The persistent beep of an electric alarm clock sounded nearby and Alice didn't move, snuggled in the arms of her partner who began to stir next to her.
"Al, what is that?" he whispered in her ear, assuming it was some odd piece of muggle technology.
"Huh? Oh," Alice's stretched her arm over him to push the clock's top button, "Sorry, I forgot to turn it off." Before she returned to her former spot, Draco embraced her in his arms, pulling her towards him. She laid her head on his chest and closed her eyes to listen to his breathing.
"We should probably get up," Draco said softly brushing her hair from her face, though Alice didn't want to move.
"Do we have to?" she asked childishly, lifting her head to look at him. She knew very well Draco would want to get started early on training her with defense spells.
They both smiled at each other warmly, both reveling in this new experience of waking up together.
After another moment of gazing at each other Alice conceded to Draco's request, "Alright, I'll go make coffee," Alice said, thinking she would need it to start her day, "And tea for you," she added, knowing Draco didn't like the taste of her favorite black concoction.
She slowly slid off the bed and grabbed her silk robe to slip on before heading to the kitchen. They would eat a humble breakfast of cereal and bananas, not quite Malfoy Manor cuisine, but the only option Alice had on hand. After getting a shower, Alice searched for some comfortable clothes to wear while practicing spells. Draco warned her that it could get bit rough when casting attack spells and she didn't want to ruin any of her good garments. She decided a pair of dark wash skinny jeans would be adequate, and she threw on a cotton blouse on top. She also put a change of clothes for later that afternoon for when they would head to the quidditch match. Alice was definitely looking forward to seeing a game. The spectacle of wizards on broomsticks was something she had yet to witness, not to mention a sport that was so outside her world of imagination. Draco also looked forward to seeing a match. He had not been to one in ages, having no time with his research or feeling sociable enough to bother.
"This is a new look for you," Draco said marveling at the casual girl before him.
"I know," Alice said feeling underdressed for a trip to Malfoy Manor; she slipped her feet into some simple black ballet flats. "At least I won't be too upset if these get ruined. I haven't worn jeans since I was taking classes. Glad they still fit."
"You don't always have to dress up," Draco said.
"Neither do you," Alice replied, thinking Draco was just as guilty of overdressing.
"I don't," he replied defensively while straightening his blazer. His dark suits were all he's ever known, more of a status symbol than anything else.
"Oh sure you don't," Alice smirked, "For me, once I became a teaching assistant I couldn't very well look like one of the students."
"You do look a lot younger than you are," Draco agreed.
"It's true, my first day of teaching proved that. No student believed I was the TA. Blessed by good genes perhaps," she said amused as she placed her bag on her shoulder.
"Are you ready Miss Good Genes?" he joked.
Alice smiled and added smarmily before taking his hand, "Ready Mister I Don't Overdress."
Draco quickly disapparated them to the foyer of Malfoy Manor and when they reappeared both were laughing. Before they got their total bearings back, Fritz had come running out of the drawing room towards Alice, ecstatic to see her again. It had been a few weeks since she last visited, since Draco and her often spent time at her flat.
"Well, I feel welcomed," Alice said to Fritz, as she knelt to scratch him behind the ears.
"Something uncommon for this household," Lucius remarked snidely from the drawing room door.
Draco gave his father a scathing look, trying to communicate to him not to say anything rude. Even before he could add critique, Alice quickly greeted him, "Hi Mr. Malfoy, I hope you're well." She never really minded his remarks, accepting it as part of his unchanging character. Draco, on the other hand, wished his father would be a little more cordial to her.
"Long time no see," his tone remained snide.
"Al, I'll change then meet you out in the garden?" Draco took Alice's bag from her shoulder so he could place it in his bedroom.
"Oh," Alice remembered her wand was in the bag, "I'll need this," she grabbed it out and then motioned for the large wolf hound to follow her to the far end of the foyer where French style doors opened to the side patio. On her way she heard voices above her and looking up she noticed some portrait paintings were moving. She caught a glimpse of a pale white-haired woman in a large frame glaring down at her.
"That muggle half-breed again. Disgrace!" It was Draco's decrepit grandmother wallowing above.
This was a new experience for Alice, she knew figures in photographs moved but she did not know that painted likenesses could speak, or be sentient of their surroundings. She continued to move to the patio doors, a little shocked at this revelation.
Back in the foyer, Draco locked eyes with his father who had an undeniable disappointed look on his face.
