TRIGGER WARNINGS: STRONG LANGUAGE, DRUG USE - CANNABIS (SMOKING), UNDERAGE DRINKING, EXPLICIT SEXUAL SITUATIONS BTWN MINORS: KISSING, TOUCHING, ORAL SEX (FEMALE RECEIVING), FINGERING.
AUGUST 24TH, 1993 - MALFOY VILLA - CLOSE TO NOON
The next day Rose awoke feeling tremendously groggy, heavy, and, to her dismay, nauseous. There was a fierce pounding in her head fueled by the amplifying sound of twittering birds and the bright daylight that shown through her closed eyelids. Groaning, she wondered what could have caused this horrendous feeling until the events of the previous day came rushing back.
The yacht party.
Draco's friends.
The gorgeous and charming Evan Rosier!
His less charming but nonetheless annoyingly gorgeous girlfriend, Cassandra.
The pot.
The drinking.
The way she had danced with Marcus!
That thought alone triggered a wave of nausea which incidentally reminded Rose of how sick she had gotten at the party.
But that brought about that informative conversation with Draco. He followed you, remember?
She did remember.
Slowly, the memory came back. Draco had followed her out of concern, he had sat on the cold bathroom floor with her after she had violently puked. There had been a drunken heart-to-heart where she had uninhibitedly asked about his intentions with her.
"You see more than just a former Death Eater's son." He had said.
A Death Eater's son.
Lucius had been a Death Eater!
He had never been Imperiused as he had claimed for Draco would have never called his own father that unless knowing for certain that he had acted on his own free will. The seriousness of that fact dawned on her. She had willingly walked into a Death Eater's home and her relation to Harry only made that fact far more dangerous. Now there were a thousand more questions added to her long list.
Had Lucius known about the attack before it happened? Had he perhaps planned it out and anxiously anticipated his Master's victorious return that night?
They had been hiding for a year, Lucius must have known Harry was the target which in turn marked Rose and her parents with death as well. There was no way that with his wealth, social standing, influence, and Pureblood ancestry the Malfoy patriarch would have been excluded from the Dark Lord's plan. He must have been in the inner circle!
It was now clear that their invitation to the villa had been more than just Lucius playing politics with her father. He had invited them because, for some sick reason, he needed to see the girl whose death he helped plan. The way he stared at her now made sense and the realization sent a cold shiver down her spine.
Was this what had caused the sudden emergence of forgotten memories?
Rose suppressed the mental flashes that replayed in her mind. She already felt horrible as it was without thinking of the nightmare so she willed herself to think of something else, something pleasant. Something like what had happened between her and Draco last night.
Now that had been wonderful!
The voice in her mind gave a satisfied chuckle, Learn a thing or two?
By Isolt, had she?
She couldn't believe so many life-altering events had happened to her in one day! No wonder she felt absolutely exhausted!
Rose groaned again out of physical and mental exhaustion wanting nothing more than to resume the deep and dreamless sleep she had just been rudely roused from. However, the infernal twittering only grew louder and eventually impossible for Rose to ignore any longer. She opened her eyes and was instantly blinded by the beaming sunlight coming in from the opened balcony window.
"Tilly!" she called out hoarsely, shutting her eyes and crossing her arms over them.
There was a pop that startled her announcing the elf's appearance by her side.
"Yes, Miss Rose?" Tilly asked in a low and soft voice.
"Please close that fucking window before I murder those birds," she gruffly answered. "And please shut those damn curtains too."
The little elf did not hesitate to obey, "Right away, Miss Rose."
Almost instantly the chirping ceased and the room became blissfully soundless and dark.
"Thank you," Rose muttered in relief, uncovering her eyes but keeping them closed.
"Anything for Miss Rose." the elf answered softly before adding. "Miss Rose and Young Master Draco must wake up now. It is almost noon. Tilly will make a good breakfast for recovery and Tilly urges Young Master and Miss to drink plenty of water."
With that, the little elf Disapparated.
Another groan escaped her, 'I'm never drinking again.' Rose thought as she turned to her side and finally opening her eyes to find the pleasant image of the sleeping body that laid next to her.
She took a moment to admire her new friend, it felt strange saying that word, who looked so serene and innocent, almost angelic, in his deep slumber. Draco was so physically beautiful that it made it difficult to imagine that this was the same cruel boy Harry described in his letters. This was the boy who had mercilessly teased and bullied other classmates for being less fortunate than him including her little brother. He was the boy Harry knew to be spiteful, hateful, and villainous. Rose didn't doubt the truth in Harry's word as she had seen glimpses of darkness in Draco but she knew him well enough to know there was more than met the eye. Draco had been raised and misguided by a Death Eater, however, unlike his father, he was still gentle and kind, albeit secretly. It was a hidden side that he had shown only to her, although as a Leglimens Rose had seen that side before it was fully revealed. There was still a chance to save her friend from becoming as cold, dangerous, and unnerving as Lucius.
Why do you care for him? Demanded the voice, the disapproval palpable in his words. Even while you have his loyalty, he can still turn on you. You are a Potter, after all. You must always be prepared for that, caring for them will only make it easier for them to hurt and deceive you and harder for you to fight back. You cannot care or love. You cannot be weak!
Rose knew he was right, humankind was capable of all sorts of depravities. She of all people knew this well from her lifetime of being pulled into people's minds.
'I know,' She answered back. 'But he does care for me, I can feel it.'
The voice scoffed.
'I won't get attached,' Rose reassured quickly as she always hated when he became angry and disappointed with her. 'But for now, he is mine. Can I just enjoy that?'
There was no answer, it was clear that he was now annoyed with her and so his voice retreated away which Rose considered more of a blessing than a need to worry. She had disappointed her guide but she did not dwell on it wanting nothing more than to soak in as much of the beauty and serenity that was Draco Malfoy.
He did care about her and even if it didn't last she would relish it while it existed. She recalled how Draco had held her when she awoke; screaming, crying, and terribly frightened. The images of the burning castle, the skull and snake hanging sinisterly in the dark sky and the way Rose had been dragged underneath the cold, black lake played through her mind. She remembered the way her lungs had been in desperate agony for air, the fear of her inevitable death, the voices of past, broken memories that had rung loud and clear in her head, and the pair of unnerving red eyes that had stared deep into her soul. When she awoke, Draco had been quick to act and it was when he had embraced her that she had felt safe, so safe that she had shared those private memories with him.
