Disclaimer: All rights belongs to J. K. Rowling. All recognizable characters, plot and situations are not owned by me. I make no profits from this story.
Warning: Story rated M for language, violence and graphic sexual scenes.
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"Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
― J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
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This chapter is rated T.
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CHAPTER 7.
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Azkaban, 17th March 2004
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Since dementors were no longer guardians in Azkaban, wizarding society considered it... less-gloomy place. Astoria could hardly imagine how depressing it had to be in the past. She felt terrible from the first moment she's got here.
The visits room was quite bright thanks to huge windows. Still, stone floor and rock walls made the impression that there is dark inside. The room seemed empty because there were a lot of tables and chairs but no people. In the room, there was only her, Draco and his father.
She has never met Lucious Malfoy in person, just saw him accidentally few times before Dark Lord returned. She was astonished to discover he didn't seem to change much. He was a little bit thinner, looked tired but still proud and confident. She was sure he has to regret lots of things but probably would never admit that.
Astoria expected him to don't like her. Despite it looked like she was right, Lucious at least hasn't treated her like she was unworthy of his attention. „Your father testified against me and now my son expects me to give you my blessing", he said. It was hard to see any emotions in those words. She felt like she was accused of something, but it's impossible to defend if you don't even know the charges.
Not that she would try to explain herself towards him. He was the criminal here and, even despite she was a little afraid, she wasn't going to let him drive her in a complex like she was inferior to him.
She wasn't sure what she thought about Lucious Malfoy. For her, he was a Death Eater and she hated all of them. But in the same time, he still was Draco's father and she knew Draco respects him. Because of that, she wanted to see Lucious as a human being who committed huge crimes... But still, a human being, not a monster most people considered him to be.
„Father, I would like you to give us your approval", Draco said. „But Astoria doesn't have to prove anything. And we won't beg for your permission".
Lucious glanced at him, seeming displeased. „As I thought", he replied and looked at Astoria again. „You are now part of our family. Even if you don't really want to be, I expect you to stand tall and behave with dignity like a family name oblige you to".
...
Malfoy Manor, an hour later
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„You didn't have to go there, but I really appreciate you did", was Draco's first words when they came to the manor by the Floo.
Despite that visit turned to be... almost pleasant, she was nervous and tense. Apparently, she hasn't succeeded in an attempt to hide it. When Draco came closer and wrapped arms around her, she relaxed.
„Everything okay?", he asked watching carefully her face.
„Yes, it is", she claimed, feeling much more secure. „I suppose I passed the test".
„It's not a test", Draco replied. „You don't have to meet anyone's expectations to be my wife". He was surprisingly serious at this point.
„Well, even in that case, tonight is your turn to prove something. I expect you to be nice", when Draco made a wry face she corrected herself: „Neutral, at least".
„For your sister, I'm always neutral and I'm always kind. Maybe you haven't noticed but it costs a lot of effort. The last time I talked to her, she looked like she was going to stab me with a fork. I find it hardly polite".
Astoria smiled cheerfully. „That's why we don't eat anything tonight. Only theatre".
„You are very precautionary, I admit that".
„And you can be very patient if you want", she claimed.
„I promise to give it a try", Draco replied and reached out to run fingers down her cheek. Even soft touch like that made her heart beat faster. In the past few days, he hardly touched her, being even more cautious with every slight contact when they've been alone. She could guess why and it made her regret that she's told him about the curse. Now, he felt uncomfortable with her. „After all, it looks like I should be grateful to your sister".
„Why?", she wasn't able to guess what was in his mind.
„Well, Daphne is many things but she hardly can be called nice. It seems to me that she inherited all character flaws in your family. That's the only explanation why you are so beautiful and charming in the same time", his hand slid down her back in slow movement which made her shiver. She looked up at him, intent on kissing him first if he won't do this in a few seconds. But Draco relinquished the embrace and stepped back from her. „Mother probably is waiting for us. She has to be eager to know what you think about your father-in-law".
„For sure he is less scary than I thought", Astoria replied, trying to hide her disappointment. Lately, she's spent more time with her soon-mother-in-law than she's had with Draco, mostly because Narcissa wanted to play a key role in wedding preparations. And because Draco seemed to prefer not spend too much time with her.
