My Father's Only Rule {DRACO MALFOY X SNAPE'S DAUGHTER}

Chapter Sixteen: Christmas At Cokeworth

Christmas Day 1995 - Spinner's End, Cokeworth

Dad really tried. He even went out and bought some muggle Christmas movies. He tried to watch them with me over the next few days. But all I could think about was how Voldemort was not enjoying the holidays. I wanted to fight. I wanted to do something worth doing, and my dad wanted me locked up in a safe tower. But if he had never become a death eater in the first place, he would be on the right side and only the right side. Then I could fight. Alongside Harry. God, I miss Harry.

I woke up early on Christmas morning to get ready for the afternoon of traveling. I quickly packed my things and ran down the stairs with my bags in hand. But I stopped to look around to find presents under the tree. He got me something? What could he possibly think to get me? I didn't see him around, but when I walked into the kitchen I saw a perfect Christmas breakfast sitting on the table, complete with pancakes and hot chocolate. Why would he do that? It was so nice, thoughtful, and...so out of character. I heard him coming down the stairs and turned around just in time for him to see me.

"Oh," he said. His face never said anything, but his inflection always managed to say everything. "I didn't think you'd be up yet. Well, let's get this over with. I know you're dying to get to London." I didn't say anything. Seeing all this, I just felt, well, terrible. Still annoyed, but terrible. What was I supposed to get him? Was I supposed to get him anything? Would he be upset if I didn't?

It was awkward. Slowly eating our festive breakfast while Home Alone was on in the background. There were about ten presents sitting under the tree.

"I, uh," I said quietly. "I didn't think we were going to do presents, so I didn't think to get you anything."

"I didn't think you would," he said. "You have no money. I got a few things for myself. We can pretend they're from you if you wish." When we finished breakfast, we gathered around the tree. "The red ones are yours," he said, gesturing to the presents. I picked one up and unwrapped it slowly. I think it got too awkward for him to take. He got up, announced that he would be back, and walked away into his study. I opened it to find an old picture of a young woman. A young woman who looked a lot like me. A surprising amount like me. I wasn't quite sure who she was or how it was a gift, but I admired it nonetheless. I set it aside and opened my next gift. A couple of advanced school books. I was actually happy to get school supplies for Christmas. My next gift was a new coat. But it wasn't just any coat. I pulled it out and marveled at its incredibly soft touch. It was deep black with Russian sable fur on the inside and a leather exterior. It was beautiful. It stopped at the waist and flared out a little. How long did it take him to save up for this? He came out of his office to find the picture sitting on the table next to me.

"I see you've met your grandmother," he said.

"That's your mom?" I asked. "I look just like her."

"Yes. Hence the gift. We're running a little behind, you'll miss your train if we don't leave soon."

"I thought I wasn't meant to leave until later in the afternoon."

"Yes, originally. But I thought, since you obviously want to be anywhere but here, that I'd change your train. I'll have the rest of your gifts sent to your room when school starts. " I was speechless as he grabbed my bags and hurried me out the door. We walked through the miserable streets that were completely deprived of any Christmas joy. I was silent in my guilt on the way to the train station. He walked me up to the train, handed me my ticket, and gave me some muggle money.

"When you arrive in London, get a taxi and go straight to Grimmauld Place." I stared at him softly, then I threw my arms around him into the tightest hug, something I hadn't done in a while. Hesitantly, he patted my back. I only let go when I heard the final whistle, signaling to get on the train. I quickly found my seat and waited in mandatory patience to get to London.