When Astoria discovered Draco's favorite color it seemed to make a good amount of sense. After all, he was raised in a household that prided itself on being an old-blood family.

The Malfoy name spawned back generations and as such, were treated as wizarding royalty; at least by the other small minded, backwards thinking pure-blood families that were left.

There weren't many, Astoria knew, and she was sure that Draco would flounder like a fish out of water if she were to leave him to continue living a fantasy.

She knew that the Light was rising. Soon the world would be bright again and Draco would no longer have shadows to hide in. He, like everyone else, would have to grow up. That was where her plan would begin.

Astoria smiled fondly as she gave the messenger owl one last treat, before sending it off with the parcel tied loosely around it's leg. She watched as it flew on a warm air current towards the castle, turning to walk back down the owlery stairs once it had entered the great hall.

By the time she would arrive at lunch, Draco would have received the delivery. It was quite cunning of her, she had to admit. There was nothing better than breaking tradition than by a young lady choosing court a man.

As she stepped into the foyer of the castle, she was hardly surprised when Draco was there waiting for her. With a lovely smile on her lips, she wandered up to him.

Slightly thrown off by the look he was suddenly on the receiving end of Draco flushed before he scowled. "What is the meaning of this?" He held out the contents of the parcel.

Astoria glanced at the small quill that was a magnificent shade of purple. It was special, she knew, in that it would correct essays on it's own. She smiled up at him again, "That would be my request of courtship."

The flush deepened as the corners of his mouth tipped further downwards. He shook the quill at her and growled out, "Who do you believe we are? Some muggle riff raff?"

Though he tried to hide it, she knew that he liked the gift and that appearances were trying to be kept. "Now Draco, this is not the eighteen hundreds and I quite fancy you. I would like to court you, if you would let me."

At the words Draco's lips flicked upwards for just a moment before he could stop it and he forced the frown back on his face. Though his eyes were pleased, she knew that it was difficult for him.

Straightening his spine and standing tall, he glanced around as if checking for eavesdroppers. Astoria watched as when he found no one around and he gave one sharp nod. He shook the quill one last time, "This is forbidden."

With a smile that lit up her eyes, Astoria simply laughed, clearly seeing the double meaning in his words. Once again catching him off guard she gave him a fond glance, "This can be our little secret." And her words, for the first time, made him smile.

It was then that Astoria knew, he too wanted to be free.

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Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoyed!