Protected

“Oh stop,” I rolled my eyes, seeing the grimace on Malfoy’s face. “I already told you that I would stay out of your way. He won’t even know I’m there.”

He crossed his arms over his chest, as he leaned back in his seat, sulking. We had been walking around the city all day, and finally decided to rest in one of the big bookstore chains we found. You know, although this store seemed to have every book imaginable, it still didn’t really have that warm, cozy feeling of being surrounded by books. I kind of missed those tiny shops. Merlin, could I sound anymore like Hermione?

I took a sip of my coffee, ignoring the man’s childish demeanor. He could pout all he wanted, but there was no way I was going to make that same mistake twice, especially with Kingsley on my arse now.

“Yeah, but I’ll know,” he argued.

“Get used to it,” I simply said.

I laughed to myself, when I heard his huff, knowing he had finally given up the fight, for now at least. I suddenly saw him uncross his arms, and his eyes grow wider, as a snicker sounded from behind me. I furrowed my eyebrows, as I turned around in my seat.

“After all these years, someone has finally been able to shut him up. Amazing,” the man said, before looking down at me, immediately raising his eyebrows in shock. He then extended his hand out to me, shaking his head and smirking. “Well, isn’t this a surprise.”

I smiled, as I shook his hand. “You’re looking rather well,” I commented, before gesturing toward Malfoy. “I believe you two have already met,” I smirked.

Malfoy smiled widely, as he stared up at his best friend. “What are you doing here?” he asked.

Zabini looked around the bookstore and shrugged. “Well, I wanted to find a book, but I don’t think I’m in the right place,” he sarcastically replied.

I chuckled at his joke, noticing Malfoy’s face redden a little. “Care to sit with us?” I asked, offering one of the empty seats at our table.

Zabini nodded, as he pulled out one of the chairs and sat down, looking over at me. “I’m really glad it’s you,” he remarked.

“Yes, well, only the best for our little friend here,” I smirked over at Malfoy, receiving a sneer in response.

Zabini chuckled, before turning to look at his best mate. “So what were you griping about before I arrived?” he asked.

Malfoy narrowed his eyes in my direction, while answering his friend. “He won’t let me go alone on a date tonight.”

“And he’s right not to do that,” Zabini defended me. “Shit, I’m still shocked he left you alone last night,” he added, as he glared over at me.

“Hey, I already got it from my boss, so I don’t need it from you, too,” I angrily said. “And why are you getting upset anyway? You got to see your best friend again.”

“And have a really good shag,” Malfoy added, with a smirk.

Zabini blushed at his words, returning his attention to him. “Yes, okay, that was good, but Dra…Danny, you’re still a target. There are people everywhere looking for you.”

“But I finally got one of my fantasy dream dates,” Malfoy expressed.

“Ruggedly famous Quidditch player?”

“Sexy American Healer,” he answered.

“Shit.”

I sat and listened to the two men talk, recognizing how close they really were. Their friendship was a lot like the one I had with Ron. Well, except for the sex part. I never quite understood how they never became more than just friends who shag each other on occasion. I mean how could they just mindlessly shag, without any feelings coming into play?

“Now do you understand?” Malfoy said again, chewing on his lower lip, as he waited for his friend to comment.

Zabini nodded, before turning toward me. “You have to let him go,” he pleaded his friend’s case.

“I already said he could,” I explained.

“Alone,” Malfoy interjected.

I sighed and shook my head. “I can’t do that.”

Malfoy frowned, as he crossed his arms over his chest again. “So how am I to explain why you’re there? I mean he’s more than likely going to see you.”

“He doesn’t have to know I’m actually with you,” I responded.

“Hey,” Zabini interrupted, as he stared at Malfoy. “What if you guys went on a double date? Then he could still watch you, without it looking like he’s the third wheel.”

Malfoy shrugged, “I guess that could work.”

“Just one little problem,” I sighed.

“You’re horrible at getting dates,” Malfoy groaned, leaning his head back on the chair.

“I’ll be your date,” Zabini offered, smiling over at me.

