Smile Like You Mean It

Hey hey! Ok, without further ado, straight into the next chapter . . ..

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Chapter 34 - A Kiss . . .

Draco was in a very, very bad mood.

He had spent the last hour being interrogated by his father who had shown up without warning. This in itself was highly unusual and had Draco in a panic for the first few minutes, expecting to be whisked off to Voldemort without further warning.

His father had allayed these fears, telling him he had merely ‘popped in to see how school was’. Draco hadn’t bought that.

So he wasn’t especially surprised or unprepared when Lucius began digging about Aera. He had feigned nonchalance, telling his father he really had neither time nor inclination to go ferreting out information from a Gryffindor girl. Lucius had quickly lost interest in Draco’s apparent lack of knowledge about the mysterious girl and changed his topic of discussion.

It had been a gruelling hour after that. Maintaining the Malfoy aplomb whilst he was instructed on how to greet and act in front of the Dark Lord had been difficult. With every minute that had passed Draco had found it harder and harder to refrain from telling his father to fuck off.

He would have to kneel in respect when summoned. He was not permitted to meet the Dark Lord’s gaze. He would follow his master’s instructions without question and with appropriate promptness. He would also do as Voldemort’s servant, Bellatrix lestrange instructed. She was as close to the Dark Lord as any man or woman could be. Any hesitation or reluctance would be seen as a weakness and personal affront to Voldemort and would be punished without patience. Draco would have to wait until told to speak and otherwise hold his tongue. The Death Eaters would test him, using magic to ensure that his intents were true to the way of their Lord. There was a definite hint that this investigation would be painful in the extreme. And at all times he would remain meek and respectful.

By the time his father finished with his ravings, Draco was on the brink of madness. The instructions given to him were clearly what one expected from a slave, rather than a follower. Now, more than ever, his determination to help Aera in whatever way he could was strengthened.

It was more will-power than anything else that kept the dispassionate visage in place whilst his father bid him farewell. As the door closed behind the blonde monster, however, it slipped out of Draco’s grasp, letting loose the vicious growl that had been building in his chest.

Now, with Lucius safely out of his room and hopefully out of Hogwarts, Draco lay on his bed, glaring at the canopy. He had never felt more hatred for the man who had fathered him than today. The clear expectancy that Draco would follow in his footsteps as nothing more than a dog on the leash of its master was enough to boil his blood. That any man could expect that of his own son!

Black cloaks and white masks hung suspended in his mind’s eye. No more than a nameless follower of a dark wizard who was clearly insane. Branded with the skull and snake to be summoned at will and subjected to Voldemort’s every whim.

It was clear, now, that he could never go through with it. For once he found himself thinking of Harry rather than Aera. The ‘Chosen One’, or whatever it was they were calling him nowadays, had better be up to the challenge. Because if Harry didn’t beat Voldemort, Draco wasn’t sure how he would explain to his father that he wasn’t going to be a Death Eater.


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Aera’s heart thudded in her chest. She knew it was Lucius Malfoy, the resemblance between father and son was undeniable. Platinum blonde hair, pale skin, aristocratic air. He would have been extremely handsome if not for the cruel lines that emphasised his naturally angular features.

He stood leaning on an ebony cane, his eyes penetrating her. She had no idea what to say, how to escape his presence. For the first time since coming down here alone she cursed herself for not telling someone where she was going.

“It’s Aera Vale, isn’t it?” Aera nodded as she got to her feet. She would take the first opportunity to flee and make her way back to the safety of the castle.

Malfoy nodded sagely, twisting the head of his cane under his palm. “Yes, my son, Draco, mentioned a new girl had enrolled here. Do you know him? He’s in Slytherin.”

Aera wasn’t quite sure what to make of this man’s casual conversation. She racked her brain, trying to figure out a way to let someone, anyone know that she was here, alone, with a Death Eater.

“Only vaguely. He’s in my Potions class.” she replied, looking past Lucius towards the distant castle.

It was by chance that she saw him reach inside his robes out of the corner of her eye. She felt the surge of magic and her own power flowed through her on instinct. The silent spell he had cast was instantly blocked with her wandless magic, causing him to flinch from the backlash.

Aera’s wide eyes fixed on him, holding her breath. He was smiling slowly, as if she had just confirmed something. Swearing loudly at herself in the privacy of her own head, Aera planted her feet more firmly on the ground. If he was to attack her again he would not find her defenceless.

