I own nothing. All characters belong to J.K Rowling

"Alright, alright settle down everyone," Professor Lupin called for the second time as the excited seventh years continued to chatter around Andromeda. She felt like an island floating along in a sea of voices while she ever so patiently waited for everyone to listen to their Professor. It took another try but finally everyone did as asked.

"As you can all see the room is set up differently today. I'd like you all to go and take a seat next to your partner, and yes I know it's a tight fit with all the Houses in here but please don't complain," Professor Lupin finished with a smile before stepping back from the gathering of students and waiting for them to do as asked. Unlike the usual classroom set up all the tables had been removed, the chairs having been placed against the walls of the room in single file and a duelling area having been sectioned off in the centre of the room.

"Come on 'Dromeda, we want to get good seats," Daphne squeaked in her excited voice before tugging on Andromeda's sleeve and leading her over to four available seats.

Ever since they had woken this morning, Daphne had been extremely excited to get to class. Andromeda had thought at first it was because she was keen to actually take place in the duels but Blaise had helpfully informed her at breakfast that it was more due to the fact she would be able to watch everyone else.

"The whole school is talking about it and our Daphne here is going to see it first hand," he had explained with a smirk before leaning in closer to whisper in Andromeda's ear. "I also think she might have more than a little bit of a crush on your dear Potter and she has never actually seen him in action. She has been waiting for this day for years." Daphne had heard despite the quiet tone Blaise had adopted and had been quick to dispel any inklings that Andromeda might have had that Blaise had been being serious. She should have known better anyway, it seemed the wizard wasn't capable of any mature thought, turning everything into a game to which only he knew the rules.

"Do you see Neville or Draco?" Daphne asked as soon as they had both sat in the seats she had led them to. Shaking her head Andromeda continued to look for the wizards, Malfoy mainly if she were honest. The idea of him sneaking up on her wasn't an appealing one. As Professor Lupin had said it was rather packed in the Defence classroom what with both the Slytherin/Gryffindor and the Hufflepuff/Ravenclaw classes in attendance. "Ah there they are!"

Following Daphne's out stretched finger Andromeda spotted Neville approaching, having to push his way through a still standing group of Hufflepuffs to do so, and just behind him was Malfoy.

"Great," she muttered sarcastically receiving an elbow in the side from Daphne in response. Andromeda did however manage to produce a genuine smile when Neville got close enough to greet them.

"Everyone take a seat now! We don't have time to waste," the Professor shouted. It wasn't often he actually shouted, so everyone took notice and scurried to find their partners. Thankfully Malfoy had sat next to her while Remus had been speaking, therefore allowing her to avoid greeting him or making any conversation before he was distracted by Terry Boot who sat on his other side. Daphne and Neville were deep in conversation of her left, heads bent together and Andromeda had to smile at the fact that it was the first time Daphne had been quiet the whole morning. Andromeda knew that it was just putting off the inevitable and that it was probably to their disadvantage that they weren't using this time to strategise but she still couldn't bring herself to get the attention of the wizard.

"Okay then, I'm glad to see you all made it. As you can all see the pairs from the opposite class have also been picked at random so no complaints," Remus joked as he moved to stand in the centre of the duelling area. Unlike the platform that had been used in the duelling club the school had held in previous years, he had gone for something similar to what Harry had thought of for the DA. A large square of foam mats covered the floor with a single marker in the centre and then two markers at each end. Andromeda could feel the fluttering of shielding spells surrounding the outside of the square. "So I've already gone over the rules with everyone but let's go over them again just so we are all clear. No Dark Arts, no unnecessary damage to your appointment. Your strategy must include offence and defence - just using one or the other isn't going to get you a win. The duels are going to be five minutes long, that is if you don't manage to take out your opponents before then," he said with a Sirius-esk smirk. Andromeda looked about the hall until she spotted Harry and saw he was just as happy as she was so see this playful side of Remus. It didn't get to come out too often. "While others are duelling I don't want the rest of you to be slacking off, that will get you automatic disqualification. You should be paying attention, watching and learning, you never know who you'll be up against next." Turning back towards the blackboard Remus muttered an incantation too quiet for her to hear before the tournament play order appeared. Each name was obscured bar the first set which had cleared with the end of the incantation. "First up we have Mr Zabini and Miss Patil against Mr Corner and Miss Jones."

