Yule
Malfoy Manor, Northeast of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, Upper Library - 22 December, 1991
Draco spent the rest of the little time left in the day in the library, however he soon grew bored and gave up after about half an hour of searching. For the rest of the time he curled up in his favourite corner right by the window overlooking the grounds.
While he sat there he sipped a mug of hot cocoa that he had brought to him by an elf, watching as more elves trimmed the hedges of the gardens, making everything perfect for the next night’s ball.
‘If it wasn’t so freezing I’d be out there’ Draco thought to himself longingly, he always did love a good walk through the gardens, as long as the albino peacocks were inside. Otherwise it wouldn’t be a walk and more so running for his life.
A soft pop gave away the arrival of an elf, which brought him out of his stupor. “Little Master Malfoy? Mistress said it is times to begin getting ready for dinner.” The elf squeaked out, making him look at the little creature.
“Tell her that I am getting ready now.” He sighed before leaving the warmth and comfort of his spot by the window. The elf quickly bowed and popped away to go inform her.
He quickly left the library to get dressed and ready to face his parents.
~1~
Malfoy Manor, Northeast of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, Dining Room
Draco walked into the dining room to find only his Mother sitting at the set table, waiting with her hands clasped as she always did. He quickly walked to his chair, the one across from her and sat down.
“Mother? Where is Father?” Draco asked as he settled.
“He’s running a bit behind, having a late night.” She spoke softly, although Draco could tell there was a twinge of disappointment in her tone.
Before Draco could decipher if he had heard right the sound of the floo flared up, not a moment later Lucius Malfoy was strolling in the dining room. His cane clicked against the floor, head held high with his pointy nose upturned.
“I had a last minute meeting with the Minister.” He said simply, as if already knowing that they had been talking about his absence. Father took his seat of honour at the head of the table, the high back of it giving him a grandiose look. “Shall we feast?”
Not even a moment later platters upon platters of food floated onto the table perfectly, just like it did every dinner. There was perfectly roasted and cubed squash, carrots glazed and dusted with parsley, potato and parsnip gratin, just to name a few of the dishes.
At the centrepiece of the spread there was a perfectly braised and roasted boar, which was the pièce de ré·sis·tance of any Yule feast in the Malfoy household.
The food smelled divine, and made Draco realise just how homesick he had become in the months he’d been away. Food floated onto his plate without him having to lift even a finger. His goblet was filled with steaming spiced cider, his absolute favourite and something he never could get at Hogwarts.
Well he probably could if he went to the kitchens, but it wouldn’t be the same, wouldn’t be the Malfoy recipe he’s sure.
After everyone’s plates were full they all sat there for a moment, Draco and his mother looking to his father, as he would be the one to take the first bite.
They only had to wait a moment before Father picked up his fork, stabbed into one of the cubes of squash, brought it up to his nose and slowly took a sniff. He raised a single pointed brow before eating the squash.
It was only he swallowed and silently nodded that Draco and Mother could finally dig into the Yule feast.
The beginning was quiet, the only sound that was in the room was the crackling of the hearth and the clinking of silverware hitting the ceramic plates.
It was about halfway through the meal that finally someone spoke.
“So, Draco, school.” Father drawled, not even deigning to ask, instead prompting Draco to speak. However the Malfoy patriarch didn't want to know if school had been good.
“Classes have been going well, Father, however the Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor is positively dreadful.”
“Hm, figures, I was against Dumbledore rehiring that damn muggle loving fool,” he sneered nastily. “The blithering idiot has gone senile early, it’ll be better for everyone if someone puts him out of his misery.”
Draco questioned who Father was talking about, Quirrell or the idiot of a headmaster. However the muggle loving part of his comment made Draco’s interest become piqued.
“Quirrell is a muggle lover?”
“Oh yes, was even the-” Father stopped, seemingly having to stop himself from being uncouth and gagging, “-Muggle studies professor. I swear teaching one useless subject is enough, but two?”
“Ahem.”
Both Draco and Father looked to Mother, their attention immediately caught by her stepping into their conversation.
“Have you met anyone new, Darling?” She inquired.