Malfoy quickly lifted his head, staring at his best friend. Or was he glaring at him? Well, whatever it was, he definitely didn’t look happy about the situation. And to tell you the truth, I’m not sure I was too thrilled about it either. I mean it wasn’t like we were friends or anything and could do that sort of stuff with each other.

“You and him?” Malfoy scoffed. “Right.”

Zabini crossed his arms over his chest, as he glared at his friend. “And what’s so funny about that?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Maybe the fact that he’s straight,” Malfoy retorted.

“It’s not like it would be a real date,” Zabini rolled his eyes. “We’d just be pretending.”

Malfoy gave him a hard glare, before shifting his eyes toward me, softening his gaze. “Would you be okay with that?” he asked.

I looked between the two, still a bit surprised with what was asked of me. Could I really go on a date with a bloke? Okay, so it would only be pretend, but still, it was with a guy. And then there’s the question of me being on this date with Malfoy. Oh bugger. Why couldn’t life be easier for me?

“Forget it,” Malfoy suddenly said, breaking the awkward silence between us. “I’ll tell him I can’t do it.”

I glanced over at Malfoy, noticing something flicker in front of his eyes. Was that jealousy? Was he actually getting jealous of the fact that I was even considering this pretend date with Zabini? Hmm, perhaps he did have stronger feelings for Zabini than he was letting on. Or perhaps he was just giving me an easy way out. He probably saw my concern and knew I would be nervous to voice it. Then again, why would Malfoy care about that?

“No,” I finally said. “I’ll go on the date.”

I saw Zabini smile widely, as he turned to face Malfoy, who was actually gaping at me in shock. I kept his stare for a few seconds, trying to figure out what he was thinking. He suddenly blinked and shook his head, as he broke our gaze. Okay, that was weird.

“So, yes?” Zabini asked, waiting for his friend to agree.

After taking one last glance in my direction, Malfoy slowly nodded. “Fine, we’ll do it.”

Zabini smiled once more, as he leaned back in his seat. “Now was that so hard?” he said, before pausing and looking at his best friend in curiosity. “Wait, is this the guy you were talking about last night?”

Malfoy’s cheeks suddenly flushed, as he quickly looked over at me. Okay, now I was really confused. He had just met this healer this morning.

“No, that can’t be right. You said that guy was straight,” Zabini continued, scratching his head in confusion.

I could see Malfoy’s whole face turn red now, as he snapped his head in Zabini’s direction. “Shut up,” he quietly warned, through clenched teeth.

Zabini furrowed his eyebrows, as he stared at his best mate. “What?” he curiously asked.

Malfoy stared at him for a little bit longer, his eyes pleading for him not to say any more. Zabini shook his head, still looking puzzled. He was about to speak, when he suddenly closed his mouth and opened his eyes wider. He quickly glanced in my direction, before incredulously staring at his friend. Malfoy nervously chewed on his bottom lip, as he slowly nodded. Ugh, I hate it when I’m out of the loop like this.

“Are you frigging kidding me?” Zabini suddenly exclaimed.

“What?” I asked, now very intrigued.

“Nothing,” Malfoy hurriedly answered, his cheeks reddening again, as he turned toward Zabini. “Okay, so I’m supposed to meet him at eight, at some Italian restaurant on 9th Avenue,” he quickly changed the subject.

“Italian for a first date?” Zabini gasped.

Malfoy sighed, “I know. I was shocked, too.”

“Um, what’s wrong with Italian?” I interrupted, not really sure why that would be such a problem. “It’s just a dinner.”

“Not for a first date,” Zabini expressed. “Third date, maybe, but never a first.”

“Why?”

Zabini laughed, as he turned toward Malfoy. “Okay, now I see why,” he said, causing Malfoy to look down and blush. He then returned his attention to me, amusement clearly written on his face. “You are seriously too cute,” he smiled at me.