"Spending the night with her now?" he inquired.
"Concerned?" Draco said nonchalantly.
"Not necessarily, you're an adult. And as an adult you're reminded of this family's reputation," he said strictly, subtly displaying his dislike of his relationship.
"Forgive me for trying to transcend it. More than I can say for you. Dealing in Diagon Alley lately?"
Lucius gave him a questioning look.
Draco then added, "Unexpectedly ran into Asher, said he's acquired an object for you."
"Ah yes, a small trifle, not of any concern," he remarked uninterested.
"You do know the consequences of such actions," Draco warned.
"Like I said, not of any concern."
"Right," Draco scoffed skeptically, "Well, I'll be in the garden with someone who believes this family's reputation is better than it is." He walked towards the stairs, leaving his father behind him.
Lucius had still not gotten use to his son's confidence to defy him, though he knew it was a trait he passed along. Additionally, he was still uncomfortable with his and Alice's relationship since he could sense that it was of a more serious nature, one that could possible lead to marriage. Letting go of the Malfoy's claim to pure-blood ancestry through his son was difficult for him to fathom. It wasn't that he didn't like Alice, on the contrary, she was intelligent, good mannered, and made both his son and his wife happy. She just was not of the right ilk in his mind.
Draco changed into a new shirt and new pair of slacks before heading to the garden to meet Alice. He also hung Alice's change of clothes in his cupboard. Heading out to the garden, Draco found Alice with his mother casually chatting in the rose garden.
"Good morning mother," Draco greeted his mom.
Narcissa's face lit up upon hearing her son and she quickly turned to greet him. "Good morning. When you didn't come home last night I was worried."
"I apologize," Draco said respectfully.
"Oh, you don't have to," Narcissa's tone expressed that she knew why, making Draco feel a bit embarrassed.
Alice decided to change the subject for Draco's sake, "I told her you'd be teaching me defense spells out here today."
"Oh Draco, do go easy on her," Narcissa said warmly. "I'll be in the green room figuring out the guest list if anything happens. Remind your father, if you see him, that he's supposed to help." The Malfoys planned on holding a black tie event in a few weeks to celebrate Draco's alchemical award. She had already gotten headfirst into the party planning and would be inviting numerous elite wizarding families. It was awhile since the Malfoys had a proper reception, though before the war they use to have them more often for various occasions.
Draco led Alice to the large grass area where a few white peacocks were grazing. Fritz followed closely behind them and upon his arrival the birds quietly scuttled away, hoping not to be bothered by the large wolf hound.
"What should we start with?" Alice asked, not knowing what to expect. Even Draco was a bit unsure, since Alice didn't know any attack spells yet.
"How about starting with a demonstration?" Lucius called out from behind them, "I'm assuming Alice has never seen a wizard's duel, it would be educational."
"I like that idea," Alice chimed, thinking it would give her an idea of the nature of these spells.
"Okay, it's been awhile," Draco replied suspiciously, it had been years since they last dueled for practice purposes. Then he guessed as to the purpose, "Avoiding mother, I assume."
"Momentarily," he said before stylishly removing his wand from the top his black cane. Its hidden placement was something that Alice was completely unaware of; "Clever," she thought while backing away from them. Then Draco retrieved his wand from his side pocket.
"Let's do this properly Draco," Lucius said haughtily, meaning that he and Draco should bow as they do in a proper duel.
Father and son lifted their wands to their face and bowed before moving away from each other. She could see they have done this before and perhaps were looking forward to going at it again. Within seconds they were casting spells and blocking each other's with equal intensity. Alice didn't catch any of the spell's names since most were being cast nonverbally. She watched amazed as light erupted from each of their wands in various colors. One spell cast by Draco hit Lucius in the chest, spinning him backwards until he hit the ground. He quickly counter cursed form his lower position hitting Draco with equal furry, knocking him back onto the grass. They seemed to be venting some anger with their attacks as they continued back and forth. Suddenly, Alice felt a numbing sensation in her gut which caused her to fall over onto her back. A curse blocked by Lucius had ricocheted directly towards Alice.
"Cease!" Draco yelled at his father before quickly running to check on her. "Alice?" his voice was fret with worry.
Alice coughed while getting her breath back, "That knocked the wind out of me." She sat herself up and said calmly, "I'm fine." She feigned any discomfort she was feeling in her lower abdomen.
"Perhaps you should start with blocking," Lucius said arrogantly to Draco, unconcerned.
