterbeer!" Her nose is pink from the cold wind now picking up in intensity. I watch as Ernie brings her closer to him when she lets out a "brr."

I smile as my friends approach before saying, "I would, but I think I've had enough today. Plus, I have some readings and a couple essays to finish up."

"Damn! If bloody Justin and Megan wouldn't have taken so damn long to get ready, we would've been here earlier," Hannah says glancing back at the pair that now have stopped to snog a bit. I mentally vomit at the sight, before seeing that Ginny and Dean have hurried their steps away from them and more towards us.

"Good grief, can't people keep that sort of stuff behind closed doors?" I hear Anthony say beside me, grimacing at the pair. "First, Malfoy and Greengrass...now them?"

Susie gives me a sympathetic look as Hannah exclaims, "Seriously?!" She looks at me with wide eyes. "So...how do you feel about that?" Her eyes are probing me for an answer as I try to nonchalantly shrug my shoulders.

Before I can respond, Ginny and Dean make it towards us.

"Can we just leave them?" Ginny uses her thumb to nudge towards the couple, still passionately kissing each other in the middle of the road. I'm not sure why they have to be doing it so publicly.

At least find a discrete wall or corner, I say mentally, my mind picturing Draco and Daphne up against the stone wall which was a bit more closed off from the view of others.

I find myself grimacing at the thought.

"Yeah, I'm so hungry! Can we just get going?!" Ernie groans, rubbing his belly. Hannah shoots him a glare while Susie only rolls her eyes.

"Ernie, weren't you the one that told us to wait for Justin and Megan?" Neville finally speaks up, his eyebrows raised. Hannah snickers at this while Neville just looks at her, clearly confused.

Ernie gives him a flat look. "I wasn't just going to leave behind one of my friends."

"Well, I am...I'll talk with you later, Libby. Good seeing you Anthony," Hannah says before tugging on Neville's sleeve and heading inside The Three Broomsticks. Susie and Ernie say their goodbyes too before making their way into the pub as well.

Before Anthony and I head back to the castle, Ginny grabs my arm, leaning her head towards me. Anthony and Dean are talking amongst themselves as she quietly says, "thank you again, Libby."

I quirk an eyebrow at that so she continues with, "for suggesting that I ask Dean to go to Hogsmeade with me. He's been amazing. I fancy him quite a bit." I smile at the information.

"Of course, Ginny. I'm happy you're having a good time with him," I say with a smile as her lips turn upwards.

"Libby...shall we get going?" Anthony suggests, his arm outstretched for me to take again. I nod before looking back at Ginny. Shifting my packages and bags in my arms so they're more secure.

"Have fun!" I say as she waves, grabbing onto Dean's hand as they head into the pub. I smile at the pair before Anthony and I begin walking back on the path; Heidi and Herbert are already quite a ways up.

Anthony and I managed to continue a lighthearted discussion the whole way back to the castle. I really enjoyed my time with him, but it didn't fix the aching in my heart.

Seeing Draco with Daphne really irked me, and I guess, it made me realize how much I really like the platinum-haired jerk.

...

I nestle myself further into the plush sofa, my legs tucked under me as I flip the page of my book. I finished my homework a while ago; now I'm able able to finally read a bit of my fictitious book about a princess finding love with the handsome, dark lord of her kingdom. I'm at a scene where she's trying to convince her ladies in waiting that he isn't as bad as he seems.

It's ironic because in the previous chapter, he killed the king of a neighboring kingdom.

I turn another page, fully engrossed within the story that I don't pay heed to the random gasps and whispers resounding within the room. I continue reading even when Hannah, who is seated beside me, obnoxiously clears her throat.

"Libby, your boy toy is here." I glance up at her with a puzzled face.

I look around to see everyone's heads turned in one direction, as I follow their gaze I'm met with Draco storming into the common room.

His fists are clenched and his jaw is taut; his features look poised with fury, yet his platinum hair is a bit unruly, as if he had just ran his fingers through it angrily moments ago.

I can't deny that his look is causing my body to enflame, but I ignore it as I'm more confused as to why he's here.

As he nears me, he spits out, "Where have you been?"

I give him a flat look before gesturing to the common room with both my hands. He rolls his eyes at this, letting out a scoff.

"I told you we were meeting for our—" his eyes dart briefly to Hannah, who's intently listening to everything, before he brings his eyes back to mine, "—project tonight."

I set down my book next to me and cross my arms saying, "I didn't agree to that."

"I've been waiting for almost an hour, and you know my time is precious," he says loudly, bending lower while placing his one hand on the armrest closest to me, and the other on my knee.

I look down at his large yet slender hand on my knee, heat coursing through me and down to my core. I know a blush is forming on my cheeks, and I feel as though I'm sweating.

I glance around the room, seeing most everyone's eyes on us. Our house lives for anything dramatic, I swear.

Clearing my throat, I look back into his eyes. With the best smirk I can muster, I say, "well that's shitty for you."

I feel my smirk widen at his wide, angry eyes; I'm slightly impressed with myself for spitting out his harsh words that he used on me in our first tutoring session. He looks as though he's about to explode: fire and fury is about to rain down on me... I just know it.

"Come. With. Me. Now." His voice is deathly low as he speaks; pricking at each word with intense precision.

Looking around the room once more, I feel incredibly self conscious at all the stares, so at his demand I say, "fine."

As I'm about to sit up and give Hannah my book to keep until I get back, he grabs my wrist harshly and practically begins to drag me along with him. I give Hannah an exasperated look to which she only mouths, "tell me later."

His grip is firm, but not as tight as I'd expect it to be. Perhaps, he feels guilty for causing me to bruise that one time. I highly doubt it though.

I have a hard time keeping up with him as his legs are incredibly long, and he's speeding out of the common room and through the halls to Merlin knows where.