Draco didn’t even think before nodding, but as soon as he was he immediately was hit with just how stupid it was that he did so. ‘What would they think? Me associating with Muggleborns and Bloodtraitors?!’
He searched for a name, any name that wasn’t completely deplorable, finding it hard to find one that would fit his parents standards. And then one hit him that would at least be… sufficient. “Bones,” Draco blurted out quickly, realising just how silent he had been for so long, “Susan Bones, yes, I have met her. We are partnered together in quite a few classes. Charms, Transfiguration, Astronomy, really all of the Classes we have together.”
“Bones? As in Madam Bones’ niece?” Mother asked, to which Draco nodded quickly, not a negative reaction at least. “What house is she in?”
“She's in Hufflepuff, and she is traditional.”
Upon hearing her house Father’s lip curled, but before he could say a word Mother quickly intervened. “It's good that you are expanding your circle, Dragon, after all the Bones are a very influential family within the ministry. Right, Husband ?” She spoke pointedly, staring at him with hard eyes.
A silence filled the room again, only this time it was tense and uncomfortable, Father and Mother staring at one another in a battle of will.
It took about ten minutes before Father finally caved, having a heavy sigh before saying, “Yes, wife.”
Mother nodded once, seemingly satisfied, before tucking back into the feast. Lucius followed suit after a moment, although he was obviously not happy about losing.
Slowly Draco picked back up his own fork and began eating again, although slower and a touch more hesitant.
After a long while the tension had finally abated, Father and Mother seemingly both relaxing into the meal. Mother even smiled at something Father had said, although Draco wasn’t paying enough attention to catch it.
As the plates emptied they were cleared from the table, the serving trays and plates also vanishing into thin air.
“Shall we move to the Fireplace, Husband?” Mother questioned, dabbing her face with a cloth napkin.
“We shall.” Father answered once before standing, spurring both Draco and his mother to stand as well. They all filed out of the dining room and began the trek to the upper parlour up the stairs.
The upper parlour was, much like the rest of the manor, decorated to be lavish yet still emphasizing tradition. In the corner was a fir tree, which was decorated much like the one in the grand hall, although this one was smaller due to the slightly shorter ceilings. This one also had three presents underneath it, all wrapped in beautiful silver paper.
They all gathered around the intricately carved stone fireplace at the far side of the parlor. On the hearth sat three candles, and weaved between these candles was a vine of ivy. It draped slightly off the front of the mantle ever so slightly.
Usually there was an iron grate in front of the hearth but this time the swirls of iron was gone, revealing where a single, stump-like log of oak sat, unlit.
Draco’s parents sat in their chairs, being two of a pair with the same matching swirls edged into the black-stained wood and high backs. He sat between them, and on the soft rug, staying silent and watching as his Father took out his wand from his cane.
He first lit the incense, which sat on the mantle, waving his wand as the smell of pine began to fill the air. Draco took in one deep breath and closed his eyes, allowing the smell to surround him for a moment, relaxing greatly.
Quickly though, he blinked his silver eyes back open, not wanting to miss the best part of the evening, in his opinion.
Finally his Father pointed his wand at the hearth and muttered “Incendio” .
A spark jumped from the wand, jumping onto the log and instantly bursting into a beautiful, roaring flame.
The family of three sat there for a moment, staring into the fire in silence, the only sound being the crackling of the fire. Draco bowed his head, contemplating back on how hectic it felt like his life had become.
He found himself realizing just how often he thought of it, and although he was getting sick of hearing it he couldn’t help himself. This strange ability, this strange power that he was randomly.. Gifted? Cursed with? ‘Is this a blessing? Being able to see events and to help prevent them?’
That thought sat with him for a while.
He was so lost in thought that he didn’t even realize how much time had passed until a dainty hand came to rest on his shoulder. “Dragon? It is time for presents.” His mother said, gaining his attention.
“Presents?” He looked to the older witch, her platinum blond hair curling softly as a hint of a smile graced her lips.
“Presents.” She confirmed, taking out her own wand and swishing it, making the three presents all float to their intended.
As always Father went first, opening the largest of the three presents and pulling out a set of beautiful whiskey tumblers, beautifully swirled and obviously made with such craftsmanship. “These are beautiful, my Flower.”
“I had them specially made for you, from Italy. There is also a new glass of your favorite whiskey awaiting you in your office in a matching decanter.” Mother explained.
Lucius nodded once, putting the tumblers back into the box carefully and setting the gift aside.
Next was Narcissa’s gift, her’s being far slimmer and the smallest. However as she carefully unwrapped the present it became obvious that small did not mean cheap. She opened up a small case, where inset was a necklace, some new earrings, and a bracelet.
“Oh Lucius, this is beautiful.” She spoke, carefully lifting the necklace out of the case. It was made of some kind of silver material with what looked to be hundreds of little diamonds swirling around a larger blue gem.
“It’s made of goblin silver, it will match your outfit for tomorrow’s ball.” Father explained as she set back down the necklace and closed the case.
“It’s perfect, thank you, my Star.”
Finally it was Draco’s turn to open his gift, it being a bit bigger than his Mother’s yet still quite slim. ‘Not a new broom, then.’ Draco thought grumpily, yet he still felt joy unwrapping the present.
He didn’t have as much grace as his mother while doing it, but he wasn’t scolded for his uncouth behavior at least. He opened the box to find a beautiful scarf, hat, and a pair of gloves. All of the pieces were colored to be his favorite pale blue color, and when he reached out to feel the pieces wonderfully soft.
“They all have warming charms sewn into the fibers, so it should keep you warm back at school, we know how freezing those warming charms can be.” Narcissa explained as Draco wrapped the scarf around himself.
“Thank you Mother, thank you Father.” Draco said dutifully, receiving nods from both.
They sat together for another moment, after the presents were unwrapped, silently enjoying each other’s presences. Draco couldn’t help but feel so warm, however he wasn’t completely sure that it was due to the warming charms or the fire.
However all good things must end, and soon Lucius and Narcissa retired to their bed, an elf popping in to take their gifts to the proper places. Draco stayed by the fire, though, scooting closer and staring into it.
The candles that lit the room dimmed considerably, making the fire be the primary source of light of the large parlour.
He sat there, alone in the light of the fire. In the large room that by tomorrow would have many sitting and laughing in it.
The flames swirled, curling around the rapidly blackening log.
It was strange, how he could feel so warm one moment and yet so cold the next.
~2~
Malfoy Manor, Northeast of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, Draco’s Bedroom- 23 December, 1991
He looked at himself in the mirror, turning this way and that, making his sliver cape flutter ever so slightly before falling back to its place just before his knee. Draco adjusted the silver clasp and chain slightly, keeping a critical eye and making sure his outfit was perfect.
He swept his hand back through his hair, artfully smoothing his hair back but still foregoing his layers of hair gel.
A familiar pop sounded through the room, “Little Master Draco, Mistress and Master has beens asking for yous. They say it is almost time for the grand entrance.” A house elf spoke, although Draco didn’t deign to remember which it was.
“I will be down in just a moment.” Draco responded as he picked up his simple diamond earrings and put them into his ears carefully. Another pop signaled the elf’s departure, leaving Draco to put the finishing touches on his outfit.
With one last spin he finally gave himself a nod of approval before grabbing his wand, tucking into the wand holder under his sleeve, and rushing out the door to meet with his parents.
He found them waiting just down the hall, just outside the doors of the upper parlor with their arms laced together with Lucius holding a new silver cane in his other hand.
His Mother wore a light blue ball gown that sparkled almost like ice crystals when the candle light reflected on it. It had a slit that went up to almost her hip, revealing a pure white under skirt that was lightly pleated. At the top of the slit was a broach made to look like a silver and white flower.
Her curled hair was pinned up, as if to look like a bouquet of flowers with a few strands falling out of it artfully. She also wore a small white fur coat that hung onto her elbows, leaving her shoulders free to show off the single sheer blue strap that was only partly on her left shoulder.
His Father’s outfit matched his mother’s perfectly, being made of the same light blue fabric. His collar was high and popped to show his darker blue tie, which matched the new necklace that Narcissa had been gifted and was wearing.
