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Smile Like You Mean It	By : AeraVale Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 6676 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story. DM/OC, M/F

Chapter List
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Chapter 39 - Repercussions

Neither of them slept much that night. The time seemed short and a heavy antique clock in the corner chimed the hours for them, emphasising how soon they would have to leave their haven and return to reality.

For Aera, it was a night beyond anything she had suspected might exist. Passion roared between them, consuming every thought, every action. When at last exhaustion rolled over her, the night was fading. Draco’s arms wrapped tight around her, a promise to never let go.

“We should leave.” Aera whispered at last, the clock echoing her with 7 tumbling chimes. All too soon people would begin to rise, making their way to their own beds, or breakfast, or early classes. People who would carry stories.

Draco growled, squeezing her tighter. She laughed quietly, trying to untangle herself. After a moment, he released her with a reluctant sigh. “You’re right. Wish you weren’t though.”

“So do I,” Aera murmured, kissing him softly on the lips. She got to her feet, taking a moment to admire the nude form stretched out behind her. He showed no discomfort at being completely uncovered. If anything he seemed to preen and stretch under her gaze. Heat flooded her cheeks and she wasn’t entirely sure if it was embarrassment or desire.

Turning back to the task at hand, she proceeded to collect various items of clothing from around the room. Some of them had travelled remarkably far distances form the bed. Moving about made her all the more aware of sore points in her body. It was a nice kind of ache, however.

Having finally located her knickers, she turned around, and found herself face to face with a half-dressed Draco. He smiled down at her, his crystal eyes full of emotion.

“So does this hideaway meet with your approval?”

She nodded, not trusting herself to speak, or even move. She fairly certain that if she did either it would require another half hour to find her clothes again. The bed sat at the other end of the room, tempting them to return. And by the growing lust in Draco’s eyes as they travelled down her body, he wouldn’t be much of a deterrent. Taking a deep breath, she slid past him, ignoring his muted sigh.

“If we don’t leave now, we never will.” She told him firmly, hoping he wouldn’t notice the hint of arousal in her voice. Thankfully, he only agreed and made a point of staying a few feet away from her until they were both decently dressed.

When at last they faced the door back to the rest of Hogwarts, Aera felt her spirits droop. They were returning to secrecy, difficulty. The night had managed to make her forget some of what they faced, but it was returning in one horrible onslaught. Something must have shown in her expression as Draco reached out and squeezed her hand. She met his gaze and was surprised to see her own feelings reflected there.

“Things will get better.” He said confidently. She nodded but looked away. She had seen the doubt in his eyes. It might get better. It could also get a whole lot worse.

It turned out to be worse.

++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

They had planned to take different paths from the beginning. They had planned to leave the room and head in separate directions right away. They had not planned for there to be someone outside as they opened the door, hand in hand, sharing final kisses and promises of more later.

Harry pulled away from Ginny at the sound of the stair-door swinging open. Bright green eyes met brown and flickered to crystal blue. Aera felt air move against her cheeks. That stuck in her mind. It was that gentle breeze that reminded her of the Queen Mab mask, still lying discarded in front of the fireplace. Alongside Dorian Grey’s.

Wands were suddenly in hand as Draco and Harry drew on each other, their mouths forming spells as Ginny shrieked. Aera was quicker.

“Expelliarmus!”

Two wands flew through the air and she snagged them with one hand. The men didn’t even turn. Harry’s mouth twisted up into a snarl as Draco’s hardened into something frightening.

“You bastard.” Harry growled, hands clenching at his sides. Draco said not a word. “Tell me you didn’t touch her.”

“Harry,” Aera said, her mind racing. He glared at her, his gaze heating in intensity. What do I do? Oh Merlin, how do I pretend that we didn’t . . .

Harry reeled back as through struck, his eyes widening in horror and all too late Aera remembered his ability with legilimency. He gaped, eyes darting between Draco and her. Ginny looked frightened, staring at Aera. Only Draco looked untouched, hiding his emotions behind an expressionless mask.

“You . . .” Harry stuttered, “Him?”

Aera stretched out a hand to her brother but he recoiled as if she held a poisonous snake in her grip. “Harry, please . . .”

She didn’t know what to say. She didn’t know how to tell him the truth. And she hated herself for wanting to lie her way out of the situation.

“I’m not what you think, Potter.” Everyone froze at the sound of Draco’s voice. Ginny and Harry were not alone in staring at the blonde young man incredulously. He took a half step away from Aera, bringing him closer to Harry. “I’m not trying to hurt Aera or get to you through her. I’m not a Death Eater.”

“As if I’d believe scum like you.” Harry spat, taking a step away. Aera opened her mouth to back up what Draco was saying and shut it just as quickly at a sharp look from him.

Draco continued calmly. “You can ignore what I say, you can turn around and walk away. That doesn’t change the truth. Listen for a moment. Please.”

Harry’s scowl deepened. “I don’t want to hear your lies.” But he didn’t walk away.

Draco sighed, and suddenly all the pain, fear and self-loathing was evident on his face. His eyes burned with anger though it seemed turned inward. “Aera is your sister. I’ve known for ages and I haven’t told my father or You-Know-Who. I fell in love with her and she changed my allegiance. I know that Snape is Dumbledore’s spy. I know that the end is coming, and I’ve chosen my side. Your side.”

Ginny made a sound in her throat, the only noise that broke through the sudden silence. Draco stood under their three stares without quailing, expression as determined as Aera had ever seen. Once he was sure Harry was not leaving, he took a final step closer. “Help me . . . Harry.” He stuttered a little over saying the name, “Help me keep Aera safe and I will do whatever you ask of me. She is my only concern, now.”

Aera felt her heart lift, and sink. It sounded as if he were willing to take on the entire army of Death Eaters just to keep her safe. She opened her mouth to tell him he was being an idiot, but Harry was quicker.

“And if I tell you my one condition is that you never speak to her again? That this tryst between you ends now?”

He didn’t hesitate. He didn’t hesitate and that hurt more than anything else ever could. “If you will keep her out of this fight, I will swear to keep away from her.”

“NO!” Aera shrieked, gripping her skirt to stop herself from slapping them. “You don’t get to make that decision for me! I have spent my life being shunted aside because men believe that men are the only ones who can fight!”

They ignored her, staring at each other with such intensity she was sure the air between them would burst into flame. At last Harry nodded. “We have to talk. Not here. Meet me in an hour in the Room of Requirement.” With that he turned on his heel and stalked away, Ginny hurrying to catch up.

Aera stared after him, feeling wrung out. She was aware of Draco turning to face her, but she could not look at him. She felt betrayed, again.

“I’m sorry, Aera.” he whispered, sounding almost sincere. “I - ”

“No.” she cut in, her voice cold and unforgiving. “You don’t get to - ”

“Stop, Aera. Please.” His voice was so soft she found herself going quiet despite her anger. Before she could stop herself she glanced up and met his pain-filled blue eyes. “This may be my only chance to talk to you. I need you to understand. After last night . . . I never had things in my life I couldn’t stand to lose. Then you came along. I will do whatever necessary to keep you safe, Aera.” His voice hardened with frightening intensity at the end. “Even if it means I don’t get to be with you.”

Suddenly he stepped up to her, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her with a fierce, unyielding passion. She couldn’t help herself. She kissed him back, tears rising beneath her eyelids as she squeezed them shut. She tried to hold on, to stop him leaving, but he had always been stronger. Without a word he spun around and walked away. Not hurried but too fast to for her to catch up easily.

She left him go.

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Smile Like You Mean It