I suddenly felt my cheeks get hotter and knew I was blushing. It was so weird to hear a guy call me that, especially when it was coming out of a guy’s mouth I was about to go on a pretend date with. And what did I say that made him even say that? Merlin, was I really so out of touch with dating that I couldn’t even understand why Italian would be such a bad idea for a first date?

“Have you ever been to an Italian restaurant?” he continued.

“Of course I have,” I replied. “That’s why I don’t understand. They’re the perfect places to go. They have such a romantic atmosphere,” I added.

“Exactly,” Zabini smirked, still not making any sense to me.

“You never take a first date to a romantic place,” Malfoy finally spoke. I guess he could see that I still didn’t understand. “By doing that, you’re already telling them you like them and want to see them again.”

“So what’s wrong with that?”

“What if your date doesn’t feel the same way just yet?” Zabini questioned. “A date like that could scare them away, before it even begins.”

I nodded, finally understanding what they meant. “That makes sense,” I admitted.

“So you can see why this healer suggesting Italian is a bit of a shock,” Zabini continued. “He apparently likes him a lot.”

“Oh,” I responded, curiously looking over at Malfoy, wondering if he possibly felt the same, since he agreed to the date.

As if reading my thoughts, Malfoy shook his head. “As of right now, no,” he stated, before looking over at Zabini. “So eight o’clock.”

Zabini nodded. “It’s a date,” he affirmed, as he stood up from the table and looked over at me, giving me a wink.

I blushed some more, while I watched him leave. I then heard Malfoy clear his throat, causing me to look over at him. I furrowed my eyebrows, noticing the smirk on his face. “What?” I asked, feeling my cheeks redden even more.

He shook his head, as his grin stayed. “Nothing.”

*****

A quarter after eight, Malfoy and I had finally arrived at the restaurant. Apparently, when you go on a first date, you’re supposed to show up after the allotted time. Well, at least that’s what Malfoy told me. Why must there be so many rules involved? I just didn’t understand.

“I think that’s them,” Malfoy said, staring off to the left, where some people were dining.

I noticed the table he was looking at and nodded, seeing the two familiar men waiting at a table for four. Healer Garvin had quickly agreed to the double date, although I have a feeling it was only because he knew if he didn’t, he wouldn’t have been able to go on the date with Malfoy. I didn’t know why, but there was just something about that guy I didn’t like.

As I followed Malfoy toward the table, I started realizing that I had butterflies in my stomach. I didn’t know why I was getting so nervous. I mean it wasn’t like I was going on a date. Well, a real date, that is.

As soon as we approached the table, both men stood up and smiled, while motioning for us to take the two empty seats in front of them. I could feel my nerves strengthen, as I sat down in front of Zabini, noticing his dark eyes gaze into mine.

“You look really great,” he quietly commented.

“Thanks,” I blushed, hearing Garvin make a similar comment to Malfoy. “Sorry we’re late.”

Zabini shook his head and chuckled, “You’re not late.”

I could tell he was still rather amused with how innocent I was with all of this dating stuff. At least he wasn’t ridiculing me for it. Oh shit, I forgot to say it back. “You look really nice, too.”

“Thanks,” he smiled.

After the four of us said our hellos to each other and ordered our meals, we returned to our dates, ignoring the other couple at the table. I honestly couldn’t believe how fun I was having. Who knew Zabini was this entertaining. I really didn’t know him that well in school, but it’s not like we would ever have talked anyway. I have to admit, this was definitely one of the best non-dates I’ve ever been on, even if we didn’t really have all that much in common with each other.

“I just never really preferred the sport,” he confessed, before laughing when he saw my shocked expression.

“You’re seriously saying you don’t like Quidditch?”

He nodded, as he wiped his mouth with his napkin. He glanced over at Malfoy, before smirking in my direction. “You sound just like one of my friends. He’s a Quidditch fanatic, too.”

“Oh yeah? What’s he like?” I smirked, knowing he was talking about Malfoy.

“A bit of a tosser,” he winked.

I laughed, noticing out of the corner of my eye Malfoy subtly glare at him. Oh yeah, we were definitely going to have some fun with this. “I knew someone like that at my school,” I began. “Horrible git he was.”

