Fandom In The Snakes Pit (candlewhisperer x Edric Blight)

[candlewhisperer]

Astoria Greengrass found herself at the Three Broomsticks Inn in Hogsmeade, dragged there by her older sister Daphne. She had no idea what she was doing here, tonight was a Slytherin reunion. The whole Slytherin gang would be here. As a former Ravenclaw and being two years younger than the rest of the group, Astoria felt out of place. Her sister had insisted however, and whatever Daphne wanted, she got. The Greengrass sisters were polar opposites, Daphne had honey blonde hair with a strawberries and cream complexion and green eyes. Daphne had always been popular at school, a Slytherin bully and best friends with Pansy Parkinson. Astoria on the other hand, had rich chocolate brown hair, hazel eyes and a paler complexion than that of her sister. The former Ravenclaws facial features were sharper than her sisters, with high cheek bones, wide eyes, arched eyebrows, and full lips. She had been an awkward looking girl growing up, up until she was about sixteen when her lips finally caught up in size to her eyes. She had now developed into a beautiful young woman although she was still in Daphne’s shadow.

Her blood curse made her a little extra pale and frailer than her sister. The possibility of an early demise made Astoria quieter and more contemplative than her sister. She kept walls around herself to make sure no one got too close as relationships of all sorts were not a priority for Astoria while she had her curse to break. In fact, attempting to cure herself was what she had been doing since her Hogwarts graduation and her 18th birthday, a few months ago. Travelling around Europe and researching both Healing and Dark Magic in an attempt to break her curse or at least find some answers.

The Greengrass sisters walked into the establishment, the bell ringing as they entered. They were the first ones there, much to Daphnes chagrin. The two young women headed to an empty booth. Astoria took off her coat, and placed it on the bench. She wore a black cocktail dress with tight sleeves and matching black high heels. The dress fell to just above her knees and had a neckline that was low but not too low, a pearl necklace lined her neck. Her hair was pulled up out of her face in a high messy bun. She wore minimal makeup, just a bit of mascara and some red lipstick that seemed to bring out the sparkle in her eyes. Telling her sister, she would get drinks Astoria headed to the bar just as the bell rang again, signaling the entrance of others. Loud voices filled the inn as Pansy Parkinson, Millicent Bulstrode, Theodore Nott and Blaise Zabini entered. Spotting Daphne, the group of Slytherins headed to the booth and excited loud conversation erupted as everyone greeted each other. Astoria ordered two butterbeers one for herself and one for her sister but instead of heading back to the booth she decided to take a moment to herself before facing the group that had largely ignored her for most of their time at Hogwarts. Taking a seat on a bar stool, Astoria took a sip of butterbeer and became lost in her own thoughts as she swirled the butterbeer in her glass.

 

[Edric Blight]

It had been a long time since Draco Malfoy last saw his former fellow Slytherins from back during his time at Hogwarts. Tonight, a small reunion gathering was being held at the Three Broomsticks pub in Hogsmeade. Draco was twenty now and it had been about two years since he had graduated from Hogwarts. The prospect of a reunion with some of his old schoolmates brought back both some happy memories along with some darker memories. Unfortunately for Draco, he was more reminded of a darker time in his life when thinking about his past. The Second Wizarding World had changed him and in fact was still changing him. He was still coming to terms with his role in the conflict and what came after it.

The platinum blonde haired man seemed very grizzled in appearance these days. He was glad that he and his family were spared from imprisonment after their last minute change in allegiance during the Dark Lord’s defeat, but he still had to live with his Death Eater past and connections to the infamous Voldemort. His dark mark was a permanent reminder that he and his family had once been loyal to the wizarding world’s most evil wizard. That night, Draco arrived fashionably late to the Three Broomsticks. Inside, he instantly recognized many of his former classmates and housemates. Upon entering, he immediately recognized many of his fellow Slytherins.

Of course, there was his old girlfriend, Pansy Parkinson. She had been nothing but a stuck up brat and bully during her time at Hogwarts and even had a posse of her own, much like Draco did with Crabbe and Goyle. Crabbe…. That name brought back bad memories. Draco remembered that fateful day in which he couldn’t save Vincent Crabbe and the boy died horrifically in a fire as a result of a curse gone wrong during the Battle of Hogwarts. But there wasn’t any time to dwell on old tragedies too much. Then there was Millicent Bulstrode, who Draco noticed had lost some weight, Blaise Zabini, and Theodore Nott. He’d also noticed Daphne Greengrass among the group of chattering former Slytherins and she looked as beautiful as ever.

Oddly, Draco felt shy when he was usually always confident, especially during his time at school. Malfoy didn’t really want to approach his old housemates. He wondered how he would be greeted. Would he be greeted with smiles from his old friends or looks of scorn and disgust. He didn’t want to find out and decided to quietly slip by them and order something from the bar. Sitting at the bar, Draco noticed a girl who looked a bit younger than him, but still was clearly an adult woman. She was sitting alone at the bar and Draco could’ve sworn that he’d never seen her in his time as a Slytherin at Hogwarts. Malfoy took it upon himself to sit down next to the female, quietly ordering a butterbeer for himself.

As he waited for his drink, he turned to look at the face of the girl. He was certain that she was not one of his fellow Slytherin housemates, at least during the time when he went to Hogwarts. Weirdly enough, she even vaguely looked like Daphne Greengrass to Malfoy. Draco was curious and had to know who she was. He took it upon himself to do some digging and question asking. “You here for the old Slytherin reunion gathering?” he asked. “I don’t know if I remember you at all from school…” he told her softly. “If you ask me, this whole thing’s a bunch of rubbish,” he said with a sigh. The bartender eventually came over with his drink and he quietly thanked the wizard before taking his glass and taking a big gulp. He wondered if the girl would return conversation with him. Draco wouldn’t mind too much if she just chose to ignore him.

 

[candlewhisperer]

Astoria so lost in her thoughts had not noticed Draco until he had sat down near her and spoke to her. Confused as to why he was sitting with her and not his old friend group, she glanced back at the table with the group of Slytherins and then to Draco. Although he did not know her, she definitely knew him, or at least of him. The Slytherin prince who had fallen from grace.

The former Ravenclaw remembered those terrible days when the Dark Lord and the deatheaters took over Hogwarts. She had been somewhat protected due to her families blood status and her parents pure blood supremacy ideals, of which she herself never agreed with. But she had also stood up for students that found themselves to be the victims of the Carrows brutal Hogwarts reign, which had resulted in some serious consequences. As for the Battle of Hogwarts itself, she had sneakily stayed behind to assist with healing those who were injured despite her sister begging her to leave with her and despite only 7th years being allowed to fight. She couldn’t leave her fellow housemates behind, many of which chose to fight. However, she never hated the Malfoys, in fact she could understand their drive to survive, their quest for power and ultimately their love for each other. Draco was different from what she remembered, he looked a little haunted and before he never would have given her the time of day. Things were different now though for everyone as the magical community grappled with the events of the last few years.

She was intrigued by his comment about the event being rubbish. Taking a sip of her butterbeer, she gently placed the glass on the counter before she turned herself to face towards Draco and replied “the world really has changed if Draco Malfoy doesn’t feel like reminiscing with old friends about the good old days.” She gave a small smile to show that she was just messing with him a bit and then continued “unfortunately yes, I am here for the gathering too. At least you’re a former Slytherin, you belong here with them.” She blushed as she realized that she had made it crystal clear that she knew exactly who he was so quickly she introduced herself “I’m Daphne’s younger sister, Astoria Greengrass “ and held out her small hand for a handshake. Astoria had heard almost too much about Draco once Daphne had started attending Hogwarts. He was all Daphne could talk about until Pansy had laid claim to him. She didn’t blame him for not knowing her though, they had been in separate houses and she was two years under him, their social circles had been vastly different.

