𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓭𝓮𝓼𝓽𝓻𝓸𝔂𝓮𝓭 𝓶𝓮.

Chapter Twelve

When I realized Draco's birthday fell on a Saturday, I was nothing short of relieved. A week ago, I started planning a small get together since I know Draco isn't too fond of his birthday. I've gotten permission to travel by floo to my manor where I will be preparing everything- with help of course.

I've already arranged for Draco to have a fitting scheduled for new dress robes to keep him busy while Blaise, Leila, Pansy and I will be preparing for tonight. I left Theo with Draco to keep him busy, as I didn't think he would be any help otherwise.

I already assumed Draco wouldn't like anything extravagant, so I only arranged a small dinner and drinks with his closest friends. There's not much to be done, but I do want to decorate a bit to make it seem more like an actual celebration. Plus, I haven't been to the manor in a while, so I'm sure there are things I need to take care of.

"Are you guys ready?" I ask the small group gathered in the common room. "Yeah, just waiting on you. Draco and Theo left not too long ago," Blaise informs me, letting me know I am on the clock to get things done. "Sorry I took so long, I had to get a few things before we leave," I tell them, thankful I remembered to grab Draco's gift before we left. "We better get going, Dumbledore is probably waiting for us," I say as I start walking out of the common room, everyone following behind me.

"Where is your family's manor anyway? And why don't you ever stay there?" Pansy asks curiously. Not wanting the pity from my friends, I answer her question vaguely. "It's tucked away not very far from London and as for why I don't stay there often, it would just be sad if I stayed in a manor that big by myself." She doesn't respond, probably noticing that I was uninterested in that specific topic.

"Miss Draven, I've been expecting you," Dumbledore greets me as we walk into his office. "Yes, sorry we took so long," I apologize, not wanting to be an inconvenience. "Oh, that's quite alright. Feel free to leave, but make sure to be back Sunday evening," Dumbledore instructs me. "Okay, thank you again for letting us go," I thank him again, grabbing a handful of floo powder. He nods, acknowledging my appreciation.

I look at the small group around me, making sure they are ready to go. Once they all let me know they are ready, I raise my hand with the floo powder and throw it to the ground while making sure to say my destination very clearly. As soon as I do so, green flames surround my body, taking me to my manor.

Once I'm there, my memory is immediately given back to me... being away from the manor for so long causes me to forget it. I turn around, admiring the small collection of family photos on the mantel of the fireplace as everyone starts appearing in front of me. I turn back around and start walking towards the family room, the sound of my heels ecoing through the open space around me as they come in contact with the dark wood floor. My friends gape at the interior of the manor.

It's not unusual that they are amazed with the place, it really is beautiful; a manor made completely of hand cut stone, stone pillars supporting the high ceilings, perfectly designed furniture in every room of the house... but it is lonely, filled with reminders of the family I never had; family pictures everywhere, empty guest bedrooms. Even my parents things are still put away neatly in their room, just as they left it.

Suddenly, Limmie, one of the house elves appears in front of me. "Hello Ivy, Limmie is so happy to see you! Is there anything Limmie can do for you and your guests?" She asks nicely, "Yes, if you will have some of the other elves help bring my friends bags up to their rooms that would be a great help. I also have directions written out to give to the elves that will be cooking tonight. Feel free to tell them to make extra for you and your friends to eat too."

"Oh, you are too kind to us elves Ivy, Limmie appreciates it very much! Limmie will make sure to bring the directions straight to the kitchen!" She keeps her joyful tone as she, along with everyone's bags, disappear.