Inferno | Draco Malfoy

079 | Redhead in Lilac

One can argue that I have felt a significant increase in my level of relaxation recently. Perhaps it's due to the fact that I have been spending quality time with my family this holiday, or perhaps it's due to the fact that all the built-up tension I had gathered throughout this past year is no longer burdening me, for I currently feel content and carefree; as blithe as a lark in all honestly.

Despite Camden's visit to Blethynfolk this year, where he, fortunately, did not run into a malcontent girl by the name of Katie Fairfax, I also took a trip there to assess the current situation there. I noticed that the land is much wetter in comparison to last year, and dare I say, given these weather conditions, I expect snow to fall in the next two to three years. Hopefully, it does as it is criminal to receive letters from my friends, especially Daphne, writing about how they are enjoying the white snow.

Willoughby remains at peace, as it perpetually has been, but the same cannot be said for the rest of the wizarding world. Based on my knowledge and the information I have received, people have been disappearing on a daily basis: witches, wizards, and Muggles, no matter what blood. These poor people are either subjected to torment for their alleged involvement with Harry Potter or for possessing powerful information. As for repercussions, I prefer not to think about them. I am sure everyone knows who bears the responsibility for the disappearances, and that's why everyone has been so cautious, even paranoid.

Snapping out of my thoughts, I resume watering the plants in the conservatory, which is more like a greenhouse. While it is not my duty to tend to the plants — as Mum enjoys doing it and the house-elves often assist her, particularly Remi — I found myself in the room and thought, why not? I admire both the magical and non-magical plants in the room, and I savour the delightful flora aroma of the surroundings before proceeding to water the plants further down the room.

Satisfied and at ease, I take a break from watering the plants and take a seat beside the indoor pond. The pond, devoid of any living creatures, merely holds a few drifting leaves on its surface. As I sit on the stone edge, I pick up the book I had left there from earlier. It happens to be one of the numerous romance novels that Daphne had recommended to me.

Despite my initial reluctance to read the book since it is not my preferred genre, I found no other valid justification to abstain from reading it. It's a relatively new wizarding book and, to my surprise, it is not as tedious as I thought it would be. For once, it possesses a compelling narrative that deviates from the usual clichés, providing a rather refreshing change.

I turn to the page that I left off from and set the water can a few inches away from me, as I simply begin to read. I occasionally glance up from the book, allowing my eyes to wander across the room as the words on the pages come to life, painting vivid images that develop in my mind. The room, with its soft ligh and gentle ambience provides the perfect environment to relax in, and the plants, now temporarily neglected, seem to understand my need for a moment of serenity as they stay still.

However, that serenity is broken when my thoughts become fixated on a particular blond.

I am considering the possibility of sending him a letter. Will he take the time to read it? Or will he simply toss it aside? He has not sent me one, perhaps he doesn't have enough time. But surely he must have time to write a letter to me, even if it's just one word. All I want is to hear from him, especially now that those lunatics of Death Eaters made the manor into their headquarters.

Despite my safety and my family's allegiance to the Dark Lord, I am unable to personally visit the Malfoy Manor due to the potential threat that someone may have against me. Not to mention, as much as I try to disregard and conceal it, I experience a profound discomfort in the presence of most of the Death Eaters.