A/N: Managed to get it out before bed. Longest chapter yet ya'll!

December came at Hogwarts and it was nearly Christmas. This of course meant it was officially Aurora's least favorite time of year. Not only was it one of the coldest months of the year, it was one of her least favorite holidays. While every one would be going home to their loving families over break, she would be returning to only her mother and a dark empty manor. Her mother tried every year to give Aurora a good Christmas, but it did not help that Janus Greengrass always found some way to ruin it. Last year he had informed her that he wish her mother had gotten an abortion. She could hardly wait for what he had in store for her this time.

However, Christmas at Hogwarts did not seem so bad. The grounds quickly filled with snow, which led to several snowball fights. The Weasley twins typically started them and were quick to get in trouble with professors each time.

Everywhere throughout the school, students and staff seemed to buzz with some sort of excitement about the upcoming holiday, and although Aurora tried to embrace the celebration, she felt completely alone in her dread of returning home.

Even Draco seemed somewhat relieved to be returning home for the holidays as he continued to pick on those who would have to stay behind.

"I do feel so sorry," Draco was in fact not sorry, "for all those that have to stay here at Hogwarts for Christmas. It's too bad that their family doesn't want them." Draco looked over his shoulder at a stone faced Harry. Aurora always admired how he never allowed Draco to get to him. For her he always pressed just the right buttons to piss her off. Draco continued to peel skin of bats and dice different herbs for his potion as he rattled off more insults. Harry still remained silent, working on his potion as well.

Ever since Slytherin had lost that last Quidditch match, Malfoy had made it his duty to be as obnoxious as possible. Their relationship, however, had turned a new tide. Draco had continued not to corner her or even seek her out alone anymore, instead he lumped her in with her friends and picked on her as well. Even if he was a git, Aurora was just glad that he was at least leaving her alone. However, any time Malfoy would bring up Harry's lack of a proper family it boiled her insides. He of all people should be able to understand Harry's situation. Both Aurora and Draco lacked proper families, the only loving parental figure in both their lives being Aurora's mother. She chose to ignore him. If Harry could be calm, she could be too.

It was true that Harry would be staying at Hogwarts for Christmas. Harry had no intention as he told Aurora, of going back to sleeping under a staircase at Privet Drive. Aurora willed she could stay at Hogwarts too, but if her father was about anything, it was about keeping up appearances. People would surely talk if a pureblood witch like herself didn't return home for the holidays. Ron and his brothers, in addition to Harry, would also be staying at Hogwarts as his parents and little sister, Ginny would be visiting Charlie in Romania for the holidays. Aurora hoped they'd have a good holiday together. She was jealous of their situations that would allow them to stay, but who knows, perhaps Christmas would be okay this year.

When potions ended, the quartet exited the dungeons, but was stopped with a massive tree blocking the corridor, and two massive feet next to it.

"Do you need any help, Hagrid?" Ron called out to the half-giant who was slowly moving the tree throughout the halls. Aurora was unsure for what possible reason there would be a need for massive tree in the castle, but she did not care enough to ask. Likely, it was for Professor Sprout and her Herbology classes.

"Would you mind moving out of the way?" Draco drawled from behind them.

"Go the other way Malfoy," Aurora replied. She did her best to keep her voice as flat as possible. Any sign of emotion would motivate him more.

"Oh, I see. Weasley is trying to earn a little extra money. Trying to be a gamekeeper yourself Weasley? Huh? I suppose Hagrid's little hut would be a mansion compared to what you're used to."

Ron charged at Malfoy. His fists swung in fury, and Draco had no time to react let alone prepare himself to fight back. Ron's face changed to a dark red as he straddled Malfoy on the ground and began to hit him.

Aurora was going to intervene, she too would have liked to punch Malfoy, but it was too crowded and open in this corridor. They were attracting too much attention and surely this would have no positive outcome.

As per usual, Aurora was correct as a professor's voice yelled from the other end of the corridor. It was Professor Snape.

"Weasley!"

Ron let go of Malfoy immediately, who feigned injury on the ground. Ron had hardly hit him, it wasn't even enough to draw blood or bruise his face.

"He was provoked, Professor," Hagrid explained to him. Perhaps if Snape understood the circumstances, there would be less of a punishment, or better yet, none at all.

