Eclipse of Desire

Malfoy Manor

The sun penetrated through the window into my gloomy bedroom. Even as the rays of light warmed the room it still felt cold and alienated. I didn't stop to check the time, I got up from my bed quickly. I took the unused suitcase in my room and opened it wide in front of me. I didn't know what to take, what clothes, what objects but I didn't want to waste time. I threw in a few sets of clothes, leisure reading books, school supplies and homework given for the summer and a few other things. 

I dressed quickly, arranged my hair in a sloppy bun and put on my half-tied shoes. I just wanted to leave as soon as possible.

I went down the long marble staircase. I entered the dining room after placing my suitcase at the entrance to the house. I looked at the table, my mother and father were sitting there in thunderous silence that was uncomfortable for everyone. At first they didn't notice my quiet presence until my mother turned her gaze on me.

"Good morning sweetie." she said in a weak voice with half a smile on her lips. She was so submissive and distressed that she was afraid to speak to me freely without my father's permission.

He just looked at me coldly. I can't stand this look of his, very mocking and condescending.

I joined the table quietly. I didn't dare open my mouth. I sat down in front of an empty plate. The situation did not whet my appetite.

"Before you go to the Malfoys" my father started to say between bites, not looking at me for a second. "It's important that you remember that this is not an excuse to lose your way. The reputation of this family depends on all of us. I only agreed to let you stay with them because I know that Lucius will be able to keep a close eye on you." He continued in a cold, stiff voice as he took the Daily Prophet into his hands, beginning to read unimpressed.

"And take care of yourself, okay honey?" My mother quickly added, her voice still weak. Glancing at my father who seemed less interested and back at me she smiled.

"Don't worry. She will be well taken care of." My father answered simply as he reads the articles appearing in the newspaper.

His words did not calm my mother, on the contrary, she looked very worried but I prefer that to staying here.

My mother tried to convince me to stay at home saying that so I could be close to the family. No matter how hard she tries and how good her intentions are, I will not agree to stay here as long as I have the chance to go.

---

My parents finished their breakfast. We headed towards the main entrance. In one hand I have my suitcase and my wand and in the other hand my owl, Athena, who rested calmly in her cage.

I stood in front of the designed and decorated wooden doors. I turned for the last time to my parents with a faint smile and raised eyebrows. I took a deep breath and the front doors opened for me.

"Do you have everything you need?" My mother asked lightly, smiling sadly at me.

"Yes, everything." I answered her.

"Your owl will be sent to the Malfoys, it will arrive after a while" my father said coldly, looking at the owl with disgust.

"Okay." I said in a weak voice. I looked at Athena with a sorry look. I felt like her for a moment. Locked in a cage and surrounded by people who supposedly care. But now we go free... sort of.

"And remember, don't do nonsense, represent the family properly and respect the Malfoys." My father added with emphasis in his voice and I stopped myself from rolling my eyes. I nodded slightly.

"Bye."

---

It felt like a dream. I stood in front of the huge Malfoy manor. I haven't been here in years. I vaguely remembered the place but what I was sure of was the dark beauty of the place. 

The garden was beautiful and decorated with all kinds of flowers, mainly roses and bushes in interesting shapes. I took a moment to look and digest the whole landscape around me. I approached the massive doors at the entrance. They were decorated with beautiful and delicate ornaments. I gently touched the doors, to feel them for a moment. 

Then in a second, they opened and slowly revealed the interior of the manor. I took one step back, I looked in amazement at the entrance hall, simply amazing. A magnificent and huge chandelier hung from the ceiling, the floor was shiny and smooth on one side there were huge windows covered by dark green curtains, and two staircases developed on each side. I stood in the doorway, I didn't know whether to go in, the beauty made me dizzy.

"Y/n?" called a familiar voice from inside the mansion. The voice caught my attention but I didn't know where it was coming from. Until I saw Draco coming down the stairs with a smile on his face. When he reached the bottom of the stairs he stopped dramatically to look at me.

"Draco" I answered simply. I examined it carefully. He has changed a lot, matured more. He got taller and his voice got deeper. His appearance was impressive, as if he turned from a boy to a man in a second. He wore a black suit and matching tie, everything fit him perfectly. I've never seen him like this.

"You look amazing" he said with a smile and approached me. I playfully rolled my eyes and smiled at him.

"You're not bad yourself" I told him with a chuckle. He replied with a chuckle too.

"Why the giggles, Draco?" said a cold and confident voice echoing through the walls. Draco's expression immediately changed, he became anxious. I looked at him in confusion. Footsteps were heard approaching me and him. I listened carefully, trying to understand the situation. 

A few moments later a large and menacing figure stood behind Draco. The presence and appearance were clear, there was no need to think twice about who the person was. The confidence and arrogance burst out of him without saying another word.

"Oh. Miss Y/l/n. How lovely to see that you came." said none other than Lucius Malfoy. with a smirk on his face and eager eyes. He was tall, his body was firm and well built, his long platinum hair neatly arranged on his head and his clothes fitted his proportions perfectly. In his leather gloved hand he held a diamond-encrusted serpent's head staff.

"Mr. Malfoy. thank you for kindly agreeing to host me in your home for a while. I really appreciate that" I said in a warm voice, smiling at the man who seemed pleased with my response.

"The young lady is gifted with manners, how wonderful. The pleasure is all mine, my dear." He replied proudly and his grip on the snake stick tightened.

"Draco, how impolite of you not to let the young lady in." Lucius scolded Draco who looked stressed by the whole situation.

"Yes, father, sorry." He answered in a choked voice to his father. "Come in, Y/n." Draco gave me a half smile and I returned one before walking inside into the entrance hall.

"How beautiful." I said under my breath but loud enough for the Malfoys to hear.

"Yes, it is." Lucius said looking around. "I want you to feel comfortable here, okay my dear? Don't hesitate to ask for anything if you need to. My home is your home." Lucius told me with warmth and a kind smile. "Draco will take you to your room. The way here must have tired you. Rest until dinner, we'll call you when it's ready" he added and gestured for Draco to take my suitcase.

"Again, thank you very much, it's really lovely of you, even too much." I said shyly and a slight blush appeared on my cheeks. I looked at Draco who took my suitcase in his hands towards the stairs and motioned for me to follow him.

"Willingly, dear" Lucius finished his words and turned towards the living room. "See you at dinner."