Draco hadn't shown up to Hogwarts in days. McGonagall said it was work-related business, but Clementine knew better.
He always got like this. Whenever he would fight with anyone his first instinct was to disappear. Clementine could relate to him in a way. In fact, she had perfected his method by disappearing for years.
It was after hours, and most of the students were away in their dormitories for the night. Clementine had finally finished grading some assignments, but didn't quite want to leave the castle just yet as she let her mind wander.
She was on her way to the Astronomy Tower when she saw a light on in the history classroom. Curiosity got the better of her as she knocked on the door, anxious to see what Cristian was working on at this late hour.
"Come in!" His voice called out sounding excited.
Clementine walked through the door and paused, looking at all of the candles that were almost fully melted. He must have been there all night.
"What are you working on?" Clementine jumped to sit on top of one of the desks, swinging her legs that dangled off the edge. She watched him with great interest as he continued on with his work.
She felt like a young school girl with a crush on her handsome older Professor, except they were supposedly peers. Still, the 20 year age difference did create a power dynamic that she hated to admit still existed. Despite being work colleagues, Cristian still felt like an authority figure to her.
"Have you ever looked into the history of the school's founders?" Cristian held up a copy of Hogwarts: A History. "It goes way beyond what's in these books, and it's absolutely fascinating."
Clementine shrugged, picking at the edge of the desk with her nails, "I know enough. Salazar Slytherin was a raging narcissist... Helga Hufflepuff was one of the first to really care about house-elf rights..."
"That's a very basic understanding, to be sure." Cristian nodded, accepting her answer, "But if you dig in deeper there is so much more to uncover. Did you know that Rowena Ravenclaw had a secret daughter?"
"Her daughter died. She's a ghost here." Clementine furrowed her brow and frowned, "That's not exactly a secret with the way she roams about the castle complaining to anyone who will listen."
"No, not that daughter." Cristian spoke excitedly, holding up a stack of letters. "She had another daughter, Evangeline, who was a squib. Rowena decided to keep her away from the Wizarding World as a means of protecting her. It's all written down here in her letters. Evangeline ran away because she didn't feel accepted by her magical family. It wasn't until much later in life that Evangeline discovered she wasn't a squib at all. Could you imagine?"
"Where did you even get Rowena Ravenclaw's letters? They've been lost for centuries." Clementine hopped off the desk to get a closer look as Cristian held one up proudly, just out of her reach.
"They were tucked away in the Restricted Section of the Library." He beamed, "I discovered them on accident. It's such a breakthrough in learning more about the Hogwarts founders. There are detailed accounts of some very powerful lost magic here that I can't wait to delve into myself."
"Can I see them?" Clementine spoke eagerly. "I'd love to read some of Rowena's writing."
Cristian folded the letters and looked at Clementine with a smirk, "I thought history was boring to you."
"I have a selective interest in powerful witches." Clementine shrugged. "Rowena Ravenclaw is my house founder, so it's even more personal to me."
"Well maybe sometime soon, but not tonight I'm afraid." Cristian slid the letters into an envelope with a magic seal making it only openable at his touch, "We'll schedule something, I promise. As for now, it's extremely late, and I've got an important meeting in the morning."
Clementine yawned, acknowledging the late hour, "You're probably right. I need to get back to Hogsmeade before I fall asleep on the path there."
"You should be careful." Cristian warned, "Those woods are... strange to say the least."
"That's why they're forbidden." Clementine teased, "I'll be fine, I've got my wand."
"Just—" Cristian paused, uncertain of what to say next, "Be careful... Please."
Clementine brushed off Cristian's warning with little concern. She wasn't even going home, not yet at least. She still wanted to take a visit to the Astronomy Tower before bed.
The tower was empty when she arrived, as expected. The wooden floors creaked beneath her feet as she made her way to the open arches that overlooked the entirety of the Hogwarts grounds. She could see everything from up here. The lake and the boathouse to the south, the forbidden forest and Hogsmeade off in the east, and the quidditch pitch to the north. Everything looked so small from her unique vantage point.
It was quiet, and all was still, except for a person— who looked an awful lot like Blaise Zabini— walking near the edge of the forest. Clementine had half an inclination to call out to her friend, but she paused, watching as he disappeared between the trees.
'Hogwarts Business,' that's what Blaise would tell her if she asked about it. But what was he doing in the forbidden forest so often, and at this time of night?
She didn't dwell on it too long. That was a problem for another day. Right now, her mind was racing as memories flooded back to her. It felt like she was reliving a past life.