The other three houses started cheering at the announcement and those involved stepped forward. Feeling rather sorry for Blaise and his lack of support Andromeda started clapping and even shouting her support, receiving a genuine smile in return.

"Zabini and Parvati have this one no bother," Andromeda heard Neville say from his position next to Daphne.

"I agree, Blaise can get the drop on Corner before he has a chance," Daphne reasoned.

"Too right he can," Malfoy added from beside her, Daphne and him both sitting forward to smile at each other.

"I would put my money on Michael and Megan," Andromeda stated just as the other two sat back. They both snorted, Malfoy rather more delicately than Daphne, but Neville actually asked why she thought that. "Parvati isn't a dueller, no skill in offence or defence. Blaise might be good but I don't think he will know enough about her to realise that he actually has to carry her. On the other hand both Megan and Michael are decent at defence so they just need to wait them out."

Nobody made any comment after Andromeda had finished explaining her reasoning and for that she was rather pleased. The duel had already begun, both sets of pairs walking outwards from the centre towards the marks on the mat. Blaise and Parvati ended up furthest away from where she was sitting close to the entrance of the classroom, while Michael and Megan were closer but ended up facing away from her when they turned to begin casting. Blaise opened the duel casting a simple but effect jinx that Michael managed to deflect without too much effort. While that was going on Megan had gone straight on the attack casting a Stupefy at Parvati that she just managed to dodge. Blaise was distracted by the stumbling of his partner and so he was almost caught by the Tarantallegra that was sent his way. The duel continued on in much the same fashion, Blaise landing a Locomotor Mortis on Megan that was quickly countered by Michael straight after he cast a strong Protego. As soon as she was free from the curse Megan managed to hit Parvati and her wand came flying. They both then turned on Blaise placing him in a body bind with little effort.

"Mr Corner and Miss Jones are the clear winners," the Professor announced, stepping onto the duelling mats and countering any remaining curses and spells.

"Told you," Andromeda said smugly and Neville laughed. Neither of the Slytherins on her sides joined in however, Malfoy sitting with his jaw clenched and Daphne with her mouth hanging slightly open. "Close your mouth Daphne."

"I can't believe it," the witch muttered shaking her head, "I was sure Blaise would win."

"You should have come to the DA in fifth year," Neville replied but before anyone could reply Professor Lupin quietened the room again to announce the next duel, Goyle and Lavender against Zachariaus Smith and Lisa Turpin. "This one will be close," Neville decided after the two pairs had taken to the duelling area.

"No Goyle and Lavender will win this one," Malfoy nodded ignoring Daphne's disbelieving snort as he said it. "Goyle is better than you give him credit for Daphne."

"I agree, Greg and Lavender will take it," Andromeda agreed. She made the mistake of turning to see Malfoy's reaction to that and found herself meeting his stare head on. Not wanting to be the first to look away yet again Andromeda decided to stare back just as intently as he was staring at her. That was another mistake she found, as she was drawn into those eyes that confused her so much. There was something in them that she had never seen before when anyone had looked at her, not her adoptive parents, Harry or Ron or any of the Weasleys. As much as she wanted to deny it, it was something that she wanted to understand, to find out about and to know the way Malfoy insisted he wanted to know her. Shaking her head Andromeda turned away from the wizard, staring at her feet instead. No matter how pretty his eyes - and the rest of him- Malfoy was still Malfoy. Rude, nasty, prejudiced and a Death Eater. Andromeda could acknowledge the hypocrisy of that list but it wasn't something she particularly wanted to deal with right now.

"You were right," Daphne said nudging Andromeda in the ribs for the second time since class had started. Looking up to see what exactly she had been right about Andromeda saw that Goyle and Lavender were smiling at each other while Zach Smith was trying to help a clearly disorientated Lisa to her feet.

"Oh well done Goyle," she called clapping her hands and smiling at the wizard when he turned to look at her. He looked like he was going to come over and speak with them but Lavender quickly grabbed his hand and dragged him away to where they were sitting.

"Okay then, well done Mr Goyle and Miss Brown that one was over rather quickly," Professor Lupin commented before flicking his wand at the board once again. "Next up, Mr Malfoy and Miss Pucey against Mr Boot and Mr Goldstein."

Letting out a loud breath Andromeda stood and strode into the duelling area, hearing Malfoy trailing behind her and the cheers coming from both her new Slytherin friends and her older Gryffindor ones.

