Inferno | Draco Malfoy

031 | Argue me Closer

This chapter has been edited and rewritten.

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Fresh air fills my lungs, sharp and invigorating, cooling my skin as I stand at the water's edge.

Before me stretches a breathtaking, untamed landscape: a wild expanse of uneven hills and jagged rock, raw and unspoiled. Nature's quiet presence prevails here, with trees standing tall, silently watching over the dark, shimmering lake. Above, clouds drift lazily across the sky, casting shifting shadows that ripple over the land below.

This place embodies the essence of England. It is precisely what one might envision when picturing a serene countryside lake tucked away in the rural heart of the country, for it's a portrait of simplicity.

It has been just over a week since I began my daily life of confinement (one I half-jokingly compare to Azkaban), not because I am trapped by magic, but by circumstance. Still, my mother and Narcissa deemed it a good idea to enjoy a picnic by the lake, while my father and Lucius had sequestered themselves elsewhere, occupied with their usual business dealings.

Safe to say, it's rather enjoyable. 

I stroll at a leisurely pace, taking in the surroundings with a quiet appreciation, as the wind tousles the loose strands of my hair framing my face, the rest neatly gathered into a simple high bun. In front of me, the mothers are deep in conversation, and further ahead, the boys, naturally, dash towards the lake like exuberant crups.

Honestly, I find it hard to believe that Camden has an affinity for Malfoy; he is supposed to be on my side, yet he disregards the way Malfoy behaves towards me.

"Go ahead, Adria, join them down there," Mum gently encourages, gesturing towards the two boys in the distance, who appear to be engaged in a simple game of tossing stones into the lake. "We will remain here."

As the picnic mat gracefully spreads out over the grass with a flick of her wand, I find myself hesitating, contemplating my choices. The prospect of staying here with her and Narcissa suits me just fine, particularly since I have no intention of swimming today, given that the sun is hidden behind the clouds, and I'm fairly certain that the lake is freezing.

That is exactly why I opted to wear a longer dress; while it is not a formal gown, it is a soft, flowing piece in pastel pink and white, adorned with floral patterns. The fabric flutters in the breeze, with its butterfly sleeves swaying as I move, and the hem grazes just above my ankles. Underneath, I have layered thoughtfully for both comfort and modesty: fitted knee-length shorts and a pink lace-trimmed tank top, the design subtly visible at the neckline, offering just enough detail to catch the eye, without drawing undue attention.

In response to my mother's prompting, I hand over Camden's cloak (which he had hastily thrust into my arms before racing off) containing both our wands and my book inside its pockets.

As I make my way towards the boys, a flicker of uncertainty arises regarding my choice of clothing, especially as I approach the uneven lakeside terrain, where the path is littered with small stones and patches of grass, each posing a potential hazard beneath my steps.

Nonetheless, I advance cautiously, placing each footstep with care, fully aware that even the slightest misstep could transform this walk into something far less graceful. Throughout this, my eyes wander towards the lake, where distant ripples indicate the spot where the boys continue to play, lost in their game.

"Ah," Camden remarks playfully, his stance straightening as he glances over his shoulder in my direction. "See who has decided to accompany us."

Malfoy, always keen to spoil a good moment, emits a loud boo upon spotting me, accentuating the noise with a flick of his wrist as he hurls a stone into the water. The stone strikes with a dull splash, creating ripples across the glassy surface, yet his toss lacks many skips or graceful arcs, as it quickly disappears beneath the water, resulting in a blunt landing. Quite pitiful.