 

[Edric Blight]

Draco couldn’t help but let out a laugh and smirk at the female’s comment. Clearly his reputation preceded him. Of course everyone knew Draco Malfoy. If you went to Hogwarts during the time he did, then you have certainly heard of Draco Malfoy. Her statement was true though, at least of the old Draco Malfoy. It was no secret that Draco had made his choice with who he associated back then and was very happy with his circle of friends. He was a proud Slytherin in his time but now that he was older and out of Hogwarts, his house pride had certainly died down- especially knowing the role of many witches and wizards from his house in the war.

The man wished he could say he looked back on his “good old days” at Hogwarts fondly, but now it was anything but that. He took a sip from his glass as the woman continued on, and his eyebrow raised as she revealed to him that she wasn’t a former Slytherin. He did question though whether he truly belonged with that group. A Hogwarts aged Draco Malfoy would’ve certainly said yes, that he did belong with them. They were his people- his fellow pure bloods. But the older war torn Draco Malfoy had to reflect upon that statement.

Then it all made sense as the woman finally introduced herself. She was Astoria Greengrass, the younger sister of his old friend and housemate Daphne Greengrass. She was from the once powerful and well regarded Greengrass family. The Malfoys had been very chummy with the Greengrasses. Draco had obviously heard of Daphne being in the same year and house as her, but had only briefly heard about Astoria, her younger sister. Draco looked down at the hand she had now extended and took it.

Malfoy shook her hand, giving it a firm shake before returning it to the handle of his glass of butterbeer. “Ah, Astoria Greengrass,” he said, nodding. “Obviously, I knew your sister,” he told her, as if it needed to be said. “I’ve only heard very briefly about you,” he said, hoping she wouldn’t be offended by this but rather that it would give her context as to why Draco hadn’t previously known her name. What Draco wasn’t going to mention though was the obvious crush that Daphne most certainly had on him until he hooked up with Pansy Parkinson. That would’ve made things a bit awkward, he thought.

He subconsciously noticed that Astoria looked a bit more pale and certainly more frail than her older sister as he looked at her. “What house were you in?” he asked. Surely she wasn’t a Slytherin, as she had confirmed. He was a bit surprised that someone from the Greengrass family hadn’t been placed into Slytherin, like all Greengrasses were historically.

 

[candlewhisperer]

The Greengrass family had always kept Astoria fairly sheltered. Rarely did she attend social events with her family, either she was too ill or they were too worried about her spilling the every flavoured beans about their curse. The entire family would be ruined if word got out about the curse and both Greengrasses would be illegible for marriage, which was a completely unacceptable option to their father. Her parents had felt it was best to keep her away from the public eye until she had gone to Hogwarts. On top of all that, she was not your typical pureblood lady, the black sheep of the family, she hated social events, never feeling like she fit in their world of wealth, flamboyance and bigotry. It had been no surprise to her family when she had broken the families Slytherin tradition and was sorted into Ravenclaw.

“I’m the enigma of the Greengrass family, it’s not surprising that you haven’t heard much about me” she replied with a dismissive wave of her hand that Draco had just released, as if it didn’t bother her at all that her family had kept her as hidden as they possibly could without seeming too suspicious. It wasn’t that she was unloved, she certainly was but they had to be cautious with her. At times she did resent their treatment and the poor hand she had been dealt at birth. Often, she was jealous of her sister, she lived such a carefree life, one that Astoria would likely never experience. Of course though Astoria would rather herself be cursed than Daphne, Astoria had far more mental fortitude than her sister.

With a grin she replied to his question “the best house in my humble opinion, Ravenclaw.” The house suited the young woman who had a love of books and a thirst for knowledge. For her, knowledge seemed to be the only way to combat the curse that ran through her family. It was an ancient dark curse, cast on an ancestor by a scorned lover many centuries ago. It ran through the Greengrass family, often skipping multiple generations but it always popped up. It made the victim physically weak, prone to illness, devastating headaches and made healing spells and potions less effective. The last Greengrass member to have it was Astorias paternal great-grandmother, she had died at the age of 35 which seemed to be the average life span of someone with this curse. Even at eighteen years old time was ticking for Astoria. The Greengrass family had poured resources into finding a way to break their curse, employing multiple research teams and curse-breakers but so far nothing. Always motivated to learn, Astoria could not sit idly by and started her own research and curse-breaking attempts, although thus far she just like her father’s employees had been unsuccessful. The young woman worked very hard at remaining cautiously optimistic.

Astoria watched Draco’s face, analyzing him as she asked “so Draco, why are you sitting here with lonesome me instead of with your friends? “ She was straight to the point. There was not enough time in her life to beat around the bush.

 

[Edric Blight]

Draco couldn’t help but frown at how casually Astoria waved her own self off as if she wasn’t worth being given a second thought to. He tried not to comment on it as judging from her reaction, it must have been a sore thought. Draco simply nodded as Astoria had revealed to him that she was a Ravenclaw. He neither disputed nor denied Astoria’s claim that Ravenclaw was the best house. He wasn’t too sure if there even was an answer to that question. The old Draco surely would’ve combative jumped on this and defended Slytherin to no end.

“Ravenclaw huh?” Draco asked, “So you must have been very wise,” he said. He had a great deal of respect for Ravenclaws, even when he was all caught up in the idea of Slytherin supremacy as a younger boy. They were studious and had a thirst for knowledge that other houses didn’t seem to possess. Then it came time to address the question as to why Draco Malfoy, arguably the most lover and popular Slytherin amongst his housemates in his time at Hogwarts, wasn’t sitting with them and being all chummy.

Malfoy sighed and looked down into his now half empty glass of butterbeer. “I’m not exactly too fond of the person I was back then…. I was just a boy… I didn’t know any better…” he said, staring off into the distance like some grizzled war veteran. Maybe he was that grizzled war veteran that he looked to be now. The war had changed him- the war had changed everyone. “It doesn’t exactly bring me back any good memories to think back on my time at Hogwarts,” he revealed softly, instinctively rubbing the part of his arm where his dark mark was.

 

[candlewhisperer]

Astoria couldn’t help but let out a little laugh at the idea of her being wise. She was certainly intelligent but had never thought of herself as wise, “well I at least strive to be wise. I think my sister would definitely say differently about me though.” The relationship between the two sisters was complicated. They loved each other despite their faults but their personalities often clashed resulting in some nasty arguments at times.

Loud laughter erupted from the Slytherin booth behind them but Astorias expression turned serious as she listened to Draco talk about his school days. She couldn’t imagine being in such a position and having to come to terms with such actions. Watching her own family slowly attempt to dismantle centuries old ideals to fit into the new world, she could see what a difficult task it was. The Greengrass family hadn’t been deatheaters although they were staunch supporters of the Dark Lord , they hadn’t received the same stigma in society as the Malfoys had. Her gaze dropped to his arm where the dark mark was, lingering there for a moment before her hazel eyes came back up to Draco’s face. Giving him a sympathetic smile she replied “I’m so sorry that you were put into your position Draco and at such a young age.”

She glanced back at the table checking in on Daphne, she could be flighty and Astoria didn’t trust that Daphne wouldn’t leave her behind to go elsewhere. The three former Slytherin girls were talking and snickering likely discussing the latest gossip. The boys seemed to be having their own conversation. Turning back to Draco she changed the subject to what would hopefully bring Draco’s mind to happier times, “What have you been up to these last few years?”

 

[Edric Blight]

“Well siblings will be siblings,” he replied, as if he knew anything about having siblings. The fact was that Draco did not. He’d of course, grown up as an only child, pampered by his parents and spoiled rotten as a boy. Malfoy heard some laughter erupt from his fellow Slytherins. Part of him wished he could share that joy with them but he knew he never could. The war had messed him up. Perhaps he shouldn’t have even shown up at this reunion in the first place, he began to think to himself.

He simply nodded as Astoria felt sympathy for him. The last thing Draco wanted was anyone’s pity but in the end it was the way he was raised. The pressure from his family made having a change of heart back then impossible. What was even worse is that Draco didn’t even know if he ever would’ve had a chance of heart back then. He was content to go along with his family legacy and go along with the Dark Lord’s plans.

