Learn to Fly

"Malfoy has caught the Snitch! That's a win for Slytherin over Ravenclaw! Oh, my, the Ravenclaw seeker doesn't look too happy!"

Draco watched as Cho threw her broomstick to the ground in a fit of fury.

"That girl has got issues," he murmured.

"Tell me about it. I have to live with her."

He felt a soft hand on his shoulder.

"Great game. That was a brilliant catch, Draco."

"Thanks, Ally. Want to celebrate?"

Alora laughed.

"I'll just drink to a good game. If I drink to your victory, I might as well call myself a Slytherin."

The young Slytherin cocked his head to the side.

"And what's wrong with that?"

Smiling shyly, Alora moved a little closer and whispered, "I may be dating you, but I still have house pride."

Draco grinned slyly.

"You should be careful saying that. Someone might hear."

She gave him a small smile.

"I think we should start letting people hear."

His heart jumped into his throat.

"Why the sudden change of mind?"

Alora inched a bit closer.

"I told my dad about us. I didn't want to go public without his okay."

"Your dad doesn't mind?"

"Oh, he'll string you up by your balls if you hurt me. But that's nothing compared to what I can do."

Draco laughed, though he did look a little nervous at her father's threat.

"Tell him he's got nothing to worry about. Anyway, I think Greg and Vince will beat him to the punch. They're looking out for you too."

Alora giggled. She had wondered how long it would be until Draco told them.

"So, who should we tell first?" asked Draco with a curious eyebrow raised.

The Ravenclaw curled her arms around his neck.

"How about everyone?"

Draco cupped her cheek in the palm of his hand and kissed her there on the Quidditch pitch, in front of a gaping crowd.

*

"What a interesting day and I'm not talking Quidditch!"

Severus nodded as he passed Tonks her tea.

"I mean, Malfoy is the last student I'd think of to go for inter-house dating."

The Potions Master smirked to himself as he sat down.

It certainly was quite a sudden display Ally and Malfoy put on. Though, I've never known her to be subtle.

"What do you think about your student dating a Ravenclaw, Severus?"

"As long as they don't do anything stupid, I'm fine with it." He replied in a non-comminting tone.

"Really? Wow, I'm impressed. I didn't think you believed in your students mixing with others."

"If I gave that impression, I must be doing my job well."

Tonks chuckled.

"Thanks again for inviting me, Professor Snape. There's hardly anything to do here outside of classes and it's great to have someone interesting to talk to."

Severus inclined his head towards her as a silent thankyou, then paused.

"I think, since we are colegues, you have the right to call me Severus."

Tonks grinned, pleased she had been allowed this small right by this man who so dearly gaured his privacy.

"Then you have the right to call me Tonks."

He gave her a long look.

"Shouldn't I be allowed the same right as I have given you?"

"Pardon?"

"Am I not allowed the same right to use your first name?"

The now canary yellow haired professor scrunched up her nose.

"I don't particularly like my first name. Would you if you were called 'Nymphadora'?"

He quirked an eyebrow, then sipped his tea.

"Have you tried shortening it?"

"To what? 'Nymph'?"

Severus almost smiled. Her constant humour was starting to get to him.

"I was thinking more along the lines of 'Dora'."

Tonks was silent for a minute, deep in thought.

"Not too bad. Okay, 'Dora' it is! Thanks, Severus."

This time, Severus couldn't help his mouth twitching into a half-smile.

"Your welcome, Dora."

*

"Miss Perry and Mr Malfoy! This is not the place for that sort of behaviour!"

Alora broke off the kiss, blushing bright red. Draco grinned sheepishly.

"Sorry, Madam Pince."

The librarian sniffed and stalked off to glare at the second years hanging around the Quidditch section. Alora smiled at Draco.

"Well, that was embarrassing."

They chuckled as they packed up their things.

When they passed an empty classroom on their way back to the hall, they quickly entered it.

"Reckon it's okay for us to be in here?"

"No rules saying we can't."

Draco snaked his arm around Alora's waist and pulled her closer. Alora ran her fingers through his hair and began to kiss him. It started out simple but slowly grew more passionate. Alora gasped as Draco's fingers grazed the hollow of her neck. Draco grinned, realizing he had found a soft spot. He released her mouth and proceeded to gently nuzzle and caress her neck. Alora let out a soft moan, when a loud mew startled them. They looked up just in time to see Mrs Norris run out the door.

"We better go."

"Yes. I don't fancy being caught by Filch."

They walked hand in hand to the Entrance Hall. Draco brushed a soft kiss on her cheek.

"Catch you tomorrow, beautiful."

Alora grinned.

"Not if I catch you first."