BUTTERFLIES! , d.m

| 04

˚◞♡  ⃗*ೃ༄

𝐀𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐙𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐉𝐀𝐍𝐔𝐀𝐑𝐘 𝐁𝐑𝐄𝐄𝐙𝐄 𝐒𝐖𝐈𝐑𝐋𝐄𝐃 𝐈𝐍 to Aurora's dormitory from the inky black midnight sky outside, a small sigh left her lips. She'd  tossed and turned restlessly, not being able to sleep all night. When she lived in France, her sleeping was terrible and she would often go for late night walks to try and lull herself to sleep. So, as she climbed out of bed, that's what she decided she would do. Pulling on an oversized Gryffindor sweatshirt to keep her warm and pulling her hazel hair into a ponytail, she crept out the room.

"Lumos." She muttered quickly, and instantly her wand lit up, leading the way. At her time at Hogwarts, she'd grown to know the confusing corridors well, and as she walked through the school covered in a blanket of darkness, she found her feet carrying her to the Astronomy tower. Astronomy was by far her favourite subject, as she'd always loved the stars and was fascinated by every one of Professor Sinistra's classes.

As she reached the familiar tower, she decided to sit down, ready to admire the stars. What she did not notice, was the figure sat across the room, staring right at her.

Aurora watched the stars twinkling in the sky for a few minutes, legs crossed like a small child, and feeling blissfully peaceful.

"Westwood." A deep, male voice suddenly spoke from out  the depths of the dark room.
Letting out a small scream, Aurora jumped up and turned around, her wand held out protectively in front of her.

The figure came closer, and Aurora' s shoulders slumped in relief as she realised who the person was, her wand dropping to her side.

"Scared you, did I?" Draco smirked, coming into clear view in the dark room. He seemed to almost look her up and down, taking in her messy hair and oversized outfit, and a small smile twitched at his lips.
Aurora sighed irritably. "Whatever. What are you even doing here, Malfoy?" She questioned, her brows furrowed. She took in the boy's appearance too, and was rather amused as she noticed his messed up hair, knowing he'd never be seen with it so natural during the school day. Frankly, it looked good.

He paused, glancing at the sky for a second, before shrugging. "Couldn't sleep. I always come here, it calms me down, I suppose."
He looks back to Aurora. "And why are you here? It's about one in the morning, you realise."
Aurora scoffed. "I couldn't sleep either. I used to come on walks before I came to Hogwarts at night." She explained.
Malfoy nodded, before motioning for her to sit beside him.
"The stars look best from here."

the pair sat in silence for a few moments, watching the glimmering dots in the sky, before Aurora spoke.

"You know, Malfoy, this is all very strange. I mean, just last week we were enemies, and now we're watching the stars together!" She exclaimed. "I don't even know anything about you, and my friends would kill me if they found out I was having a normal conversation with Draco Malfoy!"

He smirked again. "Then let me tell you. What do you what to know?"
Aurora giggled. "Honestly, Malfoy."
"Draco, call me Draco."
Aurora nodded slowly.

"Okay, Draco, what is your favourite colour, for a start?"

Draco answered with no hesitation. "Green. But not a bright green, more of a mint colour. My turn now."
Aurora nodded, waiting for his question.

"Why did you really come here? I mean, Beauxbatons is a good school too, right?"

The brunette girl looked down and sighed. She knew this question would come eventually. For everyone else who had asked, Aurora had lied, and said her parents just wanted a change of scenery. She was too embarrassed to tell anyone the real reason. That being, she didn't actually know. Her parents had never told her what their work was, or even what kind of thing they did. Crazy really, to not tell your daughter. She had not given it much thought until recently, when her father had said they were moving. Now, the question filled her mind every night, and she still had no answer.

She thought about her answer for a while, and eventually decided to be honest. She had this weird feeling of trust when she was with Draco, she knew she should hate him, she just couldn't.

"My parents work. See, I don't actually know what they work as." Aurora's cheeks burned red as she told the blonde boy, who was listening intently.

"What do you mean? They've just- never told you? Even when they're not there half the time?"
"Yes." She answered honestly.

Draco looked at the blushing girl in front of him, her brown hair piled up in a messy top knot and her sweatshirt curled over her hands.
"Aurora," he spoke softly. "I appreciate you telling me. I mean, I know you barely know me, but I really appreciate it."
Aurora smiled, and stifled a yawn.

"I'll walk you back to your dorm," Draco offered, watching the now sleepy girl.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

𝐀𝐔𝐑𝐎𝐑𝐀 𝐑𝐄𝐀𝐂𝐇𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐎𝐑 𝐇𝐄𝐑 𝐓𝐇𝐈𝐑𝐃 𝐂𝐔𝐏 𝐎𝐅 𝐂𝐎𝐅𝐅𝐄𝐄, and stifled another yawn. Her eyes met Draco's,  who was watching her from the Slytherin table with a smirk. She tried to avoid his smile and instead focused on the dark liquid in her cup, but eventually met his eyes for a split second and offered him a smile.
Hermione, who was watching her closely, raised an eyebrow.
"Why so tired, Aurora? That's like, your fourth cup of coffee today." She mused.
"Third," Aurora corrected her. "And I just had a late night." She lied.
Hermione tutted and opened her mouth to speak again, but Dumbledore's voice interrupted her. Saved by the bell, Aurora thought, thankfully. Hermione would have a fit if she ever knew what she was really doing last night, with Draco Malfoy.

"This is a reminder to all fourth year students and above." Dumbledore spoke, and Aurora watched as a few first year's faces fell.
"Next month, on the 14th of February, the Yule Ball will be held, in curtesy of the Triwizard Tournament." She felt Harry still beside her, and she gave his arm a sympathetic squeeze. She knew how hard it was for him to hear his name read from the Goblet, and she, unlike others, believed that he didn't put it in himself. She knew he wouldn't freely enter something so dangerous, and anyway, he wasn't even 17! She had vowed to herself to keep him safe and prepare well for the tasks. He had become like a brother to her in the short time they'd known each other.

"Dancing preparation classes will be taking place before then, and you all have the choice to choose a partner to take." Dumbledore continued.
The hall erupted into excited chatter, and Aurora turned to Harry.
"Oh my goodness, a Valentine's Day ball! How exciting!" She exclaimed.
Harry laughed. "Any idea on who you'll take?"
Aurora shook her head. "No, not yet. And the person I'll take will probably only be as friends, anyway." She shrugged.

Harry nodded, acting like he didn't care, but inside he felt like his heart was breaking. Ever since the brunette girl had started Hogwarts, he had developed secret feelings for her, but inside he knew she would never like him back. After all, she was Aurora Westwood. Half the boys in the school practically drooled over her.

Still, he could try, and the Yule Ball was the perfect chance.