The art gallery was empty, which wasn't surprising considering it was closed that day. However, it was the perfect day to book an interview with the famous and elusive Akito Manawa. Draco ran his hands over his robes, trying to contain his nervousness. He had never met someone he admired before, and Mr. Manawa's reputation suggested he should temper his expectations.

The hurried steps behind him alerted him that Astoria had arrived just in time, dressed for the interview and clutching a small bag against her body, inside which she carried the plans and the written proposal that they both wanted to present. They had worked hard over the past few days to write this report, staying up late to make sure every last detail was ready. Astoria had drawn up the plans, and Draco had taken care of the more tedious part of the project. Between them, they had done a near-perfect job.

They had only had a minor disagreement a few days ago, when Astoria had accidentally left her folder open, leaving her sketches in plain sight. Draco's eyes had been drawn hopelessly to the drawing of the hotel lobby. It was a simple but captivating image, reflecting everything Astoria had in mind. It was a room of glass and ice, light and ethereal. And somehow, it felt real, and he thought that, if he touched it he would feel the coldness of the walls and the smoothness of the glass.

"You should show this to Manawa," he commented, fascinated, but Astoria slammed the folder shut, embarrassed.

"No way! Do you want him to laugh at me?"

"Why would he laugh at you? It's an amazing drawing," Draco didn't understand that hesitation. Didn't she see how talented she was?

"I said no. We'll show him the technical plans and the project," Astoria insisted, very seriously, hugging the folder to her body. Draco didn't want to insist, and let it be.

And yet, when they finished the meeting, he discovered that Astoria had thrown her drawing into the wastepaper basket. Smoothing it out carefully, Draco put it back in his pocket.

They didn't talk about it again, instead focusing on rehearsing what they would say to Mr. Manawa. When the day came, either of them could have attended the meeting asleep and it wouldn't have mattered. They were ready.

But they were both nervous. This was their test.

"Everything's going to be okay," Draco murmured, trying to appear calm, even though his heart was beating fast. Astoria gave him a nervous smile, before both of their attentions turned to the man approaching them.

Maximus Rowle was Mr. Manawa 's agent. Tall, with a serious face and a long, well-groomed moustache, he did not seem to bear good news. He greeted them politely and listened attentively to the introduction Astoria had so carefully prepared, but when she made a gesture to open her bag to show him the documents, Mr. Rowle raised a hand.

"I'm afraid that won't be necessary, Miss Greengrass, Mr. Manawa is not interested in establishing any kind of collaboration with you."

"Why not?" Draco asked irritably. If it was because of his past as a Death Eater, he was more than willing to back out of the project. He didn't want to damage Astoria's reputation. But he did want Mr. Rowle to tell him the truth to his face.

"You must understand, Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Manawa is an independent artist, and wishes to remain so. Tying himself to such a project would only cut off his inspiration."

"Is there any way to convince him to lend his pieces?" Astoria asked. "I know he doesn't want to sell them, but my hotel could be a platform for-"

"I'm sorry, Miss Greengrass, I'm just the messenger. My opinion and influence count for nothing. Mr. Manawa has made his decision, and it won't be possible to change it."

"Maybe if we could talk to him directly-"

"Mr. Malfoy, I ask you to look over there," Mr. Rowle said, pointing to a stained-glass window high up in the hall. "Do you see that shadow? It is Mr. Manawa. He knows you are here. He received your letter and has considered your offer. And his answer remains the same," observing their helpless expressions, Mr. Rowle relented and lowered his voice. "If it is any consolation, it is nothing personal. Mr. Manawa is... peculiar. He has never cooperated with anyone. He even avoids me most of the time. I sincerely apologize, but there is nothing more you or I can do."

Despite his anger, Draco accepted his apology. Mr. Rowle hadn't said anything that wasn't true. Manawa was an elusive artist, reclusive and impossible to deal with. He and Astoria had done all they could. Astoria pressed her lips together and walked away without saying anything. Draco sensed that she was holding back tears. He wanted to go after her, but suddenly he had an idea.

"Mr. Rowle, could you show this to Mr. Manawa?" Draco pulled the sketch Astoria had discarded from his pocket. He carried it with him as a token of good luck. "I think it's much more informative than the plans and the blueprint. Perhaps if he saw it-"

Rowle shook his head with a sigh.

"I'll do my best, Mr. Malfoy, but I beg you not to get your hopes up."

Draco bowed his head in gratitude and turned to join Astoria. Fortunately, she hadn't gone far. However, Draco's heart sank as he watched her quickly run her hands over her cheeks, trying to dry them to no avail. He said nothing, to avoid making her feel worse, and with his spirits low, they both retraced their steps, crossing the exhibition. Draco glanced at his friend out of the corner of his eye and could sense her disappointment. She had worked very hard to finish that project.

