TW: small mention of self depreciating thoughts... but not a lot at all xx
*Annabella's POV*
I was an embarrassment to the family. I was weak, I showed weakness...
I decided that it was best I get myself cleaned up. I cast a simple repairo charm on the mirror and left to go to the en-suite to tidy up the mess that was my face. I splashed some cold water on my face and reapplied some mascara that had run. I decided to go and fetch a new dress, I had packed plenty incase of emergencies.
Walking across the hallway to grab my bag, I noticed a concerned Draco begin to approach me.
"Sweetheart, your hand... It's bleeding... You're hurt..." He reached out to grab my arm and pull it closer to him, but I takes it away, keeping it close.
"Funnily enough, I am fully aware of that fact, I just can't feel the pain at the moment. It will heal eventually." I told him, sparing only a second to glance down at my hand. He was right... It was bleeding, in fact, more like gushing blood. There were several cuts and tears at the skin and my knuckles looked badly bruised, but I didn't care. I picked up an older white dress. I had owned it for about a year but it still looked absolutely gorgeous; it was a halter neck that draped gently over my curves while still accentuating them. It went down to my mid calf and was the definition of elegance and class. I loved wearing lighter colours as it seemed to brighten everything up a bit. Don't get me wrong, I love the usual black as I think it is very sophisticated but after being surrounded by it my whole life it just ends up seeming a bit dull after a while.
I hurried back to the room I was in previously and changed into the dress and brushed my hair. Upon examination in the newly fixed mirror, I didn't look half bad. I still hated the pathetic stranger staring back at me -just a little bit less. I sprayed some more perfume on my neck and décolletage, feeling much fresher; I stepped back into the living area with a smile on my face.
"About time we go and watch the match, is it not?" I asked as I saw Lucius enter the tent -I was unaware he had even left, Draco stood up and grabbed me a coat. Holding it out to me, I slipped into it and thanked him.
"Are you alright? If you aren't comfortable with us pretending, then we don't have to. The press can go fuck themselves for all I care!" He whispered in my ear and he rubbed my back gently.
"Draco! Language! How many times do I have to tell you to refrain from using expletives?" Narcissa snapped quietly from behind him, so as to not alert Lucius to the matter. Lucius seemed pissed off, no doubt at me... I always fuck something up. I knew what was expected of me and I let the family down by showing that weakness.
After the short walk, the four of us arrived in the stadium. We followed the trail of important ministry workers who had also been invited to the Minister's box. That was until a certain redhead family caught my eye, as well as Harry and Hermione. I looked up above me to where they were and beamed at them, giving a small wave, at either Fred or George (I never know which one). I ignored Hermione and Harry, a small part of me blamed them. Maybe if they weren't so kind to me I'd never have befriended them and then I never would have been punished and then...
"Blimey Dad, how high up are we?" Ron shouted sounding excited and cheerful. Sadly, Lucius was there to dampen his mood.
"Well, let's just say, if it rains... You'll be the first to know!" He sneered, amusement lacing his voice. I looked at him with distaste as both Draco and Narcissa laughed along with him. I stood there, glaring, arms crossed. Thankfully, they paid no attention to his comment and instead turned to me.
"Hi Annabella! How are you?" Harry spoke quite happily. While our friendship had fizzled out during third year when he was concerned with his godfather, I still liked the boy... he was tolerable. The Weasley family didn't deserve nearly as much of the shit that they got from people like Lucius, obviously I couldn't actually voice this opinion or I would get absolutely slaughtered by the man. I was about to answer when I felt a firm hand grip onto my waist, warning me to shut up. So I did. I awkwardly looked back to the boy and gave an apologetic smile, before being guided by Draco to follow his father once more. I received a glare from Lucius but I didn't care for it.
YOU ARE READING
Daddy issues
FanfictionDraco Malfoy. His name alone bought a lot of things to mind, especially for Annabella Riddle... She is many things, but she is no fool. Bella knows better than to fall for Draco's 'charm' - or whatever those girls who constantly fawn over him call...
