different | h. potter

1

Cassia Clarke arrived at Malfoy Manor, accompanied by her parents, at the crack of dawn. As per usual, it was immaculate (courtesy of the house elves, of course) and its constant dark quality was enhanced by the lack of sunlight in the early morning. Extravagant crystal chandeliers littered the high ceilings, paired with tall pillars and a magnificent carpet that covered the stone floors. The exterior of the house was equally as attractive with its elaborate gardens and beautiful fountain.

There, waiting for them patiently in the entrance hall, was the picture-perfect Malfoy family. Lucius, the powerful and intimidating leader, stood tall on one end. To his left was his wife, Narcissa: beautiful and graceful, yet equally as intimidating as her husband. On her other side stood Draco, the perfect son in the eyes of any pureblood. The trio welcomed their guests into their home.

The two families exchanged polite greetings before going on with anything else. Cassia and Draco, who never took formalities quite as seriously as their parents had, struggled to bite back grins when they shook hands.

Afterwards, the six of them were beckoned into the living room by the house elves, who had kindly set up some tea. Much like the rest of the Manor, it was furnished to perfection, the dark colours complimenting the eerie feeling of the house. Old books and priceless family heirlooms were proudly displayed on various shelves lining the walls. Above the fireplace hung a detailed portrait of the Malfoy family.

"Lucius," Cadmus Clarke said, clapping his friend on the shoulder, "I must thank you again for offering to take Cassia to the Quidditch World Cup."

"It is our pleasure, Cadmus," Lucius replied, a ghost of a smile gracing his features, "She is most welcome here."

Normally, an interaction like this would seem rather insignificant. However, these two men were not particularly affectionate, not even with their own families. In fact, Cadmus Clarke and Lucius Malloy both had quite the reputation for being cold and ruthless. To them, this exchange was as good as a declaration of love.

The two of them went off to the side of the room and began to heatedly discuss seemingly serious matters very quietly. Although their words were hard to decipher, their frustration carried across the room.

Similarly, Vivienne and Narcissa conversed in hushed tones as they sat on the couch, each clutching a tea cup, by the fireplace. They would occasionally scan their surroundings, as if to make sure no one had overheard them, and glance nervously at their husbands.

On the other side of the room, Cassia and Draco sat across from each other on a large window sill. Neither of them dared to speak above a whisper, for they knew better than to disturb their parents.

"What do you think they're up to this time?" Draco asked, nodding towards their fathers. Their odd behaviour was not uncommon, but lately, they were acting more suspicious than usual. One would even suspect that they were plotting something.

"It can't be anything good," Cassia sighed.

All conversation was cut short when Vivienne glanced at the ornate clock and realized that her and Cadmus were due at work.

"Well, we better be off then," said Vivienne. She turned towards her daughter and sent her a small wave, "Goodbye, darling."

"Yes," Cadmus admired a handsome vase on a nearby shelf, avoiding Cassia's gaze entirely, "Goodbye."

"Goodbye, mother, father," she replied, nodding to them respectively. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Draco repressing his laughter. He often enjoyed teasing her about having an excruciatingly distant relationship with her parents. The comedic effect is only increased by the irony of Draco's own relationship with his parents.

"Thank you again, Lucius, Narcissa," said Vivienne, shaking their hands once more.

"It's not a problem," Narcissa flashed a warm smile, "We'll take good care of her."

They always did. For as long as she could remember, Lucius and Narcissa welcomed Cassia into their home and treated her as if she were their own child. Their parenting style resembled that of Cassia's own parents greatly: distant and strict. Nevertheless, they offered her a second family and home, and vice versa with Draco and the Clarke's. This, no doubt, was due to close bond between Cadmus and Lucius. The two were rather pleased when Cassia and Draco developed their own friendship at an early age.

Cassia looked out at large window at which she sat and watched her parents make their way towards the Disapparition point, just past the wrought iron gates at the end of the driveway. There, they swiftly turned on the spot and vanished from Malfoy Manor. The young girl continued to gaze out of the window and allowed her thoughts to wander as she admired to sunrise.

After what felt like hours, the distant sound of Draco's voice could be heard through the cloudiness of her mind, but Cassia couldn't make out his words.

"C?" he called, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Sorry," Cassia quickly snapped out of her daze and turned her head to faced him. Glancing around the room, she noticed that Lucius and Narcissa had left, leaving the two alone. "What was that?"

"We're leaving now," Draco said gently and stood up, gesturing for her to follow him.

"Oh," a beat passed as Cassia processed her friend's words, and suddenly she jumped up, "OH- we're going to the bloody Quidditch World Cup!"

And with that, she took off running, her footsteps echoing through the empty corridors.
Her abrupt departure left a very amused Draco Malfoy standing alone in his living room.

"A literal child..." he sighed. Draco shook his head, arms crossed his over chest, as he watched Cassia's retreating figure.

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a/n: this is not a lucius x cadmus story. this is not a lucius x cadmus story. this is not a lucius x cadmus story. this is not-

also hi!! here's my first chapter so let's be nice :)