Alternate Universe - brothers Draco & Harry

Chapter 46 - the Room of Requirement

The sixth-year Astronomy class gathered atop the Astronomy Tower, the highest point of Hogwarts, providing an unobstructed view of the starlit sky. The night was clear, each constellation twinkling brightly against the velvety darkness. The stone tower was adorned with ancient celestial maps and intricate telescopes, adding to the sense of wonder and mystery. As the students settled in, the professor, Professor Sinistra, approached. She was a tall, and graceful woman with sharp features and a commanding presence. Her deep blue robes shimmered like the night sky, and her silver hair was pinned back elegantly. She gestured for the class to gather closer.

"Good evening and welcome back, everyone. Tonight, it is a special night... We shall be working in pairs to create star charts," she instructed. "So, please, find a partner and take a seat on the pillows scattered all over."

Almost immediately, Draco took Saskia's hand and pulled her toward him. His friends and Quidditch teammates whistled and teased him, but Draco just chuckled, rolling his eyes at their taunts. He and Saskia found a comfortable spot on the floor, their hands hidden behind their backs, fingers intertwined. Blaise quickly grabbed Daphne by the hand, getting to her before Pansy could, leaving Pansy to partner with Sue yet again.

Meanwhile, Theo approached Aurelia, asking, "Would you like to be partners?"

Aurelia glanced over at Hercules, noting he wasn't even glancing her way. Sighing, the girl agreed, "Yes, Theo. I guess we can." But as the pair began to move, looking for some free space, Hercules gently pulled Aurelia back, smiling sweetly down at her.

"Sorry, Theo," Hercules said, his voice warm. "I was just going to ask my girlfriend  if she wanted to be my partner."

Theo looked surprised. "Wait... Girlfriend?"

Blushing, Aurelia looked at the floor, and Hercules nodded in response, still smiling. He led her to a set of golden pillows, getting comfortable as whispers filled the room, and fingers began to point at the girl. Meanwhile, Saskia stared at her sister, mouthing "Are you serious?" her way, but Aurelia, still red-faced, just looked away, unable to answer her sister.

The rest of the class paired up: Ron with Lavender, Crabbe with Goyle, Theo with Ernest, Anthony with Padma, and so on. Professor Sinistra began to speak once more, explaining the assignment. "A star chart is a written document used to represent the positions and movements of the stars. Like an ordinary map, astronomers use these for research or study. An O.W.L. or the level wizard or witch should be able to fill in a blank star chart after some hours of skygazing. So, practice and work hard. This assignment will take you some time."

The students began their work, positioning their telescopes and mapping the stars. They all worked meticulously, only the sounds of adjusted telescopes and quills on parchment filling the space. The moon and stars were shining brightly, and for a second Hercules recalled the moment Remus Lupin died. The moon always brought back memories of that man he barely knew, the man he cared very little for, yet the memory of his wolf-form falling over the cliff was just as fresh as if it had happened yesterday.

After a while and getting bored quickly, Draco, next to Saskia, squeezed her hand again, looking for a moment when the professor turned away. Leaning in, he whispered in the girl's ear, "I love that we're spending the night together."

Saskia giggled quietly, slightly blushing. "Well," she spoke. "I wish we were doing something else, though, not just making a chart."

Draco smirked, liking her way of thinking, when he began to lean in to kiss her. But suddenly he was interrupted by Professor Sinistra clearing her throat, glaring directly at them. The pair slowly turned back to their chart, earning a stern look from the professor.