It had been such a personal and vulnerable act on her part but Rose was so comfortable around Draco that it was almost natural. Perhaps that is why it had been easy to share herself with him. Revealing those memories and showing such emotion had been the closest she had ever allowed someone in her head.
You mustn't do that again. The voice warned, unable to listen to any more of her thoughts without reprehension. That was foolish of you! You must never let others know of any weaknesses or fears!
'I know,' Rose replied. 'I'm sorry. I just felt safe with him.'
You're only safe with me!
Rose didn't reply, taken aback by his sudden possessiveness.
Fuck him if you want but remember, only I am your true friend. Only with me will you ever be safe. Only with me, you will learn. Only I can make you feel powerful.
'I know,' Rose finally replied although a small part of her stubbornly disagreed.
Draco had made her feel powerful along with so many wonderful sensations. She fondly remembered the pleasure she experienced throughout her body when he had touched her breasts, the electric tingling feeling when he rubbed her nipples, and the way she felt touching him especially that part of him. The brief moment before Draco's unexpected climax, when Rose had first taken a hold of his length, she had taken notice of his size. It had piqued her curiosity and she couldn't help wonder how it looked like and how it would feel to really touch it.
He's more than willing to show you.
The voice was right there wasn't a doubt about that with how eager he had been last night. He wanted her and he would go as far as Rose allowed even if that meant losing their virginities to each other but she had no interest in doing that with him. A fun learning experience to prepare for her fifth year was all that presently interested her although deep down she knew how deeply she cared for him.
Rose leaned in and tenderly kissed Draco on his soft, slightly parted lips stirring him from his sleep. Slowly, he opened his eyes, blinked a few times, and gave a sleepy grin as she came into view.
'Good morning, beautiful,' his thoughts said relishing his morning view.
She smiled and snuggled against his bare chest taking in his warmth and scent, "I feel terrible," she whispered wrapping an arm over him.
"It's called a hangover."
Rose rolled her eyes, "Any chance your mom keeps a stock of Hangover Cure potions?"
"Spell-locked away," he replied monotonously.
"Not a chance we can break through and get away with it?"
"None, they keep a count."
Rose frowned, "So what do we do?"
"Suffer," he answered plainly.
It was clear they would have to do this the elf's way. However, the thought of leaving the comfort of the darkness, the bed, and the warmth of Draco's embrace was vastly unappealing. However, it did not outweigh the heaviness in her body and the dullness in her head.
"Ok," she said mustering up her strength and will. Reluctantly, Rose slowly pulled away and dragged herself up to a sitting position then swung her legs over the edge with sudden force. Instantly, she regretted the action as her surroundings swayed sickenly.
'I'm never drinking again,' she thought to herself once more hearing the voice chuckle.
She was about to walk over to the dresser to gather clothes and change in the bathroom when she sensed Draco watching her.
'Does she regret anything?' He thought unable to help himself. 'We were so drunk and high, I cannot believe we did all that! Will she allow it again? Fuck, stop thinking!'
Rose secretly grinned and the memories of the drunken courage she experienced yesterday came back as did the new experiences it gave rise to. It had been freeing, empowering and she had enjoyed it!
You can be like that without alcohol. The voice suggested.
A sudden idea popped into her mind and her heart raced at the thought of its execution.
Don't be shy, he's already touched you and seen you half-naked in that little swimsuit of yours. There no need to be embarrassed.
Gathering her nerve, Rose turned in his direction and began silently undressing. She dropped and stepped out of silk shorts then pulled the camisole overhead carelessly tossing it on the space next to Draco, who now sat upright, fully awake.
It was nerve-wracking yet thrilling standing in front of him in nothing more than the soft pink panties that covered the only part of her he had not seen and not-so-secretly yearned to. She could see the lustful glow in his eyes as they roamed over her body and stopped at the exposed nipples that perked up under his gaze.
'Gods, she's so fucking gorgeous!' He thought, wanting to kiss and explore her body once more perhaps touch her the way she had touched him. Once again the pitched fabric over his crotch gave away to his erection and Rose could not help but feel powerful. Her assessment had been right all along, it was all power play.
It's that easy.
"What are you doing?" Draco finally asked.
Make him wait. Make him earn you.
Rose smiled sweetly, "Getting dressed." she answered innocently then proceeded to walk over to the wardrobe. She pulled out a pair of denim shorts and a white, daisy-print spaghetti strap cropped camisole. Since the day was, once again, sunny and hot she didn't bother with shoes, bra, or socks. Besides, it was only them today.
Using Draco's wand, she quickly charmed her hair into a high ponytail then went over to him. The entire time he had remained watching her intently as she moved around unsure of her next move.
She smirked before capturing his lips with her own for a quick kiss.
"C'mon let's get breakfast!"
A letter arrived from Blaise at breakfast informing them that everyone was nursing a hangover today but tomorrow a few would be over which had been cleared by Lucius. Rose wondered if Evan would be among the few but did not voice her question.
After forcing herself to eat Rose felt much better although it had been a true test of willpower to keep herself from being sick, however, once she began eating the feeling had slowly dissipated. Physically she had yet to recover and wished she had bought the expensive portable potions kit her father had gifted her. A simple batch of Wiggenweld Potion would have cured their fatigue in no time!
The temptation to return to bed was great but so was the excitement of their last unsupervised day and therefore they decided to take full advantage.
"Let's go swimming!" Rose suggested after they had finished their meal.
The image of Rose in her bikini immediately came to Draco's mind and that was all the persuasion he needed. So they rubbed the remaining sleep from their eyes and donned on their swimsuits, both ignoring the dull ache in their heads. Fortunately, Rose remembered the remaining joints so they shared one down at the pool deck while Draco introduced her to the music of a British wizarding rock band called The Weird Sisters. Soon enough their headaches were no more.
High and happy, the two teens jumped into the pool resuming the playful touching and banter that had developed naturally between them. It wasn't long before they pulled each other close, wrapping their arms around the other and reclaiming each other's lips in the same fervent way as the previous night.