"You think?" Alice said sarcastically as Draco hoisted her up on her feet.
"You sure you're alright?" Draco asked again, still worried.
"Yeah," Alice replied, pushing her hair behind her ears, "At least I know how it feels now. Better than paintball at least."
"What?" Draco inquired.
"Never mind, muggle thing," Alice tried to brush off her comment; she was thankful that the stinging sensation didn't last as long as when she got hit in the stomach by a paintball back in high school, all because her father thought paintballing would be a thrilling daddy-daughter experience. She really hoped it left no welts.
"Does she even know any spells?" Lucius asked Draco curiously.
Alice answered, "A few, I don't think any of them are harmful though." She was unsure if she could turn a person into ice with that glacius charm she just learned; maybe she should ask.
The Draco added protectively, "Nothing of that sort yet father, she only started learning a little over a month ago."
"For being Dumbledore's grandchild you'd expect…"
"Expect me to be a lot better than I am, no kidding," Alice said amused, even though Lucius was trying to be snarky.
Lucius smirked; he really could not get Alice riled with his remarks.
"By the way, good match father," Draco did enjoy battling him like old times.
With a slight smile, Lucius replied, "It's good to know you haven't gone soft." Both father and son gave each other an encouraging look of respect which Alice noticed and was grateful for. She knew Lucius cared for his son and it was only in those subtle moments that he actually showed it. Then Lucius added, "And I do suggest that you are harder on your student, if she is going to progress respectfully," his eyes shifted to Alice who had a slight smile on her face.
"Of course," Draco knew his father was right, especially if he feared every time Alice got hit.
As Lucius turned to leave them, Alice said respectfully, "Thanks for the demonstration, Mr. Malfoy."
Lucius nodded curtly and reluctantly walked towards the green room where Narcissa was most likely waiting for him to prepare the guest list.
Before Draco could speak, Alice spoke excitedly, "That was incredible, I had no idea!" She held up her wand inquisitively.
"Luckily it wasn't a more serious curse that hit you."
"Well, I wouldn't think you were trying to kill your father," Alice said jokingly.
"Don't be so sure," Draco joked half-serious.
"He's a bit uneasy about us, I know, but give him time," Alice said encouragingly. "At least it's obvious he doesn't hate me."
Draco cracked a smile, "No one should be able to hate you Al."
"You want to bet?" She nudged him and then said optimistically, "But honestly, he'll come around."
For the next several hours they practiced; Alice learned how to produce and block a stunning spell, though she found it more difficult to disarm her opponent, and she so wanted to learn "Expelliarmus." Draco knew Alice could learn things relatively quickly at first, but since she didn't practice enough she'd forget how to cast several spells properly. Her other downfall was that her mind over analyzed, when she needed to be more instinctive.
"I think we should take a break," Draco said, "You did well for your first time."
"Thanks, I have a good teacher," Alice was really pleased with how Draco taught her; he had patience and was always encouraging. "Maybe you should teach at Hogwarts next year."
"It's not for me to decide, McGonagall has to, though Slughorn wouldn't mind if I replaced him," Draco recently heard from Slughorn about his retirement. Draco's pending award and new title as Master Potioneer helped his cause for the position at Hogwarts, though his Death Eater background caused some to have reservations. He was unsure what his chances were amongst the other candidates and would have to wait to find out. It would be a lifestyle change, but one where he would feel like he was doing some good.
Likewise, Alice had heard from Professor McGonagall via owl post a week ago concerning whether she had any interest in teaching Muggle Studies part-time to sixth year students. Hogwarts had recently been redesigning their upper-level curriculum and had an interest in creating one mandatory Muggle Studies course for all sixth year students. Their current Muggle Studies professor would be overwhelmed handling an extra course and McGonagall thought one taught by someone like Alice would be an enlightening experience for students. One of Alice's reservations was her lack of experience teaching teenagers, though the learning style at Hogwarts was considerably more university-like. Her other concern was not knowing enough about the magical world yet to really engage with students or to maintain any authority over them. McGonagall invited her to Hogwarts on Wednesday to discuss things further.
"I'm still debating whether teaching there is a good idea," Alice said, as they walked towards the manor, intent on going to the downstairs kitchen for a bite to eat.
"Well, you'd only have to teach older students, sixth year, sixteen and seventeen year olds. I think you could handle it," Draco said encouragingly.
"Probably, I was already thinking of possible coursework and textbooks, though I'm unsure what they learn in the other Muggle Studies classes." She suddenly thought it was too bad Draco never took them.
