The Purest Kind of Magic

- fifty six -

The Malfoy Manor's study room was extremely different from the library. There are books, sure, but almost everything feels much more different. Sitting right across from Lucius Malfoy didn't make that a tiny bit better.

Not even having Draco right besides me was helping at all. Given the usual pureblood family traditions, it would be improper to be touching someone else too intimately, meaning Draco and I can't even hold hands.

Lucius Malfoy's silver eyes swept over Draco briefly, acknowledging his presence without betraying much emotion. His attention then returned to me, his eyes seemed curious.

"Miss Y/n, so tell me," He had a small pause, "How's the Dark Mark treating you?"

I froze right on the spot.

He usually get straight to the point, you'll see what I mean.

Draco was damn right about that.

"Father—" Draco started, his voice cautious, but he was immediately cut off by his father with a single raised finger. I glanced over at Draco, whose head was down and eyes were fixed on the floor.

I sighed and turned to the older Malfoy, "It's treating me just fine, still alive and all. Also, not trying to be impolite, but aren't you neglecting Draco a bit too much?"

The room seemed to hold its breath as my words hung in the air. Lucius Malfoy's gaze remained fixed on me, his silver eyes showing no emotion.

After a moment that felt like an eternity, Lucius's lips curled into a small, almost imperceptible smile. "An astute observation, Miss Y/n."

Draco's head snapped up, his eyes widening in surprise as he looked at his father.

Lucius leaned back in his chair, his elbow resting on the armrest as rested his head on his hand. "You see, Draco, it appears that Miss Y/n is perceptive as well as polite."

Draco blinked, seemingly at a loss for words. I could sense the tension in the room shifting, taking on a slightly lighter note, although the underlying seriousness was still palpable.

"I apologize if it seemed that way," Lucius continued, his tone softening slightly. "It's not my intention to neglect you, Draco."

Draco cleared his throat, his usual confident demeanor returning. "Of course, Father. I understand."

Lucius's attention turned back to me, his expression becoming more relaxed. "It's refreshing to see someone who isn't afraid to speak their mind."

I took a moment to gather myself, the unexpected shift in the conversation catching me off guard.

Lucius Malfoy's demeanor was complex, a mixture of authority and something softer that I hadn't expected to encounter. It was as if he was peeling back layers, revealing glimpses of his true nature beyond the façade of formality.

Before I could say anything, Lord Malfoy continued, "Family is of utmost importance, and I'm pleased to see that you hold such sentiments."

Draco looked over at me with a relieved smile and turned to his father again, "So you approve, Father?"

Lucius Malfoy's lips curved into a genuine smile, a rare sight that seemed to illuminate the room. "Yes, Draco, I do. Miss Y/n's presence has already brought a different energy to this Manor. And plus, she is obviously on our side."

"Well, quite reluctantly... It was forced upon me," I muttered.

"Yes, I am well aware of that," Lucius stated, "In fact, I was there to witness it."

I bit my lower lip as my eyes trailed to the floor, "I see." My voice trailed off at the end.

"I reassure you, the Dark Lord will not be involved in anything at all this holiday break."

I glanced up from the floor, meeting his gaze once again. His silver eyes held a depth that was both enigmatic and oddly comforting.

"You have my word," he continued, his tone leaving no room for doubt. "The holiday break at the Malfoy Manor is meant for family, tradition, and rejuvenation. I won't allow any outside influences to disrupt that."

"But then why would you want to meet me?" I spoke.

Lucius's gaze remained steady,  "Miss Y/n, circumstances have forced us into a situation that none of us would have chosen. The Dark Lord's actions have repercussions that extend beyond our control."

He leaned forward slightly, his hands resting on the desk before him. "Meeting you is not a reflection of personal desire, but rather a necessity. I want to ensure the safety and well-being of my family, and that includes understanding you, who will be part of the family."

--

Draco plopped instantly onto his soft bed as we got back to his room. I followed suit, taking a seat on the edge of the bed, letting out a sigh as I sank into the comfort of the mattress.

Draco lay back on the bed, his hands folded behind his head. His gaze was fixed on the ceiling, lost in thought. After a moment of silence, he spoke, his tone contemplative.

"You handled that well, you know. Not many people can hold their own with my father like that."

I turned my head to look at him, offering a small smile. "I wasn't sure if I was doing the right thing, but I couldn't just stay silent."

"Thanks," Draco said with a smile as he reached for my arm and pulled me down to lay next to him.

Draco's eyes met mine, and there was a warmth in his gaze that made my heart skip a beat. "You know, you're surprising me more and more every day."

I chuckled softly. "Is that a good thing?"

He shifted closer, his arm draping over my waist. "Definitely a good thing. It's like there's this whole other side of you that I'm getting to discover."

I turned onto my side, facing him, and propped my head up with my hand. "Well, I don't intend on making that too easy for you."

"Hmm, is that so?" Draco hummed playfully, his fingers tracing light patterns on my arm.

I chuckled, my gaze locked with his. "Well, I have to keep you on your toes, don't I? Can't have you thinking you've got me all figured out."

Draco snuggled closer, his breath now hitting my neck. "You know," he murmured, his voice soft against my skin, "I don't mind the mystery. It's a bit exhilarating, actually."

I turned my head slightly, meeting his gaze. "Exhilarating? How so?"

His fingers continued their gentle movement on my arm. "Well, for one, it keeps me curious. And secondly, I like discovering new things about you, like these little unexpected sides of you that peek through."

A small smile tugged at the corners of my lips. "I guess there's something exciting about leaving a bit to the imagination."

Draco's lips brushed against my neck, a soft and lingering touch that sent a shiver down my spine. "Exactly," he murmured. "And I'm looking forward to uncovering every layer."

"You're a puzzle I'm more than happy to solve," he whispered, his lips ghosting over my skin once more.