"Be as that may," Snape began. Aurora noticed how he drew out every syllable. It seemed to take forever or him to complete a sentence, "fighting is against Hogwarts rules. Five points from Gryffindor."

Ron began to sulk. Of course Snape would not punish Malfoy. He was the golden child of his class, and the perfect little Slytherin. Draco looked at Aurora, his expression amused and arrogant. She narrowed her eyes into slits. If he didn't wipe that stupid expression off of his face, she was going to start a fight herself.

"Now move along everyone, clear the area. And someone, take Malfoy to the infirmary," Snape said, moving his hands in a shoo motion before turning around and entering the dungeons once again.

"I swear, I'll get him. That little prick won't know what hit him either."

"I hate them both," Harry declared, agreeing with Ron.

"Come on, it's nearly Christmas. Tell yeh what, come with meh. Der Great Hall is looking spectacular," Hagrid said, grabbing the large tree and hauling it over her shoulder.

The group began to follow Hagrid to the Great Hall. Aurora was unsure what to expect, the manor was rarely decorated, but if it was anything like Halloween, she was sure it would be beautiful. She just wish she would be able to stay at Hogwarts through the holidays to enjoy it.

As Aurora predicted, the Great Hall was in fact breathtaking. Several trees lined the walls of the room and Flitwick was casting multiple charms to decorate them. Red and green silk ribbons hung from what looked like the endless sky above which had been charmed to appear as a cozy white December morning. Little white snowflakes fell and disappeared before landing on the floor or tables. Better yet, the room wasn't even cold so Aurora found she was able to enjoy the artificial weather.

"How many days de yer guys have left until yeh go on holiday?"

"Just one," Hermione answered. "That reminds me, Harry, Ron, Rory, we've got half an hour before lunch that we need to spend in the library."

"Oh right, I almost forgot," Ron said, his eyes still wide in amazement at the Great Hall.

"You forget everything you plank," Aurora teased, a light smirk playing on her lips. Ron turned to give her a sour look, he had no smart retort for her.

"The library?" Hagrid questioned. He paused setting up the tree for a moment.

"Mhm," Aurora nodded. She hoped he didn't question what they would be doing. He was naturally curious so she was almost sure he would, and they would not lie to him. He would just not be very happy when they reveal what they've been working on for the past several weeks.

"Just before de holidays? Bit keen for working eh?"

"Oh we're not working. Ever since you mentioned Nicolas Flamel, we've been trying to find out exactly who he is," Harry replied. He seemed smug in a certain way. Aurora thought she would personally like to take responsibility for Harry's progressively more sassy attitude. She loved that she was rubbing off on her friends.

"You what!" Hagrid raised her voice, but did not shout at the children.

"Well you won't tell us so how do you expec-" Aurora started, but Hagrid interrupted.

"Listen here you four, I've told yeh, drop it. Were meddlin' in things you have no business en."

"We just wanted to know who Nicolas Flamel is that's all," Hermione feigned innocence. Oh she was good. Aurora's mother would have even bought that and she was quite sharp despite her subtle and kind nature.

"Unless you'd like to save us some time and just tell us," Harry added. He smiled brightly at Hagrid. Anything to persuade the man to reveal some information to them.

"I'm sayin' nothin," Hagrid replied flatly. He pressed his lips together firmly in an effort to remind himself to watch his mouth. That was okay. Aurora was sure he would likely cave again, he's already revealed more information than he should have to the quartet twice, perhaps a third time was not too far off. For now, they would keep busy in the library.

"Well, we'll just have to find it ourselves then," Aurora said, turning on her heels, leading the small group out of the Great Hall.

They had been searching for hours over the past weeks, they've gone through hundreds of books and nothing. It didn't help that Ron had the attention span on a ferret and Hermione hogged the majority of the books they've piled, making the process of finding any clues slower.

On top of these issues, it was very difficult to decide where to search first. He was not in any of the books Aurora would have expected him to be in. It was beginning to get frustrating and Aurora might have been motivated to give up if she wasn't so determined to know what Snape was trying to steal. She had tried to share her Quirrell theory that he was also involved after analyzing his strange demeanor, but the group was quick to shoot it down. However, Aurora wasn't quite sure if she was ready to give up on that theory yet though.

