florence pov

After the very successful quidditch try outs, my new quidditch team and I walked back to our common room. The twins and had teased me the entire way, and I lost track of the amount of times they tripped me up.

As soon as I got back to the common room I collapsed onto the couch. I was completely exhausted.

Harry, following after me, jumped on the couch, and I put my legs on top of his to get comfy.

"Oh, I'm your own personal footstool now?" He asked, raising his eyebrows at me.

"Mhm." I replied. "Feel honoured that I chose you to carry out such a complex job."

He rolled his eyes and chuckled. I flinched slightly as I felt his fingers gently rest against my legs.

I hate to admit it but it felt nice to be around him, and his touch. I closed my eyes and almost drifted off to sleep until something popped into my mind.

..........DRACO!!!!!

----

harry pov

I watched Florence as she began to close her eyes. I gazed at her. Her face lit up by the glowing fireplace.

Merlin, she's beautiful. She has no idea.

It felt as thought we had just gotten comfy, before she suddenly jumped up and ran off to her dorm. I assumed she was bringing something down, but I was wrong.

She returned wearing some short pajama bottoms and a t-shirt. Her hair was messy, but still somehow looked perfect. I couldn't help but notice how she never looked anything other than perfect.

She walked towards me, and it was then I noticed that she had trainers on. Why did she need trainers? I thought she was only getting changed for bed?

"Where are you going?" I asked casually.

"I-it's not important." She looked away. "Can I borrow your invisibility cloak? Please, Harry?" She used her cute little puppy dog eyes on me.

I couldn't say no to her.

"Fine, but at least tell me why you need it?" I brought it out and handed it to her reluctantly.

"Why does it matter?" She asked, her eyes still avoiding my gaze.

"Because Flo, I care about you and-" I paused.

A bad feeling ran through me. What if she was seeing Malfoy? He had whispered something to her earlier during class.

"-if it's Malfoy you're seeing then, I need to tell you Florence.......I don't trust him...... especially with you."

"I'm not seeing Draco." She said, crossing her arms. "And even if it was, I don't see how it's a problem. I'm a big girl, and I can take care of myself."

She's right, of course. It's not my place.

I still have a bad feeling about this. And I have a bad feeling it is Malfoy she is seeing.

"You're right. Just....be safe."

"Whatever." She chuckled as she left through the portrait hole.

I know I have to follow her and see what is going on. I feel bad lying to her, but I know she'd never let me come along with her anyway.

I only know one thing. I have to protect her.

----

florence pov

I made my way up to the Astronomy tower and I don't know why, but kept thinking of Harry, more specifically, about how guilty I feel for lying.

If he cares for me as much as I think he does, then it's dangerous for him. And me. I just need to control myself around him.

I walked through the door and saw Draco standing at the same railing Harry and I sat at the night before.

"Draco." I greeted him.

Draco turned and looked at me with a wide grin across his face. "Well, hello." He slowly began walking towards me.

Somethings off.

"Why did you want to see me?" I asked, folding my arms.

"Why Potter?" He asked suddenly.

"What?"

He stepped closer to me. "Why do you fancy Potter and not me?"

"I-What are you talking about?" I asked in shock. "I don't fancy him. You do, by the sounds of it."

"It's not him I fancy, Flo." He got even closer and I began to back away.

I was speechless, chocking on my own words.

What was he doing?

"Cat got your tongue?" He pressed me against the wall as our faces almost touched.

"Draco stop-" I whispered, trying to squirm away.

"Remember those sleepovers we used to have as kids Flo?" He ran his fingers across my lips. "Maybe we should have one of them up here hm?" He leaned down and for a second, his lips gently touched mine.

"GET OFF!" I screamed and pushed him off with all my strength.

For a moment I thought I was going to burst into tears. What possessed him to do that? This wasn't the Draco I knew at all.

There was a split second of silence until we both jumped from a clatter of noise from underneath us. Draco marched out the door to see where it came from and have a look around.

I stood in the middle of the Astronomy tower trying to grasp what had just happened. I walked in here with so much confidence and now felt as if I was two feel tall.

Draco had returned looking conflicted. He paused for a second, looking at me with guilt plastered all over his pale face.

"I'm-I-uh-I'm sorry." He fell to the floor with his hands on his head. "I don't know what I was thinking."

I reminded myself what he's been through, and I realised why he acted the way he did. So I kept in my tears and tried to help him. I was always good at that, even when we were kids.

"Draco, it's okay. Stand up." I helped him up off the floor. "Let's talk about things. It's long overdue."

He nodded and we both sat down at a bench that faced out towards the stars.

We had to talk about what had happened between us. It had messed us both up....especially him.

"What happened to you?" I asked. "The last time I saw you, you were so........different."

"Do you mean my looks?" He flicked his hair at me and I laughed.

It still shocks me how his mood can change so quickly. It's a bit scary actually. Even after what's just happened, I know how hard life is for him with his father and all. I know him, and how he acts without thinking.

"You were so kind, so thoughtful, you cared so much. The old Draco never would've........"

