It was Saturday.

And I felt nervous for two reasons.

The first was Draco. I was silently freaking out about him attempting to get that necklace to Professor Dumbledore. I was frightened for him in so many ways.

And then there was my 'date' with Blaise. In all honesty, I would rather have gone to Hogsmeade with Draco. But thanks to Susan, it was Blaise I was going with.

"Hey, Hufflepuff," Blaise drawled, his dark eyes twinkling as they met mine the moment I reached the bottom of the stairs into the Entrance Hall.

He held up an arm for me to take, but I purposely ignored it, not wanting to give him the wrong idea. If he was offended by this, he didn't show it.

"You look lovely, by the way," he murmured silkily into my ear as we stepped out into the cold air.

"Thank you," I smiled, trying not to think about how Draco was getting on.

We walked side by side along the track into Hogsmeade, following others who were also making their way there. I kept my eyes peeled, looking out for a familiar shock of white-blond hair, but finding nothing.

"So, what would you like to do first?" Blaise asked as we finally reached the bustling village.

I shivered against the cold sleet that had started to fall, thinking that anywhere indoors would suit me.

"Go someplace warm," I said, my teeth chattering furiously.

Blaise chuckled as he grabbed my arm unexpectedly. I couldn't help but flinch.

"Sorry!" He said, holding his hands up at once, "I didn't mean to startle you, I was just going to take you to the Three Broomsticks - perhaps we could warm up over a Butterbeer or two?"

I nodded, feeling grateful at the suggestion. It was too flipping cold to do anything else.

"You don't like being touched, do you?" Blaise enquired as we took a table nearest to the fireplace as possible.

I looked at him, thinking about this. In all honesty, it wasn't something that I had noticed.

"Sorry," I shrugged, gratefully swigging the warm bottle in front of me, "I just don't like being surprised."

Flashes of my father filled my head, making me shudder. I suddenly wished Draco was here.

"Duly noted," Blaise grinned, taking a deep swig of his own bottle as he leant back lazily in his chair.

Our heads turned as the door opened and more people entered the pub. I shuddered at the sight of Harry Potter leading Ron and Hermione inside.

"Prick," Blaise muttered into his bottle, eyeing Harry with narrowed eyes.

I couldn't help but snigger as my eyes met Blaise's. A moment sparked between us, making my heart skip a beat.

We observed as a kind of argument fell amongst the three of them. Harry, seemingly pissed off about something, strode over to a table one down from us. His eyes met mine, curiously, as he took in myself and Blaise, but before I could react, the pub door flew open again, making all our heads swivel to the new occupant.

Draco walked in looking as grey as the sky on a bleak rainy day.

My heart contracted as his fearful grey eyes met mine. He flicked his gaze to Blaise, and I saw his face drop slightly.

"Wonder what Malfoy's doing here on his own?" I heard Blaise enquire curiously as we both watched Draco stride over towards the pubs bathrooms.

My heart thudding, I stood up suddenly. There was no way I could let Draco do this alone.

"Sorry," I mumbled a half hearted apology to Blaise, "I just need to..."

But I didn't bother to finish my sentence, and instead, I leapt across the pub after Draco.

I flew into the hallway outside the bathrooms, just in time to see Draco with his hand upon the ladies door.

"Wait!" I gasped breathlessly as his shocked face looked up startled into mine.

I hastily closed the gap between us, taking the package out of his hand.

"I'll do it, Draco," I breathed up at him. Something flashed in his eyes and I noticed some of the tension leave his face.

"Astrid," he murmured, bringing up a trembling hand to cup my cheek. I closed my eyes at the wonderful feel of his touch, lifting my own hand to clasp lovingly against his, "you don't have to do this."

"But I want to," I said, opening my eyes looking solemnly up into his silver grey ones, as I firmly continued to clasp his hand against my cheek, "I want to, for you."

He nodded slowly, his face a mixture of relief and suffering. "Katie Bell," he whispered, "she's just inside."

I let go of his hand as he dropped it from my face to shakily remove his wand. He gave me a brief nod and, taking a deep breath, I walked into the bathroom.

My heart hammered as the girl looked at me, her face full of sudden confusion. I guessed Draco had cast the Imperius Curse. I silently handed her over the package, which she took without questioning. I couldn't help but notice her eyes had a dead look to them.

I hastily retreated, bumping slightly into Draco as I exited.

"It's done," I whispered shakily, looking up at him fearfully.

"Go," he breathed, "quick now, go back to Blaise."

I didn't need telling twice. I gave Draco one last glance before retreating back into the pub.

"Are you okay?" Blaise enquired warily as I shakily sat back down at the table.

"No," I answered honestly, "let's go back, I don't feel great."

To my dismay, Harry and his friends decided to leave at the same time so that we were walking close behind them, with Katie Bell and another girl just in front of them.

I couldn't take my fearful eyes off of Katie.

"Seriously Hufflepuff, is everything okay?" Blaise asked again, looking concernedly down at me.

But before I could answer, a loud curdling scream rang in the air, making my heart stop.

It was Katie.