Unforeseen Bonds || Draco Malfoy

✭36✭

Nitara's POV:

"Mum, how long are they staying?" I asked quietly, watching as she prepared supper, my mind still spinning from last night.

"Nitara, darling," she sighed, not pausing her work, "I know you and Draco don't always see eye to eye, but surely you can tolerate each other for a little while longer. Besides, today's their last day here."

"Really?" I blinked in surprise. From what I'd overheard last night, it sounded like Narcissa and Mum would be together for at least a week.

"Well, yes..." she trailed off.

"But?" I prompted, sensing there was more.

"But," she said, turning to face me, "we'll be staying at the Malfoy Manor for the next few days. This house is too small for both families, and your father has work obligations here. The Ministry has been overwhelmed, and he can't afford to risk his position right now."

"Why can't I just stay home with him?" I asked, frustration creeping into my voice.

"Nitara, stop being selfish!" Mum snapped; her voice unusually sharp. "Narcissa needs support right now, and I'm her closest friend. I know you don't want to go, but it could be beneficial for you."

"Beneficial?" I shot back, my voice low but laced with frustration. She'd already turned her focus back to preparing breakfast. "That's rubbish, Mum! What could possibly be beneficial about staying at the Malfoys—" I didn't get to finish before Miles strolled into the kitchen, casually asking what was for breakfast as he dropped into a chair.

Following him, Draco appeared in the doorway, his usual cool expression intact, with Narcissa right behind him.

"Good morning, sweet pea," Narcissa greeted me softly, planting a quick kiss on my head before joining my mum by the stove. "Anything I can help with, Lilith?" she asked, her voice warm as if the tension from last night had never happened.

I didn't respond. Instead, I brushed past the dining table, heading for the stairs. My eyes met Draco's for the briefest of moments—cold and unreadable—but I looked away just as quickly, making my exit.

"Nitara, don't be long! Breakfast is almost ready," Mum called after me, but I was already halfway up the stairs, eager to escape whatever this strange, forced situation had become.

. ┊⋆ ┊ . ┊⋆ ┊.

The Malfoy manor was one of the most gorgeous houses I've ever seen.

Though my family's manor was undeniably stunning, it radiated warmth and elegance in every detail. The inside was adorned with intricate tapestries and rich, vibrant colours that seemed to glow under the soft light from the chandeliers. The whole place felt alive, like it was steeped in years of joy and laughter, every corner whispering stories of happier times, the Malfoy Manor though, was completely opposite, and yet something about it's dark and complex being attracted me.

Its towering stone façade was weathered and grey, with ivy creeping up its sides like dark veins, adding to its intimidating presence. The tall, wrought-iron gates stood like sentinels, guarding the grounds that stretched out before the manor in a blend of harsh, manicured precision and eerie neglect. The lawns, though meticulously trimmed, seemed almost too perfect, as if no life could truly thrive there. Twisted trees lined the path to the entrance, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, while the fountain at the centre, once a symbol of opulence, lay silent and dry, its marble figures worn and cracked.

"Goodness," my mother exclaimed, gazing at the grand manor before us. "It's as stunning as usual."

"Oh, don't be ridiculous, Lilith," Narcissa replied with a melodic laugh. "I must confess, living in this dark and colourless abode can become rather tiresome. I find myself quite envious of yours."