It was never easy to judge the time of day from the Slytherin common room. The only light that peered through the large windows was refracted and distorted by the murkiness of the Black Lake. Even so, waking up naturally to the warmth of sunshine was nothing compared to waking up next to Draco.

Io awoke to the sound of students opening and closing their doors. Her neck was sore, and she couldn't tell if first period had started already. Groggy and disoriented, she nuzzled her nose into what she thought was her pillow. Instead of the familiar cushion, her face was immediately met with bare skin. Two of the buttons on Draco's night shirt had come undone, his pale skin now exposed. His arm was draped around her, one of his fingers slipping snuggly just below the waistband of her jeans. When he began to stir from the sudden disturbance on his chest, she sat up straight, immediately trying to work out the knot at the base of her head. Draco's eyes opened slowly.

"Well, this wasn't what I expected to see before breakfast." Theo stood in front of them with a large grin. "Good to see you're all healed, Draco."

"Theo…" Io groaned.

"Shut up, Nott." Draco sat up, rubbing his eyes until they were red.

"What? No 'good morning, Theo,' 'it's good to see you, Theo, how are you,' 'do you have any rubbers, Theo'?"

Draco ignored him, blinking until things no longer looked cloudy. "I'll see you in the Great Hall." He leaned over and kissed the top of Io's head before walking away without another word.

Io blushed furiously, scurrying off before Theo could say anything else. She wasn't quick enough, hearing an overexaggerated gasp from their friend.

Muttering curses under her breath, she threw the room's door open, and landed face first into her bed.

Aster had just woken up and was taking out her braids. She stretched, eyes cracking open one at a time. "Where the hell have you been? Did you even sleep?"

Against the sheets, Io nodded. She instinctively reached for the spot on her head where Draco kissed her, and the burn in her face intensified. When she told him they were wasting time, she didn't think he'd be so willing to do something like that in front of their friends. It was almost hilarious. The expressions on his face were the same, the signature scowl, the furrowed eyebrows, except now he was clearly okay letting everyone know about them in some not-so-subtle ways.

Aster poked Io's back. "Look at you. Still in your clothes from last night."

Io held up a single fist, slowly raising her middle finger. "Fuck. Off."

"Did I miss something?" Aster laughed. "Y'know what. Nevermind. Get up, go shower, and we'll go get breakfast. You haven't seen actual sunlight in days, and before you know it, you'll be matching Draco - dark circles, eye bags, and all."

Io cringed, gradually bringing her legs up to her chest. "Aster…" She whined.

Aster stopped brushing her hair after noticing the change in her sister's voice. "What? Oh, my God, what happened?"

Still face down, Io made a motion with her hand. She pointed at her temple, aggressively tapping at it repetitively.

"Oh, okay," Aster grabbed her wand, and aimed it at the same spot. Within seconds, she dropped her wand to the floor, and started gasping in between small shrieks. She jumped on Io's bed, pushing her until she had no choice but to get up. "Oh, my God! Oh, my God, OH!"

Io just kept groaning, covering her face with her hands. "I didn't mean to -"

"- yeah, right, you didn't mean to fall asleep in Draco Malfoy's arms!" Aster couldn't stop smiling. "I can't wait to tell Blaise about this…"

"Theo might have already beat you to it."

"Theo, that ass." Aster rolled her eyes. "Forget about him, tell me everything. I know I just saw it, but I want to know more."

"What else is there for you to know?" Io pulled her hair. "We were just… arguing, and next thing you know, I'm waking up on a fucking couch. My neck hurts, and I'm dehydrated."

"Wait. You didn't… You know."

"Aster, no. Absolutely not."

"Why not?!"

"What do you mean 'why not'?" Io pushed her off the bed. "What did you think was going to happen? We just kissed -"

"- multiple times." Aster raised her eyebrows from her spot on the floor. "Maybe after you wash your face, I can see that after glow on your cheeks."

Io couldn't handle this conversation anymore. She shook her head, and ran off to the shower. As the beads of hot water hit her face, she closed her eyes, playing the night's events over and over again until it was engraved in her memory. They hadn't talked much before falling asleep, and all she could remember was sitting back down on the couch, staring at the fire, as Draco held her close, keeping his lips on her forehead. They sat long enough for her to notice his habits, how he'd huff when a thought grew too loud, how he'd pinch the bridge of his nose when he was tired, and how, when he wanted to kiss her, he'd grab the side of her neck, pushing her chin up with his thumb, like he was guiding her towards him each time.

Io reached for her neck, mimicking his motions. She could still smell him on her skin, and no amount of scrubbing could take the scent away.

When she got out of the shower, Aster was sitting cross-legged on her bed. She tossed a small glass bottle over. "Don't forget to put on your perfume. I bet Draco would love to get a whiff of that at breakfast."

"Bite your tongue, or I will slap you."

