Chapter 1 - A Leap of Faith
Draco wasn't pleased with the arrangement, but he followed his fellow aurors down a steep slope into a dusty muggle parking lot. Quincy Avery, who'd been his mentor during his apprenticeship at the Ministry, wanted to bring the whole department to see a show and meet his niece.
He grimaces as the dust clings to the trousers he'd changed into, but he doesn't bother complaining. There were muggles everywhere. Car doors slam. Steps crunch on loose gravel. Children bash toys together and run around haphazardly. He certainly was not pleased with this arrangement.
He's made large strides since the war. He'd never really hated non-magic users or their families. Rather, he never spent enough time thinking about them to form an opinion. It was his belief to just agree with his father to avoid conflict -until his father no longer put him first. Working in the Ministry of Magic had forced him to try new things, just like this.
"Alright there Draco?" Avery nudges him.
"Fine," he laments, following the other's through the rowdy crowd until they find their seats in the metal stands. There was a familiarity to the space, and he realizes when the announcers come out that it's because it reminds him of watching Quidditch. If this was anything like the sport, he could tolerate it. He watches the announcers bicker playfully.
As engines rev and shoot around the track he decides it's not completely terrible. The contraptions were like metal beasts growling and taunting one another. The vibrations in the stands irked him a bit but the audience only got louder and louder.
Avery and their friend Leo Aegean were shouting comments at each other the entire time, but Draco has too much decorum to add to it. As it's coming to a close he's actually having fun. It wasn't flying but he understood the excitement.
"Ladies and gentlemen," the announcer purrs in a deep feminine drawl. "Please welcome our esteemed guest, Nova!"
The muggles roar and whistle and holler. A woman enters waving at her adoring fans. Draco noticed her hair first, a blaze of varying reds. The fire moves with her body's every sway. Her figure even from a distance is a treat. Her cherry red jumpsuit fits her every curve like a second skin.
"Tonight Nova is attempting a jump of ninety two meters (300ft) for the first time in history!" There's gasps all around as the woman straddles her metal beast and proceeds to tie up her flaming hair. "In order to cross she needs to reach a hundred and sixty km/h and land precisely on the platform. Don't worry too much folks! There's EMT's on standby."
The announcer's reassurance did not put him at ease. There'd been a crash earlier and the crowd had kept hollering while the wreckage was cleared and the man was exhumed. The injuries had been relatively minor but watching a non-magical team of medics work was truly terrifying. Would this girl be okay? Was this woman Avery's niece? Was he here to keep her safe?
"Goodluck my friend!" The announcer flourishes and the introductory piano music builds kinetic energy inside their chests. The bike backs up. Each growl is a promise of power, of speed. She leans low, putting her candy red heels up. Then she's off. Draco's pulse races as he watches her acceleration up the ramp. Would it be fast enough? Could such a jump be made? Then… she's flying. Her body lifts but she holds firmly to the machine.
He finds his hand resting on his hidden wand. If she didn't make it. If she got hurt. If no one else would help her. His whole body tenses when she makes contact with the other platform and her back wheel starts to catch. She uses the momentum and spins around. Then he goes slack. His entire being relaxes as though he's sinking low into a hot bath. She's removing her head protector and waving as muggles stand and cheer and stomp.
"That was incredible!" Leo stands with the others. Draco's body rises to keep his eyes on the stage, on the girl.
"How about one more hand for the new record holder, Miss Nova White!" The announcer side hugs the daredevil.
"I'm so proud of Monet. She was a Quidditch commentator before she met Nova."
Draco's blood runs cold. Nova wasn't Avery's niece. She wasn't a witch. She had just taken a leap that could have killed her trusting nothing but her own skill and the metal beast beneath her. There wasn't a wizard waiting to save her with a swish and flick before she'd slam into the ground. Yet, she'd flown anyway.
Draco was still putting his thoughts together as they filed out. Avery was boasting about his niece while shouldering his way to the staff entrance. It's only a gate into another lot of a cluster of boxes on wheels.
"Her RV is this way-" Avery informs them. Draco watches the man hug his niece. She's a pretty woman with butterscotch eyes under monolids. A beauty mark just below her right eye and subtle but flattering nude makeup. She has pin straight back hair up in a high tail.
She welcomes them into her cramped living quarters. It's so unfamiliar Draco continues to stand near the entrance to the side.
"Did you all enjoy the show?"
"I had no idea it would be such a thrill!" Leo grins.
"I'm glad. Don't think all muggles are like that. Nova's fans are especially loud and-"
The door opens. The tea Draco hadn't even noticed stirring itself stilled. Moving pictures freeze on poses. Draco watches as the woman with fiery hair walks up those two steps into the tight RV.
"Nova!" Monet goes to hug her. "That jump was truly brilliant! I was so scared."
"Your voice was like heaven over the speakers. Who are they?" Her voice is cool and smooth but ladylike.
