Willow stood in front of the bathroom mirror applying her lipstick. With hair and make-up done she was adding in the final touches. She had been looking forward to this night for weeks now. July 11, 2005; today they were going to see the production of Swan Lake. Willow was so excited she could hardly hold her lipstick steady, but she managed to apply it flawlessly.

Putting down the lipstick, Willow stepped back to examine herself. She picked out a silk knee length toffee-colored spaghetti strap dress with a deep neckline. It showed off her modest breasts but also kept them covered in the right places. Her hair was styled in a low classic bun with a few strands of hair framing her face. She went light on the eyes using simple gold and brown eyeshadow but went for a bold color for her lips…red. The whole look came together nicely, and it brought out the color of her hair-

A low whistle and a "damn girl!" brought Willow out of her thoughts. She looked back to see her roommate Neeley standing by the doorway. "If this doesn't catch his attention, I don't know what will."

Willow chuckled, smoothing down her dress. "You think he'll like it?"

"He'd have to be blind not to."

"I'm super excited! What time is it?"

Neeley lifted her wrist to glance at her wristwatch. "Five minutes to 7."

"Oh! Perfect he'll be here any-" before Willow could finish he sentence the doorbell rang "-minute."

"He's annoyingly punctual, isn't he?" Neeley shook her head. "I'm going to my room. Have a good time."

Willow smiled "Thanks."

She waited until Neeley had shut herself in her room to answer the door. Her roommate was nice enough and easy to get along with but sometimes she found Neeley difficult to read. It didn't matter they got along well enough, and this living arrangement will only continue until she graduates anyway. Her heart pounded as she opened the door.

Draco stood dressed in all black formal attire, he looked so handsome!

"I see you chose to go with a suit."

Draco adjusted his collar. "Yes, I like to change it up from time to time. Wearing dress robes for every occasion can be a bit dull. Anyway, enough about my outfit." He grabbed her hand and placed a light kiss on her knuckles. "You my dear look absolutely divine."

Willow smiled. "Thank you. At first, I wasn't sure if I should wear this dress or not. But seeing how it's been getting great reviews I'd say I chose wisely."

"Oh yeah? And who else saw the dress.?"

"Neeley of course, she only lives down the hall from me."

"Oh yes of course the roommate." Draco looked over her shoulder into the seemingly empty apartment. "Not very social, is she?"

"No not really. She prefers to keep to herself."

"She kind of sounds like Ramona." Draco chuckled.

Almost immediately Willow's mood shifted from excited to anxious. God, she hated that woman, she couldn't even stand to hear her name! "Draco that's not fair, Neeley hasn't don't a single thing for you to insult her like that." Willow crossed her arms. "Also, I have yet to see Ramona keep to herself. She and that fool brother of hers seem to pop up wherever we go."

"Willow…that was unkind, they are my friends."

Well find some different friends! Is what Willow wanted to say, however she could already feel tension building up between her and Draco. Tonight, is supposed to be fun. They shouldn't argue over his dumbass friends. Save it for another day.

"Let's go, I'm sure they're probably waiting for us." She shut the door and locked it.

Draco extended his and she took it, in an instant they were outside the theatre. Willow felt the humid July air hit her skin. How is it still this warm out? It's 7 in the evening, it should have cooled down by now. They needed to get inside quickly before she began to break out into a sweat or worse her hair starts frizzing.

"Draco let-"

"THERE YOU ARE!" A tall man with brown hair shouted at them, it was none other than Wyatt Belby himself.

"Wyatt, just because we are outside does not mean you should use your 'outside' voice." Ramona lectured.

The twins stood before Draco and his date in all their glory. Wyatt was dressed in a 3-piece moss green suit and Ramona was clad in a chocolate-colored high neck evening gown. It was a beautiful piece of art with beading covering the neck, shoulders, sleeves, and chest. From the chest the crystals continued to cascade down to her waistline and partitioned into singular rows down to the hemline which reached her ankles. Every inch of her skin was covered except for her neck, face and hands. Willow hated to admit but despite being covered from head-to-toe Ramona looked sexy. The dress covered everything, yet it showed all at the same time. She felt her stomach twist. Why did they have to tag along?! They always made her so uneasy.

