All Aine could remember after the little impromptu Legilimency class with Harry was oblivion. She remembered the whisper telling her of a certain someone who was his equal and that he had a power that the Dark Lord knows not, before sinking into darkness and waking up when the Sun was up. She recalled the look of disdain from Harry when she had woken up later that day, knowing for a fact that he was definitely holding some grudges from the awful 'training' he had.
Her whole arm was aching and even the tiniest movement made her wince. Well, I did hold my wand pretty tightly, straining every muscle and nerve for Godric know how long, Aine thought to herself as she sighed. She massages her arm, squeezing onto her checkered sleeves as she rests her head on the compartment door of the Hogwarts Express. The cabin felt lonelier now that their red-headed friends had gone back earlier a couple of days ago after hearing the news of their father being attacked. She had missed the twins' bickering and Ginny's constant teasing but what surprised Aine most was how much Ron's absence meant. Who would have known that she would come to miss his whining remarks? She stares blankly at Hermione who was lost in the new book she was reading, wondering what was so amusing when the girl's lips twitched upwards.
Harry, as usual, was gazing out of the train's window, his eyes slowly drooping before he doze off into a small nap, exhausted with the extra mind-control lessons he had just like Aine.
There was a gloomy air swirling around the three Gryffindors despite the journey back to their homes for the long winter break. They were all worried sick about Mr Weasley since they have yet to hear much news from their friends after they left abruptly one night. All they know was that the Weasley head was safe and recovering well after the attack but after witnessing the snake bite all over Mr Weasley. It was hard to tell until they see him in a couple of days for the Christmas gathering. For another, both Harry and Aine just couldn't shake away the uneasy feeling they felt after catching a glimpse of one of Harry's disturbing thoughts.
The train ride back to London was quicker than any of the three had expected and when they had arrived at Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, Aine had bid her friends farewell before they left their own ways. She watches as Hermione went to her parents and Harry to his sulky uncle who had stomped away before the boy could even utter a single word. Harry turned to Aine who gave him one last smile before he slowly drags his baggage away, blending into the crowd of Muggles.
"Aine?" the girl jolted slightly when someone peeks behind her. She turned and gave a sheepish smile at the boy who looked at her with worried eyes. "Are you okay, love?" Draco asks in a gentle voice.
Aine nodded, blinking slowly at him. "Yeah. I'm fine, let's go!" she replied, shaking away the anxious feeling.
Draco lets out a small chuckle before walking over to the young gentleman standing in a distance. His smile quickly flattened away as he subconsciously squeezes Aine's hand, making her turn to him. Aine noticed his nervousness and taps her fingers on his hand, calming him down. "Relax, Draco Malfoy. My brother won't bite," she giggles.
The boy wiggled his brows, cocking his head over to a side, "I doubt that," he replied, looking ahead at Aion who was walking towards them. His subtle frown had faded into a welcoming smile like a flicker of a switch. Then, with a quick introduction of titles, the Estoileon siblings bid Draco a temporary goodbye, knowing that they will be seeing him again tomorrow for the Christmas dinner at their home.
The way back home was quiet and peaceful, however, Aine's mind was screaming because she could see the teasing smirk her brother was giving her when she gave him a sneaky side-eye. "Alright, what is it?" she lets out an exasperated groan, sending her brother a pouty glare.
Aion snickered to himself, feigning ignorance as he shrugged, "Nothing~" he sang.
"Liar," Aine shot back and he nudged her playfully, making the little sister look at him. "Go ahead, tease me. I know you're looking forward to it!" she complains and Aion ruffled her hair.
"Oh, we can wait for that so that father can join me later," he replied and Aine scoffed at him. She couldn't believe her ears.
"Dad won't do that!" she exclaimed, trying to defend Elliot.
Aion hums, clicking his tongue before another grin crept onto his pretty face. "We shall see, Lianna."
"We shall see, Aion!" Aine bets, mirroring his grin.
~~~
Elliot sat with his arms crossed, his eyes narrowed at his daughter who sat opposite him. She looks down at the bracelet that she was playing with and swallowed a nervous gulp. Aion was crossing his legs, giving Aine a side glance, his lips twitching as he tries to hide a smirk. There was a long stillness in the air before the Estoileon head finally spoke, "So..." he began.
"Who did you say was joining us tomorrow?" he questions.
"Dra— Malf— Draco Malfoy?" Aine replied, she wasn't sure why she was stuttering over the choice of the name she was using. She knew that her father was aware of her feelings for the Malfoy boy even though he didn't say anything. But coming out and telling him that she was dating the Slytherin chap was much harder than she had pictured. It was still embarrassing to announce that she had found someone she had held great affection for.
