Fear Of The Water ~ Draco Malfoy

Chapter 4

After a couple of days of pure bliss playing Quidditch in the Weasleys' orchard, talking into the darkest hours of the night and eating second helpings of Molly's delicious cooking, the Delacours' time at the abode had ended, with one apparating back to the family manor ("Yes, Ronald, I can apparate. It is another skill we acquire at Beauxbatons, just a year earlier than you.") and the other to her fiance. The younger girl was upset about leaving - yet she knew she was overstaying her time with the Weasleys' – and a grumpy Ginny was putting strain on the family. So, with a spin and a small 'pop', Ottiliana appeared at the base of the grand, gold, marble staircase, the same spot where... She felt sick. In fact, she was physically sick, though it was gone as soon as it came, a simple wave of her wand hiding all evidence of the matter.

Not being able to stand there much longer, she poked her head into countless doors, trying to find someone. It shouldn't have been a hard task, there was always at least one visitor, yet the one being she found was Hoskey in her blue pillowcase, one of the three family house elves, and Ottiliana's favourite.

"Miss Delacour!" She squeaked, rushing forwards and bowing so low her nose nearly touched the floor.

"Hoskey, you know not to call me that, especially when-" The blonde stopped, watching the small creature shake her head frantically. The click of freshly polished shoes stopped directly behind her. The girl slowly turned on her heel, looking up into the face of someone she hadn't seen for a lengthy few weeks.

"Ottiliana, what have I told you about befriending the house elves? These animals are here to serve us. Understood?"

"Yes, Father." Monsieur Delacour had never been kind to his third-born for as long as she could remember. He was never... abusive, but loved to belittle her against her siblings, what with Fleur becoming a Triwizard champion - and in his vision little Gabrielle could never inflict any harm upon anyone or anything. Then Little-Miss-Perfect had always been their mother's favourite, despite the woman constantly denying it. That left Ottiliana. Her Father's dark eyes never did, would, or could hold any love or sympathy for his third daughter.

After the previous year, Ottiliana didn't see much of her beloved Papa. He often confined himself to his office or stayed at Malfoy Manor, religiously attending every mysterious meeting and contributing to the Dark Lord's schemes as often as possible. Work was always the main priority.

He was certainly not a family man.

"Hoskey, show my daughter to her new room, will you? Make sure she has her supper, her mother will worry." He narrowed his eyes at the elf and glided out of the door. The small house elf immediately relaxed once she watched him leave.

"Oh, dear. Hoskey knows not to talk ill of her masters, but he does put a lot of stress on Hoskey and the other house elves." She admitted. "Well, come along, Annie!" The girl sighed. 'Annie' was a nickname she had never liked, given to her when Gabrielle struggled to pronounce 'Ottiliana' as a toddler, instead abbreviating it to either 'Ottie' or 'Annie'. The former was hastily disregarded, but the latter stuck among the sisters, and their carer of some sort - the house elf Hoskey. She hated it, but if it kept everyone pleased then it would have to stay. "Master and Mrs Delacour have needed to renovate the east wing for some guests. Master said that you would understand." Said Hoskey, leading Ottiliana up a small spiral staircase by the hand. "You and Miss Gabrielle have been moved to the North Tower. Mrs Delacour thought you would appreciate the view!"

The elf clicked her fingers, an oak plank door opened to show a small single bed accompanied by a sage threadbare rug. Ottiliana's face fell slightly. There was just enough room to take a single step from the door to the bed, said item taking up the width of the room. "Hoskey tried to make it more homely for Annie." She said sympathetically - always able to read the sisters like books. "Hoskey found some string and some washing pegs so your pictures can be seen. And, look! Hoskey found a plant for Miss Annie!" The elf turned, scooping a plant pot from the floor, showing the girl the pink kalanchoe that sat inside, its leaves starting to wilt and die.