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Theatre, somewhere in magical Vienna, the same day in the evening
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„I haven't known you will come", Astoria said with surprise on her face.
„Does it mean you are not pleased to see me?", Theo responded, probably already knowing the answer.
„Of course it's always nice to see you", she replied with pure politeness.
Draco, who seconds before pulled out a chair for her and now sat back on his own seat next, stared at them with a frown. „What is going on with you too?"
„I asked Theo to come", Daphne interfered.
She came to the cafeteria with Astoria but now, when Draco chose the chair for his fiancée next to him, at the table for six persons, she was forced to make a choice – sit with them or next to Theo on the other side. She chose the second one. It was obvious she wasn't pleased with Draco's attempt to take control over the situation. It looked like the beginning of a troublesome battle.
„I suppose Daphne did this for you, not because my companion is so eligible", Theo said to Astoria. „She is worried you could become a widow before you've had a chance to be the bride".
Draco looked at him with malice. „You are so funny when you attempt to make a joke. It would be better if you've had any sense of humour but still, good intentions counts".
„About that, did you choose repertoire? 'Orlando furioso?' I find it funny because this poem contains the first literary description of a hippogriff. This wonderful creature will appear on the stage", Daphne pointed out.
Malfoy rolled his eyes at the mention, but he decided to ignore it. „No, my lovely wife have chosen it", he replied and then directed gaze at Astoria and carried up her hand to submit a kiss. Theo was sure that he did that only to irritate Daphne.
Daphne sent him a gaze of astonishment mixed with malice. „You already consider Tori your wife? I have to remind, you are not married yet".
„It's easy to forget", Draco responded in boring tone while caressing Astoria's hand in his palm.
Theo realized that it really was good luck Daphne invited him on this meeting. Now they both were just testing waters – but it soon could turn into a turf war.
At school, their small battles were amusing. But he wasn't sure if it could be like that this time. May turn into something serious. Better not.
„I see. That's why you've instructed her to quit a job?"
Draco looked at Daphne with a frown on his face. Astoria reacted first. „He didn't".
Daphne hasn't turned out to her, her gaze was still focused on Malfoy who turned his face to her, to show unconcerned look. „Suggested, then?"
„Yes, it was my suggestion for her to already quit the job", Draco replied with a cold voice.
„Already", Daphne repeated. „It turns your previous action to kick Whitlock out of his position in health department purposeless".
Draco hasn't shown any reaction towards that accusation. „Is he your friend or something that you care that much?"
„No, unfortunately, I don't have highly placed friends like that. But you do and you don't hesitate to pull out the strings to get rid of someone who seems to get on your way".
„I don't deny it", Draco replied sharply, not even trying to act calm. „Is it a problem for you?"
„Yes, it is, when you use it to take control over... You know, you can't just sack someone for conversing. Tori is not a thing you can keep to yourself like a toy".
Well, it was the plain-spoken attack. Astoria visibly tensed, aware of the fact that this can turn into open conflict. Theo started to feel compassion towards her. But he still preferred to wait and see if they are capable of any kind of understanding. If he interferes, there won't be any kind of agreement. Just latent rivalry.
„I didn't do that because he asked Astoria out but because of his lecherous glance", Draco claimed and looked at Daphne critically. „I don't expect you to notice something like that and I don't feel like I have to explain myself towards you".
Daphne hesitated for few seconds. She dropped the subject and got back to the previous one. „And now she will quit the job and then, what? You will lock her up in the manor so no one can glance at her?"
Astoria sent appealing look towards her, but Daphne ignored it. Draco seemed like he was starting to lose his patience. He turned his gaze from his old classmate and glanced at pressurized fiancée, fondling her hand in an attempt to comfort her. „Astoria, darling, do you like your job?"
The blonde witch turned to her older sister. „No, Daphne, I didn't like it".
Daphne frowned. „But you quitted work in our clinic to work there".
„I don't know which one was worse. Do you like to be office lady under Dad's command?", Astoria asked impudently.
Theo raised eyebrows with disbelief. Daphne seemed astonished, but it was hard to say if she was also petulant.
„That's not the point", she replied, avoiding an answer. „What are you going to do now?"
„Now I focus on my courses. And I have a ceremony to arrange".
