Babysitters

Chapter 3

VERONICA VALDEZ

We have literally been here for 10 minutes, and I have already seen all the people I didn't want to see. Tom and Mattheo were here, probably with their father. Draco too, obviously, but what really surprised me, was that I saw Theodore Nott and Lorenzo Berkshire sitting at the table next to Mattheo.
They were all about two years older than me, in their seventh year at Hogwarts. I didn't really talk to any of them at school, and I didn't think they'd have any problem with me. I mean, we didn't even know each other?
However, Tom glared at me as soon as he saw me. Typical for him. Draco didn't seem to even realize that I was there, but Mattheo, Theodore and Lorenzo started whispering to each other. I tried to ignore them the best as I could, and asked Draco's mother, Narcissa, where I could leave my stuff.
She showed me 'my' room, and left me to do my thing. I felt relieved that I didn't have to feel the boy's gaze on my back, and I closed the door.
The room was quite pretty, actually. The furniture seemed expensive, and it was made of dark wood. There was a bookshelf, a bed and a desk. But it looked empty. All the shelves were empty, and it was just perfect for me to put my stuff. They definitely had prepared to give this room to me fully.

I walked to the window, and looked out just to see a pretty view to the Malfoy's garden.

I lowered the box to my bed, and used my wand to enlarge it to the normal size. I started taking stuff out, clothes, books, makeup...
After setting everything to their place, I looked around. The room looked much better now that it was filled with my stuff and decorations. I wasn't sure what I was supposed to do now though. My father was probably still talking with Voldemort, and I most definitely didn't want to interrupt them. He'd turn me into a frog, for fucks sake.
I didn't have much time to think, until I heard a knock on the door. I was about to stand up and go over to open it, but the interrupter opened it themselves, and stepped in.

And of fucking course, it was Tom. And Mattheo. And Theodore. And Draco. And guess who else? Lorenzo.
Yay.
"What do you-"
Tom cut me off by saying "Food. Now," He looked around the room, apparently taking in its new look.
"Excuse me?"
"You heard me," They left as quickly as they came, and only Lorenzo gave me an apologetic glance before leaving with the boys.
I sighed, and started making my way to the dining room. I really had a struggle trying to find my way there, as the mansion was huge, but after some time I came across a large room where the boys, Lucius, Narcissa, Bellatrix, Voldemort and my father were already waiting sitting at the long table. The table was filled with different types of foods, and I had to admit, I was getting kind of hungry.
"Please, sit down, Veronica," Narcissa smiled. She was so kind to me. I wonder why.
I listened to her, and sat next to my father, Theodore sitting on my other side. I tried to avoid looking at him, because I believed it'd be awkward.
Malfoy's house elf suddenly walked from the kitchen and came straight over to me, pouring some water to my glass as I was the only one who still didn't have something to drink.
"Thanks," I mumbled, and gave Dobby a small smile. He nodded politely and went back to the kitchen.
As everyone started eating, my father was still discussing his new job with Voldemort. They seemed to be getting along well. A bit too well. I had never seen Voldemort in real life, other than some pictures, but my idea of him was a ruthless monster. And still, here he was, chatting with my father like they were old friends.

Were they?
I really, really hope not.

I ate a piece of meat and some potatoes, and soon I was full. I looked at my father again, seeing that he was still talking with Voldemort. And now it wasn't even about work anymore. They were talking about the Order of Phoenix, and Voldemort's plans on how he'd be dealing with them. From what I had understood, my fathers job didn't involve the Order in any way.
My thoughts were interrupted when I felt something brush against my left hand. I turned my head, and saw Theo's thumb slowly rubbing circles against the top of my hand. He wasn't looking at me, instead he was talking to Mattheo on the opposite side of the table. I slowly pulled my hand on my lap, away from Theo's hand, but he quickly grabbed my wrist and pulled it back, intertwining our fingers so I couldn't move my hand.

What in the world..?

I rolled my eyes and huffed quietly, leaving my hand in Theo's. I had no idea why he was doing this, we had never even properly talked. I think they just have all gone mental in Voldemort's company. I don't blame them though, I'd go too if I had to spend my time with some white, bald guinea pig.
I wonder how Mattheo and Tom are so good looking, when their genes are from that... thing.
I tried to free my hand one last time, but it was futile. Theo held onto it like his life depended on whether he was holding my hand or not. I finally just gave up, and let him hold my hand.

Bitch.

After a while, my father turns to me and whispers in my ear. "Are you still angry? I promise that after I'm done with my work you can move back."
"It's okay, I'm not mad," I muttered, and finally managed to rip my hand free from Theo's grip. He sent me a glare, but didn't try to grab it again.

Ew.