"This is my uncle Avery, and his co-workers Leopold Aegean and Draco Malfoy. Gentlemen, this is my best friend Nova White."
"It's nice to meet you three. Did you want me to step out so you can meet with your family?"
Draco was keeping his eyes to himself. Magic was never as bright and overwhelming as this woman was visually.
"No, stay. Sit. Let's all have some tea and unwind." Miss Monet sits next to her uncle and Leo makes himself quite comfortable on the floor, leaving the space across from his mentor but next to Miss White.
"So when did you two meet?" prompts Avery.
"Nova went to a school in London for noble girls. We ran into each other at Kings Cross station when I was about to start my fifth year."
"At your secret school I'm not allowed to know anything about," Nova adds. Draco only follows the conversation with his eyes. How did they speak so easily with a muggle?
"You, a noble girl?" Leo raises a brow cheekily.
Nova laughs smoothly. "I was the picture of grace and civility until I went cliff diving for the first time and I was hooked."
Draco nods to himself. He could understand this. Her posture was straight even in her scandalously tight outfit. She spoke calmly and with even measure. His eyes flash to her when he hears a zipper. Only to glance away when seeing she's removing the crimson jacket, exposing peachy blushed skin and a soft white blouse.
"How long have you been performing?"
"Four years. I couldn't until I was eighteen, but I've been driving since I built my first motorcycle at fourteen."
"You built that?" Draco was surprised by his inquiry as the other wizards. Nova was unphased.
"Not the one I rode today. I put some of it together but the frame and engine were given to me by another daredevil."
Bam! The door shakes with the force from a meaty fist. "Nova-baby! Breaks over. Are you two decent?"
Draco glowers at the door. How rude.
"Get lost Mike!" Monet responds, her lips twisting into a sneer. "She's busy!"
"Not too busy for her fans! She's got three minutes."
"Fuck off Mike!" Nova snaps. "I'll take all the time I want."
"You shouldn't go at all. We have company. You deserve to relax and celebrate."
"Who does he think he is making demands like that?" Draco scoffs.
"My manager. It was very nice meeting you all. I truly hope to see you again soon." Nova's on the verge of standing when the man shouts her name again. Her scent catches him. It's complex and indulgent. The top notes are light and floral, a sensitive blossom. Underneath was something decadent and spicy.
His hand stops her. If she walks away right now, what was the chance this would be the last time he saw her? The woman who risked her life every weekend for a taste of flight.
"Cliff diving?"
The room is silent as Nova smiles at him. Those two words were so full. It was an invitation to do it together. A date. They'd barely exchanged words and yet…
"I'll be at Magnolia Peak, tomorrow at six o' clock." Then she's out the door, leaving the wizards to gawk at him.
"Merlin's beard, Draco." Leo gets off the floor to take Nova's spot. "That was… bold."
"I'd say 'Don't hurt her' but after you wuss out of jumping she'll treat you like a little brother." Monet laughs to herself. "I'm surprised she agreed at all."
Nova ignored the smoke coming from Mike's cigarette as she signed fan's notebooks and headshots and hands. Nothing could dampen her spirit.
When she'd sat down with the mysterious blond man she'd wanted to get his attention so badly. He looked uncomfortable in his tailored clothing in her friend's RV, but he was so handsome and regal. When he'd spoken it was polished and rich. His eyes kept on the wall making her believe he was uninterested in conversing. The offer of a date came out of nowhere, but she was pleasantly surprised.
Smiles keep stretching across her features as she greets the remaining s. When she returns it's only Mo left in the RV with fresh tea.
"You're really going on a date with Draco Malfoy?" Mo quirks a brow. Her tone isn't judgemental, but playful nearly mocking.
"Oh?" Nova tosses her jacket away. "You know him?"
"Not exactly. We went to the same school. I was a year below and in a different house, but his family is very well known."
Nova sips her tea in contemplation. Her friendship with Mo was effortless as long as she was unbothered by the fact that most of her life was a secret and Mo only ever could tell her vague stories and explanations.
"Anything I should be prepared for?"
"Hmm… What can I tell you? There's so much." Mo stares into her cup in remembrance. "I guess I can talk a little about my school. Upon arrival, our first year we're sorted into one of four houses named after the founders. Each house is associated with a series of traits and are supposed to reflect who we are. I was a Hufflepuff, compassionate and loyal."
Mo looks proud. She's been dying to share this with her friend of so many years, but had been afraid she would overshare and put Nova in danger. The war was over now and she'd gained lots of experience dancing around topics. She untucks her scarf from her pocket, showing the other woman the badger emblem.
"And Draco?"
Mo smirks at her friend's casual use of the proper man's name. "Slytherin through and through. Cunning, ambitious. They say they're good leaders, but I've only seen that work against them since other house's never trusted them."
Nova giggles. "Well I hope we have fun tomorrow."
Draco could make an educated guess as to what cliff diving is. He was early, sitting on a bench by the entrance to Magnolia Park. He felt under dressed, but she intended for them to plummet into a body of water so he was dressed appropriately for that. When he pulled on the short sleeved white shirt he'd seen the scars left from his dark mark for only a second before glamoring it.