„And then, what?", Daphne insisted and even Theo had to think that she was a little too offensive. „You find another job, to start from lower position again? You just got promoted"
Malfoy gave up on caressing Astoria's hand and straightened himself in the chair, to face Daphne. „To be someone's secretary? My wife won't be under anyone's command and she sure as hell doesn't need to work. In my family women do not work".
„Ha!", was Daphne's respond. Obviously from the very beginning she wanted to hear the statement like that. „And you consider this the one and only right way due to tradition. Are you aware that maybe it would be better for your mother to do something more than simply being the Great Malfoy wife?"
Draco clenched his teeth. This time, it was Astoria who took his hand.
Theo's chose to just regard them all carefully. He made the very interesting conclusion that Astoria, despite being stuck between the devil and the deep blue see, hasn't looked like she was going to panic. He half expected her to panic at the very beginning of this conversation because she always behaved like that in stressful situations at school.
„I warn you", Draco snapped at Daphne with serious but cold voice, „don't bad-mouth my parents. This is out of question".
Daphne's had to realize she went overboard. „I didn't mean it. That's not the point. You are selfish, possessive bastard, Malfoy. Are you at least capable of any afterthought?"
At least she got back to insulting him which gave the hope it all won't burst into a fight.
Unexpectedly Astoria interjected. „Daphne, if you are just looking out for an opportunity to affront Draco, why did you even agree to come here? I didn't ask you for that", she said quietly but with conviction.
It seemed like she made the decision to pick up a side. And it could turn bad. Before Theo went off, Malfoy reacted. "I don't feel offended. Daphne always has had a strange way to show love".
Daphne rolled her eyes. "Make me love you more and I will smash your face".
"I think it's time to go. The play is about to start in twenty minutes. We should take our seats", it looked like this was the first thing Astoria was pleased to say.
...
Hogwarts meadows, 30th Oct 1993
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The weather started to be chilly in a recent couple of days but still, students tried to spend outside as much time as they could. As the school year was passing by, the amount of time needed to learn increased. In a couple of weeks, there will be almost nothing for students despite cramming and reading so everyone tried to make good use of free time.
While they were sitting under the willow, Daphne was complaining about Snape and Theo just listened despite she knew this lenient look well. He was unexceptional good in potions and it irritated her.
„Well, well. It looks like you've got yourself a boyfriend, Daphne", she wasn't surprised at all when she turned and saw Draco who approached them.
She looked to see Theo's face and he was of course confounded. Malfoy was always a tauter, but not everyone was accustomed to his attitude.
„Are you jealous?", she replied and gave him a defiant look. „Sorry but you and I, it wouldn't work. Deal with it".
Draco sneered at her and sat down on the grass against them. „How funny of you. Besides, accept my congratulations. I've never thought anyone would like a harpy like you, of course only monster-lover can be gallant enough. No offence, Nott, I'm awe-stricken by your bravery".
„I'm sorry I can't say the same to you", Theo said with politeness. „After you fooled yourself with freaking out over a hippogriff. You wouldn't be that waggish if you ever saw a harpy in person".
Malfoy frowned, obviously puzzled. Daphne felt amused. It was an uncommon thing to embarrass that arrogant punk, Draco „I have affluential Daddy" Malfoy.
„Have you seen any?", the blonde wizard asked still looking perplexed.
„Not many, and I don't miss them. They aren't that pleasant to look at as Daphne is", Theo replied with a serious look on his face. „And not that unoffending as hippogriffs are".
„That damned creature's bitten me", it sounded like an excuse.
„Yes, I saw. Couldn't be that bad, when you still have your arm unimpaired", Theo made a comment. „I wonder how long you will be able to live with your lack of self-preservation".
Malfoy narrowed eyes. „Are you threatening me, Nott?"
Theo smirked. „No, I'm telling this due to friendly concern. Why are you so over-sensitive?"
It seemed like Malfoy hasn't found any smart respond on that. „Are there any things you are interested in, other than... different kinds of monsters?", he asked while giving Daphne sideways glance. "Quidditch, maybe?"
„Of course, I do like quidditch", Theo replied.
„So, which team do you support?"
Daphne rolled her eyes.
Boys. All the same.