"Draco, slow down!" I say sharply, to which he—to no surprise—ignores as he continues storming through the halls, my wrist still in his grasp. I take in my surroundings, realizing that he's leading us to the Astronomy tower.

"We could've just talked in the hall, you know."

He only grunts in response, clearly trying his best to continue his ignoring.

As we keep walking, a funny thought pops in my head: Draco either had to do our passcode—angrily, might I add—or he waited around for some other Hufflepuffs to do it. Either way it's hilarious to think about.

"Draco... how did you even get into our common room?" I bite my lip after I ask, trying to contain the snicker that wants to leave my mouth.

We're climbing the winding flight of stairs as he says, "Shut up, will you!"

"You're such a prat." I say, more under my breath as we near the top of the stairwell. He turns his head swiftly, his eyes blazing.

"What did you just say?"

"Nothing."

He only narrows his gaze at my words before stalking over towards the Astronomy lookout. It's quite cold, and it doesn't help that I'm in just my lounge clothes with no coat or scarf to keep me warm.

He, at least, is wearing his green and silver scarf.

I watch as he takes a few deep breaths, his hands perched on either side of him, grasping the railing in front of him. He's most definitely trying to calm himself down.

"I don't have any Potions work with me, so I feel like this is quite pointless," I say matter-of-factly, making my way over towards him. I perch myself up on the railing as well, leaning slightly on it as I look over at him.

"How was your stupid date with Rickett?" His tone is clipped as he asks. I furrow my eyebrows in surprise at his random question.

Why does he care?

"It wasn't a date—" he scoffs at this, but I continue, "—I told you earlier he and I are just friends. Do you just not listen or do you blatantly choose to ignore me?"

I really don't know where all this sass is coming from, but I'm not complaining. I've never been the sassy one... that title is usually taken by my sister.

He slowly turns his head towards me, his gaze cool as he says, "that's probably all you'll ever be to him since he's gay."

My mouth gapes at his bluntness. Although I speculated Anthony is perhaps not into women, I wouldn't just assume he is gay. There's no need to put a label on him, especially since he hasn't come out.

He makes a fake pouty face.

"Aww... did I just burst your precious fantasy of him?"

I roll my eyes, bringing my gaze out towards the night sky.

"Why did you actually need to talk to me?" I decide to change the topic as I'm getting extremely annoyed with him.

"I didn't know if you needed me to continue tutoring you after our Christmas holiday." His tone is flat as he speaks.

I look at him with furrowed eyebrows. "Need the extra time to snog Daphne? Is that why you're asking?" I slap a hand to my mouth almost immediately after I say this, not believing I just said that to him.

He smirks before biting his lower lip and looking me up and down as if I were his next meal.

"Jealous, are we?"

I take a couple steps back as he stalks closer, his one hand sliding across the railing.

"I—I didn't mean to say it like that."

"I saw you staring at us. You looked quite pissed... and rightfully so. Who wouldn't want to be with this?" he says, gesturing to himself.

I feel my cheeks burn at his words, my breathing falters as he nears me even more. I'm frozen in place as he bends down and takes his finger to tilt my chin so I'm looking up into his shining gray eyes.

"Shut up."

"Make me, Tonks," he says, the words flowing out of his lips effortlessly; lips I just want to have on mine again. His eyes keep darting down to my mouth, and I feel him attempting to close the gap between us.

I finally snap out of my daze and shove him back forcefully. He looks taken aback as he gives me a hard stare, brushing off his jacket.

"I'm heading back to my dorm. I'm done with this foolishness," I snap out at him as I begin to head over towards the stairwell.

"You're too easy, Tonks."

I freeze at his words, my fists clenching at my sides.

My actions may be showing my anger towards him, but my heart is aching at his hurtful words.

"I am NOT. Maybe you should look in the mirror, Draco. You snogged the biggest floozy at Hogwarts."

Immediately as I say this, my anger is directed from him to myself for the words spewing out of my mouth; even if Daphne is more promiscuous, it isn't right to call her hurtful names.

He raises his eyebrows at my sudden outburst.

"I'm not following? What has me snogging Daphne have to do with you being easy to tease?"

"What?"

"You're easy to tease—" his confused face morphs into one of realization, "—did you think I meant you're easy to get in bed?"

I nod meekly bringing my gaze down towards the floor.

"Bloody hell... no you're not easy in that sense. You're an idiot if you thought I meant it like that. Honestly, Tonks...no wonder you're a Hufflepuff." I bring my gaze up towards him at his words, noticing his concerned expression.

"You're a jerk for saying it like you did. Any girl would assume you meant it in that way with how you were ... acting." I cross my arms as I say this.

"And how was I acting?" Something flickers in his gaze as he asks this. He mirrors my stance as we stare each other down.

"You know... with your actions and words."

He quirks an eyebrow at this, not impressed with my answer. "I'm not sure I understand... care to enlighten me?"

"I'd rather not, it's getting late, and I'm really cold," I say while rubbing my arms because of the cool breeze. His face seems to fall at my words, but he shifts his gaze to the side as if he doesn't care.

There's an awkward silence until I speak up and say, "I would like to continue with our tutoring sessions after break. It's helped me a lot—you've helped me a lot. So, if you'd like to continue, then I would greatly appreciate it."

His eyes flicker over towards me as he says, "sure. I should be able to keep it in my schedule."

I give him a flat look, resisting the urge to roll my eyes.

"Alright, well... goodnight. I hope you have a good Christmas."

He just gives a nod as I turn around and head down the stairs. I swear, just before I'm out of earshot, I hear him say, "why didn't I offer her my jacket?"

I shake my head... there's no way he would even think of doing something that nice. Draco only cares about himself; he'll always be a selfish boy. 

Or am I wrong?