Winter arrived like an unexpected visitor. Just a few months after Draco's first visit to her home, Astoria noticed the sheets of snow that were forming over the city's rooftops. Icicles were frozen on many edges and children were happily creating messes or works of art among the snow-filled ground. The couple's love for the cold temperature was found to be another thing they had in common.

Along a stone path within a quiet street, the duo walked arm-in-arm. Draco seemed to pale more than ever as he knew that he would not enjoy this particular evening. He did not mind that Astoria was coming to dinner to meet his parents, as he was more concerned that the event was going to happen in Malfoy Manor. He shuddered at the horrifying memories that seemed to mark the house with invisible bloodstains.

"Are you sure about this, Tori?" he asked.

Resting her head on his shoulder, Astoria said, "Yes, Draco."

Feeling relieved, he lay his head on hers. He had told her everything about that dark day in the manor. Trusting her with his story, he tried his best to not miss a single detail about that event. As hard as he tried, Draco could not sway the strong-hearted woman from going to a hell-house.

Nearing the harsh iron gates, he slowed and came to a stop. The two stared as the gates creaked and eerily swung open, mesmerised by the effect it had on them. Astoria rose her head off his shoulder and stared at his wide-eyed expression. Sliding her hand down his arm, she took his wrist and led him though the gates, that then slowly clanged to a shut.

She released his hand but then cupped Draco's face with both hands. There was a certain gloom to the surroundings whilst she stared into chilly eyes that did not stare back. Astoria wondered whether he was even aware of her touch.

"Draco," she said gently. "Draco, look at me."

The pair of abnormally still eyes dropped to meet her sight. He finally blinked after what seemed like an eternity of widely opened eyes. He sighed and relaxed his frozen posture, levelling to match her height.

"Don't be scared," Astoria assured.

"I'm not scared," Draco lied.

She did not bother to argue but instead, offered her support. "No matter what, we're in this together, okay?"

"Okay."

"Good." She kissed him on the forehead.

They barely passed the pebbled path when Draco knocked on the door. He felt like a stranger to his own home the instant he did so. Together they did not wait for long in the not-too-welcoming atmosphere. In a brief moment, they saw the refraction of a figure walking behind the stained glass door. The door opened with a click and a pale woman appeared, eyeing the two like strange creatures.

Her expression quickly changed into one of an excited mother. "Drake! Astoria!" she exclaimed, wrapping each arm around the couple but edging towards Astoria when she released them.

"My goodness, you've become more beautiful by the moment!" she complimented in adoration, gently pinching Astoria's cheek.

"Thank you," Astoria replied modestly. "But you look lovely, Mrs Malfoy."

"Oh, you're a polite one, aren't you?" Narcissa chuckled, gesturing for the two to come in and escape from the cold.

Narcissa closed the door while Draco hung his coat on the nearby polished wooden hanger. He sauntered towards Astoria, intending to help her take her coat off. When he arrived next to her, she seemed to be admiring the beauties of the manor. She, however, looked wherever her sights would let her look as the manor held a sense of familiarity that rooted her to the one spot. I know this place, she thought.

Then she remembered, she was just a young girl, probably around the age of four or five. She recalled her family arriving at a beautiful home, with glimmering chandeliers, shining timber and outstanding furniture. Narcissa welcomed her mother, her long-time friend just like when they reunited at King's Cross during Daphne's first day at the station.

Upon arriving into the dining room, they were greeted by a formally dressed Lucius Malfoy. He too, welcomed Elizabeth as a good friend and seemed to admire Daphne's assertive posture and healthy appearance. He probably thought she would make a good wife for Draco, Astoria thought. He then looked down at Astoria, like a weakling that was about to crumble to the floor at any second. His intimidating stare led her to hide behind her mother.

Struggling to recall anything else, she subconsciously let Draco slide off her coat. As he neatly hung the coat on the hooks, footsteps were heard from above them. He returned to Astoria's side and they both watched the grand staircase in front of them. Appearing at the top of the stairs was a tall, cold-faced man wearing long, black robes. Astoria knew that he did not disgust her anymore, but somehow that did not stop her from gaining chills down her spine.

"Astoria Greengrass!" Lucius boomed with arms outstretched. "How wonderful to see you again!"

His capriciousness nearly had the effect to blow Astoria's mind. "Malfoys! So unpredictable!" she wanted to scoff. Reaching the bottom of the stairs, Lucius smiled and patted her on the shoulder.

"Let's not dawdle around here," Lucius glanced at his wife, then his son. "Let's all head to the dining room, shall we?"

