Two Sides of the Serpent // Draco Malfoy

Chapter Ten: Inescapable Bonds

Ashthorn Manor was always quiet but the last few days were even more so than the usual. I couldn't help but feel as if something were brewing unbeknownst to me. The holidays were suppose to be fun and filled with joy, something that I haven't experienced since childhood. Each year turning more dark than the last.

As the morning sun filtered through the window on Christmas Day, there was a sense of anticipation in the air. I sat up in bed, stretching my arms out with a yawn following pushing the strays of hair from my face. I could smell the aroma of breakfast wafting up the stairs, my mouth beginning to water. Christmas Day breakfast was always more lavish than most holidays, a tradition my family has held in place for generations.

Tossing my legs out of the bed, I decided to head downstairs and join my parents. The cool air brushing against my skin, a stark contrast to the warm under my covers and little bumps took form on my skin. As I reached the end of the stairwell and looked over into the dining room I was taken back by the sight before me, feeling a bit flustered.

The Malfoy's were sat at the table, Draco's eyes met with mine. My heart pounded in my chest as I turned and dashed back up the stairs to my room, closing the door swiftly behind me.

"Why the fuck are they here?" I mumbled to myself.

I collected myself and pushed myself away from the door, walking over to my wardrobe. Opening its door I shifted through the clothes, piecing together the outfit for the day and discarding my pajama's. I put on a pair of warm tights under my black mini skirt and a long sleeved red top. With a flick of my wand, my hair was neatly styled, my red curls cascading down my back and my lips coated with a bright red color.

The unease still chewed at me but I put on my mask, knowing that our world right now was descending further into darkness and I needed to be ready for anything. I walked down the hall, a soft clink of my heel against the marble echoed through the stairwell.

As I entered the dinning room I was met with my parents at one end of the table, and the Malfoy's at the other.

Narcissa, elegant and poised as always, turned to me and extended a welcoming hand. "Evelyn. Merry Christmas, darling."

I blinked in astonishment but quickly recovered, shaking her hand. "Merry Christmas, Mrs. Malfoy."

Lucius offered a nod of acknowledgment, his sharp eyes assessing me. "Evelyn."

My parents wore expressions of both relief and apprehension. My mother cleared her throat, grabbing my attention, "We thought it would be nice to spend the holiday together."

The atmosphere in the room was a mix of tension and civility, a delicate dance between my parents and the Malfoys. It was clear that this gathering held deeper implications than a simple holiday celebration.

I nodded, choosing to play along with the charade. "Of course, it's lovely to see you all."

Taking my seat at the table across from Draco, I began to eat some of the breakfast spread that had been laid out. The food was delicious, but my mind remained focused on the undercurrents of this unusual Christmas gathering, wondering about the true intentions behind it. As I shared a glance with Draco, his gaze held a hint of curiosity.

Breakfast was quiet, everyone shared glances with each other, unsure of how to handle the situation. When I was done eating, I retreated back to my room. I plopped myself downing the chair adjacent to the window, looking absentmindedly at the snow covered gardens. I wondered what the purpose of the Malfoy's here was, my mind racing in search of answers. I almost didn't notice the soft knock at the door.

Draco pushed open the door, standing in the hall. "May I come in?" His voice was surprisingly soft, almost vulnerable.

I nodded, my curiosity piqued. "Of course."