Dear reader, thank you, truly thank you for making it this far with me. My apologies for the shoddy writing and gaping plot holes, this was not intended to be HP fanfic but here we are lol. I've been re-writing it one chapter a day and I've been updating the previously posted chapters as I go.
If you've been reading since I first posted the big changes are Draco took Astoria's wand in chapter 1 and Narcissa was hit with a curse and it's incurable. I hope the plot holes no longer gape wide open.
This chapter required major revision, much had to be cut, Bella was adorable and ate ice cream, Astoria and Draco nearly fought again, they go shopping, explore ruins, climb a tower and watch a Dolphin show, Astoria and Bella got matching hats. There's was even more oggle-ling of Draco, Draco joked about how unfit she was telling her to take the elevator. But I think I managed to keep everything still there emotionally for the most part.
CHAPTER 5
Astoria almost threw the jar at him, remembering in time that she still needed to use the paste. Draco grinned and closed the door quickly and she was left fuming.
It was all very well pretending to be Daphne, but it was not easy to accept the insults he hurled at her. There would come a day when she could take no more when she would blurt out the whole story. Not that she expected him to believe her. He hadn't believed her in the beginning, so why now? He would think that his plan was working and congratulate himself on his success. But he wouldn't relent. He might even be harder.
She finished applying the paste and slipped into the loose dress Bella had soaked that morning. The green flowers matched the catkin green of her eyes and the soft material was gentle on her skin.
Passing through Narcissa's sitting room, Astoria was surprised to see Draco sitting on the floor with his daughter. Colouring books were spread out in front of them and the child was laboriously colouring, using bright red liberally, the tip of her tongue clenched between her teeth in concentration.
"New books, Bella?" asked Astoria cheerfully. "How lovely! You must show me later what you've done."
Draco looked up, eyes gleaming. "How's the sunburn?" But that wasn't what he meant, she felt sure. "How's the temper?" was the question his eyes asked.
She looked at him indifferently, then glanced at Narcissa. "Your healing paste seems to have worked wonders. You must give me the recipe. Draco says you have a cure for most ills."
"I believe in a lot of the old remedies," she said. "I have a book on hedge-witch medicines if you'd like to look through it some time."
"But she doesn't believe that pentagona, or the love vine, to give it its common name, is an aphrodisiac," laughed Draco. "Do you, Mother?"
Narcissa shrugged. "My son is a tease, Daphne. He likes to get me going." But her grey eyes rested on him lovingly.
Astoria moved through into the kitchen and began setting the table for their meal. Under house-elf's directions, she had earlier prepared a salad and freshly caught fish. Popsy was still upset at being displaced from the role she had served for generations. "Popsy knows not to question the master's wishes," the house-elf weakly tells her after being questioned.
When Draco entered she was aware of him before she looked around. A tingle down her spine warned of his presence. "You've not come to help?" she could not help the bitterness in her voice, it was an involuntary defence mechanism.
"Oh, no—that's your job, but I'm past the colouring stage. I thought I might find it more entertaining in here."
Astoria lifted a fine brow. "But not, surely, as rewarding? You might turn out a masterpiece—you never know."
He was not amused and said tightly, "Bella is quite happy with my mother."
"I was glad to see you got her those books," she said, "Most of her other stuff's too sophisticated for a child her age. I don't know who chose them."
He looked at her coldly. "As a matter of fact, I did."
She returned his stare with equal coldness. "Then you don't know very much about children."
"Since I have none of my own, is that surprising? And now I suppose you're crowing because you're right and I wasn't?"
Astoria smiled, the dimple deepening in her cheek. "It surprises you, does it?" She reached out a fruit flan and began layering fruit around the edge, each layer as perfect as the next.
For a few seconds, he watched her in silence. "Where did you learn to do that?"
She shrugged airily. "One of my many hidden talents. I made the flan too, in case you're wondering."
When he bounced out of the kitchen she almost laughed aloud, and it more than compensated for his derisory comments earlier. It did not suit him to find her so competent, but it suited her very well to get one up on him. In truth Popsy had been a good teacher, the process took longer without magic, but was just as satisfying to produce a delicious meal.