Rose was very glad she had kept her hair up as she discovered how much she enjoyed the sensation of Draco's lips kissing and sucking her neck. She had also discovered that he enjoyed it too!
For her, it sent shivers down her body and into her stomach where she felt that ache causing her to moan pleasurably from the sensation. However, she also enjoyed the feeling of his skin against her lips as she kissed her way along his jawline and down his neck. Much to her pleasant surprise, Draco had been daring enough to find his way under her bikini top then, unpredictably, around her butt; gently squeezing and groping within the confines of the water. She reciprocated by inching her hands further and further down his shorts until she felt the soft flesh of his hardness. This time there was no sudden climax at the contact but instead, he gasped quietly before moaning at the feeling of her hand stroking his bare length. He captured her mouth again shoving his tongue in with such fervor it made Rose ache for more.
Gently and firmly. Don't be afraid to stroke faster.
Rose listened to the instructions the voice gave. It had yet to steer her wrong which was only further proven by Draco's growing enthusiasm.
She wanted to explore him as much as he did her but the voice of reason stopped her.
Make him wait.
By early evening the hangover had subsided and Rose finally felt like herself again minus the growing hunger. Although she enjoyed the privacy within the villa nothing sounded duller than staying in for the evening. Wanting to avoid the paparazzi, she convinced Draco to venture into the No-Maj area of the city for dinner although it hadn't taken much convincing and she was beginning to think he would agree to anything if she proposed it.
Shall we test his limits and loyalty?
Rose shook her head at the voice's suggestion as she stood in front of the bathroom mirror waiting for Tilly to return; she had gone to instruct the guards to prepare the car for the drive.
That was manipulation and she was not capable of doing that to someone, or was she?
A soft, amused chuckle sounded in her mind, And what do you call your little tryst with Draco that you so desperately want to keep secret? You're using him.
She frowned at the comment from the inner voice but she didn't dwell on it as the elf returned to apply the hairstyle and beauty charms. With the elf's own magic, she perfectly styled Rose's dark, wavy hair and expertly applied a beautiful shimmery, natural makeup look. One could truly not expect less from an elf in service to Narcissa Malfoy.
The sundress Rose picked out was black, mid-thigh, and flowy with blue florals which she paired with black platform sandals. Lastly, she finished her look with a small, black cross-body purse that had an undetectable Extension charm placed on it to safely carry her father's No-Maj credit card and money that he had left her as well as any item she might purchase.
She met Draco down at the foyer, he looked handsome and sophisticated in a pair of dark blue, canvas slip-on shoes that matched his shorts and coordinated tastefully with a white, short-sleeve button-down that he kept open at the top and untuck adding a little scruff to his look. Much to her delight, he wore his hair tussled and relaxed.
When they first approached the guards, who were waiting for them by the car, Rose wasted no time apologizing profusely for their behavior the previous evening. However, the head guard, who she learned was named Richard, quickly stopped her.
"Nothing to apologize for. You two got seasick, we took you home, slept it off, and now you're all better," he said sharply and simply.
Rose looked at him confused until his thoughts purposely caught her attention.
'For your sake, girl, that is the fucking story! Stick to it if you know what's good for all of us.'
He's right, said the voice.
She nodded to show she understood, "Right."
Thankfully, Draco was clever and observant enough to deduce what their interaction meant without needing an explanation.
As they entered the city the traffic began to thicken as there was some type of festival taking place. Rose stared out the windows at the passing streets that were beautifully and colorfully decorated, and at the vibrant crowds of locals and tourists; some dressed in stunning, radiant garments.
"What's going on?" Rose had asked from the backseat.
Richard, who was driving, replied, "It's called Feria de Malaga, it's an annual festival that celebrates King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella entry into the city and claiming it for the crown of Castile in 1487. The festival goes on late, for several days and it's always packed with Muggles so best stay close and not wander off."
The crowd the festival had attracted greatly affected traffic and the further they drove into the city the more compact it became. Had the ministry car been an ordinary and non-magical one they would have had no choice but to painfully wait in a sea of daring and frustrated drivers. Thankfully, it was charmed to swiftly wind and squeeze its way around traffic magically avoiding any collisions or pedestrians; not that they even noticed. It always amazed Rose how oblivious No-Majes were to magic.
After they parked in an underground lot, where a spot for them had magically appeared, they walked up to a crowded street aligned with stores and began walking along with the guards closely behind in search of a restaurant. They passed a sushi bar, a charming Spanish cafe, and after several streets came upon a bustling high-end Italian restaurant and pizzeria. It looked very expensive and the trendy and sophisticated clientele that spilled out into the outdoor dining area confirmed it.
Rose decided it was the most ideal atmosphere that Draco would be comfortable with and so they walked in and were immediately seated in the outdoor dining area. The guards, of course, were seated at their own table nearby but far enough to allow them some privacy.
When Draco pulled Rose's chair for her the thoughts from the patrons sounded off around as they snuck glances at the only teenage couple in the restaurant. Instantly they were passed off as rich kids on summer vacation, which was accurate, yet the No-Majes couldn't help themselves in admiring the 'young love' although some were more cynical than others.
Fortunately, Rose was distracted by their waitress who brought them water and greeted them warmly in Spanish handing each of them a menu before leaving them to scan the lists of appetizers, pasta, seafood dishes, and gourmet pizzas. Rose personally loved pepperoni but this restaurant did not offer anything that plain and, dare she say, American so they decided on a prosciutto cotto pizza and lemonades which Rose ordered for them fluently. She was quite proud that although she spoke a combination of Colombian and Mexican dialects it was more advanced than Draco's, who was adequately fluent in Peninsular Spanish.
The drinks were brought out first and as they waited for their food they discussed their families and Rose took the opportunity to ask a question that she had been gnawing at her.
"So do you really hate No-Majes?"
He didn't answer right away as the question had taken him by surprise. Instead, he chuckled nervously and turned slightly pink, "Err...no, not exactly."
"Care to elaborate, Mr. Malfoy?" she urged on keenly.
Draco carefully calculated his answer even though Rose knew what he would say before he even opened his mouth.
