The house elves had set out a big dinner. When Hermione had first seen it she thought that it looked like one of the dinners Hogwarts had, the only difference being that the food at Malfoy Manor was obviously of the best quality.
The dinner had started at seven and it was now seven thirty. Other than a few forcibly polite greetings on all parts the meal had been silent so far. Lucius sat at the head of the table scowling at his daughter-in-law as he drank his wine. She fidgeted under his gaze and busied herself with making sure that Scorpius behaved properly. Draco noticed this and glanced toward his mother every few seconds hoping that she'd say something and break the tension, but she seemed to be oblivious to everyone's discomfort.
Unable to stand the silence any longer, Draco cleared his throat softly and addressed his mother, "Thank you for inviting us Mother."
The words had an immediate effect on the group. Hermione's head snapped up to look at Mrs. Malfoy, Mr. Malfoy gripped his glass more tightly, eyes narrowing, and Draco imperceptibly held his breath.
"Nonsense," Narcissa replied calmly, "You are still family after all. I wished to see my grandson."
Scorpius who had just turned five didn't seem to be paying attention to the conversation. He was moving his mashed potatoes back and forth when he noticed everyone looking at him. His little, blond head tilted to the side and he asked puzzled, "Why are you all looking at me?"
Narcissa smiled, "What a darling. He looks just like you did when you were young Draco. He doesn't look much like his mother at all though."
"And what a pity that is." Lucius added smirking.
Hermione stiffened. It took all of her self control not to pull out her wand and curse him into oblivion. She knew though that that was exactly what he wanted her to do. He wanted her to attack him so that he could curse her in return. Instead she smiled sweetly, "Perhaps our next child will look more like me."
Lucius ignored her and turned to his son, "You plan to have more? I think that is unwise. Purebloods do not breed like common animals. Then again they do not marry animals either."
He looked pointedly at Hermione. Her face reddened in anger and she balled her fists by her side.
"Father," Draco said raising his voice slightly, "I would appreciate it if you didn't talk about my wife in that manner. And, we will do what we please. Nothing would make us happier than having five or six children running around our home."
Lucius laughed harshly, "I should think you would need a larger house than your current one with plans like those. How do you expect to get the money for a new one? You will certainly not be receiving anything from your mother and I and goodness knows that the Grangers would never be able to help you."
"We will figure something out. We have quite a bit of money saved up and my business is doing well."
"How long will that last though? You have no experience. All that school I paid for taught you nothing. Look at how you've ended up!" Lucius growled, "Your mother and I expected so much more from you. You have turned out to be a great disappointment."
This statement was met with silence. Although Draco didn't want to admit it, and as much as he just wanted to pass off his fathers remarks as drunken nonsense, the words hurt. He knew his father meant it. Whether drunk or sober, he meant it.
Hermione looked at her husband and saw his pain for a second before he quickly hid it behind his familiar mask of boredom. She then directed her eyes to her lap. She ran her fingers over the white napkin briefly stopping at an embroidered M placed in the corner. 'Malfoy' That's my name now, but why does it feel so wrong all of a sudden? I think it's this house, it feels so…so….unsettling. I just hope this week goes by quickly.
One of the house elves entered the room and quickly bowed before Lucius and then clapped his hands twice. The table was cleared and then dessert appeared in quick succession. Scorpius smiled as though Christmas had come early and began eating his pie immediately.
Hermione noticed Lucius watching the boy as he ate. "Is there something you wanted Mr. Malfoy?" she asked.
His eyes turned to her, "No my dear, I was just noting how much my grandchild seems to be liking his cherry pie. I would guess that his parents don't give him dessert very frequently."
"He gets it as a treat often enough. Children don't need dessert every meal." she replied.
"Hmm…well he can have dessert whenever he's with me. You'd like that wouldn't you Scorpius?"
Scorpius' blue eyes widened as he quickly swallowed his last bit of pie, "Yes please sir!"
Lucius smiled, "The boy knows what he wants. Already he's becoming a Malfoy. You should be so proud of him son."
Everyone continued eating their dessert and Lucius laughed when Scorpius asked for more. They were just finishing when an elf walked in and announced that there was another guest at the door. Narcissa excused herself and went to greet them. Five minutes later the golden dining room doors opened and in walked Mrs. Malfoy. Right behind her was the guest.
Hermione gasped but everyone else appeared to be unsurprised. The table magically made room for the guest and they sat down across form her.
"Ah, I had forgotten that you would be here. You were always such a troublemaker in my class."
Severus Snape smirked.
So what do you think? Reviews would be nice.