Lucius tilted his head slightly to one side. “Perhaps you would prefer me to call you Aera Potter?”

Cold rippled through her. Draco had been right after all. Voldemort and his Death Eaters suspected who she was and Lucius had come here to find out for sure.

She used all her powers of deception to fill her voice with derision. “Potter? You think I’m related to Harry Potter? Is that why you decided to attack a student without warning?”

Lucius’s laugh chilled her. “My dear,” he said slowly, “The resemblance is there if you know to look. Besides, even is you are merely the boy’s friend, I am sure he would not stand by if you were . . . taken.”

The spell that came her way was stronger and faster this time, giving her only enough time to dodge to one side. She gasped for breath, panic and adrenaline rushing through her. She was under no misconception now, Lucius was here to take her to Voldemort and trap Harry when he would unfailingly try to save her.

Deciding not to waste time pulling out her wand, Aera instead aimed a hex at Malfoy. He smirked at her as he flicked the spell away, pulling out his wand. It was impossible to know who was stronger magically, yet Aera knew she was at a disadvantage. The difference between entering a duel unprepared and knowing you would be fighting was enough to give him an extra edge. She felt a trickle of sweat run down her back as she tried to edge around Lucius, all the time staving off the flurry of spells he sent towards her.

Suddenly fierce determination flowed through her. She would not let him beat her! Leaning out of the way of a viciously purple glowing bar of light he had cast, she twisted her hand, aiming toward the ground under his feet.

Lucius stumbled, the soil beneath his expensive shoes lurching violently. At the same time Aera heard a shout from across the grounds.

“Aera!”

Malfoy Senior glanced behind him, steadying himself on his cane. He shot one final look at Aera before he took a few quick steps to the side and disappeared into the Forbidden Forest. Aera stared after him, her last spell dying on her fingertips. She was finding it difficult to stay put, to refrain from chasing after him and sending him back to his master with a few limbs missing.

Pounding footsteps made her spin around, magic flaring within once more as she prepared to protect herself once again. Relief poured through her. It was Harry, with Hermione and Ron on his heels. He closed the last few feet that separated them and pulled Aera roughly into his arms.

“Aera! Thank Merlin!” He pushed her away from him again, his eyes running over her face. “Are you okay? Did he hurt you?”

Aera shook her head, shoving him away to stand on her own two feet. “I’m fine, Harry. Seriously. He’s gone.”

“Which way?” Harry growled, his wand suddenly in his hand. She took one look at his expression and decided against sending him after the Death Eater who had escaped into the forest. She didn’t want Harry to have Draco’s father’s blood on his hands.

“Forget it, Harry. He’s well away by now.” she said, pushing his raised wand down.

Harry hesitated, torn between following the man who had tried to hurt his sister and making sure that she really was okay. He settle for the latter, turning to face Aera who was looking worn and shaken.

“We need to get you to the Infirmary and then I’ll go tell Dumbledore what happened.” Harry said, stowing his wand back inside his pocket and moving slip an arm around Aera’s waist.

“No!” Aera exclaimed, pulling away from him with a look of incredulity. “You can’t tell Dumbledore!”

All three looked positively baffled by her outburst. “Why on earth not, Aera?” Hermione asked.

“If you go and tell him, then he’s going to start digging. For one thing, he’ll want to know how you guys found me.”

Harry began to look uncomfortable. He shifted his feet, avoiding her gaze. “I . . . I’m not sure what happened really.”

“Harry suddenly looked like the hounds of hell were after him and said you were in trouble. Then he dragged us down here.” Ron put in, clearly still confused.

“Of course,” Hermione gasped. “You’re twins!”

The excitement in her voice was obvious and both Harry and Ron stared at her like she had two heads. Hermione waved a hand impatiently.

“I read it once, a study on twins and the connections between them. It was pretty vague and there’s been no real proof, but there were loads of stories about twins who could sense when the other was in danger, or particularly sad, or happy. I brushed it off since there was no definite facts, but maybe there is something to it!”

Aera smiled. She had grown to adore the way Hermione got so enthusiastic about things. It was endearing the way she would babble on about something.

Harry was looking at Aera now, a peculiar, thoughtful look on his face. “That would make sense.” he said slowly.

The adrenaline was fading now. Aera could feel the way her hands were shaking. She needed something sweet and hot to drink. As she thought this her knees began to feel weak and Ron hurried to catch her before they gave way.