"I don't hate them. I just think we shouldn't have to hide from them as if we're the weak and vulnerable ones. The Statute is a load of dragon shit and should be abolished! Our kind should be in charge of this world not live in secret and in shame for their sake as they go around destroying everything. Wars, 'natural disasters, disease epidemics, they're the ones responsible for it all! We're different than them, better! Obviously, there is something superior about our kind because we have magic, don't you agree?"
"I guess," she replied unsure about her opinion as she thought of both World Wars, the atomic bomb, the Holocaust, and many other atrocities that plagued global No-Maj history.
"Think about it, Rose!" he urged. "They're not like us! You and I are magical. In our ancient history that is no longer taught or honored, the deities chose us to be like them on this earth because our kind was special. We were granted magic and powers like yours to govern over them and keep them in line!" He glanced around at the patrons in disdain, "There's nothing special about them and that starves their greed so they make up for it by stealing, destroying, and raping. Look at what they're doing to the world they were given! They are the evil ones. We're the ones who have been oppressed for centuries so why should we love much less care for our oppressors?"
Rose remained silent, her friend's words were not entirely wrong.
"What about No-Maj-borns?" She instead asked curious to hear each point. "Harry told me about the way you treat his friend, Hermione. Do you hate them?"
"I don't hate them, I guess some of them are alright but that doesn't mean I have to trust them or be their friend, especially someone as annoying as Granger," he defended bitterly. "It doesn't matter that magic skipped their family's generations because one of their ancestors decided to mix in with the Muggles. Who's to say they won't expose us or take what they learned from us back to their world to combine it with their Muggle weapons and use it against us! Don't you get it, Rose? Their kind loves to conquer and destroy therefore we're a threat to them because our magical blood is superior. It's that magical blood that we must protect! All this mixing with Muggle-borns will only weaken us and our abilities. Real wizards and witches will die out. Their weaker genetics will continue to shorten our life expectancy more than it already has, more squibs will be born and their Muggle diseases will adapt and mutate to affect us."
"And look at what's happening with these Muggle drug smugglers," Draco continued. "They have no guilt working for those Muggle kingpins because they are loyal to their cruel world. We accept them, teach them magic and in return, they bring in their filthy poisons to our world."
Rose didn't know what to say. No-Maj-borns weren't looked at twice in America as blood purity wasn't of great importance. If someone was magical it didn't matter if they were No-Maj-born as the magical gene could skip generations especially if their ancestral line only contained few wizards. It was the wandless, the magi less, the ones without a single ounce of magical blood in their genealogy that they were wary of. Centuries of persecution, pain and death had taught them that. It was better to keep them ignorant and at a distance for their own good.
Although Rappaport's Law had been repealed long ago, history could not be ignored. Anyone wanting to marry a No-Maj needed government approval and submit to a thorough investigation and specific marriage registration. Ironically, their fellow wizards in the Old World thought their ways to be backwards due to this law but then again they could never understand the bloody start the magical had in the New World. MACUSA simply could not risk exposure or infiltration, wasn't it bad enough that their most addicting and fatal concoctions were very likely being smuggled and sold at this very minute!
Draco was right, the smugglers were mostly No-Maj-born or Half-Bloods, some of who had been lured into crime by their No-Maj-born friends with the promise of fast and easy wealth. It was a prime example of placing a wand in the wrong hands and Rose dreaded to think what would happen if they were destroyed from within and exposed.
The No-Majes had a long and bloody history of terrible wars and genocide fueled by power, hate, and greed; not to mention their fear and persecution of warlocks and witches. If they were ever to find out about the magical community they would feel threatened and afraid. It would be the Witch Burnings all over again only now with their developing technology and weapons, it would be bloodier, deadlier, and crueler. Magical folks would be hunted down by both No-Majes and Scourer descendants. Those they didn't kill would be sent to some government lab to be experimented on. The No-Majes would want to find a way to control them and take their magic for their own advantages and gain.
Wizarding history was already filled with many examples of the No-Majes' hate and brutality against witches and wizards.
The Malleus Maleficarum.
The beheading of the witch, Anne Boleyn.
The assassination of the warlock Rasputin.
The Salem Witch Trials.
All the magical children who were murdered because they simply could not control their magic around No-Majes.
And all the other thousands tortured, burned, and hanged throughout history often time on mere witchcraft suspicion.
However, despite their prejudice, Rose couldn't think of them as genetically inferior. For all the bad they put into the world, there was also good they brought and created. Yes, they were greedy, overly ambitious zealots so, therefore, hiding magic from them was for their own protection. So they would live peacefully, well at least peacefully without fear of anything magical because holy Merlin, did they like killing each other!
So these dangerous people should know what it is like to live freely while your own kind hides and lives in fear?
Rose fought to keep herself from rolling her eyes at the voice's words but truth be told after hearing Draco's argument she did not know what to think. Surely, it was better and safer for both communities to keep them ignorant of magic to avoid any temptations or wars. However, the words from the boy in front of her and the one in her head weren't unreasonable. They were magical, they were more accepting; things like race, sexual orientation, gender, and religion had no meaning to them. Magic is what binds them, so why shouldn't they be in charge? Wouldn't the world be a better and safer place?
When it came to the mixing of magical and non-magical blood, Draco had a fair point. Magical life expectancy had dramatically decreased in the last one-hundred years, whereas before wizards could reach the ripe old age of three-hundred now they were lucky if they made it to a hundred-fifty. Their Muggle diseases only worsen that fact as they could also very well weaken their abilities and make them susceptible to horrible and deadly non-magical diseases. Isolt forbid diseases like cancer or AIDs ever mutate and infiltrate their bodies.
It makes sense. The voice said.
Her grandparents, the Evans then came to mind as did her mother, Lily, and her own Half-Blood heritage.
"My mother was Muggle-born," she stated testing out the British version of the word.
Draco looked down frowning in thought then he met her eyes and smiled as he took her hand that had been resting on the table, "Your father was a Pureblood. You come from generations of Purebloods making you a true-born witch and despite having a Muggle-born parent everything about you is magical."
She smiled weakly at the compliment but couldn't ignore his prejudice or the way he had used said compliment to avoid that fact.
"You can still rectify your lineage by marrying another Half-Blood," he continued. "Or better yet, a Pureblood."
