She's changed. You can see it in her eyes, feel it in her touch, hear it in her tone. She's not the same and she's never coming back.

- K. Azizian

The following morning was unpleasant to say the least. Although I had made sure that barely anyone knew about how close I had gotten with Adrian, the story about the bet had spread around Slytherin house. Everyone was looking at me, wondering if Adrian had won the bet or not.

And they were all waiting to see how I would react. They all wanted to see Eleanor Selwyn break, but they'd be disappointed. I would not break and their stares couldn't touch me.

I didn't want people to look at me, to associate me with Pucey or to have compassion.

I wanted them to be scared of me, so that no one would ever dare to hurt me again.

For the first time in my life I understood Draco Malfoy. I understood why he acted like he did and why he liked people being scared of him. Because if they're scared, they won't hurt you. Draco never got hurt and he might be an arsehole, but he was still better off than me.

He was ice, and right now it seemed like being ice was a lot better than being fire.

I couldn't help but stare too as she walked into the common room. I don't know what I expected, but I didn't expect this.

She looked powerful, like the situation hadn't fazed her one bit. She seemed ... untouchable.

It was one of the very few things I admired about her. She never let her head down. Whatever was thrown her way, insults, setbacks or fear, she kept her head high and always maintained that air of elegance. It's that what made her untouchable. You can't touch a woman who wears pain like the grandest diamonds around her neck.

I stretched out my sore knuckles and grabbed my bag for class. We had Arithmancy in a bit, followed by History of Magic and Divination, terrific.

Daphne walked by, a sad look on her face.

"How is Eleanor doing?" I asked, walking to breakfast with her.

"I don't know", she sighed. "She says she's fine, but I know she's not. She's so ... cold."

"Yeah, I would too if someone pulled a stunt like that", I shrugged. I didn't necessarily like Eleanor, but what Pucey had done to her was not okay.

Everyone knew that Eleanor didn't get romantically involved with anyone. Even though I'd never admit it, she was desired. Many Slytherins would like to shoot their shot, but she seemed so unattainable.

Pucey was the first bloke she'd ever let in. That was one of the consequences of our families being so close. I knew so much about her without personally getting to know her.

She had let someone in for the first time and it ended up with finding out it was for a stupid bet. It made me furious for some reason. I wasn't the nicest person, but I would never put a bet on something like that.

I assumed Pucey had won the bet as I had seen the two of them kiss. That had been after Christmas break, though, but it also didn't look like a first kiss. What if he hadn't won?

Did that mean that I had been her first kiss?

I really hoped I wasn't, because that kiss was terrible as a first kiss. It was unexpected, unwanted and I hadn't even asked her permission. But then again, was Pucey as a first kiss much better? And why was I overthinking this?

"You two really switched roles last night, you know?" Daphne said. She had been talking the past minute, but I hadn't heard a single word.

"What?" I asked, confused.

"You and Lea. You acted like opposites last night. She turned very icy, like you, no offense, and you suddenly got all impulsive and fiery, like she usually is."

"Yeah, well he couldn't just get away with it", I shrugged, rubbing over my bruised knuckles. His face looked a lot worse and he deserved every last punch.

"It was nice of you to stand up for her like that", Daphne said. "I know you don't like her, but you did it anyway. I'm proud of you."

I raised one eyebrow, not sure what this girl was getting at. Did she think I did that to please her? I didn't care much about Daphne, Pucey just acted like an arse and needed to be put in his place.

The day went by excruciatingly slow. I didn't mind Arithmancy, but History of Magic was such a bore. It had been drilled into my head from the age of two and now I had to follow the same history classes as muggleborns? There was no challenge. And don't even get me started on Divination ...

I saw Adrian regularly throughout the day, which was interesting. He looked at me all throughout breakfast, lunch and supper. He didn't dare come up to me as Tracey and Daphne guarded me like two pitbulls. I wouldn't even mind if he did.

The thing that I did notice was his face. He had a black eye and cuts on his cheek and lips. I didn't want to ask anyone about it, as I didn't want them to think I cared. It didn't matter who did it, but he got what he deserved.

"Out of my way", I snapped at two young Ravenclaws as they were blocking the path to the dungeons. I only had three hours before I'd have to patrol and I was planning on spending that by taking a long, hot bath in the prefect's bathroom.