She found herself wondering every now and then towards the Restricted Section. Of course it would be impossible to access the books without approval from a professor first, surely something they would never acquire. Aurora would often catch Madame Pince eyeing her every time she would get closer to the locked doors. Not that she could break in anyways, Dumbledore charmed it himself to prevent younger students from getting their hands on advanced and possibly dangerous material.

She returned to the table where Hermione was seated, perhaps they already had the answer and were just not looking close enough. It was frustrating that they still had nothing after weeks. They were all a little discouraged, but they all refused to give up, and Aurora liked a good challenge.

After pottering around and too many walks towards the section, Madame Pince chucked them out of the library.

"Well that was fun," Aurora laughed lightly as they exited.

"Fun? We're no closer to finding out who Nicolas Flamel is than before," Ron replied. He was left irritated and red faced.

"Doesn't matter, we still made some progress today. Now, you boys will look while Rory and I are on holiday, right?" Hermione interrupted.

"And you'll ask your parents if they've ever heard the name Nicolas Flamel?" Harry nodded.

"Sorry, I think you're under the impression that my father speaks to me," Aurora snickered. The other three looked at her uneasily, obviously uncomfortable by her statement. Tough crowd. "But I can ask my mum," she quickly added to ease the tension she had created.

"And I'll ask my parents. It should be very safe considering they are both dentists," said Hermione.

The train ride home was very rough for Aurora. She had been in the same compartment with Hermione who spent the entirety of the trip reading, whilst Aurora stared out the train compartment's window getting further and further away from the magic school. The train was surprisingly not as packed as she had expected, more students had stayed behind this year than usual which gave her the luxury of a lot of space to herself. She didn't mind it, she liked the quiet and isolated feeling. Hermione's presence was enough; they didn't need to speak.

However, nothing could qualm her anxiety of being before her father again. Her stomach was twisting in knots as she tried to picture what horrible thing he would do to ruin Christmas this year. She tried to be an optimist, but she could just not see anything good coming out of this situation. She played with her fingers to occupy her time, occasionally twisting her hair as well.

Her mother greeted her at the station, her similarly violent eyes rimming in tears, but not quite spilling. She ran to embrace Aurora. She hadn't realized how much she missed her mother until she saw her again. It made her feel more guilty about how she had began to slack on writing to her during the latter part of the term. If her mother was upset about it though, she did not show it.

"Hello darling, I've missed you." Aurelia leaned in to kiss her daughter's forehead.

"I missed you too, Mum."

"I want to hear about everything,"

"Well I-"

"Sorry hold onto that thought for a minute. Draco! Draco Dear! Over here," Aurelia Greengrass called waving a hand and standing on her tip toes. She was shorter and Draco would likely have some difficulty spotting her in the crowd.

A blonde head seemed to appear out of no where. Aurora was at once gloomy. Why in God's grace was she calling that little prick over here?

"What are you doing, Malfoy. Don't you have a family or are you still going to mooch off of mine?" Aurora snapped at him. He had nearly ruined first term for her and now he was coming home for Christmas? Even though her holiday usually sucked, at least it was the one time of the year she could count on being away from Draco Malfoy. It seemed at this rate regardless of whatever happened, Draco would not be leaving her. She could go far away to a magical school, she could be sorted into a different house, she could make friends he despised, but no, Draco would never go away. He was part of her.

"Shut up Greengrass. I was invited to stay for Christmas this year. And trust me, I'm going to enjoy it."

"Just because your family doesn't like you, doesn't mean you can take mine."

"That's funny. When was the last time you spoke to Janus?"

"You listen and you listen good you filthy, foul-"

"Children come on now, we need to get your luggage." Aurelia was already heading to the end of the train to collect their bags.

"What are you really doing?" Aurora hissed at Draco. "You never stay for Christmas."

"Father didn't want me home this year," he whispered solemnly.

"Oh," was all Aurora could say. She empathized with Draco truly. She despised him, but one thing bound them together and Aurora was not quick to forget how terrible both of their fathers were.

They walked silently together. They were several paces behind Aurelia and the atmosphere became awkward. Typically Aurora's mother was good at breaking the tension, but left alone with Malfoy, Aurora was left to think over what she had just said to him. She knew she had been cruel. She wished she had a better filter, she never was good at thinking before speaking, something that often got her punished for at home, and apparently now at school.

"I'm sorry," she muttered quietly to Draco. In truth she was somewhat sorry. She knew how hard it was to be him sometimes. At least Aurora had her mother, Draco had no one. Narcissa was too cowardly to stick up to her husband, and Lucius was almost as vicious as her own father.