"Don't worry, we'll find another artist. I have a list of sculptors who could come close to the vision you had. I know it's not the same thing, but-"

"Thank you so much, Draco," Although Astoria's eyes were sad, her smile was sincere. "I couldn't have done it without you."

"I wish I could have done more."

"It's been more than enough. We both knew this mission might not work out. And yet..."

Astoria couldn't finish her sentence, but Draco understood what she meant. He was disappointed too. They had arrived in front of the clock sculpture, and both stood still, staring at it, unable to move away. The hypnotic dance of the water attracted them irremediably. There was a poetic parallel between the incessant cycle of the spell and their own emotions. Hope mixed with disappointment... and starting all over again. They didn't know how long they spent looking at the sculpture, but a voice behind them brought them out of their trance.

"Miss Greengrass, Mr. Malfoy, something's happened," Mr. Rowle looked confused and excited at the same time. "Mr. Manawa ... He agreed! He wants to meet you."

"Are you serious?" Draco couldn't believe what he was hearing.

"These are your instructions. Please don't be late. I wish you all the luck in the world."

Draco and Astoria studied incredulous Manawa 's invitation, which indicated where and when they would meet him. They exchanged a look of disbelief, but immediately both smiled, relieved. Unable to help themselves, they hugged, elated. They had done it!

Draco thought he might start dancing. Was this really happening? Had Manawa agreed to meet them?

Am I hugging Astoria?

Draco was suddenly aware of the warmth emanating from Astoria, how lovely her perfume smelled, and how close their bodies were. His heart began to race, and a strange energy stirred within him. Embarrassed and confused, he let go of her, taking a step back. He could feel his face burning, and didn't know what to say. Astoria also looked embarrassed and confused, but she tried to hide it by reading the invitation again.

"I think we have to prepare ourselves. We can't let this opportunity pass us by."

OOO

"Draco, be careful, you are crushing the branches."

Draco rolled his eyes and bit his tongue, trying not to give an angry reply that might anger his father. But the truth was, after working together all morning, the young man was eager to disappear.

"I'm following your instructions to the letter," he protested.

"Let me doubt it. You still have to cover the top of the right wall."

Draco suppressed a growl. When had he agreed to do that?

The truth was that he had been surprised when his mother had asked him to help Lucius with his latest project, and he had agreed without really thinking about the consequences. Too late, he realized that his father had something more complicated in mind than he had anticipated.

Having spent his first winter at Malfoy Manor after leaving Azkaban, Lucius had decided that the gloomy atmosphere of the rooms would be brightened by the presence of plants and flowers. But instead of installing pots and shelves like anyone else, Lucius intended for the plants to grow directly on the walls, with the help of magic. However, since he was not allowed to use a wand, he had to rely on the help of his wife and son to carry out his project. Narcissa had worked for days in the dining room, but even her deep love and devotion for her husband could not bear another minute of Lucius's contradictory instructions and constant protests.

And now it was Draco who had to grit his teeth to keep from cursing his own father.

"Maybe it would be easier if you made some understandable sketches," he replied frustratedly, running his hand through his hair.

"What do you mean? It's very clear," Lucius waved the parchment, but his scribbles made no sense.

"Allow me to doubt it."

"Do you think you could do better?"

"Astoria might," Draco murmured. Lucius raised his eyebrows, suddenly interested.

"Who are you talking about?"

"Forget it," Draco felt the blood rush to his face, and tried to hide it by focusing his attention on his father's drawing. But Lucius crossed his arms, a smirk on his face.

"Do you have something to tell me? Who is Astoria?"

Draco rolled his eyes, but he knew his father wouldn't leave him alone until he gave him an answer.

"Astoria Greengrass. I am collaborating with her on the renovation of her hotel."

"From your comment, I understand that she is a talented young woman."

"She's in charge of the designs for the new decor. Her drawings are... very vivid and realistic," Draco had finally had the pleasure of watching her draw and had felt amazed by the talent she displayed. "If she were in charge of doing this sketch, everything would be much clearer," he joked, but Lucius kept looking at him intently.

"Maybe you should invite her to come to dinner."

His father's suggestion left him frozen. Invite Astoria? To Malfoy Manor?

"Why would I do such a thing?" his face burned without him being able to avoid it, and he tried by all means to avoid his father's grey gaze.

"I would like to meet such a formidable artist," Lucius impassively endured his son's angry gaze. "After all, she is your-"

"She's my friend," Draco interrupted abruptly. "And I don't want to talk about this anymore."