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Greengrass sisters flat, 17th March 2004
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„I don't get it", Daphne entered the living room and put on the table two cups of hot chocolate. Then she sat down on the sofa against Astoria. „Don't make this mistake, letting Draco make the decisions for you. It will get into his habit".
„But it wasn't his decision. It was a proposition. And I agreed because it's okay with me. I didn't like the job, I haven't planned to work there for a long time".
„You resigned from the job at health centre so you could work in the office. Why, if it's not what you want to do?", Daphne asked.
It seemed that the issue really bothered her.
„Maybe I had to give it a try to know it's not for me", Astoria knew that it's indirect answer, but she made it sound convincingly so her sister should accept it.
Daphne shook her head with disbelief. „Please, Tori. You've always wanted to help people. I know working with Dad is difficult sometimes but still, that job made you happy. Didn't it? I've found it strange when you came up with the idea to apply for a job in the ministry...", she broke off. „Oh no, don't tell me you did this because of him".
Astoria felt like she could squirm under sister's suspicious eyes. And she did like she was told – remained silent.
Daphne looked perplexed and hasn't said anything for a few seconds. Then, she showed anger. „How can it be, you've carried a torch for Draco Malfoy and I didn't know?", then she turned off her voice and added. „Tell me, how long?"
Astoria shook her head. She felt like she was under the investigation and she had to explain herself. „It wasn't like that".
„Well, it looks absolutely like that. But you hardly ever talked, when did you...", she paused again and wide-opened her eyes. „Don't tell me you've had the crush on Draco since school. It's crazy", she hesitated. „Like it already hasn't been crazy enough. He was a jerk and still is one. So what's the difference".
Astoria felt offended. „No need to be rude", she said.
Daphne didn't seem ashamed. „Sorry, Tori, but I feel like you lied to me. You always acted like you hated my friends, especially Draco. You called him vicious fiend".
„Maybe this is why", she replied quietly and Daphne gave her unexpectedly curious look. „At school I always tried to keep our father's rules and I couldn't understand why you did exactly opposite. I thought it was just your rebellious attitude. And then the day came when I... realized our father is not always right. And then, I noticed that not everything I believed was true. I just regretted that I haven't tried to... get to know some people and make my own opinion. It wasn't only about Draco. At least, not in the beginning. And yes, when I decided I don't want to work in our clinic any longer, I went on interviews in lots of places, just because I wanted to give it a try, open my mind. The work in ministry hasn't seemed attractive to me but I saw Draco at the corridor and...", she felt lost in her own thoughts but still tried to explain. „Maybe it was because of school crush, I'm not sure now. I've seen it differently back then. Like trying to fix something I did wrong", she ended with insecure feeling and looked at Daphne. „Do you understand?"
Daphne seemed concerned. „Not really. But that's how you felt", she broke off and remained silent for a moment like she was thinking over something. „Please, don't tell me you are going to abandon everything for him. The idea to be just... someone's wife and throwing banquets, even if it's charity parties... It's not you, I don't think you could be happy with just these".
„But I haven't told that's all I want to do. I have plans. At first I will complete education and then...", she hesitated. „You can't tell to anyone, especially to Draco".
Daphne raised her eyebrows. „Why?"
Astoria chewed her lips. „Because I told everyone I attend a healing training course and that's not true".
„You shouldn't lie", Daphne replied automatically.
„I know", Astoria couldn't disagree when she... knew but still, she had her reasons. „It's not a lie, it's rather like... a half-lie. It's not that serious".
Daphne frowned. „Then, why did you lie?"
„Because Draco wouldn't approve this. He can't know... At least until I finish course".
„And when it will be?"
„In two years".
...
Hogwarts, 15th March, 1997
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Astoria always kept the rule to never walk through corridors alone. She wouldn't do this, even without Nott's advise. This school year was awful from the first day and to be careful was the matter of self-preservation. Only children of Death Eaters felt safe – everyone else had to mind their actions. With Carrows as teachers and bold children of Dark Lord's followers who treated school like it was their playground, it was easy to be attacked. Maybe not killed but why not attacked. Some of those twisted teenagers really enjoyed new school curriculum.
She was in Slytherin so never was an object for anyone to train unforgivable spells. She even thought that no one will try to teach it in lower grades. But she was wrong, as it turned. Imperius and Cruciatus were mandatory for 5th years.
