Starborn - H.P & T.N

Home Once More

My eyes fluttered open as the car came to a halt. My blurry vision quickly adjusted to the sight out the window: Malfoy Manor. My second home, as some would call it—well, it's where I spent the other half of my life when not with the Tonks. I quickly began putting on my shoes while Aunt Meda got out of the car and walked up to the door to greet Aunt Cissy, who was already waiting at the entrance.

"You sure you don't want to stay with us, darling?" said Uncle Ted.

I glanced at him through the rearview mirror and sent him a playful smile.

"It's not as bad as it looks, Teddy. I will survive, and you know I have no choice. I'll be safer here."

He gave me an apologetic look that only served to highlight how much he pitied me, which I detested. Since my father escaped from Azkaban a week ago, that look was all I'd been getting from everyone closest to me who knew—Aunt Meda, Nymphie, and, of course, Uncle Teddy.

He turned off the car and got out, opening the trunk and retrieving my suitcase.

I opened the car door and inhaled the warm summer air, taking in the view of the mansion. I wasn't sure if I hated this place or adored it. For one, it had a dreadful cold feeling, and I don't mean the temperature, but on the other hand, it was quiet and peaceful—especially when Uncle Lucius wasn't around.

"Here you go, pumpkin. Don't think Narcissa will be pleased if I get any closer to her fancy home."

I scowled, imagining how Aunt Cissy would probably hex him if he really got any closer. I love Aunt Cissy, but her blood purity ideology really irked me.

I looked up and smiled, "I'm going to miss you, Teddy."

I always felt safe with Uncle Ted; he had the warmest energy and always knew how to comfort me. I really saw him as a father figure.

"I'm going to miss you too, little one," he said, ruffling my hair, which probably didn't make much difference anyway—my hair was always a bit of a mess.

I picked up my suitcase and gave him one last smile before walking over to where Aunt Cissy and Aunt Meda were conversing. From their expressions, they seemed quite urgent.

Aunt Cissy quickly hushed Aunt Meda as I came within earshot. She smiled at me and kissed my temple.

"Oh, darling, we must do something about your hair. It's never looked messier. I've just bought this hair cream in Paris and—"

"Agh, Narcissa, her hair is just fine! Let the girl be. She has so much on her mind; no wonder her hair is standing up like that," Aunt Meda said, giving me a smile that always managed to warm my insides.

Aunt Cissy let out an exasperated sigh but said nothing more about my hair, though I could tell she was biting her tongue. She was always so particular about appearances—hers and everyone else's. Aunt Meda gave me a wink as I reached for my suitcase, and together we walked up the grand staircase of Malfoy Manor. The echo of our footsteps on the marble floors felt unnervingly loud in the silence of the house.

"I'll leave you two to get settled," Aunt Meda said, squeezing my hand. "If you need anything, don't hesitate to owl, alright?"

I nodded, trying not to let my smile falter. I always hated this moment, the goodbye. No matter how many summers I spent at the Malfoys, it always felt like I was being left behind, even though I knew this was for my safety.

"I'll see you soon," I said softly, watching as Aunt Meda made her way back towards Uncle Ted, who was waiting by the car.

Aunt Cissy placed a hand on my shoulder. "Come, darling, let's get you settled in."