Throughout the meal, he sat grim and silent. "Don't you think Astoria's a wonderful cook?" his mother asked at one stage, shrugging resignedly when he glared and did not answer. Narcissa was still yet to notice Astoria had not once used magic during her stay, due to spending much of her days resting but also consumed by worry for Bella. Astoria knew Narcissa would be furious with Draco for taking her wand, she did not allow herself to feel any resentment towards the woman.
ooo
Afterwards, when Bella was in bed, Astoria sat with his mother. She expected her to bring up the subject of Draco's behaviour over dinner and was surprised and relieved when she made no mention of it.
But he was in both their thoughts, she knew, and when he appeared at the side of the pool, clad only in a pair of brief dark swimming trunks, she caught an involuntary breath.
His broad back was imposing even at a distance, and as he lifted his arms and raised himself on tiptoe ready to dive, it portrayed to perfection his muscular power. She could not drag her eyes away. Narcissa smiled. "He's a fine figure of a man, Daphne. He does me proud. Why don't you join him?"
And enjoy herself? That wasn't allowed. "I don't think so," she said.
"I've had enough sun and water for today." But it was a tantalising thought. She would enjoy nothing better than being out there with Draco.
She watched as his powerful, arms cleaved the water, up and down he swam, effortlessly, tirelessly. She lost count of the number of lengths he did.
"He trained hard when he left Hogwarts early, becoming quite the champion, learning to hunt a track across Europe, a good soldier," said his mother proudly, "I think he misses playing quidditch, the training and endurance, he seems to enjoy the discipline. He would have gone far, I'm sure."
And if they gave out medals for being cruel and ruthless, he would win one of those too, decided Astoria, angry because she could not be out there with him.
It was an hour before he hauled himself out. Somehow he did not look as though he had enjoyed it. He dabbed himself carelessly with a towel and his mother called him into the room as he passed the doorway. His skin still glistened, hairs lying flat along legs and chest, the hair on his head slicked back.
"Draco, why didn't you invite Daphne to join you? She would have enjoyed it, I'm sure."
His brows drew together. "Are you forgetting, Mother, that Daphne is a servant?"
"Rubbish," she said stoutly, surprise in the grey eyes. "She's like one of the family. I took to her straight away and I can't think why you're so against her. She's worked hard today, she deserves some pleasure."
"Oh, yes," he sneered, draping the towel around his neck like a scarf, "I saw the way she was working when I came back. Very impressive!"
Astoria was unable to keep her eyes from him. The sight of his compelling male body caused her heart to jerk painfully. Broad shoulders tapered to narrow hips, his chest strongly muscled, his legs long and powerful. He was the most powerful male animal she had ever seen.
He caught the look in her eyes and she knew that he was aware of the thoughts chasing through her head. She felt an almost primaeval longing to go to him, to be held by those sinewy arms, feel the strong beat of his heart.
It was a heady, breathless sensation, and she shuddered unintentionally and was rewarded by a light of satisfaction in those grey eyes. She turned to his mother. "Please, Mrs Malfoy, I didn't want to swim anyway. Don't argue with your son because of me."
"Don't worry," his voice had softened, but the implied criticism was there, "you're not worth arguing over. If you'll excuse me, I'll go and get dressed."
There were two damp patches where he had stood and Astoria found herself staring at them long after he had gone. His mother looked sad.
"I've never seen Draco like this before. Even when Pansy was unfaithful to him, he wasn't like this. I wish I understood."
Astoria smiled and shrugged, then stood up. "I think I'll go to my room. Bella split a seam in her dress today. I'll mend them before I forget."
"In other words, you want to keep out of Draco's way?" suggested Mrs Malfoy intuitively. "Not that I blame you—he's like a kneazle with a sore head these days! Goodnight, Daphne. Sleep well."
Astoria sat by Bella's bed to do the sewing, looking often at the sleeping child, a tender smile curving her lips. She was such a pretty little thing, it was incomprehensible that such tragedy should have touched her young life.
She found it difficult to believe that such things happened. Voldemort's terror seemed so far away now, the wizarding world having moved on, and Bella existence here on Alderney with a loving family was idyllic.
