Aurora stood in front of the mirror as Madame Faure's measuring tape wrapped itself around her waist. The slender woman simply stood aside was she took notes with her raven feathered quill, every so often she would look up from her black rimmed glasses (that sat on the tip of her nose) to read the measurements.
Madame Faure was doing a fine job, she has been in the business for over 30 years, the only thing about this fitting that disturbed Aurora were the faces her mother was making from behind her, which she had a clear view of from the mirror.
"You've gained weight." Her mother stated sardonically taking a sip from her wine.
Aurora drew in a breath and pretended not her hear her. Did she really have to sit here with her? Didn't she have anything better to do; perhaps go and oversee the help instead of overseeing her robe fittings? She was 21 damn it she didn't need her mother here!
A few more moments passed and the measuring tape continued to whirl around her, it wrapped itself around her hips.
"Your hips are too narrow…" Ophelia observed as she took another sip from her wine glass.
"Beg pardon?" Aurora was pretending to take great interest in her nails hiding the fact that she was becoming increasingly agitated.
"Your hips," her mother repeated. "They are too narrow-not good for birthing children."
"Well mother, I'm sorry but I have no control over that. If you should blame anyone for my narrow hips blame yourself. It's where I got it from."
Ophelia pursed her lips in disapproval and continued to drink, and Aurora returned to her nails. Once Madame Faure had finished Aurora didn't spear her mother a second glance, she quickly Apparated to Beatrice's home in Spain.
"So how did it go?" Beatrice asked holding a bottle of fire whiskey in one hand and an empty glass in another.
Aurora shot her a disdainful look.
"That bad?" Beatrice pushed the empty glass into Aurora's hand and poured her a drink. "This should help with the nerves, or would you like a calming draught instead?" Beatrice quipped.
Aurora shook her head and knocked the glass back, its contents burned her throat causing her eyes to water, and she began to cough furiously.
"Whoa, easy! We have the whole night!"
"Apparently I've gained weight." Aurora stated in the same haughty tone her mother had.
"Don't let it bother you." Beatrice waved her hand dismissively. "If anything it's an improvement."
Aurora glared at her all-to-honest cousin.
"I don't mean that in a bad way." Beatrice recovered. "I just meant that you look healthier!"
Aurora continued to glare. "Beatrice, stop talking, you're making things worse."
"No I mean it! Look at you, you have curves now! And I must say those robes definitely compliment your womanly figure!"
"Stop it, you're speaking like an old crone."
"Now that's a bit insensitive don't you think?" Beatrice crossed her arms. "I'm neither old nor ugly."
"In due time cousin, in due time. Let's go, I don't want to be late."
Aurora grew tired of bickering with Beatrice and thought it best to be on their way even though it was a bit early. In all honesty she was very excited to go to the opera. It had been months since she's been to a show.
Aurora was dressed in her finest black velvet robes which bore the family crest on the cuffs her sleeves, two golden griffins holding a black and gold shield with a purple fleur de lys placed in the middle shield, a banner was placed above the griffins with the family axiom on it "Et Purum Et Numquam Infecta" (Pure and will never be tainted). To compliment her outfit she wore a large ruby pendant around her neck, and her hair was set in an elegant low bun where she placed black griffin feathers for a finishing touch. Aurora chose the most conservative outfit she could find, with only her neck and head showing, even her hands were covered with matching leather gloves that also bore the family crest. Her whole ensemble gave a regal air about her, she carried her family name with great pride and dignity. She couldn't go to a public event looking like a commoner.
The two women stood in front of the Gran Teatre del Liceu, it was a magnificent sight. Aurora admired the architecture, the design of the building was renaissance inspired with its many arched windows and pillars. Just looking at it made her feel as if she left Spain and had gone to Florence instead.
"Are you going to sit here and stare it at all night?" Beatrice seized her arm and dragged her to the entrance.
"Entradas?" A young man asked.
Beatrice simply reached into her robes and pulled out a silver pocket watch, it had a crowned lion holding a scepter engraved on the front. One look at the watch and the man stepped aside.
"Señora Amadis, bienvenido! Espero que disfrutes del espectáculo."[1]
Beatrice put on her most dazzling smile. "Muchas gracias." She seized Aurora's arm once more and ushered her into the building. "Enrique's great-great-great grandfather built this opera house."
Aurora nodded in understanding. "So his family owns it?"
"At one point yes, but now it's publically owned by the government, however a majority of the donations come from us. My husband is a great enthusiast of the arts you know."
Aurora looked down from the balcony, she could hear various instruments playing as the orchestra tuned them, another half hour until the show begins.
"So why did you decide to bring me of all people?" She asked as she fanned herself with her feathered fan.
