Daddy issues

CHAPTER SIXTEEN: "I accept your invitation."

*Annabella's POV*

It was the 1st of July... My birthday. Usually, it was a day I dreaded as it meant receiving gifts from people I didn't even know and attending the evening event -also known as my 'birthday party'. It was more like an excuse of a grand ball for the adults to have fun, socialise and get drunk. But this year I was allowed to drink and so was Draco. This year was different. I was curious as to what Draco had bought from Madam Primpernelle's. Then I remembered... I had kissed Draco yesterday...

Oh no! Shit shit shit shit shit... Merlin! How could you be so stupid Annabella!

But it was good... He was good...

I bit my lip trying to contain my -very much delayed- excitement from yesterday and anticipation of what was to come today. Like she read my mind, Narcissa came bounding in through my door, not bothering to knock. She rushed up to me with a grin on her face.

"Good, you're up! HAPPY BIRTHDAY ANNABELLA!" She practically squealed like a little girl. She appeared to be more excited than I was, although I don't blame her, I prefer it when it is other people's birthdays as well.

"Thank you Cissy!" I beamed as she walked over to my wardrobe and picked out an outfit for me to wear to breakfast. It was more formal today. We always had to be formal when it was someone's birthday. A white silk slip dress, matching heels and a red lipstick is what she laid out on my bed that I had just crawled out of. I gave her a small hug before getting washed and applying the makeup in my bathroom. I checked myself over in the mirror. I must say, I looked quite pretty in the dress, it hugged my figure perfectly, I felt confident and happy in my own skin. That was something that rarely occurred for me, but when it did, I felt powerful. My hair was out of my face and twisted into an elegant up-do, exposing my neck and chest. The hickeys were still visible, but I thought that since the cat was out of the bag, it didn't really matter. Plus, Narcissa has picked the dress out for me, knowing it exposed that area so she clearly didn't mind.

I glided down the stairs and made my way over to the dining room. That was when I saw him. He looked a lot scruffier than when I last saw him but I suppose that is what Azkaban does to you...It was Barty Crouch Jr, he was a Death Eater and was very loyal to my father. I will dress when he got here.

Isn't he meant to be in prison? What is her doing here? Of all places. And why in my birthday? For fucks sake!

"Good morning Barty. When did you arrive?" I questioned giving him a police nod.

"Good morning My Lady. You look very beautiful today. Happy birthday. And um, I arrived late last night, I suspect you were already in bed..." he replied, clearly a little nervous about my presence. I gave him the same cold expression I was taught to give everyone. You must never let your guard down Annabella. That is what Lucius used to say.

"Did you stay the night then?"

"Yes I did, My Lady. Thank you for your hospitality." He replied once more giving me the respect I deserved.

"You are welcome." I turned to go through to where breakfast was awaiting me but I heard him call out to me once more.

"My Lady, your father wishes me to convey a message. He says Happy Birthday. He also wants me to tell you that he is planning on his return. There is a Triwizard Tournament happening this year at Hogwarts, he wishes for me to warn you to be careful but also relax and have fun. And there was something else as well... um I can't remember... Oh yes! You cannot tell anyone. Not even Lucius." He seemed a little on edge.

"Of course. I heard whispers of the tournament happening, I didn't know if they were true. Thank you for the information. I will do well to keep to my father's wishes. Goodbye."