Aurora sat quietly in the back of the lecture hall and diligently took notes as her professor, Professor Patrick Hines, broke down the types of rocks that Mt. Everest was composed of. Aurora often sat in the back because her professor had a habit of calling on students at random and questioning them on the material he had assigned in prior classes. Therefore, by sitting in the back of the room, there was less of a chance that she would get called. In addition, this class contained about 400 students, so the odds of her getting called on were slim. But slim as they were, it was not impossible.
"Miss Pontellier!" Professor Hines called.
Aurora immediately looked up in surprise 'How can he even see me from all the way back here?!"
"Name the type of rock that can be found at the summit of Mount Everest." Professor Hines said, not looking up from his notes as he paced the room lethargically.
Aurora nodded and stood. "The rock that is found at the summit is Grey Limestone."
"Very good." Professor Hines looked up at her. "Now tell me, just below the summit there is a layer of yellow rock which is called the 'yellow band', what type of rock does the yellow band consist of?"
"Marble."
"And below the yellow band in the Western Cwm, what rock is found there?" the professor asked, his eyes still fixated on her.
"Granite." Aurora answered shortly. Professor Hines nodded, signaling his satisfaction and allowing her to finally sit and him to continue on with the lecture.
"I sure hope he doesn't call on me next." A classmate leaned over and whispered.
"Did you study the notes from last class?" Aurora asked as she adjusted her glasses.
"Yes, but being put under pressure like that, it's overwhelming. I'm not sure if I'll be able to answer that quickly. I'm Malvina, by the way, what's your name?" the young woman asked as she extended her hand.
"Aurora, very nice to meet you." Aurora smiled and shook her hand. "You seem familiar, do we have any other classes together?"
"I believe we do. Do you have Calculus with Professor Lazaroff next?"
"Yes I do actually! Would you like to walk to class together?"
"Yes I'd love to-"
"Okay, class, that is all for today; be sure to read and study chapters one through five. Your first exam is next week." Professor Hines announced dismissing the class.
Aurora and Malvina packed their things and made their way to the exit.
Wyatt was walking with his potions partner when he noticed Aurora and a very beautiful red orange haired woman walking out of Latermin Hall.
"Excuse me Peter, I'll speak with you later about the project."
Peter shrugged and let Wyatt be on his way.
"Aurora!" Wyatt exclaimed.
Aurora cringed internally and turned to face her overly-enthusiastic friend.
"Wyatt, I see you've recovered just fine."
"Of course, I'm as strong and healthy as a hippogriff." Wyatt said eyeing her and then turning to face Malvina.
It was at this point Aurora understood why Wyatt had come to greet her: he wanted to get to know Malvina. That boy does have an infatuation with redheads, that's for sure. I guess I should just humor him for a bit.
"Wyatt," Aurora said slowly, grabbing her friend's attention. "This is Malvina Vulaj. She is a classmate of mine. Malvina, this is my good friend, Wyatt Belby."
Malvina put on a shy smile as she extended her hand to Wyatt. "It is very nice to meet you."
Wyatt smirked devilishly as he raised her hand to place a light kiss on her knuckles, causing her to blush. "Oh no Miss, the pleasure is all mine."
Aurora wanted to gag at the scene that was unfolding before her. Wyatt was a shameless philanderer, she never really cared much for the women he bedded but she did have a problem with him possibly bedding her friends. She wouldn't call Malvina a friend just yet, but they got along well enough in class and so the possibility was there.
"So where were you ladies headed?" Wyatt asked.
"Well I was going to meet Draco and Malvina was going to head back to her dorm."
"Ah I see."
"Yes, and actually, I do recall Draco saying something about wanting to talk to you about something that happened in the lab the other day. So you should come with me to meet him, it will be quick."
Wyatt's brow knitted in confusion, he had no idea what she was talking about. Before he knew it she took hold of his arm and started dragging him away from Malvina.
"Malvina, it was great talking to you, I'll meet you in the library this Saturday so we can study for the exam!" Aurora waved goodbye and continued drag Wyatt along with her.
Once Malvina was out of sight she let go of Wyatt.
"No." She said sternly as Wyatt began to open his mouth to speak.
"But I didn't even-"
"You don't have to, I know what you are going to ask me and the answer is no."
"Why?"
"Because you are a brazen womanizer and a girl like that doesn't do well with womanizers! I would appreciate it if you would keep away from my female friends, acquaintances, family members- in fact, just stay away from females that I associate with in general. I don't need any of them crying to me over you breaking their hearts."
"Womanizer? Don't you think that's a bit cold?"
"I'm sorry dear, but I only speak the truth."
"The truth, huh? What was all that about Draco wanting to speak to me?"
"Oh that was a complete lie. However, I do speak the truth on one's character." Aurora smirked.
Wyatt shook his head and began to walk away.
"If it makes you feel any better, if you ever decide to be a 'relationship' type of man, then I would have no problem with putting in a good word."
"Not likely my dear. I've done the whole relationship thing, and to be honest, I don't think it's for me." Wyatt smiled sadly and went on his way.
Aurora stayed for a moment and watched her friend make his departure.
