Learn to Fly

"Miss Perry, may I ask what is so interesting about the corner, that it is distracting you from your work?"

Alora snapped out of her daydream and glanced into the black eyes that were exactly like hers.

"Sorry, Professor."

Severus swept away and called over his shoulder, "Five points from Ravenclaw for daydreaming, Miss Perry."

Alora swore under her breath. She may be the Potion Masters daughter, but she was treated just like any other student: horribly.

She sulked as she finished her potion. It was perfect, as usual. Yet another talent inherited from her father. It had to be talent, because he certainly didn't help her. Severus believed that she should make her own way in this world.

Alora was reluctantly glad he was so nasty in class, because it stopped her from calling him 'Dad' by accident. She could easily picture him as another person while he was in the classroom.

"Homework is a twelve inch essay, analysing today's potion. List its uses, weaknesses and ways it could be improved. This will be in your OWLs. Class dismissed."

Everyone placed a sample of their potions on his desk and filed out.

"Miss Perry, stay behind and close the door," he barked over the heads of the retreating fifth years. Alora groaned and fell behind. As soon as the door was shut, Severus's scowl turned to a look of concern.

"Alora, are you feeling alright? It's not like you to lose concentration in class."

Alora sighed and sat down.

"I haven't been getting a lot of sleep lately."

Severus walked over and sat down next to her.

"Still having bad dreams?"

She stared at the floor.

"It's always the same: me and Mum are walking down the beach, then a thestral swoops out of nowhere, grabs her and disappears."

Severus sighed and put an arm around her shoulders as she leaned into his chest.

"Ally, I know you miss her. I do too. But you've got to get a decent night's sleep."

Sniffing, she closed her eyes.

"I know."

In response, her father gave her a tight hug.

"She's gone and we miss her. But we'll never forget her, right?"

Alora nodded and answered, "Right."

"And you've still got me."

She smiled.

"Yeah, and you've got me."

Severus nodded firmly.

"That's right. And that's never going to change."

Severus kissed her forehead.

"Go on. You'll be late for dinner."

"Thanks, Dad."

*

Later that week, Alora was pouring over her Potions essay in the library. A sudden voice made her jump.

"Miss me?"

Alora turned to see Draco's grinning face and playfully hit him on the arm.

"Bloody hell, Blondie! Give me some notice next time!"

"Only trying to keep you on your toes."

Draco sat beside her and pulled her essay towards him.

"So, what are you working on?"

"Essay for Snape."

"Want some help?"

"Nah, I've finished it. Just checking for spelling mistakes."

Draco scanned the parchment.

"You've spelled 'asphodel' wrong. It's spelled with 'ph', not a 'f '."

"Thanks," said Alora and corrected it. "Done. About time, too."

"Since you've finished, may I walk you down to dinner?"

"Sure. Where are Vince and Greg?"

"Already down there. Where there's food, they're there."

Alora chuckled as she packed up her stuff.

They had just walked into the Entrance Hall, when Draco grabbed her and dragged her into another corridor.

"Draco, what the hell...?"

"Shhh! She'll hear you."

"Who?"

"Bloody Pansy Parkinson. She's been nagging me to take her to the Valentine's Day Ball. Take a girl to a ball once and she thinks she owns you."

Alora sniggered and teased in a baby voice.

"Aww, poor Draco. Have to keep beating her off with the broomstick, huh?"

Draco looked around the corner.

"You could say that. Oh, drat! I've been spotted."

The dark haired girl from the 'Start of Term' feast came over and fluttered her eyelashes at him.

"Draco, darling. Where have you been? I've been looking all over for you."

He sighed, "Pansy, for the last time, don't call me 'darling'. We are not going out."

Pansy moved herself closer to him while he backed against the wall.

"Oh, but I'm sure you can find a place in your heart for me."

At this she winked.

"Pansy, I am not, I repeat, NOT taking you to the Valentine's Day Ball!"

"Why not?" she growled in a dangerous voice.

"Because...I..."

"Because he's taking me."

Both Pansy and Draco stared at Alora.

"Is that true, Draco?" Pansy demanded.

Quickly recovering from his shock, Draco swaggered to Alora's side.

"Yes, Pansy. I'd like you to meet Alora. Alora, this is Pansy."

"Charmed, I'm sure," Alora purred.

"Well, I never!"

Pansy huffed and stalked away.

As soon as she was out of sight, Draco grabbed Alora and bounced her around in a sort-of victory dance.

"Ally, you saved me! How can I ever repay you?"

Alora laughed, trying to bat him away.

"For starters, stop dancing! You're making me dizzy!"

Draco grinned and halted.

"Anything else for my heroine?"

Suddenly, she blushed and stared at the ground.

"Well, there is one thing."

"Yes?"

Alora looked cautiously into his eyes.

"I haven't got a date to the ball. I was wondering if you really wanted to go with me."

Draco sneered and Alora stared at the ground again.

"Is that it? Honestly, Ally, I thought you were going to give me something difficult."

Alora was astounded.

"You'll go with me?" she whispered.

Taking her hand and kissing it, he said in a deep voice, "Nothing would give me greater pleasure."

Alora grinned and tugged her hand away.

"Hey, cut that out! Behave yourself or I'll muzzle you!"

Draco's eyes widened with fake innocence.

"I swear my intentions are totally honourable."

Alora smirked.

"Cheeky bugger."

With the tension gone, they both glanced at each other and grinned.

*

Draco walked silently through Hogsmeade, deep in thought.

What's wrong with me?

He had never been so confused before.

Since when did anyone stick out their neck for a Malfoy?

He kept remembering how Alora had saved him the torture of taking Pansy to the ball. And of her reward.

She wants to go with me. ME!

This is what confused him the most.

She could take anyone. Why me?

What he couldn't figure out is why he cared.

So a girl wants to go with me. It's not the first time. Why is she any different?

Realization made him jump.

Merlin's beard! I like her!

It was suddenly all so clear. He paused outside of a shop. Something had caught his eye. He smiled when he found the perfect Christmas present for Alora.

All that's left is to find out if she feels the same way.