"'Hello twins." Draco greeted.

"Hello Draco." They both greeted in unison then looked to Willow.

"Well…"Wyatt smirked "Look at you!" he addressed Willow. "You look marvelous."

"Th-thank you." Willow wasn't sure how to respond to his compliment, or was he insulting her? She could never tell with these two. Rather than assuming the worst she just simply accepted the compliment.

"Yes look at you, you do know we're about to enter a theater right? Not a nightclub." Ramona gave her a pointed look.

Willow squeezed Draco's hand so hard he winced.

"Ramona." Willow said as calmly as possible. "There is no need for you to be nasty. We're here to enjoy the show. So please check your attitude at the door." She turned still holding on to Draco's hand practically dragging Draco to the entrance of the theater. They showed their tickets to the door man and made their way inside.

It was crowded, Willow was still thinking about Ramona's comment, she was trying her best to let it go but it was difficult. She had spent weeks planning out her ensemble for tonight and she didn't appreciate being insulted like that. Normally she would swallow Ramona's snide comments, but she couldn't anymore, she had to defend herself.

"Willow." She continued to walk up the steps to their box. "Willow, dear."

"What?!" she bit out.

"Please release my hand, you're cutting off circulation."

"Oh." She released her boyfriend's hand. "Sorry."

They found their box and entered. Willow looked around; it was cozy and grand. It only seated four. It was perfect for small friend groups; too bad she didn't like the friends that were accompanying them. She could see the stage perfectly she walked towards the edge of the box and looked down seeing the rest of the audience below taking their seats.

"I'm sorry about Ramona-"

"Draco, you are always sorry about the twin's rude comments. When are you going to finally tell them to leave me alone?" Willow took her seat. "They don't have to like me or be my friends. Honestly, I don't like them either. Actually…the world 'hate' comes to mind." She huffed. "There I said it. I HATE your friends, but not once have I ever disrespected them. At the very least I deserve a little respect and for my boyfriend to defend me!"

Draco was silent for a moment. "I'm sorry, you are right. I should stand up for you more."

"That's all I ask."

Draco smiled and took her hand in his kissing her knuckles. Willow was right, he often would brush off the twin's comments, but he had to consider her feelings. Ramona was awfully mean at times- well all the time. She can't be allowed to say whatever she wanted whenever she wanted…haughty cow.

Willow looked around once more. "This is my first time sitting in a box. How did you manage to get these seats? They must have been very expensive."

"Oh well…" Draco wasn't sure what to say. Willow wasn't privy to his financial means. And for now, he wanted it to stay that way. He knew she wasn't stupid and had an inkling that he came from money, but she never directly asked. Sometimes she would drop hints here and there trying to extract information from him. She'd ask about his parents, his childhood, etc. He wasn't ready to reveal so much about himself. All she knew was that both his parents are well, he grew up in Yorkshire and that he attended Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

"…well…what?"

He looked down at Willow, she was still waiting for an answer."

"Well-"

"Wow mate, thanks for waiting for us." Wyatt stepped into the box.

'Oh thank God!' Draco was delighted by his friend's interruption.

"Sorry, man. Why don't you take a seat." Draco motioned for him to sit next to Willow so she would be sandwiched in between them. Better than her sitting directly next to Ramona.

"Where is Ramona?" Draco asked.

"Who cares." Willow mumbled under her breath.

Not that it mattered Wyatt still heard her but didn't acknowledge her comment. "I believe she's powdering her nose or something."

"Ah, so Draco." She turned her attention to Draco. "You didn't answer my question."

"What question?"

"How did you get these seats? They have cost an arm and a leg!"

Wyatt snorted trying to stifle his laugh. Willow immediately turned his attention to him. 'Did I say something funny?' She thought.

