Scavenger Hunt clue no. 2 (again)

WC: 519

I don't own HP.

"May I ask why are you hiding in here?"

The slytherin jumped, suddenly aware that she's not alone.

"Can't a girl have some privacy around here?!"

The portrait shrugged, "You could, but I've been following you for the past fifteen minutes and I'm really intrigued as to why you're hiding in every dark corner around the castle."

"I'm sorry, but I don't think that this is any of your business."

Looking exasperated, the woman rolled her eyes, "It's not, but work with me here, ok? Why are you hiding?"

The younger girl looked defeated all of a sudden, "I'm trying to run away from Draco Malfoy."

The portrait looked shocked at her, "The Slytherin Prince? But why?! He's so handsome and, I don't like to gossip, but word is that he certainly knows what to do with those big hands and—"

"I know, ok? I know all of it." the girl answered, "It's just… He keeps courting me, trying to sleep with me but I know for a fact that he's supposed to marry one of the Carrow's sisters, I'm not sure which one and not only that, he had an affair with my oldest sister!"

"First of all, breathe woman!", the portrait ordered her "Second of all, what's your name again?"

"Astoria."

"Very well then, Astoria. Back then, I've faced a conundrum just like yours." The older woman answered her.

"And what did you do?"

With a satisfied smile, she said, "Absolutely nothing."

When Astoria looked at her with her eyes wide open, she continued, "At the time, the King was determined to marry me, even though I kept pushing him away. He was already married, and the Church didn't allow the annulment of his marriage. He slept with my sister too, you know. Just like you, I didn't know what else to do, so I've decided to do nothing."

Looking intrigued, the black haired girl asked, "And then what happened?"

"Long story short, he cut ties with the catholic church and, after he banished the former Queen, we got married and I was the Queen of England."

"Oh wow."

The two remained silent, the older reminiscing and the younger absorbing the story that she was told.

"So, what you're saying…" Astoria started, looking excited, "Is that I have to wait to see if he really wants to marry me?"

"Yes and no." the queen answered. "I helped him, of course. By doing it, I've made my name and the people of England could see me as a smart woman, not just some random whore."

"I see."

Suddenly, the queen had a stern gaze on her face. "But be careful, my child. The same way he's willing to do anything for you to be with him, he can do the same thing to be with some other woman after you. Be in love but be prepared. You'll never know when someone can the pull the rug from your feet."

The slytherin nodded, with a look of understanding passing between her eyes.

"Now", with a devious smile, the queen started "Shall we plan what you'll have to do?"