Clementine hadn't been up to the Astronomy Tower since she left. It was her favorite hiding spot, other than her spot by the lake. She would sit up there for hours, pointing out constellations that sparkled in the night sky, just like on a night like tonight.
The clear skies often helped Clementine to clear her mind, and clarity was exactly what she needed. Being with Theo felt warm and inviting, almost like coming home, but there was something else missing that she couldn't quite describe. It was a feeling of—
"Are you looking for me out there?"
Clementine turned her head to see Draco watching her from the shadows.
He pointed to the sky, "My constellation, I mean."
"Just because it's your namesake doesn't mean you own it." Clementine wrapped her hand around the cold, metal railing and got to her feet. "I didn't think you came up here anymore. Not since..."
She trailed off, letting the silence hang heavy between them. Everyone knew what Draco did, or rather what he didn't do that night in 1997. Clementine could see in his stormy eyes that it still weighed heavily on his conscience.
"I make myself come up here sometimes." Draco admitted, forcefully breaking the silence. He leaned over the railing and stared out at the lake. The water reflected in his eyes, gentle waves crashing in his irises, "As a reminder to myself of who I am and what I've done."
"That's not who you are." Clementine reached to touch his arm, but he recoiled when she accidentally grazed his dark mark.
"Isn't it though?" Draco sneered, angry at himself. He couldn't look at her as shame flooded his pale features. His jaw clenched as he spoke. "At the end of the day those were still my actions, my choices."
"You didn't have a choice. Voldemort would have killed your family."
"Don't say his name." Draco swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing in his throat as he tried to remain calm as the past trauma rose to the surface. "He would have done much worse than that to me."
"He can't hurt you anymore." Clementine assured him. She wanted to reach out and touch him. She wanted to hold him and tell him that he was alright but she knew that she couldn't, "He's dead. The war is over."
"The war doesn't leave you just because its over." Draco shook his head, his white hair falling into his face before he pushed it back. "It's always there the second you close your eyes."
"I'm sorry." Clementine spoke softly. She meant her apology in so many different ways.
"For what?" Draco lifted his cool, grey eyes to meet hers.
"For leaving." It was the first time she admitted any regret for her decision, "It was cowardly. I should have just dealt with my emotions then, but I was immature. I—"
"It was good that you left." Draco cut her off, finally lifting his sleeve to reveal his mark. It stood out dark black against his pallid skin. "It saved you from all of this."
"Can I..?" Clementine looked up at him, asking for permission. Draco nodded his head and she let the pads of her fingers trace his mark.
It felt rigid, more scar-like than soft flesh. Draco winced at the initial contact, but eased into the warm feeling of her touch. The two stared at each other in silent understanding. They never needed words to know what the other was thinking, not even now.
"I need a drink." Draco's voice was hoarse when he finally spoke again.
"I'll join you." Clementine whispered.
The pair walked silently through the castle. Clementine suppressed the urge to giggle, reminded of all the times she had to sneak past the head boy and head girl to go see Draco in the dungeons.
Except Draco didn't live in the Dungeons anymore. He had a tower in the east wing, secluded and to itself. As soon as they walked through the doorway, the fireplace erupted into flames, casting a warm glow through the room.
The walls were made of rich mahogany, and the furniture was made to match. Green pillows and curtains made of velvet accented the room.
Clementine could see into Draco's bedroom. His four poster bed looked like it was on display, framed perfectly by the open doorway.
Clementine turned back to observe Draco in his home environment. In the light, she could get a clear look at his face. His eyes looked tired and sunken, and he still looked a little rough from the fight on the quidditch pitch.
"Is firewhiskey alright?" Draco asked, turning away from her to pour two glasses of amber liquid. She admired his frame, watching his broad shoulders rise and fall as he concentrated on pouring exactly the right amount of liquor. He turned back to her with a crystal glass in hand.
"I suppose I don't have much of a choice." Clementine accepted the drink and took a long sip.
Draco's eyes never left her face. He quietly studied her as he shook his head, a small huff escaped his nostrils in what almost sounded like a laugh.
"What?" Clementine asked.
"It's nothing." Draco stared at the fire. The flames danced in his irises, the flickering warm glow made his silver hues look like gold.
"Clearly it's something." She sat down in one of his dragon-leather armchairs, sinking into the surprisingly comfortable cushions. The drink swirled in her glass as she motioned to him with her arm, "Tell me."
Draco refused to sit, staring down the bridge of his nose at her. The fire crackled and popped in an otherwise silent room, "You... choices... It's funny, is it not?"
Clementine's nose burned, partially from the alcohol, but also in frustration, "What is it with you men trying to make me choose things all of the time? 'Pick me... don't be with him... stay here...'. Why is nothing just casual anymore?"