Zabini suddenly smiled, realizing what I was doing. “Yeah, I don’t even know why I’ve stayed friends with him for all these years.”

Although his conversation with Garvin never died down, I knew Malfoy was listening to us. And how could he not? We were speaking pretty loudly. I could sense his anger moving to the surface, a bit curious to know if he would actually snap at us. But I didn’t care; we were having too much fun.

“In my first year, I actually heard this guy scream like a girl,” I remarked. “That was bloody fantastic.”

“One night, I caught my friend sucking his thumb in his sleep,” he snickered, as he leaned in closer to the table. “He was sixteen,” he added.

I laughed, as I quickly glanced over in Malfoy’s direction, noticing his face go entirely red. I looked over at Garvin, who apparently didn’t even take notice. Or perhaps he did, but believed Malfoy was doing it because of something he just said.

“Do you know what a hippogriff is?” I then smirked. Oh come on. He had to say something soon. I knew this had to be killing him.

Zabini started laughing even louder now. “One time, my friend was in this broom closet and-”

“My friend sleeps with a nightlight,” Malfoy sharply interjected, causing Zabini to suddenly blush in embarrassment.

I couldn’t help it. The tears were rolling down my face now, as I continued to laugh. Even Garvin was laughing at this point.

Malfoy kept his gaze on Zabini, as if challenging him to continue. Zabini pursed his lips, and I knew he was contemplating what to do next. He then cleared his throat and nodded, accepting the challenge.

“My friend has a stuffed baby dragon he still sleeps with,” he stated.

Malfoy narrowed his eyes. “My friend has a signed picture of Lockhart that he keeps hidden under his pillow.”

Zabini gritted his teeth, while glaring at his friend. “My friend has a secret crush on-”

Malfoy quickly kicked Zabini underneath the table, causing him to yelp in pain. “Fuck,” he cried out, as he rubbed his leg to ease the pain. “That bloody hurt.”

Garvin and I both looked over at Malfoy, confusion written on both our faces. I’m sure Garvin was wondering why he had hit him, but I was more curious about his crush. This was now the second time Zabini has mentioned him. Who was he talking about?

“Sorry, Bryan,” Malfoy said, a menacing smile appearing on his face. “I must have slipped.”

Zabini eyed him a bit longer, before suddenly smirking and nodding. Oh Merlin, it wasn’t over. He then licked his lips, as he turned to look at me. “Chris, would you care to dance?”

I frantically looked over at him, surprised by his request. Yeah, I definitely didn’t see that one coming. And apparently Malfoy didn’t either, seeing as how he was looking rather shocked, himself. I couldn’t agree to this. I mean I was horrible at dancing, and that was just with girls. Could you imagine how I would be with a guy? Oh Merlin, that would be too weird.

I then heard Malfoy snort under his breath. I glanced over at him, seeing that he had already returned his attention to Garvin and was lightly moving his fingers over the man’s hand. Feeling my anger rise inside my chest, I turned toward Zabini and nodded, not even giving it a second thought. “I would love to, Bryan,” I replied, as I stood up from the table.

Malfoy snapped his head in my direction, looking flabbergasted. I just smirked over at him, before following Zabini onto the dance floor. Yes, even I can surprise myself sometimes. But seriously, how dare he presume that I was going to say no.

When we reached the small dance floor, where some other couples were already dancing, Zabini wrapped his arms around my neck, pulling me closer to him. I gasped at the movement, feeling very awkward all of a sudden. I mean where was I supposed to put my hands?

Seeing my concern, Zabini leaned in closer, smiling. “Wrap them around my waist,” he instructed.

I nodded, as I nervously placed my hands around his slender waist. I gulped, as we started to sway to the slow music playing. I couldn’t believe I was actually dancing with a guy. Not only that, I was dancing with Zabini. Merlin, where was that shrink when I needed him?

