Sly slytherin, dumb gryffindor.
Born by blood, torn by fate. Slow burn between a malfoy heiress and the chosen one.
UMBRA REGNET.
Started on 08/31/2024
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December 5th, 1995. Hogsmeade
The frosty air bit at Aurora's cheeks as she pushed open the door to the Three Broomsticks, Astoria close on her heels. The cozy warmth of the pub was a welcome contrast to the wintry chill outside, and Aurora shook the snowflakes from her cloak with a brisk flick of her wand.
The smell of butterbeer and roasted chestnuts filled the air, casting a comfortable atmosphere around the place. Aurora sighed in relief, the tension leaving her shoulders as the cold melted away. The pub was buzzing with chatter, students crowding tables, and a fire crackling in the large stone hearth.
"This better be worth the frozen toes," Astoria muttered from beside her, her breath visible in the air. She took her scarf off, looking uncomfortable but determined to make the best of the outing.
They hadn't expected to run into anyone they knew-it was supposed to be a girl's day out. Aurora had barely managed to take off her gloves when she felt a gentle nudge from her friend, pointing her attention toward the far corner of the pub. Aurora's sharp eyes immediately spotted her brother, Draco, lounging in a booth with Blaise and Theo.
"Brilliant," she muttered under her breath, catching Astoria's eye. "Absolutely. Fantastic."
"Should we sit somewhere else?" Astoria chuckled.
Aurora was already considering the same thing. Draco and Blaise were manageable-familiar territory-but Theo's cold demeanor since they'd stopped speaking made things... awkward. Aurora squared her shoulders, ready to turn and find somewhere to sit when Blaise's voice rang out, impossible to ignore.
"Oi! Mini Malfoy! Greengrass Junior!" Blaise's grin was wide and playful, his voice far too loud, causing a few nearby students to turn and look. He waved them over enthusiastically. "What, too good to sit with us now?"
"Looks like we've been spotted," Astoria muttered under her breath.
"You think?" Aurora rolled her eyes.
"Do we...?" Astoria trailed off, glancing at Aurora uncertainly.
Aurora sighed. They couldn't just ignore Blaise; he was already making a scene by waving them over so eagerly. She forced a smile, as much for Astoria's sake as her own. "Might as well," she said lightly. "Blaise will continue embarrassing us if we don't anyway."
With no way out, they reluctantly made their way to the corner table. Blaise scooted over dramatically to make room for them, his grin never faltering. "Come on, sit down, ladies. Don't be shy. You've survived the blizzard; the least we can do is warm you up."
Aurora gave him a mock glare as she sat down, shaking her head. "Always so dramatic, Zabini. What would we do without you?"
Blaise grinned, winking at her. "Life would be far too dull, Mini Malfoy."
