Rough Diamond (The Poisonous Princess Book 3)

Malfoy Manor

Easter holidays, 'Ostara' as wizards say, arrived just after spring's tests. My different professors were appeased by my results. I didn't get high grades but it was better than last semester. So they all encouraged me to continue and my fight with Pansy was all forgotten.
Secretly, it was a plan from me. I just needed them to let me freedom without studying too hard. It worked.

First day of holidays, on afternoon, a stylish black car was waiting for Draco and me.
It was parked at the end of Hogsmeade road, just a mile close to the castle land. So a group of students, mostly younger, came along the way with us to admire the Thunderbird.

I only took a backpack for my one night stay, but Draco packed all his stuffs and a house-elf carried them after him.
The elf clicked his fingers to put the trunks in coffer.

"Are you ready ?" Draco asked me.

"You're such a VIP. Everyone is watching us."

"My father works at ministry, it has to give exclusive rights."

He opened up the door and I took a seat. He joined on my left and slammed the door.

"Let's go, driver." He ordered.

The motor started in strong and deep noises and we rolled ahead for a few meters. I looked by the shaded window and sense that the engine was smoothly taking off.

"We will fly there ?!" I asked in excitement.

"Well of corse. It would be took long to stay on roads. It'll take less that two hours of flight."

"Amazing."

He took my hand tightly.

"I'm happy. It's good to have you with me."

*******

The car landed on ground without any turbulence. We were driven on a wide road that leaded to an impressive iron portal. Two metallic snakes were rolled on both sides. Of corse, it opened as soon as the car approached, and I asked :

"Snakes ? For Slytherin ?"

"All my family were sorted to Slytherin, since generations." Draco said.

Good thing that I took my quidditch pullover, I thought.
It took a short moment to follow the straight lane which was between two side of yew hedges.

I finally discovered the manor, magnificently surrounded by the sunset sky. At the entrance, a round driveway was circling a big fountain. There, a majestic white peacock was drinking, and another one flew aside before our car.

"Welcome to my place." Draco declared with pride.

The driver stopped and opened up the door.
I saw the elf rushing to the luggages. This one was older than those I saw at Hogwarts.

"I'll take my bag." I told him.

He made a surprised face but handed it to me and I placed it lazily on one of my shoulder.
I took a deep breath to get ready but Draco heard me. We exchanged an eye contact, as if he wanted to reassure me.

The manor's door opened to reveal the couple.
Draco stepped quickly to them.

"Good evening !"

"Hello son, have you made a safe trip ?" Greeted the father.

"Yes."

I stood by his side and got shy.

"Welcome here Isabella." Said Lucius.

"Hello, I'm honored of your invitation." I adressed to both of them.

"Welcome to our house. We hope that you're not intimidated by us, there is really nothing to be." The mother told me.