Chapter 1

A/N: I do not own the characters (some of it were products of my imagination) and I am re reading the complete series of Harry Potter so that I won't lost touch of how the characters interact and what are their thoughts so forgive me if some of them are not perfect yet as they seem in the book because I am still internalizing.

P.S this is just a fanfiction, I was itching to write my thoughts about Draco because I was so brokenhearted for him and I think he deserves an ending. I was also in-love with his mother Narcissa (underrated character in the movie and book) so I ended up with this story. Lastly the title was inspired from Lana Del Ray's song 'Dark Paradise' (it's about death I know) because the vibe suits Draco's fate. I hope you'll like it.

The Greengrass girl could not contain her excitement she is finally in Hogwarts the best school for witchcraft and wizardry. Her older sister Daphne went to the same school only two years ahead of her Astoria wanted to be in the same house with Daphne and today she hopes that she will be sorted in Slytherin.

"They are ready for us, follow me."

Professor McGonagall led the way to the great hall and Astoria's mouth parted when the old professor opened the large door. The great hall with candles floating in the air with tables occupied by students from different houses, chattering and waiting for the feast, Hogwarts felt surreal than what she seen in the picture.

Eyes darted to their direction when they entered Astoria scanned the crowd and searched for her sister. Daphne waved at her when she met her eyes and she waved back, Pansy did the same when she saw Astoria. Her gaze landed on the scowling boy beside Pansy, blonde hair almost platinum, grey eyes, boyish grin, and natural smugness that he emits even though he is scowling his presence still screams aristocracy one characteristics of Malfoy that stood out among other purebloods.

"When I call your name please step forward."

Astoria inhaled sharply and started convincing herself that any house will do but better if she is in Slytherin.

"Watson, Katie." The girl beside her (whom luckily was not her and missed) stepped forward and sat on the four leg stool Professor McGonagall placing the sorting hat on her head exclaiming….

"RAVENCLAW!"

The Ravenclaw house clapped and welcomes the new member of the house.

Three other students were sorted before it is finally her turn.

"Greengrass, Astoria." She felt her legs melted turn into jelly and air left her lungs, but she took a step forward nervously and sat on the stool while Professor McGonagall placed the sorting hat that will tell her fate in Hogwarts, mentally chanting may the odds be on her favor

"Another Greengrass eh hmm….different from the first one." The sorting hat started. Astoria silently crossed her fingers inside the pocket of her robes.

"You have the courage and bravery but never a reckless one, ambitious at the same time, you have the guts of a Gryffindor but a mind of a Slytherin…fascinating… but I doubt you will do great things if I put you in Gryffindor. Ah this is confusing but you will do well in…"

Her brows furrowed, does the sorting hat usually get confused?

"SLYTHERIN!"

The Slytherin house clapped for her, she went to their table where Daphne is waiting for her and hugged her. She blew her breath and never felt so relieved after sitting on that stool. Her journey in Hogwarts just began.

Astoria loved all the duration she spent in school, she spent her time productively mostly in common rooms, great halls, library and the Astronomy tower, the place she just recently discovered. The place is quiet and serene and by the looks of it students doesn't even know that the place exist it is a perfect place for someone like her who protects her peace and admires the stars in the sky at night except if she happens to come when there are students snogging and eating other's face.

"What a first year like you doing in here? Greengrass?"

Astoria flinched on the floor, Malfoy's voice startled her. She looked up to meet his gaze which she regretted immediately because the boy is scrutinizing her. She should never feel small under his scrutiny because they are equal they are both purebloods however the space seems not enough for both of them or Malfoy's demanding presence rather.

"Uh studying?" She answered not sure if it was even an answer because she has nothing with her but her scarf and wand.

"I don't see any book." Malfoy shot her his famous smirk and glares. Astoria got up from the floor decided to leave not because she is intimidated to his presence but thinking she got nothing to do here anyway she's been here for an hour daydreaming. His arm on sling didn't go unnoticed from her observant eye.

"Are you okay?"

Astoria cleared her throat for sounding so monotonous. Malfoy opened his mouth but closed it again.

"Never mind, I'm leaving." She regretted asking, it was not her business and maybe Malfoy thought he doesn't need to explain himself to her. She fixed her robe and scarf excusing herself and left the blonde in the tower. She didn't notice that she was holding her breath only to let it go when she was out of his sight. She just walked away from him.