"Alright I know that Boot is good all round and that was over a year ago so I'm sure he has only gotten better," she stated spinning round to face Malfoy. "Goldstein I'm not sure about. You?"

"I agree with you about Boot and I know that Goldstein is the weaker of the pair though I could not tell you whether he had any particular vulnerability we could exploit." Malfoy added his assessment, sticking to the business like tone that Andromeda had used. "I suggest we go on the attack, don't give them time to settle into it as that's when Boot is most comfortable." Nodding her agreement Andromeda turned once again and found that their opponents had already situated themselves at the middle marks.

"Remember the rules please," Professor Lupin muttered before levelling his wand between them and beginning the duel. Pivoting on her toes Andromeda spared a quick glance at Malfoy to ensure that they were going at roughly the same pace before continuing on towards her mark. Reaching it she spun round to face her opponents, drawing her wand from its wrist holster and mentally listing the spells she had in her arsenal. It took a few seconds after she had turned before Boot and Goldstein had also arrived at their marks and drawn their wands. As soon as they had Andromeda darted forward and towards the centre, knowing that Malfoy would be doing the same on her right.

Not wanting to leave herself open and thinking on what Malfoy had said about catching them off guard by acting quickly, Andromeda fired off an Expelliarmus at Goldstein before putting a shield up to protect her from any spells either might fire off before she reached Malfoy. He had cast a Stupefy at Boot just a second before she fired her spell at Goldstein and while Malfoys missed its target, hers didn't. By the time she was standing shoulder to shoulder with her partner Goldstein's wand was sailing through the air towards her extended left hand and the wizard himself was lying sprawled at the edge of the mat where the force of her spell had sent him. Andromeda said a silent thanks that the magically barriers she had sensed earlier were strong enough to stop a person as well as stray magic. Next Malfoy cast a Jelly legs jinx at Boot which was poorly aimed and he avoided easily, while Andromeda cast another shield over them. While avoiding the jinx Boot cast a Stupefy in Malfoy's direction which would have landed if not for her protection charm. Putting all his attention into the Stupefy had left Boot exposed and knowing he was protected, Malfoy cast an Expelliarmus which landed and another wand came sailing through the air.

"That was quick," Malfoy said with a smile as he snatched the wand out of the air utilising his seeker reflexes and presented it to Andromeda with a flick of his wrist.

"Yeah it was," she replied grabbing it and walking towards the other two wizards to return them. Professor Lupin had already released Terry from the bind and Anthony had pulled himself to his feet before the duel had even ended. Both accepted their wands with only a small amount of grumbling at the loss.

"Mr Malfoy and Miss Pucey take the win," Professor Lupin announced smiling at Andromeda before turning to the board and announcing the next to participate.

Paying no attention at all Andromeda returned to her seat, accepting congratulations as she went, her mind somewhere else. Despite being brief, the duel had had an effect of the witch. She had known she would find it uncomfortable attacking her fellow students even with only minor spells but she hadn't considered how slipping back into that warrior mentality, even only for a moment or two would affect her. It was not a nice feeling and while Malfoy had seemed to enjoy their win it had seemed tainted to her some how, the whole duelling process did. In real life one didn't turn their back or wait patiently for the enemy to draw their wand.

"It's just a game," a voice muttered from her side. Turning to face it she saw that it was Malfoy.

"How did you know what I was thinking about?"

"I was thinking the same," he answered before looking out on the people duelling, Ron and Crabbe against Padma and Hannah she saw. "Not everything is as serious as War and Death Andromeda. Though I know how hard it is to shift back into everyday life after that," he added with a sigh. "You've missed a few."

"Who?" She asked happy to move away from the serious topic and grasping his olive branch with both hands.

"More than a few really but out of the ones that would interest you Potter and Finnigan won against Finch-Fletchey and his partner. Daphne and Longbottom lost against Bones and McMillian. Weasel..ley and Crabbe seem to be doing rather well against these two," he remarked.

"Yeah they do, don't they. Ron always works best with an audience," Andromeda joked deciding to ignore the weasel comment seen as Malfoy had at least tried to correct himself.

"I see you two are getting along well," Blaise drawled as he dropped into the seat Daphne had previously been in. Andromeda felt rather bad about missing the girls duel and hoped she wouldn't be offended.

Looking away from Malfoy she turned to Blaise, the smile on her face half pleasure at seeing him and half amusement at the scowl on Malfoy's face when his friend had interrupted. "I'm sorry about your duel Blaise," Andromeda said sincerely, "I think you still did rather well though."

