slither - dm

Malfoy Manor.

Laurel

Throughout the remainder of my week home, Narcissa and I began to grow closer. It was almost as if she was replacing the mother figure I desperately needed in my life at my age. She was filling this new void in my chest by consistently giving me advice about school, boys, and of course magic.

She would then tell me stories about her and my mother, Colette, from when they were students themselves at Hogwarts, and about the mischievous they'd get into.

She told me how my parents met, got married, and even about the day Theo and I was born, but I couldn't wiggle the information out of her as to why we were separated or why I was given away to a random woman who possesses no magical ability whatsoever.

Why did I have to grow up in a completely different country, grow up without the wealth I was entitled to? Though, in the end, I'm grateful I didn't grow up around all of the money in the world. Not being one of the rich kids turned me into a better person than half of the kids in Slytherin.

Them, and their high and mighty standards about blood purity, and wealth, or about who possesses the most clothes, money, and who obtains the highest status in our world. I was raised that everyone was to be treated the same, no matter where they came from, which is why I had so many friends back home. People admired me for standing up for what is right.

Not in Hogwarts though, they hated me off the bat because of a rumor.

Narcissa had invited me over to her home, Malfoy Manor today. She was planning Draco's birthday party which was a month and a half away. She said she goes all out every year for his birthday. A big party, a lot of food, friends, just a good time.

"What do you think about an apricot cream filling for his cake?" She asked while looking through a book of desserts. I could tell she adored her son, she wanted to go all out for him and give him the best that her money could buy.

"Does he like apricot?" I curiously ask the blonde woman. She gave me a shrug.

"I don't care if he does. It's all about show my dear. You'll learn that one day when you are hosting extravagant galas at Nott Estate when you're older."

"But what about the guests? What if they don't like it?"

"It's not their party, so they don't get an opinion on the catering choices." She gracefully shrugged. "They're not paying for it. They'll attend regardless."

I never understood the point of having extravagant foods at parties if the guests wouldn't like it. What do I know though? She's been doing this for years, so if it's worked that long, why change tradition now?

I sort of feel bad for the girl Draco marries, unless it's Pansy. Narcissa seems the type to take control over the whole thing and only choose things that she wants.

"Miss Malfoy," Their house-elf interrupted.

"Yes, Opal?" Narcissa replied to the elf with kindness in her voice.

"Mail has arrived. This letter is marked urgent." The elf places the letters onto the stone tabletop.

Narcissa took the letter from the elf. I tried to see who it was from, but she had placed the envelop down covering the lettering. I sat there in silence, minding my own business when she gasped in utter frustration.

I turned my attention back to her after admiring the artifacts and artwork in the dark, and gloomy dining room when she stood up.

"Laurel, you'll have to forgive me. I have to run an errand, and I cannot say for certain when I will return. It's getting fairly late, so you're free to stay. Opal has already drawn up a room for you, so please take advantage of the offer, and stay in it. It'll be just you here sing Lucius is out on business, and Draco is with Pansy."