During the weekend, Aria was locked in her room, feeling sad and unmotivated. She was thinking about Fred and how he was probably having fun with George and his friends.
"Honey, you look terrible. Go for a walk" Said Pansy choosing a lingerie from her drawer.
"I don't want to"
Pansy rolled her eyes.
"Okay, listen, Blake is coming for me, leave the room" Said pushing Aria out of her bed.
"Ugh okay, okay, I'm leaving"

As Aria was walking through the corridors of the old castle, Draco suddenly approached her.
They haven't spoken or interacted with each other since she left his room, running away, almost naked. It was awkward.
But he recently saw Aria disappear for hours during the day and was curious to know what was hiding.

"So, Aria, what have you been up to lately? I've noticed you've been disappearing a lot"
"What are you talking about, Draco? You know I have private classes with our teachers" Said Aria nonchalantly.
"I don't believe you, Aria. I know you too well. Who are you sneaking around with? Is it that Weasley you shared glances with lately?"
She rolled her eyes.
"No, can you please stop? I'm not doing anything, just studying. You know that Umbridge limited half of the classes here at school because to her were useless, I'm studying by myself then"
"You always were ambitious, but you should follow Umbridge rules. She has a sweet spot for us Slytherin and you don't bite the hand that feeds you"
Aria rolled her eyes.
"Umbridge is not doing anything right, she terrorize people"
"You should be careful. I'm part of the inquisitorial squad, and If you sneak around to do whatever the other students are doing, I'll make sure to tell her all about it. Especially if I find out about you and that Weasley"
Aria was worried. She took his wrist and Draco looked into her deep blue eyes.
"Draco, if you really care about me, don't stand by Umbridge side...."
She looked at him with her soft eyes and Draco's heart lost a beat. He still loved her and wanted Aria all for himself.
"You know I can't go against my principles, Aria. But... Just know that Umbridge suspects about the other students meeting and learning spells in secret, and if you are joining the group you should stop right now. I won't tell you twice" Said firmly.

She stepped back as Draco's hand reached her cheek and caressed it. His closeness made Aria's heart race.
"I will do everything in my power to keep you safe"
Draco leaned closer, almost kissing her.
"But I can't promise what might happen if we're together... Alone"
They were close, their breaths mingling. His heart raced as he leaned in, wanting to taste her lips once again.
Draco slowly cupped her cheek and placed small bites on her neck, leaving red marks.
Her thoughts were in a frenzy as Draco's hands and lips left fiery marks on her skin.
Aria tried to pull him away but his grip was too hard on her.
Luckily the sound of footsteps approaching startled them apart and he quickly moved away from Aria with a satisfied smirk.
Aria's cheeks flushed with a mixture of panic and confusion as Draco's hand lingered on her cheek.
"Now people will think twice before looking at you" Said proudly looking at the deep red marks he left and taking the flowers from her hair, before throwing it away and stepping on it.

Draco was at the quidditch pitch for some training with his team.
The Gryffindors were going back to their lockers room after the training, when Draco smirked and approached Fred, ready to provoke him.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't little Fred Weasley. Heard you went to Hogsmeade without Aria. Shame she couldn't join you. But don't worry, I heard she had a great time with me instead" Said smirking maliciously.
Fred rolled his eyes.
"I doubt that, Malfoy. Aria would never fall for you. You're nothing but a snake"
"Oh really? You are just jealous because you have no chance. She was so perfect with her body on top of mine, riding all night long" Said with a smirk as Fred was clenching his fists in irritation.
"You are disgusting. I doubt Aria would ever be desperate enough to sleep with you. I know her better than that. So keep your lies to yourself"
"Lies? You are just envy"
Fred was about to lose control.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself down.
"You're such a git. Do you think it will make me jealous?"
Draco smirked since he knew that Fred was slowly loosing his temper.
"You know what? I was thrusting into her so hard from behind that I'm sure she said that no one would make her feel like me and that she wouldn't do anything with someone like you"
That was too much for Fred to hear.
"Shut your mouth. I won't stand here and listen to you talk about Aria that way. She deserves better than you. And I highly doubt she would ever say something like that"
"She would never fall for you, so stop trying. Tonight and the the following nights too, I'll be the one who will please her, I can already hear her scream my name while I put her breasts in my mouth and my mem-"
Draco stopped as Fred was closer to punch him.
"Fiesty, aren't you? It's just a matter of time before she sees the truth, Weasley"
Fred shook his head in disgust.
"You're delusional, Malfoy"
"Oh, always so naive. You know nothing about Aria. She wants someone who can give her what she needs, and that's not you"
"You're so full of yourself. Aria doesn't want anything from you, especially not anything physical. She's a lot smarter than that. And don't you dare talk about her like that again"
"Always so defensive, Weasley. It's amusing how much you care for Aria, especially since she wouldn't even look twice at someone like you. But don't worry, I'll make sure she knows who can truly satisfy her"
"Shut it, Malfoy. And if you think I'm going to let you anywhere near Aria, you're greatly mistaken. She deserves someone who respects her"
"Keep dreaming, you will never truly understand what she wants and needs. But you'll see, she'll come to my bed willingly, and then you'll know who she truly desires"
"Keep it to yourself. I promise you, Aria will never be in your bed"
Fred couldn't control his anger anymore, even if George tried to hold him.
"Oh, getting angry now? Can't handle the truth? Aria may seem innocent, but deep down she wants someone powerful and in control. She is a total slut who takes my-"
Fred jumped on him and punched his face.
"You. Will. Shut. Your. Filthy. Mouth. And don't you ever talk about Aria like that again, you greasy git"
Draco spitted out blood.
"You think using violence will solve anything, Weasley? You're just proving how far you are from being worthy of someone like Aria"
Fred looked at his red fist and thought if Malfoy was right.
He was panting and stood up.
"You're wrong, Malfoy. You think you know everything, but you don't understand Aria at all. She's more than just a conquest to me. And I'll fight for her, no matter what"
George and the other from the team took him by the uniform and walked away.
"Typical of Weasley, resorting to violence when he knows he can't win with words. Too bad Aria will see through his act eventually and realize that she deserves someone who can actually give her what she needs" Said Draco standing up and wiping away the blood from his face.