As Nott told her, she tried to not panic. He told it's not that easy to cast such a spell, even if you really want to do this and train hard. It won't work so fast. And, as he pointed out, Carrows were stupid and sick enough to order students train it on youngers, without training on animals, so it will just take much more time. You can make it look real, you can actually try, it will last hours to get any results.
Of course, he was right. During lessoms they've trained and trained and that wasn't that bad. Amycus Carrow got mad because of lack of progress, but he didn't punish Slytherins much so their things were... Bearable.
Astoria was glad that this year Slytherins took their classes separately, without students from other houses, because they were considered „more equal than others". She knew it's selfish of her but at least she's never seen that... Cruciatus Curse. At least, until now.
They finished Imperius, trained on Gryffindors 3rd years and it wasn't... that bad, the spell wasn't that cruel at least. She felt uneasy going on the lesson today, when they were supposed to start with Cruciatus but still, she thought they won't make any progress in this year... Her classmates was just average in casting spells, as she was, and she felt grateful for that.
But Prewett's twins who transferred from Durmstrang weren't average and they were capable of casting unforgivable spells. At least, that one. They weren't that good with Imperius. Cruciatus had to be their favorite and they have a great amount of fun during the lesson, not only because of screaming Gryffindors children but also because of terrified Slytherins who were there.
Prewetts reminded her of Bellatrix Lestrange who's had the same look on her face while watching someone's suffer. To witness someone's weakness when she felt strong was amusing to her. And to them.
She felt rotten, physically and mentally, to the point that after the lesson she didn't know what to do in first place. Everyone else ran out from that class, even those Gryffindors whom she wanted to help – not that there was anything to do. She wasn't a healer and they, after the spell was cut, were in theory well. Any visible damages. Anything which could be fixed or palliate.
When she approached one of them, trying to figure out if there was anything she could do, they all just escaped, looking at her like she was going to hurt them. Of course, she knew that way of looking well. She's had Slytherin badge on her robe, after all.
She wasn't sure how long was sitting in the corridor next to Dark Magic classroom, but it had to be long because it was quiet around. Next lesson already started. She wasn't even concerned, she was just going to go to girl's dorm in Slytherin house and don't go today anywhere else.
But when she stood up, she saw two students who turned in the corridor. Of course, it was them. Maybe she shouldn't be surprised that they got back.
„Greengrass, you don't look well. We are worried, do you need help?", one of them said with a devious smile. It was hard to tell if it was Ethan or Aiden, they looked exactly the same. Even that cruel look in their eyes was exactly the same.
„No, thank you", she replied., standing in the same place, not sure what to do. They were on her way and she didn't want to take even a step towards them. But to turn out and go in the opposite direction also didn't seem like a reasonable thing to do.
„But there isn't any colour on you usually so pretty face", he insisted. „Are you sick?"
Just go back to hell, she thought but obviously hasn't spoken aloud.
„I think maybe she is worried about those poor 3rd years", this time the other one said. „It seems to me that Greengrass has a very kind heart. Didn't you notice, she almost fainted in the middle of our spectacular show. She felt sorry for them".
„Maybe. What a shame for Salazar Slytherin you are. Maybe you should be sorted to another house. You don't feel well among Slytherins, right? We can help such a pretty girl. What do you think, Ethan?"
„Why not. We can get it done, send you to another house. Which one should it be? Gryffindor if you prove that you are brave".
„Those kids hasn't seemed brave", his brother commented. „But okay, Huffleppufs scream even before we cast a spell so there is the difference. And in which case we send her to Ravenclaw?"
„If she find out how to break the spell in five minutes?"
„Very clever, brother. Deep in your heart you are half-Ravenclaw, I see".
Astoria knew she should already run. Not that it would make any difference, try to escape or not, but she shouldn't just calmly stay there. She wasn't capable of making any move, just stared at them when they kept that ridiculous conversation, both with their eyes on her.
„I suggest you go away". It was a voice from behind her. She didn't even flinch. There was no need to turn and look who was it because she knew that voice pretty well.
„I don't feel like do this. Do you, brother?"
„Not at all".