"I figured you could use an outing, also consider it a belated birthday present from me."
"I-"
"Señora Amadis! What a surprise!" A man dressed in fine pin striped robes entered their box.
"It's hardly a surprise Dante, you knew I was going to be here tonight." Beatrice sniffed.
"Yes, but I didn't know you would bring such lovely company." Dante looked at Aurora who had extended her hand out to him, he took it and placed a light kiss on her knuckles. "Dante Warren, at your service."
"Aurora Pontellier, at yours." Aurora smiled, she could use a bit of fun.
"Ah, a Pontellier, I know your family well."
"Warren is it? If I'm not mistaken, your family hails from Philadelphia correct?"
"Right, so."
"Dante is Enrique's business partner." Beatrice leaned over to Aurora giving a suggestive smile.
"Where is the poor fellow anyway?"
"I thought you knew, he's stuck at a meeting with his broker."
"That explains his absence, well no matter. I'd much rather prefer the company of your friend here, rather than your husband."
Beatrice simpered and waved her fan at the front of her face. "What has my husband ever done to you?"
"Absolutely nothing, he just makes my life boring."
"Only because he makes you work hard."
"Would you like to join us Mr. Warren." Aurora offered.
"Please, just call me Dante. And I would love to join you, that is, if it's alright with your host?" Dante jested eyeing Beatrice.
"I assure you that my cousin will not object. She'll only claim that it will be good for me."
"Good for you?"
"You see, dear Beatrice thinks that I need to get out more and interact with other human beings."
"Ah I see," Dante began as he took a seat next to Aurora. "By nature you are a bit of a shut in, correct?"
"Yes, I won't even try to deny it. You see," Aurora leaned in closer to Dante fluttering her fan, "I don't really care much for social events, but I had to make an exception for this little excursion."
"Oh really?"
"Yes, as it so happens to be, I am very fond of the opera."
Dante let out a laugh Aurora joined him, she was enjoying herself. Dante was quiet handsome, his tanned skin glowed, his thick bronze hair was combed back and his eyes were a deep warm brown. Aurora was trying to determine how old he was, he looked to be in his late 20s, early 30s. But what did it matter she was delighted by his company. They continued to talk and banter for a few more minutes when the lights dimmed the currents opened, they immediately halted their conversation and drew their attention on the stage as the orchestra started to play.
"That was lovely wasn't it?" Aurora sighed as she and Beatrice reclined on the sofa in the sitting room, they had just returned from the opera.
"It really was. However, as lovely as it was, I do think there was someone who wasn't paying much attention."
Aurora shot her cousin a quizzically look silently telling her to explain herself.
"Dante was staring at you all night!"
"Oh don't be silly, no he wasn't!"
"Yes he was!"
"Yeah, okay." Aurora said sarcastically as she began to pull out the griffin feathers from her hair one by one.
"No really, he fancies you!"
"According to you, everyone fancies me." She let her hair out of its bun allowing her brown tresses to fall over her shoulder.
"But I am absolutely sure about this one."
"How?" Aurora asked crossing her arms.
"During the intermission, when you excused yourself to use the restroom, he asked me if you were unattached."
"Really?" Aurora leaned forward with mild interest. "And what did you say?"
"Naturally I said that you were."
"What? Why?"
"Because it's true…unless…" Beatrice smiled at Aurora suggestively, "…unless you are seeing someone and you conveniently forgot to tell me."
Aurora sat for a moment, of course she was unattached! She didn't have a boyfriend, nor has she even met any of those suitors her parents keep talking about. She was completely unquestionably unattached, however it didn't feel that way, a year ago she could have claimed so without any hesitation, but now…Draco…he…they do spend a lot of time together, don't they? Despite recent events where the guy has demonstrated that he can be a complete dunderhead she did like him, no, she more than liked him. She had a very sincere and deep regard for him.
"I bet I can stake a bet on who it is." Beatrice continued.
"Just forget it." Aurora waved her hand dismissively, frankly this topic was beginning to make her anxious. She didn't like speaking of her non-existent love life, especially not with her family members.
"Fine, fine." Beatrice said dropping the subject.
Aurora stood and smoothed out her robes. "Thank you for inviting me, I really did enjoy myself. But unfortunately I have to get going."
"Anytime Miss!" Beatrice waved. "Oh and New York is about 6 hours behind so don't fall asleep, you'll ruin you sleep schedule that way."
Aurora only nodded and waved goodbye before making her departure.
