The Purest Kind of Magic

- fifty five -

"And you must be Y/n. Draco told me about you."

I felt my cheeks flush as she came closer. I hurriedly spoke, "Lady Malfoy, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."

Draco snickered quietly and whispered in amusement, "You're nervous."

Lady Malfoy's lips curved into a knowing smile as she acknowledged my words. "The pleasure is mine, Y/n. Draco has mentioned you quite often."

I glanced over at Draco, "I sure hope he only had good things to say."

Lady Malfoy's blue eyes seemed to hold a hint of amusement as she regarded me. "Oh, don't you worry. He spoke quite highly of you."

"It's... It's an honor to be here," I stammered slightly, feeling a bit flustered by the situation.

Lady Malfoy's smile remained elegant and gracious. "You're too kind, dear. Draco's friends don't often find their way to our doorstep, but I'm glad you're here."

Draco's soft laughter filled the air again, and I shot him a playful glare, though my nervousness was slowly giving way to a more relaxed feeling. Draco never spoke much about his family, but whenever he did, it was about how great his mother is, or how terrifying his father is.

Lady Malfoy seemed to sense the unspoken thoughts in the room and spoke with a reassuring tone, "I hope you feel welcome here, Y/n. The Manor may have an imposing exterior, but it holds a warmth that's often overlooked."

She then slightly turned around to the direction of the door, "I'll leave you two to it. Oh and Draco?"

Draco immediately looked over, "Yes?"

"Do greet your father when he returns home today."

Draco's expression shifted slightly, a mix of resignation and apprehension crossing his features. "Of course, Mother."

Lady Malfoy offered him a supportive smile before gracefully exiting the library, her presence leaving a sense of elegance in its wake.

As the door closed behind her, Draco let out a sigh and rubbed the back of his neck. "Well, that's one part of the visit I wasn't exactly looking forward to."

"I'm sure it won't be too bad."

"You'd be surprised, then," Draco replied without hesitation.

--

Lucius Malfoy was almost exactly as I have heard. Tall and imposing, Lucius Malfoy exuded an air of authority that was hard to ignore.

His platinum blonde hair was slicked back, and his sharp, silver eyes seemed to assess everything with a critical gaze. He was impeccably dressed in fine robes that spoke of wealth and prestige.

His eyes barely glazed over me as he walked through the door and I felt my body involuntarily stiffen. I glanced over at Draco, who already put on the emotionless-Pureblood face.

Lucius Malfoy's presence seemed to command attention, and the atmosphere in the room shifted almost palpably. It was as if the very air grew colder, the weight of his authority settling around us.

Whatever Draco said about his father that I used to doubt, I believe now. This man is intimidating and hard to ignore.

"Father," Draco greeted in a monotone voice, barely making any eye contact.

I hesitated before speaking, "...Lord Malfoy."

His lips curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile, a gesture that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Miss Y/n."

He ignored his own son.

"Draco has told me that you're spending the holiday break here," Lucius remarked, his eyes still fixed on me.