Lucius also wore a long cape, again made of the same beautiful fabric, that stopped just before the floor. It had a white fur trim, although it was only on the bottom, it almost looked like snow. Finally his pin straight hair was pulled back into a low ponytail with a silver ribbon.
They looked like the epitome of elegance and beauty, as if they were rulers of the ice and snow.
“There you are, Draco, being late is very unbecoming of a Malfoy.” his Father scolded sharply as he spotted him, his lip curling in distaste at his tardiness.
“I’m sorry, Father.” He struggled not to mumble, “it won’t happen again.”
As this happened his Mother looked him up and down critically, making sure his outfit was perfect. She nodded in approval, of course, but Draco still couldn’t help but sigh in relief.
“See that it doesn’t, we have guests that are waiting for us.” The older man huffed, lifting his pointy nose slightly. “A Malfoy is never late.” He waved his hand to motion Draco over, to which he quickly listened and rushed over.
As soon as he took his place by their side the doors to the upper parlor opened without a word or motion. They all walked in tandem to the stairs that led down to the Grand Hall, where a majority of the guests would be as they arrived.
Draco could even hear the sounds of the guests, greeting one another and the whooshing of the floo.
They walked down the stairs slowly, making their grand entrance. As they did the room quieted significantly, all stopping to stare and watch the three Malfoy’s in their glory.
Draco had to admit that this was one of his favorite parts, the feeling of everyone looking on in jealousy and awe. It was the best feeling, had an almost magical quality to it really.
As they made it to the bottom steps of the stairs they stopped, his Father clearing his throat slightly.
“Thank you all for coming into our beautiful home and coming to celebrate this year’s solstice with my family and I. The ball was, as always, organized by my beautiful wife, Narcissa.” He paused as a round of applause filled the large hall
His mother put her free hand on her chest and nodded around the room graciously. “If you will all join us in the drawing room.” Lucius motioned to a set of doors with his cane, which opened at his command.
Most of the guests followed his direction, moving into the Drawing Room, while some stayed near the fireplaces that lit up with green every so often.
After most of the crowd had gone into the room the Malfoy’s followed behind, The hall was gorgeous, Draco could see why so much of his Mother’s time and care went into organizing, it was perfection just like every year.
There were fir trees in intricate white ceramic pots all around the corners of the room, each was far skinnier than the other one’s in the manor but each was still very tall. Each tree was wrapped in a thick, silver ribbon with some skinny white candles that were lit and levitating around them.
There were beautiful garlands of greenery hanging from the lit candle chandeliers, and even some wrapped around the intricate columns of the large fireplace on the right wall of the room.
Offset from the fireplace was the dancefloor, which was a creamy-white marble in contrast to the dark wood of the floor. Just next to the dancefloor was a long buffet table, which was piled high with delicious looking appetizers and desserts. Even from just a glance Draco could see roasted mushrooms, cranberry and brie bites, even a cheese log with crackers.
Near the back of the room were many large round tables, all of which had 6 seats to them and had light blue table cloths. In the middle of each was a bouquet of white poinsettias that were paired with sprigs of holly.
Draco couldn’t admire the drawing room for too long, however, as the Malfoy’s were quickly bombarded with their guests.
His father was immediately greeted by some people from the ministry, probably the people he had been rubbing elbows with lately, and began to talk about boring ministry dealings. His mother on the other hand greeted other pureblood ladies, kissing each other on both cheeks in greeting before quickly diving into conversations.
Draco, on the other hand, was practically bowled over by a flash of pink, “Dray! There you are!” A familiar voice screeched into his ear, making him wonder for a moment if the human voice could make you go deaf.
“Pansy, dear, do be careful with Mister Malfoy.” A posh, female voice called from the group of ladies that had already formed around his mother.
“Yes mother!” Pansy said as she detached herself from Draco and took a step back a little, not straying too far. It was then that Draco could get a good look at her.
She wore a light pink dress that stopped at about her ankles and poofy sleeves that were a bit of a darker pink. The bodice of the dress was almost corset-like, having a few buttons that helped to keep it fashioned shut. It had an almost hot pink sash around the waist that was tied into a large bow in the back, attached to the sash was some peplums that were the same colour.
