A Dreadful Dinner

A Stressful Cocktail Hour

(Ominis)

"Oh, thank Merlin you both made it," Pinky said as he took our coats. "Pinky was beginning to fear that you two were going to get caught in the blizzard!"

"Almost did, five more minutes and it would have overtaken us. You would have found us as icicles outside the manor," Threa's voice beamed at the elf.

"I think I'd rather be an icicle," I joked as the two laughed.

"Like you aren't basking in this wonderous warmth!"

"Pinky is happy to hear the temperature is to your liking Miss!"

"It is, very much so," she said sweetly back. "Please promise me you will avoid going outside at all costs Pinky. It's like jack Frost is trying to freeze your nose off with how frigid it is!"

"Miss Threa you are too funny," the elf beamed as loud laughter came from further in the manor.

"Merlin are we the last ones," I groaned as the elf shifted uncomfortably.

"Yes Master, your brother and cousin arrived this morning."

"Meaning he's had more than enough time to fluff up father," hopefully it means he'll have already been drinking and not pay us much mind. Though with Threa with me his taunts are sure to test my decorum. I turned to the warm presence next to me, smiling wide as she laughed again.

"What?"

"If we leave now, we could get to that lovely Inn you saw before this storm really sets upon us. The villagers say that they have the best beef pasties," I was only half joking as I pulled her tightly to me. "Wana turn tails and share a quiet dinner with me?"

"You make a tempting offer," her tone was soft with an edge I was becoming ever too fond of hearing. "But that snow is getting treacherous, and as much as I would love a nice quiet dinner with you, it is not worth either of us catching our death... Come now, despite the company you have been raving all week about this game hen the elves have worked very hard to make for us. Do not deprive me of such deliciousness. I wana taste what the best cooks this side of England has to offer for Christmas!"

"It is quite scrumptious."

"You two are too kind," Pinky said bashfully.
"Not kind enough, I've been dreaming of your roast since we were last here. You are quite the skilled cook," she added making the elf laugh, head turning back towards me. "We can't abandon this dinner, no matter how uncomfortable it may be."

"You make a compelling case," I flirted. "I guess I can suffer the company if it means delicious food."

"That's the spirit."

"Ahm," Pinky interjected walking a few steps through the foyer. "Please if you two will follow me, the others are waiting in the parlor room," I released Threa from the embrace before reclaiming her hand giving it a reassuring squeeze, using my wand to follow the kind elf's path.

"Have you been having a nice night Pinky," Threa asked as the elf sighed happily.

"It has been quite busy with having so much of the family for dinner, but Pinky is enjoying the night. It is my first Christmas with the Gaunt's, they have all just been so lovely this past week!"

"I'm glad to hear it," I mused softly hoping that this was genuine and not just a spiel he had been trained to tell the guests though knowing my parents the latter was more likely. We moved towards the ever louder growing laughter from the parlor room turning to stand in its entrance.

"Master Ominis Gaunt the II and Miss Threa Longbottom," Pinky announced, mother making a strange joyful sound, as footsteps approached us quickly.

"Thank Merlin you both made it," Threa dropped my hand, audibly taking a step from me as mother's bangles clinked together. Curious.... The only other time I hear that is when she hugs Ophelia. Is she... Is she hugging Threa? No, no, it can't be. Mother isn't physically affectionate, it is a miracle she had a child let alone three. I must be mishearing it. "Dear you just look darling. This dress is divine!"