Zabini’s quiet chuckles broke me from my thoughts, as I curiously looked over at him. He saw my questioning eyes and shook his head, before leaning in closer to my ear. “Who would have thought that Auror Potter and Death Eater Zabini would be dancing together?”

“Ex-Death Eater,” I corrected, seeing him smile in response.

We continued to dance for a few more minutes, before I suddenly felt Zabini tighten his grip around my neck, causing me to stare into his dark eyes once again. “Thank you for what you’re doing for Draco,” he quietly said.

I nodded, before glancing over in Malfoy’s direction. I noticed him sitting alone at the table, watching us dance. I suddenly smiled in remembrance at the conversation earlier. “So does Malfoy really have a stuffed baby dragon?” I inquired, as I turned back toward Zabini.

Zabini lightly chuckled and nodded. “His name’s Smokey,” he said. “His mother gave it to him when he was three. It’s like his security blanket. I’m more than certain he brought it over here to America. It’s probably hidden in one of the drawers at the hotel.”

“And the nightlight?” I smirked.

“It’s not because I’m afraid or anything. I just really hate the dark,” he confessed.

“Says the Death Eater,” I teased.

“Ex-Death Eater,” he reminded me.

As we silently danced to another song, I noticed Malfoy and Garvin dancing a few feet away from us. I gritted my teeth, as I watched Garvin’s hands slowly move down Malfoy’s sides, firmly gripping his hips and pulling him closer to his body, causing Malfoy to wince a little from the rough touch. Ugh, I really didn’t like this guy.

Suddenly, I found my eyes staring into gray. We were both facing each other, while our partners’ backs were to each other. He gave me a small smile, causing my whole body to shiver in response. That damn smile gets me every time. I smiled back, before seeing him return his attention to Garvin and shrug at a question he must have asked him.

“So what do you think?” Zabini asked.

I furrowed my eyebrows in his direction, not sure what he was asking. “About what?” I inquired.

“The healer,” he answered.

“Oh,” I quietly replied. “He’s okay, I guess. I mean I don’t think he’s out to get Malfoy or anything.”

“But?” Zabini prodded.

I sighed, as I glanced over in their direction once again. “I just don’t like the way he looks at him,” I confessed.

Zabini nodded. “He does seem a bit infatuated with him,” he recognized.

“A bit?” I scoffed, turning to look at Zabini. “If Malfoy were to tell him to lick his shoe, he’d do it.”

Zabini suddenly tilted his head in question. “Are you jealous?” he quietly asked.

I hesitated, as I glanced away from him. I could feel my cheeks burning, as I thought about his question. Merlin, was I? I mean it sure did sound like that, didn’t it? But I don’t think I was jealous in the way he thinks. No, I know that couldn’t be it. It had to be because of how close we were starting to become. I mean we were the only company we had. Of course we had gotten closer. And I sort of miss having his attention on me. No, it wasn’t jealousy because I liked him or anything. I was jealous because I no longer had his attention.

I heard a soft chuckle, causing me to return my attention to Zabini. He shook his head, as a grin appeared on his face. “Amazing,” he whispered.

“It’s not what you think,” I quickly defended. “It’s just…well-”

“It’s okay,” he smirked. “I won’t say anything.”

I shook my head, feeling my cheeks turn even redder now. “No, it’s not like that,” I tried again. “I don’t like him like that. I just…well, I like talking to him.”

“Are you guys actually becoming friends?”

“Maybe,” I shrugged. Wow, could that be right? Did I really see Malfoy as a friend now?

I suddenly heard someone clear their throat, breaking me from my thoughts. Zabini and I both turned to our sides, seeing Malfoy standing next to us. My stomach fluttered, as I stared into his captivating gray eyes. Malfoy nervously swallowed, before extending his hand out to me. “May I?” he asked.

I chewed on my lower lip, as I glanced over at Zabini. He nodded, as he backed away from me, motioning for Malfoy to take his place. He left the dance floor, returning to the table where Garvin was already sitting.

Malfoy wrapped his arms around my neck, as I uneasily placed my hands on his hips. We moved to the music, remaining silent for a couple of minutes. Malfoy continued to stare at me, looking as if he wanted to ask me something.

