The Stranger (Dramione)

5 - Deely's Mistake

Dinner was the most awful, awkward experience, despite the delicious food. Narcissa and Draco were hissing at each other over the table as Enola entered the room, trailing behind Deely, the sweet but exceedingly nervous house elf, who had sent for her. They'd immediately stopped talking as soon as they caught sight of Enola and it didn't take long for a permanent silence to descend upon the table. She was desperate to escape by the time she was able to return to her room.

It was painful to waste such an extravagant outfit on a miserable evening. Enola was stood before the mirror again, still unable to take in her foreign appearance. The dress had bought out the moss of her eyes beautifully, and her hair was settled into shiny ebony waves. She suspected that was the work of the tranquility oil. Even Narcissa had been stunned by the transformation, and at least she had the decency to make a backhanded compliment, unlike Draco who did not look in her direction once.

Enola regretfully removed the stunning ensemble and reached for the night dress waiting on the bed. It was another silk. This time navy, and covered with shimmering moons and stars. As Enola pulled the slip over her head, she realised just how scant the material was. She was definitely borrowing from Narcissa's wardrobe, and Narcissa really loved her husband. She climbed into bed quickly with embarrassment and glanced at Deely to ensure her back was still turned.

"I'm finished now." She said.

Deely settled herself into a chair on the opposite side of the room and swung her little legs nervously.

"I warmed the bed for you, Miss." She squeaked, nervously awaiting Enola's approval.

"I noticed, Deely. Thank you." Enola gave her a kind smile.

"It is a pleasure." Deely twinkled as her little face lit up with joy.

"Are they making you stay up all night to keep an eye on me?"

"It is Deely's job, Miss."

"Do you get paid? Surely not enough if you have to wear a dirty old pillowcase." Enola scoffed. "And they have so much money, too."

"Deely doesn't mind; it's the house elf's life." She looked nervously towards the door as though they might be overheard.

"But it doesn't seem fair. You can rest if you like. I won't tell them." Enola gave Deely a mischievous smile.

"Oh, no. I couldn't." Deely blanched at such an outrageous suggestion.

A sudden knock came at the door, followed by a pause. Draco entered the room cautiously.

"Deely, you're excused for now." He said.

Deely scattered out of the room as quickly as her legs could carry her but glanced back worriedly at Enola before the door was closed in her little face.

"How can I help?" Enola asked sarcastically, looking up at the towering figure.

"You can start by not enticing the house elves to have a night off." He said in mild annoyance.

"You really have no concept of the word privacy."

"I have no choice." He looked pained for a second. "Mother should never have bought you here."

"I think she meant well." Enola tried to sound genuine.

Their lips involuntarily twitched upward as though they might laugh.

"Nice pyjamas. Very appropriate." He smirked mockingly at Enola.

"I wouldn't tease if I were you. I'm assuming these are your mother's." Enola giggled, hoisting the quilt a little higher around her chest.

Draco's smile faltered quickly, replaced by an expression similar to that of sucking on a sour sweet. He shook his head, rejecting the thought.

"I want to know how you wound up in the alley." He said, back to business.

"I told you. I don't know. I woke up on the floor, and you were there for the rest." She responded, exasperated.

"Did you hear anything? In the shop?"

"No. Why would that matter?" She asked him. "You really are so dodgy."

"I'm just trying to jog your memory." He lied, then continued with an authentic curiosity. "What about school? Do you remember where you went?"

She thought for a moment. "No."

"Hogwarts?" He asked.

Enola felt a twinge in her stomach. She knew the name, but she couldn't place why. "I think I've heard of it, for sure."

"I've never seen you there." He said.

Her heart sank, and she shrugged disappointedly. "Will the Healer be able to help?"

"Mother says it varies. Maybe."

The two sat silently for a moment, leaving Enola to wonder why he hadn't left.

"I bet it's a horrible feeling, not knowing what's going to happen to you." Draco said suddenly.

Enola peered at him, but he was looking down at the floor. His blonde hair had fallen into his pale face, so she couldn't see his expression. "It is." She said quietly.

"But maybe you'll feel better once it's done. You know, when you've been to see a Healer." He glanced up at her for an answer.

"Yeah." Enola said, disorientated by his constant mood swings. "It'll be alright."

She wasn't sure whether she was comforting him or herself at this point.

"Yeah." He seemed to come back to himself. "Yeah. You will be."

The door swung open without warning, revealing Narcissa and a scolded Deely.

"Draco, get out." She demanded, but she was looking at Enola thoughtfully.