Chapter Seven- Escape
Pouring herself some pumpkin juice Aliana listened intently on the conversation the other Ravenclaw's were having. They were discussing a club or something of the sort that called themselves Dumbledore's Army. She found that to be a bit conspicuous and wondered why they would make the name so apparent. Supposedly, this said club was rejoining in order to be prepared to fight once more. What they were expecting to fight was beyond Aliana.
"I can't believe they're trying it again, I mean look at what happened to Marietta's face. Harry's getting himself into trouble if they try that once more."
"I think it's noble of them to be doing something. I mean Harry's fought before maybe it's a good idea to take some lessons from him."
"Wait," Aliana interrupted. "They're planning on fighting the Dark Lord?" The situation utterly amazed her, how did they think they were going to accomplish such a feat?
Laughing Rayna caught Aliana up on what the DA was all about. "And yes, they are planning on fighting You Know Who," she finished.
"Wow," was all she bared to say out loud.
Aliana found their quest on refuting such a powerful wizard imprudent and at the same time quite enthralling. It amazed her how much will power and confidence these 'children' had in defeating a mastermind. She only wished she could have those attributes to join in but found her own dance with the Dark Arts to be horrifying enough for a lifetime. Avoidance would be her new tactic.
"So we're making it an all girls day then?" Rayna asked while dropping out of her thoughts Aliana decided to rejoin the conversation.
"Ya, sounds fun," she agreed along with the others. "Unless Michael asks you of course."
"I'm not so sure that'll happen," Rayna gazed down the table towards a sweet looking boy.
"Ever," Kyrah whispered earning herself a kick from Rayna across the table.
Lunch had ended and so the four girls along with a few others from their house talked excitedly as they headed back to the Common Room to grab their books.
"I desperately need some new dress robes."
"Ya, we're gonna have to go to Madame Malkins. Her robes are gorgeous."
"But expensive," Rayna attempted to reason. "Do you guys really want to spend all your money on some robes? You'll only end up wearing them a few times."
"You're so cheap Rayna-" but Elizabeth was cut off mid sentence.
"Hey Alli," Draco had shown up casually by her side.
"Oh, hey Draco. What's up?"
Ignoring her question he decided to ask another. "Do you have any plans for Hogsmead this weekend? I figured you'd need someone to show you around, considering you're new and it's a pretty big place. You wouldn't want to get lost and end up in the wrong spot."
"Well actually," but a nudge in her side from Rayna stopped her. "I'd love to go with you."
"Great, I'll meet you at ten," Draco smirked and strode off leaving the sense of mystery trailing behind him like always.
Watching him go Aliana smiled at herself. This was just what she needed, an escape. He would be hers. Letting go of her friends, who she was ever so grateful for, was allowing a weight off of her shoulders. They were so sweet and yet so much work. With Draco, she felt free. Free of any burdens that she held over herself day and night. He pulled off her mask and broke into her soul. He had a way of finding a switch carefully hidden behind layers of façade. His touch could flick it on allowing her light to fill up the room. Realization seemed to pass through him, but as long as she knew, it was worth it.
Draco Malfoy. The name was so far away from the normal definition of perfect but it met Aliana's definition just fine. He was perfection at its finest because he was no where near it at all. Somehow the prospect of turning him down was unimaginable. Hogsmead was tomorrow and he wanted her to go with him. He wanted her: Aliana to go with him: Draco. Why? She had no idea but at this point she couldn't care less.
--
Defense with Professor Moody was, well, it was interesting. He tended to include stories of his past and considering he was an Auror there were some crazy stories. But he also tended to repeat these stories and as they happened to be quite long it could become quite boring. Today was one of those repetitious days so Aliana drifted away from the lesson.
Looking to her left she found Kyrah intently listening, no not listening but rather drinking, in Moody's every word. Kyrah was one of the most complex people Aliana had met and every aspect of her was surprising. Just like most things her fascination with Mad-Eye Moody had astounded Aliana. She never seemed to be able to guess what was coming next with Kyrah. But rather than disturb her she changed her course and began scribbling a note to Hermione who was seated across the aisle to her right.