"If you say so 'Drom, can't say I am too pleased at having lost," he replied but there was no heat behind his words and Andromeda found it hard to believe he really cared. She did care about the ridiculous shortening of her name however and was quick to tell him so. "Andromeda is much too long, it needs to be shorted to something and I refuse to think dropping one 'A' is sufficient."

"You sound like Harry and Ron," she retorted knowing the indignant face and the spluttering laughter she would get in response. "Now be quiet please, Rem-Professor Lupin is trying to get everyone's attention."

"That's the first round finished with, only eight pairs left," Professor Lupin explained. "That didn't take as long as I had thought it would but I've decided to keep the duels to just five minutes for this round. Same rules apply and to those already knocked out pay attention. While some of you put up a good fight," he said eyes scanning the gathered students, "others didn't and could stand to learn a few things from your class mates." There was much mumbling and muttering at that but he just shrugged and carried on, flicking his wand at the board again to reveal those who were next. "Okay so next we have Mr Potter and Mr Finnigan against Mr Goyle and Miss Brown."

"Potter and Finnigan," Blaise and Malfoy said at the exact same time just as Andromeda said "Harry and Seamus" which had them all quietly laughing. "No contest here then," Blaise drawled, "I have seen Potter duel often enough that I don't need to watch this. So do tell me your strategy while we wait."

"We don't really have one," Andromeda answered with a shrug not taking her eyes away from the just beginning duel and therefore missing the raised eyebrow from the dark haired wizard.

"You don't have a strategy? Didn't have one when you were working together in the first round?"

"Did you put him up to this?" Hearing the disbelieve in his voice Andromeda was sure Malfoy had groomed Blaise for this conversation in a bid to reinforce his opinions.

"No I did not," her partner replied and shocked by the fact that he actually sounded as if he was being honest, Andromeda took her eyes away from the fight in front of her and looked at him. He held her gaze for a few seconds and she nodded before turning away, deciding that he was telling the truth.

"Interesting," Blaise said. He only smiled at Andromeda when she turned to glare at him.

"You two are hopeless," she declared throwing herself back against her seat. "And I missed the end!"

"Potter won," Malfoy drawled and she huffed in response. They were silent for a few minutes until Professor Lupin again took to the floor and announced Andromeda and Malfoy were on next duelling against Susan Bones and Ernie McMillian.

There second round went similarly to the first, with Andromeda firing off an effective attack at the start and the following through with shielding and low level jinx's and spell's afterwards. It was clear the pair hadn't watched Andromeda and Malfoy's first duel and no one was particularly surprised when Andromeda managed to knock Susan out with a stunner, having already taken Ernie out in the opening volley. The main difference this time was that Malfoy was hit by a body bind before Andromeda could knock Bones out. He had moved out of the range of the Protegoshe had cast and didn't move quickly enough to protect himself. Though she could have freed him before she attacked, Andromeda decided to leave him on the floor for his stupidity. She felt bad about it after the duel was finished however and even blushed when she did release him. He brought out the worst in her she was sure.

The other two duels in the round went by just as quickly, first Ron and Crabbe winning against Wayne Hopkins and Stephen Cornfoot –who Andromeda would admit she was glad not to have been drawn against seen as how she knew absolutely nothing about them- and then Fay Dunbar and Dean Thomas knocking out Michael Corner and Megan Jones. The Hufflepuff and Ravenclaws all had a lot to say about the unfairness of an all Gryffindor/Slytherin final four but quickly quietened when it was pointed out they had lost fair and square.

Dean and Fay were drawn against Harry and Seamus first and Andromeda was already squirming in her seat at the prospect of having to duel against Ron. Everything in her body screamed against it while her brain argued that it was not serious, only a game like Malfoy had said and that it was for school. If anything could usually convince the witch to act it was pointing out its educational value, it didn't seem to be having any effect this time though. Lost in her dread of her own match, Andromeda missed Harry's entirely and didn't even hear Professor Lupin call for her and Malfoy to come forward until Malfoy grabbed her arm and dragged her from her chair.

"Come on Miss Pucey," he said letting her go but not before pulling her arm sharply so she was drawn in close. "I'll do Weasley, you don't need to send anything at him just you handle Crabbe."

