Inferno | Draco Malfoy

069 | Make a Move

It's been a few weeks and I've done a lot of self-reflecting. I've accepted it all. Every bit of rubbish there is, from the contract to knowing deep down that my parents still have hidden secrets. But, maybe that's all for the best.

On the bright side, they gave me a one-week notice for the Death Eater meeting that is taking place at the Malfoy Manor today.

I'm feeling quite calm actually. I've just adapted to what my future is to become. Even if I'm meeting every psycho and blood supremacist there is, especially the Dark Lord. My parents had warned me that He would wish to speak to me. But why should any of that scare me? As far as I know, none of them want to murder me. So, if I remain calm then I'll leave unharmed.

However, I can't deny that I'm feeling rather odd to meet Malfoy. Like I said, a lot has happened. I wonder how he's handling all this pressure, the sentence of his father, the assassination task that I found out about through Narcissa's letter. For the first time in my life, I sympathise with his plight.

Knowing the fact that he will become an official Death Eater hurts. I'm not entirely sure when he'll be marked but, as for the time being, currently no. Thank goodness that Unbreakable Vow took place, at least I know there's a higher chance of Draco's safety.

I don't know why I care so much. The fact of knowing that his life flipped upside down in a matter of seconds makes me want to care. It just feels like a punch in the gut, like I'm struggling to breathe—

"Too tight!" I let out a restricted yelp as Mum quickly loosened the laces from my black corset dress. It's beautiful, to say the least, it's off-shoulder with flared sleeves and the dress itself flows down to my ankles.

My relationship with my family has been stable and loving; it's not like I can hold a grudge against them.

"Oh Adria, you're growing up too quickly." Mum tightly hugs me and I grin, looking at myself in the mirror. "We'll all be downstairs." She smiles and walks out of my room.

I put on Malfoy's gifted earrings and added a matching black velvet choker with an emerald jewel drop. Satisfied with the small change, I let my hair down, letting it flow straight down my back. Before putting my heels on, I spray my perfume on my pressure points and add a coat of red cherry lip balm to my lips.

Without the fear of slipping, I run down the stairs. Amongst many things, I can proudly say I've mastered the art of walking and running in heels.

Fortunately for Camden, he won't be joining us at this event. That is, of course, because of his trip where he will meet Heather and her grandmother. He's been pretty giddy recently since he's planning to ask her to be his girlfriend (and then maybe in about two years, wife). Chances are she's going to accept and he will be over the moon.

Nothing stands a chance against a man in love.

Dad gives me a side hug, asking me how I feel to which I simply shrug my shoulders and say an honest 'I don't know'. Mum holds my hand and like that, we Apparate.

The evening falls with a clear purple sky as the sun sets and a few twinkling stars can be spotted. A celestial bliss.

The Malfoy Manor is exactly how it once was. Although the feeling of it isn't the same, it's much more mysterious. Perhaps that's because there are fewer plants, some completely gone, some dried and waned. Poor Narcissa, I know how much her gardens meant to her.