Smile Like You Mean It

This chapter is dedicated to ucdevil who gave me a wonderful idea!

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Chapter 12 -

Draco stalked along the dungeon corridor, his customary sneer in place. It wasn't that he was in a particularly foul mood, but the threat of nastiness kept the other students away. However, there had always been one fellow Slytherin who ignored Draco's obvious need for solitude.

"Draco. In a hurry to get to class I see."

Draco turned to meet the young man following him along the hallway. He was as tall as Malfoy himself, but had a slighter build. Where Draco was firm muscles and wide shoulders the other boy had a more elegant stature.

"Zabini." Draco said in greeting, then continued on his way. Zabini fell into step with him.

"You haven't been yourself lately old friend." Zabini commented, though he was careful to keep his voice low. He rarely asked questions, his way was to comment and wait while the other person either defended or agreed.

Draco shrugged. "You're way too sure of yourself Blaise. You should mind your own business."

The two had been friends since they were children. The Zabini and Malfoy families were equal in pureblood strength and so it was seemly for them to be civil. Once they had entered Hogwarts they had grown closer and now relied on each other for companionship, which was rare amongst the Slytherins. Draco like the dark skinned Italian. He was observant and had often given Draco extremely helpful advice in numerous matters. Though usually quiet in class his marks were among the best.

"And you should be more careful about appearing broody. You sent a letter to your father this morning, it was his owl I saw collect it. That would have something to do with your mood, either his inquiry or the subject of the letter."

Draco cast Blaise a sharp look but there was nothing to be read in the man's impassive face. He was a genius at secrets, both uncovering them and hiding them.

"You're right, as always." Draco gave a shrug. "I don't quite know what my father is playing at and that makes me nervous. He's more curious about things than normal. I want to know why."

"I have a feeling this is all about a dark haired new girl." Though it wasn't a question the statement clearly asked for more and Draco felt himself go cold. If it had been so easy for Blaise to figure out that he had more than a little interest in Aera, would anyone else?

A moment later he relaxed. Blaise Zabini was a freak of nature. He had trained himself to see things that no one else would ever notice and then tie them together, sometimes in the strangest, most random way. He was usually right too. There was no one in the school that would ever detect anything.

"Yes, Aera Vale. She fascinates me Blaise." Here, with this friend, he could be honest. "She has a secret. I want you to find out what it is. Will you do that for me?"

They were nearing their classroom, but Blaise stopped the blonde boy. "You're playing with fire, Draco." For once his voice betrayed emotion, as if he was anxious. "If your father has an interest in her, it would be best to stay far away. If she is hiding something you may not want to find out what it is. Wait until this storm is over, than pursue the girl."

"It'll be too late then!" Draco snarled. "I want to know now, Zabini. I feel... unease. For the first time in my life I feel scared for someone else. There's darkness around her and right now she's keeping herself out of it, but I don't think that will last."

Zabini watched the shadows in his friend's eyes. He had learnt not to disregard Draco's feelings. Perhaps there was a hint of Seer in him, but Blaise thought it different to that. Draco would get a sensation of something, then be unable to describe it or determine what it meant. If he thought this girl was in trouble or soon to be, Zabini had no doubt that it was true.

"I'll find out for you. But I think this time you would have more success yourself in the area of secrets. You could get her to trust you, whether through seduction or friendship." He stopped at the look Draco gave him. It was clear that whatever his feelings for this girls were, he did not trust himself to stay detached.

"Thank you Blaise. Now come on, we're late."

Indeed, the other students had already filed into class and were seated at their desks by the time the two Slytherins entered. It didn't worry Draco though. It was potion's class, with Snape as their teacher. He would be unlikely to deduct points from his own house for tardiness.

They sat together, near the front. Thankfully, Snape had not yet arrived. He was late himself for some unknown reason. It was their first Potion's class this year. The day before had been filled with other double periods. This would be a triple class of Potions.

Blaise had his eyes fixed off to one side. Draco followed his gaze and felt his stomach give a little lurch. Aera was there, seated alone but near Harry and Hermione as there was an odd number to the class. She was looking around with a bemused expression, taking in the scene of the dungeon classroom.

"She is very beautiful." comment Blaise quietly, almost as if to himself. "Perhaps I should seduce her myself in order to discover more about her."

"You wouldn't dare!" growled Draco under his breath and mentally kicked himself a moment later as Blaise turned a satisfied smile to him. He had allowed himself to be caught in the trap. Now Zabini knew that his feelings towards the Vale girl were much more than chaste.

"You are much too smart to be caught like that, Draco. I wonder just how far she has gotten under your skin."

Draco didn't reply but forced himself not to look at Aera again. He also attempted to get the thoughts of his hands on her skin out of his mind. He was less successful with that.