Hey Mione,
Another repeated story and I am going to die, does he think we all worship him as much as Kyrah?? I swear if I hear anyone mentioning wombats in the next few weeks I am going to throw something at them. I can't take it anymore!!
Alli
Sliding her note across the aisle was a waste of her inconspicuous energy. Moody was so engrossed in his own story he wouldn't have noticed if Sirius Black ran through the room naked. But the hilarious picture burned into her mind soon drifted away because Hermione had thrown the paper back at her.
Alli,
I completely agree… this is such a waste of time. We could be studying for another class or finishing homework, or doing anything slightly productive. I mean I normally love this class but he can be so- repetitive. Anyway, are you excited for Hogsmead? It's your first trip; I bet you'll love it there. It's so pretty, especially when it snows… which I think it might!!- Hermione
Mione,
You're such a nerd… ;) Wishing you were doing homework, humph. But let's forget that topic or I may get you started and will never be able to stop you… I am so excited about Hogsmead. I cannot wait!! Everyone keeps telling me how beautiful it is. So I am hoping, I'm actually crossing my fingers right now, that it snows!!
Alli
Alli,
You know I take that nerd comment as a compliment!! We're going to have to meet up tomorrow, maybe the Three Broomsticks. Or, do you already have plans?
-Hermione
Hermione,
I would love to meet up for a Butterbeer, or something. I am going with Draco… can you believe it?? Draco Malfoy!! He is so absolutely gorgeous. But I'm sure we can drop in for a little while. I bet he won't mind. Do you know him at all?
Alli
You're going with Draco Malfoy? -HG
Ya!!
Alli
How well do you KNOW Draco? -HG
Not too terribly well. But from what I've seen he is exactly what I am looking for. I've had such a hard summer and now I want something different. He is exactly that.
Alli
Different, that's one way to describe him. -HG
What do you mean??
Alli
What I mean is that he is an absolute GIT!! He's all into this Gryffindor's against Slytherins feud. Mind you most of the Slytherins are… But that doesn't make it any better. He is just horrid; I couldn't even count how many times he's called ME a Mudblood. -HG
Calm down Mione. I know he can be a little, well, rude and arrogant sometimes. But I think you're blowing it out of proportions. He seems like he could be a really sweet guy. He's just a little-- rough, around the edges. You know?
Alli
I AM BLOWING IT OUT OF PROPORTIONS?? YOU'RE NOT TAKING IT SERIOUS ENOUGH!!
Well, you know what… it's really none of your business. I can go to Hogsmead with whoever I want. And I want to go with Draco.
Aliana
Fine with me. Considering you chose Draco maybe Ron's dad was right…- HG
WHAT do you mean by that??
Aliana
Although she tried endless times to get Hermione to return an answer she was unsuccessful. The end of class officially signified that. The whole Draco thing had really bothered her. Aliana couldn't understand. Sure he wasn't the nicest guy all of the time but he could be. Trying to look at it from Hermione's point of view was difficult. Her vision was clouded over by the fact that she absolutely adored him. Once again she had no idea why, she didn't even known him that well. But to her Draco was what she needed: a guy who was sure of himself and was willing to be a distraction.
--
Waking up to a hurricane of clothes and voices startled Aliana out of sleepiness. The girls sharing her dorm had torn the place to pieces. Clothes were scattered across the floor and draped onto beds. Brushes flew across the room as they furiously redid their hair. The room was unrecognizable with the chaotic scene. Aliana had a hard time even picking out her friends in the mess.
"What the hell are you doing?" Aliana grumbled after her rude awakening.
"Getting ready sleepyhead," Rayna smiled at her. "Maybe you should too. Considering how your hair looks like right now it may take a while."
Throwing a glare towards Rayna, Aliana slid out of her bed and headed straight for the bathroom. The shower, a sanctuary, was welcoming with its warm water lightly pouring from its spout. Melting away the confusion Aliana began to relax and woke up properly. She pulled her mothers shampoo out and massaged it into her hair. The thought of the day her mother "discovered" the concoction caused a smile to seep onto Aliana's face.
Leona had been reading her Witch Weekly and had come across a potion for luscious and luminous hair. Her mother, being her mother, excitedly ripped the page out and set off for the market to buy the ingredients. Although they cost her, a fortune she didn't seem to mind. Appearance was important to her. Hurrying home she scurried Aliana into the spare room and forced, yes forced, her to help with the potion. It was her mother's idea of a nice mother, daughter project.