Her dark black hair was filled up at the ends and she wore a necklace of pearls around her neck.
“It feels like it has been ages since I’ve seen you! Why weren’t you sitting with us on the train yesterday?”
“Pans you just saw me yesterday morning, and I didn’t sit with you on the train because I couldn’t find you on the platform.” Draco rolled his eyes. “Where were you and the boys?”
“Oh! Greg and Vince made us run a bit behind, they wanted to grab a snack from the kitchens before the train.”
Draco sighed a bit and shook his head, he couldn’t help the small fond smile that graced his lips, “Why am I not surprised?”
“Maybe because it’s them?” Another voice called, making Pansy and Draco turn to find Blaise strutting up to them, his dark green, almost black, robes fluttering behind him, the gold trim glinting in the light. “And don’t you two look all fancy.”
Draco could feel the tell-tale twinge of heat covering his cheeks, but he quickly paid it off by sticking his nose into the air and saying, “I look amazing all the time, thank you.”
“Shut it, Blaise, you know I can’t control where I wear to these things!” Pansy huffed angrily, they all knew just how much she despised being in something so.. Pink.
“Honestly, I'm just trying to be nice.” He chuckled lowly, putting his weight onto one hip and resting a black gloved hand there, looking exasperated.
“Do you know where the other’s are?” Draco asked curiously, tilting his head slightly.
“Theo found a quiet spot in the corner, you know how he is, while Vince and Greg went to grab some snacks from the buffet.” He pointed a finger to the buffet table in the corner, where Vince and Greg were piling high food onto their plates.
Greg was an all black, traditional style robes set, it only helped to make him look even taller than he already was. Vince on the other hand was dressed in dark burgundy coloured robes, with some very sharp looking shoulders, which did nothing for his circular frame.
“What did you two get for Yule? My Mummy and Daddy got me the most amazing new perfume and skin care set! It smells amazing, remind me to show you it when we get back to school, Dray, you’d love it.” Pansy gushed excitedly.
“My mother got me the first edition of this new collection of books I’ve been wanting to read, and they each were signed by the author.” Blaise bragged, to which Pansy began to fake snore at.
“Boring! Just boring nerd things.” She teased, almost cackling all the while.
“Uh-huh,” Blaise just rolled his eyes, too used to her teasing and prodding, “and what about you, Draco?”
“My parents got me this lovely new set of gloves, scarf and a hat, very soft.” At the time he had been happy to get them, but comparing them to Pansy and Blaise’s gifts made them feel a lot smaller in comparison.
“You’ll have to show us later, then.” Pansy said just as the soft playing of a piano begins.
Draco turned to look at his parents, his Mother’s hand was taken and was led to the middle of the dance floor by his Father. And slowly, after Lucius puts an arm around her waist and Narcissa rests a hand on his shoulder, they begin to dance.
At that cue many other couples follow their lead, moving to the dance floor and beginning to dance.
“Oooo! Draco! Dance with me!” Pansy insists, to which Draco happily agrees, although he’s less than happy about her grabbing his hand and pulling him incessantly out onto the floor.
They got into the same position as many others, her hand on his shoulder and his hand on her waist, before slowly beginning to waltz.
“So who did you sit with on the train?” Pansy questioned curiously as they four-stepped.
“With Bones and one of her Hufflepuff friends.” Draco simply said, he didn’t think Pansy would judge him too much for willingly being around just Granger, but he didn’t want to risk anyone else hearing.
“Really? A bunch of Hufflepuffs? Be careful or else you’ll turn into one!” She teased as they slowly spun around, although the leading adults lifted their partners as they spun.
“Don’t even put that out into the world!” Draco scowled, scandalized at the idea of becoming seen as a Hufflepuff . Ugh.
Pansy began talking about how her own train ride back went and how her Yule was. “After we began to burn the log Mummy and Daddy put on some music and we danced around the room. Henri got to be my partner, although I had to step on his shoes for more height.”
“Henri? He came home for the solstice?” Draco questioned, he knew how few times Pansy had seen her only living brother since he graduated Hogwarts and moved out of the family home earlier that year.
