limerence- d,,Malfoy

chapter twenty-three

My mother's arms wrapped tightly around me. She wept into my hair, kissing my cheeks over and over. Her smile was still just as beautiful. I had never felt such relief, such weight lifting off my shoulders.

Her smell felt just like home, and her touch reminded me of being a lost child. I had missed her so dearly; I had cried for hours on end for her. I felt safe the moment she stepped into the library. With her arms open wide, her loving touch

"I am so sorry, my precious Aurora," she repeated for the seventh time, holding me close to her. I pulled back and sighed. My smile was wider than it had ever been.

I shook my head. "I'm just happy you arrived."

She looked down at my outfit; the calf-length summer dress confused her. But she must have already understood why. Well, of course she did; she was married to the man, my so-called father.

I showed her my room, which she bought my home picture to decorate with. My friends' faces all sat on my vanity, their smiles all gleaming bright. I didn't ask anything of the outside world; I didn't want to know yet. I wasn't ready to hear about any muggle attacks or daily prophetic articles.

I watched her disappear into my father's study. Standing outside the door, they argued for a brief moment. I didn't stay around any longer to hear what was over. It could have been the fact that he whisked her children away from her or that he had been training us to be slaves for Lord Voldemort. Either way, I was interested.

"Hey," I piped, gaining the attention of my brother. He looked up at me, drawing his attention away from his study.

Valentine's face softened. "Hello, I heard mum came home."

'This wasn't home'

"Yeah, she's in the study," I grinned. Only I seemed to share the excitement. "Are you excited for the dinner party?"

"I guess I haven't really seen anyone in a while," Valentine uttered, trailing off in thought. He seemed to be enjoying the serene alone time. Lucky for him, he didn't follow every corner he turned.

Valentine was given free time to think. The father thought it was best to let his mind rest. So he could create more spells, or whatever (I didn't really care). I sat down in the leather chair next to him, gazing down at his notes. It was a whole load of words jumbled together, basically unreadable.

"It's almost half past; shouldn't you be getting ready?"

"No, I'm hiding from the maids," I huffed, crossing my arms over my chest. "Aren't you going to clean up? That hair is a mess."

"No, Aurora, I have work to do," he chimed, directing himself back to taking notes. "You wouldn't understand seeing as you spend most of your time locking in that library."

I groaned at him, getting up and walking to my bedroom. I wouldn't understand, seeing as my father found teaching me all of this pointless unless I was of age. Valentine had the weight of having to be the next heir to my father's position. I had the weight of being the perfect puppet in the game.

The maid scrubbed my skin; her routine has become daily now. Scrub, rinse, dry, change hair, and repeat. She laid out a white dress for me; it was tied together at the back, leaving a long trail behind. I slipped it over my head and sat on the vanity. My friends' faces reminded me that this was all temporary for now.

In a few months, I'll be back at Hogwarts. I'd be able to enjoy myself and live freely. That was until the next holiday arrived.

Guests had already arrived at the door. From my balcony, black, slick cars drove into the pearly gates. I hurried along the stairs, hoping I would at least know one person. My mother laced her arm with mine, schooling me for running.

"Now, dear, remember, be nice." She pestered me, fixing the loose strands of my hair. "These are very high-ranking people; you must make a good impression."

"Yes, Mum, now can I go join the party?" I rolled, pulling my arm from her grip. She chuckled under her breath and shooed me into the foyer.

They all followed me, and they all had dark faces and dark shades on. Some people conceal themselves beneath laced masks, while others are not ashamed to reveal their faces. I approached my father gently, and he placed his hand behind my back. He enthusiastically praised me in front of everyone, calling me "intelligent" and "obedient."

I only just slipped away for a moment, backing into the back of someone else. "My apologies, sir."

He turned, his grey eyes opening wide. "Aurora?"

"Draco, what are you doing here?" I questioned my voice with a sort of excitement. He smiled widely, looking over to his right.

"My family, they were invited by your father," he said, pointing to the small group of people. "It seems you've chosen which side you fall on now."