Always / Draco Malfoy

Chapter 32

Narrator's POV:

Gryffindor was recruiting new quidditch members just before the Christmas holidays so that with the new term they would be able to begin practices for the upcoming matches. It seemed silly really that they were doing quidditch tryouts when Voldermort and his followers were planning attacks. How could they act like teenagers for once in their life? How selfish.

Unlike Ginny, Harry and Ron Hermione and Aurora had no interest in participating they had both never taken to riding on brooms or playing the game. So, they sat bundled up hiding from the biting winds watching the tryouts unfold with curious eyes looking at the hopeful students below. Hermione kept her gaze on Ron muttering spells in Mclaggen's direction to help him out which didn't go unnoticed by Aurora who found the whole thing utterly amusing.

In the end, Ron was chosen for Gryffindor keeper much to the dismay of Mclaggen who still attempted to fly by Hermione and speak to her. Though with one look in Aurora's direction Aurora distracted the boy as Hermione fled away followed shortly after by a giggling Aurora as the pair ran through the halls of Hogwarts. It was there in the Astronomy tower as the girls giggled completely out of breath admiring the sunset that Hermione confessed her crush on Ron and Aurora couldn't have been happier. A perfect match.

However, nothing can be so easy, once the two giggling girls entered the common room they found themselves watching Lavender Brown kissing Ron both stood with dropped jaws completely confused as to when she had popped into the equation. Hermione was the first to run away but Aurora made a point to go up to Ron and call him "a clueless git," which caused the poor boy to be utterly dumbfounded.

~~~

Aurora's POV:

Christmas at the Burrow was never dull every second was filled with excitement, joy, and laughter. After just finishing our Christmas dinner paper crowns on everyone's head everyone began exchanging gifts. Molly had knitted us all new jumpers which I was grateful for since they were so warm I enjoyed sleeping in them on cold winter nights. Fred had gotten me a book full of photos of when we were all younger and the smile that appeared on my face was larger than life as I hugged the ginger boy next to me thanking him perfusly. Hermione had been kind enough to get me some more trendy muggle clothes which I was more than excited to wear and gave her a huge hug showing my gratitude.

Arthur pointed out that there was a package with my name on it that had been delivered that day and I carefully unwrapped the silver wrapping paper to reveal firstly a silver neckless which had a heart with a serpent wrapped around it and another charm dangling next to it was the letter D. Alongside this was an emerald jumper with the letters D.M sewed into it on the chest and a note which read;

'Dearest Aurora,

Merry Christmas I hope this all finds you well. I pray you will like the neckless a reminder to everyone who you belong to and I thought it was pretty just like you, and I couldn't forget to add in a jumper sprayed with my aftershave of course.

I love you endlessly with all my heart always,

D xx'

Fred smiled at me offering to help me put on the neckless which I gratefully accepted deciding to excuse myself for a shower before Ginny got in. I enjoyed the short shower quickly putting on the jumper Draco had given me and a pair of black lounging shorts with some slippers walking back downstairs I began a conversation with Fred about the shop.

About half an hour into the conversation we heard a loud bang outside and saw Harry run down the stairs followed by Ginny and I found myself running after one of my best friends as Fred ran after me. I struggled to push my way past all the tall plants which surrounded the burrow stopping in my tracks when I realized I had lost Ginny. I heard a commotion and ran toward a clearing looking in every direction trying to spot someone but instead, I found myself face to face with Bellatrix who proudly wore a psychotic grin.

"Well, well well looky what we have here," She cackled and it felt like I had completely forgotten how to breathe as I clutched my wand tightly, "You are Draco's little girlfriend aren't you? Narcissa has told me all about you how good you are for our Drakey welcome to the family sweetie," Her words made my stomach do summersaults and as she let the last of her words slip from her disgusting mouth she threw a spell in my direction which I managed to block and soon we were both firing spells at each other. She cast a stunning spell which I couldn't block and found myself being thrown into the air luckily Fred found me and began throwing spells at her and soon Harry and Ginny were by our side alongside Lupin and Tonks.

When the Death Eaters finally left we all ran back to the Burrow finding it completely set alight with Molly being held by George and Ron as we all watched the building burn. Lupin and Tonks were quick to begin casting spells to stop the fire and repair the damage and we all silently made our way into the building. I let my feet carry me to the stairs getting halfway before there was a knock at the door which Fred was quick to answer.

"I don't know what went through your fucking head thinking it would be okay for you to come here tonight but you need to fuck off Malfoy," Fred spat and I found myself running to the door tugging on Fred's shirt to reveal Draco who appeared to look disheveled.

"It's okay Freddie, I'm sorry I'll go handle this," I mumbled feeling embarrassed as everyone's gaze fell on me not missing Harry clutching his wand lifting it up," I think we have all had enough of the fighting Harry so put your fucking wand down," I snapped walking outside and closing the door behind me sighing.

"I heard what happened... are you okay?" He took a step forward cupping my cheek with one hand and pulling me closer to him with the other that was around my waist and I couldn't help but let a wince escape my lips my body sore from being stunned. His eyes were laced with concern as he frantically skimmed my body.

"Your aunty tell you she paid a visit? That she decided to nearly burn the burrow down? That we got into a dual and she stunned me and if it wasn't for Freddie I don't think she would have hesitated to kill me?" The words were like poison each causing him visible discomfort till that discomfort snapped something within him and a fire of anger replaced it.

"She knows not to fucking touch you, they all do I'm going to go fucking kill her," The words were harsh on his tongue and I couldn't help but be hung up on the words 'they all do,'

"Who's they Draco?" I asked.

"You don't need to worry about that darling...look I needed to make sure you were okay I will sort out everything so don't worry," His hands wrapped around my small frame holding me close to his chest.

"Draco you should have just sent an owl...how am I supposed to walk back in there?" I whispered worriedly.

"You have a few days till we are back at Hogwarts so please stay with the Weasleys till then it's the safest place for you darling...I need to go but be safe I'll see you soon," He placed a gentle kiss on my forehead and slowly backed away giving me a reassuring smile before he walked to his father's car and drove off. Why's he acting so oddly?