Learn to Fly

Alora woke at dawn on the morning of her first exam. She mentally prepared herself on her way to the bathroom to wash her hair, which she had to wash every day otherwise it would look as if she had dunked her head in a bucket of oil.

Transfiguration. I can ace this. I have studied hard enough. I can do this.

All the way through her shower, she ran random facts through her mind to keep her memory fresh. She got so into her last minute cramming that she completely lost track of the time. When she stepped out of the shower, she glanced at her watch and screamed.

8:45! The exam starts at 9! Oh, no! I'm going to be LATE! For my first exam of all things!

She quickly dragged her clothes on over her wet body, which proved to be a very difficult task. Glancing in the mirror on her way out, she doubled back and screamed again. On her forehead was a large, red pimple.

Could today get any worse?!

Running down to the Great Hall as fast as she could, she burst through the doors.

"I'm so sorry! I didn't mean to be late! Please can I have a bit of extra time?"

Professor Dumbledore looked up from his breakfast, smiling broadly when he spotted the flustered Ravenclaw. Alora certainly looked a sight; her clothes pulled on haphazardly and her hair tangled and dripping around her shoulders.

"Of course, Miss Perry. But you needn't hurry. Sundays are meant for relaxing, after all."

Alora's jaw dropped.

"Sunday?" she squeaked.

The entire hall burst into laughter. Alora could feel her cheeks burning.

Fortunately, Draco got up from his place at the Slytherin table and took Alora by the hand.

"Let's go for a walk. You look like you need it."

The instant they stepped outside, Alora whispered, "I thought it was Monday."

Draco chuckled and pressed his lips to the top of his girlfriend's damp head.

"You may be smart and beautiful, my dear, but your sense of timing is horrific."

With a sly grin, he added, "At least you have perfected the art of a dramatic entrance. I could make a Slytherin out of you yet."

Alora rolled her eyes and groaned loudly.

"And I thought today couldn't possibly get any worse."

Upon hearing this, Draco laughed.

"I wouldn't dream of changing you, my little Ravenclaw. Now go and get ready properly. No exams to stress about until tomorrow."

*

Tonks watched the pair walk quickly from the Hall with an amused smile. Nudging Severus, she asked softly, "And you allowed this to happen?"

Severus scowled but was quite impressed with her tact. Anyone listening in would think she was talking about Draco Malfoy, not his flustered Ravenclaw companion.

"You think I had a say in the matter? Children seem to have a mind of their own these days. I could do nothing to stop it."

Tonks grinned with amusement and tucked into her breakfast heartily, though she still felt a little embarrassed for Severus's daughter.

*

"Please take a seat, Miss Perry."

"Thankyou, Professor Tonks."

As soon as the door was closed, she did a series of charms and spells to make sure they couldn't be heard or eavesdropped on.

"Thanks for coming to see me. I want to have a talk with you alone."

Tonks sat down and propped her feet onto the desk, smiling at the Ravenclaw.

"Severus didn't really introduce us properly, did he? I just wanted to have a bit of a chat with you. Get to know each other, you know?"

Though she looked quite relaxed, Alora could tell the older woman was nervous.

"I'd like that," she said with a genuine smile.

I knew Dad made the right choice with her.

*

It was hours before Alora checked her watch.

"I've got to go. I've got a day full of revision tomorrow."

Tonks nodded and pulled out a piece of parchment, scribbling a hurried note.

"Here. So you won't get caught out of bed."

Alora pocketed the note with a smile.

"Thanks, Pro-I mean, Tonks."

With a smile, Tonks replied, "No. Thankyou, Ally. You really have no idea how much this meant to me. I want us to be able to get along."

"Maybe even be friends?" Alora suggested hopefully.

Tonks smiled and placed a hand on the girls shoulder.

"I'd like that. Remember, if you want to talk, feel free to come to me anytime."

The Professor was rewarded with the sweetest and most sincere smile she had ever seen.

"Thanks."

*

Exams came and went. Alora felt content at how she performed in her OWLs and was sure she hadn't failed anything. The end of the term drew nearer until the last day was upon them.

"Man, I'm gonna miss this place," sighed Alora.

Draco glanced at her curiously.

"But you'll be back next year, same as me."

"Yeah, but it doesn't stop me missing this place."

"I suppose. Hey, why don't we go find Greg and Vince and enjoy the sun?"

Alora kissed Draco on the cheek.

