Little White Lies

Onlookers look on.

Aster was always smart. She was always clever. And she was always beautiful. That summer something had changed, maybe she was growing up or maybe it was just her confidence. It didn't matter though because regardless of the reason, she had changed. And she was ready to prove it.
Her steps echoed on the floor pushing through the rest of the noise in the giant room. People turned to look as she made her way to the Slytherin table. She was a Ravenclaw herself but she had plenty of Slytherin friends. "Hello Luca." she nodded at her brother, they got along well most of the time but hadn't seen each other since June. "Aster." he acknowledged. Matteo sat down next to Luca making eye contact with Aster, He was the only one who wasn't looking at her different and she appreciated that. In the corner of her eye Aster saw Luna Lovegood make her way to the Ravenclaw table it was subtle but she saw the girls closest to her shift away, Aster hated that. The way they treated her. She had felt it too, the years of being alone because everyone had just accepted that a rumour was true. She knew the effect she had as she made her way to the table. Aster made sure people were watching intently as she sat across from Luna. "Do you want my pudding? I'm not a fan." she was careful with her voice she didn't want anyone to think she was pitying Luna or more importantly that she was nervous for the change in how they treated her for sitting with looney lovegood. She knew they were in awe of her but she also knew they thought Luna was crazy. "Yes please, I love pudding" Aster knew that of course, She smiled and handed Luna her dessert. " I much prefer croissants" she mumbled taking a bite of the pastry. " Here," Luna handed her her own " Im not a fan." And so they ate. All eyes on them. Aster prayed this would work. Almost as much as she prayed that her peers eyes would still follow her every move after she had disgraced herself this way.
Aster waved goodbye to Lovegood making her way to the dungeons where she had her first class of the year; potions. The Corridors were packed full of students the first day was always the worst. Everyone wanted to make a good first impression. She shimmied past a group of Gryffindors spotting Hermione amongst them she smiled, she was sure if she said hello no one would hear her through the noise. Besides she was going to be late for potions and Snape might like her but he was not forgiving and he did not favour anyone when it came to punishments.
Walking into the classroom she looked for a seat. She spotted Luna seated at a table in the corner of the room. She was on her way over when she noticed two Slytherin girls looking for a seat Astra thought quick on her feet and even quicker remembering what the first assignment of sixth year was and quicker again when Malfoy waved her over. " Hey, sit with me?" They exchange a look before following her to Lunas table, " Can we sit here?" The raven haired girl whisperer politely Luna just nodded and smiled warily. " Luna, Pansy. Pansy, Luna. Astoria, Luna. Luna, Astoria." They all nod at each other and Aster finally gains the confidence to make eye contact with Draco, he glares at her and mouths "Bitch", Damn. " Oh looks like you angered Barbie." Aster lets out a laugh and covers her mouth, if Snape sees she'll have more to worry about than Barbara Millicent Roberts being mad. " He'll be fine" She says smiling and waving at him.
"The first potions assignment of the year is to write an essay, eighteen pages. Front and back. About amortentia anything you learn through this essay will help you next week when we start brewing. This is a group assignment in which you will be working with the other students at your station currently." He looked around the room, " Any questions?" He pauses although he knows no one has the guts to ask him anything "Good. Now, you are dismissed." Well okay then. " Do you guys want to work on this in my dorm tomorrow?" Aster was busy that night and she had to assume that they were too " If thats okay with you of course" she glances at Luna " Yes of course." she nods and everyone follows in agreement.
Aster made her way out of her last class and spotted Neville Longbottom a friend she hasn't seen since... well since last week but regardless she had missed him. "Nev !" She hadn't noticed he was mid conversation. He hugged her and introduced her to Ginny Weasley the girl he'd been talking to. "Hi, Im Aster." she nodded. Ginny smiled knowingly, though of course she did, everyone knows Aster Lestrange Black. The introduction is cut short anyway since Theo decided to show up. "Nott." she elbows him in an attempt to get his arm of her shoulder, not that it does much good considering he didn't even flinch. "Hey kid." Bitch. Draco makes his way over to them now but before Aster can get out a greeting he pulls out his wand and sends a spell her way. Aster pulls away from Theo gripping her own wand in her pocket and throwing up a short shield, This doesn't even slow him down. In fact it only speeds him up. They continue at it for a few more minutes before she hits Matteo with Dracos spell. She was just knocking it off balance but she didn't pay attention to her surroundings. Matteo was almost as good in a duel as her so he knocked it before it hit him, though he did manage to roll his eyes in the process. She turned back to Draco, with seconds to his next spell she pushed much too large a spell in defence and her Cousin went flying to the wall. The impact wasn't as strong and from the looks of it if anything he just broke his arm. "Care to explain what's going on here?" Snapes voice was calm which ment she had a chance to save them both. Instead she smiled and said "A duel, sir" He threw a glare at her ignoring the snickers from onlookers " I understand that. Why is it happening here?" Her head was telling her to bite her tongue. " because i'm not one for patience and when someone throws the first spell I will always throw the last." He was biting back a smile, she could tell. He had tutored her when she was younger and he was the one who thought her never to step down regardless of odds. "A ten page essay detailing the great wizarding war. From each of you." He had looked between Aster and Draco when saying this. She didn't bother to wait for him to leave before checking on Malfoy.