Aria run to the room of requirement, where all the students were already waiting for her.
"You are late" Said Hermione crossing her arms annoyed.
Aria was catching her breath, holding a scarf around her neck so no one would notice her marks.
"I had stuff to do"
Fred was standing in a corner, not talking to anyone.
"Today is our last lesson before Christmas holidays and I'm not feeling well... So I'll just look at you all practice, we won't learn nothing new"
All the students nodded and started practicing old spells.

Fred didn't believe to Draco's words, but was very upset about it, so he decided to talk with Aria once the lesson finished.
"Hey Aria, I heard Draco was trying to get back together with you. What's up with that?" Asked nonchalantly.
Aria raised an eyebrow.
"Why are you asking?" Asked Aria to Fred.
"Well, I couldn't help but overhear some of the students gossiping about it... Especially Draco. Just wondering if there's any truth to the rumors"
"Would it bother you?" Asked her as they were left alone into the room.
"What? No, of course not. I just thought you two were done" Said Fred in a lie, but she didn't notice.
"Yeah, we are. It's just that Draco didn't get over me and keeps trying to win me over"
Fred felt a pang on his chest for Draco's behavior.
"But, if I'm being honest, I don't think Draco is good enough for you. You deserve someone who treats you right" Said Fred, looking into Aria's eyes with sincerity.
She looked into his eyes, Fred's heart racing as he leaned closer. Aria knew that Draco wasn't the right one for her, and of course she didn't have feelings for him.
"I know..."
"I can't stand seeing you with someone who doesn't appreciate you. I just want you to be happy, Ary" Said earnestly, hoping she would see that he was the one she truly belonged with.
"Don't worry, I don't love Draco" Said her making Fred feel relieved.
Aria found herself feel something for Fred lately, since they started to spend time together, but wasn't sure of it and was afraid to fall in love and be in a relationship.

She looked up and saw a mistletoe above their heads. Fred automatically leaned in, knowing what the mistletoe meant for the two of them.
"Looks like we have no choice, Aria. It's tradition"
Aria looked at his lips and felt a pull towards him, but before they could kiss, Ginny called Fred to go home for Christmas holiday.
"I guess I'll have to kiss you under the mistletoe some other time then, Aria. Do you have plans for this holiday?"
Aria shook her head.
"I'll stay here at school, alone. My parents are in New York so..."
"I can't let you spend the holiday alone, Aria. You should come with me and my family. Trust me, it'll be a blast"
She blinked surprised.
"I don't want to be a burden, really..."
"It's not a burden. I want you there, Aria. Please come with me and my family, it'll be a great way to take your mind off things"
"Are you sure it's ok for your siblings and parents?" Asked her.
"Of course it's okay, Ary. My family loves having new faces around. Harry and Hermione will be there too. Please say you'll come"
Aria nodded at his puppy eyes.
"Alright then"
"Thanks. Great! I'll owl you the details. See you soon, Ary"