Chapter Seven
Rule 12. During courtship, only the male counterpart of the intended pair may initiate excursions.
When Astoria woke up in the morning, she groaned and tossed onto her other side to look at the time.
Seven a.m., which was excruciatingly early in her eyes. She sat up, brushing her dishevelled hair out of her eyes. She noticed the parchment on the floor, closer to the door than the bed. Her groggy brain lifted the curtains on the events of last night and the quickly rattled out of Astoria's mouth
"Oh, Merlin." Awareness jolting through her, she scrambled out of bed, nearly tripping over her bedsheets in the process. She grasped the crumpled letter, read it once more, then folded it and stuffed it into one of the drawers of her desk. She went through her morning routine to be presentable for the day and paused before her closed door, taking in a deep lungful of air several times in order to calm her frayed nerves. The rules never said she couldn't do what she was about to do, but it also didn't say that she could, and this was slightly frightening.
At eight a.m., her mother would likely be sitting in the kitchen, wide awake and reading The Prophet whilst she answered any owls. She walked at a sedate pace down the hallway, bypassing Daphne's room, where she could hear the soft sounds of laughter both male and female. Marcus was over, clearly. Her heart, her mind, her whole body, was screaming at her to run, and still she kept that sedate pace.
"Hello Darling! How was your sleep last night?" Isabel enquired of her daughter, seeing movement at the top of the stairs.
"Morning, Mother! I am fine, my sleep was wonderful thank you." Astoria traversed the stairs as she spoke and sat down across from her mother to see a scowl creeping into the older woman's face.
"Mine was lovely, thank you for asking, Astoria." Isabel gently chided. Astoria ducked her head, shamefaced, as was the norm when one did not follow proper social cues in the Greengrass household.
"Sorry, Mother."
"I just read in The Prophet that Draco was sentenced three years ago today." At her mother's words, it clicked for her. That was why Draco had been so… maudlin, as he called it. She realised, belatedly, that her mother had been trying to get her attention.
"Yes, Mother? I do not seem to be full awake yet. I apologise." Isabel rolled her eyes but repeated her words.
"I said, it seems awful, doesn't it. They still try to vilify the boy, even three years later. That is just bad reporting."
"Actually, mother, this is why I had come down to speak with you about. I am going to be asking for something out of the norm, but this is a special circumstance. I want to request to see him, Mother. It's been longer than a week; I think we can both safely assume he's been out of sorts with this… anniversary, so that's why he hasn't sent me a letter to indicate the next meeting. I would like very much to see him to make sure he is doing okay. I'll take him to that bookstore in muggle Oxford; we'll be safer there than if we go out together in the wizarding world today, I think. Please. Only for a few hours." Isabel looked at her daughter with narrowed eyes which also held something that Astoria identified as surprise.
"Why this sudden need to be with your intended?"
"Well I would think that Draco would be… out of sorts about today and I want to help him through it. Isn't that a great way to prepare for being his wife?" Astoria said innocently, looking at her mother.
"You make a good point, dear daughter. Approved. Use the fireplace to contact the Malfoy household. Tell him to meet you here so Daphne can side-along him. One of the House Elves will rouse Daphne." Astoria tossed some of the fine floo powder into the fireplace.
"Malfoy Manor." Astoria said in a ringing voice. Astoria could see the foyer and Narcissa kneeling daintily in front of her end of the fireplace.
"Astoria! Hello dear. To what do I owe the pleasure of this fire call?"
"I remembered that Draco had been sentenced three years ago today. I was wondering if I could take him out in order to distract him from today. In the muggle world. He'll be left alone, I swear."
"Your mother has approved of this?" Narcissa finally said after a long and silent deliberation. Astoria nodded vigorously in response.
"I wouldn't be calling you if I hadn't. That would be against the rules." As Astoria spoke, she saw Daphne speed down the stairs and join her sister in front of the fireplace.
"Don't worry, Mrs. Malfoy. I'll have them under my eye at all times."
"See that you do. I will ensure that Draco gets ready and presents himself at your home in a timely manner. He will see you soon. And, Astoria? Thank you for your thoughtfulness." Narcissa ended the call. Astoria stood from her kneeling position and brushed away imaginary dust from the black dress she was wearing. In the light that sliced through the kitchen, Astoria shined because her dress was corded thinly with silver threads.
"I must put on my makeup and choose an appropriate coat. If you'll excuse me." Astoria quickly moved upstairs, chose a thick burgundy coat made of fine wool, and stuffed the letter she retrieved from her desk into her pocket before turning to her mirror and her makeup. Some mascara and lipstick and she was good to go after snatching some muggle money from her bedside table. She rushed back downstairs just in time to hear the knocker being rapped against the heavy oak door.
"I'll open it." Astoria pushed her way past Daphne, who was nearly at the door, and threw it open. She took a pause to consider Draco's appearance.