She knew that he had said that to make her feel better but if anything it had the opposite effect. Knowing that she was being ridiculous Andromeda gave herself a literal shake before stepping up to the middle across from Ron. If the sweat on his brow and the concerned look on his face were anything to go by he wasn't doing to well either. Sending him a small smile just as the wand was lowered between them, Andromeda turned and started walking towards her mark not bothering to check she was in sync with Malfoy this time. Spinning round she saw that Ron and Crabbe had done so at exactly the same moment and they were both using the tactic she and Malfoy had used previously, heading in towards the centre, but that Ron was several feet in front of Crabbe. It was the perfect opportunity to catch him off guard but she couldn't take it, walking sideways until she met Malfoy and casting a Protego in front of them instead. Malfoy fortunately, or unfortunately depending on how you looked at it didn't miss the opportunity and cast a Furnunculuswhich Ron just managed to deflect.

Deciding to take Malfoy at his word and focus on Crabbe Andromeda send a Jelly Legs straight towards him before firing off two Expelliarmus's, one to the left of Crabbe and another to the right. Moving to the right to avoid the Jinx Crabbe was hit by the following spell and was knocked flying, rebounding off the barriers and landing in a heap on the floor. As soon as he had been dealt with and she had his wand firmly in hand Andromeda returned her attention to Ron and Malfoy and found Ron under the influence of a spell she didn't know that seemed to have the effect of the Jelly legs but on his wand arm and Malfoy jumping around seemingly having been hit by the Rictusempra charm. Unwilling to sent a spell at Ron, and equally unwilling to release Malfoy so he could do just that, she stood in the middle of the duelling area not having moved since meeting Malfoy. She could hear Malfoy calling to her, could hear the mutterings of her watching classmates but it was all muffled and held no sway over her.

Watching Ron struggle to find the counter to the jinx did though, bringing back memories of watching him struggle for control under much harsher curses. They were now over a minute into the duel, with Crabbe still sprawled on the floor where he had landed, Ron struggling with his arm and unable to cast but Malfoy had managed to gain control again and was advancing on their opposition. Andromeda felt her magic flare, pushing her to act and though she tried to ignore it was no use. The instinct to protect her brother, her best friend was so ingrained that she couldn't resist, couldn't watch a threat approach him and allow it.

"Stupefy," Andromeda thought harshly, her wand pointed at Malfoy. He was slightly in front of her, between her and Ron, and despite being cast silently the spell was strong. The red light soared from her wand striking him in his left side and sending him spinning off away from her. Starting in the direction of Ron she quickly cast a Finite, ending the shaking of his arm.

"Thanks," Ron said as he pulled her into a fierce Weasley-hug."That wasn't a good idea," he added.

"No," she replied with a quivering laugh, "not a good idea at all." She was more than a little disturbed to note that her entire body was shivering, her heart beating almost out of her chest.

"Are you alright?" a voice asked from behind them. Andromeda ignored it, only burrowing closer to the body she was clinging to. There were more voices asking the same question but she continued to ignore them, instead focusing on getting her raging emotions back under control.

"Let's get out of here," Ron whispered close to her ear waiting for her to nod before moving off, her face still pressed against his chest though her body moved to the side to make it easier for him to direct them.

"Where's Harry?" she asked. She didn't want him duelling anyone, didn't want any of them to have to play this game anymore.

"Right behind you," Harry replied in a strained voice. "You should carry her Ron." Usually the mere thought of being carried through the school like some damsel in distress would have had her screaming her refusal at the top of her lungs, today it sounded perfect. To have someone she trusted take care of her that way would be a blessing. If either of her boys were shocked by her acceptance as Ron stooped and lifted her with an arm behind her back and the other under her knees, they didn't comment.

"Where are we going?"

"Just to Remus' office," Harry answered and then they were moving.

"I don't know what Remus was thinking," Ron muttered as he paced back and forth in front of the sofa Harry and Andromeda were sitting on. "He should know- Remus of all people should know- that we wouldn't want to be duelling each other. Not now, not ever!"

They had been in the room for awhile now, Andromeda wasn't sure exactly how long, and as she had calmed down and come back to herself Ron had only gotten more and more angry. Harry had been suspiciously quiet, his hand rubbing up and down her back in an irregular rhythm.

"I overreacted. I'm to blame for this Ronald not Professor Lupin," she stated.

"No you didn't! I felt the same," he shouted. "Do you think I could have just stood and watched if Crabbe sent a curse at you? This isn't a game."