"I can do casual." Draco raised a brow playfully, but the intensity of his gaze remained. She knew that it was a lie.
A small smile formed on Clementine's face as she drew the glass back up to her lips, "I'm not so sure that you can."
"Let me prove it to you." Draco murmured. His deep voice sent a shiver down Clementine's spine as he crossed the room to her. In a swift movement, he lifted her out of the chair to her feet, all without spilling either of their drinks.
"Casual, Draco..." Clementine reminded him as her pulse began to race.
"Sure." Draco agreed, his pupils widening along with the smirk on his lips, "This is casual."
He traced Clementine's jaw with his left hand, dragging his fingers up and down the side of her face. The drink disappeared from his right hand, which he now used to rest on the small of her back to pull her flush against his body, enrapturing her in a kiss.
Clementine felt the drink slip from her grasp, landing with a soft clink on the plush rug beneath their feet as its contents spilled everywhere. Neither of them seemed to notice as they wrapped themselves around each other. She instinctively ran her fingers through his hair as Draco pushed his tongue into her mouth.
She stumbled backwards, Draco leading her to the wall. She hit the back of it gently, her lips never disconnecting from his own.
Draco was focused, his hand wandering down her body, stopping at her waistband. He let his hand slide underneath her knickers and smiles as he palmed her heat. She ground against his touch instinctively as it sent sparks through her entire body.
"You're already so wet for me." He growled, letting his finger trace her slit. She let out a mewl of approval as he pushed one finger inside of her. "All for me."
"Yes." Clementine moaned. She dug her fingernails into the back of his neck as he pumped his finger in and out of her with ease, adding another only after she was properly wet.
She let out a cry of agony as he jerked his hand away suddenly. He looked at her with a devilish smirk as he sucked his fingers clean.
"You're a fucking tease." Clementine huffed, catching her breath.
Draco's liquid mercury eyes darkened and he let out a throaty chuckle, "We're just getting started, love."
In a swift motion, Draco lifted Clementine into his arms, carrying her bridal-style across the threshold of his bedroom. Clementine cupped his cheek in her hand, pulling him close to kiss her one last time before he tossed her onto the bed.
She let out a nervous giggle of anticipation as he stared down his angular nose at her. Slowly, she peeled off her shirt revealing her perky breasts, already pointed to attention. Draco's wicked grin widened at the confirmation of his suspicions that she had not been wearing a bra. His hooded eyes watched them carefully, memorizing every curve.
It was Draco's turn to undress. The sound of clinking metal and heavy breathing were all that filled the silence as he removed his belt from his trousers. The slowness in which he unbuttoned his pants was agonizing. She crawled forward, reaching for the seams of his waistband. Draco hissed upon contact, reaching for her breast and brushing his thumb across her nipple as she released his aching erection.
Her body buzzed with anticipation watching as he reached with his free hand, pumping himself a few times in preparation.
"Casual." Draco's deep voice made her core flutter. She didn't know if it was a reminder for him or for herself.
He pushed her back so she was laying on the bed. Her hair surrounded her head like a halo with her tits on full display. Draco leaned forward, laving his tongue over each nipple before sucking as they pulled taut to his touch.
His lips were back at hers moments later, his tongue sweeping through her mouth as voracious sounds of approval escaped them. His hand slid down her torso to pull pull at her bottoms, impatient to the fact that they weren't already on the floor. Clementine shimmied out of them as fast as she could manage while using her own hands to rip Draco's shirt from his frame.
"That's better." Draco grunted in approval, "Be still for me?"
Clementine nodded, heat pooling in her core as she waited with bated breath. Draco put a hand on her hip, pushing her further into the mattress. He slipped his hand between her legs exposing her entrance as he positioned himself.
He pushed in slowly, hissing in approval as Clementine bucked her hips to meet him.
"I thought I told you to stay still." Draco moaned as he watched himself disappear deeper inside of her.
"I'm not a good listener, you know that." She bit back, her legs trembling as he began to pound in and out, stretching her with every deeper thrust.
Draco looked at her with a smirk, watching as her eyelids fluttered closed. She let out a soft moan, growing louder when his fingers moved to touch her clit. They were firm, rubbing tight circles that made Clementine see stars in her eyes as he continued to thrust into her.
Clementine arched her back, eliciting a deep moan from within Draco as she positioned herself just right. She opened her eyes, watching as Draco's dropped head made his hair fall into his face. She pushed his blond locks back, squeezing tight just as their eyes met, making his roll back into his head.