"Kissed you like that." He sighed. "But have you ever thought, that maybe I'm this way because of you, and what you did to me?"

My heart dropped. How did he turn this into my fault?

"What did I do?" I asked in disbelief. Could I be the problem? Did I do this to him?

"What did you do?!" He repeated in disbelief. "You left me alone! With my dad! In Malfoy Manor! For two years! You disappeared from my world one day and didn't come back. I didn't even get a letter, a visit, or anything!" He shook his head and looked away. "Everyone always leaves. I just thought you were different." He said, quietly.

Tears slowly filled my eyes as I looked away from him and realised his father lied to him about why I left. He doesn't know the true story of what happened. And I don't blame him for being angry.

He sighed as he saw my saddened expression and moved closer to me. "I'm sorry." He whispered. "I just need to know what happened. We were so close, and then one day you just.......left. It hurt."

I took a deep breath and got ready to explain everything, just as we heard another clatter behind us.

Draco stood up angrily to walk over to the noise again but I took his hand and pulled him back down into his seat. It was just a noise after all.

I stood off the bench and faced him, ready to tell him everything. "Draco, you're right. I left, and I'm so so sorry. But whatever your father told you, wasn't the truth."

He looked curiously at me as I continued.

"A few years ago your father and I had a........... conversation. I kind of lost it and ended up admitting that I'd never be a deatheater like him."

"Florence! We agreed to keep our real opinions hidden! You know, play along with them until we could escape."

"I know. But that day it just slipped out. Anyway, your father was furious and he wanted to take me away from you instantly. He knew how close we were and he thought I'd try to convince you not to become a deatheater too."

Draco's eyes slowly widened in shock.

"So, he sent me to Beauxbatons. But after they found out.......I mean- after the incident there, I got moved here. Your father forbid me to make any sort of contact with you, even when I'm here, at the same school as you. That's why I haven't spoken to you. I was scared he would find out and it would get us both into trouble."

There was a silence.

"I shouldn't have said anything to him. All his life he's been trying to make us become deatheaters. I should've just kept my feelings to myself and my mouth shut. I'm so sorry Draco." I said quietly. "It's all my fault."

"It's not your fault." His voice trailed off as he continued. "My father forced you to leave? You didn't just run off?"

I nodded.

"Flo, I'm so sorry. All this time I thought-"

I put my hand on his for comfort. "Hey, it's okay."

"No. I was so angry. I thought-well- I don't really know why I kissed you. I don't know what I was thinking. I really am sorry." He stood up and took both of my hands in his.

"It's okay barbie boy." I grinned at him and we burst into laughter.

"I remember that nickname from when we were kids." He grinned.

"You do?"

He smiled. "Of course I do. I could never forget it." He rubbed his neck. "Hated it, of course. But it's nice to hear you say it again."

I smiled back at him. "You know, you shouldn't blame yourself for being angry at me for so long. You didn't know the real truth. How could you?"

"But I should've known you wouldn't just leave like that. For Salazar's sake I hate my father."

"Is he just as awful as he was when I was living with you?" I asked him, and he chuckled.

I hadn't seen Lucius since he sent me away to Beaxbatons. Then after the......incident there, I got a letter telling me to leave Beaxbatons instantly and pack my bags for Hogwarts.

"Worse if that's possible." He chuckled and then took a long pause, looking out at the stars. "I never want to be like him."

"I don't want to be like my family either." I said. "We can help each other through this, Draco."

He smiled. "I like that idea." I watched as a thought came to him. "Aren't you worried that Sirius will come and find you?" His face changed as he realised the danger that I was in.

As he said Sirius's name I pictured seeing his face for the first time on the daily prophet and the hairs on the back of my neck stood up straight.

"Of course I am. I'm terrified. But there's nothing I can do." I thought for a moment. "Someone once told me to live in the moment, and not spend my whole life worrying. So that's what I'll do." I smiled as I thought of Harry.

We sat in silence for a few minutes, watching the stars and both trying to process the events that had just unfolded in the last thirty minutes.

"Florence, there's something I need to tell you. " He broke the silence. There was a seriousness in his voice, one I had never heard before.

"Yes?"

"Up until the last two years, we spent everyday together as kids-"

"Not like we had a choice." I laughed. "My wonderful deatheater family ditched me with your family anyway."

He smiled lightly. "Yes well, growing up with you were the best days of my life. It made me realise that I- I- I think........I love you." Draco looked away from me, rubbing his neck nervously.

I couldn't have heard that right.

The boy I grew up with, the boy I spent almost every day with as a child, has feelings for.......me?

"Y- you love me." I replied, but it sounded more of a question. "Me? Really?"

He nodded slowly. "Always have, always will." He paused. "Ever since I was old enough to learn what love is, I knew I felt it for you."

I've never looked at Draco in any other way apart from as friends. Could he be anything more? I don't know. It's never crossed my mind.

Come on Florence. Words. Say something.

"I-I-" I continually stuttered.

"I get it. After seeing you with Potter, I just knew. The way you guys look at each other, I haven't seen anything like it."

