Restoration

Chapter 40

The remarkable dining room was just as Elara had imagined it to be, from when she visited the other Draco. Scratch that, when she invaded his dreams, unknown to her.

Even the air they were breathing felt most expensive and full with centuries-old conspiracies and most of all, power.

Much to the girls' surprise, Narcissa Malfoy was the one who answered the doors. Elara let go of Luna's hand, reaching for her wand, which was neatly tucked into her bra. But Narcissa welcomed them with a smile and expressed her gratitude instead of capturing them in an ambush. They followed her down what seemed like a mile-long hallway, which had resembled Hogwarts in many ways. From the tacky, ancient tapestries, to the paintings which couldn't stand still. And judging by the prominent white hair they all paraded around with, it was a hallway dedicated to the Malfoy's.

Not a fan of small-talk, Narcissa only wished them a pleasant stay once they reached the granite doors which made Luna think they lead into a secret basement. But as Elara confidently grabbed the door handle, she trusted her to guide them into a somewhat safe space.

"Oh, finally," a familiar voice greeted them.

Luna followed Elara into the room, which she thought was the size of her whole house. The walls were made out of bookshelves, and her eyes immediately stopped at the sight of the biggest fireplace she had ever seen. Or perhaps at the sight of the person who was standing in front of it.

"Party was looking a bit boring without the most stunning Ravenclaw," Blaise lifted his glass towards the newcomers.

"I'm a little bit offended," Anthony said with a sarcastic tone. He was sitting on the sofa, right next to Tracey. And just like that, everyone, even Elara, burst into laughter.

"I didn't realize this was a party," Elara greeted them as Blaise's arms, which the girls all thought to have doubled in size since they last saw him, swiftly embraced her.

"I think you did," he smirked as he looked her dress up and down, earning a soft punch to his side.

And as Elara walked over to Tracey and Anthony, Blaise stood still in front of Luna. He gave her a soft smile and a kind bow, but then Luna pulled his shirt and leaped in for a hug instead.

"Nice to see you too, Zabini," she giggled in his ear.

"Hey, Dots," Anthony stood up from his seat, his eyes meeting Elara's. Even though he noticed those golden freckles in them, which have now become even more prominent, he chose not to focus on them. She didn't smile at first; she had inspected every single inch of his face. Hundreds of thoughts crossed her mind, each of them telling her how to react. Shout at him. No, hug him. Tell him you missed him. Are you insane? He didn't send a letter to you all summer. Maybe he was going through stuff as well? He didn't even bother visiting you in your dreams. But everyone deals with stuff. He's a dick.

"Goldstein," Elara's lips stretched into a wicked smile. Her hands traveled across his back until they met, enclosing him in a hug. And then they remained in that position for a moment too long. Anthony wouldn't let go of her, as he finally felt her relax and loosen her tight shoulders.

"What was that no-alcohol nonsense?" Elara snapped out of it and snatched Tracey's bottle, reading out the label. Whisky. She hated it.

"I thought it was a suggestion," Blaise shrugged as he poured Luna a drink.

"Is this some sort of...initiation gathering?" Tracey addressed the odd situation they had all found themselves in. She'd sat back down next to Anthony, who was still standing and observing Elara.