"What's so funny?" He heard Ramona ask as she walked into the box taking her seat next to her brother.

"Oh nothing. Willow was just asking Draco how he was able to afford such expensive seats."

Ramona chuckled. "Yes, Draco do tell? How were you able to afford these seats. They must have cost a fortune!"

Draco glared at them both. This was just tactless. One should never flaunt their wealth. In a past life, he did it every opportunity he got but now…it made him uncomfortable; he didn't like it.

"Can I please be let in on the joke here?" Willow was getting frustrated. They were all doing it again. The three of them were hiding something she wasn't privy to. It wasn't fair, it was awful how they always made her feel like the odd one out. Draco was her boyfriend but he was so closed off, he barely shared any information about himself. Well not this time she wanted to know how he was able to afford these seats!

"Do you have connections or something?"

"Er-yes and no-"

"He has more money God you daft cow." Ramona spat out. "Good lord you have been dating- what? Three months? And you didn't know that."

Willow narrowed her eyes and leaned forward so she could eye Ramona. "Stop calling me names you nasty bitch!

Ramona narrowed her eyes, looks like the little girly wanted to square up. "Well, am I wrong? You're dating him and you have no idea who he is!"

"That is still not excuse for you to insult me!"

The two women continued to argue back and forth with Wyatt sitting in between them. His eyes shifted left to right and back as if he was watching a quidditch match. It was getting heated, and it was only a matter of time before they would start hurling curses at each other. In that moment Ramona drew her wand and Willow did the same both in a stand still waiting for the other to attack.

"Enough!" Wyatt interjected grabbing Ramona's wrist in lowering it. Draco gently put a hand on Willow's shoulder trying to get her to relax and lower her wand.

"You are both acting like savages." Wyatt didn't know why he was beginning to feel extremely angry, maybe it was because he was directly in the middle of a standoff. Sitting in between two wands. Not an ideal situation. "Ramona! Shame on you. Honestly you know better than the pull a stupid stunt like drawing your want on a friend."

"She's not my-"

"Oh come off it. Give it a rest. You took things too far this time. Quit now before you do something you may regret."

Ramona reluctantly put her wand away.

"Willow, for some reason Draco doesn't want to share any information about himself. So, to make your lives easier I will. You are dating the only heir to the Malfoy Estate. The Malfoys are one of the oldest pureblood families in the United Kingdom and they are very VERY wealthy. As my sister put it, they have more money than God. And your boyfriend will eventually inherit all that wealth. So that is how he was able to afford box seats! The money he spent to buy these tickets; he probably uses it to wipe his arse."

Wyatt stood abruptly "If you'll excuse me." He stormed off, he needed air.

The three sat in silence shocked. Wyatt was usually so easy going and happy. What could have gotten him all worked up? Yes, perhaps sitting in between wands about to go off could have annoyed him but not to this extent. There was something deeper that was bothering him.

"I'll-I'll go check on him." Draco stood hesitantly, he wasn't sure if he should leave Willow and Ramona alone but the two leaned back in their seats with their arms crossed looking in opposite directions. "I'll be back."

Both women sat quietly. Listing to the crowd of people continuing to file into the theater taking their seats. Willow heard the other woman shifting in her seat, then she saw a hand in her peripheral vision. She looked down. Ramona was now in Wyatt's seat and in her hand was a golden case. Ramona pressed the button on the side of the case and revealed cigarettes all neatly lined up in a row.

"Would you like one?" she asked curtly.

Willow looked at the cigarettes then up at Ramona. Her expression was still but she saw in her eyes that she was trying to be nice. Knowing Ramona, she would never actually say the words "I'm sorry" but Willow will accept the peace offering.

She nodded and reached for a cigarette. Ramona grabbed one as well putting it between her lips and lifted a lighter to the tip and lit it. Willow placed her's in her mouth and Ramona lit it for her.

After a couple of drags Willow turned to full face Ramona. "Is Wyatt, okay?"

"Yes. He's probably moody because of this nasty heatwave."

"Oh…Are we allowed to smoke in here?"