After two weeks of brewing the potion was complete and her mother anxiously tried it out. Although it had worked brilliantly, much to Aliana's surprise, it had smelled horribly. Her mother's hair smelt awful for the next few weeks. But she couldn't let such an exceptional concoction go to waste so she bought some fresh lavender and introduced it to the potion. After letting it settle for a few days she once again tried it out. Her mother had made an extraordinary improvement and was complimented on her hair numerous times that week. Aliana, after cautioning her mother not to mess with the potion, was never allowed to forget her mother's act of brilliancy.
The sweet smell reminded her of home. Although it wasn't the most wonderful place to be all of the time it was her home and she missed it. She missed her mother's craziness and her fathers deep laugh. She missed the warm bed always waiting for her and the kiss she always received in the morning. The lavender liquid ran down her back bathing her in its sweet smell. It was washed away by the water and ran down the drain leaving a faint memory of it behind.
Stepping out of the shower Aliana was blasted with cold air. She was once again reminded of the fallbacks of the Hogwarts castle. Although it appeared to be warm and cozy the majority of the castle was quite cold. The stone floors beneath her feet gave relief to her temperature and pulsed warmth through her toes and up into her cheeks. Flushed but awake Aliana wrapped a towel on her head and slipped back into the storm.
Clothes were still strewn around in a random fashion but the hustle had slowed. The others girls were basically ready and waiting for her.
"You're the one with the date, why the hell aren't you freaking out over what to wear?" Elizabeth asked.
"I decided last night. What I'd like to know it why all of you are making such a big deal over what you're wearing?"
"It's kind of sad, really," Rayna explained. "There isn't much to look forward to at school. Hogsmead is what little occasion that we have to look different; to look better, I guess."
Smiling at their trivial worries Aliana magically got ready. She didn't understand why the other girls preferred the muggle way. She was given a wand and she was going to use it! It was, however, the reason they were different from the muggles.
"So, are you excited?" Elizabeth asked as her and Aliana trailed behind the others.
"You wouldn't believe how excited I am. Draco is just-," trying to find the right word Aliana rolled her eyes as she smiled animatedly. "He is just perfect."
Noticing Draco leaning against the wall not too far off Elizabeth left to catch up to the girls. But before leaving she managed to whisper back, "That he is."
A stunning scarf of green and black lay effortlessly around his shoulders. The ends hit the side of his jacket that was opened enough to see his tight shirt clinging to him underneath. It hung on him illustrating his body perfectly. His muscles were toned and his face was smug. He must have noticed her checking him out. But who could blame her, the man was gorgeous.
"See something you like, Alli?" Draco's smirk remained plastered onto his face.
"Maybe," she replied smugly although she allowed her eyes to travel across his body once more.
She didn't know where this sudden change in behavior came from but she had to admit that she liked it when she allowed herself to act this way. His cocky attitude brought it out in her, and that she didn't mind at all.
"So, are we going to go?" she asked playfully.
"Absolutely," Draco's fingers grazed her arm signifying her to come.
Aliana followed him out of the Entrance Hall and caught up to his side as they descended the front steps. Now, outside Aliana could feel the snowflakes beginning to fall. It was still too warm for it to last but the moisture felt good as it pricked her skin with each drop. Melting from her warmth the snow felt more like rain but she didn't mind. Being with Draco raised her temperature dramatically so the cool drizzle smoothed her anxious heat into a dull but comfortable warmth.
The two of them settled into a relaxing pace and matched each others rhythm. They walked in a silence but it was a comfortable silence. Being at ease Draco's arms swung gently at his sides. Fingertips that pulled from the sleeves of his jacket bumped against her hand every few steps. They skimmed hers but always swung back into their steady motion. With time Aliana gained confidence that these constant brushes were not accidents as they steadily increased. So flushing all of her confidence out she incorporated his hand into hers as she laced their fingers together.