Draco only half nodded at her as she gave her apology. she looked at him clearly as he walked. His jaw was clenched, his eyes adverted to look only to where Aurelia stood holding their luggage. He looked older to Aurora. It had only been a few months, but Draco was taller now too. The same height as she was, maybe even an inch taller. She was not surprised by this, she knew he would eventually catch up. Several of the boys in their grade had sprouted during the first term.

"Like what you see?" Draco smirked. And he was back. Aurora rolled her eyes. You could have these little moments with him and it would seem fine, almost pleasant. Then he would go back to reverting to the intolerable prick he always was.

"No actually. You're rather hideous," she replied quickly, making fake gagging noises.

"Shut up."

"Make me."

He flashed her a mischievous look as if he might do something. She felt her stomach flutter as he looked at her. It had been a long time since they've talked to each other like this. Just them, where she didn't feel like punching him in the nose. She could feel her face heating up so she forced herself to look away. Out of the corner of her eye she could see a triumphant smirk plastered on his face. He looked genuinely amused. She would never tell him, but she loved his real expressions. It reminded her of what they had before he began to listen to his father.

After collecting their bags, Aurora, Draco, and Aurelia boarded the carriage once again. Not much has changed since they had left, and Aurelia still very much loved to get out of the manor on her long flying carriage rides. Janus cared very little for his wife's whereabouts. It seemed that they had an agreement that the marriage was nothing more than a mirage and continuation of the bloodline. Therefore, their lives were separate. It did make Aurora wonder though for her friends whose parents were married. Through Ron and Hermione's stories, their parents seemed happy enough. It bothered Aurora that it was likely that one day it was likely expected of her to marry as her parents did as well. She never wanted to be alone, but being alone was better than what they had.

After spending the ride describing their first terms, in which Draco complained about "Potter" for the majority of it, they had arrived at Greengrass manor.

"Alright kids, go inside. I'll have Zorpey bring your bags in. Aurora, show Draco to his room."

"Mum he knows where he stays, it's always the room across from mine."

"That's not the point. I raised you to be a gracious hostess. Now do what I've asked. Also darling, we are having dinner with your father tonight at seven sharp."

Now that was peculiar. The one day a year they all had dinner together was Christmas, but today was only Christmas Eve. There was no special family occasion for tonight.

"Draco your mother and father will be in attendance as well. I had Zorpey lay out appropriate attire for you two for tonight on your beds. Now go ahead, go inside. I'm going to walk the horses to the stable."

Draco seemed tenser than he had before. With Aurora's mother, he began to relax under her familiar comfort, but with the mention of his father, his behavior had become withdrawn again.

"You don't need me to show you to your room, right?" Aurora was expecting some snarky response from him, or maybe his usual and shameless flirting, but he only shook his head no. Aurora couldn't describe why, but she felt almost disappointed by this unsatisfying answer. Maybe she was just feeling more combative than usual. Yes, that was it. It was only natural she could feel more defensive now that she was home.

Climbing up the staircase and through the corridors, Aurora found herself back in her old room. It was just how she left it, except maybe cleaner. Zorpey had done a great job keeping her room just how she liked it. She made a mental note to thank the kind little house elf. She had always done little things for her mother and her.

She spent the next several hours wondering around her room. She was growing quite bored too. Aurora was almost tempted to visit Draco. He was just across the hall. She found herself rising from her window bench or bed to go to his room, but something compelled her not to.

By the time she thought about finally approaching his door, it was time to get ready. Aurora began by sliding into the black flowy dress her mother picked out. She hated it. She felt like a little girl playing adult in the gown. It was supposed to look elegant and simple with its straight cut and square neckline, but she thought it made her gangly body look awkward.

She decide to skip makeup altogether with the exception of a simple eyelash curling spell her mother taught her along with mascara. Just because she had to look presentable, didn't mean she had to put in the added effort of makeup. She did however, make the decision to straighten her hair. Her father hated her natural hair, which fell over her shoulders now in curly tendrils rather than the messy waves before term. Lavender had given her some curly hair tips, which she eagerly adopted.

Finishing getting ready she pulled on black Mary Jane flats, she was unwilling to sacrifice getting blisters from wearing heels for tonight. Satisfied wither her appearance, Aurora exited her room.