The two Ravenclaws jumped to one side, clearing the way.

"Have you heard? Umbridge has been interrogating teachers. She's trying to get them all fired", Daphne sighed. I gritted my teeth. I hated that woman. As I predicted, she was slowly working her way up in Hogwarts. If she wasn't a teacher, I would have gently pushed her down a flight of stairs long ago.

"Lea, where are you going?" Tracey asked as they sat down on the couches.

"Bathroom."

I went to my dorm to grab a new set of clothes, towels and some bath supplies. I usually didn't have time for baths, but I was quite on top of my work and I was in dire need of some peace and quiet.

Unfortunately, that peace and quiet was too much to ask, apparently, as I noticed Adrian Pucey walking through the hallways. Of course faith had to be like that.

He noticed me and I knew he was going to talk to me. Tracey and Daphne weren't around, nor was anyone else.

"Eleanor, can we talk, please?" he asked as we crossed paths.

"I have nothing to say to you, Pucey", I sighed, continuing my way to the prefect's bathroom. Why did it have to be located on the fifth floor again?

"Then please just let me talk, let me explain", he said, following me.

"I suggest you leave me the hell alone, Pucey, or there will be consequences." He did not give up. If he would go away or start speaking, I didn't care much. There was nothing I really cared about at the moment.

"Eleanor, just let me apologize. I need you to know that it wasn't fake. I do like you, a whole lot, I have all year. The bet was stupid and I shouldn't have gone through with it, I'm sorry."

It was no use responding. I had nothing to say anyway. Of course I wouldn't accept his apology. Not now, not ever. I didn't do second chances. You get one chance with me, that's it. If you screw it up, that's on you.

"Eleanor, please", Adrian blocked my way to the prefect's bathroom. He really was being an inconvenience now, so I got out my wand.

"Petrificus Totalus", I mumbled. Adrian froze in his spot and finally, he stopped speaking.

"Pine fresh", I mumbled, unlocking the door of the bathroom. I walked in and locked the door behind me. Someone else would find him and if not, I didn't really care.

I filled up the bath whilst undressing myself. This was a huge advantage of being a prefect. Being able to take a bath instead of showering every time was a very welcome luxury. I stepped into the hot water and allowed my muscles to relax. I gathered all the thoughts that were causing a raucous in my brain and let them pass one by one. The mass break-out, Malfoy flirting with Daphne, Malfoy kissing me, Adrian kissing me for a bet, the upcoming O.W.L. examinations ... Life really was a mess right now.

I only got out of the water when my fingers had gone all wrinkly and the water had turned cold. I had to get ready for patrol anyway. I dried myself off using a couple of spells and combed my hair. I slipped on a thick jumper, a pair of boots and some trousers. I couldn't wait for spring to roll around.

When I opened the door to the hallway, Adrian was gone. I guess someone had found him eventually.

I shrugged and made my way back to the common room, luckily not running into anyone else.

"Hey, Lea, up for a game of Exploding Snap?" Tracey asked as I walked in. She was sitting around the fireplace with Daphne, Nott and some other Slytherins from our year.

"Got patrol", I said and went to my dorm to put away my stuff. When I got back, Malfoy was already waiting.

We walked in silence for a long time, but I could feel that he wanted to say something. And he did, eventually.

"So, how are you doing?" he asked, clearly uncomfortable. I wondered if he had ever asked someone that before.

"I'm fine", I said, continuing the walk, but yet again, the hallways were empty.

"Come on, don't give me that crap", Malfoy sighed. He grabbed me by my shoulder and pulled me around. "I know you're not."

"Yes, I am, Malfoy, so stop babying me!" I snapped, pushing away his hand. His eyebrows very shortly scrunched together as he winced.

"What's up with you?" I questioned as he rubbed his hand. Just then I noticed that his knuckles were bruised, as if he had punched something or more likely, someone.

"Nothing", he mumbled, pulling down his sleeve.

I grabbed his hand and inspected it shortly. He had definitely punched someone.

"Did you beat him up, Pucey?" I asked, returning to the blank impression. He didn't say anything, which told me all I needed to know.

"You shouldn't have", I said before letting go and continuing patrol.

"A thank you would also be nice", he called after me, but I didn't respond. I didn't need him to stick up for me. I didn't need anyone. I was doing just fine by myself.