His hair, which hadn't been combed back at all in the times she'd seen him, merely looked as though all he'd done was drag his fingers through it, making it especially wavy. He wasn't wearing a tie but his grey dress shirt was pressed and unwrinkled, as were his black slacks. The only sign of his seemingly restless night were the light purple bruises under his eyes and the slight sallow quality to his skin.
"Astoria." Draco seemed surprised that she'd answered the door.
"Hello, Draco."
"Why… you have House Elves to answer your door. I could have been anyone."
"I was expecting you, Draco. I wouldn't open the door to just anyone. Let's go. Daphne will Side-Along you." Daphne peered around her sister's shoulder.
"Blackwell's, Astoria?" Daphne enquired of her sister. Astoria nodded decisively.
"Blackwell's. See you in a moment." Astoria disappeared. Daphne looked at Draco, who seemed a tad paler than normal.
"You alright, Draco?"
"Yes, fine. Let's just meet up with Astoria before she gets worried." Daphne frowned at Draco's terse tone but grasped his forearm and the familiar sensation of Side-Along apparition overcame him.
Side-Along apparition was the worst. Apparating normally, by himself, in order to get to the Greengrass residence, had only slightly twisted his stomach as a by-product of his drinking last night. Side-Along apparition with Daphne had tipped his already weak stomach over the edge. He'd had only enough awareness to note they were in a deserted alleyway before heaving out the minimal contents of his stomach that his mother had forced him to partake in before leaving home. When he'd finished, Daphne was looking at him with disappointment stamped on her face. From the exit of the alleyway, where Astoria must have been keeping watch, came a gasp and rushing steps.
"Draco! Are you alright?" When Draco looked at her, he saw the warmth and concern that seeped from her eyes. Astoria vanished the puddle of sick and pointed her wand at his now wan features. Abruptly, bubbles and soap erupted from his mouth and he spat the offending substance out to speed the process along. Stopping the spell, Astoria led the way out of the alleyway and into the throng and jostle of people. They turned a corner, and where cars and buses had been rampant on the previous street, this road seemed barely travelled, and people of all ages were walking on the sidewalk and the road with abandon. Very old looking buildings were broken up by modern shopping establishments.
"Where are we?"
"Oxford. It's quite beautiful here."
"It looks old."
"It is. There's even an old church here and you can tour it; there's a room inside it, a dining hall of sorts that reminds me of the Great Hall. The majority of these buildings are actually part of the muggle university of the same name of the town. From my research it's a very prestigious university and people come here from all over the world to study. These older buildings are where some of the students live and attend classes."
"Huh. I've actually been meaning to come here. One of their libraries has an alchemical manuscript that I've been meaning to try and gain access to. Where are we going, anyway?"
"Blackwell's. It' one of the oldest bookstores I've been to. There's a café on the first floor that we can sit in and have a chat."
"Are you sure we won't be-"
"Recognised? Of course not. This is the muggle area of Oxford. While I'm sure there is a secret, wizarding portion, I've not been able to find it all the times I've been here. Don't worry." Astoria spoke animatedly as she led him inside the large bookstore, Daphne following a small distance away so as to give them a small semblance of privacy. Draco could smell coffee right away, and his stomach complained at the scent assaulting his nostrils. Astoria took them to the next floor up and the café, whilst busy, had a few unoccupied tables overlooking the street they'd just been on. Astoria looked at Draco and waved her hand toward the empty tables. After a fleeing moment of confusion on his face, he got the message and walked over to the table closest to the window and sat down heavily. He looked a bit peaky. She ordered for everyone, even Daphne, and after being reassured it would be brought to her, Astoria sat across from Draco, noticing Daphne sitting discreetly nearby, candle already burning.
Draco had his eyes trained on the street below, but upon hearing the screech of a chair being dragged across the floor he jumped visibly. His eyes met hers, but they held none of their usual light they seemed to have when he looked upon her.
"Hello, Astoria. I seem to have forgotten flowers for you today. I will make up for it when we meet next."
"It's no problem at all, Draco. I had a feeling today might be… troubling for you." She slipped the note from her pocket and slid it across the table to him. As he took it and smoothed it open, Astoria noted an expression of horror cross his face before it was quickly smothered.
"What is this?"
"You wrote me last night."
"I'd have said that's not possible, as my mother would never have allowed me to in the state I was in – I don't remember writing this – but the proof is right here." Astoria had to lean in to hear Draco's faint words. Astoria said nothing and gave him a moment to read the letter. During this silence, the barista delivered their order. Draco reached out without asking what she had gotten him and sipped. He sighed in appreciation.
"Better? I thought the mint would help."
"Much, thank you." Draco said absently as he finished reading. He sighed heavily enough to flutter the parchment and he passed it back to her. Once she'd taken it and placed it into her pocket again, Draco had the bridge of his nose pinched with thumb and forefinger, and his eyes were scrunched shut.
"I wanted to talk to you about that letter." Astoria prompted when Draco said nothing. He set his hands flat on the table and looked at her, giving her his full attention.
