The Chosen One (MattheoRiddle x Ophelia)

Cʜᴀᴘᴛᴇʀ 24

"He's back," a foreboding voice of a woman echoed through the air, her laughter laced with menace. "He's coming for you," she continued to taunt, her laughter growing more chilling with each passing moment. Suddenly, my eyes flew open, and Luna, with her sweet, angelic voice, shook me awake. Confusion filled my mind as I touched my forehead, sweaty and breathing heavily. These haunting images plagued my dreams relentlessly. Who was she, and why was this figure pursuing me? Countless thoughts raced through my restless mind.

Gathering my belongings, I disembarked the train and found Narcissa waiting for me in a corner. As I joined her, she enveloped me in a tight embrace, offering solace. Finally, we arrived home, bidding farewell to Narcissa at the doorstep. "Madam is back," Cobby exclaimed with boundless excitement, opening the door. He eagerly scurried off with my luggage as I sank into my father's imposing armchair.

The worry consumed me; I couldn't help but wonder if I was losing my sanity. These nightmares grew vivid with each passing day, haunting me relentlessly. "Cobby, can you tell me when Father will return?" I inquired, derisively observing the foolish elf. "Master will return before dusk. Cobby is so happy," he responded, twirling around like a mischievous sprite. Was this creature intoxicated or perhaps under the influence of a mysterious substance? "Fetch me some food, you imbecilic elf. I am famished," I snapped, aiming a well-aimed pillow at his head, resulting in a satisfying hiss.

The stupid elf reemerged, carrying a tray adorned with freshly churned butter, freshly baked bread, a savory pasty, and a steaming cup of tea. My famished stomach ached in ravenous hunger as I greedily gulped the food. After enjoying the meal I ventured to my room.  Though its pristine state was hardly thanks to the elf, for it remained conspicuously absent from its duties. Getting into the bathroom, I indulged in a brief shower, followed by donning a crisp ensemble - a pair of white t-shirts paired with sleek black leggings. Wielding my wand, I effortlessly dried my hair, before gracefully leaping onto the cozy confines of the bed.

Succumbing to a momentary slumber, I awoke to discover Draco sitting pensively at the edge of the bed. Springing up in surprise, I confronted him abruptly, "What on earth brings you here, Draco?" His head lowered, seemingly burdened by an invisible weight, he responded softly, "Mom awaits for you downstairs." Reacting swiftly, I composed myself and made an attempt at presentability.

Together, we descended the staircase, where my father stood engaged in conversation with Narcissa. As our arrival caught their attention, both directed their gaze towards me. In my peripheral vision, I caught sight of a conspicuously packed bag. "Sweetheart, we are departing," Narcissa declared. Confusion furrowed my brow as I inquired, "To where?" Emanating a stoic aura, my father spoke in his measured monotone, "You shall be spending the holidays at the Malfoy Manor. No further inquiries shall be entertained." With those words hanging in the air, he retreated to his quarters, leaving an air of finality.

Attempting to voice my objections, I began, "But father," only to be cut off by Narcissa's gentle intervention. "Ophelia it is important that we depart," she explained. Accepting this situation with a nod, I compliantly followed their lead.

As we arrived at Malfoy Manor, the air hung heavy with a palpable darkness, as if we were walking into the depths of hell itself. Despite having visited the manor countless times before, this time felt different, as if I shouldn't be there. But, shaking off those thoughts, I entered the manor.

The house was surrounded by a high stone wall, with a large ornate gate at the entrance. Inside, the house was a grand spectacle, with high ceilings, chandeliers, and luxurious furnishings. The drawing-room was decorated with dark wood paneling, and paintings of past Malfoy ancestors.

I entered one of the many rooms, which was decorated beautifully with silver filigree, high ceilings, a large bed, black roses on each corner, and a royal table. I placed my luggage on the bed and locked the door. The weather was dark and gloomy, and the sound of thunder echoed through the halls. When I looked out of the window, the sky was pitch black, and within seconds, it started raining heavily. I immediately closed the window to keep the rain out. "Why do I have to stay here?" I asked myself in a slow voice. "At least I was happy at home."

Each morning, an elf would bring me my breakfast, as I was too lazy to attend the formal meal. I would then spend my days practicing spells or reading books in the grand library. The room was vast, with towering bookshelves that seemed to reach up to the heavens. The scent of leather-bound books and old parchment filled the air, and the soft glow of the flickering candles provided a warm and inviting ambiance. It was here that I discovered "The Dark Spells," a book that piqued my curiosity and drew me in. However, my excitement was short-lived, as the old Lucius Malfoy appeared and snatched the book away from me, leaving me feeling powerless and frustrated. From that day on, the library remained closed, and the once inviting space felt cold and unwelcoming.

As I gazed out the window of the Malfoy Manor, I watched the dreary and unchanging weather that plagued my days. The once vibrant skies were now muted, devoid of any sign of sunshine. Now, as I pack my things for a new year at Hogwarts, I can't help but feel a sense of dread at the thought of returning to the same old routine. It was then that my father visited me, and in his presence, I felt a glimmer of hope. He promised to meet me at Hogwarts, and for a moment, I felt the excitement of adventure once again. But alas, the mundane existence at the Malfoy Manor had left me feeling bored and restless.

I longed for the silly antics of the Cobby, whose presence would atleast provide some comic relief. I still remember the day he mixed up sugar and salt, causing my father to scold him for his mistake. It was a small prank, but it brought some levity to our otherwise dull days.

As I was lost in contemplation, the sound of a knock at the door startled me. With a sense of curiosity, I approached the door and opened it to find Narcissa standing there. She was dressed in a striking emerald gown that seemed to shimmer in the dimly lit hallway. Her hair was styled in an intricate braided updo, and a delicate diamond tiara adorned her forehead. As she stepped into the room, I couldn't help but notice the way her heels clicked against the marble floor, echoing throughout the grand foyer. Her presence commanded attention, and I felt almost intimidated by her elegance.

"Darling, it's time to leave for Hogwarts," Narcissa said in her soft yet authoritative voice. "We wouldn't want to be late for the start-of-term feast now, would we?"

I nodded in agreement, feeling a sense of relief that the monotony of my days at Malfoy Manor was finally coming to an end.