Astoria
Chapter 8: Time (2000)

Astoria would have really bad days, but other than that, she was fine. Her lifespan definitely shortened, she knew that. But she chose to live her life the best way she possibly could. Astoria didn't go back to Hogwarts because of her illness, so Daphne decided to tutor her.

She went to as many parties and events as she could, which is how she found out that she was quite the socialite. She'd chat up so many rich and important people that soon she was coordinating her own parties for her family rather than just decorating. Daphne loved the attention she got for her interior and gown designs, so it was a win-win.

It was a good while until the Malfoys started showing themselves around again. When Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco were on trial, they pleaded not guilty on the count of blackmail, that they were forced to join the Death Eaters. While charges were dropped for Draco and Narcissa, Lucius was also on trial for bargaining and blackmail within the Ministry. Draco actually spoke against his father, which shocked the entire Wizarding World in England.

It was Astoria's idea to invite the Malfoys back to their parties, two years after the War. Everyone, including Astoria, was shocked that they even showed up! They didn't talk to anyone much. Narcissa and Lucius clung to themselves and only spoke to those who spoke to them first. Draco did his rounds, but decided to find a quiet spot until his parents decided it was an appropriate time to leave. Draco found his way into the Greengrass' apothecary, where Astoria caught him observing the collection.

"It's weird," said Astoria from behind Draco, making him jump. "I had a feeling you'd be in here."

"Didn't anyone ever tell you it's impolite to sneak up on someone?"

Astoria smiled. "Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to roam through other people's homes without their permission?"

"I wasn't doing anything; I was just looking for some…"

"Quiet?"

Draco looked at her for a moment, and then continued walking around the place. "This is a very impressive collection."

"My family considers themselves connoisseurs of the medical art."

"Really?"

Astoria nodded.

"Since when?"

"Oh, just recently." She didn't want to give any hints to her rare, incurable condition. She was having a good day, so she was going to pretend she didn't have only a few more years to live.

"This is quite a collection for a recent hobby." Astoria remained quiet as she followed him. "I, myself, have been busy with Alchemy, but then again, I don't think I'd make use of it anywhere. I don't think anyone would care if a Malfoy discovered a new element really."

"Have you?"

Draco gave Astoria a small smile. "Not yet."

"You're not much of a talker, are you?"

"Not particularly."

"Don't you get lonely?"

"You ask a lot of personal questions."

"Deflection of question."

"What?"

"You deflected my question, meaning you have something to hide. Usually people deflect a question by asking another question or accusing the person of intruding. In this case, it was the latter."

Draco stared at her blankly.

Astoria continued, "So, if you deflected my question asking if you get lonely, that means you are insecure with your loneliness."

He still didn't answer the question. "Why? Are you lonely?"

Astoria shrugged. "Sometimes. But I will always have Daphne to brighten my day." She smiled, lightly touching the leaves of a tentacula plant. "See how easy that was? To say how you really feel?"

Draco decided to dismiss the conversation and ask, "Aren't those deadly? Tentacula?"

She passively looked up at the moving plant looming over her. "I suppose so. But why would I worry about death when I'm living quite nicely?"

Draco gave another smile. "You are something else, Astoria Greengrass."