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Snape swept into the classroom from his office. He had missed the first day back at school, arriving only moments ago from a meeting with Lucius where the Malfoy man had questioned him much too closely about this new girl at the school. Dumbledore had mentioned her but not enough to warrant attention. Severus had no idea why Lucius was so interested in her, but he had grown more curious throughout the meeting.

Now he was late for class, thanks to the slimy Malfoy. It would do no good for his students, he didn't want them to get any ideas. Perhaps he would have to be particularly nasty during this class in the hopes of discouraging similar behaviour.

His gaze swept over the students, looking for the new girl. Suddenly he felt his heart lurch, jumping in his chest as his eyes fell on one girl seated off to his left.

Lily.

But no, there were differences there. Her hair was dark where Lily's had been fiery. But the face was the same, as was the slender figure. Her face was bent over a book, just the way Lily had done when studying, one hand reaching up to run through the strands of her hair. It was then that she looked up and Severus was caught by the dark eyes. His face remained impassive as his heart thundered in his chest.

It could only be Lily's daughter, which meant that she was also James's. The deep brown eyes were evidence to that. He had had that same gaze on him many times during his days as a student. He and James had never seen eye to eye.

But another child? Snape was sure that Dumbledore had never mentioned Lily having a daughter. He himself had not had contact with her since they left school. He had thrown himself in with the Death Eaters and she had been on the opposite side. But why wouldn't Dumbledore say anything? A daughter!

A number of the students were watching him strangely. The girl, her name was Aera he now recalled from Albus saying, had fear in her eyes. She looked nervous as the stare between them lengthened. Finally Severus managed to tear his gaze away.

"You have been selected as the few who actually passed their Potion's Exam to continue this subject. Given the choice I would have only accepted those who achieved Outstanding, but Professor Dumbledore asked that those with Exceeds Expectation be allowed to attend this class as well." The sneer on his face reflected well what he thought of that idea. "You will work hard in my classroom or not at all. Though I bowed to the headmaster's request, be sure to realise that the final decision is mine. If you do not work to my standard you will be leaving my class."

He gave Harry a smirk that communicated all the hatred he felt. He noticed the scowl on Aera's face however and knew his suspicions had just been confirmed. But the two were not seated together, nor did Harry show any hint that his sister was in the room. Snape began to understand. Harry didn't know. Dumbledore would have a lot to answer for. Lily's daughter, in his classroom.


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Aera had felt fear ensnare her when she looked up into the Potion's Master's eyes. She had seen the sudden realisation there and knew that he had figured out who she was. But his face betrayed nothing. She wondered how he had known her parents, whether it had been both or just her mum or dad. Those answers were not to be found here, however.

"Today we will be making a Sense Potion. If brewed correctly it will multiply one of your sense, taste, touch, sight, smell or hearing. You cannot choose which sense will be heightened. The ingredients are on the board. This is N.E.W.T. level, so do not expect it to be easy."

Hermione was already scribbling the instructions down onto a page and was directing Harry as to which ingredients he should retrieve first. Harry looked annoyed but determined and Aera smiled. It was obvious that Snape and Harry didn't like each other. But she marvelled at her brother's strength of will. He was determined to excel.

"You do not have a partner." She looked up to find Snape standing over her. His dark robes accentuated the paleness of his face.

"Um, no Sir, but I can prepare the potion alone." she replied, though he hadn't asked any question. The look in his eyes made her uncomfortable.

"No. I won't have you being alone." It seemed a strange comment and he appeared to realise this as soon as he said it. "A new student needs monitoring. Zabini!"

Aera looked around as a dark haired, tanned young man got to his feet.

"You will work with Miss Vale for today."

The Slytherin nodded and moved his bag and books over to her table. Behind him she could see Draco Malfoy watching them, but she ignored him. She had promised to avoid him and would do so.

"My name is Blaise." he was watching her, hand outstretched. She took it and shook, smiling.

"Aera Vale."

Harry and Hermione had stopped work to watch the scene. It seemed that Gryffindor Slytherin friendliness was as alien as she had first thought. But this Zabini guy appeared civil enough.

"Here, you can cut up the rose stems. I'll begin measuring the lizard blood." Aera said. She enjoyed potions, it challenged her more than most classes. Here she couldn't rely on magic. With the other classes her natural ability to control wandless magic gave her an extra edge, making most tasks easier.

Zabini was amused at Area's authoritative tone, but did as she bid. He was aware of Draco watching them whilst preparing his own potion. Draco had an intuitive talent for this class, which is probably why Snape decided on Blaise joining Aera. But Draco was in danger of messing up with his potion if he didn't pay more attention.

