The Rainstorm

House: Slytherin

Year: Sixth

Category: Short Story

Prompt: Rainstorm

Words: 1281

As the wind blew against the walls of Malfoy Manor, there were crashes of thunder and the rain pelted down even heavier than earlier. All of this made the Malfoy Manor groan noisily. The guests were all put off by it, it even frightened some. Except one: Willow Potter.

Willow liked the rainstorm; to her, it was soothing. She couldn't help but smile as she listened to the rain and 'watched' people dance. Being Narcissa Lupin-Malfoy's annual party and Willow being friendly with her husband, Remus: Willow had been invited for appearance's sake, if nothing else. Because of that, she felt obliged to come. Though, even taking appearances out of the spectrum, Willow suspected Remus and Narcissa would have invited her.

Willow used to feel guilty when she met Narcissa at parties or in shops; as Willow was the reason Lucius Malfoy had been sent to Azkaban. However, that guilty feeling vanished when both Draco and Narcissa thanked Willow for it; and said he had been abusing the pair of them she had set them free. That made Willow feel much better. She was glad they and Remus were all happy together: it had been a surprise when Narcissa and Remus had announced they were getting married and there was a lot of backlash. However, Willow like many others stood by them, and they made it through.

Willow sighed as another song started up; she was watching the dancing from the corner of the room and it was boring. So boring she had started listening to the storm outside wiliest pretending to still be watching. She had been admiring the elegant and pretty decorating job of the manor; but there was only so long you could do that for.

Despite all of that, it was probably just as well Willow had been invited; as it got her out of her house and she didn't get out a lot, which couldn't be good for her. Though, Willow still thought it debatable wherever or not going to a party but not talking to anyone was better than staying home.

Right then, Willow decided to step outside. Yes, there was a nasty rainstorm outside, complete with thunder and lightning; but it was too stuffy in here. She had to get out; even if she did get wet. Anyway, that was what drying charms were for and there was no telling she would.

As Willow stepped out, she took a deep breath of fresh air: it was lovely and enchanting. So enchanting, Willow didn't notice she had walked out into the rain. It was heavy and cold, but if Willow had realised, she wouldn't have minded as the cold, harshness of the rain felt good, and helped her escape the worries and the guilt inside her mind.

"Willow, why are you out here?" asked a surprised voice.

Willow, who had gone off into her own world, had come back to the present and she was realising how cold and wet she was: because she was out in the rain, of course. Willow turned to see Percy Weasley standing at the door of the manor, giving her a surprised look. Then again, Willow did have to emit it was understandable.

"Ah; I just came out to get some fresh air and then I got thinking, which then led to me stepping out in the rain without realising it," Willow said, flushing embarrassedly.

"Oh, that's fine. But, you should come back into shelter; as it is very unsafe to be out in the storm," Percy said.

"Yeah, your right," Willow said walking over to him, and returning to the undercover.

As she used the drying charm on herself, Willow remarked, "I didn't expect to see you here, Percy."

"To be honest, I was quite surprised about the invitation myself. But, I am here, even if I don't really know anyone else," Percy said shrugging slightly.

"Oh? I thought you knew all the important people," Willow said with a note of humour.

"The ministry is a big place, Willow, and then there are the lords who don't work: and that's whose mainly here," Percy responded, smiling slightly.

"Just joking! Come on, let's go in," Willow said.

"Good idea, I am beginning to feel a little chilly," Percy emitted.

"That makes two of us!" Willow said brightly as they re-entered the safety of the Manor. Just as they did, there was another crack of thunder and everyone felt the ground shake.

"Gee, that must have hit pretty close to here," Willow said, a bit frightened.

"I am surprised this rainstorm is still going; it was only supposed to be until ten," Percy said shakily as he glanced at his watch to see it was almost eleven.

"Ha! Rainstorm my foot! This is a full out Thunderstorm!" Willow said loudly, as they entered the ballroom, again.

"All well, as long as the manor is not hit. Would you like to dance?" Percy asked taking his mind off it.

"Sure: I'll warn you though, I haven't danced since the Yule Ball," Willow said with a mischievous grin.

"I can't say I've danced that much since then," Percy emitted as he and Willow reached the dance floor. They then joined in the dance, which was a rather upbeat dance and was quite fast; which meant it was hard for them to keep in time. It was probably jazz: it sounded right and jazz dance pieces were always quite fast; and Willow should know; music was the only subject she could enjoy when she went to muggle school.

Mercifully though, it was nearly over and the next dance was a slow waltz. Willow had never been fond of dancing, but she did find dancing with Percy to be a fun experience. They danced for quite a while after that first piece; but when they did stop, they stood near the edge talking, instead.

As they watched from a far, Remus said to Narcissa, "It seems your ploy to get them together has worked after all."

"As they say; Rainstorms are pretty romantic," Narcissa said as if she was stating the obvious.

"Yes, but that doesn't mean anything in a case like this," Remus argued.

"And that, my dear Remus; is where your wrong," Narcissa said, as the rain on the roof quietened. A few people already thought that the quieting of the rain marked the time to leave.

"I think the storm might be calming," Remus said, emitting defeat.

"Which is good because I think quite a few people want to go home and it's too dangerous to use the floo in the thunder and lightning," Narcissa added sharply.

"Yes, it is," Remus agreed. Then he said, "Before the Band packs up and goes home, shall we have another dance?"

"Splendid idea! I was wondering when you were going to ask, if you did," Narcissa said jokingly, allowing Remus to lead her onto the dance floor.

At the end of the evening when they were going home, Willow told Percy gratefully, "Thank you; these last few hours have been great."

"I should thank you, too. Shall we catch up again soon?" Percy asked.

"I'd like that," was all Willow said in response.

"Well, see you soon then: very soon," Percy nodded.

"Yes; I'll be looking forward to it," Willow said sincerely.

Then, after giving each other another quick smile, they left: Percy via the floo and Willow via portkey. Just as they left, there was another crash of thunder followed be the sound of rain to announce the return of the rainstorm. The remaining guests deciding it would be best to spend the night at the Manor, upon prompting from their hosts.