The twins walked to the Great Hall arm-in-arm, Aster a little happier than usual. When they arrived at the Slytherin table, their friends were already there. Theo, Blaise, and Pansy sat on one side of the table, all grinning as their eyes kept flashing over to the empty spot next to Draco who was sitting by himself, silently flipping through the Daily Prophet.

Aster dropped her arm and pushed Io forward before running to the other side of the table. She nudged Blaise, and he moved over, letting her sit in between him and Pansy. They all watched, waiting.

Io kept scratching her neck, pinching her skin just so she could keep a straight face. "Good morning." She sat down. Draco turned his head once, then looked back down at the newspaper without saying anything.

"Good to see you're finally feeling better." Blaise took a bite of toast.

"So was the couch more comfortable than your bed -"

Aster reached behind Blaise, promptly hitting the back of Theo's head before he could finish his sentence.

Pansy giggled beside them, sliding over a mug filled with warm tea.

Io began to sip slowly, eyes cast down on the wooden table. She crossed her legs, smoothing out the pleats on her skirt.

Draco stayed silent.

"Did we have any assignments in DADA?" Aster started the conversation to get everyone talking. Blaise and Theo began to go over all they'd covered during the week and how Professor Snape assigned an essay on flesh-eating slugs.

Io tried not to show her exhaustion, leaning her chest against the table. She gripped the edge of the bench, trying not to sway.

Draco moved his hand. Still not looking up, he stroked her fingers until her grip relaxed, then pulled her hand and rested it palm-up on his knee. He softly scratched against her skin, tracing little swirls and aimless patterns.

"Draco," Pansy called to him. Io instinctively recoiled, taking her hand back and placing it on the table.

Draco glanced over, noticing her reaction. "What?"

"We're going to Hogsmeade this weekend. Are you joining?" Blaise asked. "Io?"

I cleared her throat, washing down the knot holding back her words with lukewarm tea. "No, I should catch up with homework. I don't think Professor Snape cares that I wasn't feeling well." She finished with a short laugh.

"Draco?"

"I haven't started the assignment either." He folded the newspaper. "So, no."

Io looked at him, noticing his eyes were already on her.

"Great," Pansy smirked. "You can work on the assignment together on a Saturday while we go to the Three Broomsticks."

Aster raised her eyebrows, sipping her juice. "Sounds like a plan."

Theo scoffed. "And here I thought, our little coterie was back together again."

When everyone started filing out of the Great Hall for their first class of the day, Io headed towards the library. Draco walked silently by her side. When they were near the Potions classroom, she expected him to leave, but he stayed, eyes forward.

"Aren't you going to Potions?" She asked.

Draco didn't answer her. He just kept walking until they were only a few feet from the library doors. Io stopped, and turned to him.

"Thank you for walking with me, but you'll be late to class."

Her brief scolding was interrupted by his hand pulling her neck towards him. As always, using his thumb to tilt her chin up just enough to reach his lips with ease. It was a very brief kiss, but he kept his hold on her still, taking a moment to study her face. "You wore perfume today."

Her cheeks were on fire again. Nervous that he'd be able to see the flush, she attempted to pull away, but his hand didn't move. "I did. Do you like it?"

They stayed just like that. His thumb traced the edge of her jaw.

From this distance, Io could see every detail of his face - the lines, the dips, the small hints of stress. There was a faint wrinkle on his brow, and there were freckles framing his pale skin. Above all, his eyes were the most mesmerizing shade of blue.

Io reached for her neck, placing her hand atop his. She gently squeezed before guiding his hand forward. She kissed his palm. "I'll see you at lunch."

Draco nodded silently and left. She watched him walk away before shaking her head and going to her usual spot in the library.

No one paid any mind as Aster walked into the greenhouses for the first time in a week. Her spot was as it always looked, dust-free and organized. Since it was spring, there was a noticeable amount of color decorating the planters. Some had use, others were just pretty to see in the sunlight. Aster opened up her textbook, trying to take a peak at what everyone else was already looking at.

"You know, you owe me a Valentine's Day present."

When Aster looked up, Hermione was standing next to her with a small smile, clutching her book to her chest.

"We're reading up on Asphodel, page 256."

Aster chuckled. "Still studious as always. And, I suppose I do owe you a gift."

"I'm not partial to chocolates, but a new book would suffice." She jested. "How are you? You haven't been in class the last few days."

"My sister and I were sick." Aster lied. "Exhaustion must have caught up to us, so we stayed in bed. Dumbledore told our professors we'd be out through the end of the week, but I couldn't stand being in the dormitory any longer."

Hermione nodded to herself, watching Aster flip through her textbook. She fiddled with one of her curls, coiling it around her finger. "But really, how have you been? You haven't… I mean, we haven't talked much in a while."

Aster thought of the many excuses she'd rehearsed during her hours in bed, but none seemed to suffice. The tone of Hermione's voice was grim, almost like she was disappointed their friendship had faltered. Even so, there wasn't much Aster could say without outright expressing her negative emotions. She would never have been the one to meddle with someone's relationship. If Ron Weasley was truly who Hermione liked, there was nothing to do but simply let her go. But on the other hand, there was trust built up in this friendship, and Hermione surely expected some essence of the truth.

