Healing // d.m.

| 40 |

  CATHERINE was balancing trays of food with one hand, the other frantically searching for her wand in her pocket. She was glad she decided not to use a leash on Smalls because that would mean she had an extra thing to hold. Luckily Smalls was smart enough to stay in place like the good boy he was and followed instructions well. He was carrying two trays of banana cupcakes on his back and was trying his best not to lose control. Deep down Smalls wanted to toss the thing open and gobble the cupcake all to himself.

  "State your purpose." The iron gates of Malfoy Manor spoke to her. She knew she had to say something but all she had to do was show it the ring Draco gave her, which was now a necklace around her neck.

  Her purpose was to drop off a surprise lunch for him and his friends. He said that they would be in the Manor discussing strategies or something. She was glad Draco didn't get sent far away looking for the stone, but it worries her that his spirit of fighting was far too great.

  Catherine further fumbled with her coat pockets to no avail and the face on the gate became even more grumpy, "State your purpose!!" It screamed.

  "Yeah I got that, just please wait a second." She was now irritated.

  Finally her hands found her wand on the back pocket of her dark blue jeans. With a swish and flick the trays of food floated in the air. She tugged the hem of her yellow knitted turtleneck sweater down and clasped the golden chain around her neck, showing the gate the emerald ring. It hesitated for a while, denying that she has one of the Malfoy's family heirlooms. The gate had no choice but to let her in.

  "Come on, Smalls. Remember to stay quiet, okay? And stay close to me." She lifted the charm and resumed holding the tray.

  Catherine knew Cissy would be on the other end of the Mansion, probably painting by the garden balcony. Or maybe she would have some friends over. Catherine made a mental note to visit her later. She made his way up the stairs where his study would be, hoping there won't be that many people. She was not in the mood to really mingle with Slytherin elites. She still hasn't befriended Nott and Zabini.

  She motioned for Smalls to sit and wait outside. The big wooden door was left slightly ajar so Catherine nudged it open slightly enough for her slender body to enter. She didn't want to disturb them if they were in the heat of the conversation.

  Zabini and Parkinson were sitting awfully close on the black velvet couch. His hand was on her lap, stroking her skin slightly, trying to cheer her up. Catherine forgot how beautiful she actually is when she's not running her mouth. Her face is now more mature, her lips no longer robust. But she was so somber as she read the mountains of papers that were staring at her.

  Nott and Pucey along with some other gentlemen were lounging by the bar, sipping some red wine. Nott was obviously being annoying because the audience sighed at his words. Greengrass was with them. Daphne Greengrass... she forgot how beautiful she looked. Blonde hair with pearl earrings, dolled up in a black silk halter neck dress.

  Swallowing a lump in her throat, she scanned the room for him. Catherine was grateful that no one saw her yet, she was so not ready to enter the room. Her eyes finally landed on him. His usual white button up messily tucked in. The sleeves rolled up exposing his strong arms that were pointing onto something on the desk. He seemed to be in a very serious conversation. His other hand kept running through his hair. She noticed that his tux was draped on the king seat behind him. All the men were wearing formal tuxes. Is this what rich pureblood people wear daily?

  Catherine took a deep breath, steadying her racing heart, willing her brain to calm down so she could enter, but her eyes caught a movement just right beside him. A delicate hand, wearing a golden bracelet that must've cost more that her entire furnished house. Catherine traced the movement up to the silver curls of the woman's hair that landed just by her chest. Her face was a picture of art. She can see the resemblance she had with the sister. There was no doubt Astoria Greengrass grew to be an elegant lady. Even the way she stands so poise and straight, with the skin tight velvet dress. Her lips moved to reply to what Draco was saying then laughed, he heard tipping back and she placed a hand on his shoulder.