"My son's friends are welcome in this house. But if you wish me not to speak of it, I will do so," Lucius hid his smile, but continued to look at his son with a stifled laugh. "Now, focus on those branches and don't break them again."

OOO

Draco and Astoria prepared for the interview with Mr. Manawa as if it were the most important meeting of their lives. Somehow, they both felt that this meeting would change everything, for better or worse. They rehearsed different scenarios, trying to predict how their host would act. Astoria thought he would be an eccentric and crazy man, and Draco was more inclined to think he would be rude and impolite.

"Whatever happens, we must not let him surprise us. No matter what he tells us, we must hold on to the end."

"I wouldn't mind if he got up on a table and started dancing, but I don't know how to react if he insulted me," Astoria confessed.

"You shouldn't do anything, just let it go, as if he wasn't talking to you. Keep all your emotions in the back of your mind and don't show that his words affect you."

"You seem to know what you're talking about."

"Let's just say I'm experienced," and Draco wasn't lying. For months he had endured mockery of himself and his family by the late Dark Lord.

His Aunt Bellatrix had never been able to control herself and always replied to the provocation, much to the delight of the other Death Eaters, but Draco had learned from Narcissa how to block his mind and keep his emotions to himself, and endure the humiliation without showing anything. It wasn't easy, but it was safe, and it had allowed them to survive.

Draco was hoping that the famous Akito Manawa may not be a psychopathic killer hiding behind the identity of an artist, but he had to be prepared for anything. After all, cruelty could come in many forms.

When the time came, they both touched the invitation, as instructed, and were immediately transported to a house by the sea. The place did not seem to be in England; the coast was different, and so were the trees. The house in front of them had a distinctly oriental design.

"Are we in Japan?" Astoria asked as they walked along the stone path softly lit by paper lanterns.

"I don't think so, it must be daytime there. It must be a spell."

"What an incredible enchantment," and she was right. All their senses confirmed that they were in another place, far away from everything they knew.

The lanterns led them to a wooden terrace overlooking the beach, where a low table had been set up for them. Various drinks and mouthwatering delicacies awaited, arranged artistically on the bamboo tablecloth. Draco and Astoria approached but stood there, not knowing what to do. There was no sign of anyone else. Bewildered, they looked at each other, wondering if they should do something to get their host's attention.

And suddenly, the paper door behind them slid to the side, and the famous Akito Manawa appeared before them. He was a middle-aged man, thin and lanky, with long, unkempt hair. His clothes looked like a cross between a robe and a kimono, giving him an appearance as eccentric and untidy as his behavior.

Draco decided to exercise his manners and stepped forward with his hand outstretched.

"Mr. Manawa, it is an honor. Thank you very much for receiving us."

But the artist just patted his arm and smiled.

"Yes, sit, sit," he replied, waving at the cushions on the table. Draco and Astoria made themselves comfortable as best they could, and she decided to get straight to the point, opening her bag and taking out the scrolls.

"Mr. Manawa, as we explained to Mr. Rowle, we wanted to count on your assistance to-"

"Yes, hotel, I know, I know."

"We have taken the liberty of preparing some plans for your designs, but of course, you are free to-"

"No problem, I'll do it."

"Excuse me?"

"No plans necessary. I make art. Nice. Great. No problem."

Astoria looked at Draco in disbelief, confirming that she had understood correctly.

"Are you sure? We haven't even talked about-"

"I go to the hotel, I make sculpture. No problem."

"No problem?" Draco repeated. "You don't want to think about it? What about the contract?"

"Agent makes contract. I make art. No problem."

Mr. Manawa continued to smile at the stupefied gaze of his guests. They still couldn't believe what they were hearing.

"Just like that?" Draco insisted. "But why? Why us? We're not the first to propose something like that to you."

Mr. Manawa continued to smile, as if the question were amusing. Then he took Astoria's drawing from the folds of his kimono and carefully placed it on the table.

"You, artist. Me, artist. Together, marvel," he smiled, pointing at the drawing. "This, no price, soul. You, soul," he declared, smiling at the two of them. Then he pointed to the table and clapped his hands. "Eat! Celebrate!"

And with that, he stood up and walked away towards the beach, ending the meeting.

Bewildered, Astoria stared at her drawing with a blank look, as if she were assimilating what had just happened.

"Did you give him my drawing?" she finally asked, in a small voice.

"I thought that, as an artist, he would be more willing to listen if he saw what you see. I'm so sorry I went behind your back," Draco apologized. "I know you didn't want to show it, and I overstepped my bounds by giving it to Mr. Rowle. I just wanted to-"

"It's okay. You were right," she admitted, lowering her head. "I am glad you did it."