"Well, you'll be able to ask McGonagall and Professor Chorice on Wednesday. From what I hear, you'd be pretty much in charge of creating the new course."
"It's an exciting prospect, I could do a lot with a course like that. Though I'm sure when you were a student, you would have loathed being forced to take it."
"Oh definitely, but with someone like you teaching, maybe I'd have a change of heart," Draco joked, raising his eyebrows ever so slightly.
"Hot for teacher, huh?" Alice teased back, poking him in the gut playfully.
Laughing at her gesture, Draco warned half-seriously, "Just don't eat or drink anything the students give you."
"See that's exactly what I'm afraid of!" The students will be more advanced in magic than I am. Doesn't bode well for my confidence."
"They wouldn't need to know your ability level and plus, you do have all summer to advance."
Upon entering the back of the foyer, they were greeted by the unfriendly voice of Draco's grandmother. "You should be ashamed! Being with an ill-bred muggle!"
Draco gave the portrait a nasty look before speaking, "Alice, I never introduced you to the Malfoy family in portrait form."
"Okay, so I wasn't going crazy when I heard voices," she said relieved as she slowly gazed up at the portraits which were now peering down at her.
"They sort of echo the people they represent," then he said sarcastically, "The lovely woman calling you names a moment ago was my grandmother."
"Nice to meet you," Alice called towards the painting knowing it would probably irk her.
"Despicable! You have no right to talk to me," the decrepit old woman cried back.
Alice giggled a bit, the disdain for her was too full on it was humorous she thought.
Angered by this, the old woman said, "Laugh at me you will not, you filthy muggle!"
Alice shot back, "I apologize, but doesn't it get old being so negative?"
A portrait on the opposite wall decided to join the conversation, it was Draco's great uncle. "You have no understanding of your position."
Alice put her hands on hips, "I think I do have an understanding of your understanding of my position."
Draco laughed, Alice was obviously having fun with this.
"This is absurd!" Draco's grandmother said, "If your grandfather were here…" Suddenly, into her painting stepped Abraxus Malfoy, Draco's grandfather, who must have wandered there from his portrait in the grand hall.
"So this is the mudblood?" he said peering down at Alice who hadn't removed her hands from her hips.
"Actually if you want to get technical, I'm quarter-blood," Alice replied calmly. "I'm also part Irish and some French and Austrian mixed in but then we're getting too technical."
"What is she going on about?" the old woman asked her husband who was still peering down at Alice with eyes as cold as Lucius's.
Abraxus then sounded like he was going to lecture Alice, "The Malfoy family's proud pure-blood ancestry spans generations, only Draco seems to forget this."
Draco crossed his arms and said under his breath, "Oh please, that's what got our family into the muck to be begin with."
"Ancestry is important Mr. Malfoy," Alice added respectfully, "But if you're basing it entirely on bloodline versus historical circumstance then it's empty pride. At least Draco's accomplishments have earned this family true pride recently."
"Of course my grandson offers this family pride," the old man snapped.
Then his grandmother added, "But not with the likes of you!"
"By disrespecting Alice you also disrespect me," Draco said a bit aggravated.
"You will be disowned child!" his grandmother spewed back.
"Oh I doubt that!" Narcissa had entered the foyer from the garden followed by Lucius. She never enjoyed dealing with her in-law's portraits; they always gave her a hard time about the blood traitors in the Black family. "Draco is the best of all of us and Alice just might be his better half. Deal with it!"
"Lucius, even your wife! The shame!" the old woman bemoaned.
"Son, you have a lot to explain," Abaxus demanded.
Lucius rolled his eyes, "It's not very much my choice, nor is it yours. Leave it at that." He continued to walk past them uninterested in justifying his words or perhaps exhausted from dealing with his wife and the guest list for the past two hours.
Narcissa looked at Draco and Alice, "You know it's the same as talking to the wall with these three, best not to give them the time."
They followed Narcissa out of the foyer while hearing additional banter from Draco's grandmother behind them, "That Black family, so many blood traitors, figures!"
"Alice," Narcissa turned to face her, "Don't let them bother you, can't change the essence of a person who's gone. And Draco, what were you thinking? You know they were only going to be rude."
"Apologies," he said meekly to Alice, though he knew Alice wasn't upset with him.
"I was probably goading them on; it was my first experience with a talking portrait."