She ignored the brief mental image in his mind, one that involved both of them standing inside a circle lined with candles, magical golden ropes binding their hands together. Rose wanted to laugh at the absurdity especially as Draco would never be permitted to marry a Half-Blood with a direct Muggle-born parent, no doubt Lucius would disown him without a second thought! However, she only gave him a small smile and decided to drop the subject as Draco had given her far too much to think over. Either way regardless of her newly conflicted stance, she would stick by the values and beliefs she was taught...for now.
They went on to discuss the ancient wizarding families including their own as they shared the same great-aunt, Dorea Potter, through her marriage into the Black family. This prompted Draco to ask his own gnawing questions.
"Yesterday at the party, why did you lie about being able to hear other's thoughts and needing direct eye contact?"
Rose searched her mind quickly for an answer as she couldn't obviously make him privy to her intentions.
"If I had told them the truth they would have hated being stuck on a boat with someone who can hear their every thought. They would have hated you even more for bringing me. Trust me, I've been down that road at Ilvermony."
She left it at that not wanting to divulge the details of her loner, freak status.
Lucky for Rose, Draco understood and questioned no further, "Your secret is safe with me," he said casting her a wink.
"What are you going to do about Sirius Black?" Was his second question. "He's your godfather too, isn't he?"
She shrugged, "Nothing. He won't hurt me, I'm not the one he's after."
"But he sold out your parents to the Dark Lord," Draco replied truly surprised at her blasé response. "He kidnapped you!"
"Don't you want revenge?" he asked.
The image of her uncle as she last remembered him came to her mind. He had loved her, she had seen it in his mind, he had loved them all. Had it all really been an act?
Rose shook her head, "I'm not the one he's after." she reiterated.
"You think your idiot brother will want revenge?" he inquired rather mischievously.
"You better not tell him!" Rose warned darkly remembering her promise to Dumbledore. "I'm serious, Draco, you can't tell him! We can't risk him doing something stupid like going after Black and getting himself killed."
"Spoilsport," he commented grinning wickedly.
Rose gave him a pointed glare, "I'm serious, Draco."
"Relax, Rose. I won't say a word about your murderous, fugitive godfather."
After their food was brought out they hungrily dug in and continued their conversation that had shifted to the upcoming school year. Draco talked about his friends such as how Evan and Cassandra had been dating for almost a year, how Marcus was known to 'shag' anything with legs, and how Millicent was Pansy's best friend and loyal minion. Rose wondered whether he was aware of her crush on him but decided to keep that to herself for now.
"What about Terence?" She asked after finishing a bite of the delicious pizza, "Apparently, I'm taking something from him so what's his deal?"
Draco sighed and gave a soft chuckle before answering, "When my father told you about our family's history, did he mention how we 'balance out our bloodlines'?
"Marrying approved Half-Bloods, naturally. But what does that have to do with Terence?"
"Well the Higgs, as well as the Warringtons, Zabinis, and Bletchleys to name a few, are part of those approved families. I'm sure they see it as their right to be accepted into Pureblood society and I imagine any outsider would seem like a threat. Families like theirs will do anything to remain in the Pureblood circle in hopes of a Pureblood marriage. I'm guessing seeing you accepted without any hesitation considering your lineage angered him. It probably doesn't help that he lost his position as Seeker to me because your brother, a Half-Blood raised by Muggles, was far better than him on the pitch."
"You're kidding me!" She exclaimed with disbelief. "What in all nine circles of hell does that have to do with me?"
He shrugged, "Guilty by association?"
Rose rolled her eyes, "Isn't that the story of my life?"
After they ate, the guards informed them they would be heading home as it was becoming late and soon the crowds would become drunk and unruly. The number of festival-goers and excitement had certainly multiplied making it even more difficult to navigate as they walked back to the parking garage.
Secretly, Rose did not want to leave just yet. The colors and decorations of the festival were beautiful as were the elaborate dresses and outfits people wore. She couldn't help wonder what else the festival had to offer. Knowing the guards would never agree to stay, Rose wished for the end of this constant tailing. How could they enjoy themselves when there was a team of watchdogs tracking them every second? It wasn't fair that her whole life up to this point had been incredibly sheltered and controlled.
She glanced over at Draco, who was also curiously scanning the crowds, and wished they could stay so he'd have a chance to have a positive and fun non-magical experience. Perhaps that could be the start of gradually changing his stance on No-Majes and No-Maj-borns and Merlin knows, this sheltered boy needed to experience the world beyond his own small one.
Suddenly a wild idea popped into her head although she doubted Draco would agree to it.
He'll do anything you want. The voice assured her.
"Wanna ditch these guys for a bit and go have some fun?" she asked mischievously.
Draco looked at her incredulously, "This is a Muggle area!"
"So?" she defended nonchalantly. "They're not going to kill us and besides I know how to be around them, I speak Spanish and I have Muggle money."
He remained unconvinced so Rose reassured, "It'll only be for an hour or two. Trust me, they won't leave without us and there's no way in hell, they're sounding the alarm so soon."
"Won't we get in trouble?"
She gave a small shrug, "Probably."
He frowned, "I dunno, Rose. My mother will be furious."
At this, she raised an eyebrow and smirked, "Aren't you such a sweet little mama's boy," she teased.
Draco stared at her frowning and clearly offended.
"C'mon, Draco!" Rose urged, gently bumping her shoulder against his arm. "The world is our playground! Let's live out in the open like you Purebloods so desperately want. Or are you scared of the big bad Muggles?"
He grinned and shook his head, "You're a naughty, naughty girl, Potter."
Rose winked flirtatiously and blew him a kiss. The look he gave her told her he would agree to any crazy idea she suggested although he remained apprehensive and nervous. She, herself, did not know how they would lose the guards when all six pairs of eyes were constantly glued on them, and, with the Trace, magic was out of the question.
Use your power. It's just like a duel. Focus on their thought patterns. See what they're seeing. Predict their decisions before they make them. Anticipate their actions.
Rose listened, she knew how to do this. She breathed in deeply focusing and sharpening her reach and visualizing the guards walking behind them. Their thoughts began to amplify against the festive chaos until Rose could hear them loud and clear allowing her to make out Richard's inner voice. She willed her power to reach into his mind and could see the back of herself and Draco as they walked ahead among the crowd. His thoughts were simple: keep them safely in sight.
