brewing hatred (d.m)

A Christmas to Remember

Christmas morning at Malfoy Manor was a vision of winter magic. The grand house was bathed in the soft glow of early sunlight filtering through frosted windows, casting delicate patterns on the walls. The tree in the main hall stood proudly adorned with shimmering ornaments and a star perched on top, its twinkling lights adding to the festive ambiance.

Draco and Ariana woke up early, both unable to contain their excitement for their first Christmas together. Draco had planned a special morning, and as he gently stirred Ariana awake, the look of anticipation in his eyes made her heart flutter.

"Merry Christmas, Ariana," Draco whispered, his voice warm and tender. He leaned in to place a soft kiss on her forehead.

"Merry Christmas, Draco," Ariana replied, her eyes brightening as she returned the kiss. The couple then slipped out of bed, eager to embrace the day.

They made their way downstairs, hand in hand, to find the grand hall bathed in the soft light of the morning sun. Narcissa had already begun setting up for breakfast, the aroma of freshly baked pastries and brewing coffee wafting through the air.

"Good morning," Narcissa greeted them warmly, her eyes twinkling with the holiday spirit. "I hope you both had a good night's sleep."

"It was wonderful," Ariana replied, giving Narcissa a grateful smile. "Thank you for making this Christmas so special."

Draco led Ariana to the tree, where a few neatly wrapped presents awaited them. The excitement in their eyes was palpable as they sat down together in the cozy nook by the fire.

Draco picked up a small, elegantly wrapped box and handed it to Ariana. "I've been looking forward to giving you this."

Ariana carefully unwrapped the gift, revealing a beautifully crafted locket. Inside was a tiny portrait of the two of them together. Her eyes filled with emotion as she looked at the thoughtful gift.

"It's beautiful," Ariana said softly, her voice choked with emotion. "Thank you, Draco. It means so much to me."

Draco smiled, his own heart swelling at her reaction. "I'm glad you like it. I wanted something special for you."

Ariana then handed Draco his gift, a custom-made quill set with his initials engraved on the case. "I thought you might appreciate this," she said with a shy smile.

Draco's eyes lit up as he examined the gift. "This is perfect. Thank you, Ariana."

They shared a warm embrace, the intimacy of the moment deepening their connection. Narcissa, who had been quietly observing from a distance, decided it was the perfect time to capture the moment. She pulled out her camera and approached them.

"May I take a picture?" Narcissa asked with a gentle smile. "I'd like to capture this special moment."

Draco and Ariana agreed, moving closer together. Narcissa snapped the photo just as Draco leaned in to place a tender kiss on Ariana's cheek. The picture was a perfect snapshot of their happiness and affection.

As Narcissa reviewed the photo on her camera, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and warmth. "You both look so happy," she said, her voice filled with genuine emotion. "This will be a cherished memory."

Draco and Ariana smiled, feeling a deep sense of contentment. They then joined Narcissa for a delightful Christmas breakfast, filled with laughter and heartfelt conversation.

Throughout the morning, the house was alive with the sounds of holiday cheer. Draco and Ariana enjoyed their time together, savoring each moment of their special day. The festive atmosphere, combined with the love and warmth they shared, made for a Christmas they would always remember.

Later in the day, they continued to celebrate with the Malfoy family, enjoying a sumptuous Christmas feast and exchanging stories and laughter. The day was filled with joy and love, and the picture taken by Narcissa became a treasured reminder of the beautiful Christmas they had shared.

As evening fell and the manor was once again illuminated by the soft glow of Christmas lights, Draco and Ariana found themselves reflecting on the day's events. The magic of the holiday had brought them even closer together, and they looked forward to many more Christmases spent with the ones they loved.