Inferno | Draco Malfoy

089 | Heartstrings

Rhythmically, I tap my feet on the beautiful black rug while my gaze meticulously examines each corner of the sitting room, which appears more dismal than ever.

Today, Malfoy Manor is hosting a meeting of Death Eaters, and although my parents are not affiliated with them, they are present. I accompanied them, albeit with limited options, as the Dark Lord specifically requested my attendance. Admittedly, I could have declined the invitation, but my desire to attend was also genuine, as my only motivation for being here was to catch a glimpse of Draco and to question him regarding his lack of response to my previous communications.

However, the task of catching a glimpse of him is turning out to be more challenging than I initially anticipated. I have been seated here on the couch alongside my brother and parents for far too long now. In fact, it has been so long that both Mum and Camden have fallen asleep, after all, it is the evening.

Since this meeting is taking forever, I begin to question the necessity of the discussions at hand. I mean, a soirée is scheduled in a month's time to celebrate the death of Dumbledore, which would serve as a more appropriate occasion for such conversations. And yes, the Dark Lord has set up a gathering to honour the death of his former nemesis.

Not to mention, this gathering will be open to all the Death Eaters, not merely those favoured by the Dark Lord who are presently in attendance in this meeting. This situation is particularly advantageous given the recent mass escape from Azkaban, resulting in the liberation of Lucius Malfoy and other Death Eaters.

According to the information provided by my parents, Lucius Malfoy is currently attending this meeting, even though it is evident that he is no longer favoured by the Dark Lord. But, since both his wife and son are present, it raises a question: does this imply that Draco remains among the Dark Lord's favoured individuals?

My eyes wander around the vacant room, again and again, and I find myself reflecting on the lifelessness of this Manor. Just when I believed the starkness could not become more pronounced, it indeed did. There is not a single picture in sight, not even a tapestry or painting at the very least.

The space is characterised by its monotony and lack of vibrancy as if a conscious decision was made to maintain an atmosphere of dullness and simplicity. While I can understand the rationale behind the absence of décor, given the propensity of the Death Eaters to cast spells indiscriminately, I would at least put a flower on the table. But, in all truth, the last thing anyone would want, is for their home to be cluttered with the remnants of shattered possessions.

Although the Manor exudes an atmosphere of despair, the external environment mirrors this exact sentiment, for the clouds present an atypical shade of grey, obscuring every part of the moonless sky. We, as a family, chose to arrive via Floo Network, since there are now anti-Apparition charms surrounding the Manor and we figured Floo Network would be the most efficient.

"How long has it been?" Camden stirs awake, stretching with a yawn.

"Decades, perhaps even centuries at this rate," I reply softly, yet, I instantly regret my words the moment a resounding crash reverberates through the corridor, followed by a cacophony of voices and laughter (though it requires little deduction to recognise the unmistakable cackles of Bellatrix Lestrange).

Mum immediately awakens, her eyes fluttering open as if she had been waiting for this moment, and as Dad assists her in rising to her feet, Camden and I exchange a knowing glance, a silent agreement to mirror their actions, for we simultaneously stand up together.

Quickly, I glance at Camden, who stands beside me, and I notice that his expression combines anticipation with drowsiness, as he struggles to suppress a yawn. Concurrently, the sound of multiple footsteps draws nearer, causing me to take a moment to smooth down my elegant black dress, feeling the coolness of the fabric against my fingers. Once I have finished adjusting the hem, I straighten my posture and elevate my chin.