"Follow my lead," she instructed as she took hold of Draco's hand.
She led the way winding around the crowds, quickening her step as they turned and twisted sharply through the boisterous throngs of festival-goers. Richard was now struggling to keep them in view, he instructed the others to maintain visual but Rose had an advantageous start and was simply too fast.
They reached an intersection where a hoard moved across towards the festival grounds and, without hesitation, Rose and Draco dove right in. They held on tightly to each other as they were swallowed by the sea of people and allowed themselves to be moved in its direction.
Rose tried to hear Richard but his inner voice had faded away.
It worked!
They had lost them!
Rose couldn't believe what she just dared to do but it was absolutely thrilling! Beside her, she could hear Draco's own excitement laced with worry and adrenaline. While the idea of getting into trouble worried him, he was much more concerned about being surrounded by so many No-Majes in a non-magical area without adult supervision. She supposed it was only normal for a magical child who had grown up exclusively in the wizarding world to feel this way so she gave his hand a comforting squeeze.
They soon reached a shopping district and even Draco couldn't hide his awe as they took in the colorful paper lanterns and flags that hung above the street and the women dressed in beautiful flamenco dresses. When they reached a sleek and trendy fashion boutique Rose had another idea.
"What's wrong with the clothes you have on now?" asked Draco following her as she browsed the racks of clothing.
"Look at me!" She said holding out the hem of the floral dress. "My mom thinks that just because my name is 'Rose' I should be decorated in flowers all the fucking time!"
Draco laughed at her assessment, "You look very pretty," he offered.
Rose rolled her eyes, "Pretty's boring! I want to look... hot!"
After twenty minutes and a number of rejected outfits, Rose finally settled on a black, off-shoulder, fitted crop top that ended slightly under her breasts and a pair of high-waisted, tight, denim shorts. The look Draco gave her when she walked out of the fitting room was all the confirmation she needed to settle on this outfit so Rose stuffed her old dress into her purse, paid with her father's money, and left to continue their journey.
After crossing a main avenue, the music and crowd began to grow louder and louder and a bright and looming Ferris wheel came into view illuminating the boisterous fairground below. There was dancing, eating, drinking, lively chatter, and laughter all around them, and for Rose that meant a tsunami of thoughts entering her mind all at once. She focused on the music, the dancers, the lights, and the enormous fair rides that operated above the fairgrounds to distract herself.
She focused on Draco, who looked up at the brightly lit rides his expression serious. The sounds, the commotion, the people it was all so much for him to take in but Rose knew that deep down he was fascinated by this beautiful festivity although he would never admit to it.
They continued to walk around and reached an area of tented booths where the sound of singing filled the air along with the smell of delicious food. Curiously, Rose led her companion into a tent that contained rows of crowded tables encircling the middle of the dance floor where a man sang while a beautiful, brunette in a red flamenco dress stomped and twirled to his voice. There they were seated near the dance floor and served a light pale yellow wine. Despite the earlier hangover, Rose drank the wine keen on obtaining some relief from the thoughts that entered her head.
When the dancer finished they clapped along with everyone as a band now took the stage to play a slow and romantic song. Couples walked past them leading each other to the dance floor as the music filled the tent. She smiled at Draco, happy to share this experience with him, and watched as he grabbed a red rose from the table vase and tucked it gently behind her ear. He grinned then offered his hand, leading her onto the dance floor where he brought her close to his body. He then placed a hand on the small of her back, she placed one on his shoulder, and then their free hands met. Slowly they swayed to the tempo of the song, gaze locked and feet in perfect synchronicity. A smile formed on Rose's face at how relaxed and natural she felt with him. All her worries, pain, and sorrow were forgotten and she felt like she was truly living for the first time.
'This is the strangest and most exciting summer by far.' Draco mentally communicated.'You have been the best part.'
She looked down, attempting to hide the color that appeared on her cheeks. "The same can be said about you," she said meeting his eyes once more.
Draco's face lit up at her words, the corners of his mouth lifted into another genuine smile before he rested his forehead gently against hers. She closed her eyes, smiling contently from the enjoyment she received from his warmth and a much more pleasant and rather intoxicating feeling coming from him.
It was a feeling like the one she had felt from her parents but vastly, vastly different.
This was intense, carnal, and passionate.
Desperate and yearnful!
It couldn't be...
'Do not confuse it for 'love'!, the voice said so loudly that Rose had a hard time keeping herself from appearing startled. 'It's nothing more than a playground crush.'
He was right, it had to be, after all, people their age didn't fall in love. However, that did not curb her disbelief that Draco Malfoy was falling hard for her.
It really had been so easy.
'I did say you would have him eating out of the palm of your hand, did I not?'
'Yes," she answered in her mind.
'Keep doing as I say and in no time you will have his undying, devoted loyalty.'
'Won't his feelings complicate things for me?' Her mind asked as the image of Evan Rosier appeared. 'I don't want to lose him as a friend.'
'You did tell him not to catch feelings for you, did you not?'
She had.
'It's not your fault he did the opposite and he knows that. He cannot hold it against you.'
The mental conversation ended there as Draco gracefully led her across the dance floor bringing her attention back to the present moment. His eyes never left her yet he knew exactly where to take her. He went right. She went right. He led her into a turn and when she returned to face him, he pulled her in close once again. They continued with their perfect synchronicity until the song ended and they separated to clap along with the audience.
Despite the emotional turmoil Rose couldn't help but return the smile he gave her.
They left shortly after to continue their exploration of the fairgrounds and Rose decided to purchase tickets to ride the Ferris wheel. Despite its unappealing altitude, it was the only ride that wouldn't upset her full stomach and somehow it had always been easier to endure being strapped in the safety of a vessel than on a broomstick where one relied on quick reactions and experienced flying.
When she gleefully informed Draco about the ride he looked up the bright technicolor wheel and then stared at her as if she had completely lost her mind.
"Is that thing even safe?" He demanded.
Rose shrugged nonchalantly, "Looks like it, doesn't it? No one has fallen off yet."
"How do we know it was even built right? We can't trust Muggles, they're not very smart, you know."