Gently she reached out and stroked Bella's dark hair back from her flushed face. Perhaps one day soon the child would be able to push from her mind all that had happened until eventually, it would seem no more than a bad dream.
Draco came in at that moment, looking surprised to see her there. Iydillic and loving except for the angry restless dragon stalking the island.
"Oh, very touching," he jeered, "except that somehow it doesn't ring true."
Afraid that he would wake up Bella, Astoria rose and moved through into her room. He followed, closing the door soundlessly behind them.
"Now what?" she asked impatiently. "You're forever following me around. Aren't you satisfied with what I'm doing?"
"That's just it, you're too damn perfect. A complete role reversal, a Slytherin turned Hufflepuff? What a joke!" His lips were compressed, deepening the lines scored from nose to jaw. His hair was dry already and neatly combed. His chest was bare, so too were his feet, and he sat down on a chair near the door stretching out his long legs, linking his hands behind his head. He eyed her speculatively, as though by so doing he could see where he had made his mistake.
"And you consider that a crime? Perhaps another reason why you should treat me badly?" Astoria perched on the edge of the bed, looking at him from beneath her lashes. He hit a nerve within Astoria, it was true, she was Slytherin by tradition only, never really fitting the mould.
"It's something I cannot understand," he snapped, "I could have sworn you weren't this type of witch—and it can't be an act, you're doing things too well."
"Perhaps I've changed my mind and don't want you anymore?" she offered caustically.
Draco barked a laugh at her.
"Or maybe you're not so good at judging people as you thought you were."
Draco jumped up suddenly. "Whatever you are, you can rest assured that I shall find out."
"I'm sure you will," she said sweetly. "I'm sure you'll let no stone go unturned until you've discovered why you thought doing actual work would be a hardship for me. Or perhaps you'll try and find something else for me to do, that I'm not so good at?" Not being well off like the Malfoys and living without a house-elf she was no stranger to cooking and cleaning, but without magic was different. But Astoria was proving to be resilient, this will pass, it won't be forever she told herself.
"You're damn right I will!" he snarled.
His anger excited her, made her want to taunt him further, even though she knew it was a dangerous thing to do. "You might find it a difficult task, Draco. I enjoy challenges and I'm pretty good at most things."
He nodded violently. "Oh, yes, I'm well aware of that. Embezzling topping your list, and flaunting your damned beautiful body next. Housekeeping and childminding may be there, but they're way down— more a necessity than a pleasure."
Astoria bit back a heated retort, looking at him coldly, her eyes steady.
Her silence enraged him further. "I'm so angry I could almost cast an Avada at you," he grated, "except that would be far too easy a way out."
"Careful," she warned, "you'll wake Bella. We don't want another recurrence of what happened last night."
His eyes flicked back towards the door and with a supreme effort, he calmed himself. "My mother has suggested that I take you and Bella into town tomorrow. Bella needs some new sandals—and she also thought you might enjoy looking around the island." He did not look as though he would enjoy escorting her.
"It would be nice," she said, "she's quite right, I would enjoy it. And that wouldn't do at all, would it, Draco? Maybe it's best if I don't go." She looked demurely down at the floor as she spoke, trying to hide a smile, knowing full well that if his mother wanted them to go they would.
"My, God, Daphne," he slammed, "you sure know how to try a man! We go straight after breakfast. And it might be advisable, difficult though I know it will be, to call a temporary truce to hostilities. We can't subject Bella to a whole day of you and me at each other's throats."
She smiled. "Was that your idea, or your mothers?" One look at his face told her the answer. "I'll do my best," she said, "though it will be hard. You're not easy to get on with."
"In the circumstances, it's hardly surprising," he said stiffly. "You're not the type of witch I usually associate with."
"Nor are you my type of wizard," she came back hard. "But if you can put up with a common little thief for a day, I expect I can put up with an arrogant dragon!"
She half expected him to slap her again and was relieved when he swung angrily on his heel and left the room. She smiled to herself, not at all dismayed by his manner. Tomorrow should prove an interesting experiment. She was quite looking forward to it, even though she found it difficult to accept that Draco would be able to keep his half of the bargain.
ooo
Bella stood rigid with fear as they began their walk into town, and Astoria picked her up holding her tightly, talking softly, soothingly. She looked questioningly at Draco over the top of his daughter's head.