For a while there was utter silence in the room. This concoction demanded focus which didn't allow for much talk. Aera and Blaise worked quickly and efficiently together. By the end of the second period they were already halfway done, while the other students were staring in dismay at the various colours and consistencies of theirs.

"Did you add a piece of magroon root ?" asked Aera as she stirred in a figure of eight.

"No. Why? It doesn't say that in the instructions." said Blaise. The classroom had grown warm due to the fires and though he had removed his robe still felt too hot. His school shirt was sticking to him uncomfortably. Aera brushed her hair from her eyes and looked into their cauldron.

"I think it needs it. I think we're missing something." Aera said, continuing to stir. Zabini smiled. He had often heard Draco say something very similar during other classes. It appeared that Aera's skill for potions was similar to his friend's. He decided to trust her and picked up a piece of the knobbly root. At the nod from Aera he dropped it in.

As the magroon sank beneath the surface the colour of the potion changed from a dull red to a glistening scarlet. Aera leant over and sniffed. She turned to Zabini with a satisfied smile. "Now it doesn't have any smell. That's supposed to be the end result. I should think we're nearly done."

Zabini gave her a disbelieving look. They still had another half an hour to go before the end of class and the other students were already looking harassed. There were also so many different smells coming from other cauldrons that he didn't think theirs could be any different. Aera noticed the sceptical look on his face.

"Come here, smell for yourself." she said and motioned him to stand beside her. Together they leaned over and inhaled deeply.

Suddenly the potion gave off an enormous belch of deep red smoke and the two caught it full in the face. They staggered back as Snape rushed over, sweeping his wand to encase the cloud of smoke in a magical barrier. He was frowning hard.

"Who added the magroon root!" he snapped whilst clearing the smoke with his wand. Aera raised her hand, still coughing. Blaise had his mouth covered and was coughing just as hard.

Snape paused then gestured for them both to sit down. The other students had stopped to watch but with one look from him they returned to their work. All except Harry who was watching Aera with a pitiful look.

When the two were seated Snape leaned against the desk. "Magroon root does indeed make the potion more potent, it accelerates the brewing and creates a brew that will outpass any other Sense Potion." his tone, to Aera's surprise was kindly. She had assumed he would berate them harshly for not sticking to the instructions. "However, it is a dangerous way to make the potion. When it is near completion the liquid gives off a cloud of fumes that are just as powerful in effects as the brew itself. If you are not prepared for it, you will inhale this. I'm afraid you will both have to suffer the effects as there is no antidote. The influence is not harmful, so it is allowed to run it's course. But you need not worry, it will last no more than a few hours."

Harry's face was a picture of shock. It was obvious that he thought Snape would react severely, issuing detentions and deducting house points. Instead he was reassuring the pair.

"I will make sure you are both excused from classes for the rest of the day as the magnified sensations can be quite overwhelming. It would be best if the two of you were to remain in the hospital wing until it wears off. Lunch will be brought to you. I will clear up this mess."

Aera and Blaise nodded and got to their feet. For a moment Aera swayed, feeling a little strange. Blaise was rubbing his nose furtively, an ungraceful move for the swathe Italian. He gave Draco a rueful look as he passed, leaving the dungeon.

"I'll be fine." reassured Aera as she passed Hermione and Harry. The looks of apprehension on their faces didn't change and she gave them a confident smile as she left also.

Out in the corridor she followed behind Zabini. She wasn't sure where this hospital wing was, so she didn't want him to leave her behind. His pace was slow, however, as if waiting for her to catch up.

"I'm sorry." she said as she became level with him. "I shouldn't have mucked about with the ingredients."

Blaise gave a soft laugh. "You got me out of class for the rest of the day. I don't think I should be complaining."

Aera smiled in return. She liked this tall guy, with his quietness and soft words. He was the opposite to Draco, both in appearance and manner.

"So, when do you think it'll kick in?" she asked.

Blaise gave her a strange look. "You mean yours hasn't yet? I've been smelling all sorts of strange things ever since I stopped coughing."

"Oh. Well, maybe it works differently on people. I don't think-"

Suddenly she stopped dead in her tracks. They had been turning a corner and Blaise's hand had brushed against hers. The feeling of his skin against hers had been like tiny electric shocks running up her arm. She gave a shuddering breath. Blaise had stopped also, looking at her with concern.

"I..." Aera took a deep breath and tried again. "I can feel... like, really feel things." she managed, rubbing her hand across her arm. Even that was enough to create goosebumps. "It's... incredible."

Zabini grinned. "Come on, let's get to the hospital wing before a teacher stops us and asks why we're in the halls during class."

