'So have you figured out what they mean?'

Aria glanced up from the Ancient Runes book that she been going through to find out the engraved meanings on the bracelet, of course, Draco would have figured that she would have done some research into duels and found that magical items - such as the traditional Veela gift Draco had given her were banned. So without any hesitation, she put the bracelet back on - it made her feel rather smug being provided with a way out of this tournament. Which meant he would have also figured that she was looking into their meanings. Draco looked curious, he wasn't at all upset with her.

'This one,' Aria pointed to two hoops that had been fused together, 'is equality, so it means you see me as an equal, as your equal.'

Draco pulled out the chair beside her, slumping in it slightly like he hadn't had a care in the world. He raised his eyebrows, tilting his head upwards, gesturing to her to continue without speaking.

'The Turtle has several meanings, it symbolises good health and long life, and the shell represents perseverance and protection.'

Draco seemed to be impressed, for his eyes glinted, and the corner of his mouth twitched before he smiled. 'Didn't think you'd get that one, being as it actually comes from Native Indian tribes and not runes to be exact.'

'The sprouting blossom represents growth -' Aria felt her cheeks heat up a little under Draco's intense gaze, that had been the first one Aria figured out and without any help from a book. She cleared her throat, feeling a little awkward, and pointed at another. 'This one means sanctuary.'

'Your bracelet literally allows you to come and go to Malfoy Manor as you please.' Draco explained, he too was looking down at the bracelet, 'and the last one?'

'That's the one I'm having trouble with,' Aria admitted, 'Care to share?'

Draco grey eyes met hers again, which seemed unsure, but Aria did not know why he could be uncertain. 'It has several meanings, loyalty,' he began, 'faithfulness, the knot shape means eternal...' Draco trailed off, Aria glanced at the last knot as he called it, it clearly had another meaning something he was hesitant to share with her. He kissed her cheek swiftly and left her alone with nothing but the Ancient Runes book and her own thoughts.

Pink confetti and hearts decorated the ceiling of the Great Hall the morning of Valentine's day, Aria yawned sleepily as sat down next to a positively beaming Hermione, who was sporting a new charm bracelet.

'Isn't it sweet?' she said noticing Aria had caught the attention of it. 'Can't believe he thought of something like this.'

'Ever with the tone of surprise.' Aria said making Hermione's cheeks turn pink.

'That's not what I meant... not like that, I didn't mean it like that.'

'I know what you meant,' Aria said, helping herself to breakfast, 'I'm glad you like it.'

'Did you?' Hermione said, the rest of her question went unasked, but Aria having been her friend for years knew what she had been thinking.

'No, I didn't help him, nor have I seen it before.'

Ron greeted them before Aria could say anything further, 'Morning beautiful, morning Aria.' He sat down the other side of Hermione, while Neville took up the free seat next to Aria. The hall bustled with giggles and the occasional sounds of someone trying to discreetly gag, Valentine's Day had not changed at all, even the swarm of owls inundated with parcels was to be expected.

A card dropped in front of Aria's plate. She recognised the neat handwriting straight away; Draco's handwriting. It read; you asked, now you shall receive. My gift will give you a hint into the last meaning behind the knot rune. Before Aria had the chance to glance up petals of white and red fell over her head, showering her completely. She couldn't believe him ... what had he been thinking, of all the things he had to remember her little list of things she'd asked for at the top of her head. Aria brushed a few of the petals out of her hair and onto the pile that had fallen on the Gryffindor table. Magically the fallen petals transformed in a bouquet of red and white roses.

Shit. Aria would be a fool not to know the meaning behind the coloured roses Draco had chosen, he was literally saying I love you intensely and my intentions are honourable. She gulped a card had come with the roses and Aria picked up slowly, her hand trembled as she did. This card just two words, in the same neat handwriting; Forgive me?

Eternal love ... pure eternal love. The runes on her bracelet were not just that of protection but of the promises of everything he wanted to give her. Her heart felt like it was going to burst and despite the embarrassment, Draco had caused her to feel, she couldn't find it within herself to be angry with him. Aria gulped as her eyes searched for the place Draco had been sitting in across the hall, until - she spotted him, Draco had been watching her, had been watching her reaction. Aria forgot everything, she forgot the hundreds of people were in the hall, she didn't listen to the whispers going on around her. Aria got to her feet, they carried her without thinking, without stopping ... the Slytherin table was steps away, Draco Malfoy looking at her ... several more steps and stormy grey eyes met hers, she sat in the empty place next to him. Aria did the only thing she could think of, she kissed him. The catcalls brought her attention back to reality and she tried to hide her face in her hands, Draco chuckled deeply as he pulled her hands away from her face.

'Hi,' Aria mumbled shyly, Draco's hand was cupping her face lightly.

'Thought you might like my present,' Draco said confidently.

'Of course, I did.' Aria said her cheeks still burning from all the attention.

'So am I forgiven completely?' Draco smirked, eyebrows raised, looking completely pleased with himself.

'Yeah ...' Aria mumbled, 'Yeah you are.'