"I've been okay, more or less." Aster said. "I'm sure you've been well."

"What makes you say that?"

"I assume you and Ron are friends again, if not more."

Hermione looked over her shoulder, nervously shaking her head. "No. I mean, yes, but just friends again. He and Lavender broke up, but it didn't necessarily do anything to… progress or change the situation."

Aster started to respond, but Professor Sprout called the class to attention. Periodically throughout the lesson, she'd take glances at Hermione who was immediately immersed in the lesson. It was surely one of the things she admired, the focus, the dedication, her ability to tune everyone out at any opportunity to learn something new.

These moments just made it more difficult. It wasn't easy looking at her after knowing how Io and Draco were clearly connected, even though their situation was very different. Aster did her best not to compare the two relationships, but, in a way, it was what she wanted. Not the mutual attraction to each other's vulnerability - but that constant battle to hold back everything you wanted from someone. Now that Draco's feelings were out in the open and Io had finally accepted the depth of her feelings, it was so obvious. The tension, the glances, the quiet pulsing draw that inevitably pushed them together.

That wasn't the case for Aster and Hermione, and it never would be. Unlike Draco who seemed to only have eyes for her sister despite being tortured by whatever else he never revealed, they would only ever be those two girls in the corner of the Three Broomsticks, laughing and holding hands at the most.

But maybe it was better this way. Maybe this was just divine intervention telling Aster that her feelings were misguided. If Hermione's eyes never left Ron's, Aster should look elsewhere.

The remainder of Herbology passed by without complication. As Aster packed up her things, she noticed Hermione patiently waiting for her, so they could leave together.

"I should really introduce you to Harry and Ron." Hermione said. "Ron's brother is getting married in the summer. Maybe you and Io can come with your uncle."

"I'll think about it." Aster just nodded. At the mention of Harry's name, she remembered. "Did Harry tell you I spoke to him yesterday?"

"Oh!" She reached into her bag. "Yes, here are two galleons, one for you and one for Io. I used the Protean charm, so we could send messages to each other."

Aster took the coins, quietly mumbling her thanks.

"I'm not surprised Dumbledore told you about the DA. Even Ron's sister said she wanted to practice with you."

The constant mention of Ron's name was starting to frustrate Aster, but she gritted her teeth and forced a grin. "I'd be happy to meet her. Maybe we can practice later."

Hermione giggled. "Sorry, that wasn't funny, but Ginny might be difficult to get a hold of between Quidditch practice and meeting up with Harry whenever she can."

"Meeting up with Harry? Are they together now?"

"It's very recent, but they seem to be inseparable. Harry liked her for a while, and Ginny always had a crush - though we always thought it was a school girl's crush, nothing this serious."

"I'm sure Io will be relieved to know he's happy."

Hermione's positive demeanor quickly changed. "I know they haven't made up yet. He talks about her every now and then, still wanting to apologize for what happened with Malfoy."

Aster shook her head, waving one hand. "He has nothing to worry about. I talked to her, and she's ready to talk to him. I just hope that Harry doesn't throw a fit when he… Well, when he finds out about her and Draco."

"I'm sorry?" Hermione stopped walking, pivoting so that Aster had to halt her steps. "Io and Malfoy?"

Sensing this could possibly turn more tense than intended, Aster carefully brushed past her. "I know Draco isn't exactly popular with you and your friends, but, yes, if you must know - for the sake of giving Harry a heads up - Io and Draco have gotten very close. And for the record, everyone in Slytherin house, myself included, saw it building up. From where we stood, it was obvious. I saw them leave the Great Hall together after breakfast."

"I don't understand -"

"- and neither does Harry. Io is very loyal to her friends, and I'm sure Harry told you there was a moment where it seemed like Harry was making her choose between them."

Hermione's face was less than positive. She took a moment to respond, looking like she had to search very hard for a way to argue.

Aster pulled her aside, letting the students behind them pass. "Please, don't give me that look."

"I'm just… surprised. I never thought Malfoy would ever be romantically involved with someone."

"Well, he is now."

"He's not exactly kind."

"I'm sure he's less than." Aster sighed. "To put it lightly, Io softened him up. And like I told you when you came to me about Ron, this isn't up to anyone but her and Draco. It's not my place, nor Harry's for that matter, to meddle or sway her. She knows things about him that we don't, and he's made it very clear that he cares about her wellbeing."

Hermione started walking again, pausing just before a staircase. "She just… told him? How she feels?"

"Well, if you really cared about someone and couldn't bear to be parted from them, wouldn't you?"

Something about that comment triggered Hermione. She suddenly looked more stressed than before, almost genuinely confused at the notion of bearing your all to someone. Aster tried to think of a way to soften what she said, but it was the truth.

"I should go." Hermione changed the subject. "I'll see you in DADA."

Aster watched as she hurried off, head down, deep in thought.