“He did! It was such a surprise when he showed up just before our feast! He even gave me the cutest new shoes.” She gushed excitedly, which caused a smile to come to his face.
‘Her brother always was more accepting of her style than her parents.’ He thought to himself fondly as they spun again.
The dancing continued until it drew to a close, Pansy and him went looking for the others, finding them in the corner that Blaise had told them Theo was. It looked like they had commandeered the table in the farthest corner, close enough to the window that a chill filled the air.
Vince and Greg were both tearing into their plates of food, barely giving them a grunt.
Theo on the other hand was curled up the corner, his dark navy overcoat pulled around himself and his usually curly black locks tamed into more of a wave. When he spotted them approaching he waved, but didn’t say a word.
Blaise was looking quite comfortable, seemingly watching the many couples.
“I think I need a moment before I can dance again, Dray darling, these heels are killing my feet!” Pans whined and collapsed into a chair at the table.
Draco huffed for a moment, upset that their dancing had to be put on pause. That is until he slowly turned his gaze to others at the table.
Crabbe and Goyle were immediately out of the question, Greg was far too tall and Vince would stomp onto his feet, on accident mind you but Draco still did not want that. When his eyes turned to Theo the boy immediately shrunk into his chair, being far too shy to dance.
Finally Draco looked to Blaise, who sighed and stood. “Fine, fine, I’ll be your dance partner for a little bit.”
Draco brightened and immediately grabbed the taller boy’s hand and dragged him out onto the dancefloor. They immediately began to dance, a bit of a faster one to the waltz Draco and Pansy had just done, but it was extremely exciting.
Blaise took the role of the lead, which meant Draco was the one who got to be spun and twirled and, since Blaise was strong enough, even lifted for very brief moments.
A strong feeling of happiness overtook Draco, starting in his chest and then branching out, he almost burst into laughter quite a few times. However he just barely was able to keep from making himself a fool, but he wasn’t able to suppress the smile that broke out onto his face.
~3~
Malfoy Manor, Northeast of Salisbury, Wiltshire, England, Upper Library
After that there was more dancing, alternating between Blaise and Pansy and he was even able to convince Theo to give him a very short dance near the edge of the dance floor.
It wasn’t long after that that they decided it was time for their own Yule tradition. And so, after making a quick stop by the buffet table, they snuck out of the ball.
They found themselves in the upper library, although not in Draco’s favorite window seat and instead they sat in the larger seating area on the right side of the library. There were some window seats there, which helped to make up for the fact that there were only four chairs.
“My feet are killing me!” Draco cried, definitely not whining as he collapsed into one of the armchairs.
“Well you never took a break from dancing.” Blaise pointed out, which earned him a vicious glare, sitting on the armchair next to Draco.
“I couldn’t just not dance!” He grumbled, crossing his arms and slumping a bit in his chair.
“He just couldn’t, Blaise!” Pans giggled, like the cow she was, sitting on the chair opposite of Draco.
Soon all the others joined her in laughing at Draco’s expense, even Theo although he did it quietly, almost as if he was just breathing.
“Okay, okay, let’s spare poor Draco and get to exchanging and opening some presents, hm?” Blaise said after a moment, the laughing and giggling subsiding.
‘Now that is something I can get behind!’ Draco thought excitedly as he called a house elf to go collect the presents he had gotten everyone as well as a round of warm spiced cider.
The house elf popped away and was back a moment later with all of the gifts as well as a tray of six cups of delicious cider
Soon gifts were being handed to one another, each time Draco was handed one he was filled with an immense amount of anticipation. ‘Hopefully they’ll be better than the hat and gloves.’ He thought to himself.
They decided that they would go one by one, starting with Pansy and going around the makeshift circle they had created, meaning that Draco would be last.
Draco didn’t really pay attention to what everyone got, only really caring when they opened his gifts to them.
Pansy squealed when she saw her silver charm bracelet that Draco had gotten her, while Theo dipped his head and smiled at the new paintbrushes and the quality french paint that he had gotten imported in. He quietly whispered a “thank you” that Draco almost missed.