She rolled her eyes, laughing at his ignorance which he mistook for wittiness. Nonetheless, she did not bother to correct his inaccurate assumption instead she took his hand and smiled, "Let's go find out!"
As they waited their turn, his uneasiness was palpable and his fear was undeniable although he tried his best to suppress it.
"I've been on so many of these back home and in Cartagena. They're not as exciting as they look but it's always worth the view." She reassured him.
When they were finally ushered into a cart and began their slow ascent the swaying made him finally albeit mentally articulate his fear.
'You're fucking mental, Potter! If I die strapped in this death trap surrounded by a bunch of Muggles I will purposely come back to haunt you and ensure you never get properly laid!'
"Oh, calm down, Malfoy. We're fine," she answered out loud. "I would think a Quidditch player wouldn't be so scared of doing something daring perhaps that's more of a duelist thing."
"You're so fucking funny, Potter," Draco remarked sarcastically. "And I'm not scared!" he added defensively and rather childishly.
Rose laughed and even he cracked a smile and as the cart continued to rotate she could feel the tension from Draco disappearing. After a few more rotations the cart came to an abrupt halt which would have been less alarming had they not been right at the top. This was always Rose's least favorite part.
"What's happening?!" Draco asked alarmed as the cart rocked nauseatingly in its stationary position.
Rose masked her discomfort for his sake, "It's okay, they're just stopping to let people off."
Her reassurance calmed him and he was able to shake off the fear to stare ahead of him at the gleaming bright city. It was a beautiful sight to behold and once again Rose was glad she had someone to share it with.
"Can I ask you a question?" Draco asked bringing her attention back to him.
She nodded sensing the seriousness and then she heard his question in his mind only seconds before he spoke it aloud.
"Do you really think the Dark Lord spared you because he wanted you to serve him?"
The entire day Rose had avoided analyzing her nightmare and memories but she knew that eventually, she would have to face them. Hadn't she wondered for years why the Dark Lord allowed her to live and now that she had her answer it was easier to not acknowledge it.
What had been his plan? To take her in and raise her under his command?
He had wanted her to serve him. Him! Her parent's murderer.
"Well, he definitely didn't just forget that I was there too. Sparing children just doesn't seem like his style and, from what I read, it wasn't," she explained recalling the multiple families who had been murdered during the First War, such as Aunt Marlene and her entire family where neither men, women, children or even elderly were shown mercy.
"Perhaps it was your Legilimency," he suggested as carts began to move downward. "It's a power that can skip many generations yet remain strong all the same in a way trained Legilimency can never compare. It would be a useful ability to have on your side during wartime."
Rose had no doubts that had been the Dark Lord's plan but she couldn't confirm it to Draco. Self-preservation told her to omit this detail, the last thing she wanted was someone else getting any ideas about using her as their own personal weapon.
"Maybe, perhaps we'll never know."
Rose located the guards without any trouble. Upon realizing what they had done right away and after a quick and fruitless search they had simply decided to wait them out inside the parking lot. As they approached the guards both of them immediately noticed the look of fury on Richard's face. Rose had never realized how frightening the tall, bald guard actually looked until that very moment.
However, he said nothing as they stepped in front of them.
"Miss Rose," he finally acknowledged through gritted teeth as he proceeded to open the car door for them.
She silently slid in, avoiding eye contact with the guard, and followed shortly by Draco.
When Richard entered the driver's side he articulated one thought to Rose,
'I will have to tell your father.'
The drive back to the villa was a silent and quick one. Richard expertly squeezed, twisted, and zoomed out of the city so fast they were in the countryside within minutes.
Rose looked over at Draco as she sensed his rising nerves; he had expected to be in trouble but the ramifications of their actions were finally setting in. She reached to grab his hand and he looked over at her.
'You're trouble, Potter. I must have gone mad following you!'
She rolled her eyes at his over-exaggeration, she had expected more from the boy who had landed himself in detention just to get Harry and his friends in trouble. However, she sensed his fear towards his father and she imagined those cruel, cold eyes and suddenly, Draco's nerves seemed reasonable.
Show him it was worth it, the voice advised.
Slowly she placed her hand on his thigh which distracted him the rest of the way home.
When they arrived at the villa, Tilly was waiting for them at the entrance and upon seeing them she was greatly relieved to discover they were sober.
"Your parents will arrive tomorrow at noon. I highly suggest you two don't go off breaking any more rules." Richard instructed as they headed up the stairs to the front doors.
They said nothing as they entered however when Draco followed Rose in the direction of her bedroom, Tilly spoke up.
"Young Master Draco, your mother left rules with Tilly that you and Miss Rose should not enter each other's chambers." She explained meekly. "Tilly must insist you follow those rules tonight or we will all be in trouble."
Draco looked down and briefly considered obliging for his mother's sake but it was his desire to be alone with Rose that won. "My mother is gone and as the Malfoy heir and your Master, I am free to enjoy my home as I please. I also forbid you from saying anything to my mother or father. Now leave us!" he shot back coldly.
With that, he grabbed Rose's hand and led her away. She felt unsure whether she should be turned on by his sudden authority and disregard for rules or turned off by the way he treated Tilly. The poor elf was bound to follow his orders whether they contradicted his mother's or not and in the end, it was the elf who would be blamed and punished.
The guilt plagued her but she yearned to touch Draco again and enjoy their last unsupervised night. After all, if Richard was going to snitch on them this would have to be worth it!
So without warning, Rose pushed Draco against the wall of the hallway and hungrily captured his mouth with her own. He returned her kiss with matching enthusiasm and desperation as she hastily undid the buttons on his shirt.
They made their way down the hallway to the room without breaking apart, when they entered and staggered in Rose pushed Draco roughly onto the bed. He landed on his back with his shirt opened, surprised, and turned on by her sudden aggression. She straddled his hips and looked down at her friend, there was nothing but lust and admiration in his eyes. Slowly, she grinded against his pelvis and leaned over to recapture his lips.
'I want to touch you the way you touched me,' he thought to her as they kissed.
Allow him to take the lead this time. The voice advised.
Once again, she listened and broke away giving him a nod to show her consent.