"Oh Wyatt…" She sighed and decided it was time for her to leave as well.
Draco sat in silence working on the genetics paper that was due the following week. He was about to start on a new paragraph when he heard someone clear their throat delicately. Draco looked up and realized that Aurora was sitting right across from him.
"Oh!" Draco exclaimed as he hurriedly closed his laptop. "How long have you been there?"
Aurora looked at her wrist watch "Not long, I'd say I've been staring at you working on whatever it is you're working on for about 10 minutes."
"Oh…Well…I'm sorry."
Aurora snickered. "It's okay, Master Malfoy, I forgive you."
"I'm relieved to hear it, my lady."
"So, you never answered my question."
"What question?"
"About mobile phone, why do you have it?"
In response drew the phone from his pocket and gave a bashful sort of laugh. "Well you see, it's all part of the program they have here. Didn't you read the mission statement when you got accepted?"
"No, no one reads the mission statement, you nancy!"
Draco raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Oh, so are we using fighting words, are we? Alright, you colonist."
Aurora cocked an eyebrow and said. "Don't be injured because we won the war."
Draco laughed and continued to explain about his use of Muggle technology. The university had implemented a new program with a big emphasis on integrating Muggle technology in the Wizarding world.
"It's actually amazing the things they came up with. Especially in the medical field, a lot of advances have been made!" Draco explained enthusiastically.
"Well, that makes sense," Aurora mused aloud. "Seeing as how we must coexist together. We can't isolate ourselves from them. Perhaps I'll get a mobile phone!"
Draco laughed.
"What is it?"
"See, the colloquial term is 'cell-phone'."
"Oh," she said, filing the term away for future use. "And this contraption you have in front of you is-"
"It's a laptop."
"Oh I know what it is! It's like a portable computer right? I've seen Reginald use one of these when conducting business."
"Yes, pretty much."
"So, Master Malfoy, I couldn't help but noticed how dashing you look in those spectacles. Are they new?" Aurora teased.
"Thank you for noticing, Miss Pontellier. Yes they are."
"You damaged your eyesight from reading in poor lighting?"
"Precisely so." Draco adjusted his glasses for emphasis.
Aurora smiled and shook her head. "You know what's how I ended up needing reading glasses."
"I guess great minds think alike."
"More like people possessing of intelligence do not have much common sense."
Draco laughed at her remark; he loved her quick and tasteful wit.
Draco was beginning to nod off as the young law wizard bantered on about the family estates, finances, and last but not least his father's will. Usually their family law wizard would be handling these types of affairs, but seeing as how Mr. Greyham was indisposed that morning, his son was now handling it- much to Lucius' dismay. Draco had no idea who he pitied more- Greyham Sr., who would soon face the wrath of his father for not being present, or Greyham Jr., who was currently under Lucius' scorn.
"So you see, Mr. Malfoy, the property that you own in Switzerland has gained quite a bit of attention in the past few years. There have been a few offers made-"
"And you think I don't know that? I do not wish to sell, move on to the next order of business." Lucius answered impatiently has he stomped his cane on the mahogany floor.
The young man swallowed nervously and continued. "As you wish." He cleared his throat and shakily shuffled his papers. "In regards to your will-"
"Will? Do I look like I'm dying to you, boy?!"
"Mr. Malfoy, please-"
"Don't you 'Mr. Malfoy' me, sonny! I swear, I have no idea why I have to tolerate a blighter like you handling my family affairs!"
Here we go again, Draco thought to himself, rubbing his temples.
"Mr. Malfoy, I've already expressed my apologies at the absence of my father. He was unable to be present today, and thought it fit that I come in his stead."
"Bah! What does that old crab think you're capable of doing anyway? Aren't you fresh out of University? What do you know of such things?"
The young man sat silent, not knowing how to respond. His father had warned him that Lucius Malfoy could be a difficult man but he never imagined this.
"Thank you, Fredrick." Draco interjected. "We appreciate you coming in today, however I think it would be best if we rescheduled our appointment."
Fredrick sighed in relief. "Yes, of course, Master Malfoy." He gathered his things as quickly as possible.
"And make sure your father is present next time! That's what I pay him for!" Lucius bellowed as Fredrick nearly sprinted out of his study.
Draco turned to his father. "Father, was that necessary?"
"Of course it was." Lucius stood. "Did you see that whelp run out of here, as if the devil was at his heels!?" Lucius let out a hearty laugh and strolled out of his study.
"Some would argue that you are worse than the devil, father. Well, at least he's in a better mood than he was a moment ago." Draco mumbled, following his father.
"Tell me son, how are your studies going?"
"They're going very well father, thank you for asking." Draco strolled casually next to his father.
"And how is Miss Pontellier fairing?"
Draco sighed, and there it is. "She's doing well."
Lucius looked at his son, waiting for him to say more.
"What?" Draco questioned.
"She's doing well? Is that all the news you have?"
"Father, did you summon me here to handle family business, or did you just want to gossip like a couple of old spinsters about my affairs?"
"I'll have you know that your affairs are my affairs, boy!"
"Yes, I understand that; but what does any of it have to do with Miss Pontellier?"