“We should still take you to Madam Pomfrey.” he insisted.

“No, I’m alright, really. I just need to get up to the castle.” Aera replied, letting herself lean more on Ron. He took her weight easily, supporting her with his large frame. “And please, we need to keep this from Dumbledore. For now.”

Though they didn’t look very happy with it, they agreed and Aera felt relief fill her anew. She wasn’t about to tell them the real reason she wanted this kept between them.

If Dumbledore received any hint that his precious secret, Harry’s twin sister, had reached Voldemort, he would be sure to speed up his plans. And if he did that, Aera may not be in a position to be present at the battle, since Albus would want to keep her as a back-up. She could not afford for the batty old man to get involved.

As they made their way slowly up to the castle, Aera wondered whether Draco was all right. She felt nerves twist in her stomach as she realised that he may have already left the castle, that Lucius had delivered a message to him before finding her, instructing him on where to go for his ‘initiation’.

Oh Merlin, is it too late? she thought desperately to herself. She couldn’t believe she had been so stupid. For this all to occur to her only now was beyond thick.

Unable to just rush off, she turned to Harry and Ron. “Hey guys, would you be able to get some Butterbeer from the kitchens? That should get rid of this shakiness.”

They both nodded, leaving Aera to sit with Hermione beside an old suit of armour as they headed towards the kitchens. Aera swallowed hard. This part was not going to be as simple.

“Hermione?” Aera silently cursed the slight quiver in her voice and hoped the bushy-haired girl would put it down to residual shock. “Would you do me a huge favour and go get that book on ‘The Elements of Transfiguration’? I’m going to need it for finishing that essay we have tonight and the library might close before I feel up to going down for it later.”

It was only a half-lie. She did need to write the essay to hand in tomorrow, but the book wasn’t really necessary. She knew most of it off by heart. It was more important that Hermione leave her alone.

“No problem.” Hermione said distractedly. It was clear her mind was still on the baffling connections between twins. After she had gotten to her feet however, she hesitated. “Are you sure you’re alright on your own for a few minutes though?”

Aera laughed. “I’ll be fine. The boys will be back soon.”

Hermione nodded and disappeared around the corner. Aera gave a quiet sigh of relief and pushed herself to her feet. She headed in the opposite direction, taking the stairs down towards the dungeons.

She had no idea where the Slytherin quarters were, other than that they were based in the lowest parts of the castle. It was pure luck, therefore, when she turned a corner and found Blaise ahead of her.

“Blaise!” she called out gratefully. He stopped and turned around, surprise on his face.

“Aera? What are you doing down here?”

She looked around to make sure there weren’t any students around before answering, still walking towards him. “I was looking for Draco. I needed to make sure he was . . . okay.” She had been about to say ‘still here’, but realised she would then have to explain why she was so unsure.

Blaise frowned briefly at her as she stopped by his side. “Well, alright. He’s in the common room as far as I know. Wait here and I’ll go get him.”

Aera nodded and stepped into a small alcove in the wall that effectively hid her from sight. She watched as Blaise muttered something under his breath and a piece of the wall slid back to reveal a room decorated with green and silver. Blaise entered, calling out Draco’s name as he went. It wasn’t long before Blaise was back, followed by a head of sleek blonde hair.

“What’s going on, Blaise? Why do I have to come out into the cold bloody corridor to talk?” Draco sounded in a foul mood, running his hand impatiently through his hair.

As the dungeon entrance slid closed again, Aera stepped out of her hiding place. Draco’s eyes widened with surprise and he moved forward to hug her, planting a gentle kiss on her forehead. Over his shoulder she saw Blaise look away, glaring at the ceiling.

She hadn’t realised she was shaking until Draco mentioned it. “Merlin, Aera! You’re shivering like a leaf. What’s the matter?”

Getting a hold of herself she let out a heavy breath. He was safe, he was still in the castle. His father hadn’t come to send him off to Voldemort.

“I thought you might be gone.” she said quietly. “I saw your father-”

“What?” Draco snarled, his grip tightening on her shoulders, squeezing until she winced. He abruptly let go but his intense glower never left her eyes. “What happened?”

Aera shrugged, uncertain now as to whether she wanted to tell him everything. Fury was pouring off him and she could see anger on Blaise’s face. Suddenly Draco’s expression softened and he cupped her chin with one hand, looking deep into her eyes.

