Meddling With Potions

Christmas Eve Requests

A/N: We won't talk about the fact that I haven't updated since February. We're not going to talk about the struggles I've been having.

But what we are going to talk about is that I have two chapters prepared for you. They're slightly shorter because I didn't want to combine them. Please enjoy!

Disclaimer: I only own Aurora and any other OCs. Remember, I will occasionally use quotes from the books and the movies; I do not own direct quotes or phrases. The chapter images (ArchiveOfOurOwn, Quotes, and Wattpad) do not belong to me. I have found them either through Google or Pinterest. I take NO credit.

~ oOo ~

The day had finally arrived: Christmas Eve.

Severus and I had finished our grading, so we had been enjoying our Winter Break by reading and lounging around. Aurora was excited for that evening, for the Yule Ball, something she had been looking forward to for the past few weeks. She was excited to have an excuse to dress up, do her hair, and even do her makeup. But most importantly, she couldn't wait for Severus to see her in her dress. It could not compare to her wedding dress, but it was a close second.

With the weather frigid, they had a fire blazing in their chambers; the dungeons had felt like ice. It was cold to the point that Aurora was wearing a cloak all day, every day, and even had a blanket placed across her legs as she lounged by the fire to read her books. Severus was currently making lunch in the kitchen, something simple. Aurora sighed in contentment, happy with her life. Despite the slight hiccup, she loved everything and her life's direction.

"What time were you meeting Ms. Granger?" Severus called from the kitchen as he placed their meal on the table.

Aurora dropped her book and claimed her seat at the table. "Around four; that'll give us enough time to take care of our list before the ball starts."

Silent for a moment as he consumed several bites of his sandwich, Severus then said, "It was very nice of you to agree to help her."

"I couldn't say no. The poor thing looked like she wanted to cry when she asked me." She swallowed her bite. "I'm happy she asked. Makes me feel...really happy they trust me like that."

"They do," Severus commented. Aurora's eyebrows rose at his words. Opening her mouth to speak, Severus beat her. "The infamous trio care about you more than you know."

His words left her smiling. "You're so sweet!" She grinned.

"I know," he said smugly.

"You are just the absolute best, Severus; I mean it."

He nodded, closing his eyes. He was about to reply, to give another snarky comment when their portrait suddenly cleared its throat. The two of them turned toward the door.

"A Mr. Malfoy is here to speak with you."

Aurora's heart thumped in her chest. Lucius? Here? Now?

Eyes blinking, Aurora had to admit that she still held some fear to the head of the Malfoy family. She might have convinced him several weeks ago, but the witch knew there was a part of the male that didn't believe her.

Standing, Severus touched his wife's arm. "I'll get it." Sighing, Aurora was happy. Her husband just seemed to understand without needing any words. Near the portrait, Severus opened it, and he suddenly said questionably, "Draco?"

Huh? Draco? What was the boy doing here? The boy was speaking on the other side, but she couldn't hear him.

"Yeah, she's here...really? Do you want to see her? Of course, come on in." Severus stepped aside, allowing the young Slytherin to enter as the portrait closed. Draco took several steps forward, a frown always evident on his face.