Inferno | Draco Malfoy

114 | By the Fireplace

January
2003.

"Here, Adria," Draco says, handing me a steaming mug of hot chocolate that immediately makes my eyes light up. The rich aroma envelops my senses, a tantalising blend of deep chocolate and a hint of vanilla that promises both warmth and solace.

As I wrap my fingers around the mug, the heat seeps through the ceramic, sending a wave of comfort to course through me, akin to a warm hug from a stuffed animal. Meanwhile, Draco plops down next to me on the plush carpet, cradling his own cup of hot chocolate like it's a precious treasure. Steam rises gently into the air, curling like delicate tendrils, creating an ethereal atmosphere; I cannot suppress a smile at the heavenly smell as I lift the fluffy blanket wrapped around me, inviting him to share in its snuggly goodness.

"Thank you for the hot chocolate," I respond leaning in closer beneath the blanket which provides a reassuring weight that surrounds us; this proximity offers a sense of comfort, creating a shared experience that feels both intimate and secure.

I retrieve the teaspoon from my mug, the metal cool against my fingertips, and begin to mix the whipped cream into the hot chocolate. The cream swirls gracefully with the rich, dark liquid beneath, creating a delightful marbled masterpiece that looks like it belongs in an art gallery.

My excitement bubbles up as I watch the colours meld together, a visual treat that matches the giddy feeling within me. I lift a small fluffy marshmallow resembling a cloud from the surface of my drink, its pillowy texture tempting me as I pop it into my mouth.

Sitting before the fireplace together, I take a sip of the hot chocolate, savouring the warmth that spreads through me. The combination of the sweet gooey marshmallow fluff and the creamy chocolate is delicious, a perfect harmony of flavours that brings a smile to my face. With each sip, I sense the tranquillity of the day settling in.

I pause and take a moment to appreciate the festive snowman mug that Milly had hand-crafted for me as a holiday present two years ago. Its cheerful design, with a wide grin and button eyes, never fails to lift my spirits. Although it is January and the new year has begun, I still perceive the holiday spirit lingering in the air, particularly as the snow continues to fall, blanketing the world outside in a serene white.

This is why Draco and I still have our adorned Christmas tree up, a vibrant symbol of joy and celebration that brightens our home. The tree stands tall in the corner of the room, its branches heavy with a variety of ornaments, each one telling a story of its own. Ruffles of shimmering tinsel cascade down like waterfalls of light, and atop the tree, a golden star glimmers, catching the light from the fireplace and reflecting it in a dazzling display.

I find myself chuckling as I turn to face Draco, who raises an eyebrow in response to my amusement while still cradling his hot chocolate.

Despite the steam that wafts up from the mug, my focus is entirely on him, for it's nearly impossible to look away when there is a generous amount of whipped cream smeared across his nose and mouth, particularly at the tip of his nose. It's a comical sight, especially considering he did not stir his whipped cream into the drink, leaving the fluffy topping to settle in a delightful mess.

"What's so funny?" He asks, his voice infused with intrigue, prompting me to laugh even harder, especially as he lifts his hand, seemingly ready to wipe his face clean, but I quickly swat his hand away, a playful grin spreading across my face. Instead, I lean in closer, feeling the warmth radiating from him as I gently cup his jaw and neck in my hands.

With a soft smile, I place a kiss on the tip of his nose, effectively removing the whipped cream in one swift motion. The contact is brief but sweet, eliciting an unexpected burst of laughter from him, likely due to the ticklish sensation. His eyes widen in surprise, and I can't help but find immense pleasure in the joy of the moment.