he found love in her

001

The bright, mid-morning sun beams over the Dior Family Manor, the frosted blades of grass in their front garden glinting in the light. The light breeze of the new year sways the tall trees and the distant crunch on the stone path of the apparition line, causes the birds perched on nearby trees to disperse into the cloudless sky. The morning is tranquil, and the only movement seen on the surface of the ponds are a slight ripple in the still waters. Inside the Manor however, peace is impermissible as the hosts prepare for the arrival of their visitors.

The oldest child, Belle, waltzes around the house anticipating a knock on the door after being ordered by her father to greet their company first. Thomas himself sits by his desk, his back hunched as he attempts to complete his work quickly- by his wife's request; Belle braces herself when steps approach the entrance of the estate and checks her reflection for the final time.

~

Belle

"It's rude to not say hello to your guests Dior." Draco drawls, smirking as he steps into the front porch.

"Great to see you again, Malfoy." I reply, glaring at him.

Mother invited the Malfoys over a collection of times throughout the holidays so why not have them and their ungrateful, idiot of a son over for the first day back too? Our parents have decided to apparate over to Kings Cross Station together and quickly catch up before we leave for the start of spring term at Hogwarts- this couldn't get any worse.

If it weren't for their moron son, I wouldn't mind hosting for the Malfoys so often. I love Narcissa with my whole heart, her being the most thoughtful women I have ever met, and Lucius is alright; he hasn't done any wrong towards me and keeps my horrible father busy. Draco on the other hand is the most arrogant and cold-hearted person I've ever met. You would have thought that from the sixteen and a half years we've known each other he would at least have tried to get to know me, try to become civil for the sake of our families, but no. Of course not. All Draco Malfoy cares about is himself and his fucking status. I literally have no idea how we share the same group of friends.

In the far view I notice Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy walking down the driveway so I swiftly straighten my scowl into a more welcoming smile to greet my favourite adults. As Narcissa strides in, I bring her into a heartfelt hug which has been long overdue.

"How are you darling?" She asks, engulfing me in her floral, comforting scent.
She turns towards Draco and ushers him along the corridor to the staircase, "Run along Draco, go see Grey." And then turns back to Lucius and me and smiles.

"I shall be in Thomas' study if you need me, love." Lucius announces as he follows his son up and leaves his wife to take my hand and lead me into the kitchen.

~

Belle

"Are you excited to travel back to Hogwarts this term, you must miss your friends?" Narcissa inquires as she takes a sip of her tea and places her teacup back onto the table.

I cautiously transfer my cup down beside hers and reply, "Of course! This winter break has been extremely relaxing, yet I never dread going back to school." She nods politely in agreeance, and I carry on, "Quidditch season has just begun and I was hoping to win a spot on the Slytherin team this year."

"-Ah yes Draco mentioned that too, I believe he continues to trial for the seeker spot, but he added that a few spaces are free. You must try out and owl as soon as you find out the results!"

I smile and respond, "Draco will undoubtedly ensure a place, at school they talk highly of his skill," I hope she doesn't tell him that, his ego might get even bigger than it already is, "-but I shall certainly send a letter promptly after hearing the outcome... Ignore the small tear drops that will surely smudge the ink though!"