They reached the hospital wing, Aera being sure to keep slightly away from the Slytherin. Her mind kept returning to the sensation of his skin against hers. Madam Pomfrey understood at once what was wrong. Apparently the same thing had happened to a student a year or two ago. She guided them to two large beds near the back of the wing and left them there, returning to her study. If they needed her they were to call, she was within shouting distance.

Aera sat on the bed, watching as Zabini sat with his eyes closed in the bed across from her, breathing deeply through his nose.

"You smell like butterscotch and... water." His eyes opened and she read the amusement there. "And sweat."

"Yeah, well you smell pretty sweaty yourself, and I don't even have heightened smell." she retorted, folding her arms.

He gazed at her silently until she began to feel uncomfortable, then he got up and sat on the edge of her bed. She watched him warily, unsure if it would be incredibly rude to move away. Her eyes widened as he raised a finger and touched her cheek.

The feeling shot through her body, every particle of flesh being touched flashing in her mind. She moved back and tried to ignore how her body was feeling. She had never realised how sensual touch could really be. Even now she could feel her body responding as if she were utterly aroused.

Zabini took another breath and his eyes went very wide. "You smell.. different now...." he said quietly. "I can almost taste it. I smell... you."

Suddenly he leaned forward and kissed her hard on the lips. Aera gasped, her mouth a whirlpool of sensations. His teeth grazed across her lower lip and she was at once overcome with desire. Her hands went around his neck, forcing him to stay against her. She didn't want this to end, she didn't want to think she may never experience this intensity again.

Blaise took her by the waist and shifted her position so that she was lying down with him above her. He didn't break the kiss as he unbuttoned her blouse. Even the feeling of the material sliding from her skin was enough to make her gasp and squirm for more. Then his hands were on her breasts and she was aching up against him, pressing her softness into his palms. Even through the haze that had filled her mind she was aware that he was skilled in these arts. His thumb brushed her nipple and she let out a moan, captured by his mouth.

A pressure was building quickly inside her, pleasure spreading like lightning from her breasts, moving lower. The tension between her legs was screaming for release.

Blaise moved to reposition himself so he could reach more of her body and for a moment his lips left hers. In that brief second she felt clarity instantly return. Horror at what was happening overtook her and she pushed him away.

"Shit." she swore, hurriedly buttoning her shirt back up. She was aware of Zabini sitting back, eyes watching her but she avoided looking at him.

"I'm sorry, Aera." he said quietly. "I didn't mean for that to happen."

She looked up at him, surprised. But he hadn't finished.

"My sense of smell told me you were aroused and suddenly I couldn't stop myself. The smell of you, your body, was more than I could handle."

Aera smiled, despite her efforts not to. "It's ok. Made me realise this potion is quite dangerous, actually. And it's not like I didn't enjoy it." she gave a shaky laugh.

Zabini smiled too, still sitting on the end of her bed. After a moment he became serious again. "You're a very interesting girl, Aera. I haven't quite figured you out."

"I'm amazed you think you have me figured out at all. We only met today."

"I figure out quite a bit. And I see more than most people." Zabini's voice was far from boastful. He seemed more at ease now, the tension between them broken.

Aera wondered just what sort of people these Slytherins were. They appeared a mixed lot, with many interesting people. "Well then, good luck in trying to find out more about me." she said, settling back against the pillows.

Lunch came and went, a number of house elves carrying in two large trays of food before disappearing again. They came back for the trays which had been almost cleared by the two of them.

Later on Ginny brought up a couple of books for her to read, having heard about the accident from Harry. They talked for a while until Ginny had to go back to class. She had grinned at Aera and whispered something about 'gorgeous Italian guys' before leaving. Aera had blushed but not commented.

After Ginny was gone Aera shared the books with Blaise. They talked about simple things, neither delving deep into the other's business. After a while, close to dinner time, the effects of the potion appeared to lessen and Aera called Madam Pomfrey in. She gave them a quick check before announcing they were well enough to leave.

Aera bid Blaise goodbye in the hallway outside the hospital wing.

"I'll see you later. I'm not hungry after lunch, so I think I'll just head back to the common room."

Zabini smiled and gave Aera a peck on the cheek. She lifted one hand to where he had touched her and looked at him in surprise.

"We shared a very intimate kiss in there. I hope you realise this doesn't just get forgotten. I may have to take you on a proper date at some point." he said calmly.

Aera laughed, letting her hand drop. "We'll see about that. As long as there won't be any potions involved!"

"Very well. Arrivederci, mio caro."

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That was really hard to write!! Phew... I know you're probably wondering why I threw in a bit of Aera/Blaise action, but I just find something about that tall Italian guy irresistible :)

Ok, I'm off to write the next chapter....

Don't forget to pleeeeaaase review!

And thank you to

- Smurphy -

- ucdevil -

- Aleera -

- shaki-em13 -

- KShe -

You guys are the best!