"And an awful one I might add. This family and my own had an unhealthy obsession with their pure-blood ancestry and it's about time such ideology was stopped. I don't want you to feel unwelcomed here Alice."
"Oh no, don't worry, I don't. I promise not to take any of it to heart," Alice replied quickly.
"Good. Well, I'm zapped," she said exasperated. "Your father and I have finally finished the guest list for the event. It was more difficult than expected; many acquaintances are still in Azkaban."
"As they should be," Draco replied.
"Now don't you forget why we're not there," she cautioned. It was her lie to Voldemort about Harry's death that saved the whole family from incarceration. "Besides, it's time to make new acquaintances, though my choices certainly didn't bide well with your father. Alice, have you figured out what you'll wear to the party?"
"I think I'm going to have to go shopping, I really don't own anything too formal." Alice had already searched through her closet and nothing seemed appropriate for what sounded akin to a royal ball.
"That'll be fun," she mused.
"Definitely," Alice agreed.
"She's really going to outdo herself this time," Draco said of his mother and her plans. He wasn't exactly keen on having an event in his honor but had little say in the matter. For Narcissa, this was proper protocol and she was looking forward to entertaining guests.
"Only to a certain extent, since it is a big deal," Narcissa said of his award, "People would wonder if we didn't hold one."
"I would let them wonder then," Draco said in a sigh making Narcissa's eyes narrow on him.
Alice interrupted, "Well, I'm looking forward to it Narcissa, and please let me know if you need any help," which immediately made her smile.
"No worries dear, just get him in the right mood for it," she gave another look to her son, "Now I better go check on your father. He left not too pleased."
After her exit, Alice and Draco continued their way to the kitchen.
"Surely it won't be that bad?" Alice asked Draco, she really had no idea what to expect.
"You'll learn very quickly how these social gathering are all about face. I don't fault her for wanting to do one, just hate to throw you through the social rigor already."
"I'll be fine," Alice admired his concern. "Pure-blood ideology doesn't bother me so much when I think of it objectively. Besides, I get to wear a nice dress," she tried to get him to crack a smile.
It worked, a smile formed on his face right away.
After lunch they continued to practice in the garden for another two hours before it was time to get ready for the quidditch match.
Draco led Alice upstairs to his room so she could change her outfit. This was the first time seeing his room so she felt a bit apprehensive about entering. What she saw actually fit well with what she imagined. It was large space, a lot bigger than the guest room she stayed in, with high ceilings and an extended study to the side. The aesthetic meshed well with the rest of the manor, though it was less ornate and composed mainly of the color black with hints of green throughout. One thing that stood out to Alice was a Slytherin house banner on the one wall and a unique looking broomstick perched in a corner. It was kept in immaculate order except for the desk in the study, which had several layers of parchment laid out on top. Alice assumed these notes made up part of his award acceptance speech that he mentioned he'd been struggling with. Lining the walls of the study was his personal library, composed of old course books and tomes on potions and various other magical interests. The far wall was lined with high arching windows that provided enough light throughout the day along with an unimpeded view of the back gardens. Draco had taken the liberty of hanging Alice's outfit in his cupboard, which he retrieved for her upon entering. Alice noticed the line of black clothing inside as he pulled out her blue jumper dress.
"Thanks for hanging it up," Alice said impressed by the gesture.
"Don't mention it," he handed her the dress and led her through the side door which opened into another room where the bath was located. "I'll probably change as well," he said before leaving her.
Not being shy, Alice quickly unbuttoned her tunic and removed her pants. "Do you think there will be a lot of people there?" She called out to him, as she tried to find her brush in her bag.
"Probably, these games usually sell out…" he reentered the door not expecting her to already be half undressed.
Catching him staring, she teased, "See something you like?" She proceeded to brush her hair in front of the mirror, pretending to go unfazed by his blushing.
Feeling bold, Draco moved slowly behind her and placed his hands around her waist as he softly kissed her neck. Alice couldn't help but lean into him and close her eyes. She felt completely safe in his arms. They both opened their eyes and looked at each other together in the mirror. At that moment they knew that they each felt the same; they each felt completed by the other.
"Not much time," Alice said sadly, referring to the start of the game.
"A lifetime hopefully," Draco replied, referring to something completely different.
Alice turned around to face him, her eyes wide upon his. At that moment she said something she was not sure she knew how to say, "I love you." The words dripped from her mouth freely and he pulled her closer to him. "I love you too."
The display of affection lasted moments longer before they both knew if they wasted anymore time they would miss the start of the match.