"Are you sure?" Draco studied Astoria's face intently, not knowing how to interpret her expression and her cloudy eyes.

"It's just that... nobody had ever called me an artist before. I was always told that I was wasting my time doodling."

"Who told you such nonsense?"

"It doesn't matter," Astoria shook her head, and looked at his face. "Thank you so much for giving him my drawing. You've saved the project."

"I won't believe it until Mr. Rowle sends us the contract. In duplicate. And I'll send it to my lawyer just in case."

Astoria allowed herself to laugh in relief, settling herself more comfortably onto the cushion.

"Should we toast?" she suggested, glancing sideways at the small glasses of sake.

"But be careful. We must not get drunk at our first artist's house."

"Good idea," the smile returned to Astoria's face, and she laughed as Draco poured the liquor with a shaky pulse, accidentally spilling the liquid on the table.

"Don't laugh, I was nervous too," Draco protested, blushing as he dried his hands.

"I'm surprised to see you losing control. You always try to be so serious," she mocked, picking up the chopsticks.

"I'm not serious. I'm just formal," but Astoria's laughter disarmed him. He realized that he loved hearing her laugh, and again that tingle flooded his stomach.

They began to eat their dinner in high spirits, and then Mr. Manawa caught their attention. He was standing on the beach, with his feet in the water. He had taken out his wand and was dancing, waving his arms above his head. Singing, he made a silver sphere appear, like the moon, and created several irregular plates out of the sea water. Dancing, he made them move next to each other, swaying delicately.

"It looks like the moon's reflection in the waves," Draco had stopped breathing for a few moments. The sight was beautiful.

"I never thought I'd see him work. He's wonderful."

Draco nodded, feeling happier and more relaxed than he had expected. The night was calm, the temperature perfect, and the food delicious. The sound of the waves and the distant voice of Mr. Manawa lulled them to sleep. And Astoria looked prettier than ever, illuminated by the lanterns light.

Draco found himself staring at her. He had already noticed that she was a very pretty girl, but for some reason, the way the light reflected off her skin, hair and eyes made her even more attractive.

Her lips...

The idea of kissing Astoria had never crossed his mind, but at that moment his heart raced at the thought. However, he didn't dare to make the first move. He felt intimidated and surprised by this sudden desire.

She was looking at him too, a strange smile on her lips. Draco feared that some gesture on his face had given away his intentions.

"What 's wrong?" he asked nervously.

"I was thinking... it's a very romantic place," she smiled, looking around. And it was no wonder; the intimate dinner, the lantern light, the moon reflecting on the water... it all created a most appropriate atmosphere.

"It wasn't on purpose," he joked, putting on airs, and to his surprise she laughed.

"That's a shame. Maybe next time..."

Draco didn't dare take his eyes off her, unsure if he had understood correctly, and Astoria stared back, unblinking.

"Next time?" he asked nervously, losing his smile without realizing it. She lowered her head, embarrassed.

"It's just an idea."

"Do you want to go out with me?" with his heart in his throat, Draco felt like he had to do it, he had to ask. She blushed, but smiled too, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

"I'd like that very much," she whispered, and those words made Draco feel hot and cold at the same time. A thousand thoughts ran through his head.

Was she serious? Did she really want to go out with him? Why?

"Of course, you don't have to do it if you don't want to," she said quickly, seeing his terrified expression. "I know it's sudden, and I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable."

"It's not that, I... Why me?" panic took hold of him. "You know what I've been, you know what I've done. And yet, you still want to go out with me? Why?"

Redder than before, Astoria shrugged.

"I like being with you, and I would like... I would like to get to know you better. If you want-" she added nervously, clasping her hands together.

"Of course I do!" he exclaimed before he could stop himself. He was so nervous he didn't know what he was saying. "I don't know if I can match a dinner on the seashore, but..."

She laughed in relief, and the sound of her laughter made Draco's stomach twist with a tickle. Was this really happening? Was this not a dream? They looked into each other's eyes again and laughed nervously. The situation was awkward, warm and funny at the same time. They wouldn't have changed it for anything in the world.

"How about tomorrow?" Draco asked, not wanting to miss the opportunity.

"Tomorrow? Of course," Astoria was still smiling, slightly flushed, and Draco felt his heart beat faster.

It was official. he was going on a date with Astoria Greengrass.

Sometimes life is cold and gray, and other days it surprises you with a pretty girl who wants to go out with you.

Will Draco be ready to take the next step?

Don't forget to comment and vote!