I froze. That's another mention of Harry Potter. Does everyone see a thing between us or am I just missing it? Do we really look at each other like that?

"Oh I don't know about that." I laughed awkwardly. "We're just........" What are we? "friends."

"Just watch out with that one, Flo. I'll take it you know that nothing can really happen between you two, right?"

"Yeah. I know." I said. "Nothing will happen."

"Good." He nodded. "I'll wait for you, you know. As long as it takes."

I looked at him. He sounded as though he really meant it. I smiled warmly. Who knows, maybe I'll take him up on that one day.

"Let's make a deal okay? We both help each other not become our parents?"

"Deal. And you'll try not to be so pretty as well?" He smirked playfully.

Butterflies began erupting in my stomach. Did he really think that?

I rolled my eyes and nudged him. "Deal. Well, I'll try. I guess being pretty just comes naturally to me." I joked.

"Very modest of you, darling."

"Oh I know." I replied sarcastically as I flicked my hair in his face.

"Hey you!" He laughed and grabbed my hand playfully. "For salazar's sake, you're hands are freezing! Here, take my jumper as a token of my gratitude for you letting me see you tonight." He quickly took off his quidditch jumper and held it out to me as I accepted.

"Did you really want to see me that bad?" I laughed.

"You have no idea."

----

harry pov

After Florence left to go to the astronomy tower, I followed closely behind her. I found a place where I could keep an eye on her and make sure she was safe.

I watched as she walked in, and who did I see?

Draco, Draco Malfoy.

She had lied to me about meeting him. She must have a good reason to lie.....right?

I listened carefully and heard Malfoy mention my name. "Why do you fancy Potter and not me?"

Was this true? Did she fancy me?

Seconds later, I heard him admit that he fancied her and I felt my face turn red with anger. Was this why he asked her to see him tonight?

Then I thought about Florence and how she would never forgive me for spying on her. I should probably go. This is wrong.

But I froze on the spot when I saw it.

Malfoy pressed her up against the wall, running his fingers all over her as if she was his property. She wanted him to stop, and I wanted to punch the smirk off his skinny little face but I forced myself to be quiet and stay put.

I'll get him for this. I looked away to fix myself into a better position and when I looked back he had his lips on hers!

I was about to curse him until I tripped over an old music stand and it clattered onto the ground. I grabbed my invisibility cloak that Florence had left on the stairs and put it over me.

Seconds later Draco came marching down. Every bone in my body was telling me to use my wand on him now but I didn't want to get Florence in any trouble.

I looked up through the floorboards and saw her. The girl who had always been so confident and cheerful looked as thought she was been drained of all her happiness. As though a dementor was near.

I wanted to comfort her so bad. Someone had to tell her that this wasn't her fault.

I watched Draco return and breakdown in front of her. I had never seen him like this before.

"Hey, Draco it's okay. Stand up." She helped him up off the floor. "Let's talk about things. It's long overdue."

Was Draco just putting up an act to get her attention? I'll bet so. He's manipulating her into feeling sorry for him. That's what's going on. He's using her kindness against her.

I won't let that happen.

From hearing them talking it sounded like they've known each other for a while. A long while. I found myself wondering just how long.

Draco suddenly began shouting and I jumped, tripping over the same music stand as before.

"Shit." I whispered. I had to leave now, it was getting too obvious that someone was down here.

I waited until Draco was pulled back to his seat by Florence. I took one last look at her and tip toed down the stairs, making sure I left the invisibility cloak exactly where she left it.

He's not good for her. He doesn't deserve someone like her. I need to speak to her and make sure she's alright.

I had just managed to sit on the couch when Florence came into the common room. Her face was blush red. Why did she look so happy?

My eyes froze. She was wearing Draco's quidditch hoodie.

"Harry!" She whispered. "I told you that you didn't need to wait up on me."

"Oh no, I was just-" I quickly grabbed a magazine. "Just reading."

She crossed her arms and smirked. "Reading a girls gossip magazine?"

I looked down. Shit. "Uh- yes?"

We both laughed.

"So," I began. "Care to share where you went, and why you're wearing a Slytherin quidditch hoodie?"

Florence's eyes widened. I don't think she realised she still had it on. "Oh,.......you wouldn't understand. It doesn't matter."

"Well how about you tell me what happened so I can understand?" I urged, giving her the chance to tell me the truth.

She looked at her arm, pretending she had a watch on. "Oh is that the time! I better get some sleep." She said as she walked to the stairs and stopped. "Goodnight, Harry." She turned around and smiled playfully as she disappeared.

I put my hands to my face and chuckled.

Why did I have to fall for such a complicated girl?

~

here what we found out about florence!! :

1. she has a deatheater family.

2. something happened to her parents because she got left with the malfoys at a young age and grew up with them.

3. one day she told lucius that she didn't want to be a deatheater and he sent her to beaxbatons & away from Draco.

4. he forbid her from seeing or speaking to Draco
then something mysterious happened at beauxbatons and she was forced to move to