"Oh, don't act coy. When will you let your feelings be known to her?"
"I beg your pardon?" Draco was completely perplexed.
"Oh come now, I may be old but I'm not blind. You are quite taken by her. Now the only question I have is when will you ask to court her?"
Draco was going to object but he knew it would be no use- it was obvious that he did have feelings for Aurora, and as much as he didn't want to admit it, his father was right.
"I'm not sure, Father. She made it very clear that marriage isn't something that's currently on her mind, remember?"
"Well, change her mind."
"Father, why are you so dead set on me marrying this girl?" Draco huffed in frustration.
"Because she comes from a family of high standing and good breeding, that's why. Very few families are as old and pure as ours and the Pontelliers are one of them. It only makes sense." Lucius reached for his pocket watch and glanced at the time. "Ah, it's almost time for dinner; come, your mother will be expecting us."
The room was tense, and no one dared make a sound. Draco could hear his heart beating out of his chest. Just stay calm, nothing will happen to you, just stay calm.
"Ladies and gentlemen, tonight we have a special guest- Ms. Charity Burbage. She specializes in muggle studies." Stated a very familiar chilling voice.
Draco stared at his hands, trying on to focus on anything but the levitating woman at the center of the table. Just stay calm, just stay calm! He scolded himself. He clinched his fists in an attempt to stop himself from trembling. He was terrified, beads of cold sweat ran down his neck as he desperately tried to shut out the image before him. Then suddenly a flash of green light flared killing the poor woman. Her body hit the table with a thud. Draco felt the air from his lungs leave his body and he couldn't breathe. He looked up and found the woman's dead eyes staring right up at him, as if in accusation. He felt the bile rise in his throat-
Draco woke up in a panic, breathing heavily and drenched in sweat. He reached over to turn on the lamp on his nightstand. He was back in his old bedroom in has parent's house.
"It was just a dream, it was just a dream." He whispered to himself as he ran his hand over his face and pushed his hair back.
He took a few moments to calm his breathing when suddenly he saw small crimson spots on his bed sheets. He placed his fingers to his nostrils to find that his nose was bleeding.
"Great." He lamented as he stood to make his way to the bathroom.
Draco found a towel and held it to the bridge of his nose, lightly adding pressure to it. These types of nightmares were not a rarity nor were the nose bleeds. He'd always had the same reoccurring nightmares ever since the war had ended, and after each occurrence his nose would begin to bleed. He'd gone to multiple healers and they'd all concluded that his nightmares manifested themselves from traumatic life experiences and the nose bleeds were just a result of extreme stress. They'd given him multiple calming potions to help him sleep but to no avail. They did work for a bit but Draco hated taking them; they always made him tired and he couldn't be as productive as he liked to be. Also, he just hated the fact that there was something wrong with him and that he needed to be medicated. He had aspired to become a Healer because he wanted to help others, but how could he do that if he can't even help himself? It was all so frustrating!
Once the bleeding stopped, Draco knew that no sleep would come to him; he decided to walk around the manor for a bit to help ease his mind. He wandered aimlessly until he came to a halt in front of two rather large mahogany double doors. Draco's eyes fixated on the handles debating if he should enter or not. After a few moments he deiced to go in.
This was his favorite room in the whole manor. It was just a simple room, with many large windows that provided a perfect view of the French gardens his mother had constructed, and in the middle was his mother's grand piano. Draco seated himself on the bench and began to play.
Growing up, his mother was very adamant about him becoming a well cultured young man. Draco recalled spending a considerable amount of time with his mother because she would tutor him in Latin, Greek, German, and French. Afterwards she would instruct his piano lessons.
His fingers glided effortlessly over the keys; he was so engrossed in playing that he hadn't noticed someone standing behind him.
"Giving the ivories a tickle, dear?"
Draco turned around to find his mother donned in a blue silk nightdress. Draco mused that there was a very regal air about his mother- she always carried herself poise and grace.
"I fear that I'm a bit out of practice."
"What seems to be troubling you dear?" Narcissa questioned, taking a seat next to her son.
Draco was conflicted; he was unsure if he should tell his mother that his nightmares where starting up again. He knew that it would only concern her, but he couldn't lie to her either.
"Just a dream. That's all." Draco stated shortly.
Narcissa's face fell. "Are you having nightmares again?"
Draco said nothing.
"You will see the Healer first thing tomorrow morning." Narcissa stated sternly.
"Mother, please, no. I've seen countless Healers in the past and none of them were able to help me."
Narcissa nodded and stood abruptly. "Come, follow me."
Draco did as he was told and silently followed his mother through the various corridors that manor possessed. Finally they reached what appeared to be a storage closet. His mother was rummaging through various vials until she found the one she was looking for.
"Drink this, dear." Narcissa handed the vial to her son
"What is this mother?"
"It's supposed to help you sleep. It's something I brewed for your father when he was having trouble sleeping."
Draco gave his mother a questioning look.
"You are not the only one who suffers from nightmares, my love."
Draco nodded in understanding and decided to drop the subject. These were grim matters that were never discussed. The events that had happened almost seven years ago still haunted the manor. The people were gone, but only dark shadows lingered.