The Era of Aria Snape

56

Chapter Fifty-Six

A MERRY SPIRIT filled the castle as Christmas time rolled around and snow decorated the ground in sheets of white.

Aria and George had met up with Fred and his girlfriend, Angelina, on the way to Hogsmeade. Aria was pleased, and a little bit shocked, to admit that she may have finally found a Gryffindor girl that she didn't loathe. Aria remained neutral, however, she didn't know if Angelina was being nice just for Fred's sake.

The pairs split up. Aria and George headed to Gladrags Wizardwear. Malfoy stood near the back of the shop, holding two beanies up for comparison, and frowned when he saw them enter. The blond slithered past them and sent Aria a smirk as he moved to examine the coat rack.

Aria did her best to ignore him, tightening her grip on George's arm and pulling him towards the dress section. She pulled a frilly green dress from its hanger and held it against her body. "Do you like this one?"

George shrugged, "I'd prefer you without it."

She rolled her eyes, unable to hide the blush that crept up her neck and onto her face. No one had ever made her feel so many emotions at once. A small part of Aria believed that he was the one, regardless of what people might say.

From the corner of her eye, she saw Malfoy slink out of the shop and skulk away rather suspiciously. She turned her attention back to George, remembering that she wasn't even supposed to be talking to or thinking about Malfoy, but on the odd occasion (just about every night) she would find herself in the common room and Draco would be there as well and they would talk. Of course, if George knew he would be furious, which is why it was their little secret. She only hoped Draco wouldn't decide to be Draco and go and tell George.

Aria and George left the shop having not bought anything and continued to mill around Hogsmeade, enjoying the snow and the bustle of students around them. They passed a sweet shop and a long-forgotten memory of Cedric resurfaced. She cringed at the thought and tried to find anything else to focus on.

As they turned the corner, her father's black hair caught her eyes, a frown directed at her and beside him... A grinning Malfoy. She felt her blood boil. He snitched, of course.

"Aria, are you okay?" George looked down at her, concerned by her growing frustration that he felt as she tightened her grip around his hand to the point where he had to pull it away in fear that she may break it.

"No! That slimy little brat just told on me to my father!"

"Malfoy?"

"Yes!" She snapped, "Father said he didn't want me coming to Hogsmeade. Malfoy obviously found out somehow," - She had told him a few nights ago - "And is now using it against me."

George groaned. "He's such a spoilsport. Fred and I want to try one of our latest inventions on him, do you mind?"

"Oh, go right ahead, by all means, if you get caught say it was my idea. Right now though, I have to go." She glanced towards her unimpressed father. "I'll see you later." Aria made a point to kiss George straight on the mouth before she headed towards them.

"I thought I made myself clear." Professor Snape spoke in his usual tone laced with disappointment. He crossed his arms as Aria approached.

Draco chuckled beside him earning a glare from the already angry girl.

"Listen here," She stopped in front of him and pointed a gloved finger at his smug face. "I'll get you for this."

"Oh, I'm so scared!" He mocked her. "Do your worst." He stepped closer, making the fact that he had to look down to meet her eyes apparent.

Aria glanced between the blond and her father, practically begging her dad to give him detention or something along those lines. Nothing. Except for a glare directed at her.

"I should get back to the castle-" She began when it became clear that he was not going to take her side in this argument.

"Not so fast," Professor Snape grabbed her arm with one hand and Draco's with the other. "Malfoy, you accompany Aria back. It seems like I can trust you to keep my daughter in check."

"But dad!" She objected, struggling against his hold on her robes.

"I gave you specific instructions, young lady. For your own good. Do you know who is on the lose? Sirius Black. He's a murderous, disgusting..." Snape trailed off, a grimace appearing on his face. "And not to mention the Dementors. Stay at the castle. Out of harm's way."

She grumbled in response, not willing to admit that her father was right but knowing it deep down.

"Milady," Draco tugged at her sleeve in an attempt to get her to walk with him once her father had stormed off.

"I will hex you so damn bad that you won't walk for a week." Aria threatened and ripped her shirt from his grip.

"Please," he snorted. "When I'm done with you you won't walk for a month."

"Oh yeah, well-" Aria cut herself off when the real meaning behind Malfoy's words set in. "Oh, Merlin! You really don't know when to stop. Imagine if George had heard that!"

"I'm not scared of your little boyfriend."

"You're the little one here." She spat back.

Draco didn't take it lightly. "Shut up, Snape. Your father left me in charge. We're going back to the castle. Now."

"I don't take orders from you. Besides, I want to go to Honeydukes."

"No."

She looked him up and down. "You can't stop me."

She ran towards the shop and entered just in time to see Potter appear from underneath a floorboard. She looked back for Draco who was still quite a way off, grumbling to himself as he stormed after her, before talking to Harry.

"Potter."

The boy looked up and grinned.

"What are you doing?"

"Following this map Fred and George gave me. I'm guessing you know all about it." He showed her the parchment in his hand and realization set in as she took in the layout of the school and the style it was all written in. A map that was all too familiar. A map that George had told her he used for everything, including finding places for them to sneak off to with the insurance that nobody would catch them. George knew exactly what was going on. He knew that Aria and Draco still spoke almost every night. The only question was, why hadn't he said anything?

Draco arrived at her side, "Alright, we're here. Now get your bloody candy and let's leave."