2
The carriage wheels came to a gentle halt on the gravel drive of Malfoy Manor, and the air was filled with a tense expectancy. Lucius stood beside his wife, both figures poised in their elegant attire. As the carriage door opened, a figure emerged, drawing their attention with an unexpected blend of grace and vivacity.
Alice Waters stepped down, her slight frame enveloped in a modest blue dress that she had clearly chosen with care – traditional enough to please, but with subtle embellishments that hinted at a personality not quite ready to fade into the background. She was young, far younger than expected, with a face that spoke of innocence and an upbringing sheltered from the harsh realities of the world. Her eyes, translucent green and bright with barely contained curiosity, flickered over the manor with a mixture of awe and something harder to define – perhaps determination.
"Welcome to Malfoy Manor, Lady Waters," Lucius greeted, his voice steady despite the turmoil within. This was not the bride the Dark Lord had envisioned. She was little more than a girl, and the realization brought a cold sweat to his brow.
Alice met his gaze with a smile that was equal parts shy and searching. "Thank you, Lord Malfoy. Your home is..." she paused, tilting her head as she took in the imposing architecture, "rather like something from a fairy tale. Though perhaps not the kind with singing birds and glass slippers." The observation was followed by a quick flash of dimples that softened any potential impertinence.
Before proceeding inside, Alice turned back to her small procession with a grace that seemed both natural and practiced. Her reluctance was evident, but there was steel beneath the sadness in her expression. "Thank you all for bringing me here," she said, her voice carrying clearly across the drive. "I hope the journey home proves kinder than the one that brought us." The words were carefully chosen – proper enough to pass muster, yet carrying an unmistakable hint of reproach for those who had arranged her transit.
Before the procession could depart, one of the guards stepped forward, his expression determined. "The Minister has requested that a guard remain with Lady Waters, to ensure her safety and well-being," he announced, though the request was more plea than demand.
Lucius turned to face him, his gaze icy and imperious. "The Lady Waters is under the protection of the Malfoy family now," he replied, his voice dripping with disdain. "We have no need for muggle interference. You may inform the Minister that his concerns are noted but unnecessary."
"But sir," the guard persisted, "the Minister was quite insistent—"
Lucius cut him off with a sharp gesture, his patience worn thin. "You may leave now," he instructed coldly, his voice cutting through the air like a blade. "And convey my regards to the Minister. Let him know that I expect an explanation for this... oversight. Rest assured, any deceit will not be taken lightly."
With that, he turned away, dismissing the guard and the entire procession with a flick of his hand. The superiority in his demeanor was unmistakable, as though the very presence of the muggle entourage was an affront to the grandeur of Malfoy Manor.
The guard hesitated for a moment, then nodded stiffly and retreated, taking the rest of the procession with him.
With that, he turned away, leaving the procession to feel the chill of his words. The threat lingered in the air, a promise of retribution that would reach far beyond the manor's gates.
Inside, Alice walked beside Narcissa, her steps quiet and measured. The grandeur of the manor seemed to swallow her, a stark contrast to the simplicity she had known. Yet, despite her reservations, there was a spark of curiosity in her eyes, a glimmer of wonder at this new world she was entering.
"The gardens are particularly beautiful this time of year," Narcissa offered, hoping to ease the girl's transition. "Would you like to see them?"
Alice nodded, her voice clear. "Yes, I would very much. Thank you." A warm smile touched her lips, softening the apprehension in her eyes. She looked at Narcissa with a genuine curiosity, a silent plea for connection in this strange new environment.
As they walked towards the gardens, a comfortable silence settled between them. Narcissa, sensing the girl's unease, offered a reassuring smile. Alice, in turn, seemed to relax slightly, her earlier apprehension replaced by a quiet attentiveness. Narcissa couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for the girl. Alice was stepping into a world she could scarcely comprehend, a pawn in a game she had no control over. Yet, her quiet strength and underlying vulnerability were undeniable, and looking at her, Narcissa felt the hollowness of a time long lost.