Putting Trust into the Wrong Man

Chapter 9: Avoiding Trouble

Halloween was two days away with the dance coming up so soon, no one could focus in their classes. Hermione and Poppy spent most of their free time together studying and talking about boys.

"But why would he take Pansy if he doesn't even like her?" They were sitting in the library together the Thursday before the dance that Saturday, "I mean really, does it make sense at all?" Poppy couldn't' help but feel betrayed by Draco and his choice of date, she was really hoping he'd ask her.

"I don't know people always said they would be a cute couple, but he doesn't really fit the Slytherin profile anymore does he? I mean, his family really turned around after Voldemort and he hasn't been getting in trouble as much as he used to," Hermione was trying to solve the equation of Draco and Pansy, but came up short.

With that, Pansy walked into the library, snickered at Poppy and sat at a nearby table, that was their cue to stand up and leave before anything could be said. Poppy picked up her bag and quickly left without looking up, Hermione right on her tail.

"Well that was close, good thing she didn't hear us," Hermione gave a sigh of relief and Poppy saw Draco walking towards her quickly, she said a fast goodbye and see you later to Hemione just as Draco reached her.

"Can we talk?" Draco was looking anywhere except in Poppys general direction, probably keeping an eye out for Pansy.

"Um, alright," Poppy didnt know what else to say and before she knew it he was pulling her into the closest classroom which happened to be Flitwicks where they have their first class together. Draco closed the door and pulled down the shade, making sure no one followed them,

But who would follow us? Why is he acting like theres a serial killer on the loose.

"So, you're going to the dance with Potter," he still couldn't bare to look at her, he paced back and forth deep in thought.

"Well, yeah he asked me and I heard you were going with Pansy-"

"Who told you that?" Draco interrupted quickly, he was ready to defend himself for whatever Poppy would say.

"Well Pansy did shout it out in the courtyard for everyone to hear, I do have to say I'm a bit surprised that you would ask her-"

"Because I didnt! She walked up and asked me and before I could say no she pulled that stunt which drew everyones attention. Now I'm stuck with her for a whole night when I really do want to be spending it with you. Why would you go with Potter anyway? Do you like him or something?"

Poppy couldnt help but laugh, "oh come on, Draco, Harry and I are just friends, he asked me to go with him because I was right there, it's totally platonic." She tried to look at Draco but he kept pacing in front of her, "Draco, Draco, whats the matter?"

Draco stopped pacing and looked at Poppy for the first time in a long time, she missed his grey eyes, but they looked darker than before as if something was hurting him. A single tear rolled down his cheek and he sat in a nearby chair.

"There's too much pressure. I cant do it anymore!" He shouted, startling Poppy as she never saw him this angry.

"Can't do what, Draco?" She kept a calm voice and sat down next to him, taking a hold of his hand as he cried harder into her shoulder.