Crabbe immediately began digging into the candy that Draco had gotten him, as did Goyle, both barely even noticing that they had something else that was alongside that candy. For Vince it was some new recipe cards while for Greg it was a charmed pocket watch that was set so that it would remind him when classes were.
Blaise seemed quietly impressed by his new silver and black eagle feather quills and a variety of color ink set. Draco knew that he had been running low when term ended, what with the exams that they had had just before they left.
Finally it was Draco’s turn to open the gifts he was given. He began by opening up Pansy’s, which was in a small wooden box. The box was secured closed by a silver clasp, and when he opened it to find a pair of omnoculars.
They looked similar to Pansy’s in style, however they were silver instead of gold and had two dragons carved onto the outer shells with what looked to be small little opals for eyes. ‘ Are those.. Antipodean Opaleye?’ He questioned silently as he ran his hands over the beautiful silver dragons.
“I thought you would appreciate it! You seemed to have been very interested in mine at the Quidditch game!” Pansy teased with a smirk, making his face warm with embarrassment at how he had snatched them from her.
The next gift was from Theo, which turned out to be a beautiful compact mirror that had the top of it painted to look exactly like Draco’s favorite spot in the Manor’s garden, a place that they often hung out at during the Summer.
“Did you paint this yourself?” Draco inquired curiously to which Theo nodded shyly.
The painting really was gorgeous, almost looking like a photograph with how realistic it was, although the colors were a little more saturated than usual. The long wisps of the willow tree seemed to blow in the wind, and Theo had even gone so far as to paint the little white flowers that dotted the very tall hedges.
Blaise’s gift came next and was far, far heavier than the other’s. When he opened the gift he found two thick, leatherbound and engraved books, all of very high quality.
“They are all books on Alchemy,” Blaise pointed out. “We all know just how much you enjoy potions and that you’ll be trying to get into the Alchemy class after we take our O.W.L.S so might as well give you a head start.” He shrugged casually, as if he didn’t just cause Draco’s heart to jump with excitement.
He read the titles on them, the first one being: A Beginners Guide to Alchemy and the second reading: Transmutations: The Art of Turning Lead into Gold, Spirit, and Substance .
“My Mamma recommended them, she said they should be comprehensible to you now.” Draco smiled, knowing that the books were sure to be amazing if they were recommended by Ms. Zabini. After all, everyone knew just how vast her potions and alchemy expertise was, especially with poisons.
“The last one is from both of us.” Greg said, pointing to the last, small present that was wrapped in green cloth.
Draco picked up the cloth wrapped present, which was actually quite hefty despite being so small. He untied the cloth at the top to reveal a simple silver cookie tin. Draco quickly opened the tin, already knowing exactly where this was going.
Inside the tin lay a sizable stock of custard creams, Draco’s absolute favorite biscuits.
“Made them myself, and Greg taste tested them!” Vince said excitedly as Draco picked one up and took a bite from the biscuit.
It was quite literally perfect, the custard-flavoured filling simply just melting on his tongue.
“That’s amazing, Vince!” Draco exclaimed after he swallowed the bite, “Must have been quite the task of taste testing them, Greg.”
Both of their chests visibly inflated with pride, making a chuckle slip out from Draco’s lips.
Soon the others were turning back to their own gifts, inspecting them with more detail than they had before.
Parkinson began inspecting the charms on her bracelet that Draco had gotten her, while Crabbe and Goyle began to dig into their mounds of candy.
As Draco took a moment to reflect he couldn’t believe the difference between this night and the last, how instead of being cold and alone he was filled with such joy at being surrounded by his… Slytherins.
The rest of the night was a blur of laughter and warmth, all too soon clocks all throughout the manor struck midnight, meaning that the ball was over. They all walked down to the floo together, where the others all went to meet with their parents.
Pansy gave him a tight hug before flouncing off to her parents while Blaise clapped him on the shoulder, giving him a smile and saying that he hoped he enjoyed the books.
Soon everyone was gone, leaving Draco to wish his Mother and Father a good night before dragging himself up the stairs and to his room. He barely had the energy to take a quick shower, do his skin care, and change into his silk pajamas.
As soon as his head hit the pillow the warm embrace of sleep enveloped him.