"Your... Boyfriend..?" her father awkwardly added on and Aine nodded with a pursed lip. God that sounded so awkward, Elliot spoke to himself in his thoughts.
"Yeah..."
Aine peeks at her father, brows furrowed as he closes his eyes, deep in thought. She mentally cursed and started to think of the worst-case scenarios. What if dad didn't approve of him? Was bringing Draco home to introduce him to her father too quick of a move? But then again, it could be just a mutual friendly gathering like how she had once stayed over with the Malfoys over the holidays.
With every second instilling another quietness, Aine grew more nervous as she waited for Elliot to speak again. She peers over to Aion who was pretending to be thinking like his father, though she was sure that he just wanted to tease her just like how she had once teased him.
"Alright!" Elliot lets out, patting the two armrests of his couch, he gazed at his daughter and smiles. "Sure! Bring him over! I'll prepare extra so that his tummy will be filled with my cooking too!" he said enthusiastically and oddly excitedly at the same time.
Aine blinked a couple of times, refusing to trust her father's reaction. Still cautious, she went on and asked him again, "Just— Just like that? Are you sure, dad?"
Elliot nodded and he chuckles gleefully, "Of course, sweetheart! The Estoileon Cottage will always welcome any friends, that includes girlfriends—" he turned his neck to Aion who grew flustered. "— And boyfriends," his eyes travelled to his daughter before he gave her a wink and Aine's cheeks became red.
"Dad!" Aine gasped, she jumped up and quickly ran towards her room, fleeing from her father and brother's teasing behind her back. She hid in her room and plopped onto her bed, burying her face into her pillow as she screams internally.
When tomorrow came, the Estoileon Cottage was completely lit with multiple dangling star lights and candles that left a sweet cinnamon aroma in the air. The Christmas tree next to the window had been placed in the morning but it was still completely bare of any decorations. Elliot had saved it for his children to decorate later when Draco comes, thinking it would be a fun bonding activity for them to do.
Unlike the previous year when Aine had spent her Christmas at Hogwarts, this year, she was spending the holidays at home where her loved ones will all be. As it was a rare occasion, Elliot made sure to prepare all of the dishes that Aine had missed in the last few years and it included her favourite peppermint chocolate yule log.
Even in broad daylight, Aine's father had already begun preparing all of the scrumptious food he was going to make for dinner. The chimley puffed out little white clouds as he made the beef stew, the smell of food was enough to make both Aion and Aine drool in their sleep if not their father waking them up to tidy the house up for their special guest.
Aion had taken the liberty of gathering several of the blooming poinsettia and other flowers in their garden to spice up their home, at the same time, he was able to evade cleaning and dusting the living space which was left to Aine to do. However, Aine didn't mind it at all! In fact, she had loved cleaning so much that she was delighted to be tasked with it.
With the crackling firewood in the background and the sweet aroma in the air, together with the bright blooming reds and woody tones around the house. The Christmas spirit was definitely present without a doubt. All three of the Estoileons were even humming along to a carol, each taking a small portion of the song as they sang around the house.
Bustling around cooking, cleaning and decorating, time flew quicker than expected and the skies were dimmed by the time they were all done. Aine quickly got ready in her festive outfit— a simple knitted dress with some fluffy thick socks. She clasped on her charm bracelet along with the tear-drop pendant that belonged to her mother over her neck. Once she was done dolling herself up, she looked at herself in the mirror. Her lips curl upwards before she skips out of her room and down the stairs to wait for Draco to arrive. It was about time the boy would arrive after all.
When the clock had struck six o'clock, the fireplace hissed and sparks were being spat out. Then, the flames turned from orange to bright green as a familiar young man emerged from the fireplace. Aine's widened pupils curled into crescents at the sight of Draco who looks around nervously. His pupils darting about aimlessly in the living room, it wasn't the first time he was in Aine's home but it always felt so new. Especially more so now that he was here to meet her family. His gaping mouth closed into a smile when his eyes landed on Aine who was waving at him, welcoming him into her humble abode.
"You're here!" she beams, running over to him. She could see the tenseness from his face, his features stiffening up awkwardly.
Draco stretches his arms to the side, presenting himself, "Here I am!" he chuckles back, trying his very best to act normal even though his heart was booming in his ears. He had worn a dark green turtleneck with a black vest and slacks adorned with a belt. He mentally cursed at himself, wondering if he had worn too formal. He was feeling very out of place with the choice of clothing he had put together, he could feel his neck heating up and when he saw his love, the heat rushed to his face.
