𝓣𝓱𝓮 𝓖𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓻𝓷𝓮𝓼𝓼 || 𝐋𝐮𝐜𝐢𝐮𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐥𝐟𝐨𝐲

Chapter 14 - Attachment

Ophelia climbed the stone stairs up to the main house, pulling at the hem of her black velvet dress. Once at the top a house elf polishing the floors directed her to the large dining room besides the library. Ophelia had never seen this room used at all; the family usually chose to eat in the main ballroom at the long dining table in front of the fireplace.

Taking a deep breath, she came to the large double doorway.

"Ah, Miss Oakham, so glad you could join us, please take a seat," Lucius smiled coyly from the head of the table at the far end of the room. He motioned to the closest seat on his left-hand side.

"Thank you," Ophelia smiled awkwardly as she walked the length of the table, her hands hovering over the short hem of her dress. She took her seat. Ophelia looked about for the rest of the family, but the table was empty except for the two of them. "Where is Mrs Malfoy and Draco?" Ophelia asked curiously.

"They won't be long," Lucius told her as he sipped at his silver goblet of spiced red wine. "Narcissa was indecisive on what to wear, Draco is cleaning himself up after being on that broom all day,"

"Wine Miss?" A house elf, popped up at Ophelia's side, a jug of the finest wine in her little hands.

"No than- actually yes, I'll just have a small glass please," Ophelia told the elf, she would need a little bit to make the evening a little less. Awkward. Ophelia's eyes practically bulged out of her head when she saw the elf almost fill her goblet completely.

"That's enough Tilly," Lucius ordered the house elf with a slight chuckle, though his voice was firm. The house elf vanished with another pop.

"Spiced cherry, the finest one can buy," Lucius informed Ophelia as they both took a sip from their goblets. Ophelia wanted to hate the wine due to his smug bragging, however the wine was awfully good, the right amount of sweet and spicy, full bodied, fruity. Ugh.

"Father, I- Miss Oakham!" Draco cried as he entered the room, before gathering himself before his fathers scrutinising gaze. Draco cleared his throat as he approached the governess. "I'm glad you came to dinner."

Ophelia smiled at the boy, and helped him pull out the large oak dining chair next to her. Draco hopped up happily, trying to hide the pleased smile on his face.

"Now just to wait on your mother, Draco," Lucius sighed exasperatingly as he took another sip from his goblet.

Minutes of silence went by, Draco played with his hands in his lap uncomfortably, whilst the grown ups nursed their drinks. Heads shot towards the hallways when the click-clacking of heels could be heard approaching.

"Finally," Lucius muttered under his breath as he placed his goblet down.

"I hope I haven't held dinner up too long," Narcissa smiled toothily, her words were slightly slurred, it was obvious she'd had a glass or two whilst getting ready. And she had certainly dressed up for the occasion, wearing a glittering black gown covered in intricate beadwork, a black fur shawl clung to her shoulders.

"Don't mind us dear, we're just sat here starving whilst you gussy yourself up," Lucius sneered with a false smile.

"Oh behave, Lucius," Narcissa scolded her husband with a light chuckle, as she took the seat to his right, opposite Ophelia. "I was but a few minutes... Miss Oakham, how lovely for you to join us."

"Thank you for inviting me Mrs Malfoy," Ophelia smiled sweetly.

"Now, are we finally ready for some food?" Lucius asked, breaking up the polite conversation. He snapped his fingers, and by magic the table filled with plates and platters of Christmas dinner. Turkey, ham, duck, dishes of stuffing, sprouts, parsnips, pigs in blankets... you name it, it was there. Ophelia almost felt overwhelmed by the choices before her.