He could hear the Slytherin girls and the Slytherin boys each having conversations of their own. Despite their roles in the war they all seemed to come to terms with it, whatever it was. Draco could not say the same. He was still haunted by the war each and every day. He was somewhat glad when Astoria had changed the subject but realized it just brought about more depressing thoughts.

He’d really only been brooding in his own mind and self reflecting everyday since graduating Hogwarts. He rarely spoke with anyone from his Hogwarts days, whether they were a former enemy of his like Harry Potter or a good friend from Slytherin. Due to his reputation he had trouble finding a stable job and was in and out of renting apartments. “Not much if we’re being honest…” he said, not really wanting to admit his failure to hold any sort of stable employment. “And you?” he asked, quickly pinning the question on her.

 

[candlewhisperer]

Astoria nodded in agreement to his siblings comment. She strummed her fingers on the counter as Draco updated her on what he’d been up to which was apparently not much. She couldn’t help but feel sad for Draco, he had the whole world open to him and yet here he was, he seemed a little broken. Astoria was undeterred though, she knew what it was like to be broken and how difficult it could be to pick up the pieces.

Upon his question to her though her serious expression turned into a happy one as she explained what she had been up to. “Well I’ve only been out of Hogwarts for nine months” She paused reflecting on that fact, her Hogwarts days seemed like just yesterday while simultaneously feeling like they were hundreds of years ago. “I’ve been travelling Europe. I just returned last week from Luxembourg. They have an expansive magical library, full of the most amazing ancient texts. The amount of books they have is beyond impressive. Rumour has it they even have a transcript from Merlin himself but I unfortunately didn’t get to see it. I suspect they keep it well protected if they are indeed in possession of it.” She blushed at her own enthusiasm on the subject.

Her curse made it so that she couldn’t really be employed, if she took too many sick days that could cause people to question her health, something she tried to avoid as much as possible. Luckily for her though, she had access to the Greengrass Gringotts vaults, there was no need for her to work, besides figuring out how to break her curse was pretty much a full time job. She had thought that if she was able to break her curse, one day perhaps she could be a teacher. But that was just a distant dream, one she didn’t entertain too much.

She bit her lip before continuing, she didn’t want to overstep with Draco but she did want to try to help him, “you know travelling might do you some good.” She took a sip of her butter beer to moisten her throat and licked her lips before explaining her reasoning, “I find travelling really helps to open myself up and takes me out of my own world, takes me away from all my problems. Sometimes seeing new cultures helps give me new perspectives. Just something to consider.”

 

[Edric Blight]

“Ah yes, makes sense. Forgot you were a couple years below me and just graduated,” said Draco with a small nod of acknowledgment. He couldn’t help but smile as Astoria answered his question with such an enthusiasm. She clearly was very happy with the direction her life was going post-Hogwarts. He certainly envied that but more found it oddly attractive the way she talked so brightly about her current endeavors. Clearly she was the very passionate and studious type, as many Ravenclaws were.

“Sounds like you’re pretty passionate about all that,” he said with a small chuckle and a soft smile, a fond smile. It was rare that Draco smiled these days. He then paused for thought and considered Astoria’s suggestion, that he ought to travel. He took a big gulp from his butterbeer and sighed as he set the glass down gently. “Travel?” he asked softly, in almost a timid voice. He’d never considered it before.

Maybe he’d travel. Maybe Astoria was right. Anything to keep Draco’s mind off his own thoughts and to distract him from his misery was welcomed. “I’ve never considered that before. Maybe I will. But where would I even go? What is there to do?” he asked. “I’ll certainly consider it though.” he said, “Where would you recommend I go?” he asked. “Anywhere you particularly enjoyed?” Draco asked the woman who he was suddenly beginning to notice every little detail of her face. She was rather beautiful when you stopped and took time to admire her.

 

[candlewhisperer]

The brunette smiled at the sound of Draco’s chuckle and she found herself wanting to make him laugh and smile more. She blushed at her thoughts and looked to her butterbeer. Draco had certainly changed a lot since Astoria had last seen him. After a moment she looked back at the blonde young man and raised her eyebrows at his questions.