"Mother and I weren't sure what her reaction would be, but we thought that with you she would be all right. She does seem to have taken a liking to you."
This last was said begrudgingly.
Astoria did not see how they could say that. Bella had given away none of her feelings. She had trotted around after her, doing as she was told, playing in her funny solemn little way. She was a good child.
Too good, in fact.
Fortunately, it was a short trip. The "Town" as it was called by the locals was just a single street, not entirely unexpected for a small island.
His mother had given her a whole list of things that Bella required and they decided to do their shopping first, keeping their explorations for later.
With Bella between them, a hand in each of theirs, Astoria felt they looked like a typical family. She glanced across at Draco, wondering whether his thoughts ran along the same lines.
If they did he didn't look too pleased about it and for some unknown reason, Astoria felt sorry for him. It was a shame his mother had saddled him with the two of them. "If you like," she said impulsively, "you can go and have a drink or something while Bella and I shop. We'll meet you later for lunch."
He smiled drily. "I guessed you might suggest that. But it's not on. I intend to keep my eye on you every minute of the day."
She flicked him a caustic glance. "Are you afraid I might steal something?"
His jaw tightened. "The thought had crossed my mind, though I don't think you would be that foolish. You might be tempted to buy something for yourself, though."
"With a few galleons?" she asked scathingly.
"There are ways. For instance, you've been told to charge Bella's things to my mother's account. Who would know if you slipped something in for yourself at the same time?"
"I'm damn sure you would," she snapped.
"Too right I would," came the crisp reply. "But all the same, I intend to accompany you."
She shrugged. He was the one who would get bored, not she.
It didn't bother her that she had no money, her pleasure was in looking. But with Draco at her side, gloating because he thought she wished she could afford to buy, she decided it was not worth the aggression.
They found the only two wizarding shops on the island, a general goods store and a clothing store, the young seamstress quickly began kitting Bella out. A fabric swatch flapped about Bella quicker than Astoria could see the patterns. But the seamstress had no trouble picking out which would suit Bella.
Mrs Malfoy had announced that it was Bella's birthday in a few weeks time and she planned to give her a surprise party. She decreed Bella should have a fancy new dress, with frilled shoulder straps and flounce around the hem. Astoria thought it would be ideal.
Draco watched the whole performance with an expression of incredible boredom. Bella too was similarly indifferent. She did not seem to care whether she had new clothes or not.
But as they were leaving she pulled away from Astoria and ran towards a model displaying a vivid scarlet sundress with a ruched bodice and tie straps. She turned round to Astoria and for once there was interest on her face. She stabbed it with a chubby finger. "That one."
Astoria glanced quickly at Draco, then dropped to one knee beside the child. "You would like that dress, Bella?" She felt elated. Here was the first sign that Bella was pulling out of her shocked state.
The girl nodded and looked again at the dress. All the clothes in her wardrobe were pale colours, pinks and blues, lemons and lilacs. Astoria had thought that perhaps she did not like these stronger colours.
Indeed the new dress she had chosen earlier was a forget-me-not blue. Draco frowned and stood stiffly, no doubt opposed to his daughter wearing Gryffindor's house colours. But to his credit, he didn't voice his opinion on the matter.
Children did like bright colours. Perhaps Bella had never been given a choice? She smiled and stood up and took Bella's hand. "Let's see if the seamstress can fix it up for you immediately."
It was a small thing to have given her so much pleasure, but Astoria really did feel that they had taken a big step forward, and she let Bella carry the important parcel. The remaining items for Bella's new wardrobe would be delivered when they were ready.
ooo
Draco hoisted Bella on to his shoulders making their way along a nature trail. He was so fit, it was incredible. She grimaced wryly as she pantingly joined them.
"We've only just started," he smiled.
She looked at the mountain in the distance in dismay. "I'll never make it!"
Then he laughed. She pulled a face but felt happy inside. If she had met Draco in different circumstances he would be like this with her all the time. He might even quite like her. The thought caused her pulse rate to quicken, and she squashed the idea before it grew any stronger.
Draco would always despise her.