When he hears the familiar purr of the woman's mechanical beast, he perks up to see her slowing down. He'd regretted that this date was such an informal event, preferring a classical one, but not now. She tugs off her helmet and red leather jacket to reveal a sheer green dress over a black swimsuit. She swings a wicker basket with her as she approaches.
He stands. "Miss White-"
Her laughter is soft and sweet. "Please just call me Nova."
That was acceptable. "To the peak to plummet to our doom then?" He offers her his arm, earning him more of her kind laughter.
Nova accepts his arm. Those from Mo's mysterious world were always polite. It's been some time since she was out with a gentleman. When she touches his arm she feels at ease. Early spring air flutters the edges of the suit cover she's picked after hearing Mo's story about their school.
"Have you ever done this before?" The woods leading to the peak are lively with bird songs and rustling leaves. The path made by thrill seekers is thin but not too steep and the mint plants growing over it make the path smell fresh.
"No, but I'm well acquainted with heights."
"Good. I'd feel bad if I had to push you~"
"Don't even try. I'd come back for revenge. Do you do this a lot?"
"Only sometimes. I did it more often when I was in school. I've never brought anyone with me before."
"Well then, I'm honored."
"I know so little about you. Can you tell me something?"
She can practically feel him shutting down, so she pulls him to a stop. "Hey." Nova looks him directly in the eye. Draco hadn't looked at her so closely. Her eyes are so bright and alive… and Slytherin green. Fuck. "I understand there's a lot you can't tell me, or you'll have to leave out details, but don't let it get in the way of letting me get to know you."
"Very well. I'll try but I also know very little about you and the world you come from."
"Then let's start simple. My parents own a series of inn's. I have a younger brother, his name's Noel. I don't see much of him now that I'm performing."
After a silence, Draco responds solemnly. "After the war, my father was imprisoned and my mother fled to France. I'm an only child."
"Damn. Do you miss them?" War. The word makes an impression. No one had ever mentioned it to her, but she will not ask.
"My mother, yes, but we still write and I'll see her for the holidays again this year."
"Can you tell me what you do for a living?"
He shakes his head. "I can't even begin. It would be utter nonsense to you."
"I see. There's the peak!" Her pace picks up, dragging him to the open. The sun is about to set and the soft oranges and pinks somehow make the black, still, mirror-like water below look more threatening.
Draco swallows thickly. It's further down then he expected, but Nova is stripping off her sandals and cover up and he's not going to be left behind.
Nova can't keep her eyes off him. He's like no one she's ever met. His pale blond hair and moonlit complexion compliment him well and when he pulls his shirt over his head she holds back a gasp. He's like a prince, or a sexy vampire.
"How do I avoid instant death?" he asks while nearing the edge.
She laughs. "You'll be fine but it could hurt if you land flat. So just dive or go feet first."
Draco had been higher up while playing Quidditch but he'd had a broom and an audience below that could catch him. Today, he'd be falling without precautions. He paces back and then runs forward until the grass is gone and he's free falling.
Nova watches dumbfounded as Draco takes the leap and a moment later there's a splash. She grins, makes sure their things are safely in the basket before she runs after him. "Look down below!" she calls.
Draco turns in time to see Nova disappear under the water and then pop up, smoothing her hair back and laughing. He can't help but join her. That was exhilarating!
"Want to go again?" she asks.
Draco and Nova jump half a dozen times each before stretching out on the peak and watching the sunset while they enjoy a modest picnic she packed.
"You made this?" he questions after swallowing a bite of a cinnamon pastry.
"Mhm. My dad likes to bake. We used to bake all the time together. I don't really have access to an oven while traveling, but I used a friend's today so I didn't come empty handed."
"Thank you. They're delightful."
"Draco-" she sighs, looking over at him. The sun is almost down and his grey eyes are shining. "This was really fun, but will I see you again?"
The words remind him of that helpless sinking feeling he'd gotten when she was about to walk away the previous day.
"I'd like to," he admits. When he was with Nova everything was easy and fun. He hadn't felt so light or free since as long as he can remember.
"How can I contact you? I travel for work."
"That won't be a problem. I can't explain why, but assume that distance will never be an issue."
Nova smiles brightly. "Then would you like to come to my next show or meet up afterward? It's on Friday."
"I wouldn't miss it." His gaze on her is hooded but intense. Her whole body flushes, so she jumps up before he notices how red she's become.
"Let's go one more time!"
Draco follows Nova over the cliff. When he comes up from the cool water she's still smiling so warmly. Today had gone better than either could have hoped. Draco only saw one way to end such a wonderful date. His hand brushes her and pulls her into his personal space. She could see the intent in his eyes and she wanted it. She wraps her arms around his neck and accepts his kiss. It's gentle and chaste but only out of respect. He tasted of wicked promises.