Tucking a loose hair behind her ear she thought about the places she had been and seen and all the places she still wanted to go. Finally she responded, “I’ve only travelled around Europe, Cyprus and Greece were fantastic. They have a rich magical history and loads of museums with many ancient artifacts. They also have an expansive Abraxan sanctuary, if creatures are more your interest. Or if you’d prefer more adventure, on the coast of Cyprus they have mysterious caves covered in runes that you can explore, I didn’t participate myself but I’ve heard the caves are spectacular.” Her hazel eyes sparkled with excitement as she spoke.

She paused to let the information sink in before continuing “I’m hoping to get to get to Egypt next, I would love to explore their pyramids. Peru and South Africa are also on my travel bucket list.” Astoria couldn’t help but let out a little sigh, “there’s so many interesting places around the world and just not enough time to see them all.” With that final comment, the sparkle in her eyes disappeared and she looked away from Draco back to her butterbeer. Trying to remind herself that life was too short to be morose, she gripped her glass a little bit tighter and attempted to push her dark thoughts out of her head.

 

[Edric Blight]

Draco was never one to be too fond or interested in magical creatures. History, maybe, but he never felt he got on well with anything related to magical creatures. Even if magical creatures weren’t exactly his thing, he couldn’t help but silently admire the enthusiasm and excitement in which she spoke. There was something so attractive about it. The young man had to make sure he didn’t look too much like he was day dreaming as he looked at her as she spoke.

“Wow,” he said softly, “Sounds like you’ve been up to quite a lot then,” he remarked. “I do hope you get the opportunity to travel to all those places you desire,” he replied. “Maybe a little trip abroad could do me some good,” he said with a sigh. “Anything to get out of crummy old Britain,” he chuckled as he downed the rest of his butterbeer until the glass was empty.

He then looked at Astoria and seemed to stare for a bit, admiring her every little facial feature.

 

[candlewhisperer]

The young woman had been up to quite a lot. She had no choice really, she had so many things to do on a limited time frame. Astoria nodded in agreement in regard to Draco’s statement about getting out of Britain. Sometimes home felt stifling. “I think it would do you some good. If it doesn’t I’ll owe you a drink when you get back. Speaking of, did you want another one?” Astoria asked gesturing to his empty glass.

The young woman felt Draco’s eyes on her face, making her look up from his glass to his eyes. There were butterflies in her stomach as she gazed into Draco’s eyes. This was not at all what she had been expecting tonight. She had thought that she would have sat alone all night while her sister had her fun. Instead, Astoria was finding that she was having an actual good time with Draco Malfoy. The world was certainly strange.

Clearing her throat, she broke their gaze and took the last sip of her butterbeer, looking back at him she asked “if there was one country you could go to and see everything there, where would you choose to go?”

 

[Edric Blight]

Malfoy chuckled, “Owe me a drink eh? Well yea, I could go for one if you don’t mind, thanks,” he said politely. Draco let out a long exhale before answering Astoria’s question. “Well, I have heard Italy can be pretty beautiful,” he said. “My mother used to tell me stories of how nice the coast and beaches of that country were,” he said. “Maybe it’d be nice to see that in person,” he shrugged slightly.

“Just if I went, I don’t really know who I’d go with,” he said, staring down at the bottom of his empty glass. “I don’t know if it’s really wise to travel alone these days,” he remarked. “I don’t know what’s there for me in Italy though,” said Draco.

 

[candlewhisperer]

She listened to him discuss Italy as she waved over the bar keep and requested two more butterbeers. As they waited for the drinks, Astoria nodded to his mothers assessment of Italy, and replied “I’ve heard that about Italy too. Haven’t been yet myself but it sounds a little dreamy and romantic” clearing her throat she awkwardly moved away from the subject of romance and quicky added “also the Vatican is supposed to have a large library that I would love access to.”