A swift stiffness encased Draco's body. He continued to walk but his knees were unbent and his fingers barely curled. Aliana almost drawing her hand away relaxed as his muscles calmed and his fingers graced the back of her hand. His reaction was unexpected. Hadn't he been the one knocking her hand? Aliana decided that it was almost as if he hadn't expected her to do anything. Her touch had shocked him because he wasn't prepared.
Unable to dwell on the subject she drew her gaze ahead and was graced with a magnificent sight. Quaint buildings lined the nearby horizon. Stone covered the shops and homes creating an old world appeal. Chimneys sprouted from the tops of the buildings barreling sweet smelling smoke outside. Aliana couldn't help but imagine the fireplaces that rested within. The town was adorable in its wintry fashion. The snow did not stay on the ground but its mere appearance gave the town a glow. It almost created a look of a snow globe. It was as though a giant had shaken the whole town up and all of the sugary snow was falling from the sky again.
Excitement tore from Aliana. She was lost in this place and couldn't wait to get inside. Immediately she was in love and Draco could sense it.
"I knew you'd love it," he said laughing at her absolute adoration of the place. "Let's go to the quidditch shop first. I have to pick something up but I'll show you around after."
Inside the quidditch shop Aliana didn't take much notice to anything. She had little interest in playing the sport but didn't mind watching it every so often. Instead she passed the time by watching the wizards and witches pass by the window with the snow falling around them. She just couldn't get over the beautiful sight.
Coming up behind her Draco put his hand hesitantly on the small of her back. Once again Aliana noticed that he had become stiff but forced his hand to stay in place.
"So, where should we go first?"
"Anywhere," she replied mistily. She couldn't help but thinking 'I am with you aren't I?'
Smirking as though he could read her mind he led her back outside appearing to have regained his confidence. Pulling her along he made sure she saw every shop in the place.
--
Returning to the Three Broomsticks Aliana found the activities of the day to drain on her all at once. She instantly felt dragged down with exhaustion. So she eagerly allowed Draco to lead her towards a table on the edge of the room. He quickly ordered them some Butterbeer's and began pulling off his scarf.
The room was as warm as Aliana had imagined. The fireplaces' glow filled the room with an intoxicating mood. It would be nearly impossible to not have a good time in such a place as this. All along the room wizards and witches sat at tables. All were laughing and joking obviously infected by the thick atmosphere.
Both Aliana and Draco with Butterbeer's in hand quickly became infected as well. He told her all about his quidditch plans of becoming a professional seeker. Engrossed in his animated conversation Aliana vaguely noticed a young third year trying to balance one too many drinks on a tray.
That extra glass fell, seemingly in slow motion, and covered the floor and most of Draco's leg. Aliana waited for the explosion. Draco had a temper like no other, that she had realized that from situations similar to this. But nothing happened. He merely shook his head and turned away from the child. The little girl, although clearly stunned, picked up her other drinks and escaped in fear of a delayed reaction.
Aliana could feel eyes on her table. People were obviously thinking exactly what she was.
"What the hell are you looking at?" Draco spat half-heartedly towards one of the closer tables.
But Aliana could see he was trying to cover up his reaction or lack there of. Finally everything clicked. He had seemed a little off all day and this finally pulled it all together. She wondered what was wrong. To cause someone to loose their character completely… She could only imagine what might have happened.
Draco seemed un-phased by his pathetic cover up. He looked at her again and she too forgot everything. Aliana had found that she could get lost in those eyes of his. The icy cover seemed to melt away every time she was close enough to see. Behind the clouded gray was a sparkle of bright blue. The flecks of them pulsed out from their cold surroundings and jumped at her. His eyes were so compulsive she could stare into them for forever. But she always managed to pull her eyes apart before she hit the point where she couldn't turn away.
"So, I'm looking into the Falmouth Falcons. They're really into the hard play. It makes them a pretty good team; I'd fit in well there," Draco unconcernedly rejoined their conversation.
Although his voice was strong and intent on finishing their previous conversation his eyes gave him away. They were almost pleading with her to go along with this charade. But that moment of honesty was quickly replaced by the wall he threw up. The sweet blue of his eyes hardened into grey and he once again closed himself off to her and to everyone else.
