Dare - Draco Malfoy

Chapter 23: Slytherin

Maeve:

The question of how to get to Malfoy manor came to me only this morning. Apparition seems the only feasible way. I took my exam on the spring of my fifth year, with the other sixth years. I was born on the 13th of January and my parents thought it would be best to send me to Hogwarts half a year earlier, rather than later.

I think of Draco and how he is technically younger than me. That makes me smile a little. I will turn 19 in less than a month and he will still be 18 for over four months.

I take some time on my hair. I never really do anything with it. I leave it loose, or up in a ponytail. I give myself curls using a beaded pin to hold it back, out of my face. I would usually use my curler when I am here in London, but I had learned a spell from Aria which curls hair and keeps it in place for hours.

Nerves are growing now. The prospect of traveling by apparition alone doesn't excite me.

I have decided to do it from my bedroom. I check the entire house and lock every door and window, I finally close the curtains of my bedroom. I check my bedside clock. I wait, impatiently, until it marks eight o'clock. My stomach feels even more wrenched now. I take a deep breath and concentrate hard.

I feel my inside squeeze hard, as if someone is trying to suffocate me, a vacuum of pressure sucks me in before I open my eyes at a cold blow of wind. I am surrounded by darkness. I see a few dim lamp light illuminating a long path behind a gate, leading to a mansion the size of a castle. It's enormous. I heard of the manor before, but I never dreamed of being so close, never had I imagined it being this stately.

I find my balance again as I fight down sickness.

I take a first step, determinately.

With a few steps, I find myself at its gate, not sure of what to do exactly. Before my thoughts can form fully, the gate opens of its own accord, letting me in. I see groups of people walking towards the manor, everyone looking as glamorous as ever. It seems the event of the century. I pass by women in the most beautiful gowns. Man in their perfectly fitted suits and cloacks. I am alone walking down the gravel path towards the main door.

"Maeve!"

I freeze and turn at my name being called.

"Nott?" I stutter.

Why is he here?

"Evening Mea." He leans to leave a kiss on both my cheeks.

"I would say I am happy to see you but I am not happy you are here" He smiles in defeat.

"I didn't know you were invited too" I say as he approaches closer.

He takes a long look at me.