She leaned a little bit closer to Draco, her eyes sparkling with a bit of mischief as she said “well you never know what’s out there for you unless you go and take a look. “ But she did nod in agreement about traveling alone, “it can be dangerous out there. I normally drag my sister or an unsuspecting friend along with me.” Pausing she took a leap of faith and offered to Draco with a smile, “I’d be willing to go with you, but we’re going to that Vatican library whether you like it or not.” He could take it as a joke if he wanted but she was serious. It was a little crazy to go travelling with someone you hadn’t seen in ages and weren’t particular close to, but Astoria was always on the hunt for travel buddies, and she had a feeling that she would have a good time with Draco. Their butterbeers finally arrived and Astoria slid Draco’s to him before proceeding to take a sip of hers, getting some foam on her nose turning back to Draco unaware of the foam she gave him another smile.

 

[Edric Blight]

Romantic? Italy was rather romantic. He had heard stories of Italy being romantic, along with places like Paris. The thought of romance made him blush slightly, and he quickly looked away temporarily. Draco then looked back at Astoria as she leaned in and seemed to urge him to explore the world. Draco had been so sheltered growing up so the thought of going out on his own to explore Europe sounded daunting. He watched as the female beside him smiled and did something unexpected.

Astoria had offered to go with him to Italy. He had to pause and almost do a double take. His eyebrows raised with surprised as he looked back at the smiling girl. Draco couldn’t help but return the smile to Astoria, laughing along with her as she expressed her desire to go visit the large library at the Vatican. To him, it was just a Ravenclaw being a Ravenclaw. Draco assumed Astoria must be a lover of books and would very much enjoy going to a library. He didn’t know anything about her blood curse or that one of her reasons for going to the library at the Vatican were most likely for researching possible cures to her curse.

Draco felt butterflies swarm in his stomach as he smiled softly at Astoria and nodded. “You would really accompany me to Italy?” he asked, double checking. “Well then, if you’ll come with me then I promise we’ll visit that library at the Vatican you seem to speak so highly of,” he said with a grin as he agreed to travel with her. Sure he didn’t really know Astoria too well and they hadn’t seen each other in years (and they barely even saw each other back in their Hogwarts days), but Draco needed some spice in his life. He needed something to distract him from his thoughts and trauma of the war.

Malfoy nodded at the bartender as he came back with their butterbeer and thanked Astoria as she slid him his glass. He took the glass and raised it, taking a big gulp of butterbeer to hopefully settle his anxious stomach. He had just accepted an offer to go traveling to a foreign country with this woman after all. As he set down his glass, he exhaled and then looked over at Astoria. Draco noticed that she had some foam from the butterbeer on her nose.

He couldn’t help but laugh as he leaned over towards her and pointed at her nose. “Erm, looks like you’ve got a little something on your nose,” he said softly. Then without thinking, he swiped off the butterbeer from her nose and wiped it off of his finger with a napkin on the table.

 

[candlewhisperer]

“Oh, I most certainly would accompany you. I know the struggles of finding a travel partner, it’s not easy. Half the time, I drag Daphne with me and I’m not sure if you remember what she’s like but when she’s forced to do something she doesn’t want to do, she doesn’t let anyone forget about it…ever. I’m almost certain you’ll make a better travel companion than her.” Astoria was still smiling, she wasn’t certain if it was the topic of the conversation or who she was talking to but she felt happy. “It’s a travel date then…well not like a date date but you know….oh that reminds me, we’ll have to figure out when we want to go, then I can make a whole itinerary for us, to be certain we’re able to see everything we want to see. I wonder what the weather is like in Italy in the Spring…” She had gotten nervous when she mentioned the word date and had started rambling. Honestly, she didn’t know why she was so awkward around boys when her sister was in her element with them.

And then suddenly Draco was laughing and leaning over to her, she blushed when he mentioned there was something on her nose. Her mouth dropped open a tiny bit as Draco wiped off the butterbeer from her nose. She could have sworn her heart had skipped a beat when he got close. She was now extremely flushed but she laughed the action off saying “I’m so clumsy sometimes. You can dress me up, but you can’t take me out. I’m forever being told off by parents and my sister. I promise though in Italy, I’ll be the perfect lady, no butterbeer will touch this nose.”