Eclipse ; Draco Malfoy

Chapter Seventeen

a u r o r a  f o r s y t h e

Everything seems to be fine now. Draco and I talked about our matters that day we had sexual intercourse; that day I almost forgot to drink the bloody Contraceptive Vial.

Everything's working under control. Except that Draco's still on the edge. I'm trying my best to convince him to tell me and open up about his problems but I think it's too personal for him. He did tell me one actually, but I now there's a lot more.

Tonight, December 20, 1996, the night of Professor Slughorn's party. I forgot to invite Draco. Well, I was looking for him earlier today but I couldn't find him. So I guess I'm going alone tonight.

Not literally alone. I have my friends with me. Ron wasn't invited, especially now that Hermione's mad, well, more of jealous because of Lavender.

I wore my best dress. Sparkly purple dress; simple but suits me best.

Everyone seems to enjoy the party. There are lots of foods; the place is crowded as well. The people are dispersed all around the venue.

All I can hear is an indistinct chatter of exalted people. Surprisingly, I saw Mr. Filch, dragging Draco along the crowd but he didn't saw me.

"Aurora, don't follow Malfoy, alright?" Harry ordered and I nodded, although I want to comfort my man.

Gate crashing? He's gate crashing.

I knew he's up to something that's why I should have invited him.

The scene didn't last long. Professor Snape escorted him out.

I feel bad for him.

"Would you mind if I leave?" Harry queried urgently, eyes shifting with discomfort, "I'll come back later." he tapped my bare back and walk out of my sight.

Where would he possibly go? I mean, all of a sudden he's acting odd.

I sat back in an empty seat and allowed my thoughts to soak right into my bones. I love Draco so much and I wanted the feeling to still be here inside my heart until we are old and frail.

I closed my eyes and reminisce the moments we have spent together. For the first time in forever, I felt home.

Subsequently, Harry came back as he promised. But he seems to be out of his mind.

"Are you alright, Harry?" I asked worriedly, "Where have you been?"

"Yeah, I'm alright. I was looking for- uhm- Hermione." he excused as his eyes explore around, avoiding my eye contact.

Hermione? Really? I know he's lying. Hermione's with Cormac McLaggen and he knew it.

-

For the past four days, I have noticed that just like Draco, after the party, Harry seems to be a bit bizarre but I don't want to talk about it for now.

Christmas is near. I have no place to stay except my dormitory. My parents are busy; dad took over Mr. Weasley's paperworks because he already used his vacation leave last summer. Likewise, my mum has a lot to do too. My sister is spending Christmas in our cousins' place this year.

I wanted to join the twin's invitation but I don't feel going due to Draco. I don't want him to be jealous, the way I did to him and pug-face Pansy Parkinson.

Almost everyone went home for Christmas and here am I drinking hot cocoa at the Great Hall when someone whispered.

"How are you going to spend your Christmas?" asked a familiar voice from behind my back, covering my eyes with his palm. "If there's none, I would be glad to have you with me at the manor." he invited as he removes his hand. It's Draco.

"I- uhm- It's my pleasure." I sheepishly replied, hesitating if I should go, "But I'm shy."

He sat beside me, one leg on each side of the bench; straddling in short, on the Gryffindor table.

Never in my life did I imagine that he would be sitting in our table, really.

"Don't be." he responded shortly, flashing an encouraging smile.

I've missed this; him and I, just us, talking calmly. No distance between each other, no gap that is separating us.

"Would you be my date at the ball?" he asked formally as he open his palm, asking for my hand.

"I would love to, love." I timidly replied, placing my hand in his hand as he kisses it.

To dance with him was a freedom; allowing ourselves to break free like a blooming flower. To feel every moment and movement as we hold each other was a new start for our tired souls.

I could dance until the break of dawn as long as it's him that I dance with. And after that would be a great sleep as dreams came easy, swirling and twirling like the music as if it was part of our body.

I didn't expect this and I wasn't prepared at all. I hastily packed my bag and prepared all the useful stuffs I need. I also told my friends that I would be spending my Christmas at the Malfoy Manor.

-

"Are you really sure about that, Aurora?" queried Hermione worriedly as she brushes her thumb into my arms while holding it. "What if your parents knew about it?" she added as we walk out of the Common Room together with Fred and George. I suppose Ginny is with Dean. While Harry and Ron isn't here.

Well, because Hermione's still avoiding Ron.

"I'll be fine, Mione, don't worry." I smiled while holding her hands, "Besides, Harry told me about how he's been acting weird last summer. A little digging won't hurt me."

"Yeah it won't hurt you, but George." Fred barged in as George pushed him.

I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion, flashing a forced smile.

"Besides, I have to find out myself what he's been doing; to help you as your friend and to protect him as his girlfriend. I'm also worried about him; you know? He looks sick."

"I thought I was the only one who noticed." Hermione snapped, tugging her bag before it slips off of her arms.

As we approach the train, I uttered my goodbyes to my friends and hug them one by one.

"Happy Christmas guys!" I exclaimed as I beam. "Fred, George, thank you for the invitation and sorry. Tell Mr. and Mrs. Weasley I miss them."

"Surely, your message would be delivered, Aurora." Fred replied while George is silently staring at us.