--
Having parted in the Entrance Hall Aliana was now alone in the nearly empty corridors. Right now she was lost in utter amazement of the night. Draco was clearly not himself but rather than noticing that fact she dwelled on the walk back to the castle. It had been immersed in that same comfortable silence that had carried them to Hogsmead but this time it was different. She liked to think that this silence meant more. His hand had even reacted on its own this time.
Her thoughts faded back and she could almost feel her heart jump once more. A few meters outside of the little town Draco's light touch had filled up her every pore. His cool fingertips grazed the back of her hand and slipped slowly into her palm lacing them together with hers. She'd held his hand numerous times but this time the affection pouring out of the intent was unmistakable. It was almost as sweet as what happened next.
"Alli, can you please get this bird of yours off of me," Rayna yelled towards her the second she stepped into the common room.
She dropped out of her thoughts and ran to Rayna's rescue. Her owl could be quite the hassle when it was told to bring a letter directly to her. Slipping the letter from its hold Aliana petted Kamal and he immediately headed off, to the owlery she supposed.
"He's been following me for nearly an hour."
"It's been bloody hilarious, actually," Kyrah's sheer tone of voice had Aliana laughing.
"So who are they from," Elizabeth asked clearly trying to avoid a fight.
It was just then that Aliana had noticed that there were two letters in her hand. The first was from her parents and the second to her surprise was from her friend Lucie.
"This one's from Lucie, my friend from France, she exclaimed excitedly. "And the other one's from my parents."
"But that's nothing to get excited about," Kyrah's words dripped with sarcasm.
"So, let's hear what Lucie has to say.'
"Okay.
Chère Aliana,
I have missed you ever so greatly. You will be visiting soon I hope. The Christmas holidays are the same, I have checked, so why don't you spend them with me? My parents would be ecstatic to have you. You could make it a family event. I am sure that Madame, Messieurs Moxley are welcome here as well. You would even get to visit everyone else; you must know they miss you as well. Saber's funeral is during the holidays it would mean so much to everyone if you were there."
Aliana almost choked on her words at the mention of his name. Forcing herself to continue she lost interest in the rest of the letter.
"The clean up of the incident has gone well and the prospects of re-opening are brightening every day. But I'm sure you know all about that from the papers. I'm personally quite thrilled because my mother's teaching methods are getting on my last nerves. She can be so ignorant at times, oh how I wish I could escape her lessons for a few days. I would never again curse homework or a teacher because I have seen the alternative. And that alternative is hell.
Anyways, I am glad that you've made it into Ravenclaw. It is a respectable placement although Addie seems to believe you're just covering up and you are actually a Hufflepuff. But of course none of us believe that… But onto what this whole letter was about!! Draco Malfoy."
"Awww, Alli," Rayna interrupted. "You told her about Draco."
"I couldn't possibly hide such a miracle from my best friend," Aliana replied in fake shock.
"Oh, shut up you guys and keep reading," Elizabeth pushed.
"He sounds amazing and by that description I am envying your ability to even be able to look at the boy. Maybe you could send a picture… Well he sounds great but when I told Nicole, ya sorry I kind of showed a bunch of people your letter. Maybe you could send a few copies next time!! So, anyways, she told me that she'd read about his father in the newspaper. I guess he was one of the men at the Ministry last year. And well, he's in Azkaban right now. But you see that's not the worst part-"
Completely disregarding the letter from her parents Aliana stared at the end of the letter in shock. All of the girls were silent and the room filled thick full of tension.
A/N: So I have found out that the song I am listening to drastically changes how I write. I usually don't listen to anything when I write but I did when I wrote this chapter and found that some of my paragraphs completely go with the mood of the song I was listening to when I wrote them. Haha, I thought that was a little odd but… Anyways this chapter took me forever to write. For some reason I had the hardest time trying to create a change in Draco's character and make it subtle. (Any help/hints would be wonderful) So I'm hoping the next few chapters will be easier!! I know that it is not exact with the books. It is set in sixth year but the whole Draco killing Dumbledore thing is off but Lucius is still being imprisoned. I tried to keep it as close as possible but still wanted it so my story made sense. And this was yet another reason this chapter took so long to write. I was constantly back and forth on how much I should change my story compared to the book. : S But enough of my nonsense. Please tell me what you thought. I love getting reviews, comments and criticism anyone??