Filthy Purebloods | ʳᵉᵍᵘˡᵘˢ ᵇˡᵃᶜᵏ

Finch Family Dinner

The dazzling Christmas tree added a jolly element to the Finch manor that was otherwise absent throughout the rest of the year. The black boughs were decked in shimmering orbs and sparkling decorations, complete with a silver star engraved with the family crest on the top.

Sidra tried to retain her attention on the tree and off of the curiosity gnawing at her. She was simply desperate to know why her parents needed her home so urgently. It wasn't as though Christmas was a terribly special day in their household.

The clock read five minutes to four, which was five minutes away from the traditional Christmas Eve dinner time. Vera and Leo wore matching sweaters and handed Sidra a soft package that she assumed was a third sweater made especially for her.

"From my mother." Vera rolled her pale eyes. "She'll be here any moment and Merlin help us if we're not all wearing them." She gestured for Sidra to hurry up and slip hers on.

Just then, her grandma slid from the fireplace and landed, not a hair out of place or mark of soot marring her white gown. Despite her age, her skin was tight, showing off high cheekbones and years spent showing no emotion besides slight annoyance, but that required no facial expression in her case seeing as it was her permanent mood.

"Mother." Vera's smile was strained, as was the hug she shared with her mother.

"Irina." Leo greeted her.

She pulled Sidra into a hug and let her go just as quickly, much to Sidra's relief. Her grandmother was bony and sharp; very unpleasant to hug.

"I see you all received my gifts." She smiled at the three green sweaters. It irritated Sidra's skin but she didn't dare show any discomfort. "Lovely. I had my old friend make them especially for the family."

"You didn't have one made for yourself?" Vera questioned.

She waved her daughter off. "Couldn't be seen wearing that. You all look marvellous, though. Really." She smiled at Leo. "No firewhisky?"

"Oh! Yes, yes..." He made for the kitchen.

Vera cleared her throat and Leo stopped in his tracks. "The house elf will bring it during dinner. Everyone find your seats, we're already late."

Late for what, Sidra wasn't sure. Every year was the same as far as she could remember. Vera always wanted to have dinner at exactly four, but she was lucky if everyone had even arrived by quarter past.

This year her parents' siblings wouldn't be joining them for some reason or other. Sidra assumed they weren't on speaking terms, but she didn't care enough to pry. Her aunts and uncles weren't exactly her favourite people.

Still, Sidra took her usual seat beside Irina. While her parents were distracted, Irina leaned in. "Don't worry, that's not your only gift." She nodded towards the Christmas tree and Sidra spotted a broom-shaped parcel.

She smiled up at her gran. "I love it already."

"I thought you might." She nodded. It wasn't a sentimental gift but it was the tradition in the Finch household, to gift each other the latest broomsticks. At one point, Sidra ran out of space for all of them and her mother used the older ones - which were still basically new - for firewood.

The meal commenced without issue, aside from Vera's irritation when Leo's parents arrived twenty minutes later and made a nuisance of themselves, almost knocking over the tree in their haste to sit down and stop Vera's glaring at them. Leo's parents were clumsy which may have made them seem approachable, but the external charm was quickly forgotten when they began to speak. The most horrible things Sidra had ever heard came out of their mouths.