a snape and a Malfoy

LETTER

"You've received it, then?" Severus asked in his usual soft, measured voice, though Cera could see the slightest hint of pride in his eyes.

"Yes," she replied, holding it up. "It's official."

Severus gave a small nod, his expression unreadable, but he placed a hand gently on her shoulder. "We will visit Diagon Alley this weekend to gather your supplies. There is much you'll need to prepare."

---

Meanwhile, at Malfoy Manor, a similar scene was unfolding. An owl flew through the ornate windows of the grand dining room, where Draco was seated with his parents. It dropped a letter before him, landing softly on the polished table. Draco's silver eyes lit up immediately as he reached for the letter. His father, Lucius, watched closely, his expression calm but with a clear sense of expectation.

Draco opened the envelope eagerly, quickly scanning the letter before grinning widely. "I got it! I'm going to Hogwarts!"

Lucius nodded, looking pleased. "Of course you are, Draco. It was always expected. We'll make sure you have everything you need to represent the Malfoy name proudly."

Narcissa smiled softly at her son. "You'll make us proud, Draco. And I'm sure Cera will be joining you as well."

Draco thought of Cera, and his smile grew even wider. "She got hers too, I bet."

---

That afternoon, as if by some shared instinct, Draco sent his family owl to Cera's house. It arrived just as Cera had finished showing her letter to Severus. The letter was short and to the point, in Draco's usual confident handwriting:

**Cera,
Got my letter! We're going to Hogwarts! Can't wait to see what it's like. Meet me in Diagon Alley?**

Cera smiled at Draco's enthusiasm, her own excitement bubbling up again. She sent a quick reply back, agreeing to meet him in Diagon Alley as they prepared for the biggest adventure of their lives.

The letters had marked the beginning of a new chapter for both of them, but what truly excited Cera and Draco was the fact that they would be entering Hogwarts together. With their bond already strong, they knew that, whatever challenges or adventures lay ahead, they would face them as friends.