Learn to Fly

On the night of the ball, Alora studied herself critically in the mirror.

In her silver-blue robes, she looked quite good as the silky material hugged her in all the right places. Her comfortable strappy silver sandals matched her robes perfectly. Her blue-streaked black hair was pulled back into a loose bun with a strand falling gracefully across her face. Her make-up was simply done; silver eye shadow, bit of eyeliner and mascara to make her eyes look bigger and soft pink lipstick. To finish her look, Alora added her father's necklace, Draco's bracelet and a pair of dangly silver earrings.

"You look great."

Alora turned and smiled at Luna.

"Thanks. Those new robes look brilliant on you."

Luna smiled mistily as she gazed at her navy blue robes in the mirror.

"Daddy has good taste. You're going with Draco Malfoy."

Alora jumped.

"How do you know?"

Luna shrugged.

"I heard him talking to Vincent Crabbe and Gregory Goyle."

"What did he say?"

"He's looking forward to it."

Alora sighed.

"I'm really nervous. What will people say when they see me at the ball with a Slytherin?"

Luna stared at the ceiling.

"You like him, he likes you. Does it matter what the school thinks?"

Alora chuckled.

"Oh, Luna. I wish I had your confidence. I don't even know if Draco likes me. He's only going with me so he doesn't have to go with Pansy Parkinson."

Luna smiled absentmindedly.

"I've got to go. I'm expecting a letter from Daddy. He's sending a copy of this month's Quibbler. There's a lovely article about crumple-horned snorkacks in it. Would you like to read it sometime?"

Alora loved reading The Quibbler, as it always made her laugh (though not in front of Luna).

Fighting the urge to smile, she replied, "Yeah, sure. I'll see you at the ball."

"Bye-bye."

She then wandered out of the room, humming a tune unknown to Alora.

*

Draco breathed deeply in an effort to stop himself from shaking.

Stop being so bloody nervous!

He looked around at the other students in The Great Hall. People were meeting their partners in the crowd. Vince and Millicent were deep in conversation. Pansy was clinging to Greg's arm and kept trying to catch Draco's eye. Greg sent him a long suffering look and Draco sniggered.

Looks like I'll have to save him later.

His train of thought, however, was lost when he saw Alora walking towards him. His mouth went dry.

Good Merlin! She looks like a goddess!

She smiled and his knees went weak.

Pull yourself together!

Draco smiled and held out his arm.

"Shall we?"

Alora giggled and looped her arm through his.

"We shall. Hey, look. We have an audience."

Draco looked where she was looking and saw Pansy scowling at them.

"Ignore her, Ally. We're going to have a great time, I promise."

Smiling at her partner, she quipped, "You better make sure of that."

*

As Draco led her through the crowd, Alora sneakily checked out her date.

He was wearing silver lined black robes that were just tight enough to see his well-muscled Quidditch player body. His hair was absent of gel, so it fell elegantly into his eyes. Alora could only think of one word to describe him: HOT!

They halted when they reached the front. Alora mentally sighed when she saw her father wearing his usual black robes.

Would it kill him to wear something different?

All the other teachers were dressed in their finest.

Dumbledore gave Alora a small wink. Alora cautiously winked back. She felt Draco pull at her arm and whisper, "Check out Snape."

Alora glanced at her father and he stared back, a very distasteful look on his face.

"I don't think he's too happy about my choice of dates, Ally."

Alora smirked.

Sorry, Draco, but I think it's my choice of dates he doesn't like.

Alora ignored Severus as Dumbledore began to speak.

"Welcome to the Valentine's Day Ball. I hope that you all enjoy yourselves."

With a flick of his wand, the lights dimmed and the air was filled with music.

Draco held out his hand.

"Would you like to dance?"

"How could I refuse such a gentleman?"

Draco grinned and pulled her close to him.

"Can you waltz?"

Alora thought back to the dancing lessons her mum gave her.

"Yeah, but it's been a while."

"Just follow my lead."

He led her onto the dance floor, where several other couples were dancing. Draco slowly placed one hand on her waist, the other caught her hand. He began to move and Alora moved with him. Soon they were gliding together like it was the most natural thing in the world. The slow music stopped and a fast paced Latin song replaced it.

"That's beyond me," murmured Draco.

Alora, much to Draco's surprise, pulled herself closer.

"Looks like I can teach you something."

Alora soon had Draco leading her around in a steamy Salsa. They were really starting to get into it, when the song ended.

Alora heard Draco groan in disappointment.

"Ally, are you thirsty?"

"Do Hippogriffs have wings?"

They sat down and gratefully gulped their cold pumpkin juices.

"Do you want to go for a walk? It's cooler outside."

Alora nodded and followed Draco out into the Grounds. The snow had not quite disappeared but the green grass was beginning to show.

"Spring will be here soon," Alora said wistfully

"I thought you liked winter."

"I do. But I grew up in Australia, so I long for the heat. Not that you'd call summer here hot."

Draco's eyes widened with disbelief.

"Are you kidding? The summers here are boiling!"

"To you, yeah. But to me, summer here feels like a fairly average spring."

"Where did you live? The desert?"

"Ha, ha. I lived on the coast, near the beach."

Draco smiled, looking rather curious.

"Go swimming a lot?"

"Yeah, the surf was bloody brilliant!"

She was cut short when the lake came into view. The clear starry night was reflected perfectly on its calm surface.

"It's so beautiful," murmured Alora in awe.

"Let's sit here for a bit."

Draco magically dried a patch of grass and they sat, watching the nights' silent beauty. The quiet was broken when Draco fidgeted and cleared his throat.

"Uh, Ally?"

"Yeah?"

Draco cleared his throat again.

"Ally, I was wondering...do you...uh..."

He chickened out.

"Do you feel cold?" he finished pathetically.

"No, I'm okay."

"Oh, good."

Draco realized he was staring at her and glanced quickly at the lake.

Alora sensed his tension and gazed at him, concern in her eyes.

"Draco, are you all right?"

"I'm fine." He said this a little too quickly.

"Come on. I know when you're bullshitting."

"It's nothing."

"It isn't. Tell me."

"I said 'It's nothing.'" He was getting louder.

"Draco, you're lying to my face! What is it?"

Draco exploded.

"Dammit, Alora! I like you!"

Alora froze.

"What?" she squeaked.

Draco sighed.

No turning back now.

"Alora, I like really...really like you. Do you...uh...like me?"

Alora couldn't speak. As an answer, she reached over and clutched his hand.

Draco stared into her eyes. Alora saw something there she had never seen before.

He's scared. He's scared that I'm gonna say no.

Alora smiled.

"Draco, of course I like you. How could you think otherwise?"

She leaned over and kissed him softly on the lips.

Draco leaned in, amazed how soft her lips were.

Alora grinned into his mouth.

Pretty good for my first kiss.