Aurora stood in front of the full length mirror that was placed in the corner of her bedroom examining herself. All of a sudden her mother's words had hit her like a bucket of ice, has she really gained that much weight? What did she mean by her hips were too narrow? She reached around the back of her robes and undid the clasp allowing them to pool at her ankles. She continued to undress until she stood fully nude in front of the mirror, Aurora moved closer, now examining every inch of her body…gained weight? Well her breasts were a bit fuller…narrow hips? What does that even mean? Did she have any other flaws that she was ignorant of? Aurora leaned closer…her face…was it too pointy? Were her eyes too big and green? And why were there dark shadows under them?!-
Her thoughts were immediately interrupted by a knock that came from the front door. Aurora quickly grabbed her dressing gown wrapping it tightly around her body not just to cover for decency sake but as if she was trying to hide her newly discovered imperfections.
"Who is it?" She asked wearily as she tied the belt to her dressing gown tightly around her waist.
"It's me…Draco."
She stood there for a moment debating on whether she was ready to talk to him or not.
"I know you probably don't want to see me after what happened over breakfast, but I am here to apologize."
"The boy learns quickly." Aurora muttered as she moved to unlock the door.
Draco stood at the entrance with a lopsided smile and was holding what looked like a pencil case in his hands. He too had dark circles under his eyes, why did he look so tired? Aurora stepped aside to allow him to enter, but instead of taking his usual spot on the couch he stood in front of her looking her directly in the eye.
"I'm sorry, I shouldn't have said those things about your family-"
Aurora crossed her arms and continued to stare at him.
"-And I should have never tried to psychoanalyze you, I was a complete arse…"
"You still are," Aurora smiled. "But I forgive you. I'm also sorry about bringing up your nightmares; that was very tactless of me."
"Thanks okay." Draco said scratching the back of his head sheepishly.
Out of nowhere Aurora pulled him into a hug, she couldn't say why she did it; it was something she felt like she needed to do. And for her own selfish reasons she wanted to be close to him. For once in her life she wanted to feel like there was someone out there who genuinely cared for her. There was no one here to see or dictate to her what was proper behavior, it was just her and Draco and this was her own strange way of telling him that she cared for him deeply without vocalizing it. She rested her face in his shoulder and let out a deep sigh as she felt him wrap his arms around her waist tightly. She felt safe and secure in his arms.
Oh why does she continue to torment him?! Draco rested his chin on the crown of her head. He had no idea what had gotten into her but then again he didn't understand half the things she did. Aurora, without a doubt, was a very affectionate person when she wanted to be. Draco was more than happy to be on the receiving end of that affection but it was becoming increasingly difficult. Oh sod it all! He may as well go to her father tomorrow and ask for permission to court her and be done with it! Draco bit his lip trying to surpass a groan as he felt Aurora tighten her grip on him, he could feel her soft breasts press against his chest.
"Is everything alright?" He asked gently stroking her hair.
"Yes," she pulled away slightly to look at him. "I just had a long day is all."
Draco's eyes were fixed on her delicate face, had he ever seen a woman more beautiful? Certain not, then his gaze moved to her red painted lips. They looked so soft, her hands where now resting on his shoulders. If he leaned in just a few centimeters…His subconscious was screaming at him, telling him to back away from her quickly, but his male instinct egged him on, 'go on, what are you waiting for?' Draco slowly began to lean forward, Aurora reciprocated by doing the same and tilted her head ever so slightly. A few centimeters and he will be able to finally taste her, just a bit more…
BANG! A pile a books came tumbling down the stairs with a frantic house elf running after them.
Aurora jumped in surprise pulling out of his embrace blushing furiously.
"I is sorry Miss Rory!" Lini squeaked. "Lini was trying to dust the bookshelf and all the books fell."
"That's alright Lini, just clean it up." Aurora gasped as she placed her hand over her chest, it was no exaggeration that she startles easily. Her heart was pounding furiously and her hands were shaking. What was that?! Between her and Draco?! They almost…but she wanted to…and now…
Draco began to fidget uncomfortably now feeling unsure of himself and any confidence he had gained in the past 20 seconds was now gone, so close!
"I-I have to go." He began to rush out the door, but stopped suddenly remembering the pencil case in his hand. "These are for you." He handed it to Aurora who looked utterly confused. "They're charcoal pencils…for your sketch book! I noticed that you were running out…"
"Thank you…" Her voice was distant and she still looked confused. "…have a good night."
Draco shut the door behind him as he rushed down the corridor, 'stupid, stupid, stupid! What were you thinking pulling a stunt like that?!' He had gone over there with the intention of apologizing to Aurora not snogging her! Oh, but he really wanted to kiss her, he wanted to feel her lips on his…what would have happened if he did end up kissing her? This is a question that would end up haunting him for the rest of the night as well as for weeks to come.
[1]: "Welcome Mrs. Amadis, I how you enjoy the show."