But in the close confines of the streets, when the density of the crowd forced them together, every fibre of her being became aware of his lean hard body, and it was impossible then to ignore her feelings.
She was glad of the hat that shielded her face, but never had the day seemed so long. She could even feel his heartbeat where her shoulder pressed into his chest, and smell again that tantalising aftershave.
There was a curious smile on his face when they got to the top of the headland, making her wonder whether he was aware of the confusion he had caused inside her. Thinking she was Daphne, he would also think she was attracted. Hadn't her sister made that clear to him? And Daphne would have certainly made the most of every opportunity to let him know how she felt!
Was he now thinking that she had had a big inner struggle to keep her emotions hidden? Did the thought amuse him? He was certainly right about that, even if he was wrong about her identity. She was growing more and more attracted to him each passing hour.
The view was worth the effort, though, and she determinedly made herself ignore Draco's dangerous power and concentrate on the land and seascape stretching out before them.
She had to admire the effort he was making. It really must be a strain for him to pretend he was enjoying her company.
"Is this the sort of life that you would like to lead?" Again that momentary frown. She also sensed disillusionment, which puzzled her.
"Not really," she said, answered knowing her sister would have said no wholeheartedly.
He looked surprised, naturally, and for a moment they were quiet, taking in the breathtaking shades blue of the sea, the island's miles grass another sea but green.
"There's a lagoon on the island where the muggles perform a show feeding dolphins and getting them to do tricks for the tourists. They even talk."
"Dolphins don't talk."
They hadn't realised Bella had been listening and looked quickly now at the earnest little face gazing up at them. She said it again, quite scornfully this time. "Dolphins don't talk."
Astoria was delighted. Draco beamed and scooped her up into his arms. "Don't they, my little beauty? How would you like to go and see?" Bella nodded emphatically, her thumb in her mouth, but with not quite so much blankness in her dark eyes.
Things really were beginning to happen, thought Astoria, as she followed them. A sudden thought occurred to her. "How often have you taken Bella out like this, since she's been living with your mother?"
"Not at all," he admitted. "I've been in England most of the time."
"And your mother, has she taken her out?"
"I don't think so, she rarely leaves the island."
"So everything's new to her?"
He sighed. "I suppose so. Why all the questions?"
"Don't you see," she said impatiently, "this is what is wrong. I know your mother has the best intentions in the world, but if she keeps Bella at her side day in and day out, keeping her isolated, lavishing her with love and protection, she's never going to win. Bella will go on the way she is forever. All she's got is memories. She needs something to take her attention off them."
"What do you know about kids?" He looked angry all of a sudden.
"Don't you think we're proving my point today?" she asked strongly.
"Look at her—it's the first time she's ventured an opinion. It was something she felt so strongly about it made her forget everything else. Draco, don't you see?"
She touched his arm, looking from him to Bella's round chubby face.
The little girl was serious again now, sensing the urgency of their conversation, but not understanding what they were saying.
"I suppose you could be right."
And it was something that Daphne would never have come up with in a thousand years. She would have had no patience with Bella, and it was doubtful the child would have responded as she was beginning to now.
What mattered was Bella. They must make sure that every step now was one forward. She mustn't be allowed to sink back into apathy.
ooo
They ended their trip high up on the coast, to catch a glimpse of the whales or maybe dolphins. They soon were all rewarded with a rare sight two whales, a mother and baby the larger one leaping out of the water, which delighted Bella so that she clapped her hands excitedly.
It was the first sign of enthusiasm either of them had seen, and they smiled at each other and it was as though they were drawn together. Draco's eyes lightened and Astoria held her breath, and over the top of Bella's head, he kissed her.
A brief kiss, a thank you, an admission that she could be right, but to Astoria, it was much more. It meant he was accepting her, that maybe, one day, he would be able to push out of his mind all that had happened.
It was a heart-stopping thought and she was unaware that her pleasure was reflected on her face. His jaw tensed and he turned his attention back to Bella, his hand resting on her shoulder, bending low to whisper in her ear.
Astoria felt like crying. He had made his rejection so very, very plain.
In future she must be doubly careful to keep her feelings well hidden; she must never, for one moment, forget the reason she was here.