"No it isn't," Harry agreed breaking his silence. Both Andromeda and Ron turned to look at him, his face even paler than usual. "At least not to us."

Recognising that this was one of those times when they all needed the reassurance, Andromeda quietly let her magic loose reaching out to the two wizards. As always Harry's magic hit her hard and fast with Ron's following a mere second later and they all gave soft smiles at the welcome feeling of home and friendship, love and safety.

"Do you think Malfoy is alright?" Andromeda asked. He had been on her mind since it had calmed down, the spell she'd hit him with had been rather strong and came from close range.

"He was up when we left," Harry said. "He stared after you the whole way."

"He seems to have a thing about staring," she muttered in reply. Before anything else could be said a soft knock sounded at the door, Remus and Professor McGonagall entering before any of them could give permission.

"How are you all?" Professor McGonagall asked, her cat-like eyes pinning them each in turn.

"We're fine," they answered in unison. Even the Headmistress smiled at that. "I'm sorry I ruined the competition Remus," Andromeda added.

"Don't be silly," he quickly answered. Which was probably just as well if one went by the scowls on Ron and Harry's faces. "I should have thought more carefully about the Tournament. It was meant to bring everyone together, promote inter-house relations. I hadn't considered the effect it would have on those forced to fight in the war."

"Still, I apologise. Is Malfoy alright?"

"He is fine, rather concerned about your welfare Andromeda."

"As we all are," Professor McGonagall added. "Concerned for each of you. This is not the first time, nor I am sure will it be the last, but we in the Order would once again like to assure you we are here for you all. The consequences of war should not be underestimated."

"I think we are learning that," Harry said quietly after the silence between them had leaned towards uncomfortable.

"We can help you, we want to help. Myself, Minerva, Kingsley, Tonks, your parents Ron, we all want to help you. But we can't if you refuse to discuss your experiences with us," Remus said softly. Seeing that both Harry and Ron were ready to jump in with the usual refusal he continued, "Don't answer right now. There is no time limit on this; anyone of us will be willing to talk to you at anytime."

"Thank you," Andromeda said as she stood. Sharing a look with her friends, the each nodded at the two Professors before moving to exit the room. Leaning against the wall outside of the office, Andromeda turned to look at the two wizards standing in front of her. They both looked as exhausted as she felt. "Let's just call it a day okay? I know we need to talk about this," she added passionately, "but can we wait until at least tomorrow to do it?"

"You sound like me," Ron laughed, "and I agree. I just want to sleep until tomorrow, can't even face dinner."

"Now that's saying something. We'll see you in the morning alright?" Harry said, stepping forward to give her a rare hug that muffled her reply.

The trip to the Slytherin common room went quickly, her mind focused on her surroundings and her approaching bed rather than the shambles that had been her day. The thought that she should probably contact Adrian and her father to let them know of the days events passed though her mind but was quickly pushed out as she entered the portrait hole and saw the seventh years all gathered around the fire, Daphne and Blaise seated on one sofa while Crabbe and Goyle had the other. Malfoy painted an intimidating picture as he stood, hands clasped behind his back, pacing just as Ron had done.

"Thank Merlin you're alright," Daphne exclaimed. The witch had been the first to spot her and had jumped up from the sofa, approaching Andromeda at a speed as close to a run as Daphne's pureblood manners would allow. "You had us worried," she chastised as she reached Andromeda and placed a hand on her arm.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to worry any of you. Are you alright? I am so very sorry," Andromeda said sincerely, looking up into the stormy eyes that seemed to be haunting her. All the boys had followed quickly after Daphne, Malfoy in the lead.

"I'm fine, it's you I'm worried about," he answered softly. Andromeda stood frozen as he reached out a pale hand and used it to push one side of her hair back behind the ear it had escaped from. "That stupid werewolf," he muttered as his hand fell back against his side.

"Draco," Daphne scowled. It was too late though, the spell had been broken and Andromeda felt like a fool. For a moment there she had forgotten who she was dealing with, had forgotten that this was Draco Malfoy who could follow a temper touch and smouldering look with a hateful comment.

"I'm going to bed. Goodnight," she called as she turned and walked away. Not fast enough that she didn't hear the whisper-shouted comments that erupted in her wake.

"What were you thinking? You were doing so well!" Daphne cried.

"Really Draco, that was more than tactless," Blaise added.

"I didn't mean it that way," Malfoy responded hotly.

"We know that," Goyle interrupted, "but she doesn't."