For Want Of A Malfoy (Book One)

1) 9 3/4

Your present circumstances do not determine where you go, they merely determine where you start.
- Nido Qubien

"Does Mistress have everything packed?" Dobby, my favorite house elf, had just entered my room at the Malfoy Manor. We were supposed to leave for King's Cross Station in less than 30 minutes, so all the servants were rushing about the house, making sure everything was done.

"Yes, Dobby. I'm all packed." I closed the lid of my trunk, making sure to lock it. "Be careful when you're carrying it down stairs. I tried to make it as light as possible for you, but I'm afraid it still might be a little heavy."

Dobby smiled at me as he prepared himself to lift the trunk. "Mistress shouldn't worry about Dobby. Dobby will be fine."

"Why would she worry about you, elf?" Draco appeared in the doorway to my room. He was scowling slightly, he lips pursed as though he had just sucked on a lemon slice.

Dobby gulped and looked down at his feet. Very quietly, he whispered, "Dobby doesn't know, Master. Dobby's sure she wouldn't be."

Draco sneered. "Of course not. Nobody would worry about you, elf. And when you're done with Lia's trunk, don't forget to carry mine. If you damage anything, I'll have father punish you."

I sighed. "Draco, be nice. You needn't be rude for no reason. Dobby did nothing wrong." I stood up from where I had been kneeling down and went over to my dresser, looking at my reflection in the mirror above it. "Besides, Dragon, you should worry. Dobby is no good to the Malfoy family if he is injured by carrying something too heavy for him. Perhaps we should have one of the other elves help him."

Draco sighed as I did my hair. I had to look completely immaculate, or Aunt Cissy would be unhappy with me. "He doesn't need help, Lia. I'm sure he can manage." I gave him a pleading look. He knew Dobby was my favorite, though he couldn't understand why. When he saw my puppy dog eyes, he groaned. "Fine, fine. You win." He walked back out into the hallway. "Dinky! Come help Dobby with the trunks!"

When he came back in, I smiled at him. I skipped over and hugged him. "Thanks, Dragon. I really appreciate it ." He rolled his eyes, but smiled nevertheless.

"Oh course, Lia. Anything for my best friend."

We both jerked our heads toward the door when we heard Uncle Lucious calling us. "Draco, Amelia! Come down stairs, immediately." Draco immediately turned and left the room.

Once he was out of sight, I turned back to Dobby. "Thank you for your help, Dobby. I'll miss you at school." I smiled at him, then I leaned over and placed a chaste kiss on his forehead.

Dobby blushed. "Dobby shall miss Mistress, too." I smiled again, grabbed my small satchel off the dresser, and hurried down the stairs.

"Ah, Amelia, there you are. I was wondering what was taking so long."

I blushed. "My apologies, Uncle Lucious. I was merely getting my satchel." Lie

Aunt Cissy looked me over, checking my appearance. I was wearing a purple dress with black stockings and a pair of black flats. My hair was half up, half down, with the front pulled back into bun and pinned to the back of my head. Apparently my attire was satisfactory, for Aunt Cissy nodded.

"You look beautiful, Amelia. Who helped you with your hair?" She gave me a small smile. Nobody in this family ever gave a full, real smile except me.

"Nobody helped me, Aunt Cissy. I did it myself." She nodded her approval again and turned to Uncle Lucious, giving him her full attention. Draco and I followed her example.