Loyalties | Barty Crouch Jr

The Busy Alley

December 17, 1977 - Saturday

The day had finally come for students to return home for the Christmas holiday. Leonora and Illyria had already said goodbye to all of their friends, promising to write over the holidays.

Tensions were still somewhat high between the two girls over Illyria's promise to Dumbledore to join his group when she graduated, but that wouldn't tear apart their friendship, especially since it wouldn't come for another few years. And even then, Leonora hoped that the two could stay loyal to each other, even if to no one else.

The two girls exited the Hogwarts express together onto the platform at Kings Cross, both immediately spotting Illyria's parents by her father's platinum blonde hair sticking out among the dark stones. They looked uncomfortable standing there, even if they were quite far off to the side and away from everyone else, as disliked being in the presence of anyone who wasn't a pureblood. Her mother beckoned them over, hoping to leave the station as soon as possible.

Illyria and Leonora rushed over and grabbed onto their hands, allowing for the two older wizards to apparate the four of them away. Leonora didn't even check to see if her parents were still there.

They were, though, and they both wore saddened expressions as they watched their daughter apparate away with the Malfoy's. They knew, however, in the back of their minds, that they were the reason she was leaving with them, and not her own family.

Leonora felt queasy and lightheaded the moment her feet touched the ground again. She held onto Illyria for support, not wanting to embarrass herself by tumbling to the ground in front of her friend's parents. She absolutely hated apparating, which is why she would always try to avoid it as much as possible.

After a few deep breaths, she was able to steady herself and stand up straight without the support of her friend.

"Are you alright?" Illyria asked the girl, concern lacing her voice. She knew how much her friend struggled with apparating.

Leonora nodded. "I'm alright."

Now, instead of all of her attention focused on not fainting, it was focused on Malfoy Manor. Illyria's parents had already left the two alone, not bothering to speak a single word to either of them, probably both upset about something. Not that either of them were complaining, though.

This was the first time Leonora had ever been in Malfoy Manor during Christmas, and she had to admit, it was just as drab as it was the rest of the year. The only decoration in sight was a tall Christmas tree, hidden in the corner of the room, and even that was depressing. There were no twinkling lights, barely any ornaments (the few there were all happened to be black), and very few presents sitting underneath.

The walls were still dark, the rooms were still cold. It didn't feel like Christmas at all. She could honestly say that she would miss spending the holiday at her own manor, even though she never really partook in any of the festive activities. She wouldn't wake up to the scent of warm sugar cookies wafting through the air. She wouldn't be able to wander outside and admire the beautiful lights strung across the manor.

"My parents aren't very festive," Illyria spoke, snapping the girl out of her trance after noticing the disappointment on her face. "I'm surprised the tree is even up. Sorry if you were expecting more."

"This Christmas will certainly be different for me, that's for sure," Leonora gave her friend a tight-lipped smile. "A lot more.... sad," she frowned.

"It will definitely be sad; It is for me every year. At least we have each other now, though. Maybe it won't be so bad? You know," the girl suddenly perked up, "I would love to see Potter Manor during the holidays; I bet it's wonderful there."