"You go. I'll catch up with you guys later. There's a few things I need to get done first."

Draco nodded and strolled off. Alora immediately headed to Hagrid's Hut.

When the door opened, Alora was greeted by a thoroughly excited Fang.

"Hey! Down, boy!"

She scratched his ears and smiled up at the enormous man looming over her.

"Well, it's about time you decided ta come an' see me," he growled.

Alora grinned up at him. Despite his frightening appearance, she had never known anyone with a bigger heart.

"Sorry, but I've just been so busy lately."

Hagrid smiled warmly.

"Not ta worry. Yer got time ta stay fer a cuppa tea?"

"Just a cup. I've still gotta go see Dad then meet up with Draco and the guys."

"So, how's things goin' with him, then?"

Alora sat down as Hagrid poured her a steaming cup of tea.

"Oh, you know how Dad is when he's at school: Mr. 'I-couldn't-smile-to-save-my-life'."

Hagrid gave her a sideways glance.

"You know who I mean."

Alora smiled back at him. Though he wasn't as smart as some wizards, he knew more than most people gave him credit for.

"Yeah, I know. Everything's fine with Draco. He's such a great boyfriend. Pity Dad doesn't like him too much."

Hagrid's beard twitched.

"I get the feelin', Ally, tha he wouldn't like any boy yer get too close to."

Alora nodded earnestly.

"It gets really annoying, you know? I mean, all I have to do is mention the word 'snog' and he'll high tail it out of there pretending he hadn't heard a thing." This comment was met by Hagrid's booming laugh.

They chatted for about half an hour until Alora checked her watch and swallowed the rest of her tea.

"I've gotta go. See ya next year, then."

She stood up and hugged Hagrid's waist. In return, he gently patted her back, which made her knees buckle.

"You behave yerself, now. Give yer old man a break."

*

"Enter."

"Professor, can I talk to you?"

Severus nodded and waited until the door closed.

"You know, Dad, it still feels weird calling you 'Professor'."

Severus smiled.

"Well, only two more years until you can stop."

"Yeah. End of school forever."

Alora flopped into one of the chairs.

"So, Dad, how's Professor Tonks doing?"

Severus glanced up and returned to marking his papers.

"Fine. Why do you ask?"

"Just wondering. You know what?"

Severus cocked his head to the side.

"What?"

"I think it's great that you're finally getting into the dating scene. Being a bachelor must suck."

Severus didn't really feel comfortable discussing his love life, especially with his daughter. The bad thing was that she knew he wasn't comfortable and did it just to see him squirm.

"I believe the correct term is 'single father'."

"Well, technically, you're not single anymore," she said smirking.

Alright, Alora. You want to play with fire, then you're going to get burnt.

Looking down at his papers, he said airily, "I see you managed to appropriately dress yourself this morning. It is Friday today, isn't it?"

Alora scowled darkly at him. She was still licking her wounds from that incident.

"Shut up."

"If you can't take it, don't give it."

Ah, I see what you're doing. Well, Daddy, two can play at that game.

Sighing, she said in an innocent tone, "You know Dad, I have been meaning to ask you something. I was snogging Draco the other day and-"

Suddenly standing, Severus said hurriedly, "I'm sorry but this will have to wait for another time. I just remembered I have to...uh...brew a potion!"

At that, he ran out before she could continue any further with her question.

Alora sat back in her chair, smirking and looking very pleased with herself.

"Checkmate."

*

The Hogwarts Express sped along the track as it neared Platform 3 ¼. Alora, Draco, Greg and Vince were fitting one last game of Exploding Snap before they had to pack their stuff up.

BANG!

"Snap! I win!"

"Oi! No fair!"

"Yeah, your hand was closer to the cards."

"Oh, shut up! I won. Read 'em and weep, boys."

"And girls."

"And girls."

"I should sue your arse for discriminating against women."

"Oh, Ally! Not this 'Women's Rights' thing, again."

"Yeah, we've only heard it a thousand times, already."

"Actually, I think it's nine hundred and ninety-seven."

"Oh, Shut it. Boys."

"That's discrimination against boys! Now we can sue your arse!

"Hey, don't talk about her arse. That's my job."

"Draco!"

As they stepped off the train, Draco and Alora shared a long, lingering kiss.

"I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too. Owl me, okay?"

"Okay."

After one last peck on the cheek, Draco disappeared into the crowd. Alora smiled after him as she cued at the fireplaces, waiting to go home.