House elves came in and out of the room with platters and plates while the four engaged in entertaining conversations. All had to refrain their mouths from watering every time the scent of the food filled their nostrils. The food came and went from the dinner table like the laughter that echoed and then silenced the room; the occasion reminded everyone of Hogwarts.

Astoria downed her final glass of Butterbeer before she felt the need to excuse herself. After asking Narcissa, she was gestured to the nearby bathroom.

"Just past the grand staircase," Narcissa directed. "Then past the drawing room, and then you turn left."

The heeled boots clopped against the marble floor whilst Astoria marched towards the bathroom. Upon locking the door, she turned to discover another bizarrely extravagant sight. The gold towel racks and clear marble walls and tiles made the dining room look like any other ordinary room. After spending a few minutes, she reappeared at the door, still stunned at the bathroom's breathtaking design.

Just as she stepped onto one of the many hallways of the mansion, an eerie silence fell upon her surroundings. Nearly frightened by this presence, she half-rushed past door after door until her energy wore out. She panted and looked up, only to swear under her breath upon realising she had gone the wrong way.

In the midst of all this confusion, she recalled Narcissa and the mentioning of a drawing room. Shifting her eyes ahead, she noticed a set of double-doors located at the wall ahead. That must be it, she thought.

Her legs crept quietly yet intensely along the plush carpet and she shivered. She felt like an ant upon standing in front of the grand doors. She reached for one of the shining door handles when a hand suddenly clasped hers in a jolt. Gasping and on the verge of screaming, she calmed when she recognised Draco's cold, yet youthful hands.

"Sorry," he said, guiltily. "I scared you, didn't I?"

Astoria nodded and momentarily smiled, not long before fading it. "What are you doing here?" she asked, trying not to give away her suspicion.

"You took your time. I thought you were lost or something."

"It's only been a few minutes," she stated upon inspecting her pocket watch. "Let's go back."

She reached for the handle again, expecting Draco to react. He did; he grabbed her hand in a panic.

"Let's go this way, darl. We'll get there quicker." He dragged her a few feet away from the doors. He staggered as she pulled her hand away from his and shot him a hard stare.

"What is the matter with you?"

"Nothing!" Draco answered too quickly.

"Draco," her anger was starting to boil. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

He froze. A hundred lies rushed into his mind at once, but he could not choose which one to say. His reaction was too slow when Astoria made a sudden move to the doors. There came a loud click and she flung the doors open with all of her strength.

Aside from the sound of Draco rushing to her side, another odd silence seemed to have stalked her presence. In front of her eyes, was a room she had never seen before. It was definitely not another one of the Malfoys' luxurious rooms with neatly placed furniture and golden decorations.

The air around the two cooled dramatically. They had just entered a room of broken glass, slashed cushions and sofas, destroyed tables and a flickering chandelier. Whilst she took in every detail of what she was seeing, Draco could have sworn he saw bloodstains appearing then disappearing on the carpet. Neither of them could help it- they shuddered beneath their clothes.

"This is..." Draco hesitated. "...the drawing room."

"What happened?" Astoria asked, her voice breaking.

He sighed, but immediately proceeded to tell the tragic tale. He began from the day he was recruited to become one of the dreadful Death Eaters. Despite loving his new-found job at first, he then told Astoria about his breakdown in the girls' lavatory during his sixth year at Hogwarts. Not a single bit of detail was missed during his confessions, especially when he finally reached the horrifying conclusion at Malfoy Manor.

When he finished, Astoria carefully strode over shattered glass then halted in front of a mirror stand. Glancing around once more, she noticed that it was the only unbroken object in the room. Draco followed closely, hovering behind her in the mirror's reflection. He rested his head on her shoulder and wrapped his arms around her waist as they both eyed the mirror.

"I really am sorry, Astoria," he finally spoke.

"I know you are," she said. "I love you, Draco."

Draco was flattered yet his heart broke at the same time. He shook his head, trying not to let tears fall out of his eyes.

"Don't love me, Astoria. Don't..."

Astoria rose her hands and held his embrace, then she said, "I love you for what you are, Draco; not for what you've done."

She turned herself around, clutching herself to his chest. Draco no longer felt the urge to cry but he finally felt the need to say what he had bottled up for a long time.

"I love you too."

They both sighed simultaneously with relief and calm joy. Astoria then reached up to kiss him on the forehead. They both stared into each other's eyes and smiled.

"We should be heading back," Astoria said. "I think we've disappeared for long enough now."