"Ask me anything you'd like to know."
"Why don't you believe me when I told you that my friends liked you?" Draco's eyes widened at the question.
"That's what you're starting with? Of all the damning things I said in that letter, that's what you're leading with."
"My friends are important to me. If you don't believe in me or them, we've got a problem." There was a long enough silence that Astoria started to shift in her seat before Draco answered.
"Fair enough. It's hard for me to believe them because I was insulting. I'm-I was, a Death Eater. The majority of the wizarding world in Britain hates me. I've come to accept that. Even expect it. So it makes it difficult to think that anyone other than my family would want anything to do with me." When he looked over at Astoria – he couldn't recall when he'd averted his gaze – a frown marred her soft features.
"Draco, you do realise that we are arranged to become family, right?"
"That's if you or I don't break it off."
"I don't plan on breaking it off, Draco. I'd only do that if you seriously hurt me in some way and we couldn't sort it out. Are you planning on breaking it off with me?"
"No, of course not."
"Well, I'm glad we've got that sorted, Draco. My friends do like you, in spite of the initial awkwardness. You need to try and be open to the fact that people outside your family will be a part of your life. You can't isolate yourself forever because it's potentially easier."
"Understood. I like them too, by the way. They seem good for you."
"They can be good for you too, if you let them. What made you send the letter in the first place?"
"I'd been drinking. Every year we get Howlers for a few days around this time."
"Howlers? Whatever for?"
"From people who thought I should have gone to Azkaban. Who think I'm a murderer and a Death Eater."
"But you're none of those things. You were cleared of all charges, so why were you driven to drink, Draco? You had so much that you don't even remember sending this letter. That's worrying."
"I really, really appreciate the concern, Astoria. I do. My mother would appreciate it as well. But I don't know if I can explain it to you."
"Try. Please?" Astoria took a sip of her vanilla latte to mask her nervousness.
"I sat in a small cell for two weeks in Azkaban whilst I awaited trial. I had a lot of time to think, and none of those thoughts were rainbows and sunshine, Astoria. When I was put before the Wizengamot, I knew, I just knew that I was going to be following in my father's footsteps once more, but that it would be for a lifetime in Azkaban. I'd come to terms with that. I'd done horrible things. I should expect nothing less from our justice system. I deserved it. But when I was cleared…."
"You didn't know what to do." Astoria finished for him. Draco nodded.
"Exactly. Everything came crashing down. I suddenly got to live my life and I didn't know how to do that; I didn't even think it was fair for me to be able to do that when so many lives had been lost during the War. I don't think of this being cleared of all charges deal as a blessing. It's just a reminder of what has been lost. I don't think I'll be able to reconcile anytime soon with being exonerated. After I was cleared I spent a year at our Château in France just to keep away from the press and to… deal with this. You would enjoy the Château, I think."
"I remember reading that in the papers that you'd disappeared."
"It was hard to face the rest of the world. Every time that this anniversary rolls around, I am reminded that I haven't fully dealt with it. I'm mucking this up. I don't know how to explain it." Draco growled in the back of his throat in frustration. Astoria reached her hand across the table, but then remembered the rule: no touching. She sighed and dragged her hand back.
"I'm sorry that you feel like this. That you're getting Howlers. That must be awful. Have you seen a Healer? A mind healer." Astoria clarified. Draco gaped at her.
"That's preposterous. Tell an absolute stranger my deepest secrets and have them aired out to the press? No thank you."
"Okay. I had to ask. I know the name of a good one, if you ever need it. Eat your muffin. It's plain, but I figured it would be best for your stomach." Automatically Draco followed her order and took a nibbling bite, cautiously chewing and swallowing.
"Thank you. I wrote you because I was feeling awful about what this whole situation meant for you, that you'd be paired up with somebody that is pretty hated by the rest of the community in Britain. Because I was tired of hearing the yelling of the Howlers and I wanted to think about something else. I can see already that you've a kind heart. There's someone so much better for you out there."
"How about I decide that, Draco? You don't get to decide that. Apart from when you're feeling sorry for yourself, you're actually quite a treat to speak with. You're intelligent, you're passionate, and you try to understand everything before you open your mouth. These are all great qualities to have. When you're not beating yourself up, I quite like you, Draco. So, tell me about this alchemical manuscript that in the library across the road. What do you want with it?" The sudden change in topic threw Draco for a loop and he sputtered tea onto the table between them.
"So that's it? That's all you're going to ask me about the letter?"
"Yes. I'm pleased that you decided to write to me as opposed to anyone else. It means that you think about me too. I like that. It's a good basis for a relationship. I don't see the point in beating a topic to death when I've got what I wanted. It wastes so much time, don't you agree?"
"Yes, Astoria. That it does. Thank you." Draco watched as Astoria's face scrunched up in confusion.
"What for?"
"For being you." Astoria beamed a smile at him and lifted her mug. Draco tapped his own mug against hers and they both listened to the solid clack of the ceramic bumping.
