slytherin royals [draco malfoy]

𝟎𝟎𝟗.

"Dinner party"

The dinner party at the malfoy manor had calculated timing. the Malfoy's made sure to host it near the beginning of the year. giving them time to influence newer families in Hogwarts and show off their assets as they were only among the best. it also served as a way to make new connections which could always come in handy.

draco sat in one of the many cushioned seats that had been scattered along the ballroom of the malfoy manor. the taste of alcohol lingered on his tongue as he sat displeased with the event his mother had forced him to attend.

'you are a host. act like one', she had said. he cringed as he recalled the conversation, unable to comprehend to what extent his family was willing to play perfect when they practically crumbled underneath. how long he'd be forced to wear the pathetic mask. play the pathetic role.

"don't you think this is a bit much, father?", draco expressed, sitting by a lone piece of antique furniture, eyes fixed on the elf that polished his shoes.

his father Lucius adjusted his tie by the mirror with his usual poker face. he was saving the artificial kind demeanor for the guests. "nonsense son."

"I mean, I know you want to befriend the Mikealsons this year, but don't you think that's a bit- I don't know farfetched?"

his father turned after having contemplated whether the color of his suit was appropriate for the occasion for far too long. he looked at his son in a way that made him uncomfortable. " we befriend all our attendees, what are you going on about?" Lucius himself knew they especially wanted to come closer to the mikealsons, but he wouldn't let it show.

"whatever", mumbled the conflicted boy.

"what was that?" his father's stern gaze was enough to break him inside.

his mother narcissa walked in next. though her expectations for her son were far lower than her husband, she still judged his every move, afraid that they'd create the wrong image or give the wrong impression of themselves if he made the slightest mistake.

she ventured to her son's side and placed a disciplinary had on his lower back, forcing him to straighten his posture. "sit up draco."

draco let out a sigh and stood up from the chair, smoothening the creases he'd created on his suit and forcing a smile as he walked to the library. that's where he found himself sulking every pointless dinner party. except this one truly wasn't so pointless. if mattheo wasn't bluffing and the death eaters really were going to show up, the dinner would be more eventful than first anticipated.

the manor slowly filled with life. countless rich and mediocre families bringing they're fake smiles to the doorstep, expensive gifts in their hands probably wrapped and picked out by their house elf. they walked to the buffet and dinner tables ready to gossip the night away and hoping to spark a business deal somewhere in the meaningless conversation.