“Aera . . .” he said gently.

She gazed back into his beautiful grey eyes, trying to remember what it was he was asking about. Oh yes, Lucius Malfoy, in the castle grounds, attacking her, asking if she was Aera Potter, trying to kidnap her -

Draco swore loudly and Aera realised too late what he had been doing. He obviously had some skill in Legimancy and had just witnessed every image that had cross her mind.

He spun away from her to slam his palm against the wall. “I’m going to kill him, Blaise.” he said quietly, dangerously.

Aera turned to Blaise, waiting for him to tell his friend not to be stupid, after all it was his father. She was shocked, therefore, to see a worried look on his face, as if he was actually taking Draco seriously. He glanced at her and schooled his expression.

“Drake.” he said carefully, as if expecting his friend to lash out again. “You can’t go after him without letting him know that you’re trying to protect Aera.”

These words finally seemed to get through Draco’s haze of anger and he pushed himself away from the wall, still scowling. “If he touches her again . . .” he trailed off.

Aera out an annoyed huff. “I’m still here you know! Besides, I’m fine, so will you please stop acting like I need looking after?”

They both looked at her with surprise as if she was daft to expect anything less from them.

“I only came down here to make sure you weren’t off becoming a Death Eater. I have to get back to Harry.” she said shortly, stalking up the corridor away from them. She had no interest in being told she had to be taken care of.

It was Draco who hurried to catch up with her and pull her to a stop. He looked down at her, pushing a strand of wayward hair away from her eyes. “I should have realised he would try to corner you. That was probably his real reason for coming here today.”

Aera shrugged. She was too tired to be cross any more. All she wanted was to collapse in her bed. She was already going to have to try and come up with some excuse for disappearing when she found Harry and Ron.

Draco leaned in to kiss her softly. Despite the fatigue, her body responded immediately, pressing against him, craving more. He pulled back with a small smile. It never failed to amaze her that she had absolutely no control over herself when he kissed her, however innocent the kiss was.

She relaxed into his embrace as he enfolded her in his arms. She sensed his need to be reassured that she was unharmed, that his father had failed in his attempt to hurt her. His face buried in her hair and she rested her cheek against his head.

It was then that she opened her eyes and saw Blaise standing there, looking for all the world as if he had lost something precious, something he knew would never be returned. He met her gaze and her breath caught in her throat. The pain and grief she saw there made her heart clench and she pulled away from Draco, unable to face the sight of such despair.

“I should go.” she said quietly. He nodded, unaware of what had passed between his friend and Aera. He released her and she bit her lip.

“Do you mind if I have a word with Blaise first? In private?”

The words were out of her mouth before she realised. Draco glanced down at her quickly, trying to determine what it was that he was being excluded from. Unable to read her expression, he shrugged.

“Sure. I should get back to my homework anyway.”

With that he strode past Blaise, back into the common room. As the concealed entrance closed behind him Aera noticed that Blaise seemed reluctant to stay. She hesitated, unsure. She had no real idea of what it was she wanted to say.

Blaise must have sensed her uncertainty. He walked forward until he was inches away, emotions flickering across his face too fast to read.

“Blaise . . .” she started, but he cut her off.

“I’m a guy, Aera.” he said quietly. “And you are a beautiful, intelligent, brave woman. I’d be an idiot not to be attracted to you. But I would be more of an idiot to expect that I could have something just because I want it. You’re with Draco. I’m not going to tamper with that.”

Aera stared at him. She opened her mouth, then shut it again. She had nothing to say to that. She wanted to be with Draco.

Blaise smiled, a small sad smile. “I’m glad that he’s happy. And he is, with you. Maybe I’ll find what he has someday. I want what he has. But I don’t want you.”

She expected him to turn away, to leave it at that. Instead he bent quickly and she felt his lips press against hers for one brief moment. The pressure was gone before she had time to react and Blaise reached up to stroke a finger down her cheek. Suddenly the stone door was sliding back into place and she was alone.

Tears of confusion, frustration, welled up inside her as she reached up and pressed her fingers against her lips. Why was everything so complicated? Why, for once, could she not know what was going on? Why was it never simple?

She turned on her heel and fled, the tears pouring over.


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Eeek!!

Wow, a little chaste kiss from Blaise (sigh, I'm so jealous), hmm, I wonder how this will work out?

Give me your views, your thoughts and your opinions!!


xxx Aera