The next morning, Draco came down to breakfast late. As he looked around, he sighed and punched the wall. No Crabbe and Goyle. Their parents had taken them out of school. He sat down next to McLinnon and grabbed a bagel.

"So....what's going down?" McLinnon asked. Draco sighed.

"McLinnon....Dave.....I'm afraid I'm going to need you alot this year."

"Really? How so?"

"Well, you're the only one who knows about Hermione and me, and..."

"You want her back, right?"Draco spat out the orange juice he was drinking. Dave laughed.

"How...how..." Draco spluttered.

"I know these things." He looked at his schedule, then Draco's. "C'mon, we've got Herbology next."

As they walked, Draco began to like Dave more and more. But then...

"DRACIKINS!" Draco heard a squeal, and soon Pansy was all over him. Dave dragged her off. She dusted herself off and clung to Draco. He looked to Dave for help. Dave rolled his eyes.

"Parkinson....go away."

"....and I missed you so much Dracikins, and.....what?"

"I said get lost. Go on, beat it. Scram."

Pansy looked at Draco.

"Honey, what does he mean-"

"He just said what I was thinking. Go on. Take a walk Parkinson. We're through."

Pansy's eyes welled with tears. She shoved Draco away and ran towards the castle, bawling. Draco and Dave exchanged hi fives.

"One down....." Draco started.

"One left to conquer!" Dave said, grinning.

OK, that was my darling Draco! I'd post more, but time is short. Ciao!

Katie