"That was weird."

When she went back to the common room everyone is talking about how Malfoy was attacked by the hippogriff and how it almost killed him this afternoon. Not the confident and smug heir is he? She shook her head, Malfoy is stupid just because Potter did tame the beast he thinks he can and look where it got him.

Summer after her first year was so boring that she almost died of boredom (exaggeration at its finest) she is sick and tired of doing pureblood daughters duty attending tea parties and galas. Daphne isn't enjoying the courtesy either but they knew better than to roll their eyes and complain. The routine or duty is expected from them even before they were born as one of the respected pure-blood families in the society.

"I am sick of seeing peacocks every summer and sick of our mother introducing me to idiots." Daphne complained she is talking about Draco's birthday held every year in Malfoy Manor. For Astoria she doesn't think it is more of a birthday but rather an annual gathering of Dark Pure-bloods strengthening their ties and securing their places in the society. Introducing pureblood daughters to pureblood sons or vice versa and voila the engagement is secured. Luckily their parents are subtle when it comes to this matter and not to put them in pressure as long as they will end up to a pureblood.

"Lucky for me then, I don't have to suffer waltzing after our mother and embarrass our family pretending I am socially awkward." She grins at her sister's suffering. Daphne scoffed as an answer and strutted towards her friends while Astoria headed to the table where the gifts are being put.

Full is an understatement when she saw how the presents were compiled it's like the space was intended only for the presents. He is a Malfoy after all and Malfoys deserves the best. Draco almost have everything and probably can afford whatever he wants so she didn't put much thought to her present for him he won't have a fuss about it, looking at the number of presents he received she doubt it and probably he won't notice it. It's just a quidditch gloves and for sure he has numbers of it at his disposal.

She did not pay much attention to the party and wander instead, it is her way of avoiding her mother introducing to 'idiots as Daphne reference them. No one will notice her that she is gone though.

Astoria looked up to one of the portraits hung on the wall along the corridors of the manor, seems like the area is only for Draco and how perfect he is. It started with a family portrait when he was born, Lady Narcissa is holding the baby snake wrapped in an emerald green blanket while the Malfoy Senior stood beside her. There were others where Draco was only seven wearing an expensive robe standing beside his father. He look so aristocratic even at such a young age. Another one is him and his family again after receiving the letter from Hogwarts which is customary to the Malfoys and him in his quidditch uniform during second year. All of it transitioning from birth until now.

"What's your excuse this time Greengrass?"

His presence did not surprise her but rather confuse why did he left his guests.

"I am not the one who has a party, so what's your excuse?" She turned around to face him after returning the question and smiled like a winner that made him scowl.

"I needed air." He answered flatly but there is a hint of boredom. Of course the party is boring, she rolled her eyes.

"Can't blame you, it also bores me." She answered casually and turned her back on him. It's time to leave.

"Don't you dare walk away from me, again" She stopped on her tracks waiting for him to say something again when he didn't she looked back. He is not angry he is just…..annoyed.

"Oh dear, are you offended?" She feigned an apologetic look.

"Well if you excuse me Malfoy I shall take my leave in this frivolousness and happy birthday."

Astoria didn't know where she got her confidence mocking him she even curtsied before she retreated.

"What's your gift?" She stopped again and this is starting to annoy her.

"Where's the element of surprise if I tell you? Unless you do not appreciate what you received."

Astoria bit the insides of her cheeks to stop herself from being sarcastic. She is getting good at answering back sharply to Malfoy which is not a good sign and must grow out of it no matter how a git he is he is still older than her. He look insulted of course.

"I know you gave me a watch last year and Daphne gave me a golden snitch clock."

She was surprised to hear that and made her smile at the same time. She didn't know he was sentimental…..or not but it is an honor knowing Draco's appreciative side.

"You'll know it soon Malfoy."

Hence she did not give the satisfaction to his query.

"Just Draco."

This one caught her off guard. Her mother always reminds her that familiarity is earned when it comes to addressing people. She and Malfoy were acquaintances, does this mean he considers her a friend? Or whatever it is.

"Okay then, Happy Birthday Draco."

She didn't wait for him to answer and retreated, she is contented looking at him from afar while interacting with his guests and opening his gifts.

Summer isn't bad after all.

A/N: Do not hesitate to leave a comment it will be helpful to the progress of the story.