Aine giggles at him, it was a strange sight seeing the one and only Draco Malfoy being bashful and awkward. Who would have thought she'll live to see the day that he was unlike what he usually was in school? She walks towards him with light steps, unable to contain her excitement now that he was here. "Easy there, love. Dad and Aion couldn't wait to see you!" she reassures him, tapping on his shoulders. He managed to relax slightly, mustering a small grin at her.
He couldn't help but feel grateful but also, he wondered, was this what Aine was feeling when he came over to his home the last time during the holidays? Probably so.
"Thank you, love," Draco mutters back, squeezing her hands. He tilts his head, realizing how different Aine was looking compared to the usual. His silver eyes trailed over her face as he admires her new look. She had her hair straightened out with the ends curling into the shape of J's and her fringe framing her face with a velvet headband. It was definitely a new look to her since Draco had always seen Aine with her hair up in a bun or braided down, and her hair was always curling beautifully.
Sensing Draco's hardened stare on her hair, Aine looks to her side, she strokes the soft straight locks. Did she look weird with straight hair after all? It was a special festive occasion and it wasn't every day that she does something different to her hair. Aion had even personally helped to style it for her earlier, reminding her of the old times when he used to play with her hair when they were young. "Is... Is it... Does it look weird?" she asks him, pointing to her hairstyle as she gave a flustered simper.
Draco blinks, and then he shook his head furiously. Aine had definitely gotten the wrong idea... he thought to himself. In fact, he thought that she looked the opposite of weird. "You look—" he pauses, not really sure why he was stopping his sentence. He adverted his gaze away before a shy smile twitched on his face, "You look pretty... It's different but it looks good on you," he added.
The girl's eyes immediately brightened up and she snickered, "You look good too..." she complimented him. Draco wore dark colours and was as always in formal attire even in a casual gathering like this but even so, he was looking rather dashing in Aine's eyes.
Both of them stood gazing into each other, eyes softening at the sight of the opposite as if being drawn into the depths of their irises. It wasn't until someone had cleared his throat behind the two that Draco yanked his head back. Startled, he took a step back and Aine twirled around instantly, catching sight of her brother eyeing them like a hawk. His pupils squinted at the boy who swallowed. "Malfoy," Aion greeted nonchalantly and Draco froze again.
"Lucer— Estoileo—" he attempts to greet back, only to find himself stumbling over the choice of words. Pondering for a couple of seconds, he stole a glance at Aine, hoping she could enlighten him on what to call her brother now that they were living together. Was he going to keep his mother's surname: Luceras, or take up his rightful family name: Estoileon?
Aine mirrored Draco's actions, turning to Aion whose frown had faded into a smirk. He lets out a peal of laughter as he approaches the boy, "You can just call me Aion," he stated, his cold and mellow voice turning into a warm invite. He extended a hand to him as a friendly greeting.
"Right... Um, Aion," Draco corrected, forcing every instinct to say his name as casual and normal as possible. He shook Aion's hands straight away, feeling the sudden tightening grip on his palms, he looked up to the older man who was still smiling. "You can call me Draco in return then!"
"But I don't want to?" Aion responded cooly, his face turning grim.
Draco gulped at the abrupt decline, wondering if he had overstepped his boundaries and taken things too quickly. His eyes trailed sadly to the wooden floorings, embarrassed. He wanted to bury a hole through the ground and hide forever.
"Frère," Aine warns, taking a step to Draco's side. She shot a glare at her brother, becoming defensive. However, Aion merely shrugged at her, innocently batting his eyelashes before he cracked up again.
"I'm kidding, Draco! Oh, you are definitely very similar to my sister! Come in, come in!" Aion invites, patting on Aine's boyfriend's back. His heart nearly dropped when he thought that the older gentleman didn't approve of him. "I'm afraid if I keep you standing, little Lianna here will want to murder me very soon~" he teases, stroking Aine's hair.
The girl pouted. "I'm not little Lianna anymore," she retorted back.
Aion scoffed, "That's exactly the reason you're still little, Lianna," he winks, bending his waist to the side to avoid his sister's jab. He turns to Draco, and gave him a small curtsy, "I hope you're not offended, Monsieur Draco."
"Of course, he's offended!" Aine cuts in, glaring at her brother, "You went overboard with the joke with our guest!"
"Oh! Not at all! Don't worry about it!" Draco remarked, loosening up as he broke into a small shaky chuckle.