Ramona scuffed "Of course you-youuuuu." Ramona awkwardly smiled hoping that Willow didn't notice that she corrected herself. Ramona was just about to call her a daft cow again, but she had learned her lesson, she can't push Willow around anymore. This bitch bites back now. However, no promises that she would completely stop.

XXXX

Wyatt was standing outside with his backed pressed to the side of the building as he inhaled the smoke from his cigarette. Merlin, it was hot. It was hot inside and even worse out here. He came out for air; however, this air was stifling. He heard footsteps coming towards him.

"I though you quit?"

It was Draco.

"On and off. No one can ever truly quit."

"Mate. Are you alright? You made a bit of scene back there."

"I'm fine."

"Sorry…but I don't think you are. You're the bloke that's always in a good mood."

"Well let's see what state you'd be in after nearly being in the crossfire of two wands."

"Yes, I understand that would make anyone angry, but…I don't think that would be enough to set you off."

"It's fucking hot!"

"Yes, I know."

"It's hot and we're here dressed in our best clothes sweating our balls off! And for what? To see that wench who just took off in the middle of night. Oh no! It's not like she had any friends who would be worried about her-Now she's back and she knows that we know! And yet…nothing! No note saying she's back or even an apology! "

Wyatt froze realizing what he had just said. Was this why he was angry? Because Aurora left? He loved her like she was his own sister. He never let it show but he was terribly frightened when he heard that she had disappeared. Then that freight turned to hurt. But he couldn't let the others know. He had to be strong. Draco was a mess and Ramona…well Ramona got meaner and angrier. That's how she chose to cope. Wyatt did what he knew how to do best. Hide his hurt and fear behind the mask of humor. He was the funny bloke. Funny easy-going Wyatt. He was tired of being the funny guy.

"That's what all this is about?" Draco was shocked. Not once has Wyatt ever said anything negative about Aurora. He always sang her praises. Even when she first left, he still defended her and wouldn't let anyone say anything disparaging about her. At one point Draco was convinced that Aurora could spit in Wyatt's face, and he would just smile and say, 'thank you.'

"I do not want to be here."

"Mate…no one invited you. You and Ramona decided to come of your own accord. In fact, if it wasn't for the fact that Willow was so desperate to see Swan Lake, I would have never even considered coming."

Wyatt took another drag from his cigarette. "Have you heard anything from…"

"Her? No, nothing."

"…I would have thought…I would have thought that she would have at the very least tried to send an owl or something. When she was away it was easy to accept that she was busy in another country somewhere but now she's in the same damn state and nothing! Has she cut us off?!"

"…I don't know…"

Wyatt nodded. Dropped his cigarette on the pavement and stamped it out. They stood silent for a moment.

"I'm sorry I ousted you in front of your girlfriend. I just think it's weird that you are hiding so much from a person you're in a committed relationship with."

"It's okay…to be honest I'm not entirely sure why either…but something tells me I will hear about it later. Draco chuckled.

"We should get back inside before another incident happens."

When the two men made it back to their seats the theater was dark, and the orchestra was in full swing. The show had begun.

"What we miss?" Wyatt whispered taking his seat.

"Act 1. Now we're in Act 2." Ramona answered.

The dancers leaped elegantly on the stage hitting their mark perfectly every time. The four all had magical binoculars that would allow them to see the dancers up close as if they were standing right in front of them.

"This is amazing! They're all so talented!" Willow whispered leaning forward in her seat.

Prince Siegfried was hunting carrying his crossbow while Rothbart the powerful sorcerer creeped about behind him. And then she entered stage-left dressed in an all-white tutu and wearing a glittering head piece.

Willow gasped "There she is! There she is! Odette! Oh my God she is so beautiful!"

She elegantly glided across the stage. Draco felt his throat go dry, he swallowed hard. Aurora…she looked the same but different at the same time. She was leaner and more muscular. Her face, even though she was in character, glowed.

"She looks…" Ramona began.

"…happy." Wyatt finished.