New Chains, Same Shackles || Draco Malfoy

T H E M A N O R

I would call this a filler chapter, but i hope you guys enjoy <3

T H E  M A N O R

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amelia granger

The next morning was bittersweet. I woke up with excitement buzzing in my veins, eager for the day ahead, only to be struck by the reality that I was leaving the warmth of the Burrow for the stark grandeur of Malfoy Manor. The thought left a heavy weight in my chest, but I pushed it aside, determined to make the most of my last moments here. 

As I padded down the creaky wooden stairs, the aroma of breakfask wafted through the air, teasing my senses. I expected to find Fred and George already plotting their next prank over a stack of pancakes, but instead I was greeted by a familiar face. 

Lorenzo. Standing there in his white shirt, grey sweatpants, and messy hair. 

A wide smile broke across my face, and before I could think twice, I rushed toward him, swinging my arms around his neck and jumping into a hug. "I missed you!" I exclaimed, the warmth of his presence instantly comforting. 

"I missed you too." He replied, his voice rich with genuine affection. "Did you have any fun?" 

"I had too much fun!" I said, excitement bubbling over. "Fred! George!" I yelled, beckoning for the twins to join us.

As they sauntered down, I couldn't help but feel a rush of anticipation. "You have to meet them!" I grabbed Enzo's hand, pulling him closer to the staircase. "Fred, George, this is Enzo-- my friend that I was telling you about yesterday. I know you guys would get along." 

"Its a pleasure." Enzo said, shaking their hands firmly. I could see the hint of camaraderie beginning to blossom between them, and my heart swelled at the thought of them bonding in the future. 

Just as I was savoring the moment, Enzo glanced at his watch, his expression shifting slightly. "I think it's time we get going, darling. Everyone is waiting for you at the manor." 

"Wait, but I haven't even said my goodbyes!" Panic surged through me, and I sprinted up the stairs, stopping at each room along the way to big farewell. I wanted to engrave these memories into my mind before stepping into the unknown. 

The last room I reached was Ginny's. I flung the door open to find her and Hermione sitting on the bed, laughing over a magazine. "Bye, girls! I'll miss you so incredibly much." I wrapped them both in tight hugs, my heart aching with the thought of leaving. 

"We'll miss you too, Lia. We'll see you soon, alright?" Hermione smiled warmly, giving my hand a reassuring squeeze. 

"Alright" I said, feeling a little more at ease. "Maybe I'll stop by before break ends. Have an amazing Christmas! I left everyone's gifts from me under the tree." 

With my bags in hand, I made my way back down the stairs, my heart heavy yet hopeful. As I reached the bottom, Lorenzo stood waiting, and I couldn't help but smile at him. 

"I can't wait to see everyone." I exclaimed. 

"I'm happy you decided to come." Lorenzo replied, his smile wide and infectious. "We have breakfast waiting for you back at the manor. This Christmas is going to be amazing."

As we walked outside, the chill of the winter air wrapped around us, invigorating my senses. Lorenzo held onto his wand, preparing to apparate, and I gripped his arm tightly, feeling a mix of thrill and nervousness. In the blink of an eye, the world around us swirled, and suddenly we were standing before Malfoy Manor. 

The manor looked enchanting beneath a blanket of fresh snow, each detail of it's grandeur accentuated by the winter wonderland. The hedge maze, usually a tangled maze of green, was transformed into a serene landscape, its paths glistening with frost. Through the tall windows, I could see the warm glow of the fireplace, casting a welcoming light that beckoned me inside.