"See? He said he's fine~" Aion waves away and Aine rolls her eyes. He began to lead them to his father.
"I'm sorry for Aion... He wasn't much of a joker before..." Aine whispered to Draco who nodded his head, reassuring her that he had taken no offence to her brother's jokes.
"Don't worry about it, Aine," Draco whispered back, giving their intertwined hands a little shake.
"Father! Aine's boyfriend is here!" Aion proudly announces with a shout to the kitchen. Not long later, Elliot's head popped out behind the wall, his cheeks were lifted as he gave a cheerful smile to their guest.
"AION!" Aine gasps, glowing red like Rudolph's nose at her brother's never-ending tease. She groans and smacks her hand over her forehead.
"Hello there, Draco! Just give me a minute, sweetheart! I'm almost done!" The Estoileon head yells back, disappearing back to the kitchen. Then, the next second, he gave a small wave to Draco. "Make yourselves at home! I'll be out in a jiffy!"
Draco settled himself in, leaning against one of the dining chairs as his eyes wandered around the neatly cluttered space. Glittery ribbons and lush garlands hung around the house as little stars and sun ornaments dangled from it. The Estoileon siblings bickering in the background while their father gives them a light scolding from the kitchen. Unlike his home where everyone spoke softly almost whispering as if they were keeping a secret.
It was different here, everything was so full of life in the Estoileon's home and he could literally feel the liveliness and happiness just booming from the walls within. He could feel himself getting drawn into it, the atmosphere, the people, everything about Aine's home was something he had adored. He craved it.
It was a fuzzy and ticklish feeling that spread across Draco's chest, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight. Was this what home was supposed to feel like?
All he knew was that whatever it was, he aspired to have a home like this. Where the walls feel like a comforting solace instead of a cage. Where the light gives warmth and life instead of a reminder that he was on a side of darkness.
Realizing he was being watched by Aion from the corner of his eye, Draco quickly scampered to the kitchen. He looks over the counter at Elliot's back, watching the older man giving the frying pan a small shake before waving his fingers to give the contents in the pot a mix. The fragrant smell of the soup makes Draco smack his lips before he moves over to the father. "Do you need any help, Mr Estoileon?" he asks, nearly drooling at the dish Elliot was now plating.
Elliot gasped, shaking his head, "Not at all, Draco! I couldn't possibly ask you to do anything! You're a guest here!"
"I insist!" Draco said firmly, wanting to help out and partly to keep himself busy from all the running thoughts in his mind. He frantically looks around before landing on the dining table, "Perhaps I could help you with the dinner set up?" noting that the plates and cutlery haven't been placed yet. He quickly started to get himself working before Elliot could say anything.
The older man gave a small sigh, watching Draco anxiously opening the cabinets in search of the dinnerware. He couldn't help but stifle a laugh, finding the boy adorable and amusing at the same time as he tries to help around. Elliot could see he was trying to ease himself of the tension and he could relate to that. He was just like Draco when he was young whenever he had visited Aris's home—
"The goblets are in the cabinet on your left over there, Draco," Elliot added, nudging his chin over to his side. He smiles slightly, hearing Draco giving a thankful grin. Then, turning over to Aion who nodded, smirking.
"Lianna, my little chérie! Come and help your boyfriend here!" he shouted to his sister who was readjusting the Christmas decorations.
Aine groaned loudly, glowering at her brother, "For the last time, my sweet brother—" she complains, taking a deep breath before saying any further. However, instead of continuing to argue with him, Aine swallowed her words and accepted his intentional teasings. She went ahead to the kitchen, pouting at her brother as she passed by him.
"Sorry about that," Aine apologizes to Draco for the hundredth time this evening. She helps him with the thick stack of plates, casting an embarrassed smile in his direction.
Draco chuckles at her reaction, taking over the plates she was holding and passing her the cutleries instead. "Don't worry about it, lov— Aine," he quickly corrects, still finding it a little hard to use the term in front of her family. He shyly peeps over to see if the two men behind him to see if they had noticed. Unfortunately for him, they did.
Aion wiggled his brows at Aine and Elliot simply hum a tune, "Love~ Love~ Love~"
"Don't worry about it, love~" Aion sang along and Draco's eyes widened, turning red like Aine's.
The girl rolls her eyes, muttering a short curse under her breath, "Oh, for Godric's sake. Can we start dinner already?"
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I hope you enjoyed this one! More fluffy and sweet Draco x OC moments coming up soon!
Thanks for reading and do drop some love and upvote if you enjoyed this chapter~
Love you guys lots!! <3
-Zeneria