The Chaos Within (A Bellatrix Fanfiction)

Ash And Snow

The Manor looked like the inside of a Christmas museum. In a quietly, classic way. Golden lights hung from ceilings, 10 foot glittering trees lined the walls of the drawing room, dining room, and foyer. Blue and white drapes hung tastefully from walls. 

It definitely brightened the place up a bit. 

I passed the drawing room, where Vaella was stocking up the drinks cabinet. Narcissa was enchanting the drapes so they shimmered slightly when the light from the chandelier hit them. 

The Manor had never looked like this while I'd lived here.

Not for me. 

I paused at the foot of the stairs, suddenly aware of how quiet it had gone, as if the house itself were holding its breath.

The front doors opened moments later.

My mother's laugh carried first, warm and familiar, and it hit me harder than I expected.

My father followed her in, shoulders tense, eyes already cataloguing the room.

Luckily my mother didn't make a scene once she spotted me. She simply stepped forward, enveloping me in a hug. "It's so good to see you, darling." She murmured against my hair. 

"I've missed you too, mum." I smiled gently as she released me. 

My father nodded at me once, brief and restrained. "Erin."

"Dad." I held his gaze a second longer than necessary. There was relief there, buried under caution. He'd taught me that look.

Narcissa appeared beside me as if summoned by instinct alone, her presence smoothing the moment before it could snag.

"Mr and Mrs Travers," she said warmly, extending her hand. "Welcome to Malfoy Manor. We're so pleased you could join us for the holidays."

My mother smiled at once, taking Narcissa's hand with genuine delight. "Seraphina, please. The house is beautiful, Mrs Malfoy. I don't think I've ever seen anything like it."

"That's very kind of you," Narcissa replied. "Please, call me Narcissa. You must be exhausted from the journey."

Lucius joined us then, composed and immaculate as ever. He clasped my father's hand in greeting, the gesture easy, practiced; the sort exchanged by men who had stood on the same side of too many rooms.

"Travers," Lucius said, inclining his head. "It's good to see you."

"And you," my father replied. "The Manor wears Christmas well."

Lucius's mouth twitched, just barely. "My wife has impeccable standards."

His gaze slid back to me. "Your daughter has been a credit to the household," he added lightly. "She adapts quickly."

My mother turned to me at once, pride softening her face. "I knew you would."

I smiled, careful and contained. "It's been... an adjustment."

My father stepped closer, close enough that only I could hear the quiet murmur of his voice. "You all right?"

I met his eyes and gave the smallest nod. Enough to reassure him. Not enough to invite questions.

Narcissa gestured toward the stairs. "Vaella has prepared rooms for you both. I thought you might appreciate a little time to yourselves before dinner."

"That would be wonderful," my mother said warmly.

As they moved away, my father glanced back once more. There was no accusation in his look; only concern, banked and waiting.