Draco's mouth felt hot as it found hers again. Their bodies slammed together, hips rolling as their tongues clashed together. His strokes were relentless as he reached his peak.
"You're so beautiful." Draco admitted in a possessive murmur, "I love seeing you like this."
Clementine screamed as the sensation enveloped her. Draco held even tighter to her hips, slamming deep inside of her. His cock slid against her walls that held on to him like a vice as he watched her ride out her orgasm as she cried out underneath him.
Draco lifted her up by the arse, thrusting hard as he bottomed-out inside of her. The guttural noise of release filled the room as he collapsed on top of her, his entire weight pressing against her body. He pressed his lips to hers, humming her name as he pulled out before twisting off her body to lie next to her.
They laid in content silence, simply enjoying one another's presence until Clementine got the sinking feeling that this wasn't as casual as she once hoped it would be. The desire was undeniable, but so were those feelings that kept creeping up into the back of her head. The same feelings that she felt every time she was with Theo.
Draco watched silently as Clementine twisted the sheets around her body and climbed out of the bed. The silk cascaded down her body like a waterfall, pooling languidly around her feet. His eyes followed her around the room as she picked up her clothes, bathed in moonlight as it streamed through the windows.
"What?" She blushed at him, finally acknowledging that she was being watched. She twisted her hair on top of her head before securing it in place with her wand.
"It's nothing." Draco responded as a soft smile spread across his pink lips.
Clementine let the silk drop to the floor, exposing her bare frame to Draco's watchful eyes. She pretended not to notice. He made her feel self-conscious as she stepped into her knickers and slid them up her legs to rest on her hips before pulling her pants back on.
"You're going to make me want to rip those off you again." Draco sat up straight in his bed, the duvet sitting at his waist leaving his chest uncovered. His usually perfect hair was still in a state of disarray.
She pulled her shirt over her head so she wouldn't have to look at him as her cheeks flushed. She felt more exposed now than when he was inside of her.
"Stay with me." Draco leaned across the bed, grabbing her arm to pull her back into him.
"I can't." Clementine laughed as she pulled herself out of his grasp, "That's entirely the opposite of casual."
"It's already almost morning." Draco argued before pressing his lips to the palm of her hand that he was still managing to hold onto, "What's a few more hours?"
"Alright fine. Tell me where you've been all week and then I'll stay." Clementine challenged him knowing full-well that he would not comply.
Draco tensed, the playfulness disappearing from his attitude all together, returning to his usual cold and callous state. "You know I can't do that."
"Why not?" Clementine demanded, "McGonagall said it was work related, but I know that can't be the case."
"So you were asking about me?" Draco leaned back on the headboard with a triumphant smirk on his lips. The duvet slid even lower down his hips and Clementine had to fight the urge to stare.
"Only because I hadn't seen you since you fell off a broom!" She retorted in frustration, "I was obviously concerned for your wellbeing."
"In a casual way, I'm sure." Draco threw Clementine's words back at her spitefully. Despite fully agreeing to the arrangement that same night, he still seemed hurt by it.
"I would be just as concerned for anyone else." Clementine argued. "If it had been—"
She stopped herself knowing that bringing up Theo at a time like this was likely the worst thing she could do.
"Say it." Draco demanded. "Go on and tell me all about how you would fuck Theo if he fell off a broom too."
"You're deflecting because you don't want to tell me where you've been all week." Clementine's eyes stung in frustration as she held back tears. "Is it really that hard to be honest?"
"And you're avoiding the fact that I know about you two." Draco stood and began to dress himself quickly. "How is that for honesty?"
"I told you I wouldn't choose. I didn't keep that a secret." Clementine stood there helplessly as Draco hastily mis-buttoned his shirt. "You only listen to what you want to hear."
Draco looked to the window where the sun was beginning to rise over the horizon. "It looks like you won't be late to the staff meeting this morning. You're already here."
"Draco," Clementine begged. She hated when he got like this. His stubbornness was his most insufferable trait, "Talk to me. Please."
"You should leave." He spoke clearly. Clementine recognized his tone. She had used it against him and Theo many times over the years.
She sighed, feeling defeated as she sent him one last fleeting glance. Draco was busy looking out the window, his jaw clenching as he stared out at the forbidden forest.
She left the tower, sure to slam the door on her way out. Her footsteps echoed in the tower as she stormed down the steps, across the entire school until she ended up in front of Neville Longbottom's door.
She knocked. Once. Twice. Three times. And waited.
"Oh, hello, Clem." Luna Lovegood greeted Clementine with a smile. "Come in, I've already made you some tea."