Aliah Snape (Book 2): Love and War

CHAPTER TWO: Blackjack

There was a week left of the Christmas break and Aliah wasn't sure if she was going to miss Malfoy Manor. She had easily fitted into the Malfoy routine. In the morning she would be awoken by Draco and they would talk for a few minutes to decide the days' plans before heading off to breakfast with his parents. They didn't make it obvious, but Aliah could always feel the looks that the Malfoy's gave her, especially Lucius.

After breakfast, Draco's parents would do their own thing leaving Draco and Aliah alone. The young couple always did something different. Aliah's favourite was spending time in their garden, especially in the gazebo that was in the centre of the maze. 

 Despite the snow and the cold weather, the gazebo was full of magic. Inside, it was warm to keep out the cold. Aliah and Draco sat on cushions on the floor of the gazebo. Aliah was teaching Draco the muggle game Blackjack. Aliah was lucky that she always kept two packets of playing cards in her bag. 

"In all the time we have known each other-"

"In the few months you mean," Aliah smiled. 

"As I was saying," Draco narrowed his eyes at her, "you haven't told me much of your family

"Yes I have," 

Draco moved his hand for Aliah to deal him a card. "I know of your parents, and your brother Lukah, but do you have any other family?"

Aliah tensed up. "I do,"

Draco raised an eyebrow. "Draco, I don't really like talking about it,"

"But I want to know. I want to know as much as I can about you,"

Aliah placed the cards on the marble floor. "Trust me Draco, you don't want to go down that road,"

"I do," Draco leaned forward as if he was about to beg. Aliah sighed and shook her head. 

"I come from a Greek background, so my Dad was the eldest of four, and my Mum was the youngest of six. So a lot of cousins and relatives. I got along well with my mum's side, but they are spread around the country so I don't really know them," Aliah let out a low chuckle, "maybe that's why I got along with them,"

"And your dad's side?"

"Hate me and the feeling is mutual," Aliah said darkly. "My uncles treated me like dirt and my aunties, they were self-absorbed. They always wanted the best things for themselves and their kids. The best schools, the best clothes - which then turned my cousins into spoilt brats. The boys were ok - they weren't spoilt because of money but the girls did. It's amazing how money can affect a personality,"

"So, you don't care about money?" Draco sounded relieved. Aliah sat back and raised an eyebrow.

"You thought I was with you for the money?"

"Not me,"

"Your parents," 

Draco looked down at the cards in front of him. Aliah reached over and placed her hand on top of his. He looked up with concern on his eyes. 

"I don't want you to run away,"

"I've been through a lot Draco. My own family -biological and adoptive -  have put me through hell. I have had things taken away from me, but there is no way that I am going to let you go. You have helped through this ride and I'm not planning to get off any time soon,"

Aliah let out a little squeal when Draco pressed his lips against her own. She wrapped her hand around his neck, holding ono the ends of his hair with her other hand on his chest. His heart was beating fast but that wasn't stopping Draco.

A wave of nausea caused Aliah to pull away. Draco held her by her shoulders so she wouldn't fall.  She closed her eyes and focused on her breathing.