Recognizing the visible approval, Draco quickly sat up and slid off his shirt, carelessly tossing it aside before swiftly switching places with her. Slowly and gently, he lowered Rose onto her back leaning in for another kiss while he slipped off his shorts. They broke apart, their breath heavy and hearts racing.
Grey met gold once again.
'I want to see you' He communicated through thought as he pictured her breasts and the curves of her body. She responded by extending her arms overhead granting him permission to pull the top off and slide the shorts from her legs. Draco stared down at her completely filled with yearning desire which was fueled even more when Rose unclasped her bra, tossed it aside, and reached for the elastic band around her hips.
He grasped the fabric, helping her slide the panties down her legs and throwing it aside to look down at the naked body underneath him. His eyes traveled all over her, lingering only on the sex between her legs and Rose felt his arousal rise monumentally. She reached out for him, gently touching a flushed cheek and returning his lustful gaze back to him.
'You're so beautiful,' he thought for the hundredth time yet Rose could not tire it.
She moaned when Draco's lips fell upon her neck, her body arched with pleasure and she turned her head to expose more of the sensitive skin. His mouth trailed down past her collarbones and to her chest. He stopped between her breasts to place his mouth over a perky nipple.
Rose gasped and closed her eyes enjoying the sensation of his tongue and the way her body responded by the increasing wetness between her legs.
Draco moved to the other breast, giving it the same attention before continuing his trail of kisses down her ribcage to her stomach. Her skin tingled as his lips passed her belly button and her heart jolted when he reached her lower abdomen finally stopping at the top of her mound.
She tried not to groan in protest to the sudden, unwelcoming halt but then she heard his voice in her head.
'Look at me,' he asked.
Rose propped herself upward on her elbows and looked at the blond boy nestled between her legs. There was a hungry and dark look on his face which was only emphasized by the wicked smirk he gave her.
'You're so fucking wet for me, Potter, 'Draco said mentally with clear satisfaction. 'Let me taste you.'
Her heart was ready to jump out of her chest from the arousal and nerves at the prospect of oral sex. She wanted it as badly as he wanted to perform it yet that did not take away the worry of him hating it.
Relax, said the voice reassuringly. Just allow him and enjoy.
"Yes...please," She answered in a whisper.
Draco smirked at her response before lowering his face. His heart was also beating fast and nervously having never done this before and his mind raced through everything that Marcus had ever said about pleasuring women. He was determined to bring her pleasure despite his inexperience. Suddenly, something warm, wet, and soft ran softly between her folds, and the electrifying sensation overtook her body and senses.
"Oh, fuck!" She gasped loudly dropping onto her back.
Encouraged, Draco continued in slow, sensual movements, teasing her entrance.
"Fuck, Draco! Yes!" She shouted in unmistakable ecstasy. "Right there!"
Her back arched upon feeling his tongue trace gentle and soft circles against her clit.
"Oh, Merlin, yes!" Rose exclaimed. The heat in her belly burned with intensity, she had never expected this to bring her so much blissful pleasure and now she did not want it to end. She firmly gripped his hair as he continued his sensual oral motions and closed her eyes completely surrendering herself to him.
Suddenly, he stopped and she involuntarily let out a disappointed pout that was met with a chuckle from the blond.
"Did you like that?" Draco asked softly as he brought himself back to her.
She could only nod in response, completely lost of words. He smirked with satisfaction in return.
'You taste exquisite,' he mentally communicated.
"Touch me...please," Rose begged. He grinned obliging by manually rubbing her opening in slow circular movements.
She gasped, delighted by the return of his touch.
"Does it feel good, Rose?" Draco asked in a low voice. In his mind all he cared and knew was her. He was mesmerized by her, her body, her taste, and her reactions.
"Oh Merlin, yes!" She exclaimed so turned on now that she had begun rubbing herself against his touch.
He leaned over to press his lips against hers while slowly sliding a finger inside her wet, untouched passage. She gasped loudly from the discomfort and pain as she felt her walls stretch tightly around him.
Just relax, Rose. Her guide instructed.
She listened and loosened her tense muscles, focusing on her own arousal and the way Draco gaze at her. Gently, he moved his finger inside of her and she allowed the pleasure to overtake her senses once more until, finally, the initial discomfort was gone and she found herself grasping onto the edges of the pillow beneath her head as she moved against his hand.
Rose let out a deep moan and pulled him down, pressing her lips against his own and entangling her fingers through his hair as he continued to pleasure her while rubbing his own erection against her. After several heated minutes, Draco broke away, buried his sweaty face into her shoulder, and let out a deep groan that once again magically shook the bed frame.
They laid that way for a few more minutes, catching their breath until Draco raised his head. He looked deep into her eyes and smiled before slowly sliding his finger out stopping to smirk at the sight of his wet and sticky hand before standing to grab his wand from the bedside table with his other one. Without a word, he walked over to the bathroom and before he shut the door Rose caught the sight of his own release stained over his briefs.
She continued to lay as her body recovered from this new experience. She never imagined physically wanting a person so bad the way she did with Draco. It was exciting, fun and hot! She thought of how he had pleasured her and the way it had felt absolutely amazing! If only he could have held on longer to have enjoyed it just a bit more.
You'll be together at Hogwarts soon plenty of time for more...experimenting.
The voice was right, it was better to take things slow as she had yet to see how Draco handled this first. After all, there was no guarantee that he would keep his word.
Without further thought Rose hopped off the bed, stepping over the rose that had fallen from her hair at some point and wincing at the slight soreness between her legs but still managing to walk over to the dresser and slip into a new pair of panties. She decided to remain topless as she no longer found it necessary to feel bashful in front of Draco.
When he returned, his briefs now clean, Rose was back on the bed and lighting the remaining joint for them. Draco smirked as he went to lay next to her, he kissed her lips then grabbed the joint from her to bring it to his own lips.
A comfortable and pleasant silence settled as they continued smoking and reminiscing on their summer until the weed was gone.
They laid down comfortably on the large bed and Draco pulled Rose close to his chest enjoying the feeling of her bare skin against his own. He held her in that way and she closed her eyes breathing in the scent of his skin and wondering if she had ever felt so at peace before.
"I'm happy we're friends, Rose," Draco whispered sleepily to her. "I hope we can still be friends at Hogwarts."
She smiled although he couldn't see her,
"Always."