“What?” I finally asked, hating the awkward silence.

“Are you having a good time?”

“Actually, I am,” I nodded. “You?”

He nodded, as he glanced over at presumably Garvin. I didn’t really know, seeing as how my back was thankfully to him. I could just imagine what was going through his mind right now, seeing us dancing together. Wait a minute. Why did Malfoy leave him to dance with me?

“He wants me to go back to his place,” Malfoy finally said, answering my unasked question.

“Oh,” I answered, feeling my chest suddenly tighten a little.

“You know this really sucks for me to have to ask,” he sighed.

I licked my lips, as I thought about the situation. Although I didn’t like this man, I knew he wasn’t there to harm Malfoy, or that he even knew who Malfoy really was. I knew just by looking in his eyes that he truly liked him, which I think is where my fear really laid. But Kingsley trusted him well enough to have him check up on me. I know he wouldn’t have put us in danger, if he had any inkling that this man was no good. No, he wasn’t out to harm Malfoy. He was just a git completely infatuated with him.

I took a deep breath, before nodding. “You can go,” I gave in.

“Really?” he hesitantly asked.

I nodded once more, before finally turning around to look over in Garvin’s direction. I saw the jealousy flicker in his eyes and knew it was time to end our conversation, as well as our dance. I looked over at Malfoy and sighed. “If you really want to go, then go,” I responded.

“But if you’d rather me come back with you, then I will,” he said.

I shook my head, although I could feel another part of me scream out for him not to leave. “No, just go.”

“It would only be for a little bit,” he started to explain.

“Whatever,” I shrugged, feeling my stomach pain a little. Fuck, why was he still dancing with me? I already gave him the bloody go ahead. What? Was he hoping I would offer to hold his hand, too, while he pounded the man into the frigging mattress? Bloody hell, I was jealous.

He stared at me for a few more seconds, before he finally nodded and released himself from me. “Thanks for the dance,” he mumbled, as he retreated back to the table.

I furrowed my eyebrows, as I watched him walk away. Okay, why did he seem a bit upset just then? I gave him what he wanted, didn’t I? I mean that was what he wanted, right? Alone time with Garvin?

“Danny,” I called out, seeing him stop and turn toward me, carrying that familiar blank expression on his face. Merlin, what I would give to know what he was thinking at that very moment. “Still be careful,” I cautioned.

“We’re just going to his place to talk some more,” he stated. “That’s all. You don’t have to worry.”

“It’s my job to worry,” I smirked.

He laughed, as he gave me a quick wave goodbye, before turning back around and moving toward the table. I saw him bend down and whisper in Garvin’s ear, noticing the man’s face beam at the news. They both said goodbye to Zabini, before leaving the table.

Zabini looked over at me, furrowing his eyebrows in question. I sighed, as I walked toward the table and sat down. “Don’t say it,” I muttered, hearing the man chuckle.

“So what now?” he asked.

I shrugged, already feeling lonely without Malfoy around. “Do you want to come back to the hotel and hang out for a while?” I asked him.

“Sure,” he smiled, before leaning in and giving me a quick kiss on the mouth.

I suddenly blushed from the contact of our lips, as I timidly looked over at him. “Zabini, I didn’t mean… I mean you know I’m not-”

He started to laugh, as he stood up from the table, grabbing my hand to pull me up. “I know,” he smirked. “I just really wanted to see your face when I did that.”

*****

A/N: Wow, I really need to start writing more of this story. I can't believe there's only one more chapter that I've already written and that's it. Ahh!! I need to get some creativity back and then I'll be fine. Hope you guys are enjoying this. :)

arealdeal: I'm so glad you found my story and love it so far! :) haha I understand your thoughts about Draco, but we can't really fault him for going after others he knows he could actually have a chance with. :) Yes, poor Harry. If only he could just own up to his feelings.

wickedwiccanofthemiddwest: lol I know. Poor Harry. Glad you like my story so far. :)

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