A knocking at my door startled me awake, followed by a whispered “Alyce?”
”Huh.. what time is it?” I squinted in the darkness then grabbed my wand, “Lumos.”
Draco came into view holding a few treats. “You coming?” He asked smirking, but it was almost a smile.
”Yeah yeah,” I made sure Dice had water then I tucked a few extra blankets under my arm and followed Draco out.
We arrived at the tower and I set out the blankets on the balcony. The summer air was warm but the night brought an unwelcome chill.
“Alright, I bought chocolate frogs and butter-beer,” he said opening a bottle and handing it to me.
”Those are my favorites,” I said with a questioning look.
He shrugged. “Guess I payed more attention to you then you thought.”
I smiled. It was nice to know he cared, even if it was just a little.
The stars became more bright as the night progressed, and we settled into the blankets and snacks.
”Right there is Orion, and there’s Canes Venatici,” he pointed them out to me, tracing their shapes. “Oh, there’s Draco, the one I was named after quite obviously. It’s in the shape of a dragon.”
”Wow. Very cool.” As much as I wanted this moment to last forever, my eyelids started drooping and began to feel very heavy.
I drifted off, then used his shoulder as a pillow. I was too tired to care what he’d say anyway…
…Light streaming in from my curtains woke me, followed by Dice clicking her beak, reminding me to feed her like I always do in the morning.
I sat up in bed and blinked the sleep out of my eyes to see that I was indeed in my room. It seemed like merely seconds ago I was drifting off on Draco’s shoulder.
Hm. That sounds very hot now that I think of it that way.
I quickly shook my head to clear it of the thought, the went to change.
I threw on a black skirt and knit sweater, accessorized with my favorite necklace.
“Alright you impatient owl, I’m coming.” I complained as Dice squawked loudly. After feeding her, I decided a walk outside would do us both some good.
The manor had a lovely garden behind it, the pride and joy of Mrs. Malfoy. There was a large fountain in the middle of all the flowers and bushes, so I sat to read while Dice flew around and terrorized small rodents.
Today had a lovely warm breeze, carrying a floral scent.
As much as I’d hate to admit it to anyone, I was warming up to this place… and it’s people.
I heard a crunching sound that took me from my thoughts, and looked up to see Narcissa,
”Enjoying the gardens Alyce? I’d hope you would find comfort here, they are very relaxing.” She leaned down to smell a white rose.
”They’re beautiful Mrs. Malfoy, I’m honored that you let me share them.”
”Please, Narcissa.” She smiled then sat down on the wide edge of the fountain with me. “I know… I know what this is like. Draco’s father and I were in an arranged marriage as well.”
I waited for her to continue, this was a side of the stately woman I had not seen before.
”We fell in love after the marriage, by choice. I’m hoping that you and Draco can do the same, my life would not be where it is today without Lucius. But I understand that it isn’t easy right now.” She had a motherly look in her eyes that made me want to cry for some reason.
Although, did she truly care for me? Or did she just want to protect her son.
”Thank you. I’m not expecting anything extreme to happen just yet, but we are taking little steps forward, just getting to know one another.” I smiled at my safe answer. Reassuring her while keeping mine and Draco’s friendship intact.
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