Aurora was eating breakfast with her parents and hosts. She was placed directly across from Draco.

"Aurora, did you enjoy yourself at the ball?"

Aurora looked up at the owner of the voice with kind eyes, "Yes I did, Narcissa. I had a fantastic time."

"I'm very happy to hear that."

"Tell us dear, what are you majoring in?" Lucius asked, taking a bite out of his omelet.

Draco cringed; he really hoped that his father wasn't playing any of his games like he usually did whenever he met one of his female friends.

Lucius was never fond of any of the young women his son associated with; he oftentimes would just converse with them for his own amusement. These poor girls believed that he was actually interested in their life goals and their studies, but he was merely mocking them without them knowing.

"I'm majoring in geology, sir."

"Don't you find it dull? You're studying rocks!"

Draco looked at his father, completely horrified at this painfully blunt comment. He looked to Aurora as if to apologize but saw that she was smirking.

"Oh yes, it can be rather dull- but when it comes to investing in commodities, it automatically becomes a possible business venture. And I'm sure, Mr. Malfoy, you of all people would appreciate such a field."

Lucius chortled at her witty remark. He turned to his son and scolded, "I like this one. When are you going to get a move on and propose to her already?!"

If there was any moment when Draco wanted to disappear without a trace it was right then. He couldn't believe that this was happening. He peeked over at Aurora and saw that she was trying to stifle her laughter: her face was turning red and her eyes began to water.

Okay good, she's not offended.

Draco took a deep breath to respond to his father. "Father, I told you we're only friends."

"Bah! Are you telling me you want to marry for love? Nonsense, such a union would never last! Let me tell you something, my boy, marry someone of the same social standing as you- never marry because you think you 'love' the individual. What is your take on this, my dear?" Lucius directed the question to Aurora.

"I agree."

Lucius' eyebrows rose with surprise; this was not the kind of response he expected from her. Normally individuals her age would argue that a marriage based on love was stronger. (Young people: what the hell do they know?)

"Care to elaborate?"

"I would love to. I think a marriage based on love is complete rubbish."

"Why?"

"Because a majority of the time those who marry for love end up divorced. Just look at all the studies that have been conducted on Muggle and Wizarding marriages. It has been proven that marriages that have been arranged last longer, which is why I believe that Pureblood marriages are stronger than any other marriage. They are all arranged, and many people don't understand the world we live in. They hear the word 'arranged' and automatically assumed that it was a forced marriage, but it's not." Aurora paused for breath. "I'm sure you understand as well as I do that an arranged marriage is set up so that the two parties can meet and get to know each other through the courting process. And if they decide that they are okay with spending the rest of their lives with each other they marry- however, if they don't think marriage is suitable for them, then they just go their separate ways without any repercussions. Now, a forced marriage," she explained, "is when the two parties are told that they must marry otherwise there will be serious consequences if they don't."

"I'm impressed, very few seem to understand the difference between the two. Would you prefer to be in an arranged marriage?"

"Yes, I think it's less of a headache than to actually go out and seek a partner for the sake of love. You know, Mr. Malfoy, I view marriage as more of a business transaction."

"Oh do you?"

"Yes, you're a businessman- I'm sure you understand me when I say that a marriage between those of our status is a strategic alliance; a merger, if you will." She grinned. "Once the marriage contract is signed, the two parties have entered in a 'partnership' where they both owe fiduciary duty to the other. Also, depending on the terms and conditions of the contract, there may be some exchange of assets as well as liabilities, and so on and so forth."

Lucius was truly impressed by what the young lady had to say. He rarely came across someone so young who knew the inner workings of marriage, or at least how marriage in high society worked. Once again Lucius turned to his son.

"How many times do I have to repeat myself boy? I like this one! She's got a good head on her shoulders!"

Draco glared at his father. "Yes I know father, but I did explain to you earlier that we are friends."

Lucius was about to respond, but Aurora beat him to the punch.

"I'm honestly very flattered that you would like me to become a member of your family, Mr. Malfoy, but I don't think I'm ready for that sort of commitment. Marriage requires self-awareness and that's something I'm trying to figure out right now." She shrugged. "Perhaps sometime in the future. I'm not refusing the idea, perhaps we can revisit it sometime in the future?"

Lucius seemed to be satisfied with her answer and continued to eat his breakfast. Draco on the other hand was in complete shock. This would have to be the first time that his father had taken interest in another human being aside from his mother. He had no idea that his father could be so pleasant and polite towards a young female; normally he was rude and insulted them to their faces.

Well, Draco mused, finishing the rest of his coffee, never let it be said that my father is not an honest man.

Aurora stood at the gate of the manor with a bag in each hand, preparing to leave.

"Are you sure you don't want to stay another day?" Draco asked, somewhat disappointed that she was leaving so soon.

"Yes I'm sure, I had a fantastic time. Thank you for having me."

"Anytime! I hope my father didn't offend you in any way."

"Oh not at all! I actually enjoyed talking to him!"

"Really? Why?"

Aurora smirked at Draco's confusion. "He has no filter, he says what he wants. Also he's blunt and cuts right to the chase. I get along best with people that are forward."

"Considering that you're exactly the same, it's no wonder you two got along. Well, I'm happy you were able to make a friend. So where will you go? Are you going back to America?"

"No, I'm actually going to Turkey. I'm going to visit an old schoolmate of mine who currently resides in Istanbul."

"For someone who doesn't like to socialize, you seem to have a lot of friends, don't you?"

Aurora chuckled at his comment. "Well I only like socializing with a very selective group of people. I'll see you once classes start again, until then take care of yourself."

Draco nodded and waved goodbye.