Now, she felt like panic increased in her. Can it be that he was alone? So where is the rest of them? She turned around to find out that she was right – it was just Draco Malfoy, with a wand in his hand pointed out in Prewetts. He took two steps to approach her, looking behind her back. She looked around, like she hoped that Nott was somewhere in the shadow. Or Blaise or Goyle, whatever. But no one was there.
Astoria thought that Malfoy looked even worse than the last time she saw him. Every time she's got the impression like he was paler than previous and he steadily lose weight. Nothing surprising because he hardly ate anything.
„Do you feel like talk about your feelings in the headmaster's office?", Malfoy said with a frown.
One of the twins sneered at him. "Don't think that being a prefect and headmaster's pet makes you untouchable", his hand reached to his pocket but his brother stopped him.
"Don't be stupid", he snapped. Then, he turned his gaze to Malfoy. „Okay, we go this time. Remember, if you decide to stand by losers, you can become one of them. Take it into consideration, Malfoy".
Astoria's heard steps and hoped the twins have gone once and for all.
Malfoy looked down at her.
„What are you doing here? Don't you know the rules?", he said with anger. „It costs Slytherin twenty points".
At that, she flinched like she came to life. „For what?"
„Mucking around on corridors alone", he replied without a blink.
„Are you mad?", she hissed.
She hasn't broken any of school rules. It was his and Nott's idea to order students walking in, the least, 4-person groups.
„Another ten points. Do you have anything more to say?"
She wanted to ask him if he was going to dock other points to his own house for the fact he was walking here alone – but she suppressed that thought.
„This is warning for future", Malfoy said. „I will escort you to the classroom, what is your next lesson?".
She didn't respond, too... concerned to say anything. She was terrified and angered and ashamed because she had to be saved – again. And this time it was Malfoy to save her, what could be worse than that?
Cruciatus would be worse, came through her mind and she realized just now what happened and how serious things were and how it could turn out. Gryffindors screams came to her mind.
„Greengrass, I can guide you to the infirmary if you are not feeling well", Malfoy said and this time his voice was almost gentle.
The words he said... It was ridiculous. This situation was ridiculous. His behaviour was ridiculous and hers as well. Who even cares about points or a House Cup this year?
„I'm not feeling well and I won't be", she replied trying to keep calm. „Those... guys, they are here, they are walking through our school, spitting at Dumbledore's reverence, destroying everything he built. They are torturing children, threatening us and everything because of those..."
„Astoria, calm down", he cut her short.
She clamed up, despite Malfoy hasn't even raised his voice. It was probably because he called her by her first name and she hasn't heard it for a very long time. Mostly people thought her name was flatulent and grandiose. She also's heard plenty of times that it doesn't match her because she was nice. And the short name „Tori" was also nice so everyone called her that.
To be honest, she hated it, a name for a child.
„I'm trying to calm down", she answered and took a deep breath. „It's just... quite hard".
He measured her with his gaze like he was thinking over something. „You can hit me if it helps", he declared.
She stared at him with astonishment. „What?"
„You can hit me. I let them to the castle. I'm one of them".
She shook her hand. „No, you aren't. And it won't help".
He looked at her with hesitation, like he was wondering if it's worth to provoke an argument. „So what will help?", it sounded like he was disappointed.
She looked up at him diffidently. She's had something on her mind. Malfoy probably will be mad - so what? He won't cast Crucio on her. „A hug", she replied. „Can I hug you?".
Malfoy stared at her with pure astonishment. „What?"
She didn't respond, just took a step towards him, paced that little distance and clutched at him, wrapping her arms around his torso. This was weird and inappropriate and she probably would regret this later but for a moment she didn't care.
Abruptly he ceased moving as if caught in a freeze-frame, surprised by her impertinence. She should be ashamed but instead, she felt like she succeeded. After all, it wasn't every-day thing to catch off guard vicious Draco Malfoy who was well-known for his brassiness.
„This is war. And I'm scared", she admitted despite she's had no idea why she was telling something like this, especially in his presence.
Normally Malfoy would laugh and made malicious comments. But he didn't. Neither embraced her or pushed her away. She clung to him and he let her. It was enough for her to feel almost safe.
...
…...
If you've got an impression that was too much Drastoria as far... Maybe you're right. Next chapter more Theo and Daphne.
