Lily in the Shadows

Chapter 20

 Leaving Hogwarts was never fun, usually, it meant going back to the muggle world, having to spend time with regular people and hiding away the parts of her that make Lily special. Not doing magic freely, or even being able to talk about it made things difficult at times, she wondered why she couldn't share about her school when that was all Dudley spoke about. She knows that she is different and the Dursleys don't like things that are different, but this is who she is. Not talking about it, shoving it away, pretending it doesn't exist won't just make it disappear. She will always be magical; there is nothing anyone can do to stop that. This time, things are changing; knowing that she will not be spending time with the Dursleys or her brother on Christmas is new, and different. A feeling of guilt and abandonment eats at her soul, but she pushes it away, trying to look forward to spending this time with the Malfoys.

Besides the dread of leaving her family, a hint of excitement, and a sense of adventure buzzes within her. She is embarking on this new journey with her best friends; having never stayed at a friend's house in her childhood, Petunia refused because it was just so dangerous, this new experience should be fun. Hogwarts is her first time staying away from home without her extended family.

Arriving at the platform Lily takes great care to stay close to Draco as they gather their things and exit the train. Draco takes off as they walk the platform, abandoning his luggage to throw himself into his father's embrace. Lucius catches his son with a chuckle, lifting him from the ground and holding him close. It had been far too long since they had seen one another, though it was only a few weeks since the hippogriff incident; they had only spoken through letters since that day. Speaking of letters, Petunia was not happy to hear that her niece would not be spending Christmas with her family. She had been okay with it the year before given that she would be staying at school but going to someone else's home did not sit right with her. She sent a letter expressing her displeasure about Lily spending her holiday with people she had never met, telling her to stay at school. Petunia lamented that Lily did not ask her for permission and this was all so very sudden. It was irresponsible of her to just go off with these strangers, what if they murdered her, what if they tortured her, what if they cut her hair? Lily unfortunately did not receive this letter until right before she got on the train to go home, sooo, c'est la vie, nothing to do about it now.

Lily pushes her cart towards the Malfoys, ignoring Draco's abandoned one. A house elf quickly apparates to the station and takes it away. Arriving at the happy, hugging family, she steps forward; her shock is unmatched when The Mrs Malfoy pulls her into a hug.

Pulling away Mrs Malfoy cups her face, "It has been far too long my dear. It is wonderful to see you. You must tell us all about your year so far over tea." Narcissa loops their arms together and leads her away from the chatting boys. With their luggage dealt with the group has no trouble apparating away.

The view that welcomes her just takes her breath away, Lily cannot believe the beauty in front of her. The ornate iron gate looms above the group as they walk up the cobbled path to the home. There were no words to describe the imposing structure in front of the formidable walls of grey stone dusted with ivy that appeared strong, scratches and chips evidence of centuries of protection. Tall, narrow windows framed in black iron and topped with pointed arches set asunder the many walls; they glint ominously in the evening light, giving the manor an air of reactivity. It feels as if it is watching her, reacting to her movements. High, gabled roofs crowned with intricate wrought-iron finials pierce the sky, while grotesque gargoyles shaped like dragons perch menacingly along the eaves. Their eyes bore through the soul as their teeth glitter in the sun. The pathway is flanked by yew trees, their branches tangling above to cause a slight canopy.

Looking around she struggles to take in all of the sights before her, it is practically impossible to see all of the grandeur that is Malfoy Manor. Lush grounds stretch as far as her eyes can see, the expanse of grass broken up only by the abundant green bushes and beds of vibrant flowers, their smell permeating the air with their sweet scent.