Draco was already in the hallway, now wearing a suit. His tie was undone and hanging lazily around his neck. His white shirt was left rumpled and untucked, and his shoes were untied.

"Hm you manage to clean up and still look sloppy," she teased him.

He still seemed somewhat gloomy, frown plastered on his face as he stared at her.

"You straightened your hair," he stated.

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Because I wanted to." This was a lie, she actually preferred her curls. Though she did like how shiny her black hair looked while straightened.

"I don't like it."

Aurora scowled. She knew she had insulted him first, but she still was not appreciative of his comment. He stepped closer to her to grab a section of her hair that hung in front of her shoulder. He twirled it around a few times in his fingers before releasing it.

"I like it curly."

Aurora smiled slightly, but it left her face as he stared into her eyes.

"It's almost seven," Aurora said. "We need to go down to the dining hall."

Draco bent to tie both his shoes quickly before walking with Aurora down the hallway to the stairs.

"My mother is going to kill you if she sees how you're dressed right now. You could at least wear your shirt properly."

"Yeah, yeah," He acknowledged but tucked in his shirt and began to tie his tie, which he got progressively more irritated fastening.

"What's with he grumbling? I wasn't aware that you were part hippogriff."

Draco rolled his eyes, "I can't tie this."

Aurora raised her eyebrows in shock and amusement, "You don't know how to tie a tie?"

"Sod off Greengrass."

"Well you can either let me help you, or keep looking like an idiot. Your choice."

"Fine. How do you even know how to do this?"

Aurora moved to grab the two ends of the tie, twisting them in the pattern she had learned many years ago.

"Part of my mum's bullshit manners thing. What I want to know is how you even get ready in the morning for class if you can't tie one yourself.

"Self charmed one. Plus then I can't bat my eyes at pretty girls to do things for me," Draco smirked.

"Careful, my hands are very close to your neck right now." Draco only laughed at her idle threat.

"Ow not so tight." This time Aurora laughed.

"Alright, that's done. Let's go. We only have a couple more minutes, you know my mum she'll be upset if we're late."

Draco and Aurora approached the manor's dining hall, at seven o'clock precisely. Zorpey greeted them and opened the door, which revealed the ridiculously large table and chairs.

The table is circular and a shiny black. Each place at the table was marked with large, purple, throne-like chairs. If there was one thing Aurora could say about her father, was that he definitely had a dramatic flare. The walls were also a deep purple that matched the chairs with a black, floral, intricate design, something more to Aurora's mother's taste.

Already seated at the table, was Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy and Janus Greengrass. Aurora felt herself gulp. Her mother was not there, which left her feeling frightened of her father's presence. With her mother present, she could at least count on her father to be civil.

"Ah the children have come. Sit." Janus gestured towards the only two empty seats left that were set. Aurora looked to Draco on her left for a second as she scooted her chair in. Once she was settled, she forced herself to look at her father. His warm eyes bore into her and she couldn't understand how eyes so kind could belong to such a cruel person like him.

"Where's mum?" Aurora managed to say. She was impressed by how steady she was able to keep her voice. For someone so afraid, she managed to sound brave.

"She wasn't feeling well, she won't be joining us tonight," Janus said and flashed her a sinister smile.

Aurora's blood ran cold. Her mother was not sick, she had been fine all day. He's done something to her. She would have told Aurora if she wasn't planning on going to dinner.

Zorpey brought a cart out featuring their meals for the evening. She walked gingerly to lift the food to the table, though it was a difficult task for her as the table was much taller than she was. Aurora attempted to help her by lifting the plates, but her hands were swatted away by her father who gave a stern disapproving look. Draco remained silent and still. He didn't seem terribly happy to be with his father either.

Aurora placed her fingers in her lap and played with them, counting them as she slid the pads of her fingers over each other. She looked down at her plate, not yet touching her food. Her father glared at her from across the table. Draco dropped his hand to her lap to stop her fidgeting. It was becoming noticeable what she was doing to her father, and Draco was very aware how short of a fuse the man had, especially for Aurora's habits.

She closed her palm around Draco's hand, intertwining their fingers together. Sometimes, they were the only comfort the other had. The hatred Aurora felt for him almost vanished under the uneasiness she felt around her father. Right now, she needed him.

"Now I suppose you'd like to know what tonight is all about? Hm?" Janus picked up with wine glass and swirled the red liquid inside a few times before bringing it to his lips.

Aurora remained silent, but squeezed Draco's hand tighter. He seemed to depend on Aurora a lot as well as he returned the gesture. She was almost sure she would have a bruised hand tomorrow from how hard they were grasping on to each other.

"I'm proud to announce that after you two graduate at Hogwarts, you will be betrothed."

Aurora sat shocked. Her mouth was left agape as she tried to think of anything to say, but there was nothing. This was the last thing she expected. Aurora released Draco's hand. Betrothed? No she heard that wrong. That isn't possible.

"Excuse me? Father I think I heard you incorrectly," Aurora said softly. She was careful with how she phrased her words. The man was a grenade.

"Married." Janus put down his glass now and casually grabbed his fork and knife to cut his steak.

"It is for the best," Lucious added, nodding his head thoughtfully. Narcissa only sat, she looked apologetically at Draco. Certainly he wasn't too pleased with this arrangement either.

"We need to keep the bloodline pure," Janus stated.

"No," Aurora murmured.

"No?" Janus raised his eyebrows. For the mean time he was still relaxed.

"I said no."

"No what?" Janus' voice lowered authoritatively. Here it comes.

"No, I am not getting married to Malfoy, or having a kid with him." Aurora was beginning to feel brave now. She was a proud Gryffindor, she was not going to deal with her father anymore. He would simply have to learn to accept she wasn't a puppet for him to pull the strings.

"Stand," he said surprisingly calmly. Maybe Aurora was being too judgmental of him. Perhaps her being away made him love her. She hoped that was so.

This was not the case though. Janus also stood from his chair and carefully slid it back into place. Lucius and Narcissa sat tall in their chairs. They seemed to know what was going to happen before Aurora did.

Janus took several strides to where Aurora was standing. Once he was face to face with his daughter, he looked down at her, challenging her to cave, but she would not. This time Aurora Greengrass would stand up for herself against maybe the one person she shouldn't.

Her father lifted his sleeves up his arms. His dress shirt easily giving way, reveling his dark skin.

And then, he struck her.

The force of his slap against her cheek pushed her to the ground. The echo of it ringing for a millisecond in the room. Aurora felt tears running down her face as she struggled to stand. She could feel snot begin to run out of her nose and she used the back of her hand to wipe it. She looked back up at her father again who displayed no emotion back. He did not care about the pain he had inflicted.

"Are you ready to be compliant and enjoy dinner?"

"No," Aurora managed to croak again.

Again, her father struck her. His palm seemed to have a gift for accuracy as it landed once again in the same spot. Tears welled and poured heavier out of her eyes, but she was not done, she stood once again.

"Obey," her father commanded at her.

"No."

The hand struck her again, and she was on the floor, she was nearly sobbing at this point, but she bit her bottom lip as it quivered and threatened to release her moans of pain.

Standing up, she prepared herself for another blow.

"Ready?"

"No."

The hand began to swing, but it was stopped by Draco.

"Stop!" He called, his voice booming through the room.

"Draco," Janus warned. He would not hit another man's son, but he was surely not above pressuring Lucius, his willing friend, to do the same.

"Sir, I think I should get to do it. She is my future wife after all. She needs to be punished for her behavior. Who better to do it than me?"

Aurora looked at Draco horrified. And what a sight she must've been. Tears streaming down her tan face, streaked with the mascara she had put on only minutes before, snot running down her nose. She was horrified by Draco's statement, she was scared.

"Draco, please," She barely whispered out. The knot in the back of her throat was too heavy to speak properly.

Janus seemed to consider his words for a moment before nodding. To see Draco demonstrate such authority in their relationship already. How delightful for when they would be married.

"Yes, that does seem appropriate." He stepped away from her. Aurora thought her legs were going to collapse from under her.

"I do believe though, Sir, the matters between a husband and a wife should be kept private, so if you don't mind me, I'll be taking her to my room. I'll show her the proper way to treat a man."

Lucius beamed a his son. His mother on the other hand, looked petrified, as did Aurora. She expected this from her father, but Draco?

"Very well, you two are dismissed for the evening." Janus turned his chair to face Lucius to his left as they discussed some matter at the ministry.

Draco wrapped an arm around her shoulder and grabbed a fistful of her hair as he led her from the room, closing the tall wooden door behind them.

"Draco please, you don't need to do this," Aurora wailed. Tears were still streaming down her face.

Draco did not reply. Any time she did attempt to persuade him, he ignored her. Aurora felt her stomach sinking every second they arrived closer to his door.

Pushing her inside, Draco quickly shut the door and locked it. He let out a deep breath before turning around. Aurora lay on the wooden floor, elbows propping her body up as she looked at the boy in front of her with an expression of fear. His gray eyes penetrated her soul like they usually did whenever he looked at her. Her body felt like it was on fire and she was almost speechless staring at him.

He brought himself to the floor as well and pulled himself closer to her.

"Draco, please, don't hurt me," Aurora's eyes screwed shut in preparation for more tears that welled in eyes.

"Shh, are you okay?"

Aurora shrugged her shoulders. Was she okay?

"Let me look at you," He cradled her head softly in his hands. She shuddered under them; they were cold.

She groaned as he lightly probed the area.

"This is definitely going to be bruised in the morning," he grimaced.

Pulling out a hanky from his suit, he grabbed his wand and whispered a charm. He held it to her cheek.

"Agh," Aurora gasped as the now cold and yet hanky was pressed to her face.

"To take care of the swelling," he explained. Aurora frowned. She knew why he knew this. He had spent many nights like tonight himself, but he was alone. At least Aurora had him, though she craved the comfort of her mother.

"Okay?"

Aurora nodded, taking over putting pressure on her face for him.

Draco brought himself to his feet and pulled her up with him. He grabbed her by the hand that was unoccupied by the handkerchief and led her to the edge of his bed, gesturing for her to sit. As she dried some of her tears, and eased herself into his presence, his expression grew rigid and harsh.

"Now that I know you're okay, are you bloody stupid?" He unloosened his tie and undid a few of this dress shirt buttons revealing his undershirt below. He started to pace the room running his hands, and pulling at his usually neatly kept gelled hair.

Aurora said nothing. She was surprised how fast he had flipped on her. First she was terrified he would beat her like her father, then she was touched by his kindness, and now he was screaming at her.

"Did you hear me you little prick? Are you a bloody idiot?"

As fast as her shock came it evaporated. She was beginning to feel anger rise in her, anger that wasn't necessarily coming from Draco's harsh criticisms, but anger nonetheless.

"Don't talk to me like that," She screamed, from nearly the top of her lungs. Draco was quick to slap a hand over her mouth to silence her. She bit him.

"Ow, what the bloody hell is wrong with you!"

Aurora rose from the edge of his bed, "Now you listen here Mal-"

"No you listen here Greengrass," he said and shoved her back onto the bed. He stood firmly in front of her, hands grasping the ends of his tie, and brows furrowed to glare at her.

"I don't know what you were thinking, but that was stupid. You are so damn impulsive-"

"I-"

"I'm not done."

Aurora closed her mouth and rolled her eyes, adverting them from his stare. He grabbed her chin, and forced her to stare at him, he avoided looking at the handprint plastered across her face, instead focusing on her eyes.

"You are so impulsive. You don't even think before you speak. You call that bravery, I call that idiocy. You know your father, you knew he would do that to you, why in Merlin's beard would you even think that's a good idea?"

"I'm not going to marry you Malfoy."

"That's not what I asked."

"Well that's my answer. I did it because I don't want to be stuck with you."

"Hey, I'm not exactly thrilled with this arrangement either. You think I'm happy that I'm spending my life with you of all people? You are so difficult, reckless, argumentative," Draco listed throwing his hands in the air and pacing again.

"Eh hum," Aurora fake coughed to get Draco's attention.

"The point is, you don't have to like it, but you have to get over it. Promise me you won't do something like that again. Do you have any idea what it was like for me seeing you like that?"

"Typical," Aurora chuckled.

"What?"

"How typical of you to make something about me, about yourself. Maybe I am all of those things you called me, but you're selfish, cruel, and a bully. I'd rather die than spend the rest of my life with you. Goodnight Malfoy."

And with that, Aurora unlocked the door and left. She couldn't even begin to understand the influx of emotions that rushed her. Gratitude for his help? Anger at his words? Guilt for hers? She couldn't understand how one person could make her feel so much at once. It was exhausting. Entering her room and closing the door, Aurora welcomed sleep, but it never came.