WHEN GODS SLEEP - DRACO M.

TEN.

WHEN GODS SLEEP
Chapter Ten

Draco didn't understand why his small pretty friend suddenly avoided him. They were eleven years old – very soon to join the excitements and mystery and magic that was the fantastical Hogwarts they heard about. He would be able to ride his broom along a field like the ones he saw on Quidditch tournaments, and she would have all the books in the world to devour without restrictions.

It was the last gathering they would have for the next months – the last where the first war's batch children would attend with such innocence. The last before they bought a wand – and Merlin, learned how to use it! The friends and acquaintances they'd made over the years within their pureblood circles would live with them, perhaps (and hopefully) within the exact same space. Soon, they would be dressed in black robes and get out of their shell, start a whole new life, and build another family.

The adults were, admittedly, a bit emotional themselves. The children of life-long friends were to start the journey they'd embarked many years ago, they would be growing and feeling and learning so much for the first time. They saw them, studied them, enthusing about houses and classes and 'oh, my dad told me there's a giant squid!'. Simultaneously they saw their younger selves, so innocent and inexperienced, so fascinated with the world. How could the mothers not tear up, imagining the long nights in the dormitory, studying under the enchanted ceiling, the Hogsmeade dates and-a bit less fondly in some cases-meeting their future husbands. And the fathers, so self-important and confident, exchanging knowing glances that hid years of memories, secrets and escapades and a certain longing for when you were still a boy only worried about your broom and puke flavored beans.

The younger ones saw their parents, their bittersweet predicaments, and knew not what to make of it. They could only wait to live it, and perhaps years down the line they too would be so taken by nostalgia when embracing each other's sons.

It was a lively kind of party. There were no performances of accomplished young girls or talk of business. It was only a day for reminiscing and celebrating, and briefly, let the children be children.

Epione sat between the Greengrass sisters, dangling feet covered beneath a long beige gown. Astoria, the youngest, was only to join the following year, and was evidently feeling left out. Daphne, at first, attempted to keep her company, but ended up getting carried away as they talked about magic, and the textbooks they'd already bought, and the beautiful black cat she was going to bring. The Grimaldi girl was so pleased to be momentarily freed from her mother's clutch, she too was overflowing with enthusiasm.

Draco, from across the room, had been bragging to Crabbe and Goyle about how yes, he already knew how to fly, when he caught sight of the giggling, smiling black haired girl. They'd seen much less of each other for the past months, seeing as she had gotten a different piano teacher and they no longer shared classes. It wasn't simply that, however – she seemed to be avoiding him. And her annoying baby sister sought after him instead!

He was ignoring his friends then, strangely drawn to the minuscule white pearls in her hair, to her small face. An idea sparked in his mind, and he pushed off his chair and stalked towards her, puffing out his chest. She was startled to see him, but he didn't falter.

'I need to tell you something!' He said firmly, and a bit loudly – albeit not loudly enough to reach the distracted grownups congregated by the window. Daphne giggled, and he felt a pinch in his chest, but still stood, nose turned up.

'Yes?' Epione asked tentatively, looking around for her family. Her parents were engaged in conversation, Themis had been pushed along to Nott, and Asteria had stayed home. She could talk to him! They weren't looking!