"I hate you, too." - Draco Malfoy Fanfic

Chapter 19

A sky full of stars and he was staring at her

-Atticus

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"I brought pudding." Vivi stepped into the entryway of the Oakley manor and gave Hannah a kiss on the cheek before greeting her husband. Eden waited patiently as Hannah and Vivi fretted over one another and eventually--slowly--they made their way up into the dining room. 

The interior was naturally dark, however the glass chandeliers and candles scattered around the room gave it a cozy feel. Bottles of wine along with cheese platters, stuffed mushrooms, candied vegetables and fruits were placed out and Eden suddenly dreaded the idea of this dinner. Appetisers meant that there would be a lot of talking before any of the meals even began to come out.

"So, Eden, how is school going?" Tom--Mr Oakley-- turned to Eden, and she was glad for the distraction as Levi stepped into the room, eyes immediately landing on her. "It's been good, thank you. Homework gets less intense near the end of the year and I was glad for the extra time." She smiled, praying she didn't sound as awkward as she felt. She'd known the Oakley family since she was eleven, but she'd never been good at talking to their parents. 

"Levi tells me you're fantastic at Astronomy. I used to do a bit of that in my years at Hogwarts, it was my favourite subject." He continued, pouring himself a glass of wine. "Yes, I do enjoy it. I'm glad it's a subject they teach." She nodded, aware of Levi as he sat diagonal from her. A calculated move, she realised. Not next to her or across from her, too bold. He was in her line of eyesight but not quite far enough that they couldn't speak if need be.

"Try the cheeses, my love. Hannah had them imported." Vivian took a seat across from her and pointed towards a nearby platter. "Yes, mama." Eden reached over and plucked a few crackers off the tray. "Would you like wine, Eden?" Hannah held up a day bottle and Eden shook her head. "No, thank you."

The door opened and three more people entered. "Good evening, mother." Vincent kissed his mothers temple. "Father." He nodded to Tom, who smiled. 

It wasn't Vincent whom Eden noticed, though. "Lovely to dine with you again, Mr and Mrs Oakley." Draco nodded politely, a tanned boy Eden didn't recognise said something similar. Eden kept her gaze carefully in the direction of her plate as Vincent sat on the other side of his father--and Draco sat beside her. Shit. Vivi noted Draco's seating choice. 

"Hello, Eden." Draco murmured, pouring himself a glass of wine. "I hate you." She whispered, a hand subtly covering her mouth as she tried to make it as obvious as possible that she did not know this boy. Down the table, Vincent was already wooing his parents with half-truths about his career in the ministry of magic. 

"Is that your mother?" Draco nodded subtly in Vivians direction. "Yes, do not speak to her." She glared, and Draco turned to his other side to speak with the third companion. Oliver--she learnt his name as they spoke. 

Fifteen minutes passed and the appetisers were taken away and replaced with the entrees. "Oh, Eden, you must try the salmon cake." Vivian turned away from Hannah to pile three little cakes onto Edens plate. "Thank you, ma." She added some grilled fig to her plate--aware of Draco who now watched her. "And the bruschetta, my love." Vivi faced her again to add a few more things to her plate. "Thank you, mama, but I won't be able to fit anything else with all of this." She laughed and Vivian smiled softly at her--always so happy to hear her daughter show even an ounce of joy. 

"You have a good relationship with her." Draco murmured, stealing a salmon cake off her plate. "Don't you?" She scowled at him, despite feeling a little relieved at having to eat less before the main course. "With my mother? Yes, I do." He smiled a little and Eden felt herself lingering on the faint expression.