Inferno | Draco Malfoy

109 | Better than Sliced Bread

November
2001.

Upon settling into the chair, I take off the earrings that Draco had kindly gifted me before the vanity mirror and carefully place them into the jewellery box. The soft clink of the metal against the velvet lining is a soothing sound, signifying my shift from the public persona I had to uphold throughout the evening to the more relaxed and unguarded version of myself that I am now embracing.

As I start to remove the pins from my hair, I feel the weight of the day begin to lift. Each pin I pull free allows a flow of soft strands to cascade over my shoulders and down my back, presenting a striking contrast to the carefully arranged updo I had sported previously.

I take a moment to prepare for the night ahead, taking a moment to breathe deeply to allow the day's tensions to melt away.

Earlier, Draco and I hosted an event at Malfoy Manor, extending invitations to friends, family members, journalists, and even some acquaintances we had not met before. The expansive and redecorated dining room, illuminated by flickering candlelight and adorned with lavish decorations, provided an ideal backdrop for an evening rich in laughter, engaging conversation, and the sound of clinking glasses.

To say the least, it was an enjoyable experience. The air was infused with the enticing scents of gourmet dishes, each meticulously prepared to leave a lasting impression on our guests, for I had invested considerable effort in curating the menu, aiming to highlight not only our refined tastes but also the welcoming nature of our home.

As the evening unfolded, I found myself circulating among the guests, participating in animated discussions that ranged from the latest happenings in the wizarding world to personal stories that brought joy and laughter.

Draco, with his natural charm, captivated the journalists with his sharp wit and engaging personality, while I ensured that everyone felt included in the conversations, preventing anyone from feeling overlooked. It was a careful balance, one that required both of us to be at our best, and I felt a sense of accomplishment and pride in how smoothly the evening progressed.

However, beneath the surface of this social event, I am now looking forward to something a little bit more... exciting.

Throughout the whole entire evening, Draco had been casting me sneaky glances, his eyes gleaming with a glint of mischief. Each time our gazes met, a spark ignited between us, a silent and scandalous conversation that only we could understand.

Whenever he stood close to me, his hand would rest on my waist, a possessive yet tender gesture that grounded me even amidst the lively chaos around us. And when the attention of others waned, he would discreetly slide his hand down to grasp my backside, a bold move that made me playfully scold him.

I expected this behaviour, particularly given that the dress I wore — a long, form-fitting navy blue dress with an open back — was one that he found particularly alluring. The fabric hugged my curves in all the right places, and I could feel his gaze lingering on me all night, a combination of admiration and craving that made me feel both empowered and weak.

Draco enters our bedroom, the door creaking softly behind him as he steps inside. With effortless elegance, he sheds his blazer, and I catch a fleeting reflection of him in the vanity mirror — a sight that sends a thrill through my heart. The navy blue waistcoat he wears contours his physique impeccably, highlighting his tall and slender build, while the rolled-up sleeves of his pristine white shirt expose his well-defined forearms.

"Downstairs has been cleaned and tidied up." He says, breaking the comfortable silence. "Mippy asked if we fancied dessert."

As Draco approaches me, I turn slightly in my chair, the silky fabric of my dress brushing against my skin. He kneels before me, his movements fluid and deliberate, as he reaches for my heels. I feel